Homoeopathy: Holistic & Helpful. Review on Tips on Homeopathy

Surprised to read a review that talks about Homoeopathy. Don't be so. The writer himself is a Homoeopathic Physician, writing this review to dispel myths & misconceptions about the science.

History

Homoeopathy comes from 2 Greek words'Homoeos' meaning Similar &'Pathos' meaning Suffering. The science is based on the Law of Similars(Similia Similibus Curentur) wherein'A substance which has the capacity to produce symptoms in a healthy individual has the capacity to cure those same symptoms in a diseased individual'

The science(though described years before by Hippocrates) was given a full fledged identity by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann who later saw that instead of giving crude drugs, the potentised medicines(i.e. diluted & vigorously mixed) gave better results in treating diseases, as it reduced aggravation of symptoms(side effects).

The article emphasizes on the 7 common views regarding Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy is Slow Acting

This delusion has been prevalent ever since Homoeopathy has been used for treating illnesses. The only problem is that people are ready to take lifelong treatments for various diseases but hesitate when they have to wait for sometime in Homoeopathy. Keep in mind that often the time interval between the development of an illness & its symptoms or manifestations in a person always takes time(except in acute illness). Homoeopathic medicines when correctly given, produce a sense of general well being in the first few hours of its administration & then the disease is eliminated layer by layer. Again the time required for complete relief of symptoms varies as per the case. The decrease in the intensity, frequency & duration of symptoms with an overall feeling of well being proves the efficiency of the medicine.

Homoeopathy needs a Long Detailed History

Often patients suffering from Chronic illnesses need a detailed Case taking because, a disease first produces a sensation that you are not feeling fine as a person followed by localization of symptoms to a particular part of the body.

Since Homoeopathy aims at treating the individual suffering from an illness rather than the illness alone, we also need to know your reactive pattern to various physical & emotional stimuli, as it is found out that nearly 95 – 98% of the diseases are Psychosomatic(Meaning the diseases are bodily /  physical manifestations of the mind's reaction to stress & unpleasant emotions)

However in Acute illnesses, case taking takes lesser time.

The case is often taken in detail(usually on the First visit & occasionally on subsequent visits) so that all the data required for knowing the depth of the illness is got all at once.

Thus Case taking depends on the time taken by:

1.      The patient to fully & honestly describe himself

2.      The physician to come to the medicine

Homoeopathy works only in Chronic illnesses not in Acute illness / Emergency

Homoeopathy not only works in Chronic illnesses but also in Acute illness & in  Emergency. But in Emergencies, it is not always possible to treat each & every patient in the clinic. Doctors certainly need additional equipment to revive patients. So, Homoeopathy works but if patient needs a Ventilator / Intravenous fluid infusions / Blood transfusion / Surgical dressing of Large wounds / Urgent Life saving operation, then that can be provided only by Hospitals

Homoeopathy is Safe without Side Effects

Yes this is true provided the medicine given is right & is judiciously repeated as per the patient's requirements. Always remember any medicinal substance used in excess(more so when not indicated) is dangerous & it holds true for Homoeopathy also.

Homoeopathy can be practised by reading books

Many people buy books on Homoeopathy & then take medicines at random. Again Self – medication without proper knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology & Medicine WAS, IS & WILL ALWAYS BE HARMFUL if not Fatal.

Homoeopathy doesn't pay attention to Diagnosis, Clinical Examination & Lab Investigations

This is fully incorrect. Like other systems of medicine, Homoeopathy also gives importance to the Diagnosis by examining & investigating the patient.

Diagnosis in Homoeopathy is of 2 types:

Diagnosis of the Disease: This is done to know the pathology that is going on in the organs & also to predict the medical complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. So, X – Rays, Blood reports & Sonography are advised as per the case requirements.

Diagnosis of the Patient: This is done to know the root cause of the illness in the patient as to why this person is suffering from this disease & for coming to the Indicated Medicine.

Homoeopathic Sweet Pills are contraindicated in Diabetics

Homoeopathic Medicines can be Safely given to Diabetics, as the Sugar content in the pills is Negligible & less likely to cause any health related problems.

The medicines can be given safely in Most illnesses including patients who are Allergic to Medicines of Other systems, Children & Pregnant females.

Advice

1.      Certain Strong smelling substances like Coffee, Camphor, Perfumes, Mint, Nicotine & Onions often reverse("antidote") the effects of Homoeopathic remedies, thus reducing the efficiency of the medicine. So, keep a gap of minimum 15 to 20 minutes before & after the intake of the medicine & also rinse your mouth before taking the medicine. Best is if you can avoid the above given substances.

2.      Along with Homoeopathic medicines, patients also need to follow restrictions in diet as per the type of illness that they are suffering from.

Its just like a person takes medicines for his Respiratory complaints, yet continues to smoke. This will be the persistent obstacle to his recovery no matter which system of medication he follows.

Also Nutritionally Deficient Diseases will need the Supplementation in Food with Homoeopathic medicines(if the case needs it) for improved results.

Glossary

DRUG: A substance which can alter the state of health or disease in a person & can prove to be fatal if consumed in excess.

MEDICINE: A drug given to lessen the signs & symptoms of a person suffering from a given disease / illness at a given point of time.

REMEDY: It is the medicine which when given, gives relief to the patient, thereby restoring him back to the original state of health & making him feel better at the level of mind & body.

PS

Feel free to post your comments, suggestions & queries related to Homoeopathy.

Also those interested in Online Homoeopathic Consultation, can write to me.

The information given by me in this article is only to create awareness about Homoeopathy, (without any intention to criticize any other system of medicine) & despite being true to the best of my knowledge, is subject to change as per the latest researches in the field of Homoeopathy.

Readers Are Again Warned Against Self Medication To Avoid Any Side Effects.

Also Patients Who Are On Long Term Allopathic Medications(Eg. Blood Pressure Medicines) Should Not Suddenly Stop The Medicines Without Consulting A Doctor.