Who is a Homeopath?
A homeopathic doctor (ہومیوپیتھ) is a specialist doctor practicing in the field of homeopathy. This domain is a form of alternative medicine. The basic principle of it is to use nature to heal problems around the body. It also works on the belief that the body is capable of healing itself, itself, since like cures like.
When should you see a Homeopath?
Homeopathic medicine (ہومیوپیتھک ڈاکٹر) is not everyone’s cup of tea. The research is split on its effectiveness, therefore, only visit a homeopath if you are convinced that it is a legitimate type of medicine. Many medicines work due to placebo effect, and without believing in the medicine, using it is moot.
You can visit a homeopath (ہومیوپیتھ) when you are accosted with chronic problems around the body. These issues include allergies, migraines, depression, fatigue, arthritis, hay fever, IBS, menstrual issues as well. Moreover, issues like toothaches, headaches are also addressed by homeopaths.
However, for more serious diseases like cancer and heart disease, and issues that merit imaging and other testing, it is best to visit a medical doctor instead. Furthermore, you also need to visit your GP for immunization.
It is pertinent that pregnant women consult their doctor prior to taking up the prescription from the homeopath.
What are the main areas of concern of a Homeopath?
Homeopaths (ہومیوپیتھک ڈاکٹر) can treat the general ailments around the body. These include problems like cuts and bruises, atopic dermatitis, irritable bowel syndrome etc.
Homeopaths (ہومیوپیتھ) also give the patients due time during sessions; some may even discuss the issue for hours with the patient, as they treat the patient holistically. This also lends a sympathetic ear to the patient, making the treatment more effective due to the placebo effect.
They, however, should not be resorted to for emergency situations, trauma, or terminal diseases like cancer.
What are the most common homeopathic issues in Pakistan?
Homeopathy deals with a wide variety of problems, but there is a dearth of data with regards to the most reported diseases, and the scope of the treatment. Unfortunately, some quacks also present themselves as homeopathic doctors in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi endangering the health of the patients.
Some might also use toxins and metals like mercury for the treatment of the problems, causing grave health issues like kidney failure.
Moreover, globally as well, homeopathy is also regarded with apprehension, as there is lack of data validating its effectiveness. Most chalk it to placebo, debunking its effectiveness.
Since many homeopath products are marketed under items of care, rather than medicine, their regulation is also a major challenge.
How to become a Homeopath in Pakistan?
In order to become a homeopathic doctor in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi one first needs to complete their studies in the respect field, like BHMS or DHMS.
BHMS refers to the Bachelor of Homeopathic and surgery. One can either opt for BHMS classified, which is a comprehensive, 5-year program or BHMS graded, which is a shorter, 2-year program. One needs to have pre-medical subjects in their secondary education to be eligible for the program.
DHMS is the Diploma in Homeopathic Medical system and is less rigorous program. It is a 4-year program, with a mandatory 6-month internship at the end of the program.
Once the respective program has been completed, people need to get themselves registered through the regulatory authority, NCH. Nation Council for Homeopathy is controlled by the federal government. Once they get their license, they are free to practice homeopathy in Pakistan.
What kinds of Homeopaths are there?
There are different specializations in the field of homeopathy. These include:
Auto-isopathy: This field pertains to making remedies using substances taken from the patient’s own body.
Classical homeopathy: This is the conventional type of homeopathy, grounded in the principle of ‘like treats like’. Experts of this field offer treatment considering the psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms in the body, and not just the superficial symptoms.
Homotoxicology: This field combines principles of the modern science and homeopathic medicine. These experts use different facets of biological medicine, like molecular biology, biochemistry etc. to make non-toxic biological therapies.
Isopathy: The principle of this domain is to use the causative agents, to treat the same disease that they are causing like is the case with poison ivy.
What are Homeopaths called in Pakistan?
Homeopaths are also referred to as:
- Homeopathy ka doctor
- ہومیوپیتھ
- ہومیوپیتھک ڈاکٹر
