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.

Herbal Medicine Usage Theories

When you use herbs, you probably don’t think about why you are using them the way you are. Most herbal medicine practitioners subscribe to one of several different theories about the proper use of herbal medicine. One of the oldest theories is the Chinese theory that states that herbal medicine is divided into two categories that produce yin-yang balance: pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants. Another, slightly more recent theory about herbal medicine is derived from Native American uses. Native Americans used herbs according to their physiological effects and spiritual uses.

A modern theory combines some of these older theories to create the use of herbal combinations to treat illnesses. According to the Triune formula, there are nine herbal combinations that nourish, supplement, or drain the main organ systems of the human body. This formula was derived from ideas in Chinese herbal medicine.

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.

Alternative Medicine Schools

If you are interested in learning all there is to know about alternative medicine, you should check into attending an alternative medicine school. Also called holistic health schools, these learning centers offer courses and degrees in many of the subjects those who are into natural healing will appreciate.

Alternative medicine schools can be an option for the young person who wants a career in medicine, but is not too keen on the idea of spending so many years of his life earning a degree. They are ideal for someone who is already involved in the conventional medical field and would like to branch out. And, they are a fine choice or anyone who is just interested in learning about one or more of the branches of alternative medicine.

No matter where you live, there is an alternative medicine school of one kind or another not too far away. Using the Internet, it is easy to research the many different schools. You will find comprehensive lists of the schools and their courses, laid out in such a way as to be simple for you to find the type course you are looking for.

What kinds of courses are available at alternative medicine schools? Some of the most popular include –

• Massage Therapy
• Chinese Traditional Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy
• Nutrition
• Chiropractic
• Herbal

It is certainly possible to have a career based on what you learn at alternative medicine schools. In fact, alternative medicine careers are among the fastest growing careers in the nation. This is because more and more people are beginning to realize that conventional medicine is not for them. They want to get back to nature and away from the side effects of the prescription drugs that allopathic doctors hand out so freely.

You could feel very proud of yourself for going to an alternative medicine school! Once you earn a diploma or are certified in whatever discipline you choose, think of how you could help others. There will be a real need for your services as a natural nutritionist, massage therapist, or chiropractor. People will be eager to for you to instruct them on what herbal remedy would be useful for whatever complaint they might have if by chance you study homeopathy. Taking a course in Chinese Traditional Medicine would make you quite popular, as requests for your services would climb once people discovered how much you could help them.

If the alternative medicine school you are attending is an accredited institution, you can get help in paying your tuition. Attending any accredited school makes you eligible for Federal tuition aid from your state and from the government. You can receive grants, loans, and participate in work study programs just like at any other college.

Look into alternative medicine schools if you want a satisfying career!

Does Alternative Medicine Work?

In today’s modern times, many of us no longer believe in alternative medicine, natural remedies, the use of herbs or anything that does not involve the use of traditional modern medicine. We have made so many advances in modern day medicine, that most of us don’t trust or want to believe in anything else. The question I ask myself constantly is; “if traditional medicine has become so much better than other alternative, more natural medicine, Why are we still getting sick?” Why do some people get better when they use alternative medicines? Why do traditional medical professionals see so many ¨unexplained healings,¨ as they like to call them. Is it all because of miracles, or is it thanks to Alternative medicine?

Natural medicine does work! Or at least I am one of those believers. But as even the best alternative medicine professionals believe, it should be used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Natural, or alternative medicines allow your body to heal itself, and to balance itself out, without the use of so many chemicals. Even studies done by traditional medicine experts show that many life threatening diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems are caused by stress and anxiety. If the cause is stress, and they agree that one of the best ways to fight this stress and anxiety is through alternative medicine, then how can they also say that alternative medicine doesn’t work. Why do so many in the medical profession say that alternative medicine doesn’t work? Well, your guess is as good as mine! But whether it’s the natural medicine, herbs, therapies or just the patients faith, what is true that something is working, and it’s more than just traditional medicine.

Recently, in a conversation with a friend, who was once a stage IV cancer patient, I asked him what he attributed his healing too. This man should be dead, he is in the 3% survivor rate and was stage four! He told me the doctors had sent him home and told him to make his final plans. Instead he used his faith, tried alternative medicine and is still alive today! If you ask him, whether he believes in alternative medicine or not, he will say, ¨I don’t know what I believe in, but I am still here. Does that answer your question?” ¨It might have been the natural herbal treatment I take, it might be people’s prayers, it might even be traditional medicine. The good thing is I’m still here for a few more years and enjoying every minute of it! I don’t think I could have ever written a better analogy as to the effectiveness of alternative medicine.

The truth is that there are two types of people. Those who truly believe in the natural healing wonders of alternative medicines, and others who believe that natural medicine is a matter of “old wives tales” and these old techniques that have no effect at all.

It is difficult to say which is true and which is not. But we are left with something to consider. If alternative medicines do not work, then why have they been around for thousands of years, and why do we still use them? Why do people who use them, survive life threatening diseases? Is it truly just a matter of faith, or is there really something to these alternative medicine techniques? Those questions I will leave you to answer.

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.