What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a complete, holistic and effective therapeutic system of nanoparticle medicine. It is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore balance, and improve your overall health.
Originally developed by the German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), the homeopathic approach to the treatment of disease aims to address the root cause of illnesses and encompasses all areas of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Homeopathic treatments are personalised and tailored to each person; even people with the same condition will receive different treatments. During an appointment, a homeopathic doctor will ask you a number of questions about your physical, mental and emotional health. He or she will then tailor a treatment plan and prescribe the remedy that best matches all of your symptoms.
Did you know?
The word homeopathy is derived from the Greek words homoios, meaning like; and pathos, meaning suffering.
Read on to find out why…
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy is a therapeutic medical system which is based on the observation that substances that are capable of causing diseases of the mind or body in healthy people can be used in the dilute form as remedies to treat the similar disorder in someone who is ill. This is the homeopathic Law of Similars, also expressed as “Let Likes be Cured by Likes“.
As an example, red onion makes your eyes water. That’s why it’s diluted and used in homeopathic remedies for allergies.
The key to successful homeopathic treatment is identifying the similarity between the effects of the original substance in healthy people and the pattern of illness in the individual who is sick. For this reason, the homeopathic method involves an exceptionally holistic and detailed description of the patient, the illness and its evolution.
In order to be treated truly homeopathically, one needs to consult with a registered practitioner. Although homeopathic products can be bought over-the-counter, holistic treatment should be prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.
What is homeopathic medicine?
Homeopathy makes use of ultra-dilutions of substances to effect cellular changes and bring about the physiological restoration of health. Specifically prepared and diluted medicinal substances are dispensed as potentised remedies to the patient.
The ingredients of the remedies come from plants, minerals, or animals. They are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free. When used as directed, homeopathic remedies are completely safe for everyone (including pregnant and nursing women, infants, children, the elderly and adults).
The remedies are available/dispensed as medicated pillules to be placed under the tongue, ointments, creams, drops, tablets, and gels.
Although homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances, the practice of homeopathy should not be confused with Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, or other types of natural medicines. It is its own therapeutic system.
Why do people seek homeopathic treatment?
It's Safe
Homeopathy is a medical system with which any medical condition in any human being of any age has the potential to be treated. It is safe for all ages and stages of life, and homeopathic medicine has no side effects or contra-indications.
It's Inclusive
Homeopathic doctors work closely with existing medical services to the best benefit of the patient. They are capable of supporting a conventional medical approach, both diagnostically and therapeutically, through various options of complementary treatment.
It's Personalised
It's Holistic
Homeopathy takes into account every aspect of the patient’s life, making it a therapeutic system that employs the body’s own healing potential.
It's Proven
Homeopathy is proven by research and clinical trials in various related areas/fields. Research studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of homeopathy may be found on our website: https://homeopathy.org.za/evidence-and-research
It's Affordable
A homeopathic consultation typically costs about the same as a GP consultation, but a homeopathic consultation will take 45 minutes to an hour. A homeopathic doctor explores all your symptoms as well as your overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Consultations may also be covered by medical aid.
Homeopathic medicine is also affordable.
What conditions does homeopathy treat?
Homeopathic doctors have the same rights, responsibilities and abilities to diagnose disease and treat (within scope of practice) as medical doctors. They can treat all forms of pathology and disease, except for conditions that require direct surgical intervention. In the event that specialist and/or surgical referral is deemed necessary, the homeopathic doctor can refer the patient to a surgeon/specialist.
As primary healthcare professionals, homeopathic doctors are clinically trained to examine patients, request necessary special investigations (e.g. laboratory tests and/or diagnostic imaging), diagnose and treat disease accordingly.
Homeopathy is used for a wide variety of acute and chronic health issues, including (but not limited to):
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- Allergies
- Migraines
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Minor injuries
- Toothache migraines
- Headaches and
- Cough, colds, flu
- Asthma
- Autism
Find a homeopath in South Africa
We have almost 200 homeopathic doctors situated all around the country. Find a homeopath in your area by using the Practitioner Search on our website: https://homeopathy.org.za/search.
Is there a remedy to stop if a very first stage of dementia is suspect ( like forgetting some names, or forgetting to close the drawer, wardrobe door etc) maybe due to age or heredity?
Hi Clara,
All homeopathic treatment is individualised. You can find a registered homeopath on our website: https://homeopathy.org.za/search
All the best!