What is Homeopathy?
What is homeopathy? Is it the same thing as Naturopathy? Is it a hoax? A miracle? Is it new? Old? Dangerous or safe? What are the politics behind homeopathy? And does it really work??
Read on to find out!
Read on to find out!
Is Homeopathy the same as Naturopathy?
Even though there’s plenty of overlap, homeopathy is not the same thing as Naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that includes all of the same basic science training as other branches of medicine in the US (MD, DO’s) but differs mainly in that it focuses on diet, homeopathy, and botanical medicines, in addition to pharmaceutical treatment.
While it has its own rules and systems, for the most part homeopathy is a type of treatment that can be used by ND’s, MD’s, DO’s, herbalists, midwives...or anyone in a healthcare profession.
While it has its own rules and systems, for the most part homeopathy is a type of treatment that can be used by ND’s, MD’s, DO’s, herbalists, midwives...or anyone in a healthcare profession.
Ok...but what are those little white pills?
Homeopathic remedies can come in many forms (creams, liquids, pills), but the most common type come as small white pellets. The homeopathic remedy is lightly coated on the outside - made from highly diluted concentrations of medicinal plants, minerals, and (humanely sourced) animal products.
Is Homeopathy new? Old? Or what?
Homeopathy dates back to the early 1800’s, developed by a German doctor named Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy worked so well after it was developed that by the late 1800’s, there were 22 homeopathic medical colleges in the US, and there were many prominent homeopathic hospitals, including one run by the University of Michigan. Homeopathy and natural medicine were especially popular within feminist circles and people working for Black emancipation, as it was seen as accessible, affordable, and aligned with radical political values (hopefully I’ll have another article on this in the near future).
The progress of homeopathic and natural medical schools was overturned in the early 1900’s, when Andrew Carnegie and JD Rockefeller hired former school teacher Abraham Flexner to write a report on the state of medical colleges in America. While doing some good things for the medical education, such as raising standards of admittance and requiring more pre-med education, the Flexner Report resulted in many homeopathic, naturopathic (called “eclectic” at the time), and osteopathic medical schools being closed down in favor of schools that primarily focused on pharmaceutical medicine. Schools were offered large grants with the condition that they stop teaching homeopathy, dietary therapies, and herbal medicine while shifting to pharmaceutical education.
The Flexner report also resulted in many medical schools closing down admittance to female students, and the closure of 5 out of the 7 Black medical colleges that were open at the time.
Homeopathic medicine fell by the wayside for much of the mid-20th century. It started to reemerge just a few decades ago, and has grown steadily in use and popularity. In many parts of the world (India, the UK, France) it's one of the most common forms of medicine in practice.
The Flexner report also resulted in many medical schools closing down admittance to female students, and the closure of 5 out of the 7 Black medical colleges that were open at the time.
Homeopathic medicine fell by the wayside for much of the mid-20th century. It started to reemerge just a few decades ago, and has grown steadily in use and popularity. In many parts of the world (India, the UK, France) it's one of the most common forms of medicine in practice.
So…What kinds of stuff do we use homeopathy for?
While I might recommend homeopathy for a wide variety of physical illness, some of the most common things I use it for are mental and emotional disturbances.
In kids, I most often use homeopathy in cases of extreme tantrums, mood swings, fears and phobias, or other types of distress-related behaviors.
In adults, I use it for places where people feel “stuck” emotionally, feel like they just “aren’t themselves” anymore, or feel overwhelmed by specific thoughts and habits.
Sometimes it’s simpler than that - sometimes people just want to feel better than they do. And often times a well-chosen homeopathic remedy can help get them there.
In kids, I most often use homeopathy in cases of extreme tantrums, mood swings, fears and phobias, or other types of distress-related behaviors.
In adults, I use it for places where people feel “stuck” emotionally, feel like they just “aren’t themselves” anymore, or feel overwhelmed by specific thoughts and habits.
Sometimes it’s simpler than that - sometimes people just want to feel better than they do. And often times a well-chosen homeopathic remedy can help get them there.
What is it like having a homeopathic intake?
For most people, a homeopathic intake is an unforgettable experience. There are thousands of remedies to choose from, and each tends to fit certain personalities and “ways of being” in the world. During a homeopathic intake I want to know not just about your headaches, digestion, etc, but about how you see the world, how you relate to other people, and how you experience your life. The conversation tends to be complex, emotional, and sometimes very therapeutic in itself!
What is it like getting good remedy match?
I hear a wide range of things when I find a good remedy match for someone I’m working with. People will say something like, “I just feel more like myself,” or “I felt happy for the first time in a long time,” or they might just come in and have forgotten all about the issues they came in with originally, cause they’re feeling better and they have already moved on!
A gentle medicine
Homeopathy is gentle, it’s non-toxic, it is considered safe for any age, it’s inexpensive, and with a good remedy selection, it can help bring about profound changes in health and wellbeing. It has a long history of use with people working toward social justice and it’s a truly accessible form of medicine. What’s not to like?
If you want to find out more about homeopathy or are interested in having a homeopathic intake, you can book a visit or a free 15 minute phone consult here. Video visits are available from any location!
