What is Homeopathy- An Overview
Homeopathy is the most used alternative system of medicine after Allopathy, as per WHO (World Health Organisation). It was developed by Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German Allopathic physician in 1796. He is known as the father of Homeopathy.
Homeopathy is one of the first and most successful systems of evidence-based medicine. Each homeopathic prescription involves a holistic approach for the individual patient, treating both the emotional and physical signs of illness and resulting in improvement of health.
It is based on the belief that our body has an ability to cure itself, where homeopathic medicines just start/stimulate the healing process.
Homeopathy works effectively especially in chronic and reoccurring diseases like allergies, migraines, depression. It works miraculously in acute diseases also.
Homeopathy treats a disease from the root level, hence preventing reoccurrence of that disease. For this, a homeopathic physician considers the totality of symptoms which includes physical symptoms, family history, history of disease, psychological traits.
Thus, homeopathy treats the patient, not just a particular disease for most permanent, gentle, and effective cure.
Change in the societal preference towards Homeopathy
In the last decade, it has been observed the people’s preference have increased many folds. It has happened because of the following realisations:
- Homeopathy heals the patient from within. It does not suppress or treat outwardly.
- It is a safe, scientific, gentle, rapid, and permanent method of healing.
- Homeopathy directly attacks the root for most of the ailments.
- There are no side effects of taking homeopathic medicines.
Benefits of Homeopathy
- Effective and Safe
- No side effects
- Permanent relief
- Suitable for all age groups
- Convenient to consume
- Boost immunity
- Ability to prevent surgeries
Source of Homeopathic medicines
Homeopathic medicines are prepared from a wide range of natural resources.
A.) Plant Kingdom: Over 75% of the medicine origin from flowers, roots, leaves juices and extracts.
B.) Animal Kingdom: Animals or their venoms are used to prepare medicines like- spider, rattle snake, coral snake, cobra venom.
C.) Mineral Kingdom: Certain minerals and metals are also used as a source of homeopathic medicine:
a. Minerals such as nitric acid, sulphuric acid.
b. Metals such as gold, silver, iron, lead, tin.
Common Myths and Facts for Homeopathy
1.) Homeopathy works vey slowly.
FACT: The time consumed during treatment majorly depends on the nature and seat of the disease. Most of the diseases are cured in short span of time and since, homeopathy uproot the diseases permanently, it may take little time for some of the chronic diseases. But this is not true for all the cases.
2.) Homeopathy is nothing, just like a placebo.
FACT: There are proven scientific studies which illustrate that homeopathy is a proven therapy having its own principles.
3.) Homeopathy Medicines can never be taken with allopathy.
FACT: Allopathic medicines can be taken with homeopathy keeping a minimum gap of 15 minutes in between.
4.) Dietary supplement should not be taken with homeopathy.
FACT: Supplements such as multi vitamins can be easily consumed along with homeopathic medicines.
5.) Investigations such as X Ray, Blood Test and diagnosis are not required for homeopathy.
FACT: Investigations are meant for understanding the medical case which is essential for providing medication. Hence, the same are required for diagnosis in homeopathy as well and are helpful in suggesting treatment.
6.) Homeopathic medicines solely depend on psychological traits of the patient.
FACT: Psychological trails hold a great importance in homeopathy, but following analysis hold equal importance:
- Seat of disease
- Family History
- History of disease
- Physical Generals
7.) Homeopathy is not safe for pregnant women and infants.
FACT: Homeopathic medicines have no side effects and are completely safe to be prescribed even during pregnancy and for infants.
8.) Homeopathy cannot be used for acute diseases.
FACT: Homeopathy works miraculously in treating acute conditions like fever, cold and cough. In fact, homeopathy cures the illness from root and hence if firstly preferred over conventional mode of treatment, can prevent acute condition from turning into any chronic disease.