Homeopathy - Ireland

What is Homeopathy ?

Homeopathy is a complementary and holistic therapy that aids the natural healing ability of the human body. This alternative medicine treats a wide range of medical conditions and complaints by using highly diluted solutions of different herbs, chemical compounds and some animal products.

Homeopathy, a holistic form of alternative medicine, was developed by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann in the the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1810 he published the first book on Homeopathy - The Organon of the Healing Art.

Today homeopathy is based upon the philosophy of treating like with like. In other words the hair of the dog will cure the effects of the dog bite. Homeopathists believe that the cure for the ailment can be found in the material that is causing the problem. The fundamentals of Homeopathy are also founded upon the principle of the law of infinitesimals.

Through a process of potentisation homeopaths create remedies by successively diluting the original vegetable, mineral or animal matter with alcohol or distilled water. The diluting process involves vigorous shaking of the remedy solution at each dilution step.

What Happens During an Homeopathy Treatment ?

The initial visit to homeopathic therapists can be lengthy and will involve a full investigation of the patient's medical background. The homeopath therapist will also inquire into the psychological well-being of the patient as homeopathy is a holistic complementary therapy and is therefore interested in the whole being.

In this context the practitioner may inquire into family background, feelings and any possible emotional traumas that might be contributory factors to the condition being treated. All of this helps the homeopath to form a total picture of the problem.

Homeopathy involves highly individual personalised remedies for each person and condition being treated. It is possible that ten people with (apparently) similar conditions to receive ten different homeopathic remedies.

Depending on the severeness of the condition sufferers may have to use the remedy every few hours. As the condition improves the frequency of doses will be reduced. This will be assessed in follow-up visits to the homeopath.

Once again the frequency of these visits will be determined by the acuteness of the condition and by the rate of improvement by the patient.

What Medical Conditions can Homeopathy Treat ?

Homeopathy can be used to treat a huge range of physical illness or emotional disorder. It is particularly useful for treating the following:

• Severe feverishness
• Toothache and other oral pain
• Joint inflammation and pain including arthritis and frozen shoulder
• Respiratory issues including asthma and hay fever
• Menstrual pains
• Skin problems including acne, eczema and dermatitis
• Pain relief during childbirth
• Sore throats
• Mild psychological disorders including anxiety and stress
• Chronic Fatigue and M E
• Seasonal Affected Disorder

Homeopathic remedies may be taken in conjunction with conventional treatments and drugs however sufferers should consult with their own doctor in advance.

Homeopathy - Conclusion

Homeopathy is a safe holistic complementary therapy. Remedies are sold without prescription over the counter in pharmacies and health stores throughout Ireland. If you are suffering from a condition that you feel may benefit from homeopathic remedies it is recommended that you consult with a trained homeopathic therapist first.

A list of trained homeopathic practitioners can be found by contacting one of the following Irish organisations:

• Irish Medical Homeopathic Assoc.,
  115 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Phone: 01-2697768
  
  
• The Irish SocIET®y of Homeopaths,
  Ruxton Court, 35 Dominick Street, Galway. Phone: 091-565040.

Irish Representative Body for Homeopathy

The main representative body for Homeopathy in Ireland is the Irish SocIET®y of Homeopaths. Contact details are as follows:

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