Homeopathy
People often ask what the
difference is between the practice of homeopathy and Naturopathy.
First, this comparison only considers
individuals registered with either the Ontario Homeopathic
Association or the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Only Homeopathic Doctors Registered with the Ontario Homeopathic
Association are true homeopathic specialists whereas Naturopathic
Doctors (naturopaths) are generalists.
Naturopathy is an eclectic practice that draws from a range of
therapies. Originally, naturopathy used "drugless" lifestyle
approaches like diet, exercise, fresh air, pure water, sunshine, and
massage. Today, it may include other therapies such as herbs,
homeopathy, supplements, chiropractic, oriental medicine,
acupuncture and more. Each naturopath will have his or her own
preferences for treatment.
If you choose naturopathic treatment that blends many therapies
together - how do you know which therapy is working ?
Are
there similarities?
In the Naturopathic curriculum Naturopaths have received introductory training - roughly 400 hours in homeopathy and can prescribe homeopathic remedies for simple acute complaints or first aid situations. Unless they have undertaken further studies and become a specialist in homeopathy, a naturopath is should recognize their limitations and clearly refer long term or chronic problems to a registered Homeopathic Doctor.
What
is the difference?
In North America, a naturopath
is taught 'a bit of many things' over a 4-year full-time course (4
years bachelor degree prerequisite preferred). A homeopath studies
only homeopathy (4,000 hours) and related subjects in their 3-year
full-time course (4 years bachelor degree prerequisite preferred).
Your homeopath is qualified to treat the full range of acute and
chronic disorders with homeopathy, while your naturopath is not.
The Ontario Homeopathic Association (OHA) is the only professional
association that supported the Re-Regulation of the practice of
Homeopathic Medicine in Ontario. The OHA established the bar to meet
government-endorsed standards for homeopathic competencies and
education.
In Conclusion
While many therapies are useful
in themselves, none have the breadth and depth of homeopathic
medicine.
Some focus only on mental and emotional problems while others deal
with just the physical. Most work by palliation or suppression while
some, such as herbal medicine, may occasionally apply the
homeopathic effect by accident.
In contrast, homeopathy can be systematically applied at a deep
energetic level to heal mental, emotional and physical symptoms of
ill-health. Its remedies are non-toxic, do not interact with other
medications, and taste great. Everyone and anyone can use them.
Homeopathy is truly a remarkable system of medicine.