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Homeopathy

There are two types of homeopathic treatment:

Acute

to stimulate recovery from a self-limiting condition such as a cold, flu, ear infection, sore throat, headache, or insomnia. A person without medical training can use homeopathy to treat acute illnesses. The books listed in Resources explain how to do this.

Constitutional

to treat a chronic, recurrent, or long-standing problem. Behavior and learning problems would be addressed with constitutional treatment. To use constitutional treatment, it is best to work wtih a professional homeopathic practitioner. Some MD's, DO's, DC's, RN's, dentists, and veterinarians have studied homeopathy as a postgraduate medical specialty.

Q - What kind of treatment is given in homeopathy?

A - Homeopathy uses medicines or remedies composed of very small amounts of substances from plant, mineral, and animal sources. The remedies are usually in the form of small tablets or pellets that are dissolved in the mouth, or dissolved in a cup of water and sipped. Some are in liquid form and drops are placed under the tongue.

Q - Will my kids take them?

A - Yes. I have never known children to object to taking homeopathic remedies, once they have tasted them. They have a pleasant, sweet taste, are very small, and dissolve quickly.

Q - Are homeopathic medicines safe?

A - Yes. Homeopathic medicines are far safer than allopathic medicines. Each homeopathic medicine uses only an infinitesimal amount of a naturally-occurring substance. The process involves potentizing the medicine by repeatedly diluting it with 10 or 100 parts of water to 1 part of the original substance, then vigorously shaking it; often to the point where there should be no molecules of the original substance left. The dilution apparently retains the energetic pattern of the original substance even when there is no physical substance left. The remedies are not toxic even when taken in excess. You cannot overdose on them.

Q - Do they really work, or are they just placebos?

A - They really work, when the correct remedy is identified. In addition to physical symptoms, behavior patterns can undergo dramatic changes with the right treatment. Constitutional treatment often brings improvement in areas that neither the doctor nor the patient foresaw, as the body, mind, and emotions become more balanced. Homeopathy is also very effective with infants, small children, and animals, all of which should be unresponsive to placebos.

Q - How do they work?

A - They work on the principle that like cures like; that administering a tiny dose of a substance will relieve the same symptoms that it would cause if taken in its pure form by a healthy person. Some allopathic procedures (immunizations, allergy treatments) operate on this principle.

Q - Is there anything that can interfere with the effectiveness of a homeopathic remedy?

A - Yes, there are several things to be careful about:

1. Avoid eating or drinking anything for 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy.

2. Avoid coffee.

3. Avoid products containing menthol and camphor.

4. Dental drilling can neutralize their effect.

5. Store the remedies tightly capped, and away from extreme light, heat, and electronic equipment. Keep them away from strong odors.

6. Avoid touching the medicine, since skin oils can interfere with its potency. Also, avoid contaminating the medicine remaining in the bottle. The easiest way is to tip the correct number of pellets into the lid of the container, then tip them into the person's mouth without letting the lid touch the mouth.

Q - What can I expect when I take my child to a homeopathic practitioner?

A - Your child will be carefully observed, and you will be questioned at length about his physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional characteristics. This can take some time, especially at the initial visit. A homeopathic doctor will never be accused of having "one foot out the door!" You may be asked bizarre questions as the practitioner seeks to understand your child. Questions my homeopathic physician has asked about my children include:

"Does he tend to be warm or chilly?"
"Is she better indoors or out?"
"Is he fastidious about his belongings?"
"Does her head sweat at night?"
"Is he forever taking off his socks?"

The better your observation skills, the more likely it is that an effective remedy will be found for your child.

For more information, see the homeopathic books listed on the Resources page.

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© 1999-2000, Ruth Donnelly, unless otherwise noted. Photo credits: Lenore Spitznagel