What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a scientific system of natural medicine that is used to treat people who are sick. This could include chronic illnesses, acute complaints, accidents or injuries. It is also used for pregnancy, labour, and delivery, or even for palliative care.
Homeopathy uses medicines (called remedies) prepared from natural substances. A special process of “dilution and succussion” makes homeopathic medicines very gentle yet, paradoxically, extremely powerful. These medicines are prepared by homeopathic pharmacies following strict production guidelines.
Homeopathic medicine has been practised for over 200 years and is used around the world. Homeopathic principles go back to the teachings of Hippocrates, but it was a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, who developed these principles into the science of homeopathy and into a complete system of medicine.
Homeopathic Principles
A homeopath treats you as a person.
A homeopath treats each person as a whole - body, mind, and emotions.
A homeopath treats each illness on an individual basis.
A learned professor once said, “You will never see a case of arthritis walking down the street by itself. You will, however, see a person with arthritis walking down the street.” Human beings are organisms of body, mind, and emotions. A homeopath does not separate the disease from the person: it is impossible to do so. Therefore, it is very important for a homeopath to get to know you, the person, as well as your illness. In getting to know you, a homeopath will enquire about your emotional and mental state of health, even when you seek advice for a physical complaint. Cooperation and open dialogue with your homeopath are essential to effective treatment.
A homeopath is also very interested in learning what makes your condition different from another person’s condition. Take, for instance, two people with arthritis. Both will likely have common arthritis symptoms like stiff, painful joints. Yet, it is unlikely that a homeopath will prescribe the same remedy for each one. Thorough investigation through discussion and questioning enables the homeopath to make necessary distinctions in each case. For instance, one arthritis sufferer may find relief with heat, while the other is aggravated by heat. It is these differences that enable the homeopath to customize the homeopathic medicine for each individual.
Who & what can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy can treat women, men and children. It is gentle enough for babies, pregnant and nursing women, and seniors. Homeopathy is limitless in the conditions that it can treat. Donna Costa practises Homeopathic Family Medicine, treating all members of the family. These are the types of conditions most frequently treated in her practise:
- women’s health issues
- childhood diseases or conditions
- chronic conditions
- cancer (See article “Homeopathy & Cancer” to learn how homeopathy can be used in cancer treatment.)
- acute illnesses
Homeopathic treatment is effective for, but not limited to, the following conditions:
| Conditions that can be treated with homeopathy | |
|---|---|
| Women’s Health | irregular periods, painful periods, yeast infections, PMS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, breast/ovarian/uterine tumours, fibroids and cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, bladder infections, cervical dysplasia, post-partum depression, mastitis, STDs, morning sickness, labour and delivery |
| Men’s Health | prostatitis, prostate enlargement, bladder infections, impotence, Peyronie’s disease, STDs |
| Children’s Health | bedwetting, teething, ear infections, colds, asthma, tonsillitis, measles, chickenpox, mumps, ADD/ADHD, behaviour disorders, digestive disorders, constipation, diarrhea |
| Mental & Emotional Health | grief, depression or anxiety following the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or any type of abuse; obsessive-compulsive behaviour, post traumatic stress |
| Chronic Conditions | rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, irritable bowel, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, constipation, eczema, psoriasis, acne, hemorrhoids, and many more |
| Acute Conditions | sprains, strains, bruises, colds, flu, headaches, stomach aches, broken bones, sports injuries, stings and insect bites, tennis elbow, tendon or ligament injuries, repetitive strain, shingles, sore throat |
The conditions which can be treated with homeopathy are not limited to those listed above.
Regulated Health Profession & Insurance
The “Homeopathy Act, 2007” was passed by provincial parliament in June, 2007, making homeopathy a regulated health profession in Ontario. Although only recently regulated in Ontario, homeopathy has been practised in this province since as early as 1840. In fact, it was previously regulated in 1859 with homeopathic representation on the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) until 1960. When Council representation ceased at that time, homeopathy continued to be practised as a legal, unregulated profession. Becoming regulated once again could mean that more private insurance companies will cover homeopathic treatment. Many extended health care packages (see below) already cover homeopathic treatment. Check your policy or contact your plan administrator to see whether homeopathy is included or whether it can be added to your policy.
Johnson Insurance
Great West Life Insurance
Standard Life Insurance
Manulife
Green Shield