Holistic healthcare takes many forms, and one of the most diverse is homeopathy. Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that deviates from traditional Western medicine to bring us new pathways for managing our health and wellness.
Western medical science tends to adopt a responsive approach — illnesses and health conditions are treated after they arise. But in homeopathy and many other alternative medicine practises, preventative care is a core emphasis.
Preventative health is just as important as responsive healthcare. The difference is that preventative care can be done daily, adjusted to suit your lifestyle, and support you no matter what paths you take on your wellness journey.
What is preventative medicine?
Preventative medicine, known formally as prophylaxis, is a specialty of medicine that focuses on preventing disease and injury.
Preventative medicine physicians can work at the individual or community level. Their primary focus is identifying risks to health and implementing strategies to resolve them.
There are many services that fall under the umbrella of preventative healthcare, including:
- Cancer screenings
- Blood sugar level tests
- Blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Vaccinations and immunisations
- Mental health counselling
Engaging in preventative medicine can help detect the early stages of a disease, when it is most treatable. It may not always stop disease from arising, but it can vastly increase a person’s treatment options and likelihood of recovery.
The Root of Disease and How to Prevent It
Disease stems from exposure to some foreign substance that triggers a response. In unaffected people, exposure to certain pathogens or herbs, for example, may result in sickness. Homeopathy takes small, pure forms of ingredients that might normally cause illness in order to cure them.
The underlying belief of homeopathy is that the body is naturally capable of healing itself. In the case of seasonal allergies, a person who has a runny nose and watery eyes during the spring may take small doses of ingredients that induce those symptoms in order to develop natural tolerance.
Homeopathy is not an alternative to medical conditions that require a doctor’s intervention. You should always collaborate with your GP or any specialists for the most comprehensive and effective healthcare plan.
For example, imagine a person has been diagnosed with cancer. They should not forgo chemotherapy or surgery at their physician’s advice solely because there are homeopathic treatments available.
Homeopathic treatments are best for conditions that are non-life-threatening, such as skin conditions, anxiety, depression, hay fever, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Every person’s holistic healthcare is unique. This means that a qualified homeopath practitioner will encourage you to use homeopathy in addition to any Western medical treatments that support your greatest well-being.
Does homeopathy prevent diseases?
People have practised homeopathic treatments for hundreds of years. While there is still not enough research to prove its validity in the medical realm, millions of people have used it to treat a number of health conditions.
The two core principles of homeopathy arena “like cures like” and “the law of minimum dose.” Homeopath practitioners will often use microscopic amounts of ingredients to treat their patients. They also take factors such as your medical history, diet, and symptoms into account to make personalised suggestions.
By diluting the ingredients, the homeopath only introduces the smallest possible dose into your body. Rather than triggering serious side effects, the goal is to create an “imprint” that allows the body to naturally fight off the symptoms the ingredients would normally cause.
Over time, this allows the body to become more resistant toward real symptoms it’s already experiencing. Ultimately, it can fend off unwanted symptoms on its own because its natural healing properties have been attuned to target specific issues.
Emerging research shows that homeopathic medicine can be equally effective as traditional medicine in preventing some diseases, such as respiratory tract infections (RTIs).
In cases of epidemic diseases, homeopaths have used natural ingredients to treat diseases, including scarlet fever, typhus, and smallpox. There were many discussions about how homeopathy could even be used to treat and prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19.
Despite its efficacy for many, homeopathy is only one type of medicine. We need all of them in order to live our fullest, healthiest lives. This is why no medical expert suggests using homeopathic treatments in lieu of vaccinations, prescription medications, or other scientifically-proven treatments
Is homeopathy safe?
Homeopathy is safe if you work with an experienced practitioner. In the UK, there are no regulating bodies for homeopathic practitioners. This means you must use a reliable network or resource to find practitioners who use only the safest practices.
Seity has a network of holistic practitioners throughout the UK you can connect with today. Before you work with any alternative medicine professional, however, we suggest consulting with your GP. Make sure that it is safe for you to undergo any complimentary or alternative therapies based on your health and current medications.
We invite you to contact us today to learn more about our approach to preventative, holistic healthcare.