Homeopathy is a form of complementary medicine, which like acupuncture, macrobiotics and herbal medicine, is increasing in popularity in the West. The basic premise underlying homeopathy is that 'like cures like,' with tiny amounts of substances which cause symptoms of illness in the healthy, utilised to treat the same symptoms in the sick.
Simple Ways to Find a Good Homeopath
Finding a good homeopath is important, with many organizations and associations easily accessible online, providing a wealth of information on qualifications, experience and specialisms of homeopathic practitioners. In the same way as getting on with your doctor undoubtedly helps make treatment a whole lot less stressful, it will also make homeopathy treatments easier if you are able to trust the therapist. The choice of homeopath will largely depend on location, with many more homeopathy clinics available within inner city locations.
Ask Friends, Relatives, Colleagues to Recommend a Homeopath
As with most professionals in life, whether it be a plumber, aromatherapist, electrician or Yoga instructor, finding a good homeopath will be significantly simpler if someone you know and trust is able to give you a personal recommendation. Before doing extensive research online to find a homeopath, a quick alternative is to ask your friends, relatives and colleagues if they have had homeopathy before and whether they are able to recommend their homeopathic practitioner.
Ask GP for Homeopath Referral
Another practical means of finding an experienced homeopath is to make an appointment with your GP for a chat about who he or she would recommend. The family doctor will very likely have recommended specific homeopaths to patients in the past and should be happy to provide a referral, if this is deemed appropriate for your specific health issue(s). Some medical centres or practices have a homeopath who will do regular treatments in the surgery.
Check Out Homeopathic Websites - Society of Homeopaths, National Center of Homeopathy
A third effective means of locating a good homeopath is to use the Internet to access specific homeopathy organizations for up-to-date information on homeopaths practising in your area. If you are living in the UK, try the Society of Homeopaths and the British Homeopathic Association. US residents may find plenty of advice on finding a suitable homeopath, through contacting the National Center for Homeopathy, while 'homeopathyhome' will be able to point you in the direction of homeopathic associations in other countries, such as Australia and India.
As highlighted above, finding a good complementary therapist, whether it be acupuncture, cupping, aromatherapy or homeopathy that you are interested in, is best achieved through a personal recommendation from a friend, relative or colleague. The family doctor, in addition to homeopathy websites should also be able to provide up-to-date information on homeopaths in your location.
Source:
Young, J. (2007) Complementary Medicine For Dummies London: Wiley Publishing
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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