What is homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy treats the “whole person” which means that two people presenting with the same complaint may receive a different medicine based on their individual symptoms and emotional response to the illness.
Homoeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, over 200 years ago and is based on the principle of “like curing like” although the principles go back further to Hippocrates & Paraselcus.
The following link is a video by Mani Norland, homoeopath and homoeopathic college principal, explaining what homoeopathy is.
What type of medicine will be given?
Homoeopathic medicines are made utilising predominately plant, animal & mineral substances in dilution to stimulate the body’s own natural healing response.
They are prepared according to strict guidelines set out in international pharmacopoeias and under the control of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Since the medicines are very dilute, homoeopathic medicines are considered gentle in their action when prescribed by a registered homoeopath.
What conditions can homoeopathy treat?
As indicated previously, a wide range of both acute and chronic illnesses may benefit from homoeopathic medicine. – The following acute illnesses commonly prescribed for: sports injuries, coughs, colds, diarrhoea, hay fever, travel sickness and more.
Homoeopathy may also be of help in deeper, more chronic diseases, including a wide range of illnesses: autoimmune diseases and on-going chronic complaints for which conventional medicine often has nothing further to offer.
Today, extensive clinical experience, observation and research continue to support homoeopathy’s effectiveness for a wide range of complaints for men, women, children, infants and the elderly.
What does a visit to a homoeopath involve?
In-depth investigation is all important when taking a homoeopathic case. As well as asking about your symptoms, a homoeopathic practitioner will be interested in you as an individual and the unique way in which your symptoms affect you.
The first consultation with a homoeopath may take an hour or more, however simple acute complaints may only take 15-30 minutes. Information relating to current symptoms and past medical history will be required. Questions may also be asked about diet, sleep, lifestyle, and about some mental and emotional aspects. Physical examinations may be required according to the particular complaint.
Treatment then involves the prescription of the most suitable medicine, matching all of the symptoms and individual characteristics of the patient to the medicine. Two people with the same condition may have very different prescriptions because of their own unique set of symptoms. Your practitioner might also advise general lifestyle and dietary changes as part of a treatment plan or recommend a visit to a General Practitioner or for tests to be carried out.
Research
According to the Faculty of Homeopathy, UK, between 1950 and 2014 over 104 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT's) were published in peer review journals which describe statistically significant results. Of these RCT's comparing homoeopathy with placebo or conventional medicine, 43 reported positive results for homoeopathy.1
The largest ever National Health Service (UK) homoeopathic study, carried out in Bristol, spanned 6 years of research with over 6500 individual patients: - chronic diseases such as eczema, migraine, arthritis, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome were successfully treated. In children under 16, 89% of asthma patients and 82% of eczema patients showed clinical improvement. 74% of migraine sufferers, 72% of chronic fatigue syndrome patients and 77% of women suffering from menopausal problems reported improvements from homoeopathic treatment.2
The Swiss Government recently published a report supporting complimentary medicine and, in particular homoeopathy, as well as the cost-effectiveness of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies.
1 http://facultyofhomeopathy.org/randomised-controlled-trials/
2 http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bristol-patient-outcome-study/
How to take homoeopathic medicines?
Homoeopathic medicines can be given in the form of liquid, granules, powder or tablets and are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Depending on your individual situation your homoeopathic practitioner will give you more specific directions for taking your medicine(s).
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The medicine is usually taken away from food or drink, or as directed by your practitioner.
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If you have any questions concerning your treatment, please contact the professional homoeopath treating you.
Choosing a practitioner
To access a good homoeopathic practitioner, check that they are registered with the Australian Register of Homoeopaths (ARoH). All AHA Professional members are registered with ARoH and abide by the register's Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice. ARoH registration requires that practitioners are qualified to the national standard, have on-going professional indemnity and public liability insurance, hold a current first aid certificate and undergo regular practitioner development.
It is important to note that a practitioner of naturopathy is not the same as a homoeopath. If a person dispenses homoeopathic medicines it does not necessarily mean that they are a fully qualified and registered homoeopath. Many people mistakenly think that homoeopathy and naturopathy are one and the same thing. Naturopathy is a broad-spectrum practice which includes a number of natural therapies, and practitioners are likely to prescribe multiple medicines and treatments such as herbs, nutritional supplements, massage, acupuncture, diet and iridology, and may include some homoeopathy as well.
Can homoeopathic medicines be taken with conventional medicines, naturopathic prescriptions and other traditional treatments?
Homoeopathic medicines have not been known to produce side effects and can be taken in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications as they are not contraindicated. Other traditional therapies will complement homoeopathic treatment, however confer with your homoeopath to ensure that the timing of this in your overall treatment plan is ideal.
