Homeopath

Introduction

Homoeopaths use homoeopathic medicine to cure ailments. They use small doses of substances that would normally produce similar symptoms to the disease in a healthy person. Homoeopathy is practised by both medically and non-medically trained people.

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Work Activities

Homoeopathy is a complementary therapy that uses remedies in minute dosages to relieve illness and promote health. It is based on the idea that 'like cures like'. This means that if a remedy was given in a large dose, it would probably produce the same symptoms that the patient is complaining of. But homoeopathic doses are so small that the body is somehow triggered to remove the illness instead.

An example would be if someone has a bad reaction to a bee sting - the homoeopathic remedy might be a minute dosage of the active ingredient of bee stings.

Homoeopathy is a holistic therapy, so the diagnosis is based on the patient as a whole being (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) rather than just on a set of symptoms. So it's not unusual for two people with the same symptoms to be given different remedies.

Homoeopathy is used by some doctors, dentists and veterinarians as well as by full-time homoeopaths. It can be used for all kinds of conditions, from depression to ulcers.

On the client's first visit, the homoeopath carries out a lengthy consultation (it could last more than an hour). The homoeopath asks the client about all sorts of things, from diet and family background to spiritual beliefs and how the individual reacts to different environments. The client's responses are noted down and if appropriate, the homoeopath will do a physical examination of the patient (including taking pulse and temperature).

Taking everything into account, the homoeopath will then decide on the right remedy. Reference works are available in books and computer software; the homoeopath may sometimes consult these before deciding what to give the patient.

The remedies used by homoeopaths are in the form of tablets, granules or liquids. The homoeopath might dispense them directly to the patient or prescribe them for the patient to get from a pharmacist. The homoeopath will give the patient instructions on how to take the medicine and may sometimes give advice on diet.

Homoeopaths working on their own in private practice will have to deal with finance, correspondence and booking patient appointments.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be willing to learn about anatomy, physiology, pathology and chemistry. You'll need good observational skills and a methodical, scientific approach for making clinical decisions.

It's also important that you like and get on with people and have good communication skills. Sensitivity, patience and tact are all useful.

If you are hoping to be self-employed, you will need to be well organised and willing to learn about all the aspects of running a small business.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Earnings for homeopaths vary, depending on the number of clients they see.

Self-employed homeopaths charge from around £30 per session. Annual earnings can exceed £30,000 a year, depending on the success of their practice. However, they can earn considerably less than this, especially when starting out.

Most practitioners are self-employed. They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common, and some homoeopaths make home visits.

There may be opportunities to join an established practice.

Some homoeopaths work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre or establish their own treatment centre.

There may be opportunities in research and teaching.

A small but growing number of homeopaths work in GPs' surgeries. Doctors and other healthcare professionals who have taken further training in homeopathy can practise in the NHS, mainly in the homeopathic hospitals.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Homeopathic training course providers will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual course providers.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a recognised degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

With some recognised part-time diploma courses, you can take the first one or two years through distance learning.

• 61% of people in occupations such as homoeopath are self-employed.
• 55% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.

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