Frequently Asked
Questions
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine with hundreds of years of clinical evidence. The main principle of classical homeopathy is the Law of Similars, or like cures like. This means that
symptoms in the body can be healed by giving it a substance found in nature that causes
those same symptoms. The distinction though is that the remedy given is diluted and succussed
often to the point that no material substance is left. All that remains is the energy of the substance that is similar to the person, and the remedy stimulates the healing properties of the body. Homeopathy is individualized and takes into account all of your symptoms, including mental, emotional, and physical, to find a remedy.
How many consultations are needed?
Since homeopathy is individualized, the number of consultations needed to address your symptoms
varies from person to person. Typically, we will see one another more frequently in the beginning, and then as you heal, we will see one another less frequently or only as needed. In the beginning, we will schedule follow up consultations approximately 4-6 weeks after you start your remedy. This allows for the remedy to have time to act upon you so that at the follow up consultation, we can see how your symptoms may have changed or improved. As your symptoms improve, we will schedule consultations further apart.
Should I schedule an acute or chronic consultation?
Homeopathy is supportive for acute illnesses and chronic conditions. Acute illnesses usually develop suddenly and symptoms are short term, lasting a few days up to one or two weeks. Acute illnesses are typically brought on by an exciting cause, such as weather changes, contaminated food or surfaces, or contact with someone who is sick. Examples of acute illnesses include flu, respiratory viruses or infections, as well as accidents or injuries. On the other hand, chronic conditions usually develop slowly over time and may worsen over months or years. Examples of chronic conditions include arthritis, diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure.
If symptoms from an acute illness last longer than one to two weeks, this usually means there is a deeper level of imbalance that is best supported by a chronic consultation. For example, if you become ill and recover but some symptoms linger for weeks, or you do not feel like your “old self” or completely back to normal, this usually indicates a deeper level of imbalance.
Symptoms that recur over a period of time or flare usually indicate a deeper level of imbalance as well because it points to the susceptibility of the person to those symptoms or repeated flares. Recurring pneumonia in the winter, cold sores during periods of stress, and repeated urinary tract infections are examples of symptoms that recur or flare and are best supported by a chronic consultation.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms can be helped by an acute or chronic consultation, please schedule a free introductory call to discuss what you are experiencing.
What are remedies made from and how are they made?
Remedies are made from substances found in nature, including minerals, plants and animals. Homeopathic remedies are manufactured according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United Stated (HPUS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for medicines.
The process of making remedies is referred to as potentization. Potentization refers to a series of dilutions of the substance. This is what creates the strengths or potencies of the homeopathic preparations. The more potentized a substance, the stronger it is. Succussion involves applying friction to the preparation by shaking or agitating it between each dilution. This might look like a vigorous up and down motion against the palm of the hand or a hard surface.
Potentization and succussion bring out the medicinal qualities of the substance while also making it gentle and nontoxic. Nano particles and their electromagnetic charges, which are visible through extremely sophisticated scientific instruments, play a part in the efficacy of homeopathic remedies.
Where do you purchase remedies?
Remedies can be purchased from FDA regulated pharmacies in the United States, such as Hahnemann Labs, OHM Pharmacy, and Washington Homeopathic Products. Occasionally, remedies may need to be purchased from another pharmacy in the U.S. or a European pharmacy, such as Helios or Ainsworth. When receiving a remedy recommendation, you will also receive instructions for ordering.
What conditions respond to homeopathy?
I am not a doctor or licensed medical provider. I do not diagnose or treat any particular diagnosed symptom, disease, or condition. As a homeopath, I recommend homeopathic remedies for your individual pattern of symptoms. Research and clinical evidence demonstrate that homeopathy can be helpful for conditions such as depression and anxiety, digestive disorders, chronic pain, rheumatic complaints, allergic conditions, chronic fatigue, behavioral disorders, recurrent infections, addictions, sexual dysfunctions, headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. Homeopathy is not a substitute for routine or specialized care with your doctor or licensed medical provider.
Do you work with children?
I work with children beginning in the womb through adolescence. Consultations for children include time with the parent or guardian as well as the child. Depending on age, I meet with the child and parent or guardian at the same time, and then meet with the parent or guardian separately. If the child is old enough, I can meet with them individually and speak to the parent or guardian separately either before or after.
Can I continue other medicines and therapies?
Homeopathy is not contraindicated with other forms of medicine or therapies (e.g. chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.) and often works well in conjunction with them. Because our goal is to heal your body, you may find over time that you no longer need other treatments or need them as often. Generally, clients should not begin new treatments or make changes to existing treatments when beginning homeopathy. Any changes to medications should be done in consultation with your doctor or licensed medical provider.
Can I take other homeopathic products?
Classical homeopathy uses one remedy at a time so that it can act appropriately upon the body without interference. A remedy works energetically, rather than chemically, so it continues to act between doses or for a period of time after you dose the remedy like ripples expanding across the water when an object is dropped into it. You can interrupt the healing action of a chronic remedy by taking other homeopathic remedies.
You may also find homeopathic products that contain multiple homeopathically prepared substances as active ingredients. When you take a combination of remedies together at one time, you end up providing the body with multiple signals for healing, which can cause confusion. Imagine standing with a group of people and everyone is talking to you at the same time. You may find it difficult to hear what each person is saying and miss important information. When one person speaks at a time, you can more clearly hear, understand, and integrate what they are saying. This is the case with the body when you take a combination of remedies together.
Can I use homeopathy during pregnancy?
Homeopathy is extremely supportive throughout all stages of pregnancy. Homeopathy can help with fertility challenges in both men and women, as well as support and strengthen the female body in preparation for conception. It can also be supportive in cases of recurring miscarriages, or grief associated with the loss of a baby.
Pregnancy brings on many physical and emotional changes. Homeopathy can be helpful for various pregnancy related issues, including nausea and vomiting, anemia, heartburn and constipation, pain, headaches, coughs and colds, as well as various emotions associated with pregnancy. Symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes can also be helped with homeopathy.
Regardless of your birth plan or history of deliveries, homeopathy can support all stages of labor as well as symptoms resulting from delivery. Post-natal symptoms such as after pains, constipation, breastfeeding problems, prolapse, and urinary issues can also be supported with homeopathy. Besides supporting the mother, homeopathy can also help with complaints of the baby, including colic, constipation, diaper rash, and sleep difficulties.
Ultimately, pregnancy is best supported by chronic homeopathic care, especially because many symptoms can be happening at one time; however, some pregnancy related complaints can be managed acutely.