FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is homeopathic treatment like?
The initial meeting consists of an interview of about two hours, in which you discuss in detail what is bothering you, and your health history. As a holistic science, Homeopathy takes physical, mental and emotional symptoms as a whole, and so the interview is wide-ranging. The important thing is that you are never rushed: you have enough time to say absolutely everything on your mind in an atmosphere of kindness, professionalism and respect. Follow-up sessions are shorter, about half an hour.
How long does treatment last?
That varies, of course — but the goal is a full and lasting cure, which means feeling fine without needing any more of the remedy. So as soon as you start on a successful remedy, the goal becomes trying to reduce the amount you have to take. My happiest times as a homeopath are when cases conclude – when patients’ goals are accomplished and they go on their way without being tied to the treatment process. After the initial visit, follow-up sessions take place at the most once a month.
If I am in homeopathic treatment, do I still need a regular doctor?
Yes! It is important to be in the care of a conventional M.D. and to have a regular physical examination every year.
Can I use Homeopathy if I am taking other medications?
Yes. You must never stop or alter any prescribed medication except in consultation with the person who prescribed it! However, homeopathic treatment often enables you to reduce or even phase out conventional drugs — but again, only in consultation with your doctor.
Do I have to believe in Homeopathy for it to work?
No, not at all. Interestingly, one of the fastest-growing areas in the field is veterinary Homeopathy — and the animals certainly don’t believe. Some skepticism is a good thing when you try a new type of therapy: you want to be sure you are evaluating the treatment’s effectiveness based on concrete results.
Is there any special homeopathic diet? Do I need any vitamins, herbs or other expensive supplements?
No. On the contrary, a frequent goal of homeopathic treatment is to stop elaborate and restrictive diets and to begin eating normally again. Vitamins, herbs and supplements are not homeopathic, and most homeopaths do not prescribe them.
How can I tell if a homeopath is qualified?
There is no licensing for homeopaths — but there are two “gold-standard” credentials to look for. Either one shows that the practitioner has been well trained and rigorously examined. Look for the initials C.C.H.
(standing for Certified in Classical Homeopathy, issued by the Council for Homeopathic Certification, www.homeopathicdirectory.com) or R.S.Hom.(N.A.), which stands for Registered, North American Society of Homeopaths (www.homeopathy.org). Both organizations also have strict codes of ethics with which all
credentialed practitioners must comply.
What are your fees?
My fee for a full case-taking (the two-hour interview) is $350. Follow-up visits in the office are $75 and are needed at the most once a month. At the present time, most insurance plans do not cover homeopathy.
Where are you located?
I am on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, at 340 East 74th Street, between First and Second Avenues.
The closest subway stop is 77th Street on the No. 6 train.
What are your office hours?
Because New Yorkers are busy people, I keep my office hours flexible. In addition to regular daytime
appointments on weekdays, I often see patients in the evenings and on weekends.
Where can I get homeopathic remedies? Do they cost a lot?
Homeopathic remedies are easy to find and very inexpensive. They cost a fraction of regular drugs — about $7 will sometimes buy more of a remedy than you will ever need. In New York City, Bigelow Chemists (founded 1838!) at 414 Avenue of the Americas (at 9th Street), in Greenwich Village, has an excellent selection (212-473-7324, or www.bigelowchemists.com); it is also a great place to browse for intriguing and hard-to-find items. For those who prefer to order by mail, Homeopathy Overnight (800-276-4223, or www.homeopathyovernight.com) has a wonderful selection and are lovely to deal with.
Where can I learn more about Homeopathy?
The finest introduction I know of is The Consumer’s Guide to Homeopathy by Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Tarcher/Putnam). It is available from Homeopathic Educational Services, which is the world’s best single source homeopathic books, information and products: (510-649-0294, or www.homeopathic.com). For anyone interested in exploring the world of Homeopathy, their very enticing catalogue is the perfect place to start.