Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that uses highly diluted doses of substances to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism to promote health.
The use of Homeopathic Medicines, commonly known as remedies, is based on the discovery that natural substances are capable of curing the same symptoms they cause. By studying the symptoms that develop when a healthy person tests a remedy, Homeopaths are capable of determining which symptoms that substance is capable of curing. This is called the Law of Similars, or like cures like.
A good example is the common onion. When cutting an onion, people experience burning, watery eyes and a runny nose. Many hayfever sufferers with symptoms of burning, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose have found dramatic relief after taking the homeopathic remedy Allium cepa (Red Onion). From similar deductions, Homeopaths discovered that substances able to cause symptoms are, when given as a remedy, able to cure them as well.
Homeopathy is able to determine the general nature of an ailment upon diagnosis. However, each individual expresses the symptoms of the ailment differently. The individual’s unique portrayal of symptoms leads the practitioner to the correct remedy.
History of Homeopathy
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, discovered Homeopathy 200 years ago. Though Homeopathy gained in popularity through the course of Hahnemann’s life, it also contains several basic principles noted from ancient writings and traditions of native medicines. Hahnemann coined the term Homeopathy from the Greek homios, meaning similar and pathos, meaning suffering. Dr. Hahnemann’s new system of quick-healing caught on quickly throughout Europe and beyond. By the late 1800’s, Homeopathy had become one of the most valued and popular healthcare systems in North America and Europe.
The most common prescribing practice in North America is known as Classical Homeopathy. This is executed by the homeopath selecting a single remedy, one that is the closest match to the individual. Once the remedy has been administered, the homeopath will wait to see how the body responds before adjusting strength or moving to a different remedy altogether. This method focuses on the patient’s dis-ease rather than labeling the symptoms expressed.
How Are Remedies Prepared?
Remedies are prepared from plant, mineral or animal products and are repeatedly diluted and succussed (vigorously shaken). This is a standardized method of dilution and as it progresses, the medicine’s properties are enhanced, making the remedy stronger. This process is called potentization.
What Can Homeopathy Treat?
Homeopathy effectively treats health issues ranging from Allergies to Zoster (shingles). Homeopathy does not discriminate between emotional, mental and physical ailments. Thus generalized diagnosis used in conventional medicine is much less important in Homeopathy. Instead, uniquely expressed symptoms are key. For example, ten people suffering from severe headaches can describe ten different sets of symptoms. Each unique symptom pictures will have its own unique remedy, though all cases have described their ailment as a headache. By supplying an individualized treatment, the homeopath is treating the individual, not the disease label.
Well-chosen Homeopathic remedies can produce dramatic effects in both acute and chronic illnesses. Symptoms of acute illness are drastically reduced, making recovery time faster and helping the individual stay healthy, falling ill less often. Homeopathy also works exceedingly well in treating childhood illness such as colic, teething, diaper rash, earaches and bedwetting.
In chronic, deep-seeded ailments, Homeopathy brings relief to symptoms developed over a long period of time. Most well-known medical conditions fall into this category. Many women find that Homeopathy for ailments such as morning sickness, PMS, menstrual irregularities and menopause are alleviated. Homeopathy helps in chronic ailments by reversing the limitations of the illness, improving and maintaining long term health.
Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe?
In a word, yes. Due to the extreme dilution used in potentization, all Homeopathic remedies are rendered non-toxic. Homeopathic remedies are safe for people of all ages; even women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What can I expect from a Consultation?
The first meeting with a homeopath is usually two hours. Detailed information will be asked about physical, emotional and mental health both past and present. Patients will also be asked to identify more general traits which are characteristic to them and may have nothing to do with why they have come to the Homeopath. An individual’s reaction to climate is a good example. The Homeopath will also try to assess all factors that could have contributed to an illness. This can include stress, shock trauma (can be emotional) and family history.
Treatment following a consultation may be immediate or provided at a later date. In more complicated cases the practitioner may have to review more thoroughly the information provided during the consult.
A follow-up appointment is booked to assess the body’s response to the remedy. Usually these are between four to six weeks after the initial visit. Treating illness takes time, especially when working with other forms of treatment and medication. Regular follow-ups are scheduled to allow the Homeopath to assess how the body is responding to treatment and make any changes if necessary.
Homeopathy at Home
Homeopaths are often asked if patients can practice Homeopathy themselves at home. Patients can learn to treat simple first aid conditions like insect bites and stings, poison ivy, burns, sprains and cuts. A Homeopath can also teach patients to use Homeopathy for minor conditions such as indigestion, morning sickness, sleeplessness and travel sickness. Home practitioners still need to seek out the help of a professional when faced with a serious complaint or a minor one that doesn’t go away.
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Dr. Jenn Prusky DSHM
Dr. Prusky earned her homeopathic diploma from the Toronto School of Homeopathic Medicine. Passionate about the healing process, Dr. Prusky believes that the body is a remarkable machine and uses Homeopathy as a vehicle to stimulate a healing that comes from within. Homeopathy is beneficial for all age groups (and pets) and not only heals current ailments, but fortifies the body against new ones. Dr. Prusky is very excited to join the Labelle Chiropractic Clinic Team.
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For Further information or to book an appointment:
Call: 416-704-4483
Email: Info@basichealth.ca
Basic Health is located at the Labelle Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic
1100 Bathurst Street (SW corner of Bathurst and Dupont)