Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that was developed by the
German Physician and Alchemist Dr.Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Dissatisfied
by the prevalent treatments, he looked for alternate and better forms of
treatment. After extensive research as well as experiments on himself he
started propounding the principles of homeopathy. The main characteristic is
encapsulated in Latin as "Similia Simibulus Curentur" - let likes
be cured by likes. Other features of Homeopathy are that the medicine was
given singly and the dose was not repeated routinely but only when the
patient's symptoms demanded it.
What is the scope?
Hahnemann believed that it was a complete system of medicine, however it has
been recognised that because homeopathy is a patient centered therapy it can
be used exclusively or as a supplementary treatment in all situations.
Homeopathy lends itself to self-treatment, especially in day to day ailments,
first aid situations and minor accidents (First Aid kits can be prepared
especially for you by the homeopath). Other areas of successful applications
are psychological disorders and the management of mild to moderate anxiety,
depression and other mood disturbances. Like any other therapy there are
limitations and these will be explained by the practitioner during the
consultation.
How popular is it?
It is used worldwide and is growing in popularity as a
preferred therapy. Some statistics of the countries that lead in
popularity...
- France - Over 5000 qualified
medical practitioners practice Homeopathy. Fifteen Universities and hospital
centres do research on its uses.
- Germany - 20% of doctors use
it in their practice.
- England - Recognised by Act
of Parliament available within the National Health Service. 42% referrals to
homeopaths come from Medical/Orthodox Physicians.
- India - All major hospitals
have Homeopathic/Ayurvedic and Allopathic Practitioners at the same status.
There is respect for all within the medical fraternity.
- Australia - Increasing
popularity is reflected by the number of private health funds covering the
modality in the extras cover.
Funds covering Homeopathy:
- MBF
- National Mutual Health Insurance
- Grand United
Health Fund
- La Trobe Health Insurance
- Australian Health
Management Group
- HCF
Is it safe?
Hahnemann taught that if the right medicine was given
the patient would always become a little worse before improving. This is the
so-called homeopathic aggravation. These may or may not occur and even if
they do occur they are short lived and never cause damage to health.
The medicines do not produce unwanted side effects-they
only produce effects that help in treating the person. The medication is
non-addictive, as the small and infrequent dose is required to stimulate the
vital/healing force within the person.
What about conventional drugs?
There is no evidence that conventional drugs and
homeopathic medicines interfere with each other. In any case, it is
undesirable to stop conventional treatment without the approval of the doctor
who started the treatment.
What is the consultation like?
The best description of the consultation was given by a
patient - "I have never spoken so much about myself and what is
important to me. It is like talking to a friend who can help. I can now
see/understand how I reached this state of health." The aim of the
consultation is to get a complete and holistic view of the patient and thus
there is a character sketch done with the information the patient gives and
an individual picture emerges. The medicine is then prescribed for this
person. Sometimes this picture emerges clearer after a few consultations and
the practitioner may change the medicine.
For
further details about homeopathy and appointment please call Ranjana, our
Homeopath Consultant on 9884 6585 or 0414 763 755-
Mon, Tues & Wed-6pm to 9pm
Thurs-9am to 3pm
Fri-9am to 3pm
