Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine, which emphasizes the principle that the body can heal itself. By definition the term homeopathy translated means “treating like with like”. The term treating like with like suggests that those same things that can cause illness can also be used to cure the symptoms illness. Advocates of homeopathy indicate it works in both acute and chronic conditions.

The primary principle in the homeopathy model lies in the term “minute”. There are over 3000 minute substances and combinations of minute substances referred to as homeopathic remedies. Each of the remedies is typically referred to by an abbreviated name.

The “law of similars” in homeopathy states that a remedy can produce symptoms of illness in an otherwise healthy person, if administered in minute doses, and can cure similar symptoms in a person who is ill and who is displaying the symptoms.

How are remedies are created?

The process of establishing and developing a remedy is known as “provings”. The principle of provings is to give minute traces of the particular substance to healthy individuals. When a particular substance creates symptoms in a healthy person or persons and after verification with multiple testings (provings), the substance considered a remedy and labeled so. Thereafter, it can be used to treat the same symptoms in individuals who were ill.

The process of continually diluting by reducing the content in the substance is referred to as “potentization”. The process of potentization, which is the dilution of a substance, actually has the effect of increasing the substance potency. Originally a virgin supply of extract is created in the greatest degree of purity possible and is referred to as the “mother tincture”. The mother tincture is then diluted in many many varying degrees in the process of establishing potentization. As desired levels of dilution are established the material is stored in lactose tablets, and other substances and forms, which are consequently placed in dark bottles for storage and later use. The higher the degree of dilution, which indicates the level of dilution, the greater the potency.

The concept of minimum dose indicates that as the dosage is increasingly diluted, the curative properties are enhanced, and any side effects are eliminated. With the elimination of side effects safety is assured. Homeopathic remedies produced in this way are known to be safe, inexpensive, and can be used by children and adults. They can also the used on the pets of the family.

How does homeopathy work?

Homeopathy follows the principle of treating the whole person. The whole-person principle is an integral component in homeopathy. A homeopath studies the whole person including temperament, characteristics, traits, emotional and physical makeup, diet, and many other factors in order to establish and holistic profile of the individual.

Homeopaths believe that treating a condition works best by following the rules known as the “Laws Of Cure”.

These laws state the following:

The process of healing with use of a remedy begins at the top of the body and moves downward

The healing process works from the inside out

The healing process moves from major organs to minor organs

The holistic makeup of an individual is valuable inasmuch as it can be matched up with known remedies proven to be effective in individuals presenting characteristics matching the remedies profile.

Establishing individuals holistic make-up:

The process of establishing a holistic make-up for an individual involves a session of about an hour in which a complete list of questions is asked by the homeopath, and detailed answers are recorded. Once the homeopath has established a clear vision of a person’s makeup, which includes family and environmental surroundings he/she can now determine the best remedy to begin with. As symptoms changed over time the homeopath will change which remedy is to the used.

Typically, treatments last over period of one or two visits and sometimes longer. Changes in symptoms should be noticed in as early as several days from the time taking the remedy begins.

Contraindications and antidotes:

Homeopathic remedies have been found to be completely safe for everyone from children to the elderly. This includes all states in health. Caution should be exercised not to take remedies over a prolonged period of time, or for longer periods of time then recommended by a professional homeopath. Additional caution should be followed when taking remedies while under the care of other health-care professionals. All health-care professionals should be made aware that you are currently taking homeopathic remedies.

There are a number of everyday substances that have the ability to counteract the effect of a homeopathic remedy. While taking remedies, these substances should be avoided and they include: coffee, tobacco, alcohol, minty flavors, perfumy cosmetics, household cleaners with strong smells, and aromatherapy substances.

When should a person use homeopathy?

Homeopathy can be employed as a treatment for just about any known condition where there has been a remedy established. The remedy can be taken safely by anyone including babies during a period of time as needed and as recommended by a professional homeopath.

Containers of homeopathic remedies indicate the strength of the remedy on the label. Low potency is such as a 3 or 6 should be used for chronic long-term conditions. Higher potencies are labeled 30 or as much as 200 and should be used or can be used for acute conditions such the flu.

If a chosen remedy does not relieve symptoms in a short period of time, a person should stop taking it. Continuing to take a remedy that does not reduce or relieve symptoms can over an extended period of time actually cause the symptoms or make the symptom worse.

Conclusion

The growth of homeopathy is driven by multiple influences including the fact that there are no side effects and that the product is very safe to all individuals of all ages and in just about any health condition. Consumers are becoming increasing anxious over side effects and toxicity of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by physicians. They are opting to make decisions away from pharmaceutical products and toward alternative products including homeopathic remedies.