What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a medical system that
respects the wisdom of the body.
It is an approach that utilizes medicines that stimulate the body's
own vitality and defence system to initiate the healing
process.
People who have had homoeopathic treatment generally find that
their state of health and well-being has improved.
They are better able to resist infection and have a greater sense
of stability and individual purpose in life.
Homoeopathy has been established for about 200 years. The
founder, Dr Samuel Hahnemann showed that a substance, which
produces symptoms in a healthy person, could be used to treat an
ill person suffering from similar symptoms -
“Similia Similibus Curenter” “Like can cure Like”.
A homoeopathic remedy, when prescribed, must match your symptoms as
you experience them. This also takes account of you as a
person with your individual physical and emotional
characteristics.
Remedies are derived from a variety of natural materials including
plants and minerals and are prepared in licensed laboratories under
strict quality control.
They are given in tablet, granules or powder form, and are
available in different but extremely dilute strengths,
which are identified by a potency number.
Homoeopathic remedies cannot cause side effects and you cannot
become addicted to them. This is because only a very minute
amount of the active ingredient is used in a specially prepared
form.
Homeopaths assess which remedy is appropriate by conducting a very
thorough interview. During this consultation, the homeopath will
spend 1-2 hours gathering information in order to match the
patient’s «disease» with one of the homeopathic «drug
pictures.»
When the remedy is correct, the client may quickly experience an
improved sense of well being and the eventual resolution of disease
symptoms.
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, natural
substances which have no side effects. Homeopathy is safe to
use when other types of treatments may not be recommended, such as
in the case of newborn and during pregnancy.
Traditionally, a homeopathic remedy is prescribed in the form of
pills that should be allowed to dissolve under the tongue for
greatest absorption.
Patients should refrain from ingesting anything for at least 1/2
hours after taking the medication.
Your will usually advised to refrain from any strong
smelling substances while undergoing homeopathic treatment because
such substances lessen the effect of the remedy. Tea, coffee,
peppermint, eucalyptus oil, camphor or menthol products are some
examples of the same.
Store all remedies in cool dark places and well away from anything
with a strong smell.
Conditions amenable to homeopathic treatment include anything that
does not involve destroyed tissue. For example, asthma, which is an
inflammatory condition, can usually be treated; Whereas, emphysema,
which is the destruction of lung cells, would not be expected to
respond. It may however, be reasonable to try homeopathy even in
the cases of irreversible pathology as it frequently offers
palliation.
Here is a brief overview of a few of the things homeopathy has
successfully addressed: inflammatory conditions, auto-immune
diseases, ulcers, headaches, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic
fatigue, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, viral syndromes,
chronic ear infections, menopausal
symptoms, eczema and many more.
Integrated Medicine
An integrative approach in which conventional
treatments and homeopathic medicines are used can be highly
beneficial in the treatment of numerous conditions. Childbirth
presents many opportunities for integrative medicine.
While the use of homeopathic medicines can sometimes prevent the
need for surgery, homeopaths acknowledge that surgery is sometimes
necessary.
When surgery is medically indicated, using homeopathic medicines
before, during, and after the procedure can help the patient
recover more rapidly.
