What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine used to treat a wide variety of health concerns.
It is based on the Law of Similars and potentization. Basically, the Law of Similars is the premise that because exposure to a given substance can cause specific symptoms in someone who is healthy, then that substance - given as a homeopathic remedy - will stimulate the body's own curative powers to overcome similar symptoms during illness.
A common example used to describe this effect is that of the person chopping an onion ~ When a healthy person chops an onion they usually get watery eyes, and a a runny nose. They may even experience sneezing or coughing, from exposure to the active substances in the onion.
The homeopathic remedy, Allium cepa, made of potentized red onion, can help the body overcome a cold or allergy attack in which the person has similar symptoms (watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing.)
Even though the symptoms were not caused by exposure to an onion, the remedy made from the onion can help the body overcome them, because the symptoms are similar.
Is Homeopathy Effective?
Millions of people have used homeopathic remedies to treat every conceivable type of ailment and symptom. Despite misconceptions, homeopathy is just as scientific as allopathic medicine.
Homeopathy does not base its effectiveness on animal experiments which have little relevance to humans, and prescribing is not based on empirical, or accidental discovery of effects, but on a rational, systematic observation of the effects of remedies on healthy and sick people.
What are the Advantages of Homeopathy?
SAFETY
Homeopathy enjoys an excellent reputation in part because it is given in such minute doses that it can be safely used to treat anyone. Pregnant women, new born babies, children and weak or elderly people may all use the appropriate dosages of homeopathic remedies without dangerous side effects. Homeopthic doses of certain herbs are appropriate for certain individuals (like colicky babes,) when a standard herbal dosage would be too strong.
NON-TOXIC ~ NON-SYNTHETIC
Homeopathy does not use synthetic substances, but relies on the healing properties inherent in plants, minerals, and animal substances. These substances are used in their whole, natural state, not as isolated chemicals.
CONSISTENCY
Homeopathy is not based on 'fad' research. Homeopathic remedies do not go in and out of fashion because they are based on indications for specific symptoms rather than on 'opposites'.
Easy to Take
Most homeopathic remedies have a very mild, sweet taste and are meant to disolve under the tongue.
Even very small children can take them, which is very handy.
They come in small bottles that can be easily carried with you.
Understanding Potencies
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization. Potentization involves a series of systematic dilutions and successions (a forceful shaking action).
Potentization removes all risk of chemical toxicity while activating a remedy substance and enabling it to affect the body therapeutically.
The more dilutions and succussions a substance undergoes, the higher the potency will be. Higher potencies of homeopathic remedies (anything higher than 12C) have been diluted past the point that molecules of the original substance would be measurable in the solution.
Homeopathic potencies are designated by the combination of a number and a letter (for example, 6X or 30C).
The number refers to the number of dilutions the tincture has undergone within a series to prepare that remedy.
The letter refers to the proportions used in each dilution of the series (the Roman numeral X means 10, and the Roman numeral C means 100), as well as the number of succussions the vial of solution undergoes in each successive stage.
Choosing the Appropriate Remedy
A key element in treating successfully with homeopathy is selecting the right remedy.
It is best to farmiliarize yourself with homeopathic remedies before you need them so you can have a vague idea in mind of what remedy may be called for.
Get yourself a good book like, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: A Guide to Everyday Health Care, by Miranda Castro to have on hand.
Basically, when looking for a remedy you want to consider both physical and psychological symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
Homeopathic remedies promote a return to normal body function, and can be of help in almost any physical symptom or condition. Though they their work on a subtle level, they ultimately affect the chemical, cellular, and structural health of the organism.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological states are a crucial piece of the symptom-puzzle. Even when treating a purely physical ailment,homeopathy considers the emotional response of the individual to be of prime importance. Improvement of an emotional state is one way to monitor the effectiveness of a remedy.
REFERENCES:
Prescription For Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
12 Effective Ways to Help Your Add/Adhd Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for Attention-Deficit Disorders by Laura J. Stevens
THE LCP SOLUTION: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia by Malcolm J. Nicholl
Transforming the Difficult Child; The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser
About The Author
Cori Young is an herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest.