Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative, complementary system of medicine, founded at the beginning of the XIXth century by German physician dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the law of similars, which establishes that a substance that produces a set of symptoms in a healthy individual, will cure those same symptoms (e.g. coffee produces sleeplessness and agitation, jittery nerves, etc – the remedy Coffea helps with insomnia, restlessness due to overexcitement, etc). The homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances like minerals, plants and from the animal kingdom (such as venoms, milks, etc), and through a process of successive dilution and succussion, until there’s no material trace of the original product.

Homeopathy does not treat a named disease; it treats the person by matching each individual’s particular set of symptoms and it gently stimulates the body’s own healing power back into homeostasis (healthy balanced state).

A homeopath will take a patient’s case by trying to find out all symptoms that a person has, on a physical, mental and emotional levels. They will also enquire about lifestyle, stressors, any big events in a person’s life that have led them to the present moment. With all this information, they will prescribe the most indicated remedy, in the minimum possible dose. Homeopathic treatment usually lasts a time proportionate to the time person has been experiencing their issues. It is a process, not an event, meaning it usually takes more than one visit to the homeopath.

Homeopathy can be used for acute or chronic problems. Acutes are self limiting conditions that usually get better in 7-10 days, and are easy to treat with a little bit of knowledge at home using a homeopathic kit. These kits usually carry the most commonly used remedies in a 30c potency (intensity of the remedy). Chronic issues are when a problem does not resolve after a month. In this case it is best to make an appointment with a professional, registered homeopath.

The typical dosing of homeopathic remedies is 1 pill every hour (for not longer than 6 doses), and stop when the symptoms get better or disappear. If after several doses symptoms haven’t changed, then a different remedy might be needed. As soon as symptoms improve stop taking the remedy, and only repeat when symptoms worsen.

Homeopathy does not replace conventional medicine, but works really well alongside it. If you’re being treated by a doctor, do not stop medication or treatment without discussing this with the professional you’re seeing. In cases of emergency (uncontrolled bleeding, high fever that lasts more than 36-48 hrs, seizures, accidents that produce open skin wounds, etc) go to the nearest A & E department.

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