In alternative medicine, consider that a Naturopath is like a general practitioner and a Homeopath is like a specialist. Homeopathy is a complete system of natural medicine. It is an exact science based on clearly defined principles and natural laws of healing – Like Cures Like. The practice of homeopathic medicine is an art which applies this holistic science and philosophy to the individual..

Homeopathy was regulated in Ontario April 1, 2015. Being Regulated Health Professionals in Ontario means that all homeopaths must adhere to standards of practice and competencies set out by the Regulatory College of Homeopaths. Practitioners must be members of the College to legally practice Homeopathy in Ontario. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario has recognized the need for homeopathy to be a Regulated Health Profession. This means that patients can now choose to see a homeopath and be assured quality care. In addition, Homeopaths must be certified in CPR for Health Care Professionals and must be re-certified every 3 years.

As part of my Homeopathic training, I studied at the renowned Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine (CCHM) in Toronto. It is an extensive 3 year diploma in Homeopathy and Health Sciences.

The Principles and Philosophy of Homeopathy are studied in great detail. A Homeopath must have a deep understanding of this to ensure a successful practice. Materia Medica is also studied extensively to examine the symptoms produced and cured by Homeopathic remedies. The Homeopathic Repertory is derived from the Materia Medica. It is really an index of symptoms. Repertorization techniques, case-taking techniques, case-analysis and case-management skills are developed over the 3 year course.

Clinic Externship provides the student with the experience and ability to prescribe successfully for acute as well as chronic illnesses, under the tutelage of an experienced clinical supervisor. This training is the most valuable of all training. It is where the student has a chance to demonstrate what they have learned in practice and in a safe environment. Also provided is Clinical Internship for students. This training allows the student to observe an experienced Homeopath take cases and observe expert case-taking skills in practice.

Other areas of study are: Therapeutics, or the homeopathic approach to specific clinical conditions, such as neurology, immunology, gastroenterology, gynecology, urology, rheumatology, respirology, proctology, dermatology, gerontology, cardiology and psychology/psychiatry. Students also study Medical Sciences to provide a solid foundation for the study of Homeopathy. These include: Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Pathology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, and Physical Examination. Practice Management is also studied to help transition the student to new practitioner and to learn business and other skills for building a successful practice.

Homeopathy is a complete system of natural medicine that gives your immune system a nudge toward healing itself. It is like a trigger that causes a reaction within your body’s immune system and these small triggers through homeopathic remedies can in turn cause greater secondary healing reactions within the body. For a particular illness or complaint, you don’t need to take homeopathic medicine for the rest of your while with conventional medicine most often you do. This is one of the most distinguishing features of Homeopathy. Medicine taken to work with your body and your immune system (Homeopathy) is natural and healing. Medicine taken to force the body and the immune system to do what it wasn’t meant to do (conventional medicine) is not natural and we need to take the medication regularly to maintain this artificial action. When we work against the immune system it will result in the suppression of symptoms and the illness usually will return worse than before.

Homeopathic medicine can be used by infants, children, adult men and women, pregnant and nursing women, and seniors. Homeopathic remedies for infants are generally given to a nursing mother.

Homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle and have few side effects. They do not interfere with any other treatment protocols. The remedies are predominantly made from natural substances like plants and minerals. Most importantly, Homeopathic remedies provide lasting and sustainable results.

No. Homeopathic medicines will not interfere in any way with other treatment protocols. It is recommended that you discuss with your medical doctor that you are undergoing homeopathic treatment in addition to treatment they prescribe for you to keep them in the loop. You should not stop taking any medication they have prescribed for you without first discussing it with them.

To reiterate, Homeopathy is safe, gentle, and effective for everyone. It is both a science and an art. The remedies have been proven again and again and extensive literature is available to support the science. A good Homeopath provides the art. There are thousands of homeopathic remedies to choose from and the goal is to study the signs and symptoms of the individual and identify the best match with a remedy symptom picture. A good Homeopath with objectively observe the individual and actively listen to them describe the location, sensation, and modalities of their symptoms. That is why an initial consultation takes so long. All of the symptoms need to be explored, head to toe. Your Homeopath will spend the time to listen to you and to question you. Homeopathy has been around for hundreds of years. It was actually the 2nd most widely used form of medicine in North America prior to the advent of the American Medical Association (AMA) and the change in direction from cure to treatment.

Many insurers now cover Homeopathy and with the regulation of Homeopathy in Ontario it is expected that many more Insurance companies will offer this coverage. You also can claim Homeopathic treatment on your Income Tax return now. Canada Revenue Agency has announced that this is now a valid claimable expense.

If your Insurance carrier does not currently provide coverage for Homeopathy, please download a sample letter (from Forms and Resources within this website) that you can send to them to request coverage. Insurance carriers will amend the services they cover if enough people request them.