All About Homeopathy
What can Homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy can be used in first aid, acute, chronic and palliative care on the physical, mental and emotional level. Homeopathic remedies are often used to to provide relief from insect bites, sunburn, bumps and bruises. We also see wonderful results with general childhood illnesses such as colic, digestive upset, coughs, colds, earache, fever, sleep issues, bedwetting, respiratory issues, and many other conditions. Patients with conditions of a more mental/emotional nature such as anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD and other behavioural concerns have found success with homeopathy. Many patients have found homeopathy to be extremely effective in unresolved emotional trauma. Homeopathic remedies can be used safely while breastfeeding for postpartum support and recovery.
As homeopaths, we recognize that there is a time and a place for every type of treatment, and we do not claim to be doctors. In emergent cases, or those which may require more agressive intervention such as surgery, we recommend that patients are treated by a doctor.
However, carefully monitored homeopathic care has it place in many areas.
Whenever we administer a homeopathic remedy we are strengthening the immune system of the patient, and we are also reducing the need for extended or recurring use of pharmaceutical medication. Medications do have their place in healthcare, but are not always necessary when we can take a holistic approach. When an effective homeopathic remedy is available for the treatment of a condition, a patient can avoid the costs and the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.
A good Homeopath will take on patients they feel are in their realm of expertise and refer more complex cases to the practitioner holding the correct skill set required for that particular case. A good Homeopathy should also give educated recommendations to support the patients health such as lifestyle changes, dietary support, exercise and supportive supplements. We must refer to qualified expertise when needed.
What to expect from Homeopathy
In homeopathy, we treat the whole person - not the disease. In order to treat a patient, a homeopath will first perform an initial consultation in order to gain insight into the individual they are treating. An initial consultation can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. During that time, the homeopath will concern themselves with every aspect of the patient, revealing their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual picture. The patient's likes, dislikes, fears and phobias and general temperament are included in this picture. A detailed intake form will be provided to include family history, previous surgeries, traumatic events, illnesses, lifestyle and medications. When all this information is gathered, the homeopath can then begin to piece them together.
Once the homeopath has carefully collected all of the information required to create the picture, the remedy required for the patient will start to emerge. Time is needed to come up with a carefully selected remedy and treatment plan specifically for the patient. Our homeopathic pharmacy contains over 5000 remedies. We have a group of remedies that are commonly prescribed, tried, true and in some cases, easily identifiable. However, other cases are not so clearly identifiable and could require a more obscure remedy. Chronic conditions and some complex acute conditions will need more research and consideration. So, when visiting a homeopath, expect that you may not be given a remedy right away. However, prescribing a remedy for an acute condition can often be done by the end of the appointment after gathering pertinent information and details about the patient. The administration of the carefully selected remedy depends upon the patient's sensitivity and vitality.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from substances from nature. The most common sources are plants, minerals and animals. Carefully selected substances are subject to rigorous quality control during the process of becoming a homeopathic remedy. Additionally, the homeopathic student is required to complete classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Physical Examination, Nutrition, and Pharmacology. So, you should expect your homeopath to have a solid foundation of knowledge in each of these areas in order to provide you a high quality of care.
How long will it take to see results?
In the case of an acute illness, homeopathy can produce rapid results. In chronic or more complex cases, the journey can be lengthy and patience is required.
Follow-up appointments are essential to the wellness of the patient. Frequent check in’s help the patient to feel cared for and to make sure that they are on the correct path to wellness.
What makes a remedy homeopathic?
A substance from nature can be used in many forms of medicine. In order to make it homeopathic it must be processed in a particular manner known as potenisation. Potentisation involves a substance being diluted and vigorously shaken. The homeopathic belief is that this process activates the substance's vital energy, in order to increase the substance's potency.
What homeopathy is not
Homeopathy is a unique system of medicine and should not be confused with Naturopathy, herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, essential oils or other supplements