Homeopathy is a holistic system of medical practice using natural remedies to treat individuals suffering from illness. Homeopaths approach each individual holistically – taking into account physical, emotional and genetic traits when providing treatment plans.
Homeopathy’s guiding principle is that “like cures like.” This belief stems from the understanding that substances which cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals may also help alleviate them in sick individuals.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine designed to promote healing within an individual. A remedy is selected based on their physical, emotional and mental symptoms – as well as factors like lifestyle choices, diet and environment.
Homeopathic medicines are composed of various substances, such as herbs and plants, minerals and snake venom. Once mixed together, they are repeatedly diluted until nearly none of the original substance remains, before vigorous shaking increases its potency and effectiveness as a remedy.
Homeopathy’s “like cures like” principle is not widely accepted by mainstream science, nor does it abide by long-established physical principles. In 2010, the House of Commons Committee on Science and Technology reported this theory was “theoretically weak” and did not fit with “settled views of medical science”.
Homeopathic products should not be seen as FDA-approved drugs, but as complementary therapies used alongside traditional health care treatments. You should avoid using homeopathy products to treat serious diseases or conditions, like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Due to these considerations, the FDA advises consumers to consult their physician or health care professional regarding effective treatments for their disease or condition and consult their provider or pharmacist prior to using any new drug or supplement.
Many individuals find that taking a more natural approach to healthcare can help them feel better. This can especially be true if they’re currently taking other medication or are dissatisfied with the results of medical treatments.
Homeopaths use symptoms and medical information gathered during an assessment visit to identify any contributing factors for the condition they are treating, such as diet, lifestyle choices and emotions that might have led to it. They will refer to books called repertories to select an effective remedy that fits best for each individual case.
Homeopaths typically offer an assortment of medicines that may work well for different patients; the key is listening to your body and finding what combination will best serve it. Finding what works for you may take some trial-and-error; with professional guidance and support from homeopaths it may prove more fruitful.
Why is Homeopathy Effective?
Homeopathy’s key principle, known as the ‘like cures like’ principle, explains how homeopathic remedies may work for similar symptoms in healthy people as they do for those suffering from an underlying illness. If one remedy proves successful for one symptom in healthy people it will also work against that similar symptom in someone with that underlying condition.
This principle can be applied to a wide range of conditions, from common colds and flu to serious traumas or illnesses. According to studies conducted, homeopathic medicines have proven just as effective at relieving certain forms of pain than pharmaceutical alternatives.
As they are diluted, homeopathic medicines don’t produce the side effects commonly associated with conventional drugs. You may experience temporary discomfort from taking homeopathic medicines; this is known as an aggravation and actually represents your body trying to restore balance and restore wellness.
As with any form of medical treatment, it is crucial that you notify your physician if you decide to try alternative medicines like homeopathy in order for them to monitor your progress and ensure you don’t put your health at risk. When treating serious, chronic, or life-threatening illness without first consulting with a registered homeopathy practitioner.
Homeopathic medicines work effectively because they work in synergy with your body’s own natural healing mechanisms. Our philosophy of “like cures like” allows us to view health symptoms as expressions of vital energy within you.
Homeopathy differs from conventional or allopathic medicine in that it works against disease using “anti” drugs, often with unwanted side effects. A qualified homeopath practitioner knows when and how best to combine conventional and homeopathic treatments, in order to find the most appropriate therapy solution for each individual case.
Homeopathy medicine is typically prepared through repeated diluting and shaking (known as potentisation), believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers and render the medicine effective at stimulating them. This process continues until almost none of the original substance remains.
Homeopathic medicines have some evidence of effectiveness; however, more research needs to be conducted in order to fully ascertain this claim. Homeopathic remedies should never be used instead of vaccines due to possible safety concerns posed by doing so, particularly among young children who cannot receive vaccinations yet.
How Does Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathy is an ancient system of natural medicine that employs plant or mineral-based substances to treat various illnesses. A homeopath dilutes each substance to its prescribed potency; then blends it with water or alcohol to produce a homeopathic tincture (liquid extract of original ingredient).
Homeopaths employ two key principles in choosing remedies for their patients. One principle is “like cures like” or the Law of Similars; this states that if a substance causes certain symptoms, small doses could possibly help remedy them.
The second method, “the minimum dose,” requires only minimal amounts to start off with, gradually increasing over time until no trace remains in the final remedy. Most homeopathic medication are diluted until there is no trace of original material remaining within.
Homeopathy’s core principles – among many others – have been used by people both East and West for centuries, making an argument for its use as an effective natural treatment option. Although they don’t necessarily correspond with long-held principles in medical science, homeopathy still makes an appealing case.
Homeopathic doctors assess a patient’s overall health, habits and emotional state to select an effective remedy. This often includes discussing lifestyle factors like diet, relationships, stress levels and any symptoms they are currently experiencing.
Homeopaths typically ask questions about past and current physical health conditions, including any severe illnesses or diseases they have ever been diagnosed with, in order to match up a remedy with individual symptoms.
Once a remedy has been selected, homeopaths will prescribe pills or tinctures for regular consumption and make follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
Homeopaths aim to aid their clients quickly in healing quickly by equipping them with tools they need to combat their illness or disease, such as counseling, nutrition and exercise tips, diet changes or supportive therapies. A crucial aspect of their work lies in making sure patients feel at ease while discussing symptoms freely with the homeopath.
What are the Side Effects of Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine that uses minute doses of natural substances to treat diseases or symptoms safely and without side effects. Homeopathic treatments are potency diluted remedies which have no known negative reactions on patients.
Homeopathy follows different principles than conventional medicine and often results in weak medicines; yet an expanding body of scientific research shows that many homeopathic preparations do have therapeutic value.
Homeopathy prescribes that patients take remedies only for as long as necessary – even if symptoms improve – because this could waste both time and money if that particular remedy does not effectively treat current symptoms.
Keep in mind that in order for a homeopathic remedy to work effectively, it must be tailored specifically to each person’s symptoms – therefore the same medicine cannot be given to two people with similar issues. Therefore it is recommended that you visit a qualified homeopath who can find an individualized medicine solution tailored just for you.
Homeopathic medicines should also be taken in moderation; taking large doses or not using them properly could result in adverse side effects, for instance taking too much Arnica may irritate the stomach resulting in vomiting, nosebleeds and diarrhea.
These adverse reactions do not tend to be as serious or long-lasting, nor as prevalent, when compared to allopathic medicines.
Homeopathic medicines have been thoroughly assessed by multiple medical and scientific bodies, and most studies have concluded there was no difference in adverse reaction frequencies between homeopathy and placebo or conventional medication treatments.
