HOMEOPATHY
What is Homeopathy and Homotoxicology?
Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognizes 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. In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick which he called homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning ‘similar suffering’). Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, he realized there were two ways of treating ill health: the way of opposites, most commonly used by conventional medicine, and the way of similars. Hahnemann discovered that diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results. Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the natural world and prescribed on the principle of treating ‘like with like’ or the way of similars.
What is Homeopathy and Homotoxicology?
Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognizes 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. In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick which he called homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning ‘similar suffering’). Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, he realized there were two ways of treating ill health: the way of opposites, most commonly used by conventional medicine, and the way of similars. Hahnemann discovered that diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results. Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the natural world and prescribed on the principle of treating ‘like with like’ or the way of similars.
Treating ‘like with like’
Take for example, a case of insomnia. The way of opposites is to treat this by giving a drug to bring on an artificial sleep. This frequently involves the use of large or regular doses of drugs which can sometimes cause side effects or addiction.
Patients may want homeopathic treatment as they are unhappy with the side effects of conventional drugs. Or it may be that conventional medicine has been unable to help them and they see homeopathy as an alternative. In any event, it is important to remember that any changes in medication should be discussed with your doctor as treatment progresses.
The way of similars, the homeopathic way, is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance, such as coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This can then help the patient to sleep naturally. Of course, this is a simplified example. Homeopathy is patient-centred and a homeopath will prescribe based on the totality of your symptoms and how you, as an individual, experience them. This also takes account of you as a person – your individual characteristics, both emotional and physical. Homeopathic remedies, properly prescribed, are safe and can also be given to pregnant women, babies and children.
Treating ‘like with like’
Take for example, a case of insomnia. The way of opposites is to treat this by giving a drug to bring on an artificial sleep. This frequently involves the use of large or regular doses of drugs which can sometimes cause side effects or addiction.
Patients may want homeopathic treatment as they are unhappy with the side effects of conventional drugs. Or it may be that conventional medicine has been unable to help them and they see homeopathy as an alternative. In any event, it is important to remember that any changes in medication should be discussed with your doctor as treatment progresses.
The way of similars, the homeopathic way, is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance, such as coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This can then help the patient to sleep naturally. Of course, this is a simplified example. Homeopathy is patient-centred and a homeopath will prescribe based on the totality of your symptoms and how you, as an individual, experience them. This also takes account of you as a person – your individual characteristics, both emotional and physical. Homeopathic remedies, properly prescribed, are safe and can also be given to pregnant women, babies and children.
What will the treatment involve?
Your homeopath will usually give you a homeopathic remedy, normally in the form of a tablet or tablets, or occasionally as powders, which should be allowed to dissolve in your mouth; or you may be given a liquid remedy with instructions. Do make sure that you understand the instructions before you take your remedy. Homeopathic remedies can be used at the same time as conventional medication but it is important that you discuss this with your homeopath, both at the initial consultation and later, should your doctor make a new prescription. Your homeopath may also give advice on remedies to help you with acute ailments such as colds and flu, as well as first aid advice.
What will the treatment involve?
Your homeopath will usually give you a homeopathic remedy, normally in the form of a tablet or tablets, or occasionally as powders, which should be allowed to dissolve in your mouth; or you may be given a liquid remedy with instructions. Do make sure that you understand the instructions before you take your remedy. Homeopathic remedies can be used at the same time as conventional medication but it is important that you discuss this with your homeopath, both at the initial consultation and later, should your doctor make a new prescription. Your homeopath may also give advice on remedies to help you with acute ailments such as colds and flu, as well as first aid advice.
FAQ
What will happen once treatment starts?
After taking your remedy, you may notice some changes. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well being and optimism. Sometimes your symptoms can appear to get worse for a short time. This is often a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of discharge may appear as a ‘spring cleaning’ effect which means your system is going through a clearing out stage. Similarly, old symptoms can reappear, usually for a short period. These symptoms are an important part of the healing process, but if any response to your treatment concerns you, do contact your homeopath as soon as you can. You might also want to make notes of any changes and take them with you to discuss at your next appointment.
How long does treatment take?
This depends very much on what sort of illness you have, as well as the other individual characteristics of your case. Every case is different, so it can be difficult for your homeopath to assess this until after your second appointment. A slowly developing complaint or one that has been experienced for some years may take longer to improve, although there may be a response and some improvement quite soon. Acute complaints can often get better more quickly. Homeopathic remedies work from the inside, with the patient usually feeling more positive in themselves and with more energy, in the first instance. Outer symptoms such as skin conditions are often the last to clear. Sometimes patience is called for and as the balance is slowly restored, the symptoms will improve.
Can I treat myself with homeopathic remedies?
You can use some remedies at home to help in acute and first aid situations such as colds, cuts, stings, minor burns and bruises. Ask your homeopath for further information or find your nearest class or seminar on this subject.
How does it work?
Scientists cannot yet explain the precise mechanism of action for homeopathy but there is published evidence of its efficacy. It is believed that homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing abilities and that this stimulus assists your own system to clear itself of any expressions of imbalance. For more details on research evidence, please see the Society’s website at www.homeopathy-soh.org.
What is Homotoxicology?
Homotoxicology is the science of toxins and their removal within the human body. It offers a theory of disease which describes the severity and duration of an illness or disorder based on toxin-loading relative to our body’s ability to detoxify. We should normally be excreting toxins through the primary pathways of feces, urine and sweat. When the immune system is challenged, however, our body’s ability to eliminate toxins is also compromised. There are progressive stages of illness which correspond to the bio-accumulation of toxins. After excretion, we move to deposition, then impregnation, degeneration and finally neoplasm (cancer). Symptoms of disease are the result of appropriate biological resistance to toxic substances. In other words, conditions such as asthma or skin rashes are predictable ways that we might respond to toxicity. If we attempt to suppress the symptoms at an earlier phase, for example, through the use of steroids or other prescription drugs, we drive the toxins deeper into our cells, which can result in advancement of illness and disease.
The human body is insistent and will always try to get our attention early on, often with gentle nudges. Many will choose to respond with painkillers, antibiotics or steroids. If the source of the problem is not addressed, the symptoms will merely increase in severity until we feel obligated to take action. At this point, most will turn to the prevailing medical model which is allopathic medicine and the use of prescription drugs to address specific symptoms of disease. Homotoxicology can be thought of as a ‘bridge’ between allopathic and homeopathic medicine. Its main focus is to rid the body of toxic substances and restore the body to optimal health.
The efficacy and safety of homotoxicology are supported by over 100 clinical trials. Anti-homotoxic remedies stimulate the body’s own healing process to cure illness. Homeopathic remedies provide a blueprint of healthy tissue which ‘reminds’ the body to prioritize its resources to return to health and homeostasis. Unlike classical homeopathy, many homotoxicology practitioners use remedies in combination. The environment has become so toxic that our genetic blueprint has become more damaged. In response to more serious chronic illness and even neurological damage, many practitioners are finding that the classical ‘one remedy at a time’ approach is no longer sufficient.