Dr Rachel LEVINE responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I was introduced to homeopathy after having an allergic reaction — when stung by a bee. I was living on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, at the time, and I was astounded by what I was given. I also struggled with atopic dermatitis [eczema], at age 16. After using several steroid creams, herbal salves etc., I explored homeopathic medicine and I had wonderful success while living in Europe. I was studying music in Italy in my mid-20s and I also had a background in philosophy. I remember one day, sitting on the beach, asking myself some hard questions about my future. What was it that I wanted? As soon as I contemplated homeopathic medicine, there was a weight that lifted from my shoulders. I returned to Canada, soon after, and applied to what is presently the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine, Toronto.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
Homeopathic philosophy, more precisely Dr Samuel Hahnemann’s The Organon of the Medical Art, Sixth Edition, fascinated me from the beginning — even before I embarked on my studies — what with Dr Hahnemann talking about concepts that resonated so deeply. Contemporary philosophers, like Foucault and Merleau-Ponty, only started talking about such concepts in the 1960s. I was able to see that this healing system truly navigated the whole person, which, thus, allows one to be cured — gently, safely and rapidly.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I have been very fortunate. I started my practice at the Hahnemann Homeopathique Centre, under Dr André Saine in Montreal, Québec, as soon as I finished my studies. After a few years of practice, I became a clinical supervisor at the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine, and I was also Chair of the Homeopathy Department at The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver. I did a Master’s of Science [MSc] in Integrated Health [UCLan, UK] with specialisation in Homeopathic Research, a programme designed for doctors and practitioners. I have had the privilege to expanding my practice and myself by having this foundational work and I have also looked closely at the intersection between ‘curing’ and ‘healing.’ I’ve now expanded my skillsets too by integrating transdermal glutathione with homeopathic medicine. On a day-to-day basis, I’m more in awe of homeopathic medicine and its holistic capabilities.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I have worked hard to follow Aphorism #6 of The Organon — and, what it takes to being a non-prejudiced observer. I feel it is one of the most difficult challenges in life, to leave our biases at the door. I do my best to practice this with every person I work with. I feel this has allowed me to navigate my protocols more accurately, but also, I hope, allowed the people I work with to feel more comfortable and safe. It is the toughest task. Also, taking an exceptional case is imperative, but dosing and potency are like navigating a complex dance sequence. It requires one to utilise the vast depths of the art and science that this healing modality offers.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
When we help reverse pathologies, it opens the space in oneself to go deeper, to peeling off the onion layers, as it were. This allows the individual to make decisions and choices from and with a clear perspective. Ideally, optimal wellness corresponds to reversing challenging presentations, healing one’s heart and returning to a place of wholeness.
Your ‘best’ case?
As long as I get good results, they are all good cases.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Well, if I have not accomplished good results, it simply means that I went sideways somewhere in my case. As Dr Saine articulates, “It’s not the medicine that doesn’t work, it’s the practitioner.”
What appeals to you the most?
Finding ongoing peace in myself.
What annoys you the most?
Being peri-menopausal and having to navigate my hormones and sleep at a whole new level.
Your favourite book?
Naturally, for this piece, it is The Organon of Medicine. Kunzli Edition.
Your favourite joke?
I wouldn’t say jokes are my forte, but being Jewish and fully ensconced in Jewish culture, it is widely known that we like to complain, worry about health and have a tendency to personal exaggeration. The Italian says, ‘I’m tired and thirsty. I must have wine.’ The Scotsman says, ‘I’m tired and thirsty. I must have Scotch.’ The Russian says, ‘I’m tired and thirsty. I must have vodka.’ The Jew says, ‘I’m tired and thirsty. I must have diabetes.’
Your favourite song?
I am a musician; I don’t have a favourite song. I just love many genres of music — contemporary classical, experimental, folk and Indie, to name a few.
Your favourite movie?
Raquel: A Marked Woman [2014] by Gabriela Böhm, the documentary filmmaker.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
I have no idea.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
I love being still and quiet, shooting basketball hoops, boxing, listening to music, playing music, cooking, enjoying awesome restaurants, travelling and hiking with my partner.
Your goal in life?
To live to my fullest potential in all areas of my life; to be the best person I can be in myself, and within my partnership; to exploring my many interests within my career, while not letting fear hold me back; and, to fully reconnoitring my spiritual self to come to deeper places of trust and peace.
