Homeopathy derives from the Greek “homios” for similar and “pathos” for
suffering. Homeopathy is the system of medicine, which treats disease by the
use of natural, medically active substances in weak or infinitesimal doses,
that when administered in health in more crude form, would produce symptoms
similar to those for relief of which they are given. It is based in the law
of “similia similibus curantur” stated by Hahnemann in 1796 that is “let
likes be cured by likes”. This postulate was already foreseen by
Hippocrates. It works by using very diluted substances to increase the
body’s own healing abilities, as a response of the body from the action of a
substance which can produce similar symptoms to which they are recommended
for. For example, if you peel an onion, your eyes become very teary. A
homeopathic preparation of red onion, Allium Cepa, may used for colds or
allergies where the sufferer has teary eyes and provide all other symptoms
apply.
The body is considered as a whole and therefore two people with the same
disease are treated as distinct individuals influenced by all the
factors, which have caused the disease.
Homeopathy offers treatment for acute diseases as well as chronic diseases,
emotional disorders, and injuries. The body’s own internal defense system,
the vital force within, is stimulated naturally to heal body, mind and
spirit in harmony. Homeopathy does not kill germs, but supports the body’s
own ability to heal. It is application of the law of similars to match
symptoms, not the selection of the remedy by the disease that makes the
correct homeopathic treatment. The body is considered as a whole and
therefore two people with the same disease are treated as distinct
individuals influenced by all the factors, which have caused the disease.
The Homeopathic remedy selected will match each person’s symptoms and will
likely be different for each individual. This detailed and complex process
can achieve favorable results, especially with chronic diseases.
Every homeopathic remedy must be tested on healthy human volunteers. This
constitutes a proving, which is then entered into the Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia, Meteria Medica, and Repertories. Homeopathic remedies are
prepared in special homeopathic laboratories and sold through Homeopathic
pharmacies. They are safety-sealed, bear DIN numbers, and must be kept
protected from harmful circumstances. If well protected, in fact,
Homeopathic remedies have known to last for over hundred years.
After conventional medicine, Homeopathy is the most widely used system of
medicine practiced in the world and the fastest growing. It was introduced
in North America in 1826 and by the 1900’s one sixth of the American doctors
were Homeopaths. At one point there were over 1.500 Homeopathic Hospitals
and Clinics in North America. It is very popular in some parts of Asia and
Europe. In France, one person out of four has used Homeopathy at least once
in his or her lifetime. Homeopathy was regulated in Upper Canada from 1859
to 1970, requiring being a Homeopathic Doctor in order to practice
Homeopathy. Since we lost the regulatory laws, we would like to offer a word
of caution to prospective students and patients alike, since anybody cal
claim to be a “Homeopath” or even open a school to teach this medical
science.
The benefits to the patient of using homeopathy are that it is low cost,
simple to use with out requiring special equipment, easily available and it
is free of side-effects only when properly administered by a Homeopathic
Practitioner.
Homeopathic Medicine is the treatment of choice of England’s royal family,
and endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Pope Pius X,
and Tina Turner.
Homeopathy has been in the spotlight especially after Denevas, Benveniste,et
al(1) study. The results from this paper could not be rationalized according
to the physical and biological laws known today. The polemic has been
started and it probably will not be settled in the near future. Meanwhile,
Homeopathy has been proven effective in hay fever(2), fibrositis(Primary
Fibromialgia)(3), influenza(4), and in an overall review of other
conditions(5).
Homeopathy is proud to be a part of the re-emerging of Alternative Medicine.
Time has come for medicine to be taught, practiced and experienced as what
it is, an Art comprehending the totality of the human body and its emotional
and spiritual expressions.
1. Denevas E., BenvenisteJ.,et al. Human Basophil Degranulation Triggered by
Very Dilute Antiserum Against IgE. Nature 33, 816,June 1988
2. Reilly.,et al. Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Lancet 881-886.Oct.18,
1986
3. Fisher P., Greenwood A., Effect of Homeopathic Treatment of Fibrositis.
BMJ 299: 365-6
4. FErtey J.P. et al. A controlled Evaluation of a Homeopathic Preparation
in the treatment of Influenza-like Symptomes. Brit. J. Clinical Pharmacology
(27) 329-335, 1989.
5. Kleijnen P. et al. Clinical Trials of Homeopathy. BMJ 302: 316-23. 1991
•Homeopathic remedies are best absorbed sublingually. The usual is 3
granules held under the tongue until dissolved.
•Do not touch remedies with your hands. Tip the granules into the lid of
container provided then place under the tongue.
•If remedy is spilled, throw them away. Do not place back into container.
•Take remedies 30 minutes away from food, beverages and flavoured toothpaste
or mouthwashes.
•Do not expose to bright, direct light or sunlight, or intense heat for
prolonged period of time.
•Do not store or open around strong perfumes or fragrances, especially
camphor or menthol based liniments or ointments as this may antidote the
action of the remedy.
•Keep remedies away from strong electromagnetic fields, such as those
generated by television, computers and clock radios.
•When traveling, do not do not let homeopathic remedies go through x-ray,
have them hand checked.
•Coffee, regular tea and mint may antidote the action of many remedies. If
possible avoid them.
•In most cases, the use of Homeopathic remedies will not conflict with
vitamin and mineral supplements or prescription or over-the-counter
medications. Please inform your Homeopathic Doctor of your current
medication and any changes in their intake.
•DO NOT RENEW or continue prescriptions on your own
The initial consultation with a Homeopathic Doctor involves an intensive
interview which is approximately two hours in length. Be prepared to answer
many questions regarding your chief complain(s), as well as questions about
yourself, your habits, and general well-being. Before seeing the Homeopath,
it would be helpful if you could think about your condition and the symptoms
you are experiencing. You will be asked to discuss one symptom at a time,
and it is most useful if you describe each symptom in your own words. Of
course we are interested in the medical diagnosis that you may have already
obtained; however, any additional information you can provide is invaluable.
For instance, When do you experience the symptom?
What does it feel like?
Is there anything you can do to make it better or worse?
Are there any accompanying symptoms?
Are there any unusual or peculiar symptoms?
Example:
Medical Diagnosis: Migraine
Homeopathic Case Taking: When do you get the headaches? In damp rainy
weather.
- Feels like my brain is on fire.
- Feels better if I lay down, rub the painful area and apply a
hot cloth.
- Feels worse after eating, if I move and in bright sunshine.
- Accompanied by nausea and watery eyes.
- Peculiar: I get the hiccoughs before the pain starts.
The Homeopathic Doctor will do her best to obtain the information relative
to your case. Do not be offended if the Homeopath interrupts you. It may be
that more details are required with regard to a particular symptom or
perhaps enough details have been acquired and it is time to move on.
It is our aim to serve you most efficiently and effectively. If you are
pleased with the quality of care, please refer your family and friends. We
rely upon new patients. If you have any questions or concerns, we would be
happy to discuss them with you.