Homeopathic Training

My own interest in homeopathy dovetailed 15 years ago with the new and powerful experience of mothering our infant son. His frightening reaction to an immunization prompted us to seek alternative pediatric care, which in turn provided me a glimpse into the world of homeopathic medical care. It was a world I very much wanted to inhabit and become a citizen of. If it sounds as if I am describing a parallel universe, well, perhaps I am. At the time, it seemed to me that the curtain had been lifted -- as I realized there were many other ways to approach health and wellness, especially those disciplines concerned with the unity of and appreciation for the synergistic mechanisms and energies of mind, body and soul.

Alyssa Wostrel, MBA, DIHom has extensive education in all schools of homeopathic medicine, including classical, modern and homotoxicology.

Ms. Wostrel’s primary classical training is based on the Diploma of Homeopathy from The British Institute of Homeopathy, USA, which entitles her to use the letters, DIHom. In addition to Ms. Wostrel’s classical training with the British Institute of Homeopathy, she was also previously enrolled in classical studies at Curentur University in Los Angeles (now the American University of Integrative Medicine) with the well-known practitioners Richard Farr, Jeanne Zeeb RN and Marcia Neiswander MN, ANP, RN. Additional classical materia medica training was with Louis Klein.

Modern Homeopathy and Homotoxicology seminar training has been extensive and includes seminar training with Ivo Bianchi MD, Klaus Kuestermann MD, Alta Smit MD, Bruce Shelton MD, HMD, PJ Broadfoot DVM, Steven Rosenberg DPM, Lester Klebe DPM, Jarir Nakouzi MD, Stephen Steitler LAc, Juan Carlos Mendez MD, Leonini Milani MD, (and other practitioners) about the treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome, Sports Injuries, Allergies, Pediatric Illness, Viral Infections, ADD, Chronic Pain, Degenerative Disease, Phase Remedies, Pain Management and Aesthetic Medicine (among other topics).

Homotoxicology Certification

Introduction to Homotoxicology – Heel Inc

Introduction to the Principles of Physiological Regulating Medicine and Pharmacology – Guna Inc

Pain Management with Physiological Regulating Medicine (PRM)
– Guna Inc

Aesthetic Medicine for Preventive and Acute Conditions – Guna Inc

Other education:
MBA - Marketing, Fordham University, New York City, NY
BSBA - University of Denver, Denver, CO

WHY HOMEOPATHY?

I’ve been immersed in integrative medicine and particularly, homeopathy, for over 14 years, both professionally and personally. The experience that led me in the direction of studying homeopathy was very personal. Our first child, a boy, was born 15 years ago in California. Pediatric care was provided by a conventionally oriented and highly regarded pediatrician in Bevery Hills, CA. When our son was six months old, we took him in for his regularly scheduled immunizations. That same night, he had a strong and frightening reaction to the immunization – he spiked a fever and screamed non-stop throughout the night and into the next day. I knew that crankiness was to be expected but our easy-going baby was not recognizable to us during this reactive episode. My concern was not soothed by what I thought was a callous response by our pediatrician. The doctor downplayed the episode and did little to allay my concerns. This lackluster response compelled me to research immunizations and their potential side effects. I was amazed at the volume of information I found on immunizations and possible links to chronic health issues. Naively, I shared this new-found information with our pediatrician in Beverly Hills during our next well-child visit. I also told him that due to the severe reaction our son had to his last immunization, we were considering delaying the immunization schedule or perhaps selectively choosing certain immunizaions rather than employing the entire series. I was absolutely shocked when the doctor told me abruptly that if we were entertaining such thoughts, our son would no longer be welcome as a patient in his practice. Period. I decided at that moment to a) NOT continue with the Beverly Hills practice and b) seek out a practitioner that would be open to hearing about our experiences as new parents, listen to our questions and concerns, and treat both our son and us with respect while helping guide us toward health and well-being.

It was our good fortune to be connected by referral to a wonderful homeopathic MD, Jim Blechman, in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Blechman became our family doctor, and our son thrived under his homeopathic care. Dr. Blechman practiced classical homeopathy, and also incorporated the use of supplements in his patient care. Eventually, he would also treat our second child and me with great success. What struck me most about Dr. Blechman was the heartfelt attention he gave to us during each visit, whether it was the two hour initial intake and interview or a 30 minute follow-up. His whole manner emanated the message of healing. Through his care of our family, I learned about homeopathic theory and also experienced first hand the strength of homeopathic treatment. I was suprised to find that medicine so dilute can have the power to heal not only physically but also emotionally. I realized through my personal experience the depth of constitutional homeopathic treatment, since it aims to restore equilibrium to the whole person.

During this time of discovery, I was doing as much home study of homeopathy and herbology as I could. My deepening interest compelled me to enroll in full-time study at Curentur University in Los Angeles, in an accredited, on-site Master’s program in the Science of Homeopathy. I enjoyed one year of this challenging program and then switched gears and went full-steam ahead into a job with a homeopathic company (Heel Inc). My education continued through my employment with this homeopathic company in many significant ways, deepening my knowledge of both classical and modern homeopathy. After departing eight years later, I was determined to “finish” my classical homeopathic studies, which I accomplished through the British Institute of Homeopathy Diploma Course. However, my work is far from being “done” – as the continuous study of the constantly evolving science and art of homeopathy is an ongoing commitment.