Homeopathy, What is It?
One method of health care which is currently receiving more attention is homeopathy. This is a treatment method based on the concept of “Like cures Like” realized in 1790 by the European physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Dr. Hahnemann developed the homeopathic method after discovering (by testing an herb on himself) how substances in nature can create the same disease symptoms seen in patients that are experienced during episodes of disease. He also found that by using the smallest possible dose of the remedy that healing could be achieved without the adverse effects seen with a usual large dose. He was also able to determine that remedies were best used singly or in sequence, which deviated from the custom of the day of using multiple combinations of compounds for treatment. Based on these concepts Dr. Hahnemann was able to compile a list of hundreds of remedies, which come from animal, mineral or vegetable sources.
Use of some remedies can be very obvious, such as using the remedy Apis, which is derived from bee venom, for incidences of insect stings and bites that produce swelling and a stinging sensation. However, Apis may also be appropriate in certain instances of swelling and edema and some diarrheas.
A commonly used remedy for injuries is Arnica. Arnica is derived from the plant Wolfbane, which in its rawest form can cause hemorrhage. Arnica is used to treat cases of blunt trauma that result in bruising of soft tissue. It may also be used post-operatively to aid recovery from surgery.
Another frequently used remedy is Nux Vomica which is derived from the poison-nut. As implied by the name, it may be used in cases of illness involving digestive upsets such as nausea and vomiting, and also for certain cases of diarrhea or constipation. It is appropriate when the patient feels toxic or “poisoned” from excessive indulgence.
To select a homeopathic remedy, a thorough history taking is mandatory. Among the many factors considered to be important are the obvious symptoms seen plus emotional status, mental state, times when symptoms are better or worse, whether symptoms are better with heat or cold, and previous illness or injuries that might be significant. The homeopathic repertory of symptoms is then consulted to determine which of the many remedies is deemed appropriate at the time and usually one dose is given. Depending on what sort of changes are seen a second dose of the same remedy may be used, or a new potency of the same is chosen or an entirely new remedy might actually be appropriate. Many times these changes are very gradual and often there is a “healing crisis” in which the patient briefly worsens before showing improvement, so administering a remedy is not always a “quick fix”. This can be particularly true of chronic ailments; however, with careful attention to detail during the history taking and prudent selection of a remedy, homeopathic remedies can be very useful in guiding the body along the path to healing and helping the body to heal itself.
Presented by Frances E. Baker, D.V.M. C.V.A., (941) 722-5680.
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