The Usage of Homeopathy Here and Abroad

Because most practitioners of Western medicine view homeopathy in a negative light, there are not many homeopaths in the United States and other Western countries. This negative opinion of homeopathy comes from the fact that homeopathic medicine is not scientifically proven to work, nor is it tested thoroughly by the governmental agencies – like the Food and Drug Administration in the United States - that regulate medication in Western countries.

In the United States, for example, homeopathic medicine and treatments are only practiced by about 2% of the population. In Great Britain there is also a very small few who practice homeopathy: again, approximately 2% of the population. However, in countries like India, the numbers are much higher. Because homeopathy makes up a large part of the standard medical practices and traditional medicine in India, approximately 15% of the population uses homeopathic treatments and medicines.

Is Homeopathy a Hoax?

Homeopathy has long been questioned as a legitimate medical practice. Most Western medical practitioners feel that homeopathy is completely ineffective. When any significant effects are seen in the use of homeopathy, most of these medical professionals credit those results to the placebo effect, a psychological response to the belief that something – like a medication - will help, making the brain believe that it does help.

Most of the theory behind homeopathy is, in fact, contradictory to the basic scientific principles of pharmaceutical medical practices. This is because there is no convincing or substantial scientific evidence to suggest that homeopathy is effective. But this is not to say that homeopathy doesn’t work. Some people do find relief from their medical symptoms through the use of homeopathic products. And while Western medicine feels these results are psychological, homeopaths feel that not only do homeopathic treatments work, they work both physiologically and psychologically.

Risks of Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are extremely safe and have no harmful side effects. There is a risk of homeopathy medicine when needed therapies and/or diagnostic tests are excluded. In this case, a Homeopathy remedy and conventional medicine may be used hand in hand.

Two barriers that raise the risks of homeopathy:

• Time and patience are needed to find the right homeopathic remedy for your symptoms. This process may take longer than using conventional medicine. Unfortunately, there is no standard remedy to cure every symptom.
• The remedy must be matched to your particular symptom, where it occurs, what brings it on, what aggravates it and other symptoms you experience.
• If the remedy is not one of 30 or so commonly used and readily available, it may be difficult to obtain.

After starting a homeopathic remedy, some patients feel worse for a brief period of time. This is interpreted as the body temporarily stimulating symptoms while it makes an effort to restore health. A treatment should stop when a symptom clears up. Otherwise the treatment may produce a recurrence of the symptom.

Risks of homeopathy can include liquid remedies that contain alcohol and are permitted to have higher levels of alcohol than conventional drugs for adults. Some consumers may be concerned. However, no adverse effects from the alcohol levels have been reported in Homeopathy literature or to the Food and Drug Administration.

If you are considering using a homeopathic remedy and currently take a conventional drug, consult with your healthcare provider. Though Homeopathic remedies are not known to interfere with conventional drugs, each case should be handled on an individual basis. If you have more than one provider, discuss with each one.

Other risks of homeopathy include:

• Reports of the sale of over the counter homeopathic drugs
• Lack of tamper-resistant packaging
• Improper labeling
• Products that contain vitamins or plants not listed in homeopathic references but are promoted as homeopathic
• Labeling is too vague. For example: “treats gastrointestinal disorders” is too general. This could include a wide variety of conditions
• Though homeopathic remedies often contain only water and/or alcohol, in rare cases the original ingredients is present at detectable levels causing a risk of homeopathy treatment. One report showed an unusually undiluted solution allegedly caused a small percentage of users to lose their sense of smell. There were 340 cases settled out of court.
• In 1938 the U.S. Congress passed a law declaring homeopathic remedies be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same manner as over the counter drugs (non prescriptions). Although new over the counter and conventional drugs must under go through testing and review for safety by the FDA, this requirement does not apply to homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy Medicine

Homeopathy medicine utilizes micro doses of substances from the plant, mineral or animal origin to stimulate a person’s natural healing response. Unlike conventional medicines that attempt to suppress symptoms without the body healing, homeopathy medicines do not have side effects. They work gently with the body to produce balance and healing and reduce the percent of doctor-induced (iatrogenic) diseases.

Homeopathy medicines consist of extremely diluted natural substances. Potency is determined by the amount of dilution and the defense system of the body is stimulated by these dilutions. A common example would be 30X. The number indicates how many times a product has been further diluted. The letter “X” is the method of dilution. X means 1 part crude (remedy) to 9 parts dilatant, which is a 1:10 ratio.

There are certain guidelines to follow when taking homeopathy medicine to maximize the effectiveness:

• Limit contact with cigarette smoke as much as possible.
• Do not take anything by mouth 10-20 minutes before and after a dosage. This includes food, drink, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc
• No camphor and avoid moth ball fumes.
• Limit caffeine as much as possible, including chocolate, coffee and soft drinks
• If dental drilling is necessary, request an injectable or extra dermal application
• Eat cooked garlic only, avoid raw.

Most single remedy homeopathy medicines (pellets or tablets) dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue. For fast relief, sprays are applied under the tongue. In most cases, food should not be taken with medicines. The success of these medicines depends largely on the situation and duration of the ailment. The length of the ailment is relative to the length of the healing process.

Some of the newest homeopathy medicine combinations include treatment of restless leg syndrome; leg cramps; earaches; seasonal allergies; flu; and diaper rash.

To determine which remedy is needed, a self help book or homeopathic practitioner will explain several common single remedies. Select the remedy most like your situation.

As an alternative, the Materia Medica contains detailed descriptions of the homeopathy medicines and the symptoms they treat. Medicines labeled by the Latin name of the drug, substance or compound are used for manufacturing.

Conventional medicines and homeopathy medicines may work together. A homeopathic practitioner should closely monitor this situation. Homeopathy medicines do not interact with other medicines since they have no side effects.

The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States establishes industry standards with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to the overwhelming safety record and extreme dilutions, the FDA does not use the same standards of approval for homeopathy medicines.

Eczema Homeopathy

Homeopathy, an alternative approach to medicine, is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicine to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Eczema homeopathy remedies seem to be especially effective for treatment of the chronic disease.

Eczema is the common term for atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin irritation. The scalp, cheeks, eyelids, wrists, upper arms, elbows and knees may break out with a flaking, itchy rash. Suppressing skin eruptions (with cortisone or other drugs), from a homeopathic point of view, can lead to deeper health problems. To bring lasting relief, a constitutional eczema homeopathy remedy should be selected by an experienced practitioner, and bring the body back into its natural balance.

The following eczema homeopathy remedies are some of those recommended by homeopathic practitioners:

Antimoniom crudum: The patient is prone to indigestion and has eczema with thick, cracked skin. Sensitive and sentimental, they love to eat and may be over weight. They crave pickles, vinegar and other sour things. Children can by shy and irritable, insisting they not be looked at or touched. Antimonion crudum is often prescribed for calluses, plantar warts and impetigo, as well as eczema.

Arsenicum album: People who need this remedy have dry, itchy skin that burns intensely. They are usually restless, anxious, and compulsively neat and orderly. Indigestion and chills are often the symptoms.

Calcarea carbonica: This eczema homeopathy remedy is suited to people who are chilly with clammy hands and feet. They tend to develop eczema and cracking skin worse in the wintertime. They are easily fatigued by exertion, and feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked. They may have cravings for sweets and eggs, a sluggish metabolism and tendency toward weight problems.

Mezereum: The patient who needs this remedy often has strong anxiety, felt physically in the stomach. Scratching can lead to thickened skin when intense, itching eruptions start as blisters, then ooze and form thick crusts. They may have a craving for fat, are chilly most of the time and generally feel better in the open air.

Petroleum: This eczema homeopathy remedy is indicated for individuals whose skin is extremely dry and tends to crack, especially on the fingertips and palms. Eczema is worse in the winter, with deep sore cracks that often bleed. Itching is worse at night, the skin is easily infected and may get tough and leathery from chronic irritation.

Sulphur: This remedy is recommended for patients with intensely burning, itching, and inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth or from bathing. Affected areas may be red, with scaling or crusted skin. Eruptions can be dry or moist. This eczema homeopathy remedy is sometimes helpful to patients who have repeatedly used medications and ointments on their eczema without success.

Homeopathy Natural

Homeopathy natural medicines are an alternative approach to conventional medicine based on the belief that natural medicines, called “remedies” stimulate the body and give a natural boost for healing. Remedies are made of natural substances of plant, mineral and animal origin and are administered in highly diluted doses.

Conventional medicine attempts to restore health by invading organisms, replacing hormones or enzymes and suppressing symptoms without the body healing.  The harmful side effects of the prescription medication can become a concern to the patient and to the doctor.

Homeopathy natural remedies stimulate and give a natural boost to the body for rejuvenation and healing.  Homeopathy natural remedies enhance the body’s own defenses to correct illness and disease and allow symptoms to dissipate.  The minute dose of a remedy does not cause any of the side effects that have become such a problem for patients, physicians, and pharmacists.

Many homeopathic practitioners practice classic homeopathy.  This means the whole well being of the patient is studied, not just the symptoms.  The Homeopathic practitioner understands that the cause of diseases is not just simply germs but also considers the factors that compromise the person’s immune and defense systems, including the person’s family history, nutrition, stress and psychological state.   The practitioner then focuses on a total cure for the patient and not just a “quick fix” of the symptoms.

The goal in homeopathy is to find one single homeopathy natural medicine that treats the whole person.  The specific disease conditions then dissipate as the remedy supports healing in the body.  For any given disease, there are hundreds of remedies that might be used.  However, for a patient only one or two of these homeopathy natural remedies will bring a good response.

Many patients choose a homeopathic approach for natural healing although the practitioner will occasionally recommend conventional medicines, vitamins or other therapy.

Some parts of the Natural Law of Cure have been expressed by different physicians since ancient times.  However, only in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, were the complete laws and principles governing health and disease formulated for the first time in the history of medicine.  That work was done by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843).  Distressed by the barbaric medical methods of his day like bleeding, purging, and the use of leeches and toxins, he chose to leave the practice of medicine.  Later he developed a new, less threatening approach to treating illness known as Homeopathy.  He spent the rest of his years developing and cataloging the relationship between disease and conditions (symptoms) and the toxic effects of natural, medically active substances.  Clinically, the substance that produces the same symptom the patient is currently exhibiting in their illness is the homeopathy natural remedy prescribed by the physician.

Homeopathy Acne

Acne, perhaps the most common health condition, can affect people for their entire life. A skin disorder, it affects eight out of every ten teenagers. Acne happens when the sebaceous glands or oil secreting glands in the skin of the face, chest and back become over sensitive to normal levels of androgen. Adults can also experience acne. Though it often clears up after several years, even without treatment, it may leave scars. Various types of acne are: Pimples (blackheads, whiteheads); Papules, Pustules, Nodules and Cysts.

Acne may occur for many reasons.

• Poor hygiene may cause dirt and grease to accumulate and block skin pores.
• Hormonal changes can cause teenagers and young adults to be more prone to acne.
• Dandruff can fall on the face and back and cause acne.
• Hair follicles may not get rid of dead cells fast enough and clog the pores.
• The sebaceous gland may produce too much, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and causing acne.
• Stress can affect hormone levels and account for some adult acne.
• Occupational exposure to chemicals, grease, oil and toxins.

Often embarrassed by their appearance, patients with acne may have a lower self esteem and experience depression and anxiety. Consumption of excessive oily foods, sweets, chocolate, improper diet and food habits, over exposure to the sun, smoking, lack of exercise, constipation, drugs, alcohol, cosmetics and insufficient rest may all aggravate the condition.

HOMEOPATHY ACNE

Patients suffering from acne are offered a natural, effective remedy through homeopathy acne remedies. They will notice a drying up of the affected areas and a reduction in the number of existing acne. The symptoms of pain, burning and itching, are reduced and often disappear after using homeopathy acne remedies. Many times the skin texture will also improve.

The homeopathy acne remedy is approached in a different way than conventional medicines. It is treated holistically from within the body, and not superficially, by using ointments and creams since the outer skin eruption is a reflection of the internal disorder of the body. The symptoms are a direct manifestation of the body’s attempt to heal itself and the homeopathy acne remedy acts as a trigger to stimulate the body’s own healing forces.

When taking a homeopathy acne remedy, the following procedures are recommended to enhance the results:
• Avoid sugar, white flour products, soft drinks, refined foods, chocolate, cheese, meat, butter and iodized salt.
• Avoid wearing heavy makeup which may clog pores and cause acne.
• Avoid picking at the affected areas. This increases the chance of spreading bacteria and scarring.
• Exercise on a regular basis to manage your stress. Regular exercise is important for overall health and can flush impurities from the skin through perspiration.
• Minimize oiliness with an astringent, such as witch hazel. Apply to a cotton ball and gently wipe skin.
• Try supplements and herbs that support healthy skin.

The “ABCs” of Homeopathy

What is ABC Homeopathy? It is defined as:

A – alternative medicine effectiveness
B – best medicine
C – classic homeopathy

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Alternative types of treatment are generally not acknowledged and covered by conventional medicine. It is often even considered “quackery”. In general, this is because alternative medicine is based on method or practice and conventional medicine is based on predetermined effectiveness.

ABC Homeopathy is mostly alternative medicine because it works with infinite small dilutions to treat illnesses and diseases. For some skeptics, the ABC Homeopathy treatment is hard to accept.

BEST MEDICINE

ABC Homeopathy principles can be extracted from nature and those principles are still considered best practice. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of ABC homeopathy medicine, created the following principles, often adapted for schools and other institutions that teach classical homeopathy:

1. If the physician clearly perceives what is to be cured in diseases. (knowledge of disease, indication)
2. If he clearly perceives what is curative in medicines (knowledge of medical powers)
3. If he knows how to adapt according to clearly defined principles and find the most appropriate medicine (choice of the remedy, the medicine indicated)
4. Also in respect to the exact mode of preparation and quantity required (proper dose)
5. And the proper period of repeating the dose
6. If he knows the obstacles to recovery in each case and is aware how to remove them so that the restoration may be permanent

CLASSIC HOMEOPATHY

Classic homeopathy is based on five principles: Similarity, Homeopathic dilutions, Miasms, Totality Symptoms and Strange, Rare and Peculiar Symptoms.

Similarity – In the homeopathic treatment, a remedy must be found which produces in healthy people the symptoms it can cure with diseased people. The difficulty for the homeopath practitioner is finding the right remedy. Unlike conventional medicines, the remedy fits the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Homeopathic Dilutions – All natural medicines, derived from mineral, plant and other natural substances. The preparation is repeatedly diluted and shaken numerous times. This process increases the stimulation of the body’s own immune system and enables the effect in a much deeper way.

Miasms – The source of chronic diseases. A chronic miasm, left unchecked, increases and grows worse causing aggravated sufferings. According to Hahnemann there are three miasms: psora, sycosis, and syphilis. Later Homeopaths added the Tubercular, Cancer and Aids.

Totality symptoms – all symptoms must be considered when treating a patient. A homeopathic practitioner will study the patient’s physical, mental and emotional health and recommend a remedy based on his/her findings. By dealing with roots causes, rather than symptoms, and finding the appropriate remedy, the disease/illness will lessen and eventually dissipate.

Strange, rare and peculiar symptoms – When searching for a specific homeopathic remedy, the more striking, singular, uncommon and peculiar characteristics and symptoms of the case are to be kept in clear view. This will ensure the remedy is most suitable for bringing the cure.

Homeopathy Remedies

Homeopathy remedies are about the WHOLE person being considered for treatment. That means their mental, emotional, psychological, and environmental self and how they tend to relate to the world around them. A kind of environmental self-check if you will.

The key to natural homeopathy remedies is to get the RIGHT homeopathic remedy selected for YOU and your condition. Then have a dose set for YOU. Put another way, this means each person is different and each dose is different. That makes choosing a bit of like a game of Russian Roulette, which is why you need to be very careful with homeopathy remedies.

The one thing you need to be very aware of is that even though you may find a specific dose on the side of the bottle, this does not necessarily mean it will work for you. You may need more or you may need less. This is one of the major reasons why when dealing with homeopathy remedies, ALWAYS ask a knowledgeable professional. Do not just guess at what you think may work or not.

The doses on the side of the bottle are suggestions only! You now need to fine-tune your homeopathy remedies to suit YOU. Remember, you are a whole body system unto yourself and as such totally unique. Just because your neighbor is using such and such product doesn’t mean you can.

The history of homeopathy remedies is rather interesting. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann launched this area of alternative medicine in the early 1800s. While in the middle of translating a book called the Materia Medica Hahnemann noticed a passage dealing with cinchona bark used to treat malaria.  Hahnemann tried the Peruvian bark, to attempt to understand its actual action.  He figured if he could get it to work, he may just have hit upon a working healing theory.
What happened is he began to develop malaria like symptoms. His conclusion was effective drugs need to produce symptoms in healthy people similar to the diseases they are expected to treat. In the realm of homeopathy remedies this is the Law of Similars. Or put another way a theory that the use of certain substances creates symptoms of disease to fight disease when given in tiny doses. Note the emphasis on “tiny” doses, not full strength.

The theory of using tiny doses is how Hahnemann hit upon the idea of reducing the dose to infinitesimal levels through multiple dilutions of ten to a hundredfold. How this is accomplished is outlined in a book called the Organon of Rational Therapeutics. Published first in 1810, it is still in use today as the practitioner’s basic homeopathy remedies text.

Homeopathy for Dogs

A growing number of veterinarians in the United States are turning to homeopathy for dogs to treat chronic diseases to allergic reactions to cancer. They are discovering the effective, gentle, non-toxic way that Homeopathy for dogs cures an animal’s illness. The benefits are touted for humans, so why not pets as well?

The use and acceptance of homeopathy in veterinary medicine has fairly paralleled that of physicians. Homeopathy for dogs is a safe and effective alternative to conventional veterinary medicine. The mechanism by which these doses are said to work is complex and much of the evidence is sketchy but the use of herbs is easy to understand and the evidence of usefulness is more readily available.

Homeopathy for dogs differs from conventional medicine in many ways. The practitioner takes into account the entire picture and a prescription is not based on a diagnosis. Instead the prescription will be based on the specifics of the case.

For example: a dog may show signs of anorexic (loss of appetite) without thirst and has an irritable personality as well as diarrhea. The second dog may not have an appetite, be very thirsty, seem lethargic and have episodes of vomiting. A conventional veterinarian might treat both dogs much the same way. However, based on the two different cases presented, the homeopathy would prescribe two different remedies.

Homeopathy for dogs may be used to treat personality disorders such as travel anxiety, aggressive behavior, fear, and separation anxiety. While conventional medicine only suppresses the behavior, which returns when the drugs are stopped, a homeopathic remedy can achieve a cure.

One veterinarian experienced this with his own dog when the animal’s fear of thunderstorms was cured. Acupuncture and acupressure are also used to enhance the body’s own healing energies to provide relief and restore the dog to balanced health.

The goal of homeopathy for dogs is a slower, gentler treatment, achieving the highest level of health for the canine companion. Optimal nutrition is a great aid in this process. Never treat your dog without first consulting a veterinarian trained in homeopathy to correctly select the appropriate remedy for your dog.

If you’ve started a remedy and not getting a response from your pet, you can then start another remedy. There is no worry of overdosing or side effects as with conventional medicine.

Homeopathy for dogs has helped many pets, but as with any new product, you should monitor your pet. Homeopathic remedies should never be handled directly as this may reduce their effectiveness. The remedy should be given to the dog on a clean palate, at least 15-30 minutes before or after eating or drinking.

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