Homeopathic medicine is a
natural pharmaceutical science that uses various plants, minerals or animals in
very small dose to stimulate the sick person's natural defenses.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars. The
truth of this law has been verified experimentally and clinically for the last
200 years.
In 1796 a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to
the cure of the sick which he called homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning
'similar suffering'), Law of Similar.
Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier he realized that there were two ways
of treating ill health, the way of opposites and the way of similars.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the observation that high doses of
pharmacologically active substances cause symptoms when administered to healthy
individuals. These same substances, when prepared in very dilute form, relieve
similar symptoms in conditions resulting from different etiologies.
The medicines are individually chosen for their ability to cause in overdose the
similar symptoms the person is experiencing. "Homoios" in Greek means similar
and "pathos" means disease . Since one's symptoms are actually efforts of the
organism to reestablish homeostasis or balance, it is logical to seek a
substance that would, in overdose, cause the similar symptoms the person is
experiencing.
The medicines, thus, go with, rather than against, the person's natural
defenses.
Unlike dietary supplements, homeopathic drugs are subject to the Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act and regulations issued by FDA.
How to start homeopathic treatment?
Homeopathy is an effective and scientific system of healing which assists the
natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognises that all symptoms of
ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is
the patient who needs treatment not the disease.
What are homeopathic remedies?
The remedies which homeopaths use come from many different sources. Most are
derived from plants, but minerals, metals and some poisons which have been used
medicinally for generations, are also used. There are more than 2500 different
remedies.
After initial preparation of the raw material the remedies are made by serial
dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) in a solution of alcohol and water.
This is done a few (three to four) times or up to many thousands of times. The
liquid dilution is then used itself as a remedy or soaked into tablets or
granules for convenience.
The diluted remedies are described as being 'potentized', in recognition of the
dynamic healing power they can stimulate.
How does homeopathic remedy work?
Frequently the dilution is so great that no chemical trace of the original
substance remains but, if no chemical trace remains, how do the remedies work?
A precise answer is likely to be found outside the chemistry laboratory in the
field of physics, especially electro-magnetism. The process of dilution and
succussion apparently imprints the characteristic energy pattern, or blueprint,
of the original substance onto the water in which it is diluted. This may be
likened to the transmission of television signals, where the original scene is
converted into an electro-magnetic energy pattern (a signal) which can then be
broadcast to your receiver.
There is abundant proof that the remedies do work but homeopaths and scientists
have yet to discover exactly why they work.
A homeopathic remedy acts as a signal which energizes or stimulates the body's
self-healing powers, mobilizing the defense systems and working on the mental,
emotional and physical aspects of the body.
What does “minimal dose “mean?
Homeopathy is gentle and subtle, or the principle of the minimum dose
In homeopathy, usually only one remedy (or signal) is used at a time. Just as a
television reproduces only the programmer to which it is tuned, so a sick person
is very sensitive to, or 'tuned-in' to, the correct remedy and only a minute
stimulus from the right signal (or remedy) is required.
This is sometimes called the principle of the minimum dose. The idea is to cure
with the minimum amount of medicine and the minimum of intervention.
It is the body's energy which is influenced rather than its chemical balance,
and the remedies do not cause side effects, as there is no chemical trace to
accumulate in the body's tissues.
For the same reasons it is not possible to take an overdose of homeopathic
medicine in the same way as in orthodox medicine (orthodox medicine works on a
chemical level).
Homeopathic medicines are not therefore intrinsically dangerous. Nonetheless,
they are clearly capable of stimulating the body's reactive forces powerfully
and should be treated with respect.
Are there any side effects to Homeopathy medicines?
Homeopathic remedies cannot cause side effects and you cannot become addicted to
them.
This is because only a very minute amount of the active ingredient is used in a
specially prepared form. Your homeopath will give you a homeopathic medicine or
remedy which matches your symptoms as you experience them. This also takes
account of you as a person - your individual characteristics emotionally as well
as physically
How are the remedies prescribed?
The selection of any homeopathic remedy is made on the totality of the symptoms
presented by the patient. Any remedy may be used for any condition if the
symptoms generated by the the remedy match the symptoms experienced by the
patient.
Remedies may be prescribed in a number of different strengths, or potencies as
they are called.
The lower potencies have been subjected to less dilution and succussion than the
higher ones and are not, broadly speaking, as powerful and long-lasting in their
effects. It is the low potencies such as the sixth (e.g. Arnica 6) which are to
be found on sale in many chemists and health food shops.
High potency remedies are usually prescribed by experienced qualified homeopaths
and has a powerful and long-lasting in their effects.
Remedies can also be prescribed in different ways.
Sometimes they are given as a single dose in a high potency ,when it is likely
that homeopath and patient will wait for a period of weeks to see the patient's
response.
A remedy can also be given in a lower potency, singly or repeated daily or more
frequently. The homeopath will choose the method to suit the patient and the
nature of the illness. For instance, a person who has been ill for a long time
and whose body has been physically damaged may need repeated doses of a remedy
to stimulate the re-cuperative powers.
A young and basically healthy person may respond very quickly to a single high
potency remedy. Individual patients also respond better to some methods than
others; understanding this is part of the skill of the homeopath and explains
why attempts to prescribe for oneself may prove ineffective
What your Homeopath Physician need to know about you?
The patient may not realize the relevance of some of the questions being asked.
It may appear that the homeopath is interested in matters which have little to
do with the particular complaint about which the patient is most concerned.
Homeopaths understand that symptoms of illness are evidence of the body's
natural and automatic efforts to heal itself and these clues are used to guide
them when prescribing a homeopathic remedy.
A detailed understanding of who you are, along with any complaints and details
of how you experience them, is needed to assess your case correctly. So anything
you can tell your homeopath that is typical of who you are (personality traits,
character) will help this process. Finding out about your general energy level,
your past medical history and the way you live are also important to clear
understanding of the whole picture of the patient's state of health.
Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence.
What will the treatment be like?
Your homeopath will give you a homeopathic remedy, usually in the form of a
tablets , pellets, occasionally as powders, which should be allowed to dissolve
in your mouth; or you may be given a liquid remedy with instructions.
Nothing else should be put in the mouth for 30 minutes before or after taking
the tablet, not even toothpaste or cigarettes. Your homeopath will usually
advise you to avoid coffee, peppermint and preparations containing menthol,
eucalyptus and camphor, as these can interfere with the action of the
homeopathic remedy. Do make sure that you understand the instructions before you
leave.
If you are given homeopathic remedies to take at a later date be sure to store
them in a cool dark place, away from anything with a strong smell.
If you travel try to avoid putting the remedies through the X-ray scanner.
Please tell your homeopath about any medicine or supplement that has been
prescribed for you by your doctor or that you take regularly. Also mention any
recent or immediate dental treatment. These may possibly interfere with your
homeopathic prescription.
If you are taking a homeopathic remedy and you feel that you need to take
additional medication - consult with your homeopath to discuss how this might
affect your homeopathic treatment. Your homeopath can give first-aid advice, if
necessary. If you develop a cold, headache, or any symptoms that concern you,
please discuss them with your homeopath.
Can Homeopathic remedies be used alongside to conventional drugs?
It is possible to take them together, though the homeopathic medicines often
work fast and well enough that the person does not need to take conventional
drugs. Some conventional medicines, however, are so strong that they inhibit any
action of the homeopathic medicine. In such situations the individual must
decide if he or she wishes to use the conventional or homeopathic medicine
What will happen once treatment starts?
After taking your remedy you may notice some changes.Because Homeopathy cures
from the inside to outside direction some purging symptoms can appear.
Some patients experience a period of exceptional well being and optimism.
Sometimes your symptoms can appear to get worse for a short time. This is a good
sign that the remedy is taking effect. Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of
discharge may appear as a 'spring cleaning' effect which means your system is
going through a clearing out stage.
Similarly, old symptoms can reappear, usually for a short period. These symptoms
will pass, and must not be treated as they are a very important part of the
healing process.
If any response to your treatment concerns you, do contact your homeopath as
soon as you can, as it is important to know what happens as treatment
progresses. You might also want to make notes of any changes and take them with
you to discuss at your next
How long does treatment take ?
The treatment time depends on the nature and severity of the case. Usually acute
cases respond earlier whereas chronic cases take time
So it is not realistic for your homeopath to assess this until it can be seen
how you respond to the remedies prescribed over some time. It is possible to say
that a slowly developing complaint, or one that has been experienced for some
years, will not disappear immediately although there may be a response and some
improvement quite soon. Other acute complaints may get better more quickly.
Homeopathy cures from the inside, and often outer symptoms such as a skin
complaint, are the last to clear. Be patient! In the long term it is much better
for you to be cured of both the cause of your illness and its symptoms, rather
than merely relieving or suppressing the symptoms. Remember that every case is
different, and no two patients are alike.
How to take homeopathic medicine?
It is very simple. No bad tastes, no large quantities. Generally, it is taken in
the following manner.
If your medicine is in the shape of tablets or powder, it should be dissolved
under the tongue in a clean mouth.
If your medicine is in the shape of drops, it should be taken in about 1/2 cup
of plain water.
It is preferable to have a mouthwash with plain water before taking the
medicine, especially if you are a smoker.
Avoid. smoking, eating or drinking any thing (except plain water if necessary)
soon after taking the medicine should be Homeopathic medicine shouldn’t be taken
less than 30 minutes before meals or an hour after.
Try to avoid touching the tablets by hand.
What precautions should I have during the Homeopathic treatment?
Homeopathic medicines are quite effective but there are some precautions that
should be taken for better results.
Generally, any thing that contains Caffeine, Coca (e.g. Coca-Cola), Menthol,
Camphor, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, excessive Salt etc. should be avoided because
these may antidote the effects of some homeopathic medicines. Coffee is one item
that should be avoided in most of the cases.
How to store the Homeopathic medicines?
Homeopathic medicines have a long storage life. If they are in the form of
liquid, made in alcohol, the life will be as much as the life of alcohol. Mother
tinctures prepared in water have shorter shelf life.
Glass bottles should not be stored in strong light. They must specially be kept
away from sunlight.
Should be kept away from strong smelling items like perfumes etc. Never store
them in your kitchen (which has maximum variety of smells). Even if the bottle
is airtight, it should preferably be stored cautiously.
It is not necessary to keep homeopathic medicines in a refrigerator. They should
preferably be kept at normal room temperature.
Avoid placing them near a TV set, computer, cell phone or other such gadget that
emits rays. The rays will damage the delicate nature of the medicines and
destroy their efficacy.
If you travel , avoid putting the remedies through the x-ray scanner. The
remedies can be inactivated.
Is homeopathy the same as vaccination?
The Law of Similars (that which makes sick shall heal) principle of homeopathy
is often compared to vaccination.
Vaccines introduce a small amount of the weakened virus or bacterium related to
a disease into the body in order to raise the body's immune response against
that disease.
However, homeopathy is quite different because homeopathic remedies are
extremely diluted and therefore no diseased material (biological or chemical
trace) is introduced into the body.
Another fundamental difference is that a homeopathic prescription is specific to
that particular patient and stimulates the body's immune system to be
strengthened against all illness, not just a single disease.
What is individual prescription and individual response means?
After taking a homeopathic remedy, different patients respond in different ways.
While some feel an immediate surge of well-being such as they have rarely felt
before, others may suddenly feel very tired at first and need to rest for a day
or so before improvement - this often happens with patients who have been under
stress and who really do need to stop and recover.
Sometimes the original symptoms temporarily become worse, or patients may
experience a brief awareness of symptoms of illnesses they have had in the past
and from which they have not truly recovered.
All these reactions are indications that the remedy is working and that a
process of self-healing has begun. Sometimes these responses are quite subtle
and may pass unnoticed, while at other times they can be quite marked.
What are self-healing powers?
Since medicine began it has been recognized that there is a capacity for
self-healing within the human organism.
In acute illnesses such as colds, chicken pox etc., the body naturally resists
infection and, in time, gets better through mobilizing its own defences, helped
by rest, fresh air and the right food.
In more long-lasting chronic illnesses, such as repeated migraine or depression,
the body's vitality is often too depleted to do this without assistance. In
these cases the right remedy will stimulate the body's self-healing powers to
start the process of cure.
Over many years this self-healing power has been given various names in
different cultures. It has been called prana in India, chi in China and the
vital force in Europe. Researchers have attempted to localize it in what is
called, in modern medical terminology, the immune system. It is not yet
completely clear to anyone what exactly it is in us that heals disease, though
we often see demonstrations of its power.
The potential of homeopathy
Health care everywhere is undergoing great change as many people realize that
there is more to health than being physically fit and well fed. Innovative
techniques in surgery and 'miracle' drugs improve many lives but continuing
chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, arthritis, cancer, allergies,
emotional and mental disturbance, are the fate of many more. Homeopathy has a
great deal to offer. With this different approach to illness, a homeopath can
often help patients with diseases generally considered incurable by conventional
medicine.
Homeopathy - medicine of the 21st century
Homeopathy also offers a method of maintaining health and preventing illness. It
is a subtle but effective therapy that can correct small imbalances long before
the appearance of the more serious symptoms which denote a particular disease.
It is not necessary for a homeopath to wait for a conventional diagnosis before
treatment can commence. Much illness can be 'nipped in the bud' and the patient
swiftly restored to health before a more serious disease appears.
People who have had homeopathic treatment generally find that their state of
health and well-being has improved. They are better able to resist infection and
have a greater sense of stability and individual purpose in life. These
improvements surely are steps towards real health.