Homeopathy is a legally recognized profession and a system of medicine using minute quantities of plant, mineral and other therapeutic substances to gently stimulate people back to health.
The word "Homeopathy" is derived from the Greek "hames" meaning like or similar and "pathos" meaning suffering.
Homeopaths believe that an illness is almost the same as its cure. They work directly with the patient and believe that if a patient is happy, they get well much sooner. They, therefore, focus not only on the body, but also on the spirit. Thus, they are trained to view patients holistically and to apply treatment according to individual needs.
Homeopaths also have to be interested in science as they are constantly preparing medicine for their patients, for example, mixing, diluting or adding certain amounts of a specific substance.
Homeopaths diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and diseases by using unconventional methods and incorporating minute quantities of drugs, minerals, plant extracts and trace elements in the treatment.
They take detailed case histories of their patients, examine them, then make diagnoses and prescribe appropriate homeopathic medicines. Popular interest in holistic medicine has encouraged a growing number of people to consult homeopaths.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping clients overcome a specific medical problem or disorder
- setting own hours of work
- working with people
- working without close supervision
Demanding aspects
- having to work irregular hours
- trying to please difficult customers
- the delicate work of finding the correct homeopathic solution for the symptoms, disease or illness
Requirements
An homeopath should be/have:
- over 17 years of age
- willing to undergo a selection procedure
- versatile and inquiring mind
- patient, tactful and empathetic
- good communication skills
- able to develop relationships of trust
- highly developed sense of responsibility
- physically fit and emotionally well-balanced.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Life Sciences and / or Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Diploma: Only DUT and UJ offer the N.Dip (3 years) Postgraduate course BTech (1 year) and MTech: Homeopathy courses which have been approved by the Minister of Education.
The course consists of:
- traditional medical subjects with emphasis on diagnostic skills
- training on the practical application of homeopathic principles and theory as well as different forms of treatment such as acupuncture, massage, and nutrition.
At the end of the course, a 1-year internship as laid down by the Chiropractors, Homoeopaths and Allied Health Service Professions Council of South Africa, must be completed before registration as a qualified homeopath.
Employer
- self-employment, in own private practice or in partnership
Contact
Homeopathic Association of South Africa
P O Box 752347
Gardenview, 2047
Tel: (086) 111 4547 Fax: (0860 672-8417
Homeopathic Medical Association of South Africa
P O Box 87490
Houghton, 2041
Tel: (011) 234-1055
Department of Homeopathy
Durban Institute of Technology
P O Box 953
Durban. 4000
School of Homeopathy
Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
P O Box 17011
Doornfontein, 2028
Tel: (011) 406-2220
www.hsa.org.za