Homeopathy is a complete, holistic system of medicine that treats chronic and acute illness. It works works by gently stimulating a person’s natural healing energy to resolve the illness, fight infection and regain health. Homeopathy treats the person not the illness.

Homeopathy is the second most widely used medicine in the world after western medicine.

Because two people with the same disease may manifest different symptoms, Homeopathy treats the individual. So rather than treat the name of the disease, the homeopath will use the persons physical and psychological reactions to the disease (among other things) to indicate the best remedy for that person.For the homeopath, although two people may have the same diagnosis the homeopath considers they are treating two different illnesses because of the individualisation.

The great thing about homeopathy is that it works on treating the underlying cause of ones health problems. This means you overcome your presenting problem while improving your overall health.

Homeopathy originated in Europe in 1796 by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahneman, like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, realised there were two ways of treating ill health: ‘the way of opposites’, which is most commonly used by conventional medicine and ‘the way of similars’.

The way or principle of similars (or “like cures like”) is a central homeopathic principle. This principle states that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in a healthy person. So lets use the example of a person with sleep problems. Using the law of similars, the homeopath may give the patient a dose of a substance which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This method stimulates the patients own system to help them sleep naturally and without drugs. Of course, this is a simplified example, but you get the idea. Of course the remedy has to be matched to the presenting symptoms of the patient.

The law of similars is more common than you might first think. Perhaps the most common – though somewhat misguided expression of the law of similars is the ‘hair of the dog’.

It is clear that homeopathy is patient-centred and so a homeopath prescribes based on the totality of your symptoms i.e. how you, as an individual, experience and express them. Homeopathic prescribing also takes account aspects of your personality, your individual characteristics, both emotional and physical.

The principle of dilutions (or “law of minimum dose”) states that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. In homeopathy, substances are diluted in a stepwise fashion. Homeopathy lives by what most of us know and few of us practice: ‘less is more’.  Most homeopathic remedies are so dilute that current instruments cannot detect any molecules of the healing substance  in the remedy. However, there are emerging theories that explain why or how homeopathic remedies retain their potency. Perhaps one of the best known theories the “memory of water”.

Homeopathy can and often do help where other forms of medicine may have failed or the side effects have caused additional problems. There are many ailments and conditions for which homeopathy is suited such as:

• Coughs
• Recurring infections
• Cuts and grazes
• Influenza
• Headaches / migraine
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Digestive Complaints
• Arthritis
• Chronic Fatigue
• Glandular Fever
• Emotional issues / trauma
• Stress / depression
• Men’s and Women’s Health
• Pre and Post Operative Care
• ADD/ADHD
• pregnancy
• trauma

Using homeopathy alongside conventional medicines.

Many people are under the misapprehension that homeopathy, conventional medicine and or other therapies do not ‘mix’. That is not the case. With one or two exceptions, Homeopathic medicines can be taken in conjunction with conventional medicine without adverse reactions. Homeopathic medicines taken in conjunction with conventional medicine helps ameliorate the side effects of conventional drugs while strengthening the body’s ability to heal.

At By The Bay, we work collaboratively with other practitioners to ensure we get the best outcomes for and with you.

What are homeopathic medicines?

Homeopathic medicines are made from a wide variety of sources including plant, animal and mineral sources. The most common method for developing a remedy for use is known as a proving. Provings are clinical trial homeopathic style. It is double blind in that the person distributing remedies and the person receiving the remedies do not know who has received active doses of the medicine. Remedies are always tested on a healthy individual. The testers reveal a set of symptoms which are carefully noted then rigorously collated, analysed, categorised and ultimately reported on.

Homeopathy and Kids

Homeopathy is a gentle, safe and effective system of health care which is well suited to children and adults alike. It does not have the side effects associated with conventional medicine, as only trace amounts of the active medicine are used in a specially prepared form.

We can help your child with the following conditions (and more!):

• Allergies, hay fever and asthma.
• Digestive troubles such as constipation, diarrhea or anxiety-induced indigestion.
• Eczema, dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
• Anxiety, apprehension and other mood disorders.
• Sleep disturbances, poor sleep and bad dreams.
• Headaches, neck and back pain and postural complaints.
• Recurring ear infections (glue ear) enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
• Difficulties with concentration, attention and learning (ADD and ADHD).

Homeopathy works by curing the child from the inside outwards, rather than merely relieving the symptoms.

Homeopathy and Pregnancy

Homeopathy is also helpful during pregnancy, the post natal period and to help manage the stress faced by new parents.

Most women are naturally concerned about taking any medications during pregnancy. Homeopathy suits pregnancy well because it does not introduce harmful substances into the body. Homeopathic remedies are completely safe in pregnancy and can, therefore, be useful in treating some of the problems that arise at this time. Ideally, pregnancy is a wondrous time to be enjoyed – homeopathy can help you do that.

We could go on – but you get the idea. Homeopathy can be used effectively at every phase of our life cycle. As a practitioner I learn new aspects about this amazing modality daily – I am continually amazed by it reach, gentleness and power. And yet I understand the system can be quite alien to those of us raised in the western tradition. The only way to know is to try. Call a couple of practitioners and discuss your needs, any concerns and thoughts.

At Health By The Bay we understand people may be a little anxious, scared or even down right skeptical of homeopathy. One of the services we offer assists clients to choose the best alternative therapy for their needs. You may not want homeopathy but there is something out there to help you optimise your health. Keep looking – you are worth finding the resources to maximise you – you only get one shot at this.