Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy
Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years and its methods are based on centuries of research and development. Just because you may have only recently heard about it, do not dismiss homeopathy as a “new age” or “sixties culture” trend. As more objective academic studies are conducted, Homeopathic remedies are increasingly being recognised as worthwhile treatments.
The science of Homeopathy began in the late 1700’s, when the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann discovered that illness is not limited to physical issues, but is a combination of problems created by physical, mental and emotional issues. He founded the practice of Homoeopathy (from the Greek words homoeo = ‘similar’ and pathos = ‘suffering’). It is built on the philosophy of “Let likes cure likes” (Similia Similibus Curentur).
Homeopathy is the gentle and effective treatment alternative. Its remedies are mainly obtained from natural sources which are converted into sub-molecular preparations by a process called “potentisation”. This increases the healing effect of the original substance and removes any toxicity. This is an activating process involving dilution and succussion (shaking) which makes the remedies non-toxic and free from side effects.
Homeopathic remedies are free of chemical side-effects, but the standard precautions need to be taken against individual sensitivities. They do not poison, will not interact with other medications, and are non-addictive. They are safe for people of all ages including babies, the elderly and the pregnant. Homeopathic remedies can even be used with animals and plants.
Homeopathy is effective for both acute and chronic problems. The correct remedy can resolve deep-seated complaints such as arthritic, digestive, and respiratory disorders just as easily as minor ones like headaches, hay fever, and the discomfort of teething.
Mental and emotional problems such as lack of confidence, depression, panic-attacks, and children’s behavioral disorders also respond well to homeopathy. It truly is a remarkable system of healing.
Homoeopathy places its emphasis on the individual’s unique experience of symptoms. There is not simply one remedy for a particular illness, but rather one from a range of remedies is chosen, based on each patient’s variation of the illness. This is why patients are often asked questions relating to lifestyle, temperament, likes and dislikes and family issues as well as considering medical history and the current symptoms. Homoeopathy uses all this information to find a correct remedy.
When the correct remedy has been selected, the patient not only experiences the disappearance of symptoms, but an improvement in their general wellbeing – physically and emotionally. Homoeopathic remedies are provided in either pill or drop form in doses depending upon the patient’s need. These remedies have been prepared in a specific way by a process called “potentisation”.
How does Homeopathy work?
Because Homoeopathy considers the physical, mental and emotional symptoms, it brings together all aspects of your state of health, creating individualised remedies. Finding the correct remedy uses the principle of “Let likes cure likes” (Similia Similibus Curentur). For example cutting onions will produce streaming eyes and nose (usually lots of hot, clear fluid), and red eyes and nose. This is the “picture” of the remedy alium cepa. If we gave this remedy to a healthy person, h/she would display the symptoms of cutting the onions. If you visit your homoeopath with these symptoms, you would be given alium cepa as the correct remedy to take – like cures like.
Another principle homoeopathy is based on is the “minimal dose”. This means we only want you to take the fewest number of doses to get you well. As soon as an improvement is seen, the number of doses you take is reduced.
Contact Harmony Health Natural Therapies Clinic for more information about Homoeopathy or to make an appointment.
Be sure to also check out our pages on Homeopathy & the Law, and Homeopathy Research for further information.
