Homoeopathy it is...

Homoeopathy, till some years back, was an alternative form of medicine looked down upon by allopaths. But increasing lifestyle diseases and the gentle treatments homoeopathy offers to children have given it an image makeover.Dr Karuna Malhotra tells you how this field has come alive as a lucrative career

Homoeopathy is, indeed, an emerging trend now. People are turning to homoeopathy with trust. So, to prescribe a homeopathic medicine, a physician has to know not only the dynamics of the disease but also should have an in-depth understanding of the patient's nature, his lifestyle, emotions and habits.

Homoeopathy works on the principle of similia similbus currenter which means like cures like. The science believes that each human being is different and the same diseases in two different people shows different symptoms like two persons having headache one on the right and other on the left. Medicines for both them will be different, the headache of one person is better by pressure and that of the other gets aggravated even by touch. Therefore, to know each patient correctly and choose the right medicine for them.

Homoeopathy has come a long way since it was first established 200 years ago as an effective form of healing. It has also gained from the fact that there are many people today who prefer not to take allopathic medicines because of various side effects and strong doses that upset the body’s equilibrium not to mention the fact that they are expensive. Homeopathic medicines are cheaper in comparison and don’t have any side effects. They are safe and easy to use, which makes homoeopathy more popular among the masses.

Therefore, a Homoeopathy doctor or physician takes long session getting into the minute details of the patient from medical history to temperament to family background to diet preferences and emotional state.

Homoeopathy doctors also include chiropractors, veterinarians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, acupuncturists and certified midwives.

Work culture

Homoeopathy physicians mostly has predictable schedules as they rarely work in crisis or emergency situations. The physicians generally work in private or have a group practice. They are also involved in national, State and/or local homoeopathic awareness and advocacy programmes and may work with community agencies. They must focus on keeping the environment free of distractions or stress, as wanting to become more stress-free is a big part of why people turn to this method of healing and medicine.

Remuneration

Homoeopathy is an enriching career option where one can earn money as well as reputation. The salary of homeopathic doctors in Government hospitals varies from `10, 000 to `15, 000 per month for freshers. In private hospitals, the remuneration is a little higher. With a couple of years of experience, a doctor can earn between `20,000 to `50,000 per month. If one has a private practice, the income would depend on the number of hours put in.

Skills Required

To become a successful Homoeopathy practitioner, one must have:

Deep knowledge in the field

Counselling skills

Good communication skills

Good diagnosing ability

Responsible enough

Able to handle lengthy communications

A strong concentration power

Eligibility

To become a Homoeopathy professional a candidate should have a graduate degree — Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) or at least a diploma in homoeopathy science. There are many courses offered at both UG and PG level in many universities across India. A full-time degree is BHMS would require a student to study for five-and-a-half years including one-year internship

Courses offered

Some courses offered by institutes:

Diploma in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery

Diploma in Electro-Homoeopathy

Doctor of Medicine (Homoeopathic)

Master of Doctor in Homoeopathy

Where to study

Institutes and colleges offering degrees/diplomas are:

Dr BR Sur Homoeopathic Medical College & Research Centre, New Delhi

Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College, New Delhi

Indian Institute of Homoeopathic Medicine, Mumbai

Ahemdabad Homoeopathic Medical College, Gujarat

Bakson Homoeopathic Medical College, Greater Noida, UP

Bhartiya Vidyapeeth University, Pune

Homoeopathic Medical College And Hospital, Chandigarh

 (Article Published in THE PIONEER, New Delhi)