General Information on Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a 200 year old system of medicine based on the principles of similars; that is, a substance which can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure a sick person with similar symptoms. Orthodox medicine incorporates this principle in its use of vaccinations and allergy treatments.

Homeopathy regards symptoms as the body’s attempt to fight illness and restore health. Homeopathic medicines act to simulate, not suppress, this reaction.

Homeopathic medicines are designed to stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal itself—to act as a catalyst for healing. A homeopathic remedy doesn’t cure as such; it works rather like throwing a pebble into a pond. The homeopath’s job is to throw the pebble into the middle of ‘your’ pond so that it sends out healing ripples to every part of you.

The process of healing varies from person to person, depending on how ill you are, on your levels of vitality, and of course, on the accuracy of the homeopathic prescription itself. In the days/weeks after taking the homeopathic remedy you may find that you feel better in yourself—you experience an increase in energy and /or your complaints improve gradually or even clear.

With an acute or recent illness your improvement may be quite swift. Or, it can be a more gradual or even prolonged process, especially if you have been suffering from a long term or chronic illness. In general, the longer you have been ill the longer that process takes.

Some people experience a slight worsening or aggravation after their treatment. This usually occurs within the first two weeks of starting a remedy and is a good sign. Aggravations mostly do not last long, are manageable and are usually accompanied by an increased sense of well-being.

You may experience a ‘return of old symptoms.’ In other words, symptoms that you experienced in the past may return and these too, are a good sign. They indicate that your body is clearing out an old disease pattern and are generally short-lived. If you feel ill after your consultation ask yourself whether your symptoms are familiar, whether they remind you of something you have experienced in the past.

If they don’t, it may be that you have contracted an acute illness, i.e. flu, a cough or urinary tract infection or something that has occurred as a result of some additional stress in your life. If your symptoms are serious you will need to consult your doctor (or even the emergency room if they are serious.) It may be possible to treat your complaint homeopathically, so it is worth calling me to check this out—the earlier the better. In any case, it is always helpful to let me know if you are considering medical treatment for an acute complaint in between consultations.

The 72 Hour Rule

Seventy-two hours is generally the time it takes for the body to positively respond to a new frequency. This frequency can be a “germ” or a new stimulus such as a homeopathic remedy. The body has the marvelous ability to heal itself. If you do not feel better after 72 hours please call me.

Colds and influenzas also fall into the 72 hour rule. Interestingly enough even many incubation periods also follow this rule. So if you are exposed to someone who is coughing, you are feeling less than par, and you do not experience symptoms within 24 hours, don't be fooled. Keep taking that vitamin C or Echinacea for at least 3 days. It may take that long for the symptoms to appear.

Storage and dispensing of Homeopathic remedies

1. Keep the Remedy out of the Sunlight and away from Strong Odors. (Perfumes, nail polish, hair spray, tiger balm, aromatic toothpaste, mentho/mint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus and burning agents such as incense. These MAY antidote your remedy.  Do not open bottle if you smell strong odors.
2.  Magnetic/ Electrical fields (microwave, TV, magnets)
3.  Do not touch the inner rim of the bottle or lid with your fingers to prevent Contamination of the bottle, and to prevent your fingers from absorbing the energy of the remedy.
4. Do not put pellets back into the remedy bottle if they should fall out onto the floor or your clothing. The empty bottles should not be used for storage as the remedy essence still remains.

Disrupting the action of the remedy when it is taken internally

1. Do not eat or drink anything 15-30 minutes before or after a homeopathic Remedy. OK to drink water before, during or after.
2. Caffeine in coffee or colas MAY antidote your remedy. If coffee is used, wait One-half hour.
3. Avoid camphor and camphor products
4. No Tea Tree oil
5. No electric blankets or heating pads
6. Prescription drugs, recreational drugs, or excessive alcohol MAY alter the remedy
7. Mental or emotional shocks and dental work MAY alter the action.

General Guidelines

• Repeat a remedy that has worked for your problem in the past
• Do not discontinue a remedy that is working!
•  If your homeopathic remedy stops working you may need to increase the potency or the frequency of use.
• As a person gets better, give less of the remedy for acute symptoms such as a sprain, pain, or swelling etc.
   

Dr. Caroline Walrad, Ph.D. offers customized education in holistic concepts.  Contact her for more information on this and other homeopathic topics.

caroline@carolinewalrad.com
www.carolinewalrad.com