What is homeopathy??
Many
people today are familiar with the term homeopathy, but often the
meaning is misunderstood, or considered as similar to or the same as
herbal medicine. In reality this form of medicine (favoured by the
Royal Family no less!) is a system with its own unique approach to
healing, and was one of the main forms of medicine used in the UK until
the early 1900's. In many countries around the world, it is still one
of the main forms of medicine practiced in hospitals and by GP's. Today
in the UK we still have 3 homeopathic hospitals, providing treatment
through the NHS.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which was
developed in the eighteenth century by Dr Samuel Hahnemann. His work as
a toxicologist and immunologist gave him unique insight into the body's
reactions to a wide range of substances in very tiny amounts. It is
this research which forms the basis of modern homeopathic medicine.
Homeopathy
is based upon the principle of "like curing like", and provides a safe,
gentle and effective form of medicine which can be used for all ages
from infancy to the elderly, as well as being suitable for use during
pregnancy and childbirth.
Homeopathy employs the use of substances
from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms. When in their crude forms,
these substances can often cause unwanted effects in the human body. In
homeopathic preparations however these substances are diluted down to
tiny amounts, and potentised by a method called succussion, in order to
extinguish their toxic properties. These preparations are then chosen
and employed for their ability to match the symptoms from which a
person is suffering.
A classic example of this is the use of the
remedy Allium cepa (extract of common onion) which is very successfully
used in cases of hayfever and the like where the eyes are very
irritated, red and runny. Another example often used is Tarentula
hispanica (Lycosa Tarantula, a poisonous spider from Spain). When
bitten by this spider the poison acts upon the nervous system creating
constriction of various muscles, and a state of restlessness in which
the patient feels s/he must keep moving. Hence, this remedy is often
employed to great effect in cases of restless legs; a most bothersome
complaint for many people.
One of the many greatest benefits of
homeopathy is its safety alongside other medications and therapies.
Dues to the nature of the homeopathic medications, it may be
confidently and safely used even where there are already conventional
drugs in use. This makes it particularly useful for those using
treatments such as blood pressure medications or long term analgesics.
This is an area that sets homeopathy aside from therapies such as
herbal medicine, where great care must be taken with situations such as
pregnancy and childbirth, and also to avoid medicinal clashes where
conventional medications are already in use.
Homeopathy is extremely
useful in acute and first aid situations in everyday life. Homeopathic
Arnica (a flower found in mountainous areas) is commonly used by
parents for their little ones. Every parent is familiar with the
inevitable accidents associated with learning to walk or ride a bike.
Arnica 30c is invaluable in reducing bruising; it is also soothing for
any shock or distress associated with such accidents.
In higher
potency's, Arnica has been shown to significantly reduce recovery after
times of trauma on the body such as operations and child birth.
Other
common homeopathic remedies include Hepar Sulph (Calcium Sulphide)
often thought of as a natural antibiotic; Belladonna (Deadly
Nightshade) fantastic where high fevers are present; Ledum (Wild
Rosemary) is an incredible tool in halting reactions to mosquito and
other insect bites; and Nux Vomica (Poison Nut) for that headache after
a night on the tiles!
The use of homeopathy does not stop here
however; more serious and long standing conditions can react amazingly
well to homeopathic treatment. Everything from depression to eating
disorders; menopausal or prostate symptoms, eczema and rheumatism to
MS; ME and IBS, all these and many other disorders and diseases may be
treated successfully by homeopathy. For chronic conditions, it is
necessary to consult a fully trained and registered homeopath who will
spend time looking at all aspects of your life, health tendencies and
personality before choosing a suitable remedy. This will usually take
at least an hour. There are many thousands of homeopathic remedies
available and the one which helped your grandmother's arthritic pains,
may not necessarily be the one to help you! By providing your homeopath
with as much information as possible you will be assisting them in
choosing the best remedy possible for you, as well as taking part in
your own personal healing process.
For a list of homeopaths in your local area, check out the websites for the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths, The Royal Society of Homeopaths, or The Homeopathic Medical Association.
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