The practice of homeopathy is very customized and based on an individual’s health, body type, and physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. When visiting a homeopathic specialist, patients should expect lengthy appointments so that a complete personal health history and current symptoms can be given. This information allows the professional to tailor the homeopathy treatment, or more accurately, homeopathic treatment, to the individual. Two individuals receiving care using homeopathic methods are very likely to receive two different treatments.
Many people searching for natural treatment for conditions and diseases, or prevention of them, turn to homeopathy. Homeopathy is used to maintain wellness and is often used to treat allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive problems, and headaches. Also known as complementary, alternative, or natural medicine, homeopathy uses natural remedies that are tailored to the individual to promote healing.
Homeopathic treatment tries to promote the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances. According to the principles of homeopathy, the greatest effectiveness of medication comes from the lowest dose, so substances are diluted and vigorously shaken between each dilution. This process possibly transmits some energy or information from the original substance to the final diluted product. Although no molecules of the healing substance may remain, homeopathic providers believe the substance has left its imprint and that the remaining remedy promotes internal healing. Patients receiving homeopathic treatment should expect the remedies made from natural substances, such as plants, minerals, or animals.
Patients seeking homeopathic treatment should be aware of certain requirements. Homeopathic remedies should meet legal standards for strength, purity, and packaging. Remedy labels must indicate at least the medical problem to be treated, the ingredients, the dilution, and safety instructions. Furthermore, a remedy that claims to treat serious diseases like cancer needs to be given by prescription. Treatments for minor conditions, such as a headache or a cold, do not require a prescription.
Research on homeopathic treatments has shown that highly diluted remedies are generally safe and are unlikely to cause side effects if they are administered by a trained practitioner. While some liquid homeopathic remedies may contain alcohol, which the Food and Drug Administration allows in greater amounts than in conventional drugs, patients should not experience adverse side effects from alcohol levels. Patients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms after receiving a homeopathic treatment, or homeopathic aggravation, but clinical research on this reaction is scarce. Although these remedies do not tend to interfere with conventional drugs, patients should consult their healthcare provider before using homeopathic treatments.