 Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the tenet of “like cures like.” It
is perhaps the most holistic and natural system of medicine because
it works by improving the healing force, each person’s
innate power to heal. Homeopaths take a substance that would
otherwise cause certain symptoms when taken in a poisonous dose,
dilute it into a microdose, and cure those same symptoms with
the remedy. For example, the remedy Apis is made from bees and
is indicated for red, hot, burning pains such as bee stings.
The homeopathic system was developed in the late eighteenth
century by a Saxon physician named Samuel Hahnemann. He first
published the term in 1796. Today, it is widely practiced and
respected. Queen Elizabeth II of England has a homeopathic physician,
and homeopathic remedies are easily available.
It can be used either acutely or constitutionally. Constitutional
remedies are given by skilled homeopaths who assess a person
on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. They
then “repertorize,” or match the person as closely
as possible to a particular remedy picture. A constitutional
remedy can be a profound tool in improving one’s health
and vitality. Like a lever or a tip-rudder, a small homeopathic
intervention can move a large mass or change the course of a
large vessel. When chosen successfully, a person’s constitutional
remedy can be used any time they need to strengthen their vital
force.
Acute remedies are generally given in lower “potencies,” or
doses, than constitutional remedies. Whereas a constitutional
remedy is generally a 200C or 1M dose, an acute remedy is usually
given in a 12C or 30C potency. In homeopathy, a more potent dose
is actually more diluted and has a higher number. For example,
a 12C dose is a very low potency and may need to be given more
often. A 200C dose is a high potency and should be given only
periodically. Another reason for caution is that the higher you
get in potency, there is an increased possibility of “proving” the
remedy, or manifesting its symptom set, which is not the desirable
outcome.
Because homeopathy is such a subtle medicine, it’s difficult
to believe in it until you’ve seen it work. During a botany
class, I was continually exposed to poison oak. After a week
of spreading the rash to one body part after another, I decided
to try a homeopathic remedy for poison oak. I used a very low
potency combination remedy for poison oak and began to see improvement
in the severity of the rash right away. For the rest of the class,
I took the remedy before each botany excursion. And, even though
I was literally crawling through poison oak, I didn’t get
another rash.
For someone who is interested in trying homeopathy on their
own in an acute setting, I recommend starting with the low potency
remedies. There are several companies who make combination products,
like the poison oak product that I used in botany class, that
can be purchased over the counter.
We also have more detailed information on this website about
homeopathic treatments with our Homeopathic First
Aid & Home
Remedies page.
If you wish to consult on a homeopathic cure for your medical
condition with one of WIN’s naturopaths, please call our
office at 360-679-8946 for an appointment. We offer both acute
and constitutional remedies.
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