Homeopathy is a medical system that was founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. It draws on these principles, several of which can be traced back to Hippocrates:
-
The body exhibits symptoms for a reason. -
A person can be healed through working with symptoms rather than against them. -
The smaller the dose of a treatment, the greater its effectiveness.
Therefore, homeopathic remedies consist of highly diluted microdoses of substances that would normally cause symptoms in healthy people. For instance, cinchona--which causes symptoms of malaria if taken by a healthy person--is used to cure malaria in those with the disease.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is currently little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of homeopathy. Part of the challenge to studying homeopathy is the large number and broad variety of remedies available, as well as the fact that treatments are individualized.
If searching for a homeopathic practitioner in South Florida, be aware that Florida does not license homeopathic physicians or naturopathic physicians. It is preferable to choose a licensed MD or DO who has received independent training and certification in homeopathy. While there are no uniform, government-recognized standards for homeopathic education or certification, there are several agencies that are recognized by the homeopathic community itself. Ask your physician if he or she has been certified by the Council for Homeopathic Certification, American Board of Homeotherapeutics, or the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians.
If a homeopathic practitioner claims to be a naturopathic doctor (ND), ask for his or her education and licensing credentials. True NDs are the only physicians to receive comprehensive training in homeopathy as a part of their intensive, four-year medical curriculum. However, there are many so-called NDs that receive their education on-line. Remember that NDs are not licensed in the state of Florida. The only NDs in Florida are either licensed in another state (such as Oregon) or received their training on-line and are not licensed at all.
Several on-line directories can be used to find competent South Florida homeopathic practitioners, including:
Many of these practitioners may be unlicensed in health care or may be NDs licensed in another state. Be sure to check the practitioner's credentials.
Comments