What is homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy
is a system of medicine that treats the whole person, taking into account
mental and bodily types as well as the symptoms of the disease.
One
of its main principles is that 'like cures like',
in other words the symptoms of an illness caused by a substance will be cured
by the same substance given in homoeopathic form.
Homoeopathy
is often referred to as an alternative
medicine,
but it is better thought of as 'complementary' because it can be used alongside
conventional antidepressants.
The
remedies are made by grinding plants or other substances and then dissolving
them in alcohol to produce the 'mother tincture'.
From
the mother tincture the remedies are made by a process of dilution (usually
100:1) in alcohol or water and succession (a process of repetitive violent
shaking that is believed to energise the medicine).
The
dilutions are usually repeated many times, and one of the scientific criticisms
of homoeopathy is that the preparations are so dilute that they can hardly
contain any of the original substance.
A
number of theories have been advanced to overcome this criticism, one of which
is the 'memory of water'.
Does it work?
Over
the last 200 years homoeopaths have gained an understanding of the remedies.
These remedies can now be matched to the person and their symptoms.
Homoeopathic
remedies are dilute, safe and free of side-effects. It has been argued that
they may act as a catalyst, pushing the body's own systems (including its
immune system) in the direction of a cure.
However,
a consistent scientific explanation – confirmed on repeated scientific testing
and trials – as to why homeopathy should improve people’s health has not been
proven.
In
February 2010, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee concluded
that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy, that it was no more efficacious
than placebo and that the explanations of why homeopathy would work are
scientifically implausible.
Is it safe to treat yourself?
Homoeopathic
remedies can be used alone or in conjunction with prescribed medication.
It
is not always necessary to consult your GP prior to using homoeopathic
remedies. You should, however, tell your GP about any herbal remedies that you
are taking and you should not discontinue antidepressant drugs without prior
consultation.
Remedies
can be prescribed by homoeopaths and many are registered with the United
Kingdom Homoeopathic Medical Association or the Society of Homoeopathy.
Alternatively,
remedies can be bought over the counter in certain pharmacies and healthfood shops. Always consult your GP if symptoms are
persistent, severe or interfere with daily life.
Dosage guidance
The
potency (200/1M ) of the remedy is determined by the number of dilutions and is
described by a number.
To
select a dose, either seek advice from a homoeopath or start on a lower potency
such as 1M or 10M.
The
potency can be increased, but it is not necessary or advisable to take
potencies above 30C without consulting a homoeopath.
.
How to take the remedies
Always
read the instructions and listen to any advice given.
The
basic rule is to take one tablet as directed and observe the effects. The dose
may be repeated two or three times a day without danger.
In
marked contrast to conventional remedies for depression, the advice is to stop
taking homoeopathic remedies as soon as an improvement is seen. If no
improvement is seen in 10 days, rather than switching to a different remedy,
seek qualified advice to obtain a better match or see your GP.
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