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The word is derived from homoios meaning ‘like’
and pathos meaning ‘suffering’. Although Homeopathy
dates back to Greek times, its potential was not realized
until the late 18th century and the pioneering work of the
German physician Sanuel Hahnemann. Disillusioned with the
conventional approach to medicine, he began his own research
which led him to the conclusion that “like could cure
like”. If a substance could cause certain symptoms,
it could be used to cure similar signs of illness.
This is the basis upon which Homeopathy is founded. He began
to dilute his remedies since some were toxic and finding
the minimum dosage. The more diluted the remedies, the more
effective the were. This meant that some of the most poisonous
substances could be used therapeutically without side-effects
or toxicity. This meant that almost any substance could
be prepared homeopathically, metals, minerals, snake venom,
diseased tissue and used to heal in their homeopathic form.
Preparation of remedies involves serial dilutions with vigorous
shaking in between each individual stage (process known
as succussion) vital to the correct preparation of the remedy.
Benefits/Contraindications
Correctly applied, homeopathy can be effective, safe and
without side effects. The key is to match the symptoms to
the remedy. The closer the match, the better the response.
If the wrong remedy is given, nothing happens, but there
is no damage done. Stored properly, remedies will keep for
years without losing their efficacy. However, they need
special care and must be handled and administered correctly.
Training/Licensing
See Homeopathic
website.
A gentle but
powerful means of restoring balance to the body, mind and
spirit. It is a comprehensive medical system based on the
"Law of Similars" or "curing like with like. It relies on
a holistic diagnosis, and treatment that arouses the body's
innate ability to overcome sickness and restore health by
using remedies that induce symptoms similar to the disease.
Remedies may be prepared from plant, animal, mineral
or other sources. Dosages are most powerful when given
in the lowest concentration, that is, the highest dilution.
The remedies are usually administered via small pellets
or tablets, which may be diluted in pure water.
Homeopathic treatment for animals is usually prescribed
by a veterinarian who is trained in homeopathy, or a homeopath
who is working in consultation with a veterinarian. Homeopathic
remedies are readily available, however, and may also be
administered by other practitioners or by the animal's guardian. In
dealing with chronic problems, diagnosis and treatment
by a medical practitioner is more likely to be successful.
What to expect when using homeopathy for
animals:
Homeopathically prepared medicines have beneficial effects
only when closely matched to an animal's perceived cause,
circumstances, and symptoms of suffering. The way the animal
responds is important in confirming the remedy's suitability.
Thus it greatly assists the practitioner for the animal
guardian to closely monitor and record the animal's symptoms
and general condition.
Symptoms can express themselves at different levels in an
animal. Healing is taking place when symptoms progress from
more vital to less vital organs. For example, a good response
to a remedy is when the emotional, mental, or overall energy
state is improved, although symptoms in a less important
body system such as the skin may temporarily intensify.
The ultimate goal of healing is to enable the individual
to correct all of their energetic imbalances, although in
some advanced conditions of disorder this may not be possible.
Sometimes a single remedy is all that is needed to stimulate
healing, but often, especially with chronic conditions,
a series of remedies over time will be indicated. Generally,
in acute situations (rapid onset of symptoms), a follow-up
remedy may be needed within hours to days, and in chronic
situations, within weeks to months.
In chronic conditions, when healing is stimulated, some
symptoms may intensify or a discharge will occur. When this
phase occurs, it usually lasts a relatively short
period of time (hours to days), and can even be barely noticeable.
However, the animal will generally feel better as shown
by an increase in energy level, serenity, and/or amelioration
of more serious symptoms. Improvement will continue over
a long period (weeks to months). While the animal is moving
toward healing, there may be a temporary return of old symptoms
or syndromes that were not adequately resolved before.
Therapeutic methods that can affect the healing response
from homeopathic therapy include vaccination, prescription
drugs, anesthesia, surgery and dentistry, acupuncture, medicinal
herbs (especially tinctures and aromatics), and also other
homeopathic remedies. Some therapeutic methods that can
be routinely used with homeopathy include nutritional supplementation,
and massage and other methods of healing touch.
Recommended introductory books:
Homeopathic First Aid (for horses) by Joyce
Harman DVM, MRCVS
Homeopathy: Impossible Cure by Amy Lansky
Homeopathy, Healing and You by Vinton
McCabe
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