Diseases, Conditions and Treatments
History of Homeopathy
August 31, 2010 | 
Author Doctor Samuel Hahnemann was a German scholar and physician. He was born in 1755 and died in 1843. He is the Father of Homeopathic Medicine. He was not happy of the methods and treatment of the medical practices of his time.
He was against the medical practices of the day by using methods like bloodletting, vomiting and the use of toxic chemicals. As a result of his unhappiness, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann gave up his medical practice.
Personal Research & Experiments
He wished to gather a good knowledge of homeopathy treatment and the relative effects of such treatment. He spent a good number of hours and time in translating medical texts. He took keen interest in the works of William Cullen’s “Materia Medica”, and translated the text into the German language.
In the course of his studies and experiments, Hahnemann was impressed with the properties and curing propensities of quinine containing bark known as, “cinchona bark”. During his time, malaria was a serious disease. It was being treated with the medication, “quinine”.
He conducted experiments on himself by consuming daily a few grams of the bark for a couple of days. Soon he began to develop symptoms of malaria setting in. He was convinced and concluded that, a “medication” or “drug” will have to produce “similar symptoms of a disease” in a healthy individual which are “similar to the disease”. Thus, the maxim and the” principle of Similia Similibus Curentur” came to be.
In this manner of administrating the quinine containing bark, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann proved to himself that, a certain herbal drug or substance can work by the reason that such drug duplicates a body’s defense symptom and instinct to get rid of the disease.
Homeopathy Schools & Popularity
The earliest homeopathy school in the Unites States of America was founded in the 1800s. By the 1900s it became very popular. During this time, a number of severe diseases like, scarlet fever, yellow fever, typhoid and other ailments were treated with good successful results.
The history and growth of homeopathy has come a long way. It has made good gains among the public by the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the public show greater interest in holistic treatment and natural medicine.
Homeopathic remedies have grown in popularity not only for its efficacy, but also because it is affordable. As more people realize the potential harm drugs can cause, many will turn to natural ways to heal their ailments.
Homeopathy as My Favourite Alternative Medicine
I suppose I’m biased. But I love homeopathy. It’s my all time favourite alternative medicine. It’s so deep, so far reaching. And I love to tell others how I healed myself or members of my family, using it.
My dogs like to jump up and bite at my horses tails. Normally, I’d let the animals sort it out themselves, but the horses had become so used to it, they had stopped reacting. So their tails were jagged and short, making lousy summer fly swats.
The idea was I would encourage the dogs to jump up at the horses tails, then command them to stop doing it.
Of course, the last laugh was on me.
The dogs refused to co-operate and the horses didn’t like all the commotion at their rear end. I ended up with a nasty kick to my fore arm.
The fore arm has little flesh, but a lot of bone and tendons. It doesn’t take much to get in deep.
My first reaction was to reach for my treasured bottle of homeopathic Arnica. Although the pain disappeared and no bruising developed, thanks to Arnica, the swelling just kept gradually creeping up my arm.
And I couldn’t carry anything heavy, or twist my arm.
I had to look at other remedies.
The remedies which best follow Arnica, when Arnica fails to completely cure a soft tissue injury, are Bellis perennis and Calendula.
Both are in the same family of plants.
Bellis perennis is the best remedy for a contusion and for any deep bruising or trauma.
A few doses of homeopathic Bellis perennis and the swelling subsided and my arm was back in full working order within a couple of days.
Homeopathy is so brilliant for injuries. The only areas that need extra help is in the setting of a broken bone and the stitching up of a large, open wound. There are remedies which will cover just about every other condition.
But homeopathy isn’t just limited to injuries.
Deep, chronic conditions can be healed, too. Conditions such as hormonal disturbances, migraines, internal organ weaknesses and a whole host of other conditions.
I confess I know little about other alternative medicine modalities, and they all have their place. But I find homeopathy to be just the most rewarding modality to use, the most easy to show others how to use in the comfort of their own homes.
Its depth and breadth is surely hard to beat.
Homeopaths don’t categorise conditions. To treat someone successfully with homeopathy, you need to know the individual symptoms of that person at that time. For instance, a soft tissue injury pain is likely to be an aching pain. This indicates Arnica.
Whereas a nerve injury is likely to have a shooting pain. This indicates Hypericum, the top nerve injury remedy.
And to treat someone successfully using homeopathic remedies, it helps to know the cause. I well remember reading of a homeopath treating a man with severe stomach pains. He had suffered the pain for years, trekking from one doctor to the next, all to no avail. Finally he tried homeopathy. When he told the homeopath that the pain had developed after a kick in the stomach from a horse, Arnica was prescribed and completely cured the problem.
Other alternative medicine modalities can be incredibly useful for musculo-skeletal problems, but it’s often the homeopathic remedies that cure the problem for good.
While it may be difficult to pack say, an alternative medicine practitioner, into a cupboard at home, it’s easy to store a first aid kit. Having a homeopathic first aid kit can prove it’s weight in gold, when you count how many times you can turn to it for every day conditions as well as emergencies.
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Arthritis ? Which Alternative Therapy Is Right for You?
Many sufferers from arthritis and other painful conditions look to alternative therapies to help with their symptoms, as they find mainstream medicine to be ineffective, or have unpleasant side effects. Many people just don’t like the idea of putting so many different chemicals in their body on a regular basis, but alternative therapy is a confusing subject with a lot of conflicting information. Some people dismiss it altogether- if it were genuinely effective it would have been absorbed into mainstream medicine, as many therapies, vitamin supplements and orthopaedics for instance, have done. But who is to say that other therapies might also gain acceptance in time? Here we take a look at some of the alternatives available to us.
Diet control and supplements
Fish oils (omega-3 type fatty acids) are popular, and indeed studies show that the western diet is low in these nutrients. They are supposed to have anti-inflammatory effects on the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are said to have similar effects. In a more diet led approach, turmeric and ginger are said to be natural anti-inflammatories. Generally eating well is said to help, with Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan diets all said to help, and even fasting (which should be done under medical supervision in many cases) can help in the short term.
Acupunture
To many people the quintessential alternative therapy, it has perhaps had more clinical trials than any other therapy, but has failed to show anything more than a placebo effect. However, many people continue to be avid supporters, and indeed as with any of these treatments, if a pain relieving placebo effect is achieved, then has not the desired effect been achieved?
Homeopathy
Was first developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. The argument is that by using very tiny amounts of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced by the sufferer, the symptoms can be reduced- fighting fire with fire if you like. However, if you fight fire with fire, aren’t you going to end up with a bigger fire? There is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that the effects of homeopathy are no more than a placebo.
Magnotherapy
While therapies involving magnets can trace their roots back to ancient china, recent advancements in magnet technology have increased the standing of magnotherapy in recent years. The topic covers a wide range of practises and products, and some are undoubtedly more effective than others. Electromagnetic devices have been used for pain relief in hospitals around the world for years, and some of the more advanced products now available claim to mimic their effects through the arrangement of high powered static magnets. Clinical trials of these products have been encouraging, and of all the therapies listed here, this is perhaps the most likely to be accepted by the medical establishment.
Active therapies
Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years and may have some effect, as unlike many other therapies, it actively exercises the joints and stimulates the body’s own response to unhealthy tissue. Other practices such as T’ai Chi may also help, and are certainly more likely to put the patient in a more positive frame of mind.
Conclusion
Overall, the answer has to be- give as many as you can a try, and see what works best for you. All the practices discussed here have their supporters, and these people all get genuine benefits from their chosen therapy. Even a placebo can be a powerful pain reliever- nothing helps like a positive mental attitude!
What Is to Become of Homeopathy in the Future
Homeopathy has grow in most every country around the world. However, homeopathy has grown under significant attack.
The National Health Care system in England has made it difficult to fund homeopathy due to pressure from some doctors in England. Other European countries are also following England’s lead. Doctors say that there is no scientific evidence the homeopathy works and the NHS of England should not fund this type of operation. Homeopathic doctor referrals in England from general doctors has dropped significantly.
Most researchers point to very little evidence of homeopathy working. The war against homeopathy has intensified in the United Kingdom. Professor Edward Ernst and Simon Singh has challenged anyone to show homeopathy works for any condition. If someone show that it works, they will give the person ,000 pounds. No one has yet to take the challenge. Most homeopaths think of this as a publicity stunt.
A Lancet trial done in 2005 titled the ” End of Homeopathy” is what some people have used as their evidence against homeopathy. The trials showed that homeopathy is pretty much the same as a placebo. 110 trials were compared. The researchers found the larger higher quality trials to show that homeopathy is the same as a placebo. These trials were used as proof for the NHS to cut homeopathy from their system.
However, many other researchers found this trial had many issues including publication bias. The trial was not suitable for any medical journal to put into their publications. The conclusion of the Homeopathy Lancet trials is that this data is totally unreliable. Researchers manipulated the data to reach a preconceived conclusion about these trials. Conventional medicine showing a greater effect than a placebo or homeopathy was actually not true either.
Many people point to the attack on homeopathy in England as a good thing. If skeptics, scientists and medical doctors did not perceive you to be a threat, the attacks will not occur. Lancet trials where data was manipulated is also shameful. If you are going to use scientific trials against homeopathy, make sure you do them correctly. People will certainly analyze these trials to verify results and figures.
The question becomes have the attacks on homeopathy worked. That is hard to say. Homeopathy is still growing in England and everyone including medical doctors say this trend will continue. The attacks may have shunned some people away from homeopathy in the short term. There is really no evidence that the media coverage or the Lancet trials has prevented anyone from using homeopathy. Dwindling homeopathic referrals has not seen less homeopathic usage. Many people are simply buying the medicine without getting a prescription.
In summary, homeopathy continues to grow in every country every year. The attacks on homeopathy has not had significant effect on homeopathic usage. It is difficult to say whether these attacks have stinted the growth of homeopathy. The attacks certainly has not ended homeopathy popularity.
Homeopathy Products Are Helpful in Treatment of Common Ailments
Homeopathy is a method of treatment in which patient is given small dosage of medicines at regular intervals. These small doses help in the stimulation of endocrine and immune system of human body. This method was developed by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy products are meant to control the growth hormones in way that is more natural.
Homeopathic system is based on a principal that says that if herbs cause certain symptoms in a healthy person, then they can also treat a person with the same symptoms. This is how homeopathic the system works.
Homeopathic medicines are quite beneficial for health benefits. Homeopathic doctors prescribe medicines in small quantities, which help in stimulating the healing processes in our body. The best thing about homeopathic medicines is that they have no side effects. The natural herbal ingredients available in these medicines cure the disease through a natural process. In this process, the pituitary glands are encouraged to supplement and release growth hormones to balance the body. Homeopathy also improves the functions of nervous, immune, and metabolic systems and proven to be effective in joint pains treatment. These can also help in increasing body mass in lean bodies.
You should always buy homeopathy products from vendors who are approved by FDA and strictly follow all the guidelines set by FDA. During the periodic inspections, FDA checks every bottle and makes sure that it has an expiry date and a lot number. This is the best way by which one can check whether the vendor is approved by FDA or not. While looking for homeopathic medicines, you should always check out for ‘homeopathic HGH 30X’ in the list of ingredients.
Divine wellness is an Interactive health portal that provides interactive sessions, videos of yoga poses and information on yoga and information on homeopathy medicines to cure a number of diseases.
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Integrative Medicine Programs in America
Mind, body and spirit therapies aren’t just the latest health craze; a matter of fact there are several healing arts schools and even conventional colleges that have begun offering integrative medicine programs to keep up with the demand for natural and holistic healthcare.
Today, there are numerous integrative medicine programs in which individuals can choose to enroll. Botanical medicine, (also known as herbal medicine) is a great option to those medical professionals desiring to extend additional, non-invasive, and holistic healthcare treatments. Nurse practitioners, physicians and other healthcare providers who enroll in herbal integrative medicine programs gain education and training in the history of botanical medicine and pharmacy; herbal nutritional counseling, dosing and formulating; pathology in relation to botanical medicine, herbal safety and toxicity, and other related studies.
Many family medical practitioners have discovered that integrative medicine programs are an excellent way to help and healing. This is why some universities and colleges have teamed up with accredited alternative and complementary medicine schools to provide a growing number of healing arts courses. Common studies offered in these integrative medicine programs include mind-body medicine, energy healing therapies, holistic nutrition, massage therapy, herbal therapeutics and aromatherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, spiritual counseling, and environmental medicine, among others.
Depending on which field or fields interest you, it is important to carefully examine potential integrative medicine programs for its depth of curricula, and what all is entailed in the course of study. For example, if you are already a practicing physician and would like to focus on natural healthcare disciplines like homeopathy, you will find that there are several continuing professional development courses in integrative medicine tailored to meet your career goals. However, as with any academic program, some integrative medicine programs (i.e., chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, etc.) may take up to four years to complete; so it is always a wise decision to review courses and educational prerequisites prior to applying.
Massage therapy training is probably one of the more popular integrative medicine programs as this holistic healthcare treatment is commonly facilitated in chronic and terminal illnesses, and in pain management. Again, depending on how committed prospective candidates are to gaining an in-depth education is what will ultimately determine which natural health course will be best suited to meet professional needs. Massotherapy training is usually comprised of over 300 hours, and in many cases, exceeds 500 hours (in order to achieve National certification status). General studies include anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, sports massage, deep tissue massage, and Swedish massage; however, many healing arts schools and conventional medicine schools that provide integrative medicine programs will often extend more advance bodywork therapies like Shiatsu/acupressure, touch therapy, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, prenatal/infant massage, and lymphatic drainage massage, among others.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding complementary and alternative healthcare courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore integrative medicine programs near you.
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Herbal Medicines for Anxiety and Insomnia
Anxiety and worry are facts of life. Most people will feel worried if they are about to take an exam, start a new job, or have an operation. The anxiety normally goes away after the stressful event, especially if all has gone well. But sometimes anxious feelings feed on themselves and start to inter¬fere with everyday life.
Anxiety can often lead to other symptoms, such as insomnia or panic. Symptoms of anxiety include difficulty in concentrating, irritability, tense muscles, aches and pains, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, sleep problems, dry mouth, decreased or increased appetite.
Diet and Nutrition Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can all contribute to anxiety states and so are best avoided. Magnesium supplements may be helpful. Aromatherapy Lavender and camomile oils are relaxing and calming. Use them in a relaxing bath or in a burner to scent a room.
Visualization Practice imagining situations where you feel peaceful and relaxed and “go there” when you start to feel anxious. Relaxation tapes and classes can help you learn how to do this.
Bach Flower Remedies Agrimony, Rock Rose, and Red Chestnut are possible choices.
Counseling and Talking Treatments Behavioral psychotherapy aims to help you unlearn problem behavior. Cognitive therapy can help you recognize and change patterns of thinking that reinforce your anxiety
Homeopathy A homeopath will tailor remedies to the individual case, but Aconite and Argentum nit are recommended for the physical effects of anxiety. Herbal Medicine A herbalist may prescribe sedatives such as passiflora, camomile, or valerian as infusions.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common symptom of anxiety and stress. If the underlying problems are dealt with, the insomnia usually clears up. Aromatherapy A bath with a few drops of essential oil of meadowsweet and orange blossom will soothe.
Relaxation Therapies Yoga and meditation can help you to relax and free your mind from worry and stress. Herbal Medicine Infusions of lime blossom, hops, or Californian poppy all have a sedative effect.
Consult a practitioner/therapist for:Homeopathy Depending on the case, a homeopath may choose from Aconite for insomnia caused by fear, Arnica for the overtired, Coffea for the racing mind, Phosphorus for nightmares that wake you, Ignatia for the fear that you will never sleep again, and Nux vomica for insomnia caused by heavy drinking.
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