Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances that are specifically prepared, to induce the body's self-healing mechanisms. These substances are derived from plants, animals, minerals, synthetic chemicals, or conventional drugs. Only a very small amount of the substance is used, and is then involved in a special preparation process. What results is a remedy that has been tested on healthy individuals to determine its effects.
The Principles of Homeopathy
There are three main principles of homeopathy that guide a practitioner when deciding on a treatment. The first is individualization: the principle of similars. The premise of this principle is that a remedy is chosen based on a detailed report of the patient’s symptoms, physical and mental. The chosen remedy produces symptoms similar to the unique symptoms presented by the patient. This guides the patient’s healing response in the best way.
The second principle is the promotion of self healing with a minimal dose. Homeopathic remedies are not given to eliminate the cause of an illness. It is not the remedy itself that cures the illness; rather it is the reaction of the body’s healing mechanism to the remedy that leads to improved health. Once a remedy is administered, the patient is monitored to see how the self-healing response has changed. If a person is sensitive to the remedy, a response can be induced with a very small dose.
The third principle is using the totality of symptoms for assessing patterns of healing. After administering a homeopathic remedy, it is assumed that the person as a whole, including mentally, physically, and emotionally, will respond to the remedy. Observing this totality of symptoms is necessary to determine if the remedy is appropriate.
Experiencing Homeopathic Healing
Once the decision is made to visit a homeopathic practitioner, an initial assessment is done. This includes a detailed and extensive interview in which the patient describes their symptoms and any particular factors that may influence these symptoms. These factors could include time of day, weather, foods, emotions, and sleep patterns. The homeopathic approach assumes that all symptoms are related, and the remedy is chosen based on this relationship of signs, symptoms, and life experiences.
Once a detailed history has been taken and a remedy has been chosen, the dosage and interval is determined. It is usually a highly diluted form given infrequently. The response is assessed at a follow-up visit, and the patient reports their response to the remedy and any changes in symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are initially worsened, this is seen as part of the body’s self-healing mechanism, and is usually followed by relief.
Once the self-healing response is elicited, the process is allowed to continue without further interference. The idea of homeopathy is to initiate the body’s response, and then allow the person to heal naturally. No further remedies are given once healing has begun and improvement continues.
Using Homeopathic Remedies at Home
As the trend towards natural healing increases, more and more people are trying homeopathic remedies to treat minor accidents and acute ailments. Since side effects from homeopathic medicine are unlikely, it is often safer than conventional medicine. It may, however, take longer to see results, since it can only proceed as quickly as the body can repair itself. Becoming familiar with single remedies and how they are used, along with purchasing a homeopathic first-aid kit, will assist in managing minor everyday problems. For more severe or chronic illness, it is best to consult with a trained homeopathic practitioner or a medical doctor.
Source:
Jonas, Wayne B., M.D. & Jennifer Jacobs, M.D. Healing With Homeopathy: The Complete Guide., New York: Warner, 1996
Lisa Frizzo - Hi, my name is Lisa Frizzo, and I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I graduated with honours from the Canadian School of Natural ...
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