FAQs:
Homeopathy
What
is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of healing which assists the natural tendancy of the body
to heal itself. The homeopathic way, is the way of similars. By giving the patient
a minute dose of a substance, which in large doses causes the problem being treated
cures the patient.
What
are Homeopatic Medicines made from?
Homeopathic medicine is a complementary therapy that uses various plants, minerals
or animals in very small dose to stimulate the sick person's natural defences.
These medicines are individually chosen for their ability to cause in overdose
the similar symptoms the person is experiencing. "Homoios" in Greek
means similar and "pathos" means disease or suffering. The homeopath
seeks to find a substance that would cause the similar symptoms the person
has and then gives it in small, specially prepared dose.
Is
it really right that doses of substances
that cause symptoms, are given to patients
to cure them?
The "law of similars," the basic principle of homeopathy, is even
used in some conventional medical therapies, such as immunizations and allergy
treatments. These treatments, however, are not pure homeopathy since homeopathic
medicines are more individually prescribed, given in smaller doses, and used
to treat sick people and to prevent disease.
Do
the very small doses really have a physiological
effect?
Although we don't understand precisely how the homeopathic medicines work,
there is clear evidence that the medicines are active and can heal.
When
did Homeopathy first become Popular?
Homeopathy became popular in Europe during the 1800s because of its success
in treating the many infectious diseases that raged during that time, including
yellow fever, scarlet fever, cholera, and many others.
How safe are homeopathic medicines?
Because the doses are small it make them extremely safe.It is however important
that you are treated and advised by a register and qualified practitioner who
knows how to prescribe the medicines
Can
Homeopathic medicines be taken with other
medicines?
Yes, but some modern, conventional medicines are so strong that they may inhibit
or mask the action of the homeopathic medicine. Often, the homeopathic medice
works quickly enough that the conventional medicine is not needed.
What are Combination Medicines?
Sometimes, medicines found in most health food stores are called "combination
medicines" or "formulas". This is because they have between
three or more different homeopathic medicines mixed together ito make them.
Although combination formulas are useful, most professional homeopaths believe
that a more individual approach where the medicine is specifically choosen
for the patient works much better.
Professional
Bodies
The
Society of Homeopaths
The professional body for homeopaths practising in the Hahnemannian traddition.
Qualifications awarded: RSHOM., FSHom., LHom.
2
Artizan Road
Northampton
NN1 4HU
tel. 01604 621400
fax. 01604 622622
The
Faculty of Homeopathy
Regulates the education, training and practice of homeopathy by medically qualified
doctors.
Qualifications awarded: MFHom., FFHom.
15
Clerkenwell Colse
London
EC1 0AA
tel. 0171 566 7810
fax. 0171 566 7815
The
UK Homeopathic Medical Association
The UKHMA is an association of qualified homeopaths.
Qualification awarded: MHMA., FHMA.
6
Livingstone Road
Gravesend
Kent
DA12 5DZ
tel. 01474 560336
fax. 01474 560336
Other
Qualifications
Homeopaths
having a license or Diploma of a school or
college are awarded a LHom. This means that
the practitioner has satisfied the school
or college of their knowledge and competence.
You should always make your own enquiries
to satisfy yourself of the practitioner's
competence and ensure that the appropriate
insurances is in place.
Links
Coming
soon
Resolve 20th
January 2003
