FAQ

What is Homeopathy?

The principles of homeopathy were first formulated at the end of the eighteenth century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He had given up the practice of medicine when he found the therapies of his time to be ineffective and harmful, and did not resume practice until he discovered in homeopathy a means to help people heal gently, rapidly and reliably. Homeopathy spread quickly throughout Europe and to the United States, where at the beginning of the 20th century, 15-20% of all doctors practiced homeopathy. Despite repeated criticism from orthodox medical circles, the validity of Hahnemann's ideas continue to be demonstrated over 200 years later.

Stimulus to the Body. Homeopathic treatment, like all truly natural therapies, seeks to stimulate the innate healing power of the individual so that all physiological systems function at their best. As the person moves toward his or her optimal level of general health, he or she feels better. Subsequently, specific symptoms improve as the strengthened body defenses become active. But the homeopathic remedy does not directly treat a symptom or condition. Instead, it simply helps to initiate the process by which the person heals herself or himself.

Totality of Symptoms. The homeopath views a person's health as a condition of the entire individual rather than in terms of isolated symptoms. Homeopaths do not diagnose disease or treat diseases. Remedies are selected that best correspond to the person's total state of illness. Evaluation of the individual's level of health and choice of the correct remedy does depend in part on a thorough understanding of all symptoms. But in addition, important indicators of general health, such as the level of vitality the person experiences and her or his emotional well-being, demand close attention.

Law of Similars. Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like helps like". A remedy is chosen that is capable of causing, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the sick person. The symptoms the sick person experiences are thus the most important guide to the choice of the correct remedy.

Minimum Dose. As little remedy as possible is used. After a remedy is given, the individual's response is carefully observed, and the remedy is changed only if necessary.

What if I am taking medications?

Homeopathy works at an energetic level, therefore it does not interfere with medications. Although some prescription drugs may hinder the remedy's long-lasting effect, there are ways to take remedies daily which minimize the interference by the the drugs. Please let your practitioner know if you are taking regular medications.

Not all homeopaths are doctors, and they do not diagnose disease nor suggest changes in any medications. All clients are advised to only make changes to their existing medications after consulting with their medical doctor.

A goal of homeopathic care for an individual on prescription drugs is that the body eventually heals to a point where one's doctor suggests reducing or eliminating a drug.

Do I need to make changes in my diet?

No, successful homeopathic treatment does not require changes in diet.

What is a homeopathic remedy?

Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, animals, minerals, and other simple substances. The original substance is diluted in liquid repeatedly, and vigorously shaken with each dilution. Unusual as it sounds, these very small amounts of remedies can act very strongly when used properly. Also, because the remedies are diluted, they are extremely safe.

Homeopathic remedies are usually taken via small sugar pellets that you put under your tongue or via drops in small quantities of distilled water that you drink. Depending on health, vitality, or other factors, some people take a remedy one time only while others take a remedy daily. Homeopathic remedies are made at special FDA regulated and approved homeopathic pharmacies according to very high standards of purity. There is no homeopathic pharmacy in Minnesota. Our clinic has a large stock of remedies available for purchase, while certain grocery coops, health food stores and grocery stores carry remedies.

Will the remedies have side effects?

Each individual experiences the reaction to the remedy in a different way. Usually the effects are gentle and gradual, though at times, more rapid or dramatic changes may occur. The remedies do not produce "side-effects". The body responds in the best way it needs to respond to heal itself. However, what you may experience as a result of taking a remedy is a temporary aggravation. This could be a current symptom getting worse for a while before getting better. Or it may be a temporary return of old symptoms you had years ago. Aggravations are always short-lived and are seen as an encouraging sign for the homeopath that the correct remedy has been selected. If you have a reaction you do not understand or any concerns about the remedy, don't hesitate to contact your practitioner.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Essential to effective homeopathic care is the information that you provide to the practitioner. The homeopathic interview involves extensive questioning that may cover unfamiliar ground for those accustomed to a few quick questions from a busy doctor. To better prepare you for the consultation, the following are the kinds of information that homeopathy requires.

Reason for visit. The homeopathic practitioner will want you to describe as fully as possible, in your own way, the conditions that have caused you to seek homeopathic care. Your description should include everything that is truly characteristic of your problems. Precise details are best, but only if you can be definite about them. If applicable, your account should include, but not be limited to:

Location of the complaint as precisely as possible. For example, "pain in the left temple" is more helpful than "headache"
Character of sensation or pain. Describe the nature of the sensation in your own words. Is it tingling, burning, numbness, crawling or itching? Is the pain cutting, dull, aching or cramping? These are suggestions only.
Factors that make the feeling better or worse. Often the most crucial information to the homeopath concerns what makes your complaint better or worse. Does your condition vary with time of day or night or season? Is it affected by your position (sitting, standing, lying, etc) or activity (motion of any body part, walking, vigorous exercise, rest, etc)? Does temperature, weather, eating, or sleeping affect your condition? Report anything that clearly influences the intensity or pattern of symptoms.
Concomitants. Anything that regularly occurs in association with your symptoms should be mentioned. Are you always nauseated when you have a headache? Does your skin clear up when you get your menstrual period?
Onset of symptoms. Do you associate the onset of your condition with an emotional upset, prolonged or pronounced stress, lack of sleep, exposure to weather, an injury, drug use, surgery or other factors?
General information. In addition to information about your local symptoms, the homeopath needs to know a lot about you in general. Essentially, the homeopath wants to know how vital and energetic you feel on the whole and how your sense of well-being (not any particular symptom) changes as a result of environmental or emotional factors. How are you affected, in general, by temperature, weather, time of day, activity level, eating and sleeping? What typically makes you feel better and what makes you feel worse? Remember, this may be different that what makes a particular symptom better or worse.

Diet. Be ready to describe the kinds and approximate amounts of food you usually eat. In addition, you'll be asked to list the foods you crave or have strong preferences for (even if these are foods you do not think are good for you) and foods that you strongly dislike.

Sexuality. Understanding your sexuality can be an important part of health awareness, and the homeopath will ask you to describe the usual level of sexual energy you feel. You are welcome to discuss your sexuality as fully or as little as you feel comfortable.

Emotional patterns. Finally, the homeopath will want you to discuss your mental/emotional nature. What are the most characteristic emotional patterns you experience? During what activities or in which situations do you feel the most happy? What emotional patterns most limit your ability to fully express yourself or reach your full potential? How expressive of emotional states are you, and in what ways do you express them? What about your memory, clarity of thought, and so on?

Which conditions are outside the scope of homeopathy?

If a client has a problem that necessitates surgical intervention, the homeopath will refer the client to a surgeon. But as surgical interventions are a shock to the organism, homeopathic treatment is ideal for preparing the patient for surgery and for helping them recover from the operation.

Homeopathy cannot strengthen the system to heal itself of genetic problems.

Homeopathy cannot help when clients continually expose themselves to the things that make them sick. For example, it won't change a smoker's cough, headaches from birth control pills, or depression from being in an emotionally hurtful situation. However, it can help strengthen people enough so that they are able to make helpful changes in their lifestyles.