Homeopathy–The Holistic system of medicine

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which treats diseased individuals on the basis of using medicinal substances capable of producing similar changes in the health of a person as that of the diseased person. Literally speaking “Homoeos” means “similar” and “pathos” means “suffering”.

Who discovered Homeopathy and where lies its origin?

Homeopathy was discovered by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in 1790 over 200 years ago. Its origin was in Germany.

What is the basis of Homeopathic treatment?

Every person who is diseased produces signs and symptoms. The medicinal substances are actually given to healthy persons in a process called Drug Proving and the signs and symptoms produced are noted. These are matched with those of the diseased person. The medicine which displays maximum similarity to the symptoms of the diseased person, is administered to that person.

What is the difference between Homeopathy and modern medicine (Allopathy)?

Homeopathy treats the individual who is diseased, whereas allopathy treats the disease in the individual. Homeopathy considers every person as being different from another person, and therefore, no two persons can receive the same medicine in the same dose. Allopathy on the other hand, does not differentiate from person to person, and therefore, administers the same medicine to all the persons displaying a similar disease picture.

What are the types of diseases Homeopathic medicines can treat?

Homeopathic medicines prove effective for a vast majority of diseases which affect the body, including skin diseases, arthritic ailments (Rheumatic Arthritis), diabetes, especially those which are of a long standing nature and have no definitive treatment in other systems of medicines. Homeopathy is also useful for those diseases which come up suddenly and do not last for a long time, for example fever, cold, loose motions, stomach ache, vomiting, etc.

Homeopathy is slow in its action–True or false?

It is a misconception that homeopathy is slow in its action. The action of homeopathic medicine is dependent on various factors like sensitivity of the diseased person, the nature of illness of the person, the pathology of the disease, various other treatment measures taken before resorting to homeopathy, etc. On consideration of the above factors, if the most appropriate homeopathic medicine is selected and administered, the action is fast and beneficial.

What role has Homeopathic medicine got to play in the treatment of poisoning, accidents, drowning and other such emergencies?

Homeopathy has a secondary role to play because, in all emergencies the reaction of the body is so poor and fast deteriorating that homeopathic medicines have absolutely no time to bring about an affirmative action. Emergency treatment measures have to be undertaken and then, if required, homeopathy can be used for faster recovery.

Specifically, what role has Homeopathy in treatment of fractures, cuts, wounds, etc?

Surgical correction of the disorders has to be undertaken, e.g. aligning the fractured ends of the bone, stitching the broken ends of the skin, etc. Homeopathic medicines can then be administered for faster healing and even as an antiseptic.

Homeopathic medicines do not have any adverse effects, is it true?

Generally, the statement is true. Instances when the improper medicine in the improper dose is administered to very sensitive persons, adverse effects are experienced. But since the dose of the homeopathic medicines is limited, these adverse effects also do not cause much harm.

All Homeopathic medicines look alike, why is it so?

Homeopathic medicines are prepared in strong, dispensable alcohol in majority of preparations. The white pills are non–medicinal and are used as a medium to administer the homeopathic medicines. Therefore, all homeopathic medicines have the same appearance (pills) in which the medicine in the liquid form is added.

Why is institutional training necessary for practicing homeopathy as qualified physician, when there are so many lay persons practicing the system just by reading books?

Training for a minimum period of 5 1/2 years is absolutely necessary for being qualified to practice this system as it gives a complete understanding not only about the structure and functioning of the human body but also a thorough understanding of the homeopathic philosophy and its practical utilization while treating diseased persons. Lay practitioners practice by reading but when failure is encountered, they are to understand how and why they failed, which a qualified homeopathic physician will quickly identify and rectify.

Some homeopathic doctors give many medicines at a time, whereas others prescribe only one medicine and that too, in a single dose! Why this difference?

The ‘single medicine, single dose’ homeopathic physician practicing classical homeopathy has a complete understanding of the patient and is therefore sure that only one medicine in one dose of the exact strength will bring desirable results. On the other hand, the homeopathic physician is unsure about the right medicine from the group and therefore practices by a ‘trial and error’ method. This type of practice can spoil cases and bring about high failure rate. It involves giving multiple medicines at the same time and in a repetitive manner.

When visiting a homeopathic physician, the patient has to wait long in the waiting room if another patient is with the doctor, or, the physician takes a long time with every patient on the first visit. Why is it so?

Homeopathic system of medicine treats the person who is diseased. Therefore, the physician, during the interview, has to identify those features of the illness which are most peculiarly belonging only to that person, so as to be able to identify the required medicine for the patient. As a result, a detailed enquiry of the patients complaints including his mental symptoms is absolutely necessary.

Homeopathy advises restrictions in diet when taking medicines, is it necessary?

Certain strong tasting & strong smelling foodstuffs and stimulants (like coffee, onion, garlic) are advised to be restricted for some time before and after every dose of homeopathic medicine only for the reason that these substances leave a strong odor/taste in the mouth which is also the route through which the homeopathic medicine is going to act. Total abstinence from certain foods is not at all necessary if taken regularly, as these have become a part of the system.

Are homeopathic and biochemic medicines similar?

No. Biochemic medicines were discovered and prepared by Dr. Shussler. These are triturated up to the potency 12x or 6c and not more than that. This system is based on the principle that diseases strike the human body only when there is an imbalance in the essential salts of the Human body such as calcium chloride or sodium chloride etc. Treatment with these medicines furnishes the salts that are imbalanced and rejuvenates health. Homeopathic medicines can be potentized up to 30c or 200c or 1M, 10M and even 50M and also the principle is different.

Can allopathic medicines be taken along with homeopathic medicines?

Yes. Certain drugs such as Anti–hypertensives, drugs for cardiac or diabetic disorders need to be continued even with Homeopathic medicines since they are important to life. Others such as anti–biotic if taken for the same complaint that homeopathic treatment is being given may be discontinued with the advice of the homeopathic physician.