There needs to be a shift in the way people think about holistic modalities for healing…

Jennifer F., Frankfurt, Germany Homeopathy. Isn't that all about witchcraft and make believe? I used to think so, then I became pregnant with my first child and everything changed. I suddenly had a new life to take care of, to protect. Living in Germany at the time opened my eyes to the world of homeopathy and how it could easily be used at home with my family. After spreading the word about it to friends and family in Canada, it became clear that people didn't know enough about the modality there to realize its potential. I am excited to be someone who helps homeopathy become a mainstream line of treatment in Canada. Becoming a mother changed how I look at the world. I never cared about the effects of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and toxins, they were there for a reason and they couldn't be that bad, I thought. Exposing my unborn child to anything so unnatural quickly became out of the question. My turnaround was immediate and came without conscious thought. I needed to protect my daughter and keep her whole. I abstained from nearly all prescription and over-the-counter medication from that point. My son arrived next and he had chronic health issues since birth. I had taken and given homeopathic remedies by this point but this was the first time that I saw a registered homeopath. Not coincidentally, this was the first time that I saw a complete change in my son almost overnight. I had my doubts about homeopathy until this point, but then I was convinced. Pregnancy sparked my interest in this natural modality which has quickly turned into a love for it. Life in Germany made it easy to be exposed to homeopathy. My first encounter with it was when I was pregnant and asked my midwife for help with my migraines as I was no longer taking any medication for them, which I had taken as long as I can remember. My midwife prescribed (I couldn't believe it, a real prescription for a homeopathic remedy?) belladonna and I was on my way. It didn't help much. I now realize that it likely wasn't the best remedy for me but I was fascinated in the premise of the modality. Germans tend to be much more holistically-minded which was new to me as a Canadian growing up where and when I did. I was open to experiencing something new. Rightly or wrongly, seeing how mainstream this modality was immediately gave it credibility for me. The culture in Germany is still very connected to its roots and, with homeopathy being one of them, it felt natural to embrace it. Speaking to friends and family in Canada about my experience and success with homeopathy has made it clear that it has not been embraced overall in the country. There needs to be a shift in the way people think about holistic modalities for healing. I see people so quickly to turn to pharmaceuticals instead of giving their bodies the chance to communicate with them. Homeopathy tends to be written off without a thought due to lack of education on the subject. I believe that people are coming around to living more holistically and that it is a good time to be an advocate for the cause. Something needs to change. With an imminent move back to Canada, there has been no question in my mind that a career in homeopathy is where I'm headed. Having children marked the beginning of my journey into a more holistic lifestyle. Living in Germany, where homeopathy began, and seeing profound effects from the modality resulted in me making a full transition to said lifestyle, with homeopathy at the forefront of it. Seeing the lack of use and knowledge of homeopathy in Canada has made it clear to me that my path includes enlightening others and helping them heal. Albert Einstein said it best, "The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."