Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that differs from conventional or allopathic medicine in very specific ways. One main difference is that instead of diagnosing, labeling and treating a particular disease or ailment, the homeopath looks at the whole person and takes everything about them into consideration in order to select a remedy (medicine) that matches their symptoms most closely. Also taken into consideration is how the client looks at their individual situation and life in general.

Remedies are made from natural substances (plants, minerals and animal) and are prepared in a way that removes all material substance while releasing the energy of the substance. Only small doses are given to help stimulate the body’s own ability to bring itself back into balance towards healing.

This system was developed by. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and translator of medical books in the early 19th century. It is based on his synthesis of various principles and scientific understandings of medicine he learned when translating medical texts from as far back as the days of Hippocrates, who is called the Father of Medicine.

Yes, although people often get confused and think they are the same. Acupuncture follows the philosophy of Chinese medicine and uses needles on targeted areas of the body to stimulate energy healing. Herbalism uses only plant sources, employing extracts that contain material substances. Homeopathy uses plant, mineral and animal sources and has a special method of preparing remedies that removes all material substance. Hence, homeopathic remedies made from source materials considered poisonous can be safely ingested.

Homeopathy treats every kind of condition known to mankind: physical problems, emotional problems, mental problems. It even treats what we could call today “spiritual” problems, where people feel out of sync with their place in the world. Both acute (usually sudden, having a beginning, middle and end) and chronic (deeper, harder to shift long term conditions that have often come slowly over time) can be treated homeopathically.

There are many. Not only do the remedies work to clear the troublesome symptoms but they go back to the root of the problem, so that it is eliminated totally. It does so in a gentle, safe way using natural substances that are taken in small amounts for short periods of time. Along with no side effects as often seen in conventional medicine, homeopathy is also cost effective and non-addictive.

Homeopathy can be used by everyone, at every stage of their development: pregnant women, babies, children, men and women and the elderly. In fact, homeopathic treatment can even be used safely on animals. Remember the remedies are made from natural substances, in a strict process that eliminates the initial material substance so that even recognized “poisons” such as Arsenic and Belladonna can be safely used—and with no inherent side effects.

Usually a first visit will take from one to two full hours. During this consultation, you will be given adequate time and space to speak freely and in detail about your presenting problem(s), including how they affect your life. In addition, you will be asked some questions about other aspects of who you are, i.e. your eating habits, sleeping habits, likes, dislikes, family history, etc. The more information the homeopath is given about you, the easier it will be to match you with the most appropriate remedy. A follow-up consultation takes considerably less time, unless a new symptom arises or more information is required to better match a remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are made from taking tiny amounts of natural substances – for example, the leaves or stems or flowers from plants, a feather or sputum or milks of an animal, or from particles of minerals such as iron, salt, gold, and copper. Remedies are made by special homeopathic pharmacies according to the method and standards developed by the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. (The word used for this process is potentization. See “Explanation of terms” for details.)

The remedies are usually taken in a different way than regular medicines. They can be in either pellet or liquid form depending on the way your homeopath believes is best for you and your individual situation. Instead of just swallowing like with ordinary medicine, homeopathic remedies are either taken by placing the pellet under the tongue to melt or, if liquid, held in the mouth for a short time. This allows for a gentle introduction into your system.

It is only in rare situations that you have to take the remedy for long periods of time. In most cases you only need one or a few doses. That is one of the beauties of homeopathy.

This, too, is individual. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well-being and optimism. With some, occasionally symptoms appear to get worse for a short time. This is actually a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. With others, sometimes a cold, a rash or some form of discharge will appear. This, too, is a good sign that your body is cleaning. It could also happen that symptoms you have had in the past might come back, usually for a short period. This will pass and must not be treated as it is an important part of the healing process.

In the event that no change is noticed, a change in selection of remedy or in potency might be necessary. Sometimes, changes are so subtle that it isn’t until a follow-up visit that the client realizes that one has taken place. We, as individuals, seemingly have lost our ability and skills in awareness, keeping track of our own bodies and understanding our own healing processes. Homeopathy aims to empower clients so that they can become more active in their healing journey

While you may think you can figure out what remedy you need, homeopathy is actually more complicated. Over the counter remedies may be of some help for acute and minor problems, but if you have a chronic or serious condition you definitely need to see a trained homeopath for proper treatment. Sometimes finding the appropriate over the counter remedy is confusing. It also can help to know the differences among remedies that seem to refer to similar states. Health food stores are limited in the number and potency (strength) of remedies they sell Your particular situation might require something that you cannot pinpoint accurately and/or easily find over the counter.

You can still be treated homeopathically. The remedies will not interfere. Any medications prescribed by your physician, however, should be dealt with only by your physician. It is hoped that your dependence on those medications will lessen as homeopathic treatment brings you more into balance. Any changes in your prescribed medication should only be made by your physician.

There are many. Not only do the remedies work to clear the troublesome symptoms but they go back to the root of the problem, so that it is eliminated totally. It does so in a gentle, safe way using natural substances that are taken in small amounts for short periods of time. Along with no side effects as often seen in conventional medicine, homeopathy is also cost effective and non-addictive.

No, particularly in comparison to the cost of conventional medicine. Unfortunately, in many countries alternative medicine is not covered by health insurance. Homeopathic remedies cost less than a few cents per dose and are not taken as often or for as long as prescribed drugs. The only major cost is the practitioner’s services. The first visit will be the most expensive since one to two hours is devoted to the initial interview. Follow-up visits are shorter, generally infrequent, and much less costly.

The first consultation can be anywhere from $200-$500 depending on the geographical area, expertise and costs of the homeopath. Most homeopaths will work with a client to develop an appropriate fee schedule.

After the initial consultation, normally you would see a homeopath for a follow-up visit about 4-6 weeks after the first visit and starting to take your remedy. Sometimes more follow ups may be needed if a remedy change is called for and/or the condition or a new condition requires additional treatment. After the initial two visits, one would continue to see their homeopath as needed, depending on their unique situation (remember everyone is an individual). Visits might be monthly, once every six months, annually and/or whenever something new comes up. Because homeopathy works subtly, sometimes a client will not realize their symptom is gone until they have a follow up. It is interesting how easily a pain or problem is forgotten once it is resolved.

That too is a question that has a variety of answers. Much depends on the background, education and skill of the homeopath. Before schools were created, there were apprenticeships with mentors and/or study groups of interested, like-minded persons. These still exist but now there are schools of varying length, in-depth seminars, graduate level courses, and more. Some conventionally trained medical practitioners can take post-graduate courses while others may initially opt for a full training at a school which could take four to five years to complete.

It is important that you ask your homeopath about their experience and credentials. Taking a weekend course or attending a few seminars is not good enough, even for a trained physician, and should be questioned. Trained homeopaths usually have letters after their name indicating their education and/or professional certification. Be sure to ask what these letters stand for. The most recognized certification process in the United States is from the Council of Homeopathic Certification. The letters, CCH, would indicate that the homeopath understands the methodology, philosophy and essential knowledge required to practice as a professional. As yet, however, certification is not mandatory so not every homeopath has this additional credential.

Because of the nature of homeopathy, new methods, remedies, insights and understandings come up each year, and it is important for homeopaths to continue their education to keep up with new developments. Always ask your homeopath how they were trained and how they are keeping up with new information.

Because the rules and regulations for practicing homeopathy differ in each state, it is sometimes difficult to find a homeopath. If word of mouth does not work, you can click here to explore further. For more information contact nancy@innerhealth.us.  No matter where you locate a practitioner, always make sure you find out what their training has been.

There are various ways that different practitioners practice homeopathy. There are even many who call themselves homeopaths when they might only use homeopathic remedies occasionally and in conjunction with other treatments. This may cause confusion to many patients. (Inner Health practitioners are Classical homeopaths and use a specific method that they have found to have a deeper and longer-lasting result.) NOTE: all symptoms at every stage are only the tip of the iceberg and it is through our symptoms that we need to treat the whole state.

a. Classical – using only one homeopathic remedy at a time to treat the whole person in a dynamic way, following the philosophy and tenets of the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Inner Health highly advises seeking a Classical Homeopath for homeopathic treatment. Click here to find a homeopath in your area.

b. Naturopaths – using homeopathic remedies along with other herbs and tonics to stimulate the body into its own healing ability.

c. Complex – using a combination of homeopathic remedies made into one substance.

Homeopathy is known world-wide. While growing in popularity in the USA, homeopathy actually is more well known and utilized in other countries. In Europe, for example, almost all countries have practicing homeopaths. In fact, in the United Kingdom there are actually homeopathic hospitals and even the Royal Family is known to favor homeopathic treatment? In India, homeopathy is probably used as much as conventional medicine. Homeopathy is part of the national health system in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, India, among others. You can also find homeopaths in Latin and South America as well as in Australia, New Zealand and former Soviet Union countries. It is not as well-known in Africa and China but is beginning to be used there as well.