What do homeopaths do?

Homeopathy is both a complementary and alternative medicine. Around 3,500 homeopaths practise in the UK. The profile of homeopathy is rising and so opportunities are growing. As more and more people are becoming disillusioned with modern medicine approaches there is a constantly growing demand for safer alternatives to the drug and surgery based approaches. NHS clinics can now offer homeopathy alongside traditional treatments. There are also NHS Homeopathic Hospitals in London and Edinburgh.

However most homeopaths run their own practices

Homeopaths treat people with a wide range of medical conditions. They take a ‘holistic’ approach – looking at the individual’s life as a whole, rather than just their physical symptoms. Clients come for help with a wide variety of complaints – from relatively minor conditions, e.g. headache, toothache or insomnia, to potentially more serious illnesses, e.g. asthma or arthritis. The job entails:

• meeting patients and asking questions about their condition and their wider lives
• choosing the most appropriate method of applying homeopathy.
• choosing a remedy most likely to work for each patient – either a one-off remedy or a course of treatment
• explaining how to take and store the remedy supplied
• advising on diet and other lifestyle factors
• monitoring the patient’s progress, through phone calls, email or further consultation
• keeping patient records
• advertising and publicising the practice, perhaps through talks or seminars
• managing the business accounts
• keeping up to date with developments in homeopathy and other health issues.

Homeopathy is a demanding occupation. The holistic nature of treatment means clients may confide personal and emotional problems. Building up a practice, usually through word of mouth, can be an interesting and challenging process. Some practitioners complement their work by offering other therapies, such as massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, kinesiology or nutrition.

Hours and working environment

Almost all homeopaths are self employed and run their own practice. This may be from their homes, or within a clinic as part of a wider alternative therapy practice. They may also visit patients at home. Increasingly there are opportunities available in GP surgeries or hospitals as the Government has increased the funding for complementary therapies.

Although Homeopaths may need to offer appointments in the evenings and weekends for their clients’ convenience it is increasingly accepted to deal with clients over the phone and by email and this really enhances the flexibility for homeopaths to create their own lifestyle. Each homeopath will decide what the most appropriate hours to run their business are and this varies according to personal circumstances.

It is a very flexible career option. It can be started later in life and one you can continue until you choose to stop. You can work part time only or build up a busy practice and develop in to a full time occupation with earnings increasing with the growth of the practice.

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