Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy (Homoeopathy) is a holistic system of medicine based on the law or principle of 'let likes cure likes' or that a substance capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person. This belief dates back as far as Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine and other ancient healers such as Paracelsus.
Developed by German physician and chemist Dr Samuel Kristian Hahnemann (1755 - 1843)
after conducting his own research on the efficacy of Quinine being used in the treatment of Malaria.
Hahnemann discovered that Quinine could in fact induce the symptoms of Malaria, and therefore
deduced that this was the reason for its success in the treatment of Malaria.
Homeopathic treatment is believed to stimulate the natural healing ability of the body
to fight infection and susceptibility to illness.
How it works
One example of this principle in today's busy world is coffee. The effects of too much coffee can
include feeling physically and mentally overstimulated with difficulty switching off and insomnia. Prepared accordingly to special Homeopathic principles, the remedy Coffea cruda may be prescribed to a person in consultation who is experiencing symptoms such as headache, irritability, insomnia, and an over stimulated nervous system to help alleviate these symptoms. The humble onion is another example. We have all experienced the runny nose and watery eyes from chopping onions. The onion Allium Cepa can be used homeopathically to treat colds and hayfever, where the main symptoms are runny nose and eyes.
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Today
There is over 200 years of clinical experience worldwide and as such, Homeopathy is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a valid form of healthcare. Homeopathy is legally recognised as an individual system of medicine in 42 countries and is recognized as a part of complementary and alternative medicine in 28 others.
Samuel 'Kristian' Hahnemann
Homeopathy vs Naturopathy
Many people think that Homeopathy and Naturopathy are one and the same thing. Naturopathy is a 'broad spectrum' descriptor where practitioners use a multiple treatment approach including herbs, supplements and dietary adjustments which provides the supportive framework for recovery. Homeopathy however is a single system of medicine in which practitioners focus totally on the application of homeopathic medicines and offers a specific treatment for each patient's illness.
Naturopathy is an umbrella term for many natural therapies. The origin of Naturopathy is in 'nature cures' when fasting and eating raw whole foods was practiced, and over time, other therapeutic disciplines were added to become what is now known as Naturopathy. Naturopaths are often considered the 'General Practitioners' of natural therapies. Treatment is likely to include dietary advice, vitamins, minerals and herbal medicines. The Naturopathic philosophy is based on providing an environment which supports the recovery from illness.
Homeopathy is a scientific system of medicine which grew out of 18th century orthodox medicine. The unique characteristic of Homeopathy is the specific selection of a medicine to match with the patients symptoms according to specialised homeopathic case taking. Diet and lifestyle is also considered, but it is the prescribed, homeopathic medicine which is used to directly treat a patient's condition. The Homeopathic philosophy is based on the law of similars - what a substance can cause, it can cure. Homeopathy uses highly diluted, non toxic medicines made from various substances, many of which are herbs.
After many visits to a Doctor and repeated doses of antibiotics for a continuing ear infection, I decided as a last resort to take my daughter, who is 3yo to see a Homeopath. I did not know anything at all really about homeopathy but a friend recommended I give it a try. I felt comfortable with Lily and the way she treated my daughter who even allowed her ears to be looked into without her normal fussing. Lily prescribed a remedy to give to my daughter daily for one week and then to check back in. I was amazed that in no more than 4 days my daughters’ ear had completely cleared up! We went back for a brief check-up 2 weeks later and her ear was still clear and my daughter so much happier. If I hadn’t experienced this, I would still not believe it could work. I recommend Lily and homeopathy and would definitely use this treatment again.
Jess M, Mansfield