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Home>Homoeopathy>Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Homoeopathy?
Do Homoeopathic remedies cause side-effects ?
Are
the remedies toxic ?
What should I expect when I come for a Homoeopathic consultation?
What type of medicine will be given ?
Can
homoeopathic medicines be taken with conventional medicines?
What is Homoeopathy?
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine, aimed to
promote general health, as well as the treatment of chronic and acute
illness. Homeopathy works by gently stimulating a person’s natural healing
ability to resolve illness, fight infection and regain health.
Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine developed by
German physician and chemist, Dr Samuel Hahnemann
(1755-1843), based on the principle of 'like cures like'.
Hahnemann found that many substances, when
administered to healthy people, could produce symptoms similar to those
experienced by sick people. He also found that illnesses could be cured by
using small, specially prepared doses of these substances, to treat people
with similar symptoms. For example, coffee stimulates the nervous system
causing sleeplessness. A homoeopathic dose of coffee can cure a patient
troubled with unusual mental activity and sleeplessness.
In the last 200 years the clinical effectiveness of
homoeopathy has been clearly demonstrated and today homoeopathy is used
world wide. It is used in the treatment of chronic illness, acute
conditions and minor accidents requiring first aid.
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Do Homoeopathic remedies cause side-effects ?
Healing takes place in different ways and reactions to a
medicine vary. There may be an immediate improvement, or improvement may
happen more slowly, starting with an increased feeling of wellbeing.
Occasionally there is a temporary worsening of the symptoms prior to
improvement. However, there are no toxic side effects from homoeopathic
medicines.
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Are
the remedies toxic ?
Government regulators do not allow the use of toxic
substances. This is regulated under the Poisons Act and is administered by
the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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What should I expect when I come for a Homoeopathic consultation?
The first
homeopathic consultation usually takes around one hour. Subsequent
consultations will last 30 to 40 minutes. You will be asked about your past
and present health, (including a review of physical symptoms in all body
systems), your personal characteristics (such as reactions to stress, food
and environmental preferences, sleep and energy patterns), your personal and
family medical history. Consultations are totally confidential.
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What type of medicine will be given ?
Homoeopathic remedies are derived from plant, animal, mineral and
microbiological sources. They are prepared following strict homoeopathic
pharmaceutical guidelines and can be given as liquid or pillules. Since the
medicines are very dilute, they are safe and non-toxic when taken as
prescribed by a registered Homoeopath.
A single
dose or repeated doses of medicine may be given. These small amounts of
medicine are sufficient to stimulate the body's healing process. Where
illness has developed over a long time, several successive medicines may be
needed during the course of weeks, months or years.
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Can
homoeopathic medicines be taken with conventional medicines?
Homoeopathic medicines may be taken in conjunction with conventional drugs
without any adverse effects; however, it is recommended that the advice of a
Homoeopath registered with the Australian Register of Homoeopaths be sought
regarding this matter. [Top]
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