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| Article: Homeopathy For Health and Fitness - by Jonathan Klemens, BS Biol, BS Pharm | ||
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I've always had an interest in alternative and complimentary medicine (CAM)- I
believe people should take an active role in their health care. In the early 1980's, while I was practicing pharmacy at Shadyside Hospital, in Pittsburgh, I realized that homeopathy indeed had something to contribute to health and fitness. Shadyside Hospital founded as a homeopathic institution in 1866, still retained a complete inventory of ingredients and materials to prepare homeopathic remedies.
"The introduction of homeopathy forced the old school doctor to stir around and learn something of a rational nature about his business". - Mark Twain Homeopathy imitates nature and is based on the "Law of Similars" - like cures like. Founded by Samuel Christian Hahnemann, in the late 1700's, Homeopathy ("homeo meaning similar and "pathos" meaning disease) was once a standard part of American healthcare. Homeopathy began to wane in the 1920's as people wanted that "quick fix" - medicine that kept up with fast pace society. We are now beginning to see a resurgence of homeopathy as an alternative medical care choice. This 200 year old system of medicine is a bioenergetic medicine that utilizes very minute amounts of plant, animal and mineral substances to stimulate the defense systems of the body in a very subtle manner. These same substances, in higher doses, might be toxic or cause disease-like symptoms. The homeopathic system assumes that the human organism already knows how to heal itself and that often it can adequately and effectively do that job without overwhelming the body with powerful drugs or megadoses of vitamins. These extremely small doses of substances stimulate the immune system and the "vital force" that regulates overall body function. The body returns to homeostasis. Homeopathic remedies are supplied in the form of tablet titurates, compressed tablets, pellets, granueles, powers and liquids for oral use and ointments, oils, gels, sprays and soaps for topical use. Although homeopathic remedies are remarkedly free from side effects, an individual may occasionally be allergic to a remedy. Potencies are measured according to the dilution of the preparation e.g. 2X, 3X, 10X, 2C, 10C etc. To prepare a 2X product, one takes 1 part of the original tincture (the mother tincture) and mixes it with 9 parts of alcohol and succusses (vigorously shakes) it in the prescribed manner. The higher the dilution, the more potent the remedy. In direct contradiction to traditional western medicine where most often doses of medication are increased as the condition worsens, homeopathy uses a more dilute dose. A classic example of less is more! Homeopathic remedies are usually taken sublingually, placed under the tongue and held there for one or two minutes. Remedies should be taken at least fifteen minutes before, or thirty minutes after, eating, brushing one's teeth, or drinking anything other than water. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES Acute Conditions: 3 tablets or 10 pellets hourly at first. Diminish frequency as condition improves. Chronic Conditions: 3 tablets or 10 pellets two or three times a day. If more than one remedy is needed, two may be taken alternatively once or twice daily. Follow all directions carefully. For long term treatment, or complicated conditions, it is advisable to consult a physician trained in homeopathy. |
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The author is a pharmacist, biologist and martial artist who has written many articles on Integrative Medicine and Oriental Medicine. Website: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/RightWay/gdims |
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