Homeopathic medicine and therapies have surged in popularity within the past 10 years, becoming more mainstream as a result of the wellness boom at the beginning of the 21st century. As people learned the importance of living healthier lifestyles, natural, holistic medicines and treatments have become more highly demanded services by those who wish to enhance their health and well being.
Alternative and complementary medicines, including homeopathy, have been practiced for hundreds of years both in the U.S. and well beyond its boundaries. Naturopathy, biofeedback, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, aromatherapy, and other homeopathic treatments are being used more and more with efforts put forth by Western medicine. The basis for homeopathy is that the body responds to and heals as a result of natural stimuli being placed upon it and is caused to naturally heal itself.
Homeopathy consists of natural treatments that come in the form of supplements, elixirs, probiotics, minerals, and nutrients. Stimulation of muscles, tissues, joints, and bones are also forms of homeopathic medicine. Western medicine recognizes many forms of homeopathic medicine: light therapy for vitamin deficiencies, chiropractic medicine for misalignment of joints and the spine, herbal remedies for nausea, and many other treatments and therapies.
Holistic health practitioners embrace homeopathy and study extensively in order to provide the best care possible, in the most natural way possible. Many practitioners attend holistic schools that focus on natural healing and homeopathic cures and remedies for treatment of common symptoms. They emphasize the connection between the mind, body, spirit, and emotions.
The most important traits for a holistic healthcare provider to have include:
- An open mind
- Curiosity
- Sensitivity
- Good listening skills
- Attentiveness to one’s own health and wellness
- A commitment to lifelong learning
Additionally, homeopathic providers should have knowledge in basic anatomy and physiology, natural remedies, human energy and healing systems, spirituality in healing, nutrition and body chemistry, therapeutic touch and bodyworks, and stress management and relaxation techniques. They must provide safe methods of diagnosis and focus on the whole person. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 percent of people in the U.S. use some form of complementary and alternative medicine and visit a holistic health care provider.
Homeopathy and wellness are becoming more and more mainstream as time goes by. Years before, people visited fast food restaurants regularly without a single thought about how unhealthy the food was. They didn’t read food labels or care about trans fats. They encouraged their kids to purchase pop and candy from machines at schools. However, with obesity, chronic stress, and hypertension on the rise, it’s become evident that people must focus on healthier lifestyles. Organic food, gym memberships and healthy living have become goals of more and more of the U.S. population.
Health insurance companies and employers have even started providing incentives for people to lead healthy lives by not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating healthy. As a result, many now seek out natural alternatives to traditional medicine in order to treat health conditions and disorders. Homeopathy has been sought out by a new generation as a healthy approach to wellness.
Because of the wellness boom, enthusiasm for many nontraditional or alternative therapies and treatments has increased. People are more open to and willing to try natural remedies for health problems. Massage therapy, chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and herbal remedies have seen an increase in acceptance. Omega 3/fish oil and echinacea are popular supplements that many people rely on to stay healthy. People visit the chiropractor regularly when they feel like their backs are “out” or they need an “adjustment.” Massage therapists have regular clients who visit weekly for their regular sessions, whether their sessions are to help them relax or to treat discomfort or chronic pain.
There are many career options for someone interested in taking advantage of the wellness boom by becoming a homeopathic health care provider. Options from herbalists to acupuncturists exist. Hypnotherapists have become increasingly popular, as have massage therapists and chiropractors.
Those who desire to enter a career in homeopathy should check with their state to determine if there are licensing or certification guidelines required to practice their chosen profession. Many states require holistic therapy providers to comply with some licensing restrictions prior to offering their skills to the public.
For instance, all 50 states and the District of Columbia require chiropractors to become licensed, in addition to acquiring an education to prepare them to provide treatment. Massage therapists and acupuncturists must obtain an education and then become licensed in many states throughout the U.S. Other homeopathy careers require no licensing, but a proper degree of education is required in order to practice knowledgeably and effectively.