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Homeopathy
is a
useful
therapeutic
tool for
all
members
of the
family
but it
is not a
complete
medical
system
which
can
totally
replace
the
conventional
approach.
homeopathic
remedies
can
however
act as
holistic
stimuli
which
are
capable
of
triggering
a
healing
response
in the
body.
In any
given
situation
a
decision
must be
made to
decide
what
type of
treatment
is in
the best
interest
of the
patient.
In
life-threatening
conditions
such as
appendicitis
and
meningitis,
there is
simply
no
alternative
to
orthodox
scientific
medicine.
In
addition
where
there is
any risk
at all
of
irreversible
damage,
we are
obliged
to use
surgery
or
orthodox
drugs
immediately.
However
most
conditions
seen in
general
practice
do not
fall
into the
above
categories,
and
therefore
homeopathy
has a
place in
the
following:
-
most
chronic
diseases
(migraine,
irritable
bowel
syndrome,
skin
conditions,
arthritides
and
many
others.)
-
a
disposition
to
recurrent
attacks
of
acute
illnesses
(tonsillitis,
otitis
media,
frequent
colds
and
'flu)
-
acute
conditions
which
are
not
treatable
by
conventional
medication
or
where
the
patient
or
his/her
parent
would
prefer
if
possible
to
avoid
drugs
(colic,
teething,
colds
and
'flu,
gastroenteritis)
The
School
Child
Most
homeopathic
doctors
agree
that
children
seem to
respond
particularly
well to
this
form of
treatment.
The
homeopathic
doctor
takes a
careful
history
of the
main
complaint
but also
asks
many
questions
about
the
personality
of the
child as
well as
what
their
favourite
foods
are,
what
weather
they
prefer
and many
other
factors.
Parents
and
relatives
can
provide
further
information
(with
the
patient's
permission
of
course!)
Finally
a remedy
is
chosen
not only
for the
illness
but to
suit the
child as
a "whole
person".
Children
may be
wary of
doctors
and
during
the
homeopathic
consultation
the
child
has the
opportunity
to
develop
a
relationship
with the
doctor,
to ask
many
questions
and will
also be
encouraged
to talk
about
him or
herself.
In this
way the
homeopathic
doctor
can
build an
objective
detailed
physical
and
psychological
profile
of the
patient
and
identify
the best
remedy
for that
person.
The
powders
themselves
are
sweet
tasting
and do
not have
the
clinical
look
sometimes
associated
with
conventional
medicines.
In all
illnesses
it is
preferable
to have
the
remedy
chosen
by an
expert
homeopath,
but it
is
possible
to treat
some
conditions
at home
with the
help of
homeopathic
books
and the
advice
of an
homeopathic
doctor.
(See
later).
Adults
and the
Elderly
Homeopathy
is an
excellent
therapeutic
tool for
people
of all
ages.
Most
patients
appreciate
the
comprehensive
history
taken by
homeopathic
doctors.
The
first
visit
may take
an hour,
but when
one is
ill, one
may feel
vulnerable,
anxious
and even
very
scared.
In a
homeopathic
interview
one is
given
the
space
and time
to
describe
one's
symptoms
in great
detail.
Importance
is given
to the
psychological
reaction
to being
ill. All
this
information
is
essential
in
finding
the
appropriate
remedy
but the
whole
process
of the
interview
is often
therapeutic
as the
patient
really
feels
listened
to.
Cynics
and
critics
often
say that
this is
how
homeopathy
works,
but this
by
implication
suggests
that all
doctors
should
take
histories
like
homeopaths
do!
Homeopathic
doctors
are
convinced
that the
remedies
themselves
are
powerful
therapeutic
tools
and more
and more
double
blind
clinical
trials
are
beginning
to
demonstrate
this.
Obviously
a
consultation
with a
homeopathic
doctor
is the
most
reliable
way of
getting
the best
treatment
for
yourself
but it
is
possible
to treat
yourself
at home
in
selected
conditions.
We will
discuss
ten
useful
homeopathic
remedies
to have
in your
medical
chest
but
homeopathic
books
can be
useful
in
selecting
remedies
for
yourself.
The
following
books
are
recommended:
1
Gemmel,
Dr
David:
Everyday
homeopathy.
A Safe
Guide
for Self
Treatment.
pub.
Beaconsfield
1987.
2
Lockie,
Dr
Andrew:
The
Family
Guide to
Homoepathy.
The Safe
Form of
Medicine
for the
Future.
Hamish
Hamilton
1990.
3
Herscu,
Paul.
homeopathic
Treatment
of
Children
Pediatric
constitutional
types.
North
Atlantic
books
1991.
This
book
describes
eight of
the most
useful
remedies
prescribed
for the
'whole
child'
in
fascinating
detail.
4
Lockie,
Dr
Andrew
and
Geddes,
Dr
Nicola:
The
Woman's
Guide to
homeopathy.
The
Natural
Way to a
Healthier
Life for
Women.
Hamish
Hamilton,
1992.
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