Homeopathy  is a healing system formulated over 200 years ago through the life-long  efforts of a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy is based on the premise that substances can be used to stimulate the body to heal itself. These substances, when diluted and processed using a method called succussion, are called homeopathic remedies. Each remedy has its own symptom picture, and that remedy is used to treat the symptom pictures seen in others. This basic tenet is referred to as treating "Like with Like".

There are different branches of homeopathy, but I use classical homeopathy, the original system Dr. Hahnemann developed. In classical homeopathy, great care is taken to find a single remedy that provides the energy to push the body toward healing.

Companies that make combination remedies combine several remedies to cover more symptoms. Although some symptoms may get better for a time,  combination remedies confuse the symptom picture, making it more  difficult to find a remedy with a curative response.

In classical homeopathy, the remedy is determined during the homeopathic interview. As we talk about your symptoms, I gather information to get a clear picture of your individual symptoms. Afterward, I analyze the information  and determine which remedy picture is the best match for your symptom  picture.

More information about homeopathy can be found on the following websites.  This is not a complete list, but these websites are very informative.

A primary goal of homeopathic treatment is a higher level of wellness.

What is a higher level of wellness? Of course, a higher level of wellness  implies that your health complaints are resolved or at least improved,  but there are other components that I look for to determine if you have  reached a higher level of wellness:

• Increased energy throughout the day
• Increased mental clarity, intention, or focus
• Increased emotional stability without dullness of emotions
• Increased physical expression and the energy to be creative 

To answer this question, ask yourself what your health and wellness goals are. If you are resigned to "just getting by," and you want to have some help with a recurring headache, but you're not interested in quitting smoking, well, it may be possible to find a remedy you can take to help with the headaches, at least for a while.

Obstacles to Cure - If you want to achieve and maintain good health, homeopathy can often help. But if there are obstacles to cure, you may need to make lifestyle changes for the best results. If you get sinus headaches from smoking, you will have to quit smoking to achieve a higher level of wellness.

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Magic Bullet - Sorry, homeopathy is not always a magic bullet that cures all your ills with one white pill. Although there are situations in which symptoms rapidly resolve, most of the chronic conditions I see in my clients need some healing time.

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The Good News is that homeopathy IS enough to get you started on your health and wellness goals, whatever they are. As you start homeopathic treatment and start to feel better, you may find it easier to make changes that are good for you. You may not feel as stuck in the harmful aspects of your lifestyle.

 When  I recommend a remedy, I tell you the best way to take it, based on my  homeopathic training. I usually use two basic methods of taking a homeopathic remedy: dry and wet. I recommend taking the remedy right before you go to bed, a few minutes after brushing your teeth. 

Just put the little white pellets directly under your tongue and let them dissolve. Pour the pellets from the vial directly into the cap, then throw them under your tongue. Some brands have caps that make this process easier, but it is generally accepted that the pellets shouldn't be handled at all.

Dissolve the pellets in about 1/4 cup of good-quality water and then take medium sips of the solution. Swish the solution around in your mouth for about 10 seconds and then swallow.  Each swish-and-swallow is equivalent to a dry dose, so this is a good way to extend a few pellets when you have a situation such as a sore throat, earache, or headache, and you need to take the remedy several times during the day until you start to feel better. 

An extended wet dose, which is faster-acting but also not as long-lasting as the single dose of the same potency. The frequency and the strength can be adjusted more quickly, but this takes a few trials to get it right.

Follow these instructions for the split dose:

• ​​You'll need an 8-oz (at least) bottle with a lid as your stock bottle.
• Dissolve 3 or 4 pellets of the remedy in 8 oz of water (not tap water) in the stock bottle, and add 30 drops of alcohol preservative, in the form of vodka or brandy. This is your stock, and you should refrigerate it.

Every time you take a dose, do the following:

• Succuss the solution by hitting the stock bottle soundly on the palm of your hand five times
• Pour 1/2 tsp (or an equivalent dropper-full) into 1/4 cup of water in a cup and stir
• Take 1 tsp of the solution in the cup, swish and hold in your mouth for 5-10 seconds, and swallow
• Discard the solution in the cup