How does it Work?  How does it Compare ?

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy, from Greek homeo (similar) and Pathos (suffering) is a system of medicine based on treating likes by likes. This means that any substance which produces a certain set of symptoms when taken by a healthy person, will cure the same symptoms in a sick person. (irrespective of the disease) when taken in an extremely diluted form. For example if the symptoms of your cold are similar to those caused by an overdose of table salt, then a really diluted form of the salt will be your homeopathic remedy for that attack of the cold. This theory can be traced back to Hypocrites (468-377BC), but was developed into a useable practice by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843).

How does it work?

Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine. It aims to treat the whole person taking into account the unique emotional and physical traits of the individual concerned. It may seem unusual to those familiar with allopathic (modern) medicine where one medicine is taken for a skin complaint, another for a headache, and yet another for sleeplessness. For example, there are nearly 5000 types of headache in the Homeopathic symptoms database. The remedy prescribed has to be matched to that particular headache-type of pain, its location, what brings it on, what aggravates it, patients state of mind, any other symptoms that he/ she may be experiencing etc. Hence there is no such thing as a standard homeopathic remedy for headache.

How does it compare with Allopathic (modern) medicine ?

Allopathic Medicine has achieved significant leaps in preserving both the quality and longevity of life, and it is important to recognize this contribution. While in most cases symptoms are relieved, allopathic medicines generally work by suppressing the body’s natural reaction to the pathogens. For example:

• A cough is usually the result of foreign bodies in the lungs, the muscles spasm in an attempt to remove it. Cough syrups simply stop this reflex.
• Many headaches are due to dehydration. Painkillers simply suppress the pain. Once the headache isn’t felt the patient no longer feels the need to rest, possibly working up a sweat and dehydrating further.
• There are many types of beneficial bacteria, which naturally inhabit the human body. The modern approach to treating infection is through antibiotics, which simply destroy the infecting bacteria. But whilst doing so the antibiotics also destroy the beneficial bacteria. In addition there is widespread concern that today’s bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

In the eyes of the homeopath, the symptoms of a disease are the body’s attempt to cure itself. Homeopathy treats all the symptoms as one, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause not the symptoms, and in the process assists the body to build up its natural immunity. This often means that the symptoms tackled by Homeopathy do not recur.

Administering Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathic medicines should be taken on a clean palate. While on a course of homeopathic treatment, one should avoid strong flavours such as mint (including toothpaste), coffee, camphor etc. The medicines are normally taken as pills, that are placed under the tongue. Their contact with skin (including fingers) should be avoided.

About the Doctor

Dr. Vaneeta Shahani graduated in 1985 with a Gold Medal in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from National Homeopathic medical College and Hospital Lucknow, an affiliate of Kanpur University in India. After 13 years of a flourishing private practice in Mumbai India, she relocated with her family to Dubai in 1999. Dr.Vaneeta specializes in constitutional therapy with special emphasis on holistic healing. In over 20 years of experience with homeopathy, she has successfully dealt with innumerable cases of skin infections, allergies, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders etc. in both adults and children.