Homeopathways

Karen Cohen, D.C.,CCH

The Homeopathic Process

Š1998 Karen Cohen

How Is The Correct Homeopathic Remedy Found?

Homeopathy is truly holistic in that mental and emotional symptoms are considered to be as important as physical symptoms in deciding on the correct remedy for an individual. When a person has a health problem each symptom expressed is like a star in a constellation. The symptoms are you body's attempt to balance itself. As you gaze into the sky you can often recognize a constellation even if some of the stars are obscured by clouds, similarly an individual may not have all of the symptoms associated with a specific remedy. Finding the correct homeopathic remedy depends on gaining a complete understanding of your state of health on the physical, mental, and emotional planes. In the homeopathic interview you will be able to explain your health history and current problems and will be asked an extensive range of questions. In this way as many "stars" as possible will be revealed so the full constellation can be understood. The remedy suggested for you will precisely match this constellation and help your body re-establish its natural state of health.

The Patient is an Integral Part of the Process

Homeopathy is an active process in which most of the healing is fueled by the patientís own immune system. The homeopathic remedy acts as a catalyst to change. The patient can greatly assist the process by being thorough and clear when reporting symptoms. Be open and truthful in describing those things which are most limiting for you mentally and emotionally. Be observant of changes taking place in your system. You may want to keep a journal of specific or general shifts in your health. Be committed to avoiding substances which interfere with your remedy.

The Homeopathic Followup

After the first interview and remedy prescription there will be follow-up visits scheduled at intervals of 4-8 weeks. These visits are important in determining the extent of the action of the remedy and if additional remedies are required. Some cases are relatively simple and the individual will feel significantly better after a short time with one remedy. In some cases there will be layers and more than one remedy will be required to "peel" away the layers so that full health can be regained. The changes experienced after the correct remedy can include removal of specific symptoms, increase in energy, improved immune response, and the general sensation of less limitation to expression. Because homeopathic therapy is subtle and deep, the changes are long lasting and can take time to evolve.

How Does Homeopathy Differ From Conventional Medicine?

In conventional medicine many times the treatment plan is based on the symptoms, findings and diagnosis of a particular illness. Occasionally a patient presents with symptoms that do not fit into a well described diagnosis and it becomes difficult find a conventional treatment. In homeopathic therapy, the treatment plan is individualized to the patient with the intent of discovering and removing an underlying causation. Thus it is conceivable that eight patients with the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome might require treatment with eight different homeopathic medicines.

Antidoting Substances

Certain substances have been found to reverse or "antidote" the effects of homeopathic medicines. They will prevent the remedy from acting or cause a return of symptoms. After the remedy has been neutralized in this way treatment is more difficult. To insure the proper homeopathic response, most homeopaths suggest avoidance of the following substances: avoid these substances completely.

Coffee, Camphor substances including products which contain aromatic substances including eucalyptus and camphor oils. Recreational drugs Dental Work, drilling or the anesthetics used may affect your remedy Stress Higher levels of stress that can result from trauma such as a death or severe illness in the family, moving, automobile accidents, stress on the job, ect. can result in a lowering of the resonance of the homeopathic remedy. Please call the office if you are experiencing stress of high intensity and feel that the action of the remedy needs further evaluation.

Other treatments and circumstances which affect the energy of your body can neutralize your remedy. Please discuss the use of additional therapy with your homeopath.

The Goal of Homeopathic Therapy.

The goal of homeopathic treatment is to encourage the balancing mechanisms of the body to bring about the return of health. Homeopathic medicines are little bits of needed information, like a missing phrase in a computer program, which help stimulate your own healing energies to return the body to a state of well being. When this occurs you will have the vitality to express yourself healthfully without the need for medications.

Do I need to believe in homeopathy for it to work?

Homeopathy is not a placebo treatment. In fact, infants are often treated, and there are homeopathic veterinarians.