Homoeopathy
Introduction
Homoeopathy (from the Greek 'homoios' meaning 'similar' and 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' or 'disease') was created in the late 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann [picture to the left].
Homoeopathy follows the principle of 'like cures like'. This means that the medicines used to treat an illness, cause symptoms similar to the illness. This discovery by Samuel Hahnemann was made when he wanted to know why the Cinchona bark (from which Quinine is derived) was effective in the treatment of Malaria. He overdosed himself, while in a healthy state, with the Cinchona bark. What he found was that he started to develop symptoms similar to Malaria. With what he discovered, he started to experiment with this principle, and eventually formed the system known today as Homoeopathy.
However, Hahnemann found that the raw material doses used in the system of medicine at his time were too powerful for the human body to handle. To compensate for this he developed a system of serial dilution, with violent shaking between each dilution (succussion) to minimise the powerful toxic effects of the crude substance. Following on from experimentation with this system of serial dilution, Hahnemann found the the more a substance was diluted, the more powerful its therapeutic benefits became. This principle goes against conventional medical science's principles and is the reason for the controversy surrounding Homoeopathy. Until recently, no one has been able to explain this priciple and how it works; however quantum physics is possibly starting to shed some light on the mechanism of this principle. Due to quantum physics being beyond the scope of understanding of most people, including myself, I have decided not to discuss these findings here.
Holistic Medicine
Homoeopathy uses a holistic approach to the treatment of illness. This essentially means that a homoeopath will consider all factors pertaining to their patient's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well being. Included in this lifestyle, dietary and occupational factors will also be taken into consideration. Therefore a typical consultation with a homoeopath will be quite lengthy and detailed. Added to this a comprehensive physical examination is performed, and if neccessary blood testing and special investigations are ordered.
To correct the imbalances to health, the Homoeopath will use Homoeopathic medicines chosen according to the 'like cures like' principle. Added to this herbal medications may be used to assist the healing process and to support weakened organs; dietary supplementation may also be used to correct deficiencies or to further assist the healing process. Besides the use of internal medication and supplementation, advice on lifestyle and dietary changes may be given.
As one can see, a very thorough and detailed process is involved in the treatment of illness and to restore the body back to a state of health. Holistic medication relies on the stimulation of the body's own restorative and healing abilities. Many patients usually go to see a Homoeopath as a last resort. It should be stated now that one should not expect a quick fix to their health problems. It usually takes many years of mistreatment of one's body to result in illness. Therefore true and correct healing of the body will require time to bring the body back into balance. This is not to say that Homoeopathy cannot have rapid results, which it most definately can. It should just be noted that one should be patient with one's own natural healing abilities. The longer you have had an illness, the longer the length of time required by the body to cure the condition.
Conclusion
This is not a full discussion on Homoeopathy, but rather information to give a basic understanding of what Homoeopathy is, how it works, and what to expect when consulting with a homoeopath. If you have any further questions or would like to have something explained then please contact Dr Shaun Hutchinson.
since 7 April 2009