What is homeopathy
Homeopathy as a healing system is relatively new. It was founded by Samuel Hahnemann, who died two centuries ago. Nevertheless, the main principle behind homeopathy is ancient, reaching back to Hippocrates who stated that “similia similibus curentur”. This can be interpreted as “what makes you sick will also heal you”.
In homeopathy the human organism is viewed in a different way. There is a deep wisdom in all its functions which ensures that the organism as a whole is responding in the best possible way to any kind of disturbance. This may come from the external environment (heat, cold, humidity, injuries etc.) or from the internal environment, either biological (any kind of toxins, infections etc.) or psychological (emotional stress, cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessions etc.).
Symptoms are not considered as signs of the disease. They are considered as phenomena of a reaction that takes place inside the organism. Therefore, the appearance of symptoms is the best possible reaction to the disease-causing influences acting on the organism. This way of thinking is changing the way we interpret the manifestations of a disease. The human body is not considered a passive recipient of a disorder, but it is viewed as a beneficial homeostatic system. The symptom is not an annoying entity from which we want to be free. It becomes another entity, something friendly, an internal mirror reflecting what is really happening in ourselves. During the consultation a comprehensive case story is taken including the family history, childhood diseases, current complaints, habits, various characteristics like sleep, nutrition, temperature regulation, sweating etc. In addition, crucial information is taken regarding the patient’s character, ways of reacting to stress, fears, psychological issues and general conditions of living. The presenting complaints that led the patient to the doctor’s office including clinical symptoms, laboratory reports, X rays, CT scans and all other information that can add to a complete picture of the disorder are examined thoroughly and recorded in detail. The final goal is letting the examining doctor observe as objectively as possible the whole way that the organism is functioning and the way that the disorder is manifested in all levels of existence. In this way the doctor can see that creation of symptoms is leading to compensating the disorder.
The next stage is finding and prescribing the right homeopathic remedy, the one which as closely as possible corresponds to the patients’ symptoms. When the patient takes the remedy, it causes a further reaction of the organism. In this way reestablishing an improved balance is possible.
Substances to be avoided during treatment
In homeopathy substances like coffee, mint, cinnamon and camphor are usually prohibited as they are stimulating and highly aromatic. In many patients, especially the ones that are already stimulated and have issues like sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypertension etc., those substances should preferably be avoided even without homeopathic therapy. In other cases, the above restriction is not necessary and one cup of coffee per day, consumed slowly, can be allowed with no negative effect on the organism. This remains in the doctor’s discretion.
Taking conventional medications
Many patients come to our practice are already taking conventional medications for chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease etc.). in those cases, caution is required together with thorough knowledge of medical pharmacology. The basic rule is that if a person has been using a walking cane to help him balance when walking, you cannot suddenly take it from him, because he may fall and more serious problems may occur. There is a specific way of addressing those cases, which may be complex. In many cases conventional medications can be gradually reduced, as the symptoms are improving due to the homeopathic treatment. This is one of the reasons why homeopathy with all its healing potential should be practiced exclusively by doctors.
What is a homeopathic remedy
Homeopathic remedies are produced by plants, minerals, metals, salts or can be of an animal source (e.g. bee poison). In theory every substance existing in nature can become a remedy. Remedies are manufactured by a series of multiple dilutions of the initial substance. Afterwards those solutions are “potentiated” (subjected to a process of vigorous strokes in a specific manner). In this way all the chemical properties of the substance are negated and the dynamic, energetic action is enhanced. Any potential toxic action of the initial substance is also negated. This makes homeopathic remedies absolutely harmless and they can be prescribed to pregnant women, babies and children without any safety concerns.
Diseases where homeopathy can be applied
In practice homeopathy can be applied to any chronic or acute disease expect for urgent surgery cases. Once again, we emphasize that the doctor should have an excellent discretion of when and what he will use in every individual treatment. In short, we can mention the following cases where homeopathy can be applied:
- Pediatrics: dermatological diseases, asthma, infections, allergies of upper or lower respiratory tract
- Dermatology: eczema, psoriasis, acne, nail problems, hair falling of any kind, urticaria, herpes, herpes zoster
- Rheumatology: autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, headache of different kinds, digestive disorders, gynecological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, sleep difficulties, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, obsessions, depression, concentration difficulties, memory problems etc.
Homeopathy cures the patient and not the disease. A few of the issues that we encounter at our practice are mentioned above in simple, everyday language. We definitely not even suggest that homeopathy is a panacea that heals every illness. Each patient is a unique case and the limitations of healing cannot be generalized.
