What is Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy? It is an alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used most often in very small amounts, restores health. It is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicines to start the healing response. Homeopathic remedies seem especially effective for people with chronic diseases.
Homeopathy focuses on the individual and their symptoms to bring long lasting benefits, wellness and happiness. Therapy is based on the “Law of Similarity” known as treating “like with like”. The remedies are highly diluted natural substances and have been used throughout the world for more than 200 years. Homeopathy remedies can be safely used along with most conventional medicines.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from the plant, mineral and animal origins. They stimulate the body, giving it a gentle boost of natural energy for healing. There is no danger of addiction or toxicity and the remedies are considered very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients.
Homeopathic remedies work on all systems of the body with mental, physical and emotional guiding symptoms listed in the order of importance:
• Emotional
• Mental
• Physical
Homeopathic remedies can treat a wide range of symptoms:
• sore throats, toothaches, acute fevers
• chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma
• anxiety, mild depression, chronic fatigue syndrome
What is homeopathy repertory? Homeopathic practitioners use a repertory, an index of symptoms that explores the remedies for a particular symptom and lists the remedy for each symptom. Repertories are often extensive and may include data from clinical experience and “provings”.
What is homeopathy materia medica? A compilation of reports of many homeopathic “provings” is known as a homeopathy materia medica. This listing contains commonly used homeopathic single remedies and lists symptoms that fit each remedy. The catalog assists the homeopath in finding just the right remedy for each individual patient.
What is homeopathy practitioner's part in the patient's healing? A homeopath takes time to listen to a patient’s emotional and physical symptoms and chooses a remedy closest to the individual symptom picture. The remedy stimulates the body’s own natural healing process and strengthens the immune system, without danger of side effects.
Homeopathic remedies and conventional medicine may work together. Remedies do not interact with other medicines and do not have side effects. However, it is advised to have a health care provider closely monitor the situation.
What is the Homeopathy industry standard in the United States? The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States establishes good industry standards and manufacturing procedures in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to the overwhelming safety record of the homeopathic approach and extreme dilutions, the FDA does not use the same standards for approval of homeopathic medicines as it does for conventional drugs.
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The Homeopathy
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is a 200 year old medical system that involves using extremely diluted substances of mineral, animal or vegetable origin to stimulate a healing response. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, developed this new approach to treating illnesses in the late 1700s.
THE HOMEOPATHY
The trained practitioner of homeopathy, called a homeopath, conducts an extensive interview with the patient. He/she will study the entire emotional, physical and mental picture. Based on those findings, the homeopathy matches the remedy that will support healing in the body. Most homeopathy practitioners have three or four years of training, including case analysis experience where they learn to finely tune the skill of matching remedies to specific symptoms. Most naturopathic colleges offer programs in homeopathy. Many homeopathic practitioners are also Medical Doctors (MD), chiropractors, Naturopathic Doctors (ND), and doctors of osteopathy.
CHOOSING A HOMEOPATHY
When looking for a homeopathy, choose one you feel comfortable enough to share your detailed medical history with. You should also feel confident that the homeopathy will take your health issues seriously.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• How long will the initial consultation last?
• How much does a session cost?
• How many follow up treatments do you anticipate I will need?
• Are you qualified to give medical advice?
• How long will I need to continue homeopathy treatments?
• How often will I need to take a dose of the remedy?
• Can you give me examples of patients you’ve treated and their recovery using homeopathy?
• How will I know a homeopathic remedy is working?
• Why do you need to ask so many unrelated aspects of my habits and health?
TYPES OF CONDITIONS BEST TREATED BY HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is widely used to treat behavioral problems such as ADD (attention deficit disorder), anxiety and depression. Safe, nontoxic homeopathy can be used short term for acute illnesses such as flu, cold, respiratory infection and headache. Other chronic illnesses such as eczema, menopausal problems, PMS, allergies, insomnia, heel spurs, migraines, autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis respond well to homeopathy medicine. Some of the newest combinations of remedies treat restless leg syndrome, leg cramps, earaches, seasonal allergies, and diaper rash.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homeopathic remedies are based upon the “Law of Similars”. A medicine that produces a set of symptoms in a healthy person will cure the same. The homeopathy takes each symptom into consideration and recommends a “remedy”. Unlike conventional medicines that attempt to suppress the symptoms without the body healing, the homeopathy administers homeopathic medicines that do not have side effects. Rather, they work gently with the body to produce balance and healing.
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