From Marti V., Toronto
The biggest decision for pursuing Homeopathy is my son. I have a 16 year old son name Nico, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. Nico is a sweet teen with little verbal skills. He’s smart but to date we have not found the key to unlock his whole potential. As a mother I worry about his future and as a mother I want only the best for him.
Since his diagnosis at the age of four, we’ve taken Nico to two Naturopaths to help treat his autism. Both of these wonderful ladies practice Homeopathy. And both have used Homeopathy to help Nico throughout the years, not only with his autism but other childhood ailments that came along the way such as fevers, earaches, tummy aches and the occasional scrape and bruise. We’ve used homeopathy to regulate Nico’s sleep and help him sleep more at night. When he was much younger Nico slept a maximum of 3 hours a night. It was a tiresome time, tiresome years for our family. Our Naturopath prescribed a homeopathic treatment to help regulate his sleep. We alternated between remedies, monitored monthly and gradually Nico’s sleeping pattern increased. I am happy to say that Nico now sleeps 8 to 9 hours a night. He’s not a night owl, prefers going to bed at 9:30 and wakens anytime between 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
Homeopathy is very important in the development of my son and it is a big part of me. That is why I want to pursue a study of Homeopathy and become a Homeopathic Practitioner. I see the difference it has made in my son’s life which correlates to a difference in not only my life but the lives of my family. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. I have family members and friends who want to implement a more “natural” way of treating common ailments. Through the years of consulting with my Naturopaths I’ve become the family “go to” person. If someone was coming down with a cold, headache or fever they seek me for advice and suggestions. I admit I am flattered that they trust me enough to ask. I know well enough to research the symptoms, and see the family member who is ill before suggesting anything. I have gone as far as contacting my naturopath for their opinion before suggesting or administering anything to anyone. More importantly, I know if something is beyond my knowledge, I stress that my friend or family seeks their family doctor.
Due to Nico’s autism, I do not see him living a fully independent life, sadly I do not see a post-secondary education nor a job unless one is specifically tailored to suit him. Which leads me to the second reason I want to pursue my education in Homeopathy. Both I and my son’s therapist see Nico’s potential; we know that with support Nico CAN live a semi-independent life and with support he CAN work part-time so long as the job is well defined, and structured. Nico is very structured, extremely tidy and works very well on the computer. I see myself opening a clinic where Nico can work part-time, be in an understanding and stimulating environment which will promote independence and self-pride. Most importantly I see my son working in a place where he will not be prejudiced because of his autism, he will not be mocked because he needs more breaks in his day than the average person or takes slightly longer to complete a task but he will be appreciated for his assistance whether it be by tiding up a room after a consultation or printing up a patient’s invoice. Nico’s worker and I can develop job training tailored specifically to Nico where he can grow to his full potential.
As well, my daughter, Nico’s older sister and my older sister are interested in studying massage therapy. My daughter is about to graduate grade 12 and plans to study massage therapy in college. My sister is about to retire from her current place of employment having worked there 30 years and is looking for a second career. Our family has always been good at providing deep muscle massages, it’s something that comes natural to us. Both my daughter and sister have the “touch”. Our goal is to open a family clinic upon obtaining our respective degrees.
I’ve been tossing around the idea of opening a business for myself for several years. But it has become more defined now that both my daughter and sister are interested in Massage Therapy. We all have the same goal, to provide a service for others but more importantly to be able to provide an environment where Nico can grow and feel as part of our community.
I envision a place where I can help others and make a difference in their lives. I am most happy when I know I’ve done something to help someone else. It’s instilled in me. Through the years it’s been through volunteering, or mentoring new employees at work; I really like the gratification of helping others and seeing and or receiving their genuine appreciation. An honest “thank-you” from someone is very rewarding to me.
These are my reasons to pursue an education in Homeopathy. I have a real interest in Homeopathy. I see Homeopathy work on my child, on me and on my family. In this day and age I believe that many people want to steer away from traditional Western Medicine but they need someone whom to trust in. I believe that is me. With the proper education and guidance, I believe I can make a difference in my community and in the lives of those who are open to an alternative treatment from those of traditional western medicine.
Best of the Best! CCHM Faculty Feature: Dr. Paul Saunders MS, PhD, ND, DHANP, CCH
Paul is Professor of Materia Medica, teaching Botanical and Homeopathic medicine, patrenteral therapy and clinical supervision at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.