I Grew Up On Advil, Now There’s Homeopathy

Paula J., Winnipeg.

I grew up in a family where an Advil would help us move on with our day and a rub of Vicks on the chest would help us sleep with a cold. I got all my regular shots at varying ages; I even got the H1N1 vaccine in order to save a family vacation from potential disaster! When I developed lactose intolerance at the age of 13, along with some plantar warts on my feet, we followed the same allopathic regimen we knew.  They did not seem like major health concerns, so I avoided dairy and attempted to freeze away the warts. Unfortunately, suppressing the symptoms did not work well this time so we turned to homeopathy, as suggested by a family friend. After a few visits, the warts and the lactose intolerance started disappearing. I also found an immunity that sustained me through every cold and flu season for years to follow.  Allopathic medicine was what my family knew best until homeopathy swooped in.  My family has since made a transition to a more holistic treatment and now oil of oregano, reflexology, and homeopathy frequent our household.

            I have had my career chosen since my first appointment with a homeopath. At 13 years old, I was pulled in by the way the puzzle pieces came together; from the questions my homeopath asked to the symptoms that she connected.  As I started to see my body healing, sharing the wonders of homeopathy with others became my priority. Today, my passion lies in a drive to provide noninvasive medical support to those around me, and work to change how health is viewed in the world.    

            When homeopathy is a last resort for patients there may be very little hope left, especially with mental illness.  However, the impact of a success is even greater when everything else failed.  I stood by a close friend who struggled with depression for a long time and when anti-depressants were not working I decided to suggest homeopathy. After a few months, she started feeling stronger and saw many positive changes. Homeopathy, along with therapy, has also helped me when I struggled with my own anxiety. It has helped guide me to a place where I can face my future confidently and be in control of my mind.            

            When a patient feels so bogged down by emotions, homeopathic remedies can provide great support to pull them to a more comfortable place where change is possible. There is also incredible value in being heard by your healthcare practitioner instead of just being an appointment in the day. My homeopath always gave me validation for my feelings and confirmed that every symptom I had was important. This well-rounded approach to healthcare that is deeply integrated into the philosophy of homeopathy, is a large part of why I have maintained enthusiasm in the field.

            Aside from my psychology degree, I will be coming to CCHM with both experiential knowledge and self-guided learning. I have worked at Organza Market, an organic grocery store in Winnipeg, during my studies.  I have gained knowledge from my coworkers as well as countless members of the community who are willing to share their input. The store has been a classroom for me to hear about different ailments and their potential remedies; from reiki to nutrition to homeopathy. Many times I have the chance to hear the outcomes and see how different ideas of health shape the members of our society. This exposure has pushed me to learn more about alternative medicine on my own, often through reading. My shelves are lined with books about mental health, natural remedies, reflexology, nutrition, and of course homeopathy. While myuniversity experience has expanded my knowledge of the world, my self-guided studies have strengthenedmy interest inhomeopathy.

            As I look at homeopathy as a profession, a strong passion and a concrete homeopathic community are vital components. As mentioned above, many patients come to us as a last resort. This could mean difficult cases and patients who are frustrated with their situation. It is important to maintain positivity and give each case the devotion it deserves. At CCHM there is an emphasis on creating a community with your classmates and other members of homeopathy. This support will be a valuable and encouraging resource, especially when faced with skeptics. As alternative medicine becomes more popular, the public opinion will be both encouraging and skeptical. While skeptics can be harsh, it is hard to lose faith in a field that you find such great success in. Sharing the positive effects of homeopathy with those who are skeptical is as much of a task in this career as healing patients.