About Homeopathy

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a form of medical care in which extremely dilute substances are used to trigger the body to heal itself.  Homeopathy has been used for more than 200 years, building a remarkable safety record and generating a great body of knowledge.

HISTORY

Homeopathy was founded by practicing German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) in 1796. After extensive observation and experimentation, Dr. Hahnemann found substances that cause illness in healthy individuals can restore health in diseased individuals exhibiting similar symptoms when taken in an extremely diluted form.

PRINCIPLE

Homeopathy is based on the phenomenon of similars.  In the 5th century B.C., Hippocrates noted the observation of some substances at concentrated levels had a specific toxic action.  These same substances when given to a person presenting with symptoms of toxicitby that substance in dilute amounts resulted in a therapeutic action.  In other words, the same substance that can cause illness similarly can cause health.  The law of similars states that substances which cause reactions in a healthy body or mind can be used in an extremely diluted form to treat the same reactions when part of a disease process. In other words, "Like cures like" as the name of homeopathy (Greek, homeo=similar, pathos=suffering) was derived from.

CONSULTATION

During a typical homeopathic consultation, the physician will inquire about the suspected cause and onset of illness, associated general reactions and resultant physical presentation.  The interview and examination typically takes about 5-15 minutes to develop a homeopathic prescription. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on the individual's reaction to a disease process. Unlike standard allopathic medicine which targets the disease process in a person, the homeopathic prescription takes into account the response of the individual person to a disease process.  As a result, different patients with the same disease may be prescribed different homeopathic medicines.  Homeopathic medicines are typically dispensed in pellet form dissolved under the tongue.  It is best taken 30 minutes prior to food or drink and allowing about 30 minutes before ingestion of other substances.

Indication

Homeopathic medicines are naturalThe active ingredients in homeopathic medicines are diluted plants, animals and minerals that relieve the same symptoms they cause at full strength. Homeopathic medicines are manufactured according to the highest standards, complying with specifications of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) and Drug Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  Homeopathic medicines can be used to relieve symptoms of a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions such as
  • Allergies, coughs, colds, flu
  • Depression, stress, insomnia, anxiety
  • Trauma, joint and muscle pain
  • Colic, teething
  • Recurrent infections (e.g.  URI, bronchitis, UTI, gastroenteritis)
  • Menopausal symptoms

 Contraindications

Homeopathic medicines are safe.  Homeopathic medicines have no known side effects and no known interactions with conventional medications or herbal medications. As a result, there are very few contraindications. Caution should be taken with some of the topical medications if you have allergic skin reactions to petroleum or other substances used in the base.