What is Homoeopathy and How does it Work?
Homoeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognises that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment not the disease.
Homoeopathy is based on the philosophy that the body, mind and emotions are not separate and distinct, but are fully integrated. Homoeopathy is based on the principle of the 'law of similars' or "like cures like". A homoeopath seeks a remedy that fits all of a patient's physical and psychological symptoms and therefore leads to an increase in the person's "vital force" or vitality.
Homoeopathy is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is used by millions of people worldwide. The WHO stated: "Homoeopathy should be integrated worldwide with conventional medicine in order to provide adequate global health care." In Europe Homeopathy is used by thirty million Europeans and in the UK homoeopathy is available in five National Health Services (NHS) centres which is equivalent of the Medicare system. The Royal Family has used Homoeopathy since 1830 and in France the most popular cold and flu remedy is a homoeopathic remedy.
Homoeopathic Medicines
Homoeopathic medicines are made from a variety of sources, such as plants, animals and minerals. They are prepared by a method called 'potentisation' to precise standards in professional Homoeopathic pharmacies and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Potentised medicines are powerful and only small doses are required for highly effective results. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing powers ‘the vital force’ to bring about health and wellbeing. They are completely natural, non-addictive and suitable for use in all stages of life, from the newborn to the elderly.
A Homoeopathic medicine is one, which is known to produce a well-defined set of symptoms if taken by a healthy person. This medicine is then used in the treatment of a patient presenting with that specific set of symptoms, by administering the same substance in a micro dose. The effect is displacement of the condition restoring constitutional balance and good health and a raising of the vital force.
How do Homoeopathic remedies work?
Homoeopathic remedies work by using a minute does of substances which cause symptoms similar to the illness of the person being treated. Coffee is a prime example of the law of similar. Coffee can produce symptoms of overstimulation of the nervous system, leading to heightened mental and physical alertness, and becoming unusually reactive to normal stimuli such as sounds and smell. It can cause insomnia, headaches and irritability. Coffee given as a homoeopathic remedy can alleviate a patient troubled with such symptoms.
Homoeopathy - Holistic & Individual
Homeopathy is patient-centred and uses a highly individual approach to each patient. A homoeopathic remedy will be prescribed based on the totality of your symptoms and how you, as an individual, experience them. Your individual characteristics, your mental, emotional and physical symptoms as well as your previous health issues, susceptibility to certain conditions and family history are of great importance and are essential in selecting the right remedy. The key to Homoeopathic approach is individualisation; two patients with similar symptom of digestive problems or cold are given different remedies based on how they experience the illness in their own unique ways to suit their particular needs.
Safety of Homoeopathic Medicines
Homeopathy has a gentle action well suited to the ailments of babies and children and can be safely used in pregnancy and alongside conventional medicine.
Homoeopathy may be of benefit in treating the following acute and chronic conditions:
| Acute Illnesses | Chronic Conditions |
|---|---|
|
|
| Minor Injuries | |
|
Common uses of Homoeopathic medicines are
- Promotion of quick and full recovery from surgery, trauma and illness
- Support whilst coming off prescription drugs or to help cope with the side effects of drugs such as chemotherapy etc
- To build resistance, raise energy levels, and promote wellbeing regardless of other current treatments.
- With homoeopathy we can work together with you and your doctor to co-manage you medical needs.
Homeopathy is based on a "whole person" approach. In homeopathy, the remedy or treatment program is customized and individualized to the patient, it covers the whole state of health thus bringing real and lasting relief from symptoms as a result of addressing the causes.
Homoeopathy gives only one medicine to cover the patient's totality of symptoms and many patients are surprised to find that the medicine taken for their main complaint of allergies, for example, fixed other minor problem such as knee pains at the same time.
We recommend that you maintain your relationship with your GP and or Specialist/Consultant. Although homeopathy works in a different way from conventional medicines, it can help to combine the two systems. It is important to remember that any changes in medication should be discussed with your doctor and homeopath as treatment progresses.