Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathy

What is homeopathy?       

Homeopathy is a distinct healing art and science that was developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It is based on the law of similars “Like Cures Like”. The idea is that a substance in minute doses (the “remedy”) will cure the same symptom picture that it causes in high doses. The energy of the body is stimulated by the remedy to address the root cause of the “disease”, pushing it out of the body for good. Harmony is restored, allowing improved functioning and balance of mind/body/spirit.

How is homeopathy different from conventional medicine?

Conventional medicine tends to focus on each part of the body separately and views symptoms as problems that need to be eliminated. Drugs are prescribed for each individual symptom or disease. Symptoms may disappear but this often happens not because the individual is cured but because symptoms are suppressed - and the illness moves deeper inside the body. The individual as a whole is unfortunately not moving toward improved health and new, more serious symptoms and diseases may appear later. Homeopathy, on the other hand, views symptoms as signs that the individual is out of balance. Rather than suppress symptoms, the chosen remedy corrects the imbalance. To accomplish this, the homeopath looks at each individual’s physical, mental and emotional nature and selects a remedy for the person, not one specific problem. Healing occurs at a deep level and addresses mental, emotional and physical issues.

Homeopathic remedies are very safe. They are non-allergenic, non-toxic and do not interfere with prescription medications. They are prepared from plant, mineral and animal substances by homeopathic pharmacies under strict FDA guidelines. Homeopathic remedies are prepared using a series of dilutions and are succussed (vigorously agitated by shaking) after each dilution. When the process is complete, the original substance of the remedy is so tiny that often no atom or molecule remains. Remedies are inexpensive and are taken for short periods of time – often just one dose is all that is needed.

What is an appointment like?

During your initial appointment which is about 2 hours long, you will discuss your health concerns and symptoms. Judy is most interested in how you experience your complaints rather than the diagnosis and will ask such things as what brings them on and what makes you feel better or worse (other than medication). Judy will ask about your medical history and about symptoms throughout the body. You will also be asked about subjects like emotions, fears, major life events and your reactions to them, likes and dislikes, sleep and food cravings. It may seem like an odd collection of topics but it all helps to form a complete picture of you and the remedy that’s called for.

After the appointment, Judy will carefully work up a case analysis and determine the remedy that best fits your unique combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. Prior to deciding on a remedy, Judy may need one more brief meeting or telephone conversation with you to ask a few more questions and/or clarify information. Then you will receive a remedy recommendation and instructions on where to purchase it and how to take it. Once you have taken the remedy, be sure to call to schedule a follow up appointment.

In what situations can homeopathy help?

Homeopathy has helped many people with a wide range of symptoms, both chronic and acute. Examples of chronic complaints include migraine headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems, anxiety, recurring infections, PMS/peri-menopause/menopause symptoms and chronic pain. Homeopathy can also help people recover more quickly from acute conditions like the flu, bronchitis or a sports injury. The disease diagnosis is not very important because homeopathy treats the individual not the disease. As such, homeopathy can help even when there is no clear diagnosis. And sometimes it can help an individual when conventional medical treatment has not produced results.

How long will it take to heal?

The amount of time it takes to completely heal varies from person to person. If the selected remedy is correct, you will begin to notice positive changes within a month. One of the premises of homeopathy is that healing moves from the deepest core of an individual to the exterior. Mental/emotional symptoms are considered deeper than most physical symptoms so you may notice improvements at that level first. Your general well being should improve quickly, for example having more energy, getting along better with others or feeling calmer. Acute physical conditions often improve within a few days while long-standing chronic conditions may take some time. Everyone is different.

How many appointments are necessary?

Follow up appointments are generally scheduled about six weeks after the initial consultation. Depending on the person’s progress, this may be all that is needed. If the person has a long history of illness or many complaints, it may take a few different remedies over a longer period of time to achieve the desired results but the person will see improvements along the way.