Homeopathy: Origin, Principals defined
Homeopathy is a therapy based on the principle of similarity any substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person is able to cure the same symptoms in a sick person.
ORIGIN OF HOMEOPATHY
The Greek “homeo”(similar) and “pathos” (suffering), homeopathy, as we know it today was developed in the eighteenth century by Samuel Hahnemann. This German doctor rediscovers an ancient therapy, already described by the Greek physician Hippocrates three hundred years BC: we can cure by opposites, but also similar. Considered the founding father of contemporary homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann published his first treatise in 1796.
It was not until 1830 that a French doctor is interested in homeopathy. Dr. Des Guidi Sebastian wrote a “Letter to the French doctors about homeopathy.” France becomes the first country to be interested in this new therapeutic method. A tradition that has continued since the world leader in homeopathic pharmaceutical industry is French (Boiron).
PRINCIPLE OF HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is based on the principle of similarity any substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person is able to cure the same symptoms in a sick person. In other words, this law is the application of the adage “treat evil with evil.”
This therapeutic method is opposed to the so-called allopathic medicine, which treats symptoms by adverse substances. Against inflammation; there will be a limitation of anti-inflammatory.
The preparation of homeopathic medicines follows two principles: dilution and potency. The dilution involves diluting the basic substances to obtain a small dose. Boosting is also essential: we must shake the substance obtained so that water and alcohol imbibe the essence of the parent drug.
Another feature of homeopathy: the homeopath takes into account the person who suffers as a whole and not just the disease.
Treatment can be in the form of granules or doses usually take in the morning and evening on an empty stomach at bedtime.
WHY CONSULT A HOMEOPATH?
The homeopathic doctor can be consulted in the same way as a conventional GP. Homeopathy is a therapy that aims to treat diseases: it can be used to treat acute illnesses (flu, gastroenteritis, etc.), recurrent infections, insomnia, allergies, dental problems, but also to support treatment of chronic diseases.
In case of serious illness (cancer), homeopathy in no way constitutes a basic treatment, but works as a result of care and support.
WARNINGS AGAINST HOMEOPATHY
There are no indications against homeopathy. An infant can take homeopathy, diluted in water, when it comes to feeding.Treatment can also be followed at all stages of pregnancy, even in the delivery room.
It is the responsibility of the doctor to choose the treatment, homeopathic or allopathic, appropriate for each patient.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST SESSION OF HOMEOPATHY?
When it comes to the management of chronic disease, consultation with a homeopath is often longer than a GP. The consultation lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
The homeopath asks questions that may seem remote health problem but that help to identify the sensitivity, behavior, or lifestyle. This assessment allows the homeopath to establish an accurate diagnosis and to identify the field of the patient.
The homeopath is interested in patient behavior (appetite, taste aversion and food, emotions, sleep, etc.) as well as personal and family history. The treatment will be longer, but catches are spaced further apart.
If the consultation is related to an acute illness, such as flu, the recommended treatment will differ depending on the patient’s behavior (if it is stirred or shot), the importance of his fever, thirst or lack of thirst the course of the disease. The treatment will last only a few days, with several taken in the day.
For each consultation, the homeopathic doctor reported on the evolution of the health problem that motivated the previous appointment. It determines whether new diseases have emerged and ensure proper follow-up treatment. The homeopathic doctor conducts a physical examination that will enable it to achieve new requirements.
HOW TO CHOOSE A HOMEOPATH?
It is recommended to always choose a homeopathic doctor rather than a homeopath.
A homeopathic doctor is primarily a physician who completed a full course of conventional medical studies, complemented by three-year training in homeopathy in a French school (Paris, Lyon, Lille, Poitiers, Besançon, Limoges, and Marseille) or in a private educational center.
Dentists, midwives or physiotherapists can also take some training courses in homeopathy. Thereafter, they are allowed to prescribe treatments.
Otherwise, it is recommended to contact their pharmacist is able to recommend a homeopath in the area.
Finally, word of mouth is also a good way to find your homeopath: family, friends or colleagues certainly have a homeopath recommended!
The best homeopathic doctor is the one with whom you feel comfortable and whose treatment gives you satisfaction.
DURATION AND COST OF A HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTATION
A consultation with a homeopathic doctor costs between 35 and 50 euros. Each homeopathic doctor is free to set its rates.Consultations performed at a homeopath convention are reimbursed by Social Security for 70% of the agreed price.
In France, homeopathic medicines are sold in pharmacies. Granule tube costs about two euros, is reimbursed at 30% by Social Security, Supplemental Insurance providing 100% reimbursement of many homeopathic medicines.
Consultations with homeopathic doctors contracted are reimbursed by Social Security at 60%. The excess fees of Homeopaths sector 2 doctors, said fee free can be supported by some mutual according to the contract. Exceedances of homeopathic physicians are part of one sector of recent contracts in place with additional insurers, for example, in health prevention plans.
BOOKS ON HOMEOPATHY
– “Select homeopathy, understand the basics and learn good habits,” Dr. Jean-Jacques Salva, ed. Lighthouse.
– “The Family Guide to Homeopathy” Dr. Alain Horvilleur, ed. Hachette Pratique.
