%20copy.jpg)
What is Homeopathy?
Although first described by Hippocrates 2,500
years ago, Homoeopathy as it is practised today evolved 200
years ago. The word comes from the Greek and means ‘similar
suffering’. This refers to the central philosophy that
a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person,
can cure those symptoms in a sick person. For example a person
suffering from hay fever, might be given a remedy prepared
from an onion, because a healthy person chopping an onion
usually experiences watering eyes and irritation. Similarly,
someone suffering from insomnia might be given a homoeopathic
dose of coffee.
Is Homeopathy safe?
Yes. Since the substances are given in minute doses unwanted
side-effects are avoided, making them safe to use even in
situations where conventional drugs would be dangerous or
inadvisable, for example during pregnancy or when treating
infants.
How does it work?
Those who are sceptical point out that homoeopathic remedies
are often so dilute that not even a molecule of the original
substance remains and so they conclude that any beneficial
response is probably due to the placebo effect. This explanation
seems unlikely as experiments have shown homeopathic medicines
to be equally effective in the treatment of animals and young
children.
The production of homoeopathic medicines involves two processes;
namely dilution and succussion (shaking and bashing!).These
combined processes leave an imprint of the original substance's
energy pattern in the dilutant. This energy imprint, given
in homoeopathic medicine stimulates the body's own healing
energy to start working.
How does homoeopathy differ from conventional medicine?
Homoeopathy is an holistic medicine. This means that it focuses
on the whole person and believes that spiritual, mental, emotional
and physical factors are all completely inter-connected and
should not be regarded in isolation. It is based on the idea
that symptoms are not the cause of disease, they merely show
that "dis-ease" exists. Symptoms are the body's
way of warning us that all is not well and attempting to restore
balance.
A simple analogy is to imagine that you are driving your car
and the red oil warning-light comes on. You know nothing about
cars so you decide to take it to the garage. When you come
to pick up the car, the light is no longer on, so, having
paid the bill, you drive off quite happily. You naturally
assume the problem is fixed, but would you feel so satisfied
if you later discovered that the garage had merely unscrewed
the warning-light bulb?
Homoeopathy is a truly holistic medicine because it uses
symptoms as helpful indicators that can be used as guides
to treating the individual and their "dis-ease".
Instead of merely removing the symptoms, it removes the central
disturbance in the individual's energetic balance. Once this
has been done the symptoms disappear anyway, because the warnings
they were trying to give have become unnecessary.
Can I take homoeopathic medicine if I'm already taking
other medication?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to do so. However, you should not
attempt to reduce your other medication without supervision
from your doctor.
When should I consult a qualified homoeopath?
If you have a serious or recurring condition or you have had
a number of acute illnesses recently, it is always best to
see a qualified homoeopath. Remember homoeopathy can be used
to treat anything, even problems that have no clear diagnosis,
because it treats the individual rather than the disease.
What happens during a consultation?
You begin by telling the homoeopath what is troubling you.
It is helpful if you can give as much detail as possible about
your symptoms, including anything that makes them better or
worse. If you have noticed any other changes in yourself (mood,
anxieties, sleep, dreams, appetite, thirst, temperature) since
the symptoms started; these can also be very useful.
The homoeopath will normally take a full medical case history
from you and record details of any previous health problems
in your family, going back to your grandparents. The aim of
the consultation is to get an overview, not only of your complaint,
but also of you as a person. Later, follow-ups help you and
your homoeopath to assess your reaction to the previous remedy
and decide how your treatment can best be continued.
About Mary Aspinwall
In the early 90s Mary designed the best-selling Helios
Double Helix range of kits (homeopathic kits for first aid;
acute illness; childbirth and travel).
Mary left the UK and set up the original Natural Healing
Rooms in Clonakilty in 1995, running a busy homeopathic practice
from there. During that time she has also taught hundreds
of people how to use Homeopathy for first aid and acute situations.
Mary has taught student homeopaths at the College of Homeopathy
in both Dublin and Cork and regularly contributes to both
national and international journals. Mary is registered with
the Irish Society of Homeopaths.
In 2000 www.homeopathyworld.com was launched providing free
on-line homeopathy courses, information for patients and practitioners,
and an on-line shop selling kits and books via the internet.
She is the editor of Dr Stephen Gascoigne’s “Clinical
Medicine Guide” and author of “A Basic Guide to
Homeopathy”.
In 2003 she bought a larger premises for the Natural Healing
Rooms and was joined by a much larger team of well qualified
and experienced therapists.
If you are unable to visit Mary in the Natural Healing Rooms
in Clonakility you can arrange a phone consultation. Click
here for more information.
|
