What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural system of
medicine that uses highly diluted doses of substances to stimulate
the body's own healing mechanism. The uses of homeopathic
medicines - popularly known as remedies - is based on the
discovery that a natural substance is capable of curing the same
symptoms that it can cause. By studying the symptoms produced when
a healthy individual tests or "proves" a remedy,
homeopaths can determine which symptoms that remedy is capable of
curing. This is referred to as the Law of Similar or " like
cures like."
A simple example of this principle can
be seen with the common onion. Slicing an onion can cause symptoms
of burning and watery eyes, as well as sneezing and runny nose.
Many hayfever sufferers have found dramatic relief from their
burning, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose after taking the
homeopathic remedy Allium cepa (the remedy made from red
onion). Thus the substance that can cause symptoms can, as a
remedy, also cure them.
Classical homeopathy is based on the
selection of single remedy that most closely matches your symptoms
at a particular time and then waiting to observe your response
before administering another remedy. This method focuses on the
underlying disturbance or dis-ease that causes the symptoms,
rather than the symptoms themselves. Classical homeopathic
treatment is sometimes referred to as constitutional
prescribing.
History of Homeopathy References
to the basic principles of homeopathy are found in ancient
writings and in the traditions of native medicines. These
principles were rediscovered over 200 years ago by German
physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755 - 1843) who developed them into
the science that he called Homeopathy - from the Greek words
homoios (similar) and pathos (disease or
suffering). This new system of
healing quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond. Members of
Britain's Royal Family have used it since Queen Victoria's reign.
By the late 1800s, homeopathy had become one of the most popular
healthcare systems in North America, valued by both doctors and
families using home remedy kits. The
popularity of homeopathy declined with the advent of
pharmaceutical drugs and other modern therapies in the early 20th
century. In recent decades, however, many people have turned to
alternate forms of medicine to avoid side effects from
conventional treatment. Today, the number of people using
homeopathy is exploding throughout most parts of the world. It is
now an accepted form of medicine in many European and Latin
American countries, the UK, and India. Here in Canada, efforts are
currently under way to gain government recognition of homeopathy
as a distinct profession. How Are
Homeopathic Remedies Prepared? Remedies
are prepared from diluted substances such as plants, minerals, or
animal products, which are repeatedly diluted and succussed
(vigorously shaken). As this standardized process of dilution and
succussion continues, the remedy becomes more powerful. This
method is called potentization and it is the hallmark of all
homeopathic remedies. How Do The
Remedies Work? There is no
current scientific explanation for how these remedies work. Just
as Aspirin has been used as a painkiller for over 50 years while
scientists continue to study how it works, homeopathy continues to
be used successfully without a definitive explanation of the
process behind it. Yet the practical health benefits experienced
by millions of people and animals for over 200 years provide
convincing evidence that homeopathic remedies are effective. What
Can Homeopathy Treat? Homeopathy
can be effective in treating virtually any health issue - from
allergies to zoster (shingles) - regardless of whether the origin
is physical, mental, or emotional. Your diagnosis is much less
important than your unique symptoms. For example, ten people with
severe headaches can describe ten different remedy. By matching a
remedy to your particular symptoms, your homeopath is treating
you, not the disease. A well-chosen
homeopathic remedy can produce dramatic improvement in acute
conditions (e.g., viral infections and physical injuries) by
significantly reducing the intensity of symptoms and recovery
time. Many common children's complaints, such as bedwetting,
colic, diaper rash, earaches, nosebleeds, and teething, also
respond remarkably well to homeopathy. Homeopathy
treatment can be particularly useful in deep-seated, chronic
conditions that have developed over a long period of time,
frequently accompanied by a general deterioration of health. These
include almost all well-known medical conditions - from acne,
anxiety attacks, arthritis, and asthma to ulcers, varicose veins,
warts, and yeast infections, to name a few. Many women find that
homeopathy brings great relief during pregnancy and with menstrual
irregularities, PMS and menopause symptoms. Even
in advanced stages of pathology, in which cure may not be
possible, homeopathy can alleviate or reduce severe symptoms,
including pain, vomiting, anxiety, or fear. Are
Homeopathic Remedies Safe? Yes.
The extreme dilution used in the preparation of homeopathic
remedies renders them non-toxic and safe for everyone of all ages,
even during pregnancy and while breast feeding. What
Will a Homeopath Want to Know? An
initial interview with a classical homeopath will usually take up
to two hours. You will be asked for detailed information about
your physical, mental, and emotional health and your likes and
dislikes. This enables your homeopath to understand your unique
individuality. Of particular interest will be your reactions to
the external world, such as temperature, weather, food, etc. Your
homeopath will also search for factors that may have contributed
to or caused your illness, including stress, shock, traumas, or
perhaps family history. Your homeopath
may prescribe immediately or may study your case and supply a
remedy at a later date. a follow-up appointment to determine the
effectiveness of the remedy will usually be scheduled four to six
weeks after taking the remedy. Treatment of chronic diseases is a
process that takes time, especially when other medications are
involved. Your homeopath will require regular follow-up visits in
order to assess your reaction to your remedy and to decide whether
to repeat it, change its potency, or move on to another remedy. Can
I Treat My Family or Pets? You
can easily learn to treat simple first aid conditions on your own,
such as cuts and burns, sprains and strains, insects bites and
stings, and much more. You can also learn how to use homeopathy
for minor acute conditions ranging from common colds to
constipation, from indigestion to insomnia, from mastitis to
morning sickness, from toothaches to travel sickness. Before
using homeopathic products, it is most important to understand the
basic principles of homeopathy and how to select the correct
remedies and potencies. You also will need to learn to recognize
those conditions that can be safely treated at home and those
requiring professional homeopathic or conventional medical care.
When administered correctly, homeopathy is a gentle, safe, and
inexpensive method of health care for humans and animals alike.
You should not, however, attempt to treat any serious or persistent
conditions yourself, and if a minor complaint does not
respond to your treatment, you should always seek professional
help.
|
German Complexes 