Frequently Asked Questions On Homeopathy
1. What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a safe and effective method of treatment that is based on firm scientific principles. One of the most important homeopathic principles is the ancient law of similars or "like cures alike." For instance, when a homeopathic physician wants to treat vomiting, she will employ a substance that will cause vomiting in a person who takes a large amount of it. A good example of this is the use of Ipecacuanha or syrup of Ipecac. This medicine is included in emergency kits due to its ability to induce vomiting when administered in large amounts—which is necessary in cases of poisoning. Homeopathic doctors use Ipecac in extremely small doses to treat the types of asthmatic coughs that involve a lot of retching and vomiting. In this instance the cure is so fast, efficient, and permanent, that conventional (allopathic) doctors also imply Ipecac to treat severe asthma. However, since allopaths apply their medicines indiscriminately, their results are often inconsistent; while the side effects of such an obnoxious substance as Ipecac make it very "hard to swallow."2. Is Homeopathy Safe?
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic, hypoallergenic substances, that are free from animal products and kosher. Homeopathy is safe to use when many other types of treatments may not be recommended, such as in the case of newborns and during pregnancy. Homeopathy works with the immune system, promoting wellness, rather than working against the immune system by suppressing symptoms of the healing process.Although a homeopathic remedy may be made from almost anything (even toxic substances), the process by which it is made into a remedy renders the substance safe and non-toxic (see Apothecary). All homeopathic remedies available in the United States and Canada are regulated by the Federal drug authorities.It is impossible to over-dose on homeopathic remedies; even an entire bottle, taken at once, would be processed in the body as a single dose. Therefore, parents do not need to worry about keeping remedies in the home with small children.3. Why Would I Choose Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is the perfect choice for those who want to take more responsibility for their own health care. Easy, safe and effective, homeopathic remedies require no special preparation, and are simple to take. Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the F.D.A., and are readily available from a number of sources without requiring a doctor's prescription.Homeopathy can provide a final solution to chronic cases which may otherwise result in ongoing cycles of antibiotics or other medications.
--- Some chronic and acute problems with which homeopathy has been used successfully are: allergies and hayfever, recurring ear infections, flus and colds, eczema, acne, ADD and ADHD, migranes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, PMS, hot flushes, and many more (see Examples).4. Does Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathy has been subjected to countless clinical trials since the 1800's. though these trials, homeopathy has repeatedly been shown to be effective in correcting a wide variety of health imbalances. Recent research attesting to homeopathy's effectiveness includes a meta-analysis published in 1997, which assessed 89 scientific trials in order to determine whether the effects of homeopathy were due to a placebo effect. This large scale analysis looked only at studies which were conducted in accordance with accepted scientific methods, and which met predetermined criteria for sufficient data and placebo control testing. The authors concluded that "The results of our meta-analysis are not compatible with the hypotheses that the clinical effects of homeopathy are completely due to placebo." [Klaus Linde et al, "Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials." The Lancet, v350, n9081, (Sept. 20, 1997):834.]
In other words, in their analysis of 89 scientific studies of homeopathy, these researchers found that homeopathy does have an observable effect which is not due simply to the effect of the person's belief in the treatment. This distinction has been borne out in clinical practice in the veterinary field of medicine, where veterinarians have successfully used homeopathy to treat animals. Because animals have no knowledge of what is being given to them, the effects of the treatment cannot be due to placebo. Of course, the thousands of people over the past two centuries who have found relief from a huge variety of ailments through homeopathy don't need to be told that homeopathy has a scientifically observable clinical effect. They know from personal experience that homeopathy does work!"I had suffered from year-round allergies and seasonal hayfever for as long as I can remember. I tried everything, from over-the-counter drugs, to prescription medications, to acupuncture and herbs -- nothing brought me any sort of long lasting relief, and definitely not without side effects. Paula treated me homeopathically for my allergies; I felt better within the first couple weeks, and within two months I was 80-90% better. I still have occasional bad days, but I know which remedies I can take to clear up my symptoms, sometimes even within minutes. And I don't feel drugged or any of the other side effects I experienced with medication. I used to have maybe one or two good days out of five on average; now I can go weeks at a time without needing to take anything! I feel healthier than I've been in years!"-Lisa Ahrens
5. How Commonly Is It Used, and Who Uses Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was first introduced in the United States in the 1820's. By the late 1800's nearly one in five physicians in the U.S. were homeopathic practitioners, and there were over 1000 homeopathic hospitals in the country. Between the 1920's and the 1960's, homeopathy became less commonly used due to a variety of reasons, including the rise of powerful pharmaceutical companies, opposition from the A.M.A., and the urbanization of society which led to people having less time to spend on medical care. In the past few decades, however, homeopathy has been re-emerging rapidly in the U.S. as a safe, natural and effective form of medicine. There are currently several schools of homeopathy in the U.S., and it is increasingly being used as the treatment method of choice by people of all ages. Most people who choose homeopathy are educated and concerned about their well-being, and are willing to invest their time into keeping themselves healthy and safe.In Europe, homeopathy has been used consistently since it was systematized by Dr. Hahnemann in the 1800's.
In France, approximately 30 percent of the population has used homeopathic remedies, approximately 32 percent of the physicians have prescribed them, and six French medical schools offer courses leading to a degree in homeopathy. In Germany, approximately 25 percent of the physicians use homeopathic remedies, and the most popular hay fever remedy is homeopathic. In India there are many government-sponsored homeopathic hospitals and more than 100 homeopathic medical schools. Mother Theresa, who regularly employs homeopathic medicine for her charges due to their effectiveness and low cost, has in-house homeopathic physicians whose education she subsidized. In England, the Royal Homeopathic Hospital, as well as about forty independent colleges, offer postgraduate courses in homeopathy, which is also covered under state’s medical insurance. (More about homeopathy) adopted from