Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the Law of Similars that was founded over 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, MD (1755-1843). In Dr. Hahnemann's time, medical practices were used such as the application of toxic substances (mercury), the bleeding of very sick patients and needless and often harmful surgeries. Because of the use of mercury in the treatment of the ill, the doctors of that era came to be known as quacks, a short name for quicksilver (mercury). Dr. Hahnemann often spoke out against such harmful methods and in the course of his life, he came to formulate the theories that underlie the modern practice of homeopathic medicine.

What is a Homeopathic remedy?
A homeopathic remedy is an FDA approved medicine that consists of a very dilute substance. When given to someone who is healthy, a homeopathic remedy can bring about the same symptoms it can cure. When given to someone suffering from those symptoms, the body is stimulated to heal on its own and the symptoms resolve. Hence, the name, the Law of Similars, or like cures like. There are no side effects of homeopathic remedies as are often seen in the application of pharmaceuticals. There are no interactions to worry about and these remedies are safe to use on the youngest and most elderly patients. Homeopathic treatment can be used to treat people suffering from the most minor of symptoms, such as a cold, to the very severe like cancer. Of course, the skill of the homeopathic doctor will dictate which types of conditions they choose to treat.

Am I a candidate for Homeopathic treatment?
Many people, suffering from a wide range of health problems, can benefit from homeopathic treatment. This system of medicine has a long history and great success helping people who suffer from the symptoms of many acute and chronic diseases. In addition, homeopathy can be used in conjunction with many conventional treatments.

What can I expect at my visit?
When you visit a doctor who uses homeopathy as a therapy, they will "take your case". Taking your case involves a thorough and detailed discussion between patient and doctor in which many details about you as a person and the symptoms you experience are gathered. Your case is then studied and the doctor selects the most appropriate homeopathic remedy for you. You will be given the remedy, with instructions regarding how to take it and then your case will be followed or in other words, your progress will be monitored very carefully as you move towards optimum health.

Specialized training...
Using homeopathy to treat people suffering from the symptoms of disease requires training as it is critical to choose the remedy that covers the case as close as possible. There are over 2000 different homeopathic remedies each of which must be carefully selected and prescribed on an individual basis. If the incorrect remedy is chosen there may be no result. In addition, knowing how to follow the case can be even more important than the prescription of the initial remedy. Understanding when to give another dose of the medicine, or when to increase the strength or even being able to determine when to switch to a different remedy makes the difference in whether homeopathic treatment is successful. Only a trained and experienced homeopath that knows how to follow your case can get consistent and successful results.

What is the difference between a Homeopathic and a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained in a variety of therapies including clinical nutrition, counseling, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and physical medicine. Many Naturopathic Doctors are also Homeopathic Doctors.

The doctors at WHNMC spent time training under one of the most successful homeopathic doctors of today, Dr. Stephen Messer. They put hundreds of hours over and above the required training time in order to become successful practitioners and as a result, enjoy many rewarding successes in bringing people to optimum health. This is one of our most powerful and successful therapies and we are very excited to bring such a high level of homeopathic treatment to the New England area.