Homeopathy
A German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, rediscovered the principle of "like cures like" (first written about by Hippocrates in 5th century BC - ideas such as rubbing chillblains with snow) in the late 18th century. Rejecting the strong medicines , leeches, violet purges and other severe practises of the day, Hahnemann developed homeopathy, from the Greek homoios (same) and pathos (suffering). His starting point was the contemporary use of quinine to treat maleria, allegedly due to its bitter qualities.
Hahnemann's ideas quickly spread across Europe to Asia and the Americas. In the 1820's, two US doctors expanded his theories: Dr. Constrantine Hering developed the "laws of cures" which explain how disease is cured in homeopathy, while Dr. James Tyler Kent introduced the concept of "constitutional types" (this is where illness is considered to be the result of inner imbalance and patients can be categorised as a certain constituational 'type').
Homeopath - Fiona Richardson
Fiona Richardson has been a trained Homeopath for over 8 years. She began her training when her son was a baby and now works in her own practise in Nottingham.
The Interview
Name Fiona Richardson
Location Nottingham
Family - One son, named Joah, aged 14
How did you become a Homeopath? What is your background?
During the 80s I was a community development worker in inner-city Nottingham. In 1986, I had a recurring health problem, and ended up taking lots of antibiotics. A work colleague suggested that I went to see a homeopath she knew. I didn't know anything about homeopathy, but figured it wouldn't make me any worse. I never had to have antibiotics again! A few years later, I met another homeopath, who I found deeply inspiring. He ran a homeopathy school in Derbyshire, where I trained.
What exactly does Homeopathy involve?
Homeopathy involves prescribing carefully-chosen, individually-tailored remedies for each patient, based on their unique symptoms, sensations and feelings. We don't make a big distinction between mental and physical symptoms - we all know how much our mental state effects our physical wellbeing, and vice versa.
What sort of problems/issues do clients normally have when they come to you for help/therapy?
Patients come with a huge range of health issues. At our practice, the majority of people either come with mental health conditions - such as anxiety and depression - or musculoskeletal disorders, or gynaecological and period problems.
What/Where was your training? How long did it take overall?
I trained at Soluna School of Homeopathy, which was based in the picturesque Derbyshire village of Cromford. I attended the school one weekend a month for four years - a total of 44 weekends in all. Home study took up around 20 hours a week.
How did training fit round your son?
My son was 20 months old when I started training. Whenever he was with his dad - we split up the same year - I did nothing but study. As he got older, studying got easier - when he started nursery, I had 3 hours a day to study, and in my 4th year, he started school - by then, I'd started treating patients under supervision. Looking back now, I'm not sure how I managed it all! I was very determined to successfully finish my training.
Roughly, how much did your training cost?
The cost of training at that time was between £1500 and £2000 a year, plus books. Now there are computer software packages, too, which weren't available when I started training. There are also homeopathy degree courses at several universities now, too.
Where do you carry out your work?
In 2001, I began working with an acupuncturist colleague, Heather, to set up a service providing acupuncture, chiropractic and homeopathy to inner-city residents, at no cost to the patient. We finally opened in February 2004.We were successful in being awarded a four year grant to do the work, and our practice, called Impact Integrated Medicine Partnership, is based in a local health centre.
Do you need lots of specialist equipment?
Just pen, paper, laptop with specialist software, textbooks and remedies.
How many hours do you work a week?
My contract is for 26 hours a week...recently it's been more like 30 - 35 hours - we're really busy.
How does the job fit round your family life?
As I'm my own boss, I've been able to fit clinic times around picking my son up from school. All four of us who work here are mums, too, so we're a very family-friendly organisation.
How do you find clients - do you advertise?
Patients who come here have often been referred by their GP or practice nurse, or have been told about us by friends or family. We've never needed to advertise.
What is the earning potential?
As with any self-employed work, this varies greatly. I remember being really thrilled with the £60 I earned on my first day of practice 10 years ago! Now, I earn around £30 000.
Is the job rewarding?
I really love my work. I can't think of anything more rewarding than seeing a patient who has really benefitted. Yesterday, I saw someone who is no longer anxious - she used to suffer from it really badly. I go home at the end of the day with a real buzz.
Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?
This job fits really well with being a Mum. I've been able to decide exactly how, when and where I work. I've been able to develop and expand the work as my son gets older.
Do you think you have to have any special qualities (in terms of personality) to become a Homeopath?
Being able to really listen is an essential quality. And being aware of our own problems, symptoms and issues is very important.
Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to start training?
Go for it - being a homeopath is not an easy option, but I can't think of anything else that I'd find this fulfilling.
Useful Links
www.purtonhouse.comwww.britinsthom.comwww.homoeopathy.co.ukwww.homeopathy-soh.org
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