Homeopathy is a kind of medical therapy that gives you relief in order to improve your health. It is especially popular in India, and is considered an effective, and cheaper, alternative to mainstream treatment by many. Some also believe that it is less toxic, making it a preferred choice for pregnant ladies and kids. While we can't comment on the authenticity of homeopathy's benefits over that of allopathy, we can endeavour to understand the concept, origin and effectiveness of homeopathy. To help us do that, today we have Dr Nidhi Digwa who nails all these questions for us.
What is homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy is a system of medical treatment, promulgated by Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician in 1796. He had spared a long and useful life of 88 years, during which he benefitted the suffering humanity immensely by introducing this new system of medicine.
The word homoeopathy is a greek derivation where 'homoeos' means similar and 'pathos' means suffering. So homoeopathy may be defined as the therapeutic method of symptom similarity.
What is the theory behind homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy is based upon the principle of "similia similibus curantur", which means like cures like. According to this system, the medicine administered is capable of producing symptoms similar to that of the disease, when administered in a healthy individual.
We, in homoeopathy, believe in curing the patient as a whole and not just the disease. We don't believe in giving temporary relief to the symptoms, but providing a permanent cure to the patient in the easiest and shortest way possible.
Do homoeopathic medicines have any side-effects?
In homoeopathy, the medicines are administered in minimum possible dose. We believe in giving a single simple remedy, so that the patient does not have to suffer from any side effects. It's a big notion among many people that homoeopathy has side effects. Homoeopathic medicines produce the action just necessary to work upon the vital force of the patient, in order to cure the patient.
Are there guidelines to follow for homoeopathic remedies to effective?
Like any other system of medicine, homoeopathic medicines also have certain guidelines for the patients to follow. The guidelines are to be followed as directed by the physician.
Does a homoeopathic medicine require any balanced diet and regular exercise?
Not only homoeopathy, every system of medicine will advice the patients to have a balanced diet and regular exercise as this helps the patient to have a healthy lifestyle. Proper meals and fitness regime helps in curing the patient faster than its usual time. Having healthy food helps in building up the immunity of the patient which is the motive of every physician.
Does homoeopathic medicine take longer to cure someone, than conventional medicine?
There is no such competition, as in the end the main aim is to provide a cure to the patient. But since homoeopathic medicine provides a permanent cure to the patient and not just palliates the symptoms, it takes the time required for the same. Also, homoeopathic medicines are capable of providing relief to the patients in conditions that need immediate relief, with limitations in certain cases like sudden accidents.
In cases like providing nutritional supplements to the patients homoeopathy can work wonders without taking longer time than convention medicine. The time taken simply depends upon the duration of the patient's suffering.
Can homoeopathic medicine and conventional medicine work together?
In certain necessary cases, yes it can. But it is preferable to follow only one system of medicine, as it will be more beneficial for the patient and helpful for the doctor to know about the improvement of the patient.