an A-Z of alternative therapies
Homeopathy
A school of medicine that originated in the late 18th century by a German Physician Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the concept that a minute dose of a substance will offer a healing effect, and the doses are often on an electromagnetic level, with only the smallest amount of the healing substance present in the formula.
Homeopathy can conceivably treat any condition, because it addresses every body system.
It can be used in some emergency situations, such as shock or injury and tackles emotional conditions such as panic, anxiety or fear.
It may be particularly useful in:
- Long-term and relapsing disorders
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Shock
- Nervous tension
- Eczema
- Menstrual and menopausal problems
- Problems in pregnancy including morning sickness
How does it work?
Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine based on the theory that like is cured by like, which means that a substance that can produce symptoms of disease in a healthy person can cure the same symptoms in a sick person. It stimulates the body's defences.
Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine that aims to help the body heal itself. It works for both acute illnesses and chronic ailments and is concerned as much with preventing illness as it is with treatment.
Homeopathic remedies are prescribed for the whole person. The preparations used contain infinitesimal amounts of the original substance, diluted with milk, sugar or alcohol and shaken or succussed. Remedies come in different potencies. A 6 potency is the substance added to the diluter and succussed, the process repeated 6 times. A 30 potency is repeated 30 times. Although the 30 potency has been diluted more than a 6 potency, the succession has made it more powerful and it is usually taken for more serious problems.
A practitioner may be a "classical" or "complex" homeopath. The are 6 differences between them, but the main difference is that a classical homeopath treats the constitutional type whereas a complex homeopath treats sick organs, such as liver or kidney rather than a constitutional type.
Experiences
On your first visit, the practitioner will ask you about your medical history, diet, lifestyle, moods, likes and dislikes.
A classical homeopath will then identify your constitutional type. Practitioners then draw up a "symptom picture" to pinpoint your strengths or weaknesses.
The practitioner will try to match your symptom picture with those catalogued in the homeopathic "repertories", which include approximately 3,000 remedies and is often stored on a computer database.
The skill lies in prescribing the remedy that fits your individual type and condition. Advice about diet and lifestyle may also be given.
At subsequent appointments, you will be asked to report any reactions and changes in symptoms and the prescription may be altered or adjusted as necessary.
Most remedies taste mildly of sugar.
Side effects
Symptoms may briefly worsen after treatment. Deep seated conditions may temporarily be replaced by more superficial ones. For instance, as asthma begins to respond to treatment, eczema may flair up in its place for a short while.
Duration and number of sessions
The first consultation may last 1 - 2 hours.
Subsequent visits approximately 1 hour.
Short term conditions may improve after 1 treatment. Long term conditions may require many months of treatment, once or twice a month.
Safety issues
- Safe for every age group including babies and children.
- Safe for every level of health.
- Only take remedies for as long as you need them.
- Check unexplained symptoms with your doctor if consulting a homeopath who is not medically qualified.
- Tell your practitioner if you are using essential oils as in certain cases, they are incompatible with homeopathic remedies.
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