What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that can be
used to treat a wide variety of illnesses.The term homeopathy is derived from the Greek 'homeo' and 'pathos',
meaning 'similar suffering'. In homeopathy a substance which, in its crude form, would produce symptoms in a healthy
body, is selected to match the same symptoms found in a person suffering from them.
We
all know what happens when we peel an onion - our eyes water and sting, and sometimes may stream with acrid tears, in the
same way as hay fever or a cold. The onion is made into a homeopathic remedy, allium cepa, which is sometimes given
for the common cold or hay fever. All remedies work in this way although in some cases the symptom picture may not be so obvious.
The law of similars is a natural law and many conventional drugs also work in this way. However in homeopathic
medicine there is one essential difference, that has to do with the minute quantities in which the substances are given.
How does Homeopathy differ from other forms of medicine?
Unlike
conventional medicine, which treats symptoms with toxic drugs that eventually weaken the body, homeopathic medicine aims to
change and enhance the vital energy of the body, thus getting to the root of the disease. The body has a great capacity
to heal itself and homeopathy works with our natural the healing power, without producing side effects.
Anther important difference is that Homeopathy focuses on a person's Total Symptom Picture, not only
the disease they are suffering from. This means that two people suffering from the same condition can be given two different
remedies and treatment plans. This is because each person is treated as a whole, and not as a machine made up of separate
parts.
Instead of looking at the symptoms of illness as undesirable, Homeopathy sees them as signs
of the body attempting to heal itself. Therefore, instead of suppressing symptoms, homeopaths give remedies that would cause
the same symptoms in a healthy person to stimulate the body's own restorative mechanisms.
Finally,
homeopathy only uses only very minute doses to bring about improvements. This
makes the remedies very
safe to take and free from side effects.
Please note that, if symptoms persist after your course of treatment,
then it is important to consult your GP.
