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What is homoeopathy? Dr Jane Parkin
Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine. It is based on the Law of Similars, or the principal that like cures like: that which makes sick shall also heal. This applies whether the symptoms are primarily physical, mental, or emotional. For example, large amounts of coffee can cause insomnia and hypersensitivity. The homoeopathic form of coffee (the remedy coffea) will cure a person with similar symptoms, whatever their cause.
Different people react in different ways to the same illness and the task of the homoeopath is to find the remedy that matches your symptoms as closely as possible. In order to do this the homoeopath needs to know not only your physical symptoms but also as much as possible about you as a person, as well as your and your family’s medical history. The biggest difference between homoeopathy and orthodox medicine is that the homoeopath treats the whole person and not just the condition from which they are suffering. These ideas may be new to you, but homoeopathy has been working for 200 years.
How does homoeopathy work?
Since medicine began it has been recognised that there is a capacity for self-healing within the human organism. Homoeopathic remedies work by stimulating the patient’s own inherent healing ability, which may have become depleted or damaged due to myriad influences. Frequently the dilution involved in making remedies is so great that no chemical trace remains of the original substance. So how do they work? Although they undoubtedly do work, homoeopaths and scientists have yet to discover exactly why they work. A precise answer is likely to be found in the field of physics, especially electro-magnetism.
What is a homoeopathic remedy?
Remedies are derived from the animal, mineral and vegetable kingdoms and there are over 2000 remedies in use. A sophisticated process of dilution and succussion (shaking) is used to develop the healing properties inherent in each substance. Homoeopathic remedies are not tested on animals (although homoeopathy can be very effective in the treatment of animals). Each remedy has been ‘proved’ (tested carefully and methodically) on healthy people. The symptoms (mental, emotional and physical) produced by the substances being proved are all meticulously recorded. In this way a comprehensive picture of the characteristics of each remedy is built up into the homoeopathic materia medica.
How long will the treatment take?
This is impossible to predict, because each individual case is different and there are many factors involved. Deep-seated ailments that you may have had for many years will not disappear overnight, so patience is required. However, generally speaking, you should start to feel better in yourself and your energy and enjoyment of life should soon improve. You will find that, because homoeopathy treats the whole person, not only will your symptoms be cured but also the quality of your life will improve. The remedy frequently acts as a catalyst so that you may begin to achieve your full potential in life.
Jane Parkin
Jane Parkin is a classical homoeopath and a registered member of the Society of Homoeopaths, UK, and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. She has over 20 years of clinical experience ranging from a rural South African farm to a busy private practice in London. She has lectured at the University of Westminster, London, and taught practical homoeopathic first aid classes internationally. She works for the Maun Homoeopathy Project in Botswana (for people who are HIV+) and has a private practice in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa.
Further information
If you are new to homoeopathy and would like to know more about it, the following are good introductory books that you may be able to find at your local library:
Homoeopathy: Medicine of the New Man by George Vithoulkas (Thorsons)
Homoeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century by Dana Ullman
(North Atlantic Books)
The Complete Homoeopathy Handbook by Miranda Castro (Macmillan)
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