What conditions does homeopathy treat?
It is used for a wide variety of health problems, including some chronic conditions such as:
- Allergies
- Migraines, Headaches
- Depression, Anxiety, PTSD
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Rheumatism, Arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome, Colitis, Crohn’s disease
- Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, infertility,
- Kidney stones, Bedwetting,
- Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism,
- Liver problems, and more.
It can also be used for minor problems such as bruises, scratches, toothache, headache, nausea, cough, and colds.
Describe homeopathy.
The Greek words for “like” and “suffering” are the source of the word “homeopathy.” “Like cures like,” the fundamental idea of homeopathy, comes from ancient Egypt and Greece. A physician from Germany by the name of Samuel Hahnemann learned that malaria could be treated with Peruvian bark (chinchona), which contains quinine. After taking a dose of Peruvian bark, Hahnemann experienced fever, drowsiness, acute thirst, and agitation, all of which are signs of malaria. The Law of Similars, which states that when a chemical causes particular symptoms in big doses, it can treat those same symptoms in small doses, was developed by Hahnemann as he began to do more experiments.
Homeopathic medicines can be created using herbs, other plants, minerals, snake venom, and other substances. They are repeatedly diluted, “succussed,” or vigorously shaken between each dilution. Potentization is the term for the sequential dilution and succussion procedure.
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathic remedies can be created with herbs, minerals, or animal products. These ingredients are mechanically shaken after being crushed and then dissolved in a liquid, typically grain, alcohol, or lactose, before being stored. The “mother tincture” is this. Then, homeopaths add more alcohol or lactose to the tinctures, either 1 part to 10 (represented by the letter “x”) or 1 part to 100. (written as “c”). Shaking these tinctures results in a 1x or 1c dilution. Homeopaths can further dilute these tinctures by 2x (2x or 2c), 3x (3x or 3c), and so on. Professional homeopaths frequently employ significantly higher dilutions because they think the more potent the substance’s healing properties are when diluted.
Homeopathic treatments aim to promote the body’s natural healing processes. A homeopathic diagnosis considers the patient’s constitution, current emotional and psychological state (such as anxiety and restlessness), and physical symptoms (such as feverishness) since homeopaths think that physical illness frequently contains mental and emotional components. Creativity, initiative, persistence, attention, physical sensitivity, and stamina are all aspects of a person’s constitution. Each diagnostic and treatment option is unique because the best treatment for an illness will consider all of these factors. That implies that three hay fever sufferers may require three different medicines.
Homeopathic treatments for various issues are available at health food stores and certain pharmacies. Although some people may only require 1 to 2 doses before they start feeling better, homeopaths frequently advise taking remedies for no longer than 2 to 3 days. Homeopaths occasionally advise taking a daily dose.
What happens at a homeopathic doctor’s office?
An hour to two and a half may pass during your initial appointment with a homeopath. Homeopaths treat the person rather than the ailment. Thus, they will conduct a thorough consultation with you, during which they will ask you numerous questions and look for personality features and odd physical and behavioral signs. The homeopath might also do a physical examination and prescribe lab tests.
Which ailments and diseases respond to homeopathic treatment?
Scientific data are contradictory. Homeopathy appeared to perform no better than a placebo in specific clinical investigations. The results of previous clinical studies led the researchers to conclude that homeopathy has advantages. More study is required.
Homeopathy may effectively treat conditions like menopause symptoms (like hot flashes), asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, childhood diarrhea, otitis media (ear infection), pain, allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, sore muscles, colds, flu, according to preliminary research. One area of expertise for certain licensed homeopaths is the treatment of life-threatening conditions like cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune diseases. Multiple studies indicate that homeopathy might help cancer patients feel better and relieve their symptoms. A life-threatening condition shouldn’t be treated solely with homeopathy. Always ensure that all your medical professionals know the treatments you are receiving.
Due to their dilution, homeopathic medications typically have no adverse effects. However, others claim that after taking a homeopathic cure, they felt worse for a short while. Homeopaths see this as body-inducing symptoms for a short time while trying to recover health. These temporary symptom aggravations can be quite detrimental in patients with serious diseases. You should only take homeopathy if a trained professional supervise you if you have a severe physical or mental illness. You should let everyone on your medical team know if you are taking homeopathic medications.
However, if you are already using prescription medications, you should check with your doctor before using homeopathic treatments. Homeopathic medicines that are suitably diluted are not known to interact with conventional prescriptions.
Is Homeopathy governed?
In 1938, the U.S. Congress passed a bill mandating that homeopathic medicines be subject to the same FDA oversight as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This implies that you can get homeopathic remedies without a prescription from a doctor. Homeopathic medicines do not need to go through clinical trials, in contrast to conventional prescription and novel over-the-counter medications, which must undergo extensive testing and assessment by the FDA for safety and efficacy before they can be sold. They must adhere to regulatory requirements for packaging, strength, quality, and purity. The FDA mandated in 1988 that all homeopathic medications mention the medical conditions they are intended to treat on the label. The FDA also requires that the label include a description of the components, dilutions, and safe-use guidelines.
The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, an official manual published by a non-governmental, nonprofit group of business representatives and homeopathic professionals, contains the rules for using homeopathic medicines. Pharmacopoeia also contains guidelines for evaluating novel treatments and confirming their clinical efficacy.
Where can I locate a homeopathic professional?
Google for “homeopath near me” and choose the most reputable doctor in your area. You can also find a homeopathic clinic outside your area that provides telehealth.
There are homeopathic schools and training programs, but none of them grant a license to practice with a diploma or certificate. Although homeopaths are licensed in practically every category of the health professions, including veterinarians, many are also medical doctors (MDs). The majority of states require homeopathic practitioners to hold a valid healthcare license. There are numerous reputable certifying bodies. Medical practitioners and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have specialized in homeopathy are certified by the American Board of Homeotherapeutics (DHT indicates a doctor of homeopathy). A significant portion of naturopathic doctors’ medical education includes studying homeopathy, and some of them have earned certification from the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (DHANP). The Certification in Classical Homeopathy is open to all homeopathic practitioners, including acupuncturists, chiropractors, and nurse practitioners (CCH).
Do I typically have homeopathy covered by my health insurance?
No, Health Insurance companies cover neither homeopathic services nor the cost of homeopathic remedies. However, the price of homeopathic remedies is not too high.
Contact Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 to schedule an appointment for a homeopathic evaluation with Dr. Tsan and start your journey to health and fitness.
