What is Homeopathy

Homeopathy is now considered the number one alternative/complementary medicine in the United States. In many countries, it is the first medicine of choice. Based on a scientific system of unchanging principles and proven remedies, classical homeopathy is a safe, effective treatment when used appropriately. It works on the principle of “like cures like” meaning a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person, when used in its diluted, energetic form, can cure those same symptoms. Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to FDA guidelines using highly diluted materials of plant, mineral, or animal origin. The remedies are systematically diluted and potentized (converted to energy) creating a non-toxic, safe medicine for people of all ages as well as animals.

Homeopathy addresses the body in a holistic manner, meaning it takes into account all symptoms, mental and physical, as it addresses the body’s core weaknesses and obstacles to health. The homeopathic remedy stimulates the body’s own immune system to respond and heal itself by strengthening the body’s overall constitution.

In classical homeopathy, expect the initial consultation to be approximately 1-2 hours. The homeopath may have you complete a health history form prior to your appointment. The homeopath should talk with you at length about your symptoms both physical and mental/emotional. Homeopathy looks at your entire health history as well as that of your extended family members. The homeopath may ask what foods you love or hate, what position you sleep in, what you dream about, in addition to taking a time line of your health issues and injuries.

The homeopathic remedy is made by diluting a substance (plant, mineral, or animal - usually milk) and succussing it many times over. The succussions are done by banging the container against a hard surface to instill the energy imprint on the water. Because the remedy is highly diluted, it does not contain measurable amounts of the original substance and is non-toxic. The water is then infused into tiny sugar pills known as the "remedy."

The remedies are put through an experiment on healthy people called a "proving" where the common symptoms of the remedy are determined. These are the same symptoms that can then be treated with that remedy in people who are ill (like cures like). A Reperatory is used to look up symptoms and a Materia Medica gives a full description of the characteristics of each remedy.

There are several editions of The Organon, the body of work composed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, over 200 years ago. This includes the guiding principles (called aphorisms) for classical homeopathic treatment. While the majority of pracitioners today practice from the 4th edition, there are many learning to practice according to the 5th and 6th edition which teaches giving the remedy in water. While the 4th edition "dry dose, wait and watch" method works, the 5th and 6th edition water solutions and LMs are a quicker, gentler method which significantly reduce the chance of an aggravation (temporary worsening of symptoms) before improvements are realized.

Homeopathy is receiving a ton of publicity lately. Hooray! It is not just the "treatment du jour" but a time-tested method of healing. However, with that said, there are many "homeopaths" out there practicing varying degrees of what can be referred to as homeopathy. There are lots of "homeopathic" type treatments being marketed. Some work, some don't. There are some practitioners using it like allopathic medicine and charging extremely high fees - this is not classical homeopathy.

We use "classical" homeopathy. I am not saying it is the only homeopathy that works, it is just the only one I have personal experience with and can attest to. Some parents report good results with what is called sequential homeopathy as well. Like classical, or any treatment really, there are mixed reports.

Classical homeopathy uses only ONE remedy at a time. You can purchase homeopathic remedies from most healthfood stores for under $8. However, I DO NOT recommend trying to treat yourself or your child without the consultation of a trained homeopath. While remedies are non-toxic, they are not harmless. Contrary to what you may read elsewhere, it may not be without consequence to down an entire bottle of remedy or take multiple remedies at once. Each one creates a specific reaction with your vital force. Homeopathy is powerful and must be treated with respect.

There are several thousand different remedies available. Many share very similar symptom pictures. It takes years of study to be able to discern which remedy may best match your constitution. So while a remedy you read about may seem like a good fit, it might not be the best one. The real tragedy is improper remedy selection may prevent you from receiving the true global healing homeopathy offers and then treatment is quickly abandoned.

Like every treatment modality - there are good practitioners and there are bad ones. Homeopathy is no different. I recommend a classical homeopath who practices according to the 5th and 6th edition of the Organon. With that said, my son recovered from dry dosing. However, I believe in my heart, his full recovery would have been much faster than the 3+ years had we done liquid dosing.

Homeopathy is an amazing alternative "medicine." It has done absolute miracles for our family. I know that sounds out there and is quite difficult to believe but you have to experience it first hand to understand. Homeopathy is without a doubt the single most important thing we did to recover our son, along with the diet. I say the diet helped clear up his system, but the homeopathy brought him back to us.

I needed to see the doctor at least once per month for years since my MMR revax and subsequent ill health in college. Homeopathy cured my chronic sinus infections, chronic reflux, chronic lower back pain, depression, menstrual pains and irregularity, and chronic environmental allergies. Since beginning homeopathy, I have been to the doctor once in the past 4 years other than for annual check-ups. It even stopped my preterm labor of my 3rd child within minutes! It has helped all of our family. Even my husband, once a huge skeptic, has had amazing results. But I do not waste time trying to convince parents of this... like anything else you can take it or leave it. But if you have not given it a try, you will have no way of knowing if it might be the one thing that helps your child.

Homeopathy is not a placebo effect, nor do you truly have to believe deep down it will work. I had no idea what it was when we went to see our homeopath for the first time. I was skeptical at first. The results for us were dramatic and quick. But this takes a talented homeopath and finding the simillimum - the best fitting remedy. It sometimes takes several attempts to find just the right fit to address all symptoms and it may take more than one remedy over time (but always only one at a time).

My children have never been healthier. My 2 year old has never had an ear infection and my children have not had antibiotics in over 4 years. This is a huge accomplishment for my family. We treat all "acute" illnesses at home using homeopathy. We still maintain an allopathic doctor for emergencies, and general check ups. And we still get sick from time to time. But homeopathy has brought my family true health like I have never known.

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