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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that differs from conventional or allopathic medicine in specific ways. One of the main differences is that instead of diagnosing, labeling and treating a particular disease, the homeopath looks at the whole person and takes everything about them into consideration in order to select a remedy that closely matches their unique symptoms closely. The manner in which the client adapts to their individual situation and life in general is considered vital to their case. 

This system was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Germany over 200 years ago. Dr. Hahnemann was a German physician and translator of medical books from many parts of the world. Homeopathy is based on his analysis of the various principles and scientific understanding of medicine he learned while translating these medical texts. The text he translated dates back to the time of Hippocrates, who is known as the father of medicine. 

Homeopathy regards symptoms as the body’s healthy attempt to restore itself to balance. The remedy chosen will support the body, and the symptoms, rather than opposing or suppressing them, thus enabling the body to heal. 

Homeopathy quickly spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world, including the U.S. The exact mechanism by which homeopathy works is unknown, but 200 years of clinical experience along with research published in The Lancet, Pediatrics, and the British Medical Journal have confirmed its effectiveness. 

How is Homeopathy different from other alternative medicines?
People get confused and think that all alternative medicines are alike. But they are not. Acupuncture is based on the philosophy of Chinese Medicine and uses needles on targeted areas of the body to stimulate energy healing. Herbalism uses only plant sources. Herbs contain material substances from the source plants, therefore can produce side effects. Homeopathy uses plant, mineral and animal sources and has a special method of preparing remedies that removes the material substance. So, homeopathic remedies made from source materials that are typically considered poisonous are now safe to take. 
What are the benefits of Homeopathy?
Homeopathic remedies work in a gentle and safe way. The remedies, made from natural substances, address the current symptoms, and go back to the root of the imbalance, so that that health issues may be eliminated totally. The remedies are taken in small amounts for relatively short periods of time. They have no side effects, are not addictive and overall are much less expensive then conventional medicines. 
What does Homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy treats all kinds of conditions, physical, emotional and mental. It can even treat what today are called spiritual obstacles, where a person feels not in the world or out of sync with the world. Both acute and chronic conditions (for definitions see Terminology) can be treated with homeopathy.
What are remedies?

Homeopathic remedies are made from taking very small amounts of natural substances – plants, animals or minerals. Remedies are made and tested according to standards developed by Dr. Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. One of the keys to Homeopathic remedies is that they are given in such small doses that they are able to stimulate your body’s own natural defense system and encourage its self-healing mechanism. 

Homeopathic remedies are taken in a different way than regular medicine. They can either be in a pellet or liquid form depending on how your homeopath believes is best for you and your individual situation. Often instead of swallowing the pills like you do with regular medication, homeopathic remedies are often taken by placing the pellet(s) under your tongue to melt. If a liquid is used instead, it may be held in the mouth for a period of time prior to swallowing, this allows for the gentle introduction of the remedy into your system. 

What happens after taking a remedy?
This really depends on the individual. Some people experience a period of exceptional well-being. With others, occasionally their symptoms seem to get worse for a short period of time. But this is actually a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. Still others may experience tiredness or get a cold or develop a rash. These reactions are also a good sign that you body is working with the remedy and trying to clean itself out. As the remedy continues to work, you may notice the appearance of an old symptom. If this occurs it is usually for a short time and will pass. It is important not to treat the reoccurrence of an old symptom by suppressing with medication, because this will slow or impede the overall healing process. If no change is noticed, it may be necessary to change the potency of the remedy or change the remedy itself. 
What does a visit to a homeopath entail?
The first visit will take from one to two full hours. During this initial interview, you will be given adequate time and space to speak freely and in detail about your presenting problem(s), including how they affect your life. In addition, you will be asked some questions about other aspects of who you are, i.e. your eating habits, sleeping habits, likes, dislikes, family history, etc… The more information the homeopath is given about you, the easier it will be to match you with the most appropriate remedy. A follow-up consultation takes considerably less time, unless a new symptom arises or more information is required to better match a remedy.
Who can use homeopathy?
Homeopathic remedies are considered to be safe for all: infants, children, teens, adults (including pregnant and nursing women), hypersensitive people and seniors. Homeopathy can also be used to treat the family pets. This is because remedies are made from natural substances, but they contain no material substance, and are given in such small doses that they are non-toxic and have no side effects. 
Why not just get a remedy from a Health food store?
While you may think you can figure out what remedy you need, homeopathy is actually more complicated. Over the counter remedies may be of some help for acute and minor problems, but if you have a chronic or serious condition you definitely need to see a trained homeopath for proper treatment. Sometimes finding the appropriate over the counter remedy is confusing. It is important to know the differences among remedies that seem to refer to similar states. Health food stores are limited in the number and potency (strength) of remedies they sell. In addition, your particular situation might require something that you cannot pinpoint accurately and/or easily find over the counter.
What if I am currently taking prescription medication?
You can still be treated homeopathically. The remedies will not interfere. Any medications prescribed by your physician, however, should be dealt with only by your physician. The goal is to lessen your dependence on these medications as your homeopathic treatment brings your body more into harmony. Any changes in your prescribed medication should only be made by you and your physician.
Is Homeopathy expensive?

Not when you compare it to the cost of conventional (allopathic) medicine. Of course in many countries, including the U.S., alternative medicine is not covered by health insurance. In some cases, if you have a health saving account, you can get some coverage. But the good news is that homeopathic remedies are much less expense and do not have to be taken for as long as prescribed medications. The practitioner’s service is the major cost. Your initial visit will be the most expensive, but you will spend one to two hours with the homeopath in the initial consultation. Follow up visits are generally only ½ hour in duration and therefore cost much less. 

Each homeopath has his or her fee structure, so it is best to check with the homeopath you will be working with for their fee structure. 

How do I find a Homeopathic practitioner?

Because the rules and regulations for practicing homeopathy differ in each state, it is sometimes difficult to find a homeopath. If word of mouth does not work, you can look on the internet at 

http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org

http://www.homeopathy.org/directory.html

http://homeopathy-cures.com/search.html

http://www.innerhealth.us

No matter where you locate a practitioner, always make sure you find out what their training has been. 

Are there different types of homeopaths?

There are various ways that different practitioners practice homeopathy. There are even many who call themselves homeopaths when they might only use homeopathic remedies occasionally and in conjunction with other treatments. This may cause confusion to the client.

  • Classical – using only one homeopathic remedy at a time to treat the whole person in a dynamic way, following the philosophy and tenets of the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. 
  • Naturopaths – using homeopathic remedies along with other herbs and tonics to stimulate the body into its own healing ability.
  • Complex – using a combination of homeopathic remedies made into one substance.

(I am a Classical homeopath & use a specific method that I have found to have a deeper & longer lasting result.) NOTE: all symptoms at every stage are only the tip of the iceberg and it is through our symptoms that we need to treat the whole state.

What is the training for a homeopathy?

Before schools were created, there were apprenticeships with mentors and/or study groups of interested, like-minded persons. These still exist but now there are schools of varying length, in-depth seminars, graduate level courses, and more. Some conventionally trained medical practitioners can take post-graduate courses while others may initially opt for a full training at a school which could take four to five years to complete. 

It is important that you ask your homeopath about their experience and credentials. Taking a weekend course or attending a few seminars is not good enough, even for a trained physician, and should be questioned. Trained homeopaths usually have letters after their name indicating their education and/or professional certification. Be sure to ask what these letters stand for. The most recognized certification process in the United States is from the Council of Homeopathic Certification. The letters, CCH, would indicate that the homeopath understands the methodology, philosophy and essential knowledge required to practice as a professional. As yet, however, certification is not mandatory so not every homeopath has this additional credential. 

Due to of the nature of homeopathy, new methods, remedies, insights and understandings come up each year, and it is important for homeopaths to continue their education to keep up with new developments. Always ask your homeopath how they were trained and how they are keeping up with new information.

Where all is homeopathy found in the world?
Homeopathy is known world-wide. While growing in popularity in the USA, homeopathy is actually more recognized and utilized in other countries. In Europe, for example, almost all countries have practicing homeopaths. In fact, in the United Kingdom there are actually homeopathic hospitals and even the Royal Family is known to favor homeopathic treatment? In India, homeopathy is probably used as much as conventional medicine. Homeopathy is part of the national health system in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, India, among others. You can also find homeopaths in Latin and South America as well as in Australia, New Zealand and former Soviet Union countries. It is not as well-known in Africa and China but is beginning to be used there as well.
How can I learn more about homeopathy?

Most bookshops and health food stores have books relating to homeopathy. Some of the more common ones for beginners are:

Steven Cummings and Dana Ullman, Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine. This book covers homeopathic history, principles, and practical methodology along with home care measures and appropriate homeopathic medicines for a wide variety of acute conditions. 

Timothy R. Dooley, N.D., M.D., Homeopathy Beyond Flat Earth Medicine. This book is an excellent introduction to homeopathy – what it is, how it differs, when to use it, what to expect, how to get results.

Miranda Castro, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. A brief introduction to the history and philosophy of homeopathy. The main part of the book focuses on treating common acute conditions. It is very readable for the beginner. (Miranda also has an excellent guide for Pregnancy and Childbirth as well). Similar to Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine (see above).

Dana Ullman, Homeopathic Medicine for the 21st Century. Very thorough and exact. Well worth reading. If you want one book to have by you – this might be the one.

George Vithoulkas, Homeopathy: Medicine of the New Man. A good introduction to the homeopathic philosophy.

Richard Moskowitz, MD, Homeopathic Medicine for Pregnancy And Childbirth.

All these and other books on homeopathy are available at Minimum Price Homeopathic Books www.minimum.com or call 800-663-8272. 

 

 

 
Call 970-626-9828 or email Bonnie@IntrinsicVitality.com  to make an appointment or find out more about how homeopathy can help you. Appointments are available in the Ridgway,CO office, via telephone, or via Skype.
    Copyright - Bonnie Heidbrak