What can homeopathy treat?
In homeopathy, symptoms are seen as just symptoms – but not the cause of illness. Homeopathy aims to treat the underlying imbalance, thereby eliminating its symptoms. Hippocrates maintained that: “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.”
Homeopaths are trained to look at the patient as a whole, and to find a remedy that acts for the person, not just the presenting symptoms. As Paracelsus said, those who merely treat the effects of disease are those who believe they can drive away the winter by brushing the snow from the door. It is not, obviously, snow that causes winter, but winter that causes snow.
Many ailments in many people may be treated very successfully. Common presenting problems are eczema, asthma, IBS, menstrual and pregnancy problems. People with anxiety problems, panic attacks or depression frequently also respond well to homeopathy.
The healing process
To heal means to make whole. Getting well is a process which is different for everyone, and the homeopath’s remedy will reflect the patient’s individuality.
The length of time it takes to get well depends on many factors. These include one’s own vitality, or the nature and duration of the illness. Recovery from long-standing chronic conditions may take a while, but the effects of homeopathic treatment can be lasting.
Acute conditions usually respond quickly to the remedies.
After taking a homeopathic remedy. A brief re-appearance or brief intensifying of old symptoms may be felt. This is part of the healing process and may be experienced with a physical discharge like a cold or runny nose. These are signs that the remedy is acting, and they can bring about a sense of well-being that will lead to a reduction or elimination of symptoms.