About Homeopathy:
What is Homeopathic Medicine?
Homeopathy (homeopathic medicine) is a system of medicine founded in the early 19th century by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Christian Hahnemann (1775-1843). Classical homeopathy rests on three principles:
-The Law of Similars or "Like Cures Like" states that a disease is cured by a medicine that creates symptoms similar to those the
patient is experiencing.
-The Principle of the Single Remedy states that a single medicine should cover all the symptoms the patient is experiencing:
mental, emotional and physical.
-The Principle of the minimum dose has two parts. First, the homeopath prescribes only a small number of doses of the
homeopathic medicine and waits to see what effect them medicine has. Second, the medicine is given in an infinitesimal dose.
Homeopathy works with the body's natural defense system. Conventional medicine, otherwise called allopathic medicines, generally suppresses symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause. Homeopathy balances the whole system thus allowing the body to heal itself. This is where homeopathy differs from most other forms of medicine. Homeopathy is very easy for clients to use. The remedies are palatable, easy to administer, easy to keep on hand in a fresh state, and there are no complicated recipes to learn or teach.
Over thirty years ago when I became a midwife, I was often confronted with maternal or neonatal conditions for which I had few safe or effective treatments to offer. Conditions such as nausea, varicose veins, and colic are common fare for the midwife, but how to treat them is another matter. The common medicines or treatments often are either of no real value, have unknown consequences or are downright unsafe.
My frustration with conventional medicine led me to the research of herbs and other alternative medicines. While I found (and still do find) herbs to be useful and often better than common pharmaceutical drugs, I discovered that they had their limitations and drawbacks as well. First of all, herbs usually depend upon digestive system for absorption. Unfortunately, during times of illness or imbalance this system is among the first to be compromised. Furthermore, the digestive system is a relatively slow point of entry and when dealing with critical or emergency situations time can be vitally important. Another problem I encountered was getting clients to comply. Have you ever tried to convince a one year old to take cayenne or golden seal? Sometimes my clients would have difficulty locating certain herbs, or preparing the recipes correctly. Although I found herbs to be useful, I was not always satisfied. It was then my study of homeopathy began.
Homeopathy, though not a panacea, addressed many of my concerns. I am just as astounded, if not more, by the results I see today as I was by those when I first started using homeopathy over 20 years ago.
There are many advantages to homeopathy for the midwife. First of all, when used properly, they are safe and non-toxic. In over 150 years not one homeopathic remedy has been recalled by the FDA. Remedies are absorbed directly through the mucous membranes (or even the skin) therefore their effectiveness is not dependent upon the efficacy of the digestive system. The remedies taste good (and all taste the same) so compliance from children and adults is not an issue. Whereas medicine and even herbs always cause a reaction in the person, with homeopathy there's only a reaction if you have the correct remedy. Otherwise it is like drinking a glass of water. That is the type of safety for moms and babies I like!
Recommended Books:
-Essentials for Midwives-A Quick Reference Guide to Homeopathy for the Midwife, by Paula Tipton-Healy
-The Homeopathy Workbook Beginners Book-Level 1, by Paula Tipton-Healy
-The Accoucheur's Emergency Manual, by W.A. Yingling
-Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy & Childbirth, by Richard Moskowitz, M.D.
-A Woman's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine, by Dr. Trevor Smith
-Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and your Baby's First Year, by Miranda Castro
In our commitment to providing the best care possible we need to be actively involved in educating ourselves and our clients. Homeopathy is one of the ways we can empower ourselves and our clients to take more responsibility for their own healthcare.
-Essentials for Midwives-A Quick Reference Guide to Homeopathy for the Midwife, by Paula Tipton-Healy
-The Homeopathy Workbook Beginners Book-Level 1, by Paula Tipton-Healy
-The Accoucheur's Emergency Manual, by W.A. Yingling
-Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy & Childbirth, by Richard Moskowitz, M.D.
-A Woman's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine, by Dr. Trevor Smith
-Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and your Baby's First Year, by Miranda Castro
In our commitment to providing the best care possible we need to be actively involved in educating ourselves and our clients. Homeopathy is one of the ways we can empower ourselves and our clients to take more responsibility for their own healthcare.
