|
1. What is homeopathy?
2. What is the difference between Homeopathy and modern medicine (Allopathy)?
3. What are homeopathic remedies?
4. Homeopathy is slow in its action - True or false?
5. What role has Homeopathic medicine got to play in the treatment of poisoning, accidents, drowning and other such emergencies?
5. What are the types of diseases Homeopathic medicines can treat?
6. Homeopathic medicines do not have any adverse effects, is it true?
7. Homeopathy advises restrictions in diet when taking medicines, is it necessary?
8. Are homeopathic and biochemic medicines similar?
9. Can allopathic medicines be taken along with homeopathic medicines ?
10. How do I find the right remedy for me?
11. What should I be aware of when taking homeopathic medication?
12. How can I learn more about homeopathy?
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 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. Since 1980 homeopathy is experiencing a strong resurgence of throughout the world.
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.
Back to top
What is the difference between Homeopathy and modern medicine (Allopathy)?
Homeopathy treats the individual who is diseased, whereas Allopathy treats the disease in the individual.
Homeopathy considers every person as being different from another person, and therefore, no two persons can receive the same medicine in the same dose. Allopathy on the other hand, does not differentiate from person to person, and therefore, administers the same medicine to all the persons displaying a similar disease picture.
Back to top
What Are Homeopathic Remedies?
A homeopathic remedy is normally a single substance usually derived from a plant, an animal, or a mineral which is then subjected to a special procedure which brings out the medicinal properties of the original substance. There are currently about 2000 substances whose specific effects on the body have been recorded. Examples are charcoal, salt, poison ivy, snake poisons, etc.
Homeopaths have discovered by experience that the effect of homeopathic medicines is strengthened dramatically upon successive dilutions and vigorous shaking between each dilution. The final dilution is very high (ranging from 1 part in 1000 to 1 part in 10^60 and above). It is this use of high dilutions that has given rise to controversy. Many conventional doctors claim that homeopathy functions only as a placebo. However, several controlled clinical studies have been performed by medical researchers, showing that homeopathy is an effective method of treatment for many diseases. The best summary of research can be found in a study published in the British Medical Journal. Its authors are not homeopaths but medical school professors asked by the Dutch government to review existing research: "Clinical Trials of Homeopathy.", Kleijnen, Jos, Knipschild, Paul, et al., British Medical Journal, Feb 9, 1991, v302, n6772, p516(8). Another, more recent, study showed that homeopathy is decidedly different in its action from a placebo and can be found in the Dec 20, 1994 issue of the British medical journal Lancet.
The degree of dilution is referred to as the "potency" of the remedy, with higher dilutions corresponding to higher potencies. The potency is denoted by a number and a letter on the label, such as "C6", "C12", "12X", etc. (higher numbers denote higher potencies). Homeopathic remedies are available in different preparations: tablets, liquids, and globuli (small white pellets). Tablets and globuli are made of impregnated milk sugar, whereas liquid preparations are solutions of the medication in water with some amount of alcohol added as a preservative.
Back to top
Homeopathy is slow in its action - True or false?
It is a misconception that homeopathy is slow in its action. The action of homeopathic medicine is dependant on various factors like sensitivity of the diseased person, the nature of illness of the person, the pathology of the disease, various other treatment measures taken before resorting to homeopathy, etc. Consideration these factors, if the most appropriate homeopathic remedy is selected and administered, the action can be fast and beneficial.
Chronic cases take longer to respond and a full course of treatment may take many months.
Back to top
What role has Homeopathic medicine got to play in the treatment of poisoning, accidents, drowning and other such emergencies?
Homeopathy has a secondary role to play because, in all emergencies the reaction of the body is so poor and fast deteriorating that homeopathic medicines have absolutely no time to bring about an affirmative action. Emergency treatment measures have to be undertaken and then, and if required, homeopathy can be used for faster and safer recovery.
Back to top
What are the types of diseases Homeopathic medicines can treat?
Homeopathic medicines prove effective for a vast majority of diseases which affect the body, including skin diseases, arthritic ailments (Rheumatic Arthritis), diabetes, especially those which are of a long standing nature and have no definitive treatment in other systems of medicines.
Homeopathy is also useful for those diseases which come up suddenly and do not last for a long time, for example, fever, cold, loose motions, stomach ache, vomiting, etc.
Back to top
Homeopathic medicines do not have any adverse effects, is it true?
Generally, the statement is true. Instances when the improper medicine in the improper dose is administered to very sensitive persons, adverse effects are experienced. But since the dose of the homeopathic medicines is limited, these adverse effects also do not cause much harm.
Back to top
Homeopathy advises restrictions in diet when taking medicines, is it necessary?
Certain strong tasting & strong smelling foodstuffs and stimulants (like coffee, onion, garlic) are advised to be restricted for some time before and after every dose of homeopathic medicine only for the reason that these substances leave a strong odor/taste in the mouth which is also the route through which the homeopathic medicine is going to act. Total abstinence from certain foods is not at all necessary if taken regularly, as these have become a part of the system.
Back to top
Are homeopathic and biochemic medicines similar?
No. Biochemic tissue salts are minerals, such as rock salt, that have been prepared using the homeopathic method. There are 12 tissue salts in total.
Tissue salts were developed in the 1870s by Wilhelm Schussler, a German homeopathic doctor. Schussler believed that tissue salts could restore mineral deficiencies that made the body susceptible to illness. The homeopathic method of preparing tissue salts involves mixing 1 part of the mineral salt with 9 parts lactose. This mixture is diluted with 9 parts lactose. It is repeated 6 times in total.
These are triturated up to the potency 12x, 30x and 200x and not more than that. This system is based on the principle that diseases strike the human body only when there is an imbalance in the essential salts of the Human body such as calcium chloride or sodium chloride etc. Treatment with these medicines furnishes the salts that are imbalanced and rejuvenates health.
Homeopathic medicines can be potentized up to 30c or 200c or 1M, 10M and even 50M and also the principle is different.
Back to top
Can allopathic medicines be taken along with homeopathic medicines ?
Yes. Certain drugs such as Anti-hypertensives, drugs for cardiac or diabetic disorders need to be continued even with Homeopathic medicines since they are important to life. Others such as anti-biotic if taken for the same complaint that homeopathic treatment is being given may be discontinued with the advice of the homeopathic physician.
Back to top
How Do I Find The Right Remedy For Me?
The key to finding the right homeopathic remedy is individualization. This means that the totality of all symptoms experienced by the patient (including those apparently unrelated to the main complaint) has to be known in order to prescribe the medicine. The mere name of a disease, like flu, cold, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. is not enough. For this reason, please refrain from asking the tempting question: "I have disease X -- which homeopathic remedy should I take?" In the course of a thorough interview (normally between 60 and 90 minutes, initially), the homeopath tries to form a complete picture of your current state. This includes your emotional, mental, and physical symptoms.
Many health food stores now offer prescription-free homeopathic remedies. They are frequently labeled with a disease name like "Diarrhea", "Head Ache", "Allergies", etc.. Since careful individualized matching of symptoms is necessary to find the correct remedy, these products rarely cure. Sometimes a temporary amelioration of symptoms can be achieved but in general you should not expect too much from these preparations.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
How Can I Learn More About Homeopathy?
Books about homeopathy are available in many health food stores and book stores. We carry a select number of prominent and highly recommended books. For more info, please click on the link, Books on Homeopathy.
Back to top |
