Homeopathy

WHAT IS COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a range of medical practices offered by licensed practitioners in Canada and abroad. Commonly cited examples include Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Chiropractic, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani and Ayurveda. Generally, integrative medicine refers to interventions used in conjunction with mainstream techniques under the umbrella term complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Some significant researchers in alternative medicine oppose this grouping, preferring to emphasize differences of approach, but nevertheless, the term CAM has become standard. Alternative medicine practices are as diverse in their foundations as in their methodologies. Practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing. CAM practices are based upon 'holism' and this differs from the conventional reductionist ideologies about health.

Homeopathy is termed a holistic approach to health and wellness that is focussed on individualization. Individualization refers to symptoms unique to each case, and often an extensive case-taking is required to gather specific information and a medical history of each patient.

Homeopathy works with your body's own healing abilities.

Each patient's case is uniquely examined for exceptionalities.

Homeopathy treats symptoms collectively (ie. holistic) - mental and physical symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are administered as minute amounts of natural substances.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMEOPATHY?

1. What is homeopathy?

"Homeopathic medicine is a natural pharmaceutical system that utilizes microdoses of substances from the plant, mineral, or animal kingdom to arouse a person's natural healing response. Homeopathy is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicines in order to initiate that healing response." Homeopathy as a treatment regime encompasses more than a simple prescribed remedy. It involves educating patients about hygenic aspects of 'vitality' and the environmental, social and behavioural aspects of modern living that impact upon health and wellness. Food as medicine, supplementation and a heightened awareness of how day-to-day lifestyle choices impact upon susceptibility to disease and immune function is a focus of homeopathic healthcare.

2. Do homeopathy medicines have any side effects?

Homeopathy is based upon minimum dosing. Instead of suppressing symptoms, homeopathy gently works with the body to stimulate a healing response. Homeopathic medicines have minimal side effects, and are considered gentle, safe and effective.

3. What are Potencies?

Potencies are how much strength is available in a homeopathic medicine. Homeopathic medicine consists of natural substances that are extremely diluted. These dilutions, stimulate the defense system of your body. The amount of dilution is called potency. The lowest potency scale is X. A medicine with 30X has more strength than a medicine with 6X. The C scale is a higher potency than X. Depending on your condition, a Homeopath may prescribe a dilution of X (decimal), C (centesimal), or M (millennial). M is the strongest and an extension of the C scale.

4. What are combination homeopathic medicines?

Combination remedies are often used to treat acute problems such as, but not limited to, colds, flu, headache, back pain, etc. They contain several single remedies of similar effect to heal your body safely and effectively.

5. Are there guidelines to follow for homeopathic medicines to be effective?

Yes, since homeopathic medicine stimulates your own defense system there are certain rules that must be followed to maximize the effectiveness of the homeopathic medicine.

Rules for taking homeopathic remedies:

Take nothing by mouth 10-20 minutes prior to or following dosage. This includes food, drink, chewing gum, toothpaste etc.

Limit as much as possible caffeine in any forms, such as soft drinks, coffee, or chocolate.

Limit contact with cigarette smoke, especially menthol as much as possible.

Alcohol sensitivities: If the patient is sensitive to the alcohol, they may put the drops into a glass (3 oz) of warm water.

6. How do I take homeopathic medicines?

It depends on what type of medicine you are using. Typically with single remedies, the pellets or tablets dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue. Sublingual treatments are sprayed under the tongue for fast relief. Food should not be taken with medicines. Certain sprays, gels, and lotions should be applied topically.

7. Do homeopathic medicines take longer to work than conventional medicines?

The success of homeopathic medicine depends on the situation and how closely homeopathic rules (see question 5) are followed. In addition, for the most part, the duration of the healing process is proportional to the duration of your ailment.

8. Can homeopathic medicine and conventional medicine work together?

Yes, homeopathic medicine and conventional medicines may work together in some cases.

NATURAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE: HOMEOPATHY TODAY

Classical homeopathy is a distinct form of natural medicine. In the Province of Ontario homeopathy is governed by legislation under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). The Transitional Council of The College of Homeopaths of Ontario is a newly formed regulatory body under the Ministry of Health. In October of 2009 the council was appointed to establish educational and practice requirements for professional Homeopaths. A Homeopath is a natural healthcare practitioner and will have an undergraduate education prior to studies in complementary and alternative medicine. A text titled "The Organon of The Healing Art" by Samuel Hahnemann, outlines the foundations of classical homeopathy, and practitioners will typically have 3 to 4 years of specialized training in homeopathic therapeutics, practice management, materia medica, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, nutrition and homeopathic case-taking.

Homeopathy is Green - Eco-friendly Medicine:

• Is safe, non-toxic and effective
• Regards each patient as a unique individual
• Addresses the cause or root of any illness
• Works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself

The production of homeopathic medicines creates little if any toxic waste and, in a spectacular, counter-intuitive leap, each drop of medicine generates one hundred drops of the next higher potency. Therefore, only a small amount of the original substance is required to create all of the homeopathic medicine we need. This has enormous potential for environmental sustainability.

For example, to make the remedy Cuprum metallicum 200c, you begin with 1 gram of very thin pure copper. This solid is then triturated (i.e., ground in a mortar and pestle) together with 99 grams of milk sugar into a 1c remedy. One gram of this 1c is then further triturated with 99 grams of milk sugar to make 2c. One gram of the 2c remedy is triturated with 99 grams of milk sugar yet again to make a 3c. The 1c, 2c, and 3c strengths can then be stored in a pharmacy, serving as the master mixtures for a very large supply of medicine. Once one of these remedies has been created, it will not need to be made again, barring issues of accessibility and distribution. Homeopathy provides a new paradigm in which to understand disability and disease labels, diagnosis and treatment, as well as protecting the environment.

What is integrative medicine?

'Integrative medicine' uses a unique combination of medicines and treatments. Such an approach allows conventional medicine and alternative medicines to work together synergistically, capturing the best aspects of both realms. The pre-requisites for this integration include;

- a common theory of illness and its occurrence
- a framework within which to assess and apply therapeutic interventions
- a willingness on all sides (practitioner's and patient's) to explore different perspectives

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTATION:

The initial homeopathic consultation involves an in-depth interview that is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours in length. Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle that a disease with a given set of symptoms can be cured by a medicine (remedy) which is known to produce a similar set of symptoms. This principle where "like cures like" is called "The Law of Similars" and is the foundation of Homeopathic Medicine.Your information is confidential.

Homeopathy involves the selection and prescription of a medication (remedy), which through prior testing on healthy people and from clinical experience and observation, is known to produce a similar symptom picture to that of the patient. The medication (remedy) is prescribed in the minimum dosage required to bring about (stimulate) healing.

To schedule an appointment with Scott call (519) 971-8261 or send an email to homeopathic-medicine@hotmail.com.

(by appointment only)

Disclaimer: The information of this Website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of other health care practitioners. It is also not intended to diagnose or prescribe treatment for any illness.