Frequently Asked Questions: HOMEOPATHY

What is homeopathy? Homeopathy is a gentle yet powerful system of medicine developed over 200 years ago by the German Physician, Samuel Hahnemann.  One of its fundamental principles is the “Law of Similars” (or concept of like curing like) first recognized by Hippocrates who noticed that very small amounts of  herbs tended to  cure the same symptoms they produced when given in toxic doses. Homeopathy uses highly diluted substances derived from a wide variety of plant, mineral, and chemical substances. They are prepared according to the standards of the United States Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, a recently revised version of which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and Congress.

How does homeopathy work? Specially formulated homeopathic remedies are thought to resonate with the body to restore order at a deep level and to stimulate its innate healing response. This healing response is very great and many complaints heal themselves unaided. However, when the healing process is blocked or faulty the correctly chosen homeopathic remedy acts as a stimulus to reactivate the curative powers of the body.

How can the correct homeopathic remedy be found? Remedy selection is based on a complete understanding of the whole person, meaning mental, physical and spiritual symptoms gained through an extensive intake with a trained homeopath. This means that homeopathic medicines are specially chosen for individuals based on their unique, sometimes complex state of being. Take for example, migraine headaches. Three people with migraine headaches would potentially be prescribed three different homeopathic remedies based on their unique symptom presentation. It is the person that is being treated, not the headache. Symptoms are the language of disease – the body’s attempt to balance itself. Homeopathy does not seek to remove or suppress symptoms, rather the goal is to recognize and remove the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Is homeopathy merely a placebo? Some think you must “believe” in homeopathy for it to work and that the effects are psychological persuasion. Here are some examples to the contrary:
Infants: Homeopathic remedies are used successfully by parents for common infant ailments such as colic, teething pain and some infections.
Animals: Veterinarians utilize homeopathy to treat cats, dogs, horses, goats, birds and more.
Millions of people across the world rely on homeopathy, some as their primary form of medicine and in European countries an increasing number of MDs are utilizing homeopathy or referring their patients to homeopaths.

What are the risks of homeopathy? Homeopathic remedies are natural and are unlikely to interact with medication or cause side effects.  On occasion one may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms or  see a return of old symptoms they have had in the past as the body attempts to heal itself -  this is what homeopaths refer to as an aggravation. Aggravations are short lived and are a good sign to homeopaths that the right remedy has been chosen and long lasting healing should follow. 

What are the benefits of homeopathy?   Homeopathy provides the opportunity to address the underlying cause for disease and not just control symptoms. The goal of homeopathic therapy is to encourage the body to return to a natural state of balance and health. Most conditions can be improved by homeopathic therapy. Children especially tend to respond well to homeopathy and it offers parents a safe, natural, non-toxic therapy for their family.