Homeopathy
Homeopathy – an Introduction
Homeopathic Physicians are doctors who specialize in the field of homeopathy. They may be either M.D.s (doctors of medicine) or D.O.s (doctors of osteopathy)
Homeopathy is a branch of medicine based on the principles developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s. Very popular in the 1800s and early 1900s, homeopathy is once again becoming popular, as many Americans want a more natural and holistic approach to medicine and healing.
Homeopathic physicians, like most other complementary physicians, treat the patient as a whole rather than treating one specific symptom. In order to do this, homeopathic physicians select remedies that most closely match the broad range of symptoms unique to the patient. To do this, in addition to physical examinations, homeopathic physicians usually take extensive case histories from patients. By doing this, the physician will have a better sense of a patient’s physical,mental, and emotional symptoms, which is necessary to make a proper diagnosis.
Homeopathic medicine and remedies are based on the principles of a minimum dosage and prepared in a special manner by homeopathic pharmacists. There are literally thousands of different remedies, each prepared with different potencies, which a homeopathic physician may prescribe. Homeopathic physicians, like all other physicians, may further specialize in a variety of fields. If the speciality is general or family practice, pediatrics, or internal medicine, the physician may also be the patient’s primary care physician. Homeopathic physicians examine patients. Individuals may recommend, order,and perform a variety of diagnostic tests. In some cases, the homeopathic physician may refer a patient to another specialist to diagnose or treat specific conditions. Depending on a patient’s condition, the homeopathic physician may prescribe homeopathic remedies or various other therapies.
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Homeopathic physicians may see patients with chronic or actue illnesses as well as those seeking preventive health care. They often offer advice on healthy living habits including diet and exercise. As part of their job, homeopathic physicians answer patient’s questions regarding their health or medical procedures. They are also expected to answer questions of patient’s family members when necessary. Homeopathic doctors usually work long hours. They may be on call for a variety of emergencies, and like most other doctors, they are often involved in life-and-death situations. However, the ability to help patients interested in being treated in a complimentary manner is very rewarding.
Homeopathic medicine is a natural pharmaceutical science that uses various plants, minerals, or animal products in very small doses to stimulate the sick person’s natural defenses. In Greek the word homoios means “similar,” and “pathos” means “disease” or “suffering”. The basic principle of homeopathy is called the “law of similars” because medicines are individually chosen for their ability to cause in overdose in healthy people the symptoms similar to what the sick person experiences.
In essence, homeopathy consists of two highly systematic methods: toxicology and case taking. First, homeopaths discern the specific physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that various substances cause in overdose. In fact, homeopathic texts contain more details about toxicology than any other sources. Second homeopaths interview their patients in great detail to learn about all the symptoms – physical, emotional and mental – the patient is experiencing. The homeopathy ultimately seeks to find a substance that will cause symptoms similar to what the person experiences and then gives it in small, specially prepared doses.
Homeopathy has been called the grandfather of alternative medicine in the United States because it was the first popular medical treatment practiced by medical doctors as a distinct alternative to covnentional therapies of the nineteenth century. However, soon after the turn of the twentieth century, aggressive attacks by the American Medical Association led to its decline in the United States. Despite this decline in the States, homeopathy maintained its popularit throughout the world, and it is now so popular in Europe that in many countries it is no longer appropriate to consider it “alternative medicine”
And although homeopathy is still not completely understood or respected in the United States, this attitude is changing rapidly. A growing body of research is verifying homeopathy’s efficacy. An increasing number of health and medical professionals are integrating it into their medical practice, and a renaissance of interest among consumers is bringing further attention to it.
Even America’s most respected doctor, Dr. C. Everett Koop, has acknowledged in his autobiography that it was his experience as a child with his family doctor, a homeopathic physician, that inspired him to become a doctor. England’s most well-known advocate og homeopathy is the queen herself. In fact, the royal family sought homeopathic care since the 1830s, making homeopathy almost as much a part of the royal tradition as the passing of the crown.
But homeopathy is not just for royalty. It is used by physicians and consumers all over the world to treat common minor ailments, infectious diseases, injuries, chronic diseases, mental illness, and even some genetic ailments. Homeopathic medicines cannot cure everything, of course, but as you read this book, you will be surprised and even amazed at the power of medicines not only to provide relief but also to promote real and profound healing.
If homeopathic medicines are so effective, then why isn’t homeopathy more popular? You will probably be amazed to learn that homeopathy is extremely popular in many countries Europe, Asia and South America. Although homepathy isn’t presently very popular in the United States, there are specific political and economic reasons for this. The attack against homeopathy by the American Medical Association is one reason for homeopathy’s diminished status in the States.
While one can learn to treat oneself and one’s family with homeopathic medicines for many common acute ailments, it is necessary to seek out professional homeopathic care for any serious or chronic ailments.