The Vital Force

The homeopath believes that the body is always striving to keep itself healthy, or in balance. The force that acts in this protective
manner is called the vital force. When the body is threatened by harmful external forces, the vital force, or defense mechanism,
produces symptoms such as pain, fever, mucous, cough etc. These symptoms may be uncomfortable, but indicate to the patient
that the body is out of harmony. Fever inactivates many viruses that attack the body. Mucous is produced in the respiratory tract to
surround and carry off irritating material. A cough expels mucous or harmful substances that would otherwise hinder breathing.

Homeopaths believe that the suppression of natural secretions by drugs can give rise to more serious and deeper disorders since the
vital force is being opposed and is not being allowed to express itself.

Historically, homeopathic treatment has proved very effective in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. It is effective over a
wide range of mental, emotional and physical illnesses.

Principles of Homeopathy

Law of Similars

The term homeopathy comes from the Greek homoios ('similar') and pathos ('suffering' or 'sickness'). The fundamental law upon which
homeopathy is based is the law of similars, of 'like is cured by like'. The law of similars states that a remedy can cure a disease if it
produces in a healthy person symptoms similar to those of the disease.

The Minimum Dose

When using Homeopathic medicines, the lowest potency and fewest possible doses should be used attain the desired effect.
Therefore, if an effect is seen after one dose of medicine, the medicine has done its job.

The Single Remedy

In Classical Homeopathic medicine, homeopaths give only one medicine at a time. It is not possible to be sure what the effect of two
or medicines would be, or the interaction between them, but we can be sure of the effect of a single remedy. It is possible to
purchase homeopathic complex medicines however, it cannot be guaranteed that a complex will work for everyone.

Choosing a Medicine

Observation is the key to prescribing a homeopathic medicine. Two people with the same condition, may react differently, and
therefore require different medicines. To be a good prescriber, you must match the symptoms of the ill person. Your ailment, family
background, and psychological make-up will be covered in depth. Details of each symptom will be recorded including what makes the
symptom better or worse. What may appear to be irrevelant information such as repetitive dreams or your favourite food may also be
recorded.
Deeper work in the form of Constitutional Homeopathic Prescribing can be done only by a qualified Naturopathic Physician or
Homeopathic Doctor. Constitutional medicines are prescribed individually, and have much more deep, long lasting and profound
influence on the body, acting on the mental, emotional and physical levels.
It is important to note that homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for emergency medicine; if an emergency situation or
complications occur, please contact your local hospital.

How to Take a Medicine

Pellets are the simplest way to give a homeopathic. To take a medicine, tip the dose onto your clean palm, or measure pellets into
the cap of the bottle and place directly onto your tongue. If you are giving the dose to someone else, place the remedy on their palm,
not yours. Always take a remedy on a clean mouth, i.e. 20 minutes before and after eating or drinking. There should be no taste in
your mouth, including toothpaste, tobacco, mouthwash or mints. Coffee may neutralize the action of a homeopathic medicine; avoid
use of other medications.

An alcoholic tincture of a herb is also useful to prepare a lotion as an external application to wash and heal the skin. This can be
prepared by dissolving one part of herbal tincture in six parts hot water, and applied directly to the affected area.

Dosage

When you are prescribed a homeopathic remedy, following the instructions carefully is important. If you are taking a constitutional
medicine for a chronic condition, take only the prescribed amounts, and then carefully note any effect. There may be what is called
an initial 'aggravation', in which your symptoms may feel worse, you may get a cold, flu or sore throat. This aggravation will only last
a short time and after this your symptoms will improve substantially. Keeping a record of your symptoms for your next visit is
important and be sure to call the office if you have any concerns. If you do not have an initial aggravation with the medicine, it does
not mean the medicine is not working.

NB:If you prolong taking the medicine past the point it is indicated, you may induce a 'proving' or an aggravation, where you 'prove' the
medicine, and develop new and different symptoms. If this occurs, immediately stop taking the medicine, and call the office.

Storage

Homeopathic remedies have an indefinite shelf live if handled and stored properly. Always keep medicines in the containers in which
they were supplied. Keep medicines away from strong light, heat and any strong odours such as menthol, cleaners, soaps and
perfumes. A homeopathic remedy, even an entire vial consumed at once, is non-toxic, however children may be attracted to the
sweet-tasting pills, so store out of reach from small children.