Homeopathy is an effective and scientific system of healing which assists the body’s natural functions to heal itself. It recognizes that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment, not the disease. Different people react in different ways to the same illness. In order to find the correct remedy, your naturopathic physician will need to know about your physical symptoms, as well as information about yourself and how your symptoms affect you.
What is Homeopathy?
In 1706, Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, discovered a new approach to curing disease, which he called hemopathy (Greek for “similar suffering”). Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, he realized that there were two ways of treating ill health: the way of opposites (allopathic) and the way of similars (homeopathic). To illustrate the difference, take for example a case of insomnia. The allopathic way is to treat insomnia is by giving a drug or medication to bring on an artificial sleep. This frequently requires regular doses of this drug, which can sometimes cause side effects or dependencies. The homeopathic way is to treat insomnia by giving the patient a minute dose of a substance, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. Surprisingly, this will enable the patient to sleep naturally.
How does it work?
Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing power. This power is very strong and many complaints heal themselves unaided. However, when the healing process is faulty, blocked or slow, the homeopathic remedy acts as a stimulus to the curative powers of the body. To provide this stimulus, your naturopathic physician must prescribe the right remedy and the right dosage for you.
What will your Naturopathic physician need to know?
In order to find the right remedy, your naturopathic physician will want to know all about you. The initial consultation can take some time. She/he will ask you many questions about yourself, as well as your illness and will also want to know about the health of your family, both present and past. Do not be afraid to mention something that is seemingly unimportant or unusual. Remember that everything you say is confidential.
What can I expect to happen?
Shortly after taking the remedy, you should notice some changes. For instance, it occasionally happens that your symptoms appear worse for a short time. This is the remedy taking effect and you should feel the beginnings of recovery when this period has passed. Alternatively, patients often experience a period of well being and optimism after taking the remedy. If you develop a runny nose, rash, or some form of discharge, this may be the remedy cleansing the body. These new symptoms will pass and should not be treated, as they are an important part of the healing process. If you feel worried by any changes that you notice, contact your Naturopathic physician. Whatever your reaction may be, your physician will need to know. You can help by making a few notes of your changing symptoms as a reminder for your next appointment.