An Introduction to Homeopathy - A Beginners Guide
Homeopathy, a centuries-old system of alternative medicine, has gained a significant following and continues to pique the curiosity of those seeking natural and holistic healing solutions. Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like" and the use of highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's innate healing abilities. Homeopathy has been likened to Chinese medicine or Indian medicine, in the “alternative medicine” category and is now sought by people looking for these said “alternative” ways of healing as opposed to the constant use of mainstream medicine only. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of homeopathy, exploring its principles, methods, and the potential benefits it offers to those who seek an alternative path to wellness.
Homeopathy arose from a gentleman called Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) who grew up in Melssen, Germany. He received his medical degree in Erlangen in 1779. Hahnemann developed Homeopathy into the treatment system as we know it today however Hippocrates (Greek physician 460-377BC) was said to have been using the idea of ‘like cures like’ 2,500 years ago! The word ‘Homeopathy’ comes from the Greek meaning “similar suffering”, referring to the main philosophy that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can cure those very symptoms in a sick person. An example could be a person suffering from Hayfever being given a remedy prepared from onions, because a healthy person chopping onions can experience watery eyes and irritation.
The Art & Science of Homeopathy
At the heart of homeopathy lies the belief that the body possesses an innate power to heal itself. It operates on the following principles:
Like Cures Like: Homeopathy's foundational principle states that a substance capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person can be used to heal similar symptoms in an ailing individual. It's the law of similars, where healing is found in the very essence of what ails us.
Individualised Healing: No two individuals are alike, and neither are their ailments. Homeopathy embraces this uniqueness, crafting personalised treatments that address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental state of each person. Each of us is a whole being, and symptoms are signs of an inner disharmony. Homeopathy takes this into account.
The Magic of Dilution: Picture a remedy so diluted that it seems almost impossible that it could work. Yet, it's precisely this process of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) that unlocks the potent healing properties of substances while eliminating toxicity.
There are 2 important laws in the use of Homeopathic medicines, and these are the Law of Similars and the Law of Minimum Dose.
The Law of Similars; meaning you match the symptom picture of any/all illness and injury to the symptom picture of the medicines. There is quite an extensive introductory guide in the Helios remedy kit which lists a vast array of common complaints, which is your symptom picture of illness or injury, and then the Materia Medica which is the symptom picture of the medicine. Materia Medica is a Latin term from the history of pharmacy for the body of collected knowledge about therapeutic properties of any substance used for healing! So the idea is to use both parts of the booklet (Materia Medica) to prescribe yourself a prescription as accurate as possible to your own personal symptoms of illness or injury, INCLUDING things like how you feel, if you’re sweating, body temperature etc. The basic guide in this list states: “it sees symptoms as warning signs of a central disturbance or imbalance within the sufferer. By restoring this inner balance, homeopathy makes the symptoms unnecessary and so they disappear”.
The Law of Minimum Dose; you use as little of the remedies as possible, which is believed that this stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms! The remedies are small white (sometimes quite translucent) balls that you place under your tongue, wait until dissolved and then wait and see what relief this brings. If symptoms don’t improve the idea is not to repeat the dose, however if symptoms are worsening (relapsing) then another dose can be given. If symptoms change, so does your prescription by using the Media Medica for the accurate symptom picture. This law suggests waiting when in doubt and giving the body time rather than more medicines as more medicines won't actually speed up the process of recovery.
Why Homeopathy is a Health Revelation
Holistic Harmony: Homeopathy doesn't just treat symptoms; it harmonises the entire being. By addressing the emotional and mental aspects of health, it fosters a sense of equilibrium, promoting well-rounded vitality.
Safety Redefined: In a world where medication side effects often raise concerns, homeopathy offers a safe haven. Highly diluted remedies mean minimal risk of adverse effects, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.
Tailored to You: Each homeopathic remedy is carefully selected to resonate with your unique constitution and symptoms. It offers a profound and personalised healing experience.
Complementing Conventional Medicine: Homeopathy isn't an adversary to conventional medicine; it's a magnificent companion. It can be used alongside traditional treatments to enhance their effectiveness and minimise side effects. Conditions like arthritis, allergies, and digestive disorders have witnessed remarkable improvements through homeopathic treatment.
Emotional Equilibrium: Stress, anxiety, and depression, often overlooked in traditional medicine, find a compassionate healer in homeopathy. It soothes the mind and uplifts the spirit, promoting emotional resilience.
Prevention and Immunity: Homeopathy isn't just about healing; it's also about prevention. By boosting the body's natural defences, it acts as a sentinel, guarding against future ailments.
My own personal experience with Homeopathy:
It's honestly been completely mind altering to discover new and profound ways to approach my own healthcare, and that of my children’s. From someone who has always accepted traditional mainstream treatment (yet so many questions regardless) it has been quite a challenging, yet incredibly empowering path to embrace placing my own care in my own hands! Myself and my children have had the privilege of being under the care of a Homeopath that was recommended to me and I have felt nothing but ease and comfort knowing how much more gentle and individualised our treatment is with the use of Homeopathic medicines. We are given instructions and the correct remedies for our complaints that also take into account our mental health and wellbeing. This, to me, is everything. It has been such an eye opening journey already not just on a ‘body’ level but completely all encompassing – mind, body and spirit! When you have your initial appointment with a Homeopath they want you to reveal your entire history and how you are where you are now in your mind and body. Theres something quite powerful in understanding yourself on deeper levels. So even though Homeopathy is a slow burn (which I had to come to accept at the beginning as we are all so accustomed to convenience culture, an instant fix!), it offers you layers of yourself for you to explore, like peeling back the onion, down to understanding why you display certain tendencies, habits, then potentially how that’s contributed to where you are today in your mind and body. I was not expecting such a deep dive into my inner most deepest, darkest areas but with a supportive Homeopath its such a gentle, non-scary experience and the very thing I never knew I needed.
I also feel I’m giving my kids as best a start as possible by giving their bodies a chance to heal themselves in the long run, rather than relying on the many antibiotics willingly given to worried parents with sick children, unfortunately sometimes unnecessarily. Instead, I now consult my Media Medica and attempt to aid my children's ailments myself, choosing the most applicable remedies, and anything I’m worried about or confused about I can consult our Homeopath who’s always happy to assist! This has done wonders for their gut health also as antibiotics unfortunately strip our gut linings of all good bacteria, leaving it very vulnerable, and in children this can result in very undesirable side effects.
My Homeopath said to me once, everything has its place, so even more mainstream medicine, in this example, antibiotics, serve their purpose and can be very effective/necessary and I absolutely do not doubt this. However if like me you’ve had an experience where you believe a prescription of antibiotics, for the 3 rd or 4 th time to be unnecessary but you’ve been at a loss as to other options (or have the dreaded “mum guilt” of doing right by your children), just know that there are ALWAYS other options available. On the search of alternative means to cure our ailments I have also now sought knowledge in areas such as:
- Herbal Medicine.
- Energy Healing.
- Nutrition.
- Supplements.
There is an ocean of knowledge available for us all to explore should we feel the call to brake out of traditional means of healing. There are also absolutely no side effects from Homeopathic remedies, as mind blowing as that is, therefore trying Homeopathy has no risk attached. The remedies are made from natural substances and minerals found in plants! Its not an invasive treatment and you can treat such varying degrees of ailments.
No one else knows your body better than you do. So whatever challenges we will inevitably face as human beings, I take great solace in the knowledge that Homeopathy is something I can, and do always refer to first before any other means of healthcare intervention. So in a world where fast- paced living can overshadow our quest for well-being, Homeopathy has been my guiding light. Health is the ultimate wealth – it takes time to figure out what works for our body, and our mental health! So time, and use of Homeopathic remedies, not masking any symptoms, treating myself and my children with these resources, has been nothing short of game changing. So, dare to explore this enchanting realm of health and wellness, for in homeopathy, you may just discover the sparkling jewel your health has been seeking all along.
