|
Since no two individuals express any one illness the same way,
Homeopathy treats the individual and the uniqueness of their symptoms,
rather than the disease itself.
Homeopathy promotes health by stimulating the body's natural healing
capacity. A homeopath understands that a person’s physiological,
psychological and emotional make-up are intimately connected and
that the symptoms of disease are evidence of disharmony in the whole
body. It is this disharmony that is treated using all natural remedies
that help restore physical, mental and emotional elements to a regenerative
state.
By interviewing the patient prior to treatment, a homeopath can
determine all the physical, mental and emotional symptoms the patient
is experiencing and the conditions which ease or worsen the symptoms.
With this information, the homeopath can determine which remedy
will restore balance. Remedies are prepared based on matching the
patient's symptoms with the known symptoms elicited by the medicine
in a healthy body. Homeopathic preparations are unobtrusive and
are so diluted it can be said that they work at the level of energy
not matter.
Homeopathy FAQ
Where did Homeopathy originate?
Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine that was founded
in 1796 by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann because he was
unhappy with the healing practices of the day. Many prescribed treatments
were as damaging as the disease itself. It reached great popularity
in the late 19th century, during which time about 15% of all medical
doctors were homeopaths. Homeopathy became less practiced with the
advent of modern medicine, however since 1980 homeopathy has been
experiencing a strong resurgence in much of the world.
How does Homeopathy work?
Homeopathy promotes health by stimulating the body's natural healing
capacity using all natural remedies. Homeopathy rests on the principle
that "Like Cures Like." This means that an injury, disease,
or condition can be treated successfully by a medicine that might
otherwise cause a healthy person to experience symptoms similar
to those experienced by the patient.
Is Homeopathy Safe?
Because homeopathic remedies are diluted to the point of energy,
not matter, they are very safe. Homeopathic remedies have no side
effects, they are non-addictive and you cannot overdose on the medication.
Homeopathic remedies can also be taken safely with orthodox medications
with out any chemical interactions.
What are Homeopathic remedies?
Homeopathic remedies are all natural, prepared from plant, mineral
and animal substances. These substances are subjected to a special
procedure designed to bring out its medicinal properties. Homeopathic
remedies can be prepared in liquid, tablet, and globuli form. Tablets
and globuli are made of impregnated milk sugar, whereas liquid preparations
are diluted in water with some amount of alcohol added as a preservative.
How do I find the right remedy for me?
The key to finding the right homeopathic remedy is individualization.
By conducting a thorough interview, a homeopath gathers information
on all the symptoms experienced by the patient, including those
seemingly unrelated to the injury, condition, or disease. This includes
your emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. Based on this information,
the homeopath can prescribe a remedy specifically for you.
What precautions should I take?
Homeopathic preparations are extremely safe. Nonetheless, frequent
repetition of a dose without the advice of a professional is not
recommended. Remedies should not be taken together with food because
this might interfere with their absorption. Take them at least 30
minutes before or after eating or drinking and let them dissolve
in the mouth. Your homeopath will give you more specific instructions
if necessary.
What can I expect to happen when I take my remedy?
Sometimes an initial worsening of your symptoms can occur. This
initial aggravation is usually a good sign and signifies that your
body is responding to the remedy. Although the physical symptoms
might get worse for a short period of time, you as a whole will
start to feel better almost immediately. The aggravation will subside
quickly, followed by the recovery.
How fast do Homeopathic remedies work?
It depends on the nature of your illness (acute or chronic, long
standing or recent, etc.), your constitution, and the specific remedy
given. In acute cases often times relief can be felt a few minutes
after taking the remedy and the first dose can cure the illness
completely. Chronic cases take longer to respond and a full course
of treatment may take many months.
Is Homeopathy covered by my insurance company?
Homeopathy is covered by some insurance companies. The following
insurance companies cover up to $500/year (as of April 2003): Johnson
Insurance, Great West Life, Standard Life, Liberty Mutual, Manulife,
Green Shield, Crown Insurance. Check with your insurance company
for any applicable terms and conditions.
Where can I learn more information?
Books about homeopathy are available in many health food stores
and book stores. A list of some of the most common ones is given
below:
Miranda Castro, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook
An introduction to the history and philosophy of homeopathy.
Steven Cummings and Dana Ullman, Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic
Medicine
This book covers homeopathic history, principles, and practical
methodology along with home care measures and appropriate homeopathic
medicines for a wide variety of acute conditions.
Dana Ullman, Homeopathic Medicine for the 21st Century
A practical reference book on Homeopathic Medicine
George Vithoulkas, Homeopathy: Medicine of the New Man
An introduction to homeopathic philosophy.
Richard Moskowitz, Homeopathic Medicine for Pregnancy And Childbirth
Gerhard Koehler, The Handbook of Homeopathy - It's Principle
And Practice
This advanced book covers homeopathy thoroughly.
Samuel Hahnemann, The Organon of Medicine, 6th Ed.
Contains the principles of homeopathy as its founder, Samuel Hahnemann.
|
