Frequently asked questions:

1.       Is Homeopathy the same as Naturopathy?
No, Homeopathy is not the same as Naturopathy.  Naturopaths can use homeopathy as part of a wide range of therapies at their disposal that can also include such things as herbs, supplements, acupuncture and physical manipulations, to name a few.  Homeopathy, however, is a complete system of medicine with its own history, philosophy and medicines known as homeopathic remedies.  In contrast to disease-based approaches, Homeopathy is a person-based approach that helps people with their health issues.

2.       Do I need a referral to see a Homeopath?
No, a referral is not needed to see a Homeopath.  However, if you do have a referral or a recommendation to see a Homeopath it is a good idea to follow through in scheduling an appointment with them.

3.       Is Homeopathy covered by my insurance?
While Homeopathy is not covered by government funded provincial medical services, such as MSP in British Columbia, it is covered by many extended healthcare plans.  As every plan is different, as set up by your employer, you will want to check the details of your coverage before setting up an appointment if you are looking for a reimbursement from them.

4.       What should I look for when choosing a Homeopath?
3 things that you should look for when choosing a Homeopath are:

·       Education/training – did the Homeopath receive proper training through a recognized school of Homeopathy?

·       Accountability/ethics – is the Homeopath a member of a professional Association that has a code of ethics for members to follow and abide by?

·       Responsibility/standards – is the Homeopath a member of a professional Association that has standards of practice for members to ensure your care is done in a respectful and professional way?

The best way to find a professional Homeopath is through a recognized provincial Association.  The Canadian Homeopathic Association has a list of all provincial Associations in Canada that have standards for education, ethics and practice.

5.       Are homeopathic remedies safe?
Yes, homeopathic remedies are inherently safe due to the way they are prepared.  Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to a specific manufacturing process and are regulated by Health Canada and are given a DIN-HM number when sold as over-the-counter products.  The medicinal substance is diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously), coded, documented and standardized to ensure quality, reproducibility and the absence of toxicity in the final ‘potentized’ product.

6.       Can I take homeopathic remedies with medication or supplements?
Homeopathic remedies are prepared to interact with your body on a different level than the crude doses of conventional drugs or supplements so they typically don’t interfere with them.  However, you may find that reliance on conventional drugs is reduced as your health improves.

7.       Will I have to eliminate things from my diet when taking homeopathic remedies?
Generally speaking, you will most likely not be required to adhere to strict rules regarding your diet when taking homeopathic remedies.  Each case, however, is unique and individualized recommendations may be made depending on things like: the homeopathic remedy given, your particular sensitivities and if there are unhealthy choices that may be contributing to your situation.  What people have found is that they find themselves making better, healthier choices when receiving homeopathic care.

8.       How long will I have to take homeopathic remedies?
There is no definitive answer to this question as each person’s case is unique.  It may depend on things like:

·       Is your situation acute or chronic?

·       How strong is your vitality?

·       Are there outside contributing factors that need to be addressed?

How long you continue with homeopathic care is always up to you and what your health goals are.  Homeopathy can help people with many health conditions so can be used for lifelong healthcare if you choose it to be.

9.       How long will it take before I feel better if I take homeopathic remedies?
Generally speaking, a well-selected remedy can work very quickly in acute situations.  This could be within minutes to hours.  In chronic situations this can depend on a number of factors in each individual case such as:

·       How strong is your vitality?  People with strong vitality respond more quickly than those with weak vitality.

·       Are there outside contributing factors that need to be addressed?  These could be related to things like diet or environment that are keeping you ill.

·       How long have you had the compliant?  Typically the longer you have had a complaint the longer it will take to heal.

·       How serious is your health condition? The deeper the pathology the longer it will take.

Can Homeopathy help me?
The answer is most likely, yes.  Because Homeopathy treats the person and not the disease almost every ailment can be helped using homeopathic remedies.  But since every person’s case is different so it is best to check with a professional homeopath to discuss your individual case.