“I’ve Got a Quick Question …”

I hear this all the time: “Hey, Joette. I’ve got a quick question …”

That statement usually precedes a question that is anything but quick. Just because you can ask a question in a short amount of time, it does not mean that the answer is either quick or easy!

Many times, we humans want the short cut. We want to know the answer without understanding the underlying philosophy behind it.

Granted, our motives are pure. A mother trying to help her child is not intentionally trying to take short cuts in her education.

“My daughter is sick, and I just want to ask you quickly, which remedy I should give her.”

She probably thinks it is just a “quick question” whose answer could solve the problem at hand.

However, many times the condition being addressed is complicated, requiring the full breadth of information I gather when I take a case.

This is why taking a case takes so long!

It requires time and attention to ensure the best success when choosing a homeopathic remedy. This is why I do not answer personal health questions in any setting other than a personal consultation, and why I am encouraging all of my students to monitor their own behavior when it comes to answering well-intended questions.

I posted a brief version of this message recently on my private Joette’s Mighty Members’ forum. But the same thing occurs in the Facebook forums, in comments left on blog posts and podcasts and in Gateway to Homeopathy Study Groups.

Many times, these questions are not approved by our screening process. So, I’d like to give you a clearer understanding of what we’re screening for — and why.

My teaching method has always been to offer specific protocols on my blogs, podcasts and remedy cards — and now, of course, to my Mighty Members. 

However, the health conditions I discuss on those platforms are carefully considered. I choose only specific, uncomplicated conditions, so it’s easy to offer a case in fewer than 900 words.

Before more complex conditions can be approached, a deeper background of knowledge from in-depth study is required. Case management, timing, pivoting and a keen understanding of homeopathy theory are key aspects of success.

Here’s the critical thing to keep in mind: Everyone who discovers my resources are not at the same stage of their education! Some readers are brand new to homeopathy, while many students have taken most or all of my courses.

More experienced students feel compelled to jump in and help when they see questions such as “What is the remedy for this condition?” or “Here’s what my daughter is suffering with. Does anyone have any suggestions?”

And therein lies my fear.

I can’t, in good conscience, allow personal medical advice to be tendered on any of my forums.

Without taking the full case (health history, list of supplements or drugs, concomitant conditions, etc.), it becomes a shotgun effect that is not appropriate in any setting.

I’m particularly sensitive to this.

I don’t want my teachings to be taken out of context and offered as advice by well-intentioned students. I encourage robust discussion, but not the direct dispensing of personal medical advice.

It’s important to remember that homeopathic medicines are just that … medicine. They’re not perfectly safe; they’re relatively safe. They carry with them repercussions if used without full knowledge of the entire case — as well as the method.

We’ve come a long way, in large part, because of what I’ve been teaching. We’ve built a grassroots movement, and you are a significant part of it.

However, history is repeating itself. Homeopathy is currently under the scrutiny of powerful government and industry forces.

It would not take much to topple this movement if misplaced government regulations remove access to sites such as mine or even deny your ability to purchase essential medicines. The ripple effect could be enormous!

All it would take is one episode of someone having a perceived or otherwise adverse reaction after being given personal advice on my forums, and we would be headed towards potentially serious sanctions. The ramifications in today’s environment are potentially catastrophic!!

But that’s not all we’re up against.

You should know that I have been professionally chastised for teaching laypeople how to use homeopathy for chronic conditions.

As far as I know, I am the only homeopath in the U.S. and Europe (other than the Banerjis) who is teaching this information. Believe me, it’s a bold move on my part to depart from the party line.

In fact, I’ve been directed to “stay in my lane” by some of the professional homeopathic organizations to which I belong.

I made it clear to them — and want to make it clear to all of you — that I do not intend to alter my behavior. 

Indeed, my mission is to get as much information into the hands of as many caregivers as possible. But I need your help!

I must admit, my censors have a valid point that must not be ignored: These medicines must be properly understood and administered within the setting of a complete and thorough methodology and case management — particularly in complex and chronic cases.

So, here is my dilemma: Do I risk the future well-being of ALL of my students by allowing unsupervised medical advice to be tendered on my platforms … solely for the sake of shortening the learning curve for some?

Do I potentially endanger the future of homeopathy itself so a few can take short cuts in their education?

 I must say that my answer is a resounding “no”.

I recognize that not allowing personal health questions (or posts requesting protocols) might frustrate some — and might even cause a few to opt-out of participating in my various forums. That would be a great loss because every good mind is valued here.

But trust me, this is a tight rope that needs to be traversed cautiously to remain safe for the sake of everyone!

I hope this gives you a better insight into my concerns and goals, and that it will not dampen your curiosity or desire to carry on a lifetime of study.

Pass on the good news of homeopathy, but please don’t enable short cuts by answering questions that will undermine someone else’s learning!

Warmly,

P.S. If you or someone you know is looking for the best way to begin their foundational education in homeopathy, please consider joining a Gateway to Homeopathy Study Group. Forming a study group is the very same method I utilized when I learned homeopathy! So, I’ve organized and written this curriculum to supply you with everything you need to join a group — or lead one yourself! I can think of no better way to potentize your learning than learning with others.

P.P.S. I also encourage you to play with me and other like-minded individuals in our new sandbox: Joette’s Mighty Members. Unlike on Facebook or public blogs, I feel I can be a bit more candid in a private environment where I can share my ideas with you on our own terms. Check out all the perks and come join in the fun!