Reflections on Homeopathic Practice
by Lisette Narragon
In June, 2000, I graduated from the Institute of Classical Homeopathy in San Francisco and started my practice in Palo Alto, in my home. Since then I have moved my office five times (just looking for that perfect combination of location and affordable rent!) and have finally settled on a place that feels right. It ‘s a difficult area I live in since tech startups have the upper hand on available commercial space over us small time practitioners and prices have soared in the past few years.
Being in the heart of Silicon Valley where there is such diversity, I find that is reflected in my client base. About 70% of my clients are from India, a place where homeopathy thrives. Mostly they grew up receiving homeopathy either from a relative or professional homeopath and are looking to offer the same to their children. They tend to avoid taking OTC or allopathic medicines which in turn makes their cases a bit more straightforward. Also they are a lovely population to work with, knowledgeable about their health and their psyche, respectful of homeopathy and the practitioner/client relationship, and so appreciative of all that you offer them. I also treat a large group of Russian, Romanian and other Eastern Europeans who seek out homeopathy as an alternative to suppressive allopathic drugs.
The challenge of being in the heart of Silicon Valley is that I am surrounded by scientists and engineers, who want SCIENTIFIC PROOF of everything. I have had to develop a thick skin over the years when, at parties, I am challenged by people wondering how homeopathy could ever work, and isn’t it just placebo? It took me several years to craft a suitable response, one that did not engage the negativity, answered the question, and allowed me to still enjoy the party!
As for challenges I have faced as a practicing homeopath, I would say the largest one has been the lack of knowledge of the remedies. It has taken many years for me to feel confident that I know enough remedies beyond the polychrests to be a good homeopath. It really is the key to practicing well, because if you don’t know the remedies, at least their nutshell or key affinities and symptoms, you will tend to overlook them in your repertorizations. You may rely too heavily on your repertorization results without delving into the materia medica to find the remedy that fits the case best. And you won’t be able to recognize that one strange symptom that may lead you to a small remedy. I have studied for the last 9 years with Henny Heudens Mast on just that topic, materia medica. It has been invaluable in the success of my practice.
I mention the word practice, but truly what I am running is a BUSINESS. And this was my next greatest challenge, as I had not ever really run a business and did not even, at first, consider myself an entrepreneur. It took years for me to truly embrace that idea, work with a business coach and institute some business practices that kept the business running well. Two of the most important were booking the next appointment while the client is still in the office, and advertising with YELP. My best source for new business, outside of references from existing clients, is YELP. I have several good reviews and a well designed website which helps in reaching people in this area, being that everyone is so tech savvy. It’s important to know your area and cater your marketing to the specifics of YOUR region. This is what works for me, but in other areas of the country other marketing tools might work better.
Being a homeopath can sometimes be a lonely profession, because even though you are with people some of the day, you are not really getting your own needs met. It is important to have a community to whom you can reach out to, even if it’s just to talk about your day, or review where your business is and hear how their practice is going. I have this with my colleagues who go to Henny’s seminar and they have been a great source of inspiration for me.
I have had my low moments over the years where I thought, Why did I choose this profession???, but mostly I feel so grateful to be able to change people’s lives in such spectacular ways. Homeopathy may not fill my bank account as much as my last tech job did, but it surely fills my heart.
