About Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Samuel Hahnemann a German doctor, re-discovered the idea of 'like cures like' which can be traced back to Hippocrates two thousand years ago.
Homeopathy is the second most widely used form of alternative medicine for primary care in the world today. Many doctors now refer patients to a professional homeopath.
Homeopathic remedies act by stimulating the body to heal itself. The remedies improve health and well-being and decrease susceptibility to illness. Homeopathy strengthens your immune system and reduces your chances of catching infectious diseases.
No chemical action is involved, so the remedies do not have the potential to cause any sustained damage. Homeopathy is therefore safe to use during pregnancy, infancy, lowered immunity and old age.
The remedies are ‘gentle acting’ with no known side effects or interactions and are non-addictive.
Homeopathy deals with the underlying cause, not only the symptoms. This often means that symptoms treated by homeopathy do not recur.
Homeopathic medicines are products made from plants such as dandelion and daisy: from minerals such as iron phosphate, silica: from animals such as snakes, the ink of the cuttlefish: or even from chemical drugs such as Penicillin or Streptomycin. These substances are diluted carefully until little of the original remains but sufficient to create a healing effect.
Although the infinitesimal quantities are considered by some to be no more than placebos, the clinical experience of homeopathy shows that the infinitesimal dose is effective, working particularly well on children and animals.
The selection of any homeopathic remedy is made on the totality of the symptoms presented by the patient. It is highly individual to the patient. Any remedy may be used for any condition if the symptoms generated by the remedy match the symptoms experienced by the patient.
Treatment time will vary according to the complexity and severity of the case. As Homeopathy works with the individual as a whole and the consultation will address many aspects of personality, lifestyle etc....
Homeopathy works well with other treatment systems e.g Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Psychotherapy.
Antique bottles of tinctures and ointments
Homeopathic Provings
Homeopathic proving is the process in which new remedies are discovered. Provers, which include individuals wishing to take part in this discovery, take a newly prepared homeopathic remedy. The prover will then document any symptoms they may experience over an agreed amount of time as a result of taking the remedy. The symptoms experienced by provers are collectively analysed to build the picture of a new remedy. Physical, emotional, symptoms are included as well as any additional changes e.g.. food cravings, general likes and dislikes.
The proving process has evolved in the past few decades. There are several different types of provings. Most commonly used is the original method used by Hahnemann. Many of the new remedies use a more intuitive approach.
For information on some new remedies: http://www.hominf.org/proving.htm
