What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine that was founded in the early 19th century by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It had its greatest popularity in the late 19th century, during which time about 15% of all medical doctors were homeopaths. In many other European countries this percentage was similar. However, with the advent of modern medicine, homeopathy was touted as "old and stodgy" by practitioners of conventional medicine and its popularity took a nosedive. This trend has reversed recently and since 1980 homeopathy is experiencing a strong resurgence of interest in the U.S., the U.K., as well as many other countries.
Homeopathy rests on the principle "Like Cures Like." This means that a disease can be cured by a medicine that is capable of producing symptoms similar to those experienced by the patient in a healthy person. Therefore the most important part of homeopathic treatment lies in the lengthy interview which the homeopath conducts with the patient in order to determine all the symptoms which the patient is experiencing. The homeopath then decides which medicine to prescribe based on the closest match between the patient's symptoms and the known symptoms elicited by the medicine in a healthy body.
Does Homeopathy really work?
Millions of people worldwide who have used homeopathy say “Yes, it does!” With some simple guidance, you can help yourself and your family with daily health issues like cuts, bruises, fevers and minor infections. The best way to find out if homeopathy works is to try it for yourself. As homeopathy is very safe, we recommend you use it. For chronic or serious conditions, it is important that you contact a trained professional homeopath, as the process of prescribing at this level is complex.
What are sources of Homeopathic remedies?
Homeopathic remedies are prepared from vegetables, minerals, chemicals, animal products and nosodes.
- Vegetables: Allium cepa (onion), Asparagus.
- Animal Products: Lac Cal, Spongia.
- Minerals: Natrum mur (common salt), Ferrum met (iron), Kali sulph.
- Chemicals: Ars alb, Calcaria carb.
- Nosodes: Syphilinum, Medorrhinum.
How do Homeopathic remedies work?
Many symptoms we experience are results of one under lying cause. For example, pain, swelling, redness could be results of an infection or by some irritation. Homeopathic stimulates the body's own healing power, unlike other systems which interfere in body's process of healing to remove the underlying cause. Examples: Pain killers simply stop the message transmission to brain without removing the real problem which is cause of the pain. cough suppressants stop expulsion of phlegm (but gets accumulated in lungs makes more potential environment for bacteria), Homeopathic remedies completely cure the underlying cause without side effects.
How fast Homeopathic remedies can act?
Homeopathic remedies start working immediately after it is taken. Often, people suffering from headache find relief within minutes. It may take a while to get complete cure depending on the condition of the individual. Most individuals with acute conditions like fever and cold find relief in one or two days. In chronic conditions, people start feeling better in few days. As chronic conditions develop over a period of time (asthma, arthritis, diabetes), and the cure should be brought by reversing the pathological changes, it may take longer time in certain cases. In case of arthritis, many people get tremendous relief within a couple of weeks.
What should I be aware of when taking Homeopathic Medication?
Homeopathic preparations are extremely safe to take because of their highly diluted form. 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.
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.
What’s the difference between Homeopathy and Naturopathy?
Naturopathic is a broad umbrella term for many natural healing therapeutics, such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, hyrdrotherapy, herbal medicine and nutrition.
Homeopathy looks at and treats the whole person and has a clearly defined goal of greater health. Health is an increase in freedom, creativity and being able to express yourself better.
Can homeopathy work in conjunction with conventional medicine?
Yes! The vast number of homeopathic patients are already under some sort of medical treatment. Homeopathy will still work for them, however, conventional medication may complicate the case. It may suppress the symptoms of the case making it more difficult to see a clear picture for prescribing. Homeopaths cannot recommend that patients discontinue their medications. Patients must seek their doctors advice in this regard.
Why should Homeopathy be first choice for health care?
Homeopathy should be first choice for health care because it acts quickly without causing any side effects. The homeopathic system which is proved on human beings is very effective in both acute and chronic conditions. It heals the problem from the root and establishes harmony in health. Besides healing the person, it improves the general resistance and avoids frequent visits to physicians for different problems. Homeopathic pills are sweet and every one especially kids love to eat. Homeopathic treatment can be started depending on signs and symptom without waiting for the diagnosing test results there by avoiding the deterioration of health and preventing further complications. Homeopathic remedies offer long lasting health.