Homeopathy

The word homeopathy comes from the Greek word homio, meaning "like" and pathos, meaning "suffering". The goal of homeopathic medicine is to treat illness by working with the symptoms, instead of against them, since symptoms are evidence of the body's natural defense systems being activated. This is a very different approach from conventional medicine, which tries to suppress the symptoms of a sickness, whether or not the cause is known.

Where did Homeopathy come from?

Homeopathy was developed as a form of alternative medicine by an 18th century German doctor, named Samuel Hahnemann. Dr. Hahnemann wanted to find a gentler form of treating disease than was available at the time through conventional forms of medicine. He based this system on the ancient idea that "like can be cured with like", meaning that substances that cause a certain symptom in a person can be used to relieve those symptoms in sufferers. How did Dr. Hahnemann come to these conclusions? Basically, by trial and error, through hundreds of "provings", or experiments, where the doctor and his assistants tested various plant, mineral, animal and chemical compounds for themselves. They carefully tracked any symptoms they experienced after ingesting a certain substance. One of the earliest homeopathic "proving" was in searching for a cure for malaria, which was when quinine was first discovered. After ingesting a dose of cinchona bark (quinine), Hahnemann started experiencing the common signs of malaria, including fever, vomiting, pain and numbness in his extremities. He found that administering diluted quinine to those suffering from malaria helped them to fight off the infection.

The results of thousands of these tests have been compiled into volumes called the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, which is still referred to for homeopathic remedies today. The three principles of modern homeopathic medicine are:

• The Law of Similar, or Like cures like
• Minimal Dose: homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, with many remedies prescribed at a ratio of one to 1,000,000,000,000 parts of water.
• The Single Remedy: one remedy is prescribed, regardless of how many symptoms are experienced. The aim of homeopathic treatments is to find one remedy that treats all of the symptoms together.

How are homeopathic remedies made?

Homeopathic remedies are made from plant and other naturally derived substances that are diluted thousands of times in a liquid, usually water or alcohol. For example, a homeopathic remedy using one part of oat extract may be added to 100 parts of water. After adding the water, the mixture is vigorously shaken. After shaking, one drop of the diluted liquid may be taken and added to another 100 parts of water. This diluting process may be repeated dozens of times. The resulting homeopathic medicine can have less than one molecule of the original extract.

Why should I consider homeopathic therapy?

Where conventional or western medicine fails to treat diseases, including those that are life-threatening, such as cancer, an increasing number of people are considering alternative therapies, such as homeopathic medicine, to fill the gap. Homeopathic remedies are used to treat problems such as:

• arthritis
• asthma
• colds and flu
• allergies

These are some of the most common problems for which people seek medical advice and often, the treatments offered by homeopathic specialists are simple and 100% effective.

How does homeopathic therapy work?

Homeopathic medicine works by activating the body's own natural defenses. The founder of homeopathic medicine, Dr. Hahnemann, felt that natural remedies would introduce a weaker illness that the body would recognize and could overcome more easily. This process can require more time and patience, as it involves learning how the symptoms have progressed and tracking whether or not the treatment is changing the body's process into a healing one.

The beauty of Homeopathy is that it works with the immune system, in helping it to identify and heal illnesses, unlike some conventional treatments or pharmaceutical medicines that work by suppressing the immune response. And since most homeopathic extracts are so diluted, they are considered to be a very safe form of alternative medicine.

Will homeopathy help me with my problem?

Although some may claim that natural remedies are no different than a placebo, homeopathic remedies have been found to have positive effects in treating asthma, allergies, and diarrhea in children. According to the March 4, 1998 issue of the Journal of American Medicine, "For many patients suffering from chronic problems that lack a specific diagnosis, homeopathy may be an important and useful treatment option. If used within its limits, homeopathy could complement modern medicine as, 'another tool in the bag.'"

If you have an interest in Homeopathy at our Sydney cbd clinic please give us a call on 9233 3800 or email Osvaldo direct at Osvaldo@backonyourfeet.com.au

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