Homeopathy - What is it and is it Right for You?

Homeopathy is an alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used in small amounts, restores health.  It is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicines to start the healing response.  Homeopathic remedies seem especially effective for people with chronic diseases. 

Homeopathy focuses on the individual and their symptoms to bring long lasting benefits, wellness and happiness.  Therapy is based on the “Law of Similarity” known as treating “like with like”.  The remedies are highly diluted natural substances and have been used throughout the world for over 200 years.  Homeopathy remedies can be safely used along with most conventional medicines.

Homeopathic remedies are derived from plant, mineral and animal origins.  They stimulate the body, giving it a gentle boost of natural energy for healing.  There is no danger of addiction or toxicity and the remedies are considered safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients.

The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States establishes good industry standards and manufacturing procedures in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Due to the overwhelming safety record of the homeopathic approach and extreme dilutions, the FDA does not use the same standards for approval of homeopathic medicines as it does for conventional drugs.

Homeopathic remedies work on all systems of the body with mental, physical and emotional guiding symptoms listed in the order of importance.  Homeopathic remedies can treat a wide range of symptoms such as sore throats, toothaches, acute fevers, chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma, anxiety, mild depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Homeopathic practitioners use a repertory.  This is an index of symptoms that explores the remedies for a particular symptom and lists the remedy for each symptom.  Repertories are often extensive and may include data from clinical experience and “provings”.  A compilation of reports of many homeopathic “provings” is known as a homeopathy materia medica.  This listing contains commonly used homeopathic single remedies and lists symptoms that fit each remedy.  The catalog assists the homeopath in finding the right remedy for each individual patient.

A homeopath will usually listen to a patient’s emotional and physical symptoms and then chooses a remedy closest to the individual symptom picture.  The remedy stimulates the body’s own natural healing process and strengthens the immune system, without danger of side effects. 
 
Homeopathic remedies and conventional medicine may work together.  Remedies do not interact with other medicines and do not have side effects.  However, it is advised to have a health care provider closely monitor the situation.