Frequently Asked Questions
• What can homeopathy treat?
• Can homeopathy cure any disease?
• What’s the difference between Homeopaths and Naturopaths?
• What are remedies and how are they made?
• Is homeopathy safe for my child?
• What are antidotes?
• How long will it take to feel better?
• Can I do this at home?
• Classical Versus Alternative Homeopathy?
• Other questions
What can homeopathy treat ?
Homeopathy can treat most illness arising from acute, infectious or chronic conditions and for which conventional allopathic treatment is traditionally used. In fact, homeopathy can be used side-by-side with conventional medicine and is a wonderful complement to the body’s natural healing before and after surgery.
Homeopathy addresses most pathologies affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, ear, nose & throat, muscular skeletal, neurological, dermatological, gynecological systems and much more. It has been proven very effective in providing relief from common conditions ranging from asthma to allergies to diabetes to ear infections, chronic fatigue, PMS and more.
Homeopathy also treats mental and emotional challenges ranging from anxiety/panic attacks, depression, eating disorders, grief, phobias and even stress in general which may be undiagnosable but yet still causing discomfort.
For more information, please see What We Treat.
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Can homeopathy cure any disease?
Homeopathy can offer relief in many stages of illness from acute trauma to childbirth to long-term, chronic conditions. But there are curative limitations with certain progressive pathologies such as severe heart disease, end-stage cancer or other diseases involving advanced structural changes. Some conditions do require surgery, and homeopathy is a wonderful complement to the healing process before and after to help ease both body and mind.
Homeopathy does have many benefits and even individuals requiring palliative care will often start to feel more at ease and comfortable with themselves with supportive treatment. The results are individual, but often include increased energy & awareness, stabilized appetite, greater enjoyment of life and better sleep.
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What’s the difference between Homeopaths and Naturopaths?
While both professions offer accredited professionals (mostly whom have attended a 4 year program), Homeopaths study only homeopathy while Naturopaths study many disciplines (nutrition, herbal and vitamin supplements, etc.) which may or may not include homeopathy.
As a classical homeopath I prescribe only homeopathic medicines as opposed to herbs, supplements, vitamins, aromatherapy, etc.
To use an allopathic analogy: Naturopaths are like general practitioners whereas Homeopaths are specialists like surgeons.
What are remedies and how are they made?
Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted, vigorously shaken solutions derived from a myriad of plants, animals or minerals. They are only ever tested by healthy human volunteers (known as provers) whose symptoms are recorded and verified before forming each remedy profile. These results are then studied, culled and published before the remedies are available to homeopaths to prescribe. There are currently over 3,000 homeopathic medicines.
Remedies are produced in government controlled homeopathic pharmacies where they undergo a process known as potentization through succussion [vigorous agitation by shaking] which creates highly diluted potencies in a variety of scales. This process renders them safe, effective and with no side effects as they are now in a minute form of opposed to a crude dose of the orginal substance. In North America they are most commonly available as pillules or liquids.
Is homeopathy safe for my child?
Absolutely! When prescribed correctly, homeopathic medicines are safe and nontoxic for any individual. Pregnant and nursing women, infants, toddlers, tweens and teens all benefit from homeopathic support. Some of the more commonly treated childhood ailments include:
- Behavioral, developmental and neurological disturbances (ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Bedwetting, Shyness, Tantrums, etc.)
- Common childhood illnesses (colic, croup, measles, mumps, chickenpox, etc.)
- Asthma/Allergies
- Coughs, Colds, Fevers
- Diaper rash
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Eczema
- Teething
For more information, have a look at How Can Homeopathy Help Me?, or Contact GentleHealth Homeopathy if you have any questions.
What are antidotes?
Antidotes are substances which have been found to alter or cease effectiveness of a remedy. Due to the way homeopathic medicines are produced, they have a very long shelf life – but can be easily antidoted by the following:
- Menthol
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Tiger Balm
- Tea Tree Oil
- Hair dye, hair perms
- Dental treatments (excluding checkups)
- Coffee and Coffee Products
While on homeopathic treatment it is suggested to avoid or minimize your exposure to these substances. While giving up coffee can be difficulty, you can use other products with caffeine such as black tea, chai and herbal teas.
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How long will it take to feel better?
Homeopathy is based upon the observation of the individual and subsequent prescribing of a remedy which is similar in nature. Therefore it makes sense that every person will respond in their own way and time to the healing effects of homeopathy. Each persons case is individual and even though two people may be suffering from the same ailment (i.e.: hayfever), the healing and the benefits of homeopathy will be unique to that person
Generally though, those suffering from acute ailments will experience healing faster than those who have had a slow developing complaint which has built up over time. For instance a child who is teething, may experience relief in a matter of minutes when given the proper remedy, but it may have to be repeated more frequently as the expenditure of energy in acute situation is quite high. Whereas an adult suffering from hayfever may experience relief in a matter of weeks, months or even a gradual lessening of symptoms throughout the season after having only taken one dose of a remedy.
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Can I do this at home?
When used properly, homeopathy is safe, non-toxic, gentle and effective. Simple first aid or acute situations like teething, scraped knees, minor falls and bruising can be treated at home, but you need some basic homeopathic education first.
It is best for those suffering chronic conditions, mental disorders or those already under homeopathic care to consult a homeopathic professional as these situations are more complex and can worsen from improper treatment.
You may find that there are many web sites, workshops and homeopathic books available to the beginning homeopath. Please feel free to Contact me and I can point you in the right direction.
There are many homeopathic kits specifically designed for at-home use such as first aid, travel, pregnancy and childrens remedies. GentleHealth Homeopathy offers customized kits depending on the needs of you and your family. Contact me for more information.
If you experience an emergency situation, always contact your medical doctor or dial 911 for their assistance first.
Classical vs. Alternative Homeopathy
Classical homeopathy differs from alternative homeopathy in that patients are prescribed a single individualized homeopathic remedy based on their total symptom picture. This is often referred to as their constitutional remedy, and requires an in-depth interview and thorough study.
Alternative homeopathy comes in many forms such as prescribing multiple remedies at one time, using electronic equipment to determine imbalances in the system, performing muscle testing and some even practices offer homeopathic injections.
Another common form of homeopathy is known as formula homeopathy. This refers to creams, gels, and pellets which contain mixtures of up to 25 remedies specifically targeted towards ailments such as influenza, muscle aches and pains, sore throats, jetlag, PMS, etc. While some of these formulas can offer helpful relief, the effect is only temporary and does not address the root of the problem.
To truly experience the long-term healing benefits of homeopathy,
constitutional treatment is recommended.
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Other Questions
If you have any other questions about homeopathy, please Contact me and I’ll be happy to answer!
