What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a branch of complementary and alternative medicine and is based on the principle that ‘like treats like’ and the belief that the body can cure itself.
The basic principle of homeopathy is that a substance that triggers a certain disease can also be used to treat that disease. This is referred to as the “Law of Similars”. Those who practice Homeopathy use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process and that substances that can cause symptoms when taken in large doses, can be used in small doses to relieve similar symptoms.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Homeopathy courses in the following subject areas:
- One Year Homeopathy Foundation Course – An in-depth introduction to Homeopathy.
- One Day Homeopathy Workshop – An introduction to homeopathy, health, and nutrition.
Studying Homeopathy in college
There are many Homeopathy courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses, night courses, and one-day beginners’ courses providing an introduction to homeopathy available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Learning will often take the form of lectures and tutorials, distance, blended and online learning, as well as supervised clinical practice. Do your research to make sure the course suits your particular career interests and needs, as each course will offer a different approach and focus.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. It’s a good idea to attend open days and talk to current students or practitioners to help inform your decision about starting a career in homeopathy. You could also ask to sit in with a homeopath during patient consultations to gain an insight into the role. Contact the main homeopathic bodies or individual homeopaths to arrange a visit.
Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers. Experience of working with people – possibly in a related field such as homeopathic pharmacy or healthcare role – and recent biological study are also helpful.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Homeopathy you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of Homeopathic practices and remedies.
The vast majority of homeopaths are self-employed, working in private practices based in the community often alongside other complementary therapists but you could also work independently from home, in a clinic dedicated to homeopathy, or in group practices, possibly from several bases.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full-time, Monday to Friday, although you may have to be flexible to suit your clients’ needs. For example, you may choose to work some evenings or weekends.
Initial consultations typically take between one and two hours with follow-up consultations lasting between 20 and 45 minutes.
Once established, you may decide to train in other alternative therapies to complement your homeopathic practice. These may include kinesiology, acupuncture, herbalism, reflexology, and flower essences.
Related jobs include:
- Homoeopath
- Osteopath
- Doctor of Chinese Medicine
- Crystal Healer
- Crystal Therapist
- Yoga instructor
- Reiki practitioner
- Acupuncturist
- Aromatherapist
- Massage therapist
- Chiropractor
- Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor
- Biofeedback practitioner
- Holistic skincare specialist
- Kinesiology or movement therapy instructor
Further study
After completing a course in Homeopathy you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Energy Healing, Herbalism, or Acupuncture.
There may also be opportunities to get involved in homeopathic research. Post-qualification training is available from some of the colleges offering undergraduate professional training and some courses lead to a postgraduate diploma or award.
FAQ
What is the difference between holistic and homeopathic?
Homeopathic medicine is an approach to treating disease that utilises natural remedies and focuses on treating the whole person. Holistic medicine is similar, but holistic practitioners also utilise conventional therapies, such as prescription drugs.
What conditions can Homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy is used for a wide variety of health issues, including some chronic illnesses:
- Allergies
- Migraines
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome
It can also be used for minor issues like bruises, scrapes, toothaches, headaches, nausea, coughs, and colds.
Where can I study Homeopathy?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- Homeopathic remedies/supplements work by communicating a pattern of energy through the entire body to activate the body’s healing mechanism.
- Homeopathic practitioners in India train for 5 and half years in Physiology and Anatomy, as well as Materia Medica, Pathology and Disease, Homeopathic Repertory, and Homeopathic Philosophy.
- Many patients seek out homeopathic measures because orthodox treatments could not help them enough.
- There are over 4,000 homeopathic medicines and more available for different conditions.
- Homeopathy has grown in popularity in the past 40 years, and it is estimated to be growing at more than 20% a year worldwide.
- Hippocrates ‘The Father of Medicine’ of Ancient Greece said there were two Laws of Healing: The Law of Opposites and the Law of Similars. Homeopathy treats the patient with medicines using the Law of Similars, orthodox medicine uses the Law of Opposites, e.g. antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics.
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