What is Homeopathy?
  By: WestCoastHomeopathicSociety

• What is Homeopathy?
• How Do the Remedies Work?
• What Can Homeopathy Treat?
• Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe?
• Can I Treat My Family or Pets?
• How Are Homeopathic Remedies Prepared?
• What Will a Homeopathic Practitioner Want to Know?
  

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 use 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 Similars or “like cures like”.

A simply 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 a 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 a single remedy that most closely matches your symptoms at a particular time and then waiting to observe your responses 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.

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 the 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 healthy 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 healthy 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 sets of symptoms, each requiring a 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. Homeopathic 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 breastfeeding.

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, insect 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.

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. 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).

What Will a Homeopathic Practitioner 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 might 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 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 to another remedy.

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This e-pamphlet article has been written by, and supplied by our affilate, The West Coast Homeopathic Society. Feel free to visit their website at www.wchs.info. For more information about homeopathy and WCHS activities, please phone (604) 803-9242 or email homeopathy@wchs.info. The West Coast Homeopathic Society is a non profit organization that seeks to promote public understanding and education of homeopathy. Membership in the society is open to anyone with an interest in our aims. (WCHS Membership fee: $30 Students & Friends, $60 practitioners, visit www.wchs.info for more information.)