Frequently Asked Questions

Scroll down for more detailed answers...
u

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.

u

How are remedies made?

Homeopathic remedies are made by repeatedly diluting and shaking a substance, a process known as potentization.

u

How is homeopathy different from conventional medicine?

Homeopathy treats the individual as a whole, focusing on the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms.

u

What conditions can be treated with homeopathy?

Homeopathy can treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, acute ailments, and emotional disorders.

u

What are the fees for a homeopathic consultation?

Chronic cases require a full case-taking Please visit my Appointments and Rates page for detailed information.

u

What happens during a homeopathic consultation?

 During your consultation, I take a detailed case history, including physical, emotional, and mental symptoms, to find the most suitable remedy or remedies for you.

u

Are homeopathic remedies safe?

Yes, homeopathic remedies are safe and do not have the same kind of side effects as pharmaceuticals. They are non-toxic and safe for people and animals of all ages, even during pregnancy. Individual sensitivity to remedies can vary, so it is most ideal to have your remedies prescribed by a qualified homeopath.

u

Can homeopathy be used alongside conventional treatments?

Yes, homeopathy can be used alongside conventional treatments.  Please inform me of any current medications you are taking via the intake form.

u

How long does it take to see results with homeopathy?

The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some may see improvements quickly, while others may take longer.

Understanding Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy and How Does it Work?

Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that has been in use worldwide for over 200 years. It is recognized by the World Health Organization as the second most widely used therapeutic system in the world (after Ayurveda). Millions of people benefit from homeopathy.

The name homeopathy, coined by its originator, Samuel Hahnemann, is derived from the Greek words for ‘similar suffering’. Hahnemann was born in Germany in 1755. He was a medical doctor and a chemist who became disenchanted with harsh and ineffective medical interventions.  Through rigorous scientific experimentation and the application of inductive reasoning, Hahnemann created the homeopathic system of medicine.  His careful observations led him to uncover the laws of healing found in nature upon which homeopathy is based.

          “No individual has done more good to the medical profession than Samuel Hahnemann” –Sir William Ostler, The Father of Modern Medicine

Homeopathy is founded on two main principles, the first being ‘like cures like’, which means that a substance capable of producing certain symptoms in a healthy person, can be used to treat those same symptoms in a case of disease.  In Homeopathy we trust that the body will always be using its most effective healing response to a given situation. By using medicines which can stimulate a similar healing response, we boost the body’s own vitality, and work with it, instead of against it.

The second main principle in Homeopathy is that only ‘the minimum dose’ should be employed, in order to avoid the side effects that are so often the consequence of conventional treatment. This principle is based upon the understanding that homeopathic medicines are stimuli for healing vital force (qi or chi or life force) and that we need only give enough to produce a response.  This ensures that treatment will be as gentle and natural as it is healing and effective.  This medicine is individualized to the patient as a true holistic healing modality.  By treating people as a whole, we often see the simultaneous improvement of more than one complaint.  Improved mood, sense of well being, immunity and increased energy levels often occur as a result of a positive response to a remedy.  Because of its ability to heighten the natural defenses of the body, homeopathic medicine is a great option in preventative treatment, and the maintenance of good health.

Homeopathy treats people, not just diagnoses.  When a person is ill, that illness has a unique pattern.  People express illness in a way that corresponds to the heredity, environmental factors, stresses and weaknesses that are unique to that individual.  As a result, five different people with the flu might require five different homeopathic medicines, because they have five different sets of symptoms.  Treatment is individualized to each person. A homeopath is not  trying to suppress symptoms, but rather to find the right medicine to stimulate the body’s healing powers so that health is restored.

It should be noted that diet and lifestyle factors need to be looked at in order to remove any blockages to the body’s response to remedies.  If, for example, a person has a skin condition that is cause by a vitamin deficiency, the deficiency needs to be addressed alongside, or in advance of, the administration of a remedy.

How Are Homeopathic Remedies Made?

Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animals. The preparation process involves a meticulous method of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). This process is believed to enhance the remedy’s healing properties while minimizing any potential toxicity. Each remedy is prepared in a controlled environment to ensure purity and efficacy, in Canada, remedies have their own DIN number governed by the Natural Health Products Act.

In Homeopathy, we believe that within every living person there exists a life energy or vital force, like the qi or chi in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  This vital force is responsible for maintaining balance and health in the body, mind and emotions.  This idea is ancient and universal, and can be found in every culture and medical system throughout the world, except for modern Western medicine.  From this point of view, illness can be understood as resulting from an imbalance within the organism, an imbalance of the vital force.  

The symptoms of a disease, the complaints that we suffer are expressions of that imbalance. Hahnemann theorized that giving a homeopathic medicine to a patient was like giving a tiny push to the imbalanced vital force, stimulating the body’s natural defence mechanisms to put the organism back into balance and heal the disease.  With the remedies, we are attempting to stimulate a response in a very precise way, with the smallest possible dose, so as not to further disturb the body’s homeostasis.

Holistic and Individualized Treatment

Homeopathy vs. Conventional Medicine

 

Homeopathy is a very different paradigm from modern Western medicine, and this is part of the reason why is remains a bit of a mystery to many North Americans.  The prevailing paradigm here is one of material reductionism which is interested purely in what can be seen under a microscope (even, sometimes, to the point of negating the felt experience of the patient).  Fortunately, Homeopathy has been taken up with enthusiasm in many places in the world and clinical studies are being funded and published which show the effectiveness of remedies at both at the cellular, and holistic level.   Hopefully with time, bridges will be built between our Western medical paradigm and the paradigms of natural therapies, allowing more freedom of choice in healthcare and cooperation between medical professionals.  The Regulation of Homeopathy in Ontario was a major step in this direction.

Here are some key differences between modern Western medicine and Homeopathic medicine, with a view to the fact that every treatment can have its place and time as beneficial to the patient:

  • Conventional Western, or allopathic treatment, views disease as being localized in organs or tissues, whereas Homeopathy views disease holistically as belonging to the mental, emotional and physical aspects of the patient
  • Allopathic treatment relies largely on pharmaceuticals and/or surgery, whereas Homeopathic treatment relies upon natural remedies and lifestyle (dietary) adjustments
  • Allopathic treatments often involve unwanted side effects as counter reactions from the body, whereas homeopathic remedies are given in the most gentle dose possible
  • Visits with a conventional doctor are generally quick and consist of analysis of quantitative data, whereas Homeopathic consultations involve detailed question and answer about the particular disease experience of the client

Conditions Treated with Homeopathy

Homeopathy is known for its broad applicability and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Common ailments treated include allergies, asthma, autism/ADHD, migraines, digestive disorders, skin conditions, mood problems. It is also effective for chronic conditions such as arthritis, eczema, and depression. Homeopathy can support the body’s natural healing processes, making it suitable for both acute and chronic conditions.

Effective for Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions like pain, autoimmune, and hormonal conditions can be effectively managed with homeopathy. By addressing the underlying causes and promoting overall well-being, homeopathy offers a sustainable approach to long-term health. Patients often experience significant improvement in their overall quality of life as well as their chief complaints.

Supporting Mental and Emotional Health

Homeopathy also addresses mental and emotional health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Remedies are selected based on the individual’s specific symptoms and emotional state, providing a personalized treatment plan. This holistic approach ensures that both the mind and body are supported in the healing process.

Homeopathic Consultation Process

What to Expect During Your Visit

During your initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your health, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and any specific symptoms you are experiencing. This session typically lasts about 90 minutes, allowing us to gather all the necessary information to tailor a personalized treatment plan for you.

Follow-up consultations are shorter, usually around 45 minutes, and focus on monitoring your progress, adjusting remedies as needed, and addressing any new concerns that may arise. These sessions are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of your treatment and making any necessary modifications to your homeopathic regimen.

My goal is to provide a holistic approach to your health, considering both physical and emotional factors.  Please read my Bio page to find out more about me, and to see if you feel we could work together well.  Good communication really helps  the process of homeopathic treatment so it is important to me that we can build a great therapeutic relationship. I look forward to working with you.