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homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an effective, yet gentle system of natural healing used by millions of people in nearly every
country in the world. The name itself comes from the Greek words "homoios" meaning similar and "pathos"
meaning suffering. It works on the scientific principle of the Law of Similars: what will cause illness will
cure illness. This means that a substance given in large doses to a healthy person will produce a specific set
of symptoms, but when this same substance is given in homeopathically prepared micro-doses to a sick
person with similar symptoms, it will stimulate the body's reactive process to promote healing. An example
of this is Ipecacuanha. When taken in large amounts, this plant causes violent vomiting and diarrhea, yet
minute doses will cure it.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, knew of this concept in 400 BC, but it had not been further
developed until full scientific investigation was undertaken by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in late 18th century
Germany. Research is still a vital part of this growing health care system today.
When Samuel Hahnemann became a doctor in 1779 he was appalled by the standard methods and practices of
that era. These frequently included blood-letting until the patient fainted, application of leeches, hot mustard
baths and copious administrations of laxatives, purgatives and emetics. If the patients survived, they went on
to receive massive doses of poisonous compounds. It is no wonder Hahnemann believed that more people
were dying from their treatment than from their disease!
His search for a safer, gentler approach began in 1790. Cinchona (Peruvian Bark) had been used for some
time in the effective treatment of malaria. Hoping to discover how Cinchona worked, Samuel took large
doses of the substance twice a day for several days. To his astonishment he began to develop the symptoms
of malaria! The symptoms stopped when the dosing stopped. He noted: "Cinchona bark, which is used as a
remedy for intermittent fever (malaria), acts be- cause it can produce symptoms similar to those of
intermittent fever in healthy people." From this, Hahnemann later coined the basic principle of homeopathy "let likes cure likes". Experimentation of this sort is called "proving" (from the German "prufen" - to test) and
is the basis for our knowledge of what symptoms our remedies cause, and therefore cure. New remedies are
never tested on animals. Human volunteers are always used in proving's and clinical trials as only this can
provide the true, total symptom picture of the substance.
Holistic Healing Arts Centre
Family Naturopathic Medicine and Professional Dispensary
274 King George Road, Brantford ON, N3R 5L6
(519)-751-3488 www.ndoc.ca:
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How does homeopathy differ from conventional medicine?
One of the major differences between these two systems is that orthodox treatments are rarely aimed at
actually curing disease. Instead, they seek to control, or mask, the symptoms by using painkillers, anti
inflammatory, etc. Though this may make the patient feel better for a while, the underlying cause is still
present and hard at work.
On the other hand, homeopathy is holistic. It treats the person as a whole. Symptoms are neither masked nor
subdued as it is believed that they are the body's own attempts at self-healing and that any suppression of
them will drive the disease deeper into the body. Instead, homeopathic remedies strengthen the immune
system and help direct our own defenses and self-repair mechanisms.
However, only the correctly chosen remedy will adequately stimulate the body to heal itself. It must match
the totality of the patient's physical, mental and emotional symptoms or it will not work. Finding this remedy
is like putting the correct key into a lock - it unlocks, stimulates and directs the patient's inner healing
abilities.
Many people today are worried about the uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous, side effects of drugs
used in traditional medicine. In actuality, drugs don't have "side" effects, just effects. We arbitrarily
distinguish those we prefer from those we don't by suggesting that the unwanted consequences are not really
part of the central and predictable actions of the medication. Homeopathic remedies, however, do not cause
these unpleasant results because of the minute doses used in homeopathic preparations.
What can Homeopathy treat?
A great many illnesses respond positively to homeopathy. Whether they are acute, chronic or hereditary,
homeopathy has much to offer. It is particularly useful in chronic conditions where conventional medicine
may have no cure and can also play an important role in preventing dis- ease.
It is often said that homeopathy doesn't treat diseases, only people. This is true. "The patient, not the disease"
is a phrase often heard among homeopaths and reflects the principle that every- one is individual and unique.
Not all patients with the same illness will experience exactly the same symptoms. Therefore, several people
all suffering from the same disease may require completely different medicines.
Though some conditions may require orthodox medical and/or surgical intervention, this does not mean that
homeopathy is useless even in these cases. It speeds up the rate of recovery, assists
in the healing process, and can be used to alleviate pain, trauma and shock. As always, proper diet, regular
exercise and adequate sleep are necessary for complete healing of any illness.
Holistic Healing Arts Centre
Family Naturopathic Medicine and Professional Dispensary
274 King George Road, Brantford ON, N3R 5L6
(519)-751-3488 www.ndoc.ca:
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How are the remedies prescribed?
During your first consultation, which is totally confidential, the homeopath will spend the necessary time
getting to know all about you. This patient history may take up to two hours and is much more in-depth than
that taken by a conventional physician. You will be asked many questions about yourself, your lifestyle, the
past medical history of yourself and your family, and of course, your symptoms. This is necessary for the
practitioner to generate a complete portrait of both you and your condition as treatment is highly
individualized to meet each patient's specific needs. A physical examination may or may not be necessary.
Once the practitioner has all the pertinent information, he or she searches for a remedy known to produce
similar symptoms in a healthy individual. The better the match, the more beneficial the remedy will be. Your
progress will be reviewed on subsequent visits and further prescriptions may be necessary. Although rapid
results can be achieved, particularly in acute illness, a slower, gradual improvement can be expected in
chronic cases where the person's vitality is likely to be lower. It is not advisable to stop or reduce the dosage
of conventional medications already being taken without consulting the doctor who prescribed them.
What are the remedies made from?
Homeopathic medicines have been proven for over two hundred years to be safe and effective in treating
ailments both serious and minor, acute and chronic, physical and emotional. They are prepared to modern
high standards of quality and safety and have no side effects when correctly prescribed.
Today there are over 3000 homeopathic remedies. About 60% of these are prepared from plant material while
the rest come from mineral and animal sources. Being made from natural dilute extracts, homeopathic
remedies are non-toxic and non-addictive. Most are so gentle as to be completely safe for infants, pregnant
women and the elderly.
Can they react with other medications?
As homeopathic therapy works by stimulating the body's self-defense systems, there is no danger of
incompatibility in taking orthodox drugs while undergoing most homeopathic treatments. Conventional
drugs operate on an entirely different level.
It should be noted, however, that some homeopathic remedies can antidote other homeopathic remedies. It is
always a good idea to check with your professional homeopath before using any remedies at home if you are
currently under professional treatment.
Holistic Healing Arts Centre
Family Naturopathic Medicine and Professional Dispensary
274 King George Road, Brantford ON, N3R 5L6
(519)-751-3488 www.ndoc.ca:
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How do I take a homeopathic remedy?
Gently tip 2 or 3 pellets into the cap and then under your tongue, being careful not to touch them directly. Do
not swallow them or wash them down with liquid, but allow them to dissolve completely. It is important that
you don't eat, drink or clean your teeth for at least twenty minutes before and after taking the remedy. It is a
good idea to avoid drinking coffee or using mint flavored products such as toothpaste, gum or candy for at
least an hour before and after taking homeopathic medicines. This keeps them from becoming contaminated
and having their curative action minimized.
How should they be stored?
The remedies are very sensitive and must be properly cared for. It is essential that they not be kept in your
medicine cabinet with products containing camphor or menthol, or with perfumes or scented soaps. These
are easily diffused and may counteract the effect of the remedy, causing it to become inert. If kept tightly
sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and strong odors, your homeopathic medicines should retain
their therapeutic effectiveness for many years.
Holistic Healing Arts Centre
Family Naturopathic Medicine and Professional Dispensary
274 King George Road, Brantford ON, N3R 5L6
(519)-751-3488 www.ndoc.ca: