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Homeopathy as an Alternative Treatment

Nov 18, 2021

If you’re confused about functional medicine certifications, look no further.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is the second most widely used form of healthcare in the world, and it treats the unique individual.  When you go to the doctor, you usually talk about one particular symptom, like a headache or stomach pain.  Western medicine does standard tests, asks a few questions, and makes a quick diagnosis based on your textbook symptoms.  Often, medication is prescribed.  In a few days, either your symptoms go away, you head back to the doctor for them to try something else, or you live with your condition until it gets in the way again.

You are Unique

Homeopathy, on the other hand, looks at the big picture.  Your symptoms could stem from a whole host of things.  That stomach ache could be anything from stress to food allergies to inflammation.  Traditional medicine appointments may be short and sweet, getting right to the point, but homeopathic appointments can last an hour and take a deep dive into your lifestyle.  Homeopathy looks at the person in addition to the symptoms.

Like Cures Like

Principle #1 of homeopathy is “Like cures like.”  The practitioner treats the disease by introducing a diluted substance of that same disease.  These substances could be from plants, minerals, or animal-based.  There are over 4,000 remedies available and include everything from fresh herbs, activated charcoal, vinegar, stinging nettle, or garlic.  These substances are either diluted in an alcohol-based tincture or added to gels, drops, or creams.

How it Works

Homeopathy helps a person’s body heal itself by stimulating their immune system.  Critics of homeopathy argue that there is too little of any substance after dilution to actually make any difference, but the science says otherwise.  A small drop can work wonders.

Everyone’s body is amazing, and homeopathy works with that system, but the treatment cannot stop and start with drops or creams.  It must incorporate lifestyle changes and a connection with the mind.  This is why a treatment that works for one may not work for another.

Homeopathic doctors sit down with a patient and identify symptoms and strive to get at the root of the problem by examining background, habits, and lifestyle, including food choices, digestive issues, hidden emotions, stress factors, and more.  Any one of these can lead to imbalances in the body.  They give clues to an underlying condition.  It’s like peeling back the layers to get to the root cause.

Homeopathy Treatments

Homeopathy teaches you how to treat yourself.  You are involved with the process through action and feedback.  A healthy mind creates a healthy body.

The most obvious treatment is small doses of the substance that is causing the issue.  These are often given in a tincture, which is made by combining a pellet created with the substance of choice.  In a process called succussion, the substance is mixed with alcohol, shaken, and diluted several times to the prescribed potency.

Patients are given the minimum dose possible.  If that does not produce the desired results, the dose can be increased, or a new treatment can be prescribed.

Treatments follow these steps:

  • You and your practitioner observe symptoms, including mood and behavior changes and environmental factors.  It’s essential to keep a diary to get a clear understanding of possible triggers.
  • The practitioner will choose a single remedy based on the whole picture.
  • You will begin the dose and observe what happens.  Keep in close contact with your doctor in case you have questions or concerns.

Conditions that Benefit from Homeopathy

Many conditions have been treated with homeopathy, including:

  • Digestive Problems
  • Arthritis
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Skin Conditions
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Depression
  • Colds, Flus
  • Sore Throats
  • Asthma
  • Muscle Pain

If you have any questions about whether homeopathy can help your situation, the best thing to do is ask.  You might be surprised at the answer.

Is it Safe?

For over 200 years, people have trusted homeopathy.  It is recognized by the FDA and safe for adults, children, and pets.  It is best to take homeopathic treatments from someone who is trained in the field.  They know what questions to ask and often see things you can’t.

The dose is tiny to begin with.  There are nearly no side effects, but there can be some as nothing is risk-free.  Specific homeopathic treatments can cause interactions with other medicines you are taking.  It is essential to be honest and open with your practitioner and listen to your body.

Homeopathic treatments are not habit-forming but are also not miracle cures.  They are effective for a large number of patients.  Millions of people around the world use homeopathy in one form or another with great success.

The key to homeopathy is to keep an open mind.   The treatment might seem simple, but it’s powerful, and you need to help and trust your body to do its thing.

Complementary Medicine

Many people choose either a conventional doctor or a homeopathic doctor.  In actuality, these two practices can complement each other.  The conventional practice can give immediate relief, while the homeopathic treatments work to eliminate the underlying causes.  You could also try the homeopathy treatments first and see if a more natural approach works.  Traditional blood and lab tests can diagnose tricky issues, and then you can weigh the pros and cons of each treatment.

Chronic Disease Treatment

Patients often come to a homeopathic doctor with a condition that has been bothering them for a long time, such as digestive issues, depression, pain, or recurring infections.  While being treated with conventional medicine, different homeopathic remedies can treat underlying conditions.  If a prescription medication is unavailable, dangerous, or causes side effects, a homeopathic remedy can serve as an alternative or counteract the adverse effects.

Try Homeopathy

The biggest fear about visiting a homeopathic doctor is the unknown.  Most of us have been taught that there is one way to cure diseases.  Homeopathy is a tried-and-true solution for many people around the world.  Your practitioner can address all of your concerns and start a slow treatment that puts you in charge.

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