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1) Does Homeopathy really work?
Millions of people worldwide who have used homeopathy say �Yes, it does!� With some simple guidance, you can help yourself and your family with daily health issues like cuts, bruises, fevers and minor infections. The best way to find out if homeopathy works is to try it for yourself. As homeopathy is very safe, we recommend you use it. For chronic or serious conditions, it is important that you contact a trained professional homeopath, as the process of prescribing at this level is complex.
2) What about vaccinations? Can they be replaced homeopathically?
Vaccinations are often likened by the medical profession to homeopathic remedies. However, they are vastly different. Vaccinations are crude substances containing toxins in large doses that once injected have immediate access to the immune system. The idea is to create antibodies. By contrast, a homeopathic remedy is an infinitesimal dynamic dose of the substance which once ingested acts on the vital force to correct any imbalances. This is the principle that homeopathy is based on, �Like cures like.� Therefore, if a remedy is given when there is no correlating picture in the person, then the remedy will not act. Taking a homeopathic version of a vaccine will not produce antibodies, and will not affect the person at all unless there is a similar pattern in the recipient. For example, in a household where one child has measles, the other children could be given measles homeopathic nosode as a prophylactic, because it can be reasonably assumed that these other children have come into contact with the virus and therefore may have a corresponding imbalance in their vital force. This nosode will not act prophylactic ally unless contact with the virus has already occurred.
For more information on vaccination, please refer to the Immunisation Awareness Society�s web site. www.ias.org.nz
3) Will homeopathy work in the treatment of tetanus, for example?
It is always your decision as to whether you vaccinate or not. We recommend you investigate thoroughly both sides of the argument. Homeopathy cannot provide antibodies with a prophylactic. For any injury where Tetanus could be a concern, it can be treated with homeopathy. For example, digging in the garden can produce an injury where tetanus could be considered a threat, but homeopathy has many remedies to deal with this.
4) How do I find a homeopath and how do I know that they are professional and well trained?
Homeopathy in New Zealand has in recent years moved into mainstream understanding and acceptance, and homeopaths can be found on all professional business directories, both hard copy such as the Yellow Pages, and online such as FindA, among others.
Registered homeopaths have completed their training and also passed entrance requirements to New Zealands professional homeopathic regulating body, the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths (NZCH).
The NZCH website is www.homeopathy.co.nz, and there is also a directory of homeopath practitioners listed by location on this site.
The Auckland College of Classical Homeopathy has a list of its graduates available upon request. Please go to Contact Us for our recommendations of our graduates, also by location.
5) What�s the difference between Homeopathy and Naturopathy?
Naturopathic is a broad umbrella term for many natural healing therapeutics, such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, hyrdrotherapy, herbal medicine and nutrition.
Homeopathy looks at and treats the whole person and has a clearly defined goal of greater health. Health is an increase in freedom, creativity and being able to express yourself better.
Homeopathy:
a. A Homeopath uses homeopathic medicine as the primary treatment for illness.
Homeopathy is a complete medicine � it can treat a wide variety of conditions from
nosebleeds, skin conditions, stiff neck muscles, digestive problems and chronic pain
to depression.
b. Homeopathic medicine is different from herbal medicines or mineral supplements.
Homeopathic medicines are made from very small quantities of plant, mineral or
animal substances.
c. Homeopathic medicines are non-toxic and safe for babies and during pregnancy.
d. Full treatment homeopathy looks for one medicine to treat all of the patients�
problems. If you have headaches, constipation, chronic sinusitis, joint pain,
depression and eczema, one homeopathic remedy will be prescribed to treat all of
these problems. The medicine can cost as little as $7 for 1 year of therapy.
Naturopathy:
a. A Naturopath has some knowledge about a lot of natural therapies. Many of the
therapies that a naturopath has a general understanding of (e.g. Western
Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nutrition, Acupuncture and Homeopathy)
can also be studied exclusively as specialties for up to 4 years each. To become a
specialist in each of the therapies listed above would require 15-20 years of training
and an equal number of years in practical experience. Naturopaths generally focus
on Western herbalism or botanical medicine.
b. Naturopathic medicine depends on the therapy the naturopath chooses � most often
this includes herbal medicine, botanical medicine and supplements (vitamins,
minerals, enzymes �)
c. Herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and enzymes are not always safe for children
or during pregnancy. Dosages and quantities need to be closely monitored by a
professional.
d. Western herbalism is similar to Western medicine � you get one or more medicines
for each problem you have. Western herbalism substitutes medicines listed above
for pharmaceutical drugs. For instance, if you have liver problems you may be
given Milk Thistle, if you have joint pain you might get Glucosamine Sulfate, if you
have headaches you may get White Willow Bark. With this approach costs escalate
with the number of health problems that need to be treated. Each bottle costs an
average of $20 per month.
6) Can homeopathy work in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Yes! The vast number of homeopathic patients are already under some sort of medical treatment. Homeopathy will still work for them, however, conventional medication may complicate the case. It may suppress the symptoms of the case making it more difficult to see a clear picture for p[prescribing. Homeopaths cannot recommend that patients discontinue their medications. Patients must seek their doctors advice in this regard.
7) What about using homeopathy with other natural therapies?
Different homeopaths have different views on this, ask your homeopath what they think about it. There are many natural therapies to choose from, many which help people a great deal. It is up to you to investigate all therapies you choose to use carefully. The only strong recommendation we have is that while under homeopathic treatment, no other homeopathic remedies are taken without the advise of your homeopath.
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