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Homeopathy Made Simple

1. What is Homeopathy?
   Homeopathy is a safe effective system of medicine used by millions of people worldwide for 200+years. Homeopathic medicines are dilutions of plants, animals, and mineral substances used in extremely small amounts. They are recognized as drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration. They are non-toxic and when properly administered, can safely be used with infants, children, adults, and pets. Homeopathy treats the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Homeopathy treats each person as an individual.

2. How does it work?
   Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like treats like". Referred to as the Law of Similars, that is, a substance that produces certain symptoms will alleviate those same symptoms when taken in highly diluted doses. Homeopathic remedies help stimulate a persons natural vital energy so the body can heal itself. These remedies are matched to a person's physical, mental, and emotional profile, as well as his or her symptoms. Homeopathy is used to care for short and long term illness.

3. Is there scientific evidence validating the effectiveness of homeopathy?
   Homeopathic research in America is hampered by lack of funding from the Government, Universities, and Pharmaceutical Companies. Europe has an impressive history of studies that show the efficacy of Homeopathic remedies. Some of these studies involve the effects of micro doses using cells and tissue cultures as the subjects. Others are clinical research dealing with the treatment of specific disease.

4. How do you properly administer and in what dose?
   Nature uses as little as possible of anything and so does your body. You don't have to overwhelm the body with drugs in order to initiate a healing response. In fact, homeopaths have found that using very small doses of the correct medicine can powerfully stimulate the body's own immune and defense system. A 30c potency of the indicated homeopathic remedy given in a three pellet dose is appropriate for home care. Use 30c potency and repeat as needed. More often, every 2-4 hours, for severe symptoms ,and, less often, every 8 hours for less severe symptoms. Stop on improvement. Repeat the remedy if the same symptoms return. Select a new remedy if a new symptom picture surfaces or if you have given a couple of doses of a remedy and it hasn't helped. Frequently, a fairly rapid response will occur if the correct remedy is chosen.

5. When do you repeat the remedy and why?
   The best plan of action is to watch closely to see when to repeat a remedy dose. If the first dose has helped to reduce symptoms and the person has begun to feel better there is no need to repeat on a predetermined schedule. It is possible that a single dose is all that is needed. If on the other hand the person begins to feel worse again, after feeling better for some time, that is the time to repeat the remedy. The principle is that homeopathic remedies do not cause the healing; they stimulate the vital force to do so.

6. What would I expect if I went to a homeopathic doctor?
   A first consultation with the doctor takes some time. Usually 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours. The physician records all the physical, emotional, and mental qualities and determines your remedy or remedies. The homeopathic doctor takes an elaborate history including general symptoms, emotions, food cravings, sleep cycles, and reactions. They may also use conventional diagnostic methods.

7. How can I learn more about homeopathy?
   There are many wonderful resource books written about homeopathy. A great guide to the remedies would be a Materia Medica and Repertory. There are national organizations that promote and help educate about homeopathy. The National Center for Homeopathy is dedicated to making homeopathy available to the public. There are monthly magazines like Homeopathy Today. There are also affiliated study groups where each month they meet to share experiences and learn more about homeopathy. There are annual conferences and summer schools for more hands on and personal instruction. A great website www.homeopathic.org can help you locate a practitioner or study group, reference articles on homeopathy and check conference and class schedules. Abchomeopathy.com can help you find remedy information.

Most homeopathic remedies are available over the counter and can be purchased from natural health stores.