Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
The term ‘homeopathy’ is derived from the Greek words homoios (similar) and pathos (suffering).The medical dictionary describes homeopathy as a system of medical practice that treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease. In other words, homeopathy can be classified as a holistic system of medicine. This system of medicine is notable for its practice of prescribing water-based solutions that do not contain chemically active ingredients. The therapeutic principles of homeopathy were first recognized and applied by Saxon physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) and first published in 1796.
Treating the Person not the Disease
While customary medicine system like allopathic typically tries to control, suppress or eliminate a patient’s physical symptom, ayurveda believes that all diseases originate due to derailment of the three humors of human life (Tridosha) -vaat, pitta and kaffa, homeopathy treatment practice is customized and individualized to the patient, with the intent of removing the underlying cause. The homeopathic system of treatment does not combat disease symptoms in the same manner as one would in conventional practice. Homeopathic philosophy considers that if the organism is brought back into balance, the symptoms of disease (imbalance) will resolve accordingly. Therefore, whereas a conventional diagnosis is based on a defined set of common symptoms, a homeopath practitioner tries to diagnose a broad and unique picture of imbalance specific to each individual.
Small Effective Doses
Homeopathic remedies are made from many substances, including plants (which account for about 60% of all homeopathic remedies), minerals and animal products. Preparation of a remedy normally involves crushing the original substance (e.g. plant material) and dissolving it in an exact solution of alcohol and/or distilled water. This mixture is then left to stand for anything up to several weeks, during which time it may be shaken (succussed) from time to time. This solution is known as the mother tincture. There are many different dosage forms in homeopathy: soft tablet triturates, compressed tablets, medicated pellets, dilutions and topicals (ointments, oils and sprays).
The Cure Palette
The scope of homeopathy is extensive. Homeopathy does not treat diseases per se. Homeopathy activates the body’s own healing processes in both the physical and emotional levels. The medication can be used in first aid safely to get relief from ailments like sprains and bruises, minor burns, skin irritations and reactions (including poison ivy, diaper rash and insect bites), teething pain, etc. Since homeopathy has no harmful side effects, the treatment is considered safe and placid even for acute health problems such as colds, flu, coughs, sprains, etc. It can also be used to assist sensitive conditions such as pregnancy. And it is not just first aid and acute treatments; homeopathy can be extremely effective in treating chronic and long-term health problems. Allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever, headaches, stress and respiratory infections, recurrent ear infections, homeopathy can be effective in treating a host of physical disorders. However, while in acute conditions, with the right diagnose the results can be seen in minutes, in chronic conditions, homeopathic treatments show slower results. The gradual progress in homeopathy not only helps recovery of disease, it also offers a method of maintaining health and preventing illness. It is a subtle yet effective therapy that can correct small imbalances if a patient’s vitality is low.
