How to Become A Homeopathic Practitioner

The basis of homeopathy is restoring harmony to an unbalanced body through the use of various natural herbs and supplements. The homeopathic practitioner believes that ailments are caused by chaos in the body and diseases are indications of this. Introducing natural compounds that, in huge amounts, would mimic the symptoms of these diseases is thought to stimulate the body's innate immune response, thus curing the ailment without the use of toxic substances found in many common prescription drugs. Homeopathy can be used to treat allergies, minor aches and pains and minor respiratory ailments.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ability to relocate to another city, if a school for homeopathic studies can not be found in your area
• Computer with Internet access
• Time and money to gain training and credentials

1. Know that it may take years and a lot of money to become a homeopath and to start your own successful practice. Many homeopathic practitioners spend years, as many as conventional doctors, in training to learn how to identify, diagnose and treat different diseases. In fact, many homeopaths first attend medical school before specializing in homeopathic medicine.
2. Work with an established homeopathic practitioner for a while to gain practical experience and to establish a reputation and client base. You can work in a non-treatment capacity, such as an assistant or office manager, to gain exposure to the industry as a whole.
3. Educate yourself. Look for online homeopathic certification courses and schools as a more affordable and faster option. Attending homeopathic licensing programs in person will likely be costly, but will offer a more solid foundation in homeopathic skills. The Web site for the National Center for Homeopathy features a state-by-state listing of recommended schools (see Resources below).
4. Sell yourself. Once you get the education you need, it will take a lot of hard work and marketing to develop a successful practice. Start by advertising in homeopathic publications, at local organic grocery stores or in the offices of chiropractors and dieticians.
5. Incorporate the Internet into your homeopathic practice. This is often the first place people learn about homeopathy and it is where they go to find a practitioner. Establish a Web site that clearly states your credentials as well as your philosophy about homeopathic treatment.
6. Ask satisfied clients for testimonials you can post to your Web site. As your client base grows, relish the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you get from helping others.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that training to become a homeopathic practitioner and may involve a term working for someone else, similar to a hospital internship.
• Homeopathic practitioners often work closely with other medical professionals like chiropractors and dieticians. These are good resources to learn what day-to-day life is really like for homeopaths.
• Get your information from qualified professionals. There are many people claiming to be professional homeopathic practitioners who turn out to be "quacks" because of the lack of regulation in the industry. Before you select any training program, get references and speak with each of them.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.