Homeopathy - An Introduction
Homeopathy is gaining in popularity around the world. More and more
people are relying on its remarkable ability to heal their health
complaints gently and rapidly. Far from being a "new age" medicine,
Hippocratic writings show that Homeopathy's mode of action was known at
least 2000 years ago. It was not until the 1800's however, that it was
developed it into a usable system of medicine by the German scientist
and physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann.
Homeopathy has a fascinating approach to health. Unlike
conventional medicines, which control the body and its symptoms through
chemicals, Homeopathy works by triggering a positive reaction from the
body's self-healing mechanism (see Case 1). In doing this, two things
happen. First, the body is stimulated to correct its own state of
ill-health, and second, it is strengthened to be more resistant to the
problem in the future (see Case 2).
Homeopathy is both safe and effective. Its medicines, called remedies,
are mainly derived from mineral, plant, and animal sources and are
placed into sub-molecular doses by a process called "potentisation."
This process retains and amplifies the beneficial effects of the remedy
while removing any toxicity. As a result, homeopathic remedies are free
of chemical side-effects and cannot poison. They are non-addictive and
can be safely taken with other medicines. They are safe for people of
all ages including babies, the elderly and the pregnant. Homeopathic
remedies can even be used with animals and plants.
Homeopathy effectively treats both acute and chronic problems.
Deep-seated complaints such as arthritic, digestive, and respiratory
disorders can be resolved as easily as headaches, hay fever, and the
discomfort of teething. Because mental-emotional states are also
affected when a person is in a state of imbalance, problems such as
jealousy, lack of confidence, depression, panic-attacks, and children's
behavioural disorders can also be simply and effectively treated.
Homeopathy is truly a remarkable system of medicine and as we progress
through the tutorials of the coming months, I hope you will come to
enjoy its fascinating approach to health care. In the meantime, let me
share two cases from my Clinic where Homeopathy made significant
differences to long-standing health problems.
Case 1 - Control vs Cure
Gary
had high blood pressure. It had been controlled for 5 years by a
conventional anti-hypertensive medication but now was on the rise
again. His doctor wanted to increase the dose of his medicine. This
concerned Gary because it had already been increased 2 years earlier
for the same reason. Obviously, his blood pressure problem was
worsening. Gary decided to see if Homeopathy could help.
In
the weeks following his homeopathic prescription, Gary's blood pressure
began to fall. In consultation with his doctor, Gary's blood pressure
medication was reduced and then ceased as his blood pressure
normalised. Over the next few months, Gary needed the occasional dose
of his homeopathic remedy until his vitality was strong enough to
maintain health in its own right.
Gary's case is a good example of a key difference between conventional
and homeopathic medicine. In chronic problems, conventional medicines
are generally used to control rather than cure symptoms. Over time,
this form of suppression will damage the body's own ability to heal so
that the person progresses to worsening states of health. Either the
same problem will need stronger doses of the existing medicine or new
problems requiring new medicines will appear.
In contrast, Homeopathy stimulates and strengthens the person's
vitality to restore balance. When this is achieved, symptoms disappear
and health is returned. The homeopathic remedy is no longer needed.
This is exactly what happened for Gary. He has not had a blood pressure
problem since.
Case 2 - Bacteria and Viruses are Like Flies
Recurring
abscesses had troubled Brianna for more than 18 months. They would
appear anywhere on her body and if untreated could grow to the size of
an orange. They were also extremely painful. In the past, antibiotics
had controlled each outbreak but within weeks of finishing the course,
new abscesses would appear. This latest one was on Brianna's cheek. The
swelling had closed her eye. She had a fever and felt awful.
Brianna was prescribed a homeopathic remedy indicated by the symptoms
of her abscess and the other health problems she was experiencing.
Within 24 hours, her eye had opened and by 4 days, the abscess had
cleared. She felt better than she had done for years! When I next saw
Brianna, some 12 months later, she was still abscess free.
Brianna's story is not unusual and clearly shows the importance of
treating the underlying problem rather than end symptoms. Antibiotics
can dramatically improve bacterial infections but they do not correct
the imbalance that led to the infection in the first place. Bacteria
and viruses are like flies that hover around a rubbish heap. Spray the
flies and they will die but if the rubbish remains, new flies soon
gather. In the same way, infections can repeatedly return.
This is exactly what happened to Brianna. Antibiotics helped for the
short-term but the bacteria soon returned. Once the homeopathic
prescription had removed the rubbish heap by correcting Brianna's
underlying imbalance, her self-healing mechanism was free to restore
real health. With no imbalance to support the unwanted bacteria, the
abscesses resolved.
Brianna
improved in other areas also. The tinea between her toes disappeared,
she lost the lethargy that had bothered her for years, and her
migraines ceased. With vitality strengthened, she will be more
resistant to these problems in the future.
Next month, learn about:
- The Law of Similars and what it can do for you
- How to turn coffee into a simple homeopathic remedy
- Why the humble onion might be your best friend during a bout of hay fever
- What hyperactivity medications such as Ritalin and Dexamphetamine have in common with Homeopathy
