Homeopathy - the Future of Health Care?
Considered by many to be the future of health care, homeopathy — known as today’s leading form of energy medicine — is currently in regular use by practitioners around the world. Homeopaths may have any number of other degrees and designations, including medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, veterinarians, nurses and more. Supporters of homeopathy have included members of England’s royal family, seven Catholic popes, and 11 American presidents (including Bill Clinton) who have used it themselves, or have sponsored legislation to allow its practice.
Homeopathy is actually the second largest system of medicine in the world and the fastest growing, especially in some parts of Asia, Europe and South America. It also experienced great popularity in North America around the turn of the century, when one of six hospitals was a homeopathic hospital.
Homeopathy is actually the second largest system of medicine in the world and the fastest growing, especially in some parts of Asia, Europe and South America. It also experienced great popularity in North America around the turn of the century, when one of six hospitals was a homeopathic hospital.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health. It is not a new age medicine but has a history of about 240 years.
It is extremely safe to use, even with pregnant women, very small children and pets, has none of the side effects of many traditional medications, is very affordable, is made from natural substances, and is FDA regulated.
It is used to address acute illnesses, like colds, ear infections, migraines, and sore throats, as well as chronic conditions, like asthma, depression, autism and other developmental disorders, and arthritis.
Homeopathic medicines – known as “remedies” – are made from many natural sources, including plants, minerals and some animal substances, as well as from many drugs, vaccines and toxins, even radiation. They are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free. Most are available over the counter in grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, homeopathic pharmacies, from practitioners and can also be purchased online. They are also extremely affordable, with a tube of a single remedy in the $8.00 range.
It is extremely safe to use, even with pregnant women, very small children and pets, has none of the side effects of many traditional medications, is very affordable, is made from natural substances, and is FDA regulated.
It is used to address acute illnesses, like colds, ear infections, migraines, and sore throats, as well as chronic conditions, like asthma, depression, autism and other developmental disorders, and arthritis.
Homeopathic medicines – known as “remedies” – are made from many natural sources, including plants, minerals and some animal substances, as well as from many drugs, vaccines and toxins, even radiation. They are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free. Most are available over the counter in grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, homeopathic pharmacies, from practitioners and can also be purchased online. They are also extremely affordable, with a tube of a single remedy in the $8.00 range.
How Homeopathic Remedies are made - Boiron
Why Homeopathy works and makes Sense
Watch this short video by Dana Ullman for a good explanation of the basic premise of homeopathy
Something to note is that the word homeopathy is not a general or “umbrella” term that describes a variety of different natural therapies. Although homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances, homeopathy should not be confused with naturopathy, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, or other types of natural medicines. It is its own, unique therapeutic system.
Anyone can learn to treat simple conditions safely at home using homeopathy, but a professional should treat serious conditions.
The Royal family chooses homeopathy and the Queen's personal physician is a homeopathic medical doctor. The Royal family can choose any type of healthcare they want obviously, but they choose homeopathy and integrated medicine. If you have a few minutes you can listen to this fascinating interview with Dr. Peter Fisher, the Queen's doctor since 2001. (Unfortunately he passed away in an accident in 2018.)
How was Homeopathy Discovered?
The principle of homeopathy was first described in early Greek medical writings, but rediscovered and developed to its present form in the late eighteen hundreds by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann became disillusioned with the harsh medical treatments of his time. They included the routine use of heavy metals such as mercury and antimony as well as extensive bloodletting.
Spurred on by a growing family of 11 children he set out to find a gentler form of medicine and devoted himself to research, while writing and translating scientific books to earn a meagre living. The family was so poor that they were weighing slices of break on a scale to make sure every child received a fair share.
While translating a particular book he got idea of experimenting on himself with tea made from the bark of the Quinine tree. This bark was being used for the treatment of malaria, as is quinine to this day. He developed chills, intermittent fevers and flu-like symptoms reminiscent of malaria and deducted that the tea might help in malaria because it produced symptoms similar to malaria in healthy people. Somehow this might stimulate the ‘vital force’, part of the self-healing mechanisms of living beings. The idea of homeopathy was born.
Hahnemann spent the rest of his life conducting experiment with various plants, mineral and animal substances on himself, his family and healthy volunteers to discover their healing properties, a process known as ‘provings’, which continues in the homeopathic community to this day. By the end of his life he had ‘proven’ about 90 remedies. Today, more than 8500 individual remedies are available in homeopathy.
Of course, many substances were very toxic in crude form so Hahnemann set out to give smaller and smaller doses of them and ultimately discovered that a series of dilutions interspersed with intense agitation of the solutions created remedies which were highly effective while being completely non-toxic as all their material substance had been removed.
He published his findings and immediately came under heavy attack by the pharmaceutical industry of his day! Conventional medical doctors and pharmacists were up in arms at their potential loss of revenue as well as by the biting remarks of Hahnemann who took every opportunity to skewer the non-believers for their lack of effort and rational thinking when it came to helping the sick.
Spurred on by a growing family of 11 children he set out to find a gentler form of medicine and devoted himself to research, while writing and translating scientific books to earn a meagre living. The family was so poor that they were weighing slices of break on a scale to make sure every child received a fair share.
While translating a particular book he got idea of experimenting on himself with tea made from the bark of the Quinine tree. This bark was being used for the treatment of malaria, as is quinine to this day. He developed chills, intermittent fevers and flu-like symptoms reminiscent of malaria and deducted that the tea might help in malaria because it produced symptoms similar to malaria in healthy people. Somehow this might stimulate the ‘vital force’, part of the self-healing mechanisms of living beings. The idea of homeopathy was born.
Hahnemann spent the rest of his life conducting experiment with various plants, mineral and animal substances on himself, his family and healthy volunteers to discover their healing properties, a process known as ‘provings’, which continues in the homeopathic community to this day. By the end of his life he had ‘proven’ about 90 remedies. Today, more than 8500 individual remedies are available in homeopathy.
Of course, many substances were very toxic in crude form so Hahnemann set out to give smaller and smaller doses of them and ultimately discovered that a series of dilutions interspersed with intense agitation of the solutions created remedies which were highly effective while being completely non-toxic as all their material substance had been removed.
He published his findings and immediately came under heavy attack by the pharmaceutical industry of his day! Conventional medical doctors and pharmacists were up in arms at their potential loss of revenue as well as by the biting remarks of Hahnemann who took every opportunity to skewer the non-believers for their lack of effort and rational thinking when it came to helping the sick.
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann
Things have not changed much in the past two hundred years in this regard it seems. Nonetheless, homeopathy proved successful and in spite of two hundred years of heavy oppression by the conventional or ‘allopathic’ medical system, has carved out a growing space for itself by it's sheer effectiveness.
Provings continue to be conducted around the world, constantly expanding the number of useful homeopathic remedies. Provings and other information about the remedies are published as ‘Materia Medica’ (medical material or literature).
Practitioners of homeopathy now have access to comprehensive homeopathic literature as well as sophisticated computer systems to assist them in the selection of the best remedy, based on the symptoms the remedy produces and the symptoms the patient experiences.
Provings continue to be conducted around the world, constantly expanding the number of useful homeopathic remedies. Provings and other information about the remedies are published as ‘Materia Medica’ (medical material or literature).
Practitioners of homeopathy now have access to comprehensive homeopathic literature as well as sophisticated computer systems to assist them in the selection of the best remedy, based on the symptoms the remedy produces and the symptoms the patient experiences.
How are Homeopathic Remedies Selected?
Due to the ongoing research and development in homeopathy there are now over 8500 remedies available for use. It is important that the remedy picture matches the symptoms of the patients as closely as possible on every level, physically, mentally and emotionally.
This requires first of all a very careful interview process with the patients in which every aspect of the patient's current symptoms is explored in great detail. For example, a patient suffering from asthma may experience worsening of symptoms at a certain time of day or night, be better or worse in a certain position or from certain foods etc. Additional information is gathered about the energy level, sleep, dreams, digestion, food preferences and the personality of the patients.
Much attention is paid to any traumatic experiences the patient may have suffered in his or her life, which may be linked to the onset of the present health complaints. Homeopathic remedies are selected with all of these factors in mind, for example, a child who develops panic attacks after having been lost in the woods camping may require a remedy which is used for ailments arising after an intense fright.
Homeopaths also pay great attention to other stressful factors such as past injuries, infections which may not have cleared up completely, imprints left from medications and vaccinations, exposures to animal bites etc.
This requires first of all a very careful interview process with the patients in which every aspect of the patient's current symptoms is explored in great detail. For example, a patient suffering from asthma may experience worsening of symptoms at a certain time of day or night, be better or worse in a certain position or from certain foods etc. Additional information is gathered about the energy level, sleep, dreams, digestion, food preferences and the personality of the patients.
Much attention is paid to any traumatic experiences the patient may have suffered in his or her life, which may be linked to the onset of the present health complaints. Homeopathic remedies are selected with all of these factors in mind, for example, a child who develops panic attacks after having been lost in the woods camping may require a remedy which is used for ailments arising after an intense fright.
Homeopaths also pay great attention to other stressful factors such as past injuries, infections which may not have cleared up completely, imprints left from medications and vaccinations, exposures to animal bites etc.
How are Homeopathic Remedies Prepared?
Homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances, mostly from plants, but also from minerals and some animal substances, such as bee venom as well as medications, vaccines and even different types of radiation as well as blood and saliva from human subjects. Virtually any substance can be made into a homeopathic remedy.
Hahnemann discovered that by progressively diluting the original substance in water and alcohol and by shaking or ‘succussing’ these dilutions their health-giving properties could be maximized while simultaneously rendering them virtually non-toxic.
This process of dilution and agitation of the substances is referred to as ‘potentization’ or ‘dynamization’, with the idea that information from the original substance is either somehow stored or imprinted on the water molecules or still present as nanoparticles in some way.
Water does appear to have certain physical properties which allow it to store information, not unlike a magnetic audiotape can store auditory information such as music.
The information stored in the water may then be able to effectively interact with the information-processing systems of the human organism, providing information which allows the system to regulate and heal itself.
Many homeopathic remedies are diluted or rather ‘potentized’ to the point where none of the original substance remains in the dilution. Those highly potentized remedies are often more effective than lower potencies and one dose of such a remedy can have an effect for weeks or even months by stimulating and/or re-balancing the organism on a deep level to heal itself.
Even though these principles sound somewhat strange, present day physics, especially quantum physics, offers some rational explanations for the well-documented effectiveness of homeopathy. Unfortunately I am not a physicist and it's over my head, but for those interested, here are some links for more information:
Theory of the Quantum Physics of Potentisation of Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a Science of Quantum mechanics
A new quantum theory to explain homeopathy: Quantum Coherence Domains
Hahnemann discovered that by progressively diluting the original substance in water and alcohol and by shaking or ‘succussing’ these dilutions their health-giving properties could be maximized while simultaneously rendering them virtually non-toxic.
This process of dilution and agitation of the substances is referred to as ‘potentization’ or ‘dynamization’, with the idea that information from the original substance is either somehow stored or imprinted on the water molecules or still present as nanoparticles in some way.
Water does appear to have certain physical properties which allow it to store information, not unlike a magnetic audiotape can store auditory information such as music.
The information stored in the water may then be able to effectively interact with the information-processing systems of the human organism, providing information which allows the system to regulate and heal itself.
Many homeopathic remedies are diluted or rather ‘potentized’ to the point where none of the original substance remains in the dilution. Those highly potentized remedies are often more effective than lower potencies and one dose of such a remedy can have an effect for weeks or even months by stimulating and/or re-balancing the organism on a deep level to heal itself.
Even though these principles sound somewhat strange, present day physics, especially quantum physics, offers some rational explanations for the well-documented effectiveness of homeopathy. Unfortunately I am not a physicist and it's over my head, but for those interested, here are some links for more information:
Theory of the Quantum Physics of Potentisation of Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a Science of Quantum mechanics
A new quantum theory to explain homeopathy: Quantum Coherence Domains
What kinds of Conditions can Homeopathy Help?
Actually, homeopathy treats people, not diseases. In homeopathy disease symptoms are understood as manifestations of a deeper, underlying imbalance of the organism which need to be addressed, rather than just suppressing the symptoms.
In other words, the symptoms are meaningful to the organism and often an attempt of the organism to heal itself or adjust to certain adverse circumstances. For example, perspiration during heat is an attempt of the body to cool itself, a fever during an infection helps to kill off the invading organism, etc.
Homeopathy recognizes and respect each person as a unique individual, rather than as a disease. For instance, ten different migraine sufferers might receive ten different remedies, individually selected based on each person’s unique symptoms and personality.
In general, the range of conditions in which homeopathy can be helpful is very extensive, and includes first aid and acute conditions as well as all manners of chronic illness, including allergies, asthma, digestive problems, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, skin conditions, etc.
In other words, the symptoms are meaningful to the organism and often an attempt of the organism to heal itself or adjust to certain adverse circumstances. For example, perspiration during heat is an attempt of the body to cool itself, a fever during an infection helps to kill off the invading organism, etc.
Homeopathy recognizes and respect each person as a unique individual, rather than as a disease. For instance, ten different migraine sufferers might receive ten different remedies, individually selected based on each person’s unique symptoms and personality.
In general, the range of conditions in which homeopathy can be helpful is very extensive, and includes first aid and acute conditions as well as all manners of chronic illness, including allergies, asthma, digestive problems, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, skin conditions, etc.
What About Mental and Emotional Problems?
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Homeopathy addresses the complete person, which naturally includes thought and feeling disorders, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, rage, unusual impulses, ADD/ADHD and others.
Homeopathic practitioners do not judge the person or classify him or her into a category but rather understand that each individual contains a unique energy pattern which gives rise to physical as well as mental symptoms and states. Homeopathy is particularly effective at addressing illnesses arising after emotional traumas such as grief, anger or fright, and is effective in treating children as |
well as adults. Even animals are effectively treated for emotional shocks with homeopathy.
Can Homeopathy be Used During Pregnancy and with Children?
Homeopathy can be very beneficial for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Conditions such as morning sickness, threatened miscarriage, difficult labour and other problems can all be treated effectively and with utmost safety, as the remedies are just energy patterns rather than containing pharmacological doses of substances.
Babies and children respond very well to homeopathy and many childhood ailments from teething and colic to earaches and measles can be addressed without reverting to potentially harmful drugs.
Babies and children respond very well to homeopathy and many childhood ailments from teething and colic to earaches and measles can be addressed without reverting to potentially harmful drugs.
Is Homeopathy Covered by MSP?
If you are eligible for MSP assistance you may be eligible to receive $23.00 towards up to ten consultations with a naturopathic doctor who practices homeopathy. Most private health insurance plans will cover most or all of the costs of the consultations with a naturopath and increasingly with a homeopathic practitioner.
How do I find a good Homeopathic Practitioner?
At the current time there are a number of homeopathic schools in North America which offer excellent training in homeopathy. In general, the best-trained practitioners tend to be naturopathic doctors with an additional specialization in homeopathy.
Naturopathic doctors receive a very thorough medical education and are in an excellent position to advise a patient on different options for their health care. If homeopathy is considered to be the best choice of treatment, the naturopathic doctor may treat the patient him or herself, or refer to a practitioner who specializes in homeopathy.
However, there are many excellent homeopathic practitioners who are not naturopathic doctors by training. Some chiropractors, medical doctors, nurses and other health care professionals my have specialized training in homeopathy and be excellent practitioners. Some homeopaths don't have another health care background, but does not make them inferior.
Look for someone who has completed at least a three-year course, preferably full-time at a reputable school for homeopathy and has been in practice for a few years. A beginner however, can take his or her time and is often very successful as a result.
It is generally understood in the profession that at least ten years of experience are needed to be a fully experienced practitioner. If you have had homeopathic treatment without much success please ask your practitioner for a referral to someone who is more experienced. Also keep in mind that we have about 7700 homeopathic remedies available, it can be a daunting task to find just the right one, for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Naturopathic doctors receive a very thorough medical education and are in an excellent position to advise a patient on different options for their health care. If homeopathy is considered to be the best choice of treatment, the naturopathic doctor may treat the patient him or herself, or refer to a practitioner who specializes in homeopathy.
However, there are many excellent homeopathic practitioners who are not naturopathic doctors by training. Some chiropractors, medical doctors, nurses and other health care professionals my have specialized training in homeopathy and be excellent practitioners. Some homeopaths don't have another health care background, but does not make them inferior.
Look for someone who has completed at least a three-year course, preferably full-time at a reputable school for homeopathy and has been in practice for a few years. A beginner however, can take his or her time and is often very successful as a result.
It is generally understood in the profession that at least ten years of experience are needed to be a fully experienced practitioner. If you have had homeopathic treatment without much success please ask your practitioner for a referral to someone who is more experienced. Also keep in mind that we have about 7700 homeopathic remedies available, it can be a daunting task to find just the right one, for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
What can I expect at my first and subsequent appointments?
The first appointment is generally at least 1,5-2 hours in length for adults, one hour for children.
Treatment is generally not started on the first visit as homeopathy is very complex and additional time is often required to study the case in order to find the correct remedy. The first follow-up is usually within two weeks, then about every four to six weeks until the problem is resolved.
Treatment is generally not started on the first visit as homeopathy is very complex and additional time is often required to study the case in order to find the correct remedy. The first follow-up is usually within two weeks, then about every four to six weeks until the problem is resolved.
How do I make the Best of my Treatment?
In order to prescribe the best homeopathic remedies the practitioner needs to understand the client in great depth on all levels. The most important element the client can bring to the process of homeopathic care is self-observation and awareness as well as careful observation of their children if they are to be treated.
Clients need to be attentive to all changes in their health and well-being, including their mental and emotional state and their dreams. Patience and perseverance are also very helpful; it can take some time to really understand a complex human being which is not easily done in an hour or two.
Sometimes the first remedy is not correct, mostly because of lack of information for the practitioner. With ongoing care and more opportunity for better understanding of the patient there is a greater possibility that the best remedy or remedies will be found.
The other very important factor is follow-through. Please stay with the process for a while, ideally at least a year or even more. I myself have been treated now for 30 years and am still improving in various areas of my health, it is truly remarkable.
Clients need to be attentive to all changes in their health and well-being, including their mental and emotional state and their dreams. Patience and perseverance are also very helpful; it can take some time to really understand a complex human being which is not easily done in an hour or two.
Sometimes the first remedy is not correct, mostly because of lack of information for the practitioner. With ongoing care and more opportunity for better understanding of the patient there is a greater possibility that the best remedy or remedies will be found.
The other very important factor is follow-through. Please stay with the process for a while, ideally at least a year or even more. I myself have been treated now for 30 years and am still improving in various areas of my health, it is truly remarkable.
Does Anything Interfere with Homeopathic Treatment?
- Remedies can sometimes be antidoted, which means that the effect of the remedy is interfered with. This can happen in several ways:
- Coffee: Coffee can sometimes, but not always antidote remedies, not due to the caffeine but rather due to other medicinal ingredients in coffee beans. Until you can be sure that the remedy is working it is advisable not to drink coffee.
- Camphor: The vapours of camphor which is use in different skin and cold preparations may antidote remedies. It is best to avoid deep heat rubs, Ben Gay, Tiger Balm, some cosmetics, certain throat lozenges etc. Smelling these substances can be enough to antidote the remedy.
- Allopathic drugs (Conventional drugs): Most of these medications are designed to suppress symptoms rather than address underlying imbalances, which can weaken the natural healing ability of the organism and may antidote the remedy. If you are taking conventional medications however, please do not stop them without close supervision of your medical doctor and homeopathic practitioner. The remedies will still work if prescribed in a certain way and you may slowly improve to the point where regular medications can be reduced or eliminated.
- Routine dental work: Drilling and perhaps some of the chemicals used in dental work can sometimes antidote remedies, therefore please let your practitioner know if you recently have or are about to undergo dental work in order for this to be taken into consideration.
- Acute infections: An acute infections such as a bad flu may antidote a remedy which has just been given shortly before the infection. Then the constitutional remedy may need to be repeated after the acute condition has cleared.
- Excessive stress: Stress and trauma can weaken the vital force; therefore the person may not be able to respond as well to the homeopathic remedy. Lifestyle changes and stress management may be needed in order to improve the response to the remedies. At the same time, good homeopathic care can often reduce the amount of stress experienced by the patient, or may give them the needed strength to make necessary changes in his or her life.
A Great Introductory Book on Homeopathy
'Homeopathy - Beyond Flat Earth Medicine' by Timothy Dooley, is a great introductory book on homeopathy. You can read a free version here.
Videos on Homeopathy
1999 Video produced by the BBC, a little blurry but still as relevant today as back then