Homeopathy is regularly the subject of prejudice, preconceptions and dubious approximations. To learn the truth, discover the testimony of homeopathic general practitioner Marie-Hélène Amabile.
Photo credit : photo created by Bru-nO
What is the principle of homeopathy?
The true specificity of homeopathy is to administer the substance at a very small dose, the famous infinitesimal dose. The goal is to minimise the risk of toxicity.
Another principle of this therapy is the individualisation of the treatment. For example, take four people with a cold, they may not have the same symptoms (rhinitis, clear or thick runny nose, etc.), we therefore treat not only the disease but the patient in their disease.
What form does a homeopathic treatment take?
Homeopathy primarily concerns medications in two forms: a tube containing around 80 granules or a single-dose treatment composed of globules. The patient simply places the granules or globules under the tongue and lets them dissolve. For toddlers, it is advisable to dilute them in a little water. Homeopathic medicines also exist in the form of syrups, tablets, single doses, gels or ointments.
What are the benefits of homeopathy?
Homeopathy has many benefits: too much medication is avoided, there is no interaction with other drugs, no side effects and zero risks of dependency.
Homeopathy can be used to treat everyone: from infants and the elderly to pregnant woman.
Which healthcare professionals are authorised to prescribe homeopathy?
Homeopaths are primarily doctors. They can be general practitioners or specialists. They are graduates of the Faculty of Medicine and have subsequently chosen to enrich their practice with homeopathy. They then decided to take additional training either in a private homeopathy school or at a university whose degree is recognised by the Ordre des Médecins.
What happens at a consultation with a homeopathic doctor?
A visit to a homeopathic doctor takes place in the same way as a traditional consultation. Evidently, there is a physical examination, but a detailed set of questions are asked to learn more about the patient, their symptoms, lifestyle, family and personal history and lifestyle, to look for the patient’s individual response to their illness.
For a doctor, homeopathy is a complementary therapy that considers the patient as a whole, to prescribe the most personalised treatment possible, by adjusting it if necessary.
