| Homeopaths
believe that there is a “vital force” that regulates
the body and maintains it in a state of well-being.
If this force is put under strain illness can
result, and Homeopaths see symptoms of illness
as an indication that the body is using its natural
self-healing abilities to fight back. Homeopathy
attempts to stimulate the body’s self-healing
process rather that suppress symptoms.
| There
are two main laws that further make up the
theory of homeopathy, namely the Law of
Similars and the Law of Potentisation. The
former is based on the principle that “like
cures like”, and says that a patients’ symptoms
will determine the remedy needed to activate
the self-healing capability of their vital
force. Remedies are derived from substances
that cause symptoms similar to those of
the illness, e.g. Eyebright is an irritant
herb used to sooth sensitive eyes. The principle
of “like cures like” can be found in the
writings of Hippocrates dating from the
5th century BC, and has been applied through
the ages in folklore, such as rubbing chilblains
with snow. However it was Samuel Hahnemann
who rediscovered this principle in the late
18th century and developed Homeopathy. The
Law of Potentisation says that diluting
doses repeatedly makes the remedy not only
safe to take but also increasingly potent,
in fact remedies may contain nothing of
the original substance! |
|
|
Remedies are made from plant, animal,
and mineral extracts, which are processed to form
the “mother tincture”. One drop of the mother
tincture is repeatedly diluted in alcohol until
the required potency is reached. A few drops are
then added to a jar of lactose tablets, and the
jar is then swirled to ensure that each tablet
properly absorbs the remedy. It is these tablets
that the patient takes.
The following are examples of conditions that
can be treated using homeopathic remedies:
- Long-term and relapsing disorders.
- Asthma and allergies.
- Anxiety, nervous tension, shock.
- Eczema.
- Menstrual and menopausal problems.
- Pregnancy problems including morning sickness.
Please note that a good homeopath will always
do a thorough consultation before commencing a
treatment, and will also provide advice about
aftercare and homecare.
Bibliography
The following books were referenced for this
section and are all available (via the links)
in association with Amazon.co.uk:
Encyclopedia
of Natural Healing by Anne Woodham and Dr David
Peters
Holistic Therapy – A Practical Approach by Francesca
Gould
See our full range of Holistic
Therapy books in the Further Exploration
section. |
