For FAQs about Sustainable Care Solutions Homeopathic Treatment

GENERAL FAQs

What is Homeopathy?

The National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine explain:

Homeopathy, also known as Homeopathic Medicine, is a whole medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago and has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century. Thousands of doctors trained as homeopaths, and used homeopathy, after they could no longer use conventional medicines to treat their patients who just kept getting sicker.

Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that differs from conventional or allopathic medicine in very specific ways. One main difference is that instead of diagnosing, labeling and treating a particular disease or ailment, the homeopath looks at the whole person and takes everything about them into consideration in order to select a remedy (medicine) that matches their symptoms most closely. Also taken into consideration is how the client looks at their individual situation and life in general.

Remedies are made from natural substances (plants, minerals and animal) and are prepared in a way that removes all material substance while releasing the energy of the substance. Only small doses are given to help stimulate the body's own ability to bring itself back into balance towards healing.

This system was developed by. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and translator of medical books in the early 19th century. It is based on his synthesis of various principles and scientific understandings of medicine he learned when translating medical texts from as far back as the days of Hippocrates, who is called the Father of Medicine.

Homeopathy can safely be used to stimulate your natural healing power to restore health and wellbeing in all manner of diseases and conditions. It is completely painless and it is so safe it can be used by pregnant women and babies.

What is Sustainable Care Solutions?

It's a completely new and unique Homeopathy service. The consultations are all done via the phone at your convenience. Your customized homeopathic remedy is then sent to your home, with individualized instructions, to gently treat whatever ailments you have, restore your health, reduce stress and increase longevity. There are no side effects, no needles, no manipulations and cracking, no costly additional purchases of supplements or blood tests.

It may sound incredible, but taking this approach will actually save you money. Recent research shows that professional homeopathic care can decrease your health insurance costs and out of pocket medical expenses and supplements by up to $1,033.20 dollars a year and has a 79.8% success rate.*

(*Based on an extensive survey of over 1200 patients supervised by Dr. Iris Bell and Dr. Todd Rowe.)

What is Suppression and Why Do Homeopaths Think it is Dangerous?

Melissa Burch comments: "I am always concerned when I hear the stories that someone is getting worse while they are taking their conventional medications. Even more upsetting are the clients who tell me that a particular medicine made them ill, when, before they took it, they felt relatively well. The scariest stories I hear are when there is a history of more and more medical interventions, which have left people feeling completely disabled. In Homeopathy this kind of treatment is recognized for what it is, a dangerous suppression of symptoms rather than a cure."

Is Homeopathy Different From Other Alternative Medicine Like Acupuncture, Naturopath, Chiropractic And Herbalism?

Yes, although people often get confused and think they are the same. Acupuncture follows the philosophy of Chinese medicine and uses needles on targeted areas of the body to stimulate energy healing. Herbalism uses only plant sources, employing extracts that contain material substances. Homeopathy uses plant, mineral and animal sources and has a special method of preparing remedies that removes all material substance. Hence, homeopathic remedies made from source materials considered poisonous can be safely ingested.
Homeopathy is a totally natural approach to healthcare that involves:

• No needles
• No bone cracking
• No dangerous chemicals or herbs that can possibly harm your body
• No prescriptions that may be withdrawn from the market tomorrow due to some "unforeseen" side effects
• No supplements or nasty tasting herbal teas
• No extensive tests that are painful and make you worry while waiting for results
• No expensive supplements that you are not sure what is doing what

What Does Homeopathy Treat?

Homeopathy treats every kind of condition known to mankind: physical problems, emotional problems, mental problems. It even treats what we could call today "spiritual" problems, where people feel out of sync with their place in the world. Both acute (usually sudden, having a beginning, middle and end) and chronic (deeper, harder to shift long term conditions that have often come slowly over time) can be treated homeopathically.

What Are The Benefits Of Homeopathy?

There are many. Not only do the remedies work to clear the troublesome symptoms but they go back to the root of the problem, so that it is eliminated totally. It does so in a gentle, safe way using natural substances that are taken in small amounts for short periods of time. Along with no side effects as often seen in conventional medicine, homeopathy is also cost effective and non-addictive.

Who Can Use Homeopathy?

Homeopathy can be used by everyone, at every stage of their development: pregnant women, babies, children, men and women and the elderly. In fact, homeopathic treatment can even be used safely on animals. Remember the remedies are made from natural substances, in a strict process that eliminates the initial material substance so that even recognized "poisons" such as Arsenic and Belladonna can be safely used--and with no inherent side effects.

What Does Homeopathic Treatment Entail?

Enroll now with Sustainable Care Solutions where you can pour out your soul to your homeopath in a one to two hour initial consultation. Your homeopath will help you go to a level where you connect your physical sensations with your mental and emotional experiences so that a homeopathic remedy can be found that will bring you into balance, reduce significantly the intensity and frequency of your pains and eventually open opportunities to live your life fully.

During this initial interview, you will be given adequate time and space to speak freely and in detail about your presenting problem(s), including how they affect your life. In addition, you will be asked some questions about other aspects of who you are, i.e. your eating habits, sleeping habits, likes, dislikes, family history, etc. The more information the homeopath is given about you, the easier it will be to match you with the most appropriate remedy. A follow-up consultation takes usually 20-30 minutes, unless a new symptom arises or more information is required to better match a remedy.

Where Do The Remedies Come From?

Homeopathic remedies are made from taking tiny amounts of natural substances - for example, the leaves or stems or flowers from plants, a feather or sputum or milks of an animal, or from particles of minerals such as iron, salt, gold, and copper. Remedies are made by special homeopathic pharmacies according to the method and standards developed by the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. (The word used for this process is potentization. See "Explanation of terms" for details.)

How Do You Take The Remedies?

The remedies are usually taken in a different way than regular medicines. They can be in either pellet or liquid form depending on the way your homeopath believes is best for you and your individual situation. Instead of just swallowing like with ordinary medicine, homeopathic remedies are either taken by placing the pellet under the tongue to melt or, if liquid, held in the mouth for a short time. This allows for a gentle introduction into your system.

It is only in rare situations that you have to take the remedy for long periods of time. In most cases you only need one or a few doses. That is one of the beauties of homeopathy.

What Can I Expect To Happen After Taking A Remedy?

This, too, is individual. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well-being and optimism. With some, occasionally symptoms appear to get worse for a short time. This is actually a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. With others, sometimes a cold, a rash or some form of discharge will appear. This, too, is a good sign that your body is cleaning. It could also happen that symptoms you have had in the past might come back, usually for a short period. This will pass and must not be treated as it is an important part of the healing process.

In the event that no change is noticed, a change in selection of remedy or in potency might be necessary. Sometimes, changes are so subtle that it isn't until a follow-up visit that the client realizes that one has taken place. We, as individuals, seemingly have lost our ability and skills in awareness, keeping track of our own bodies and understanding our own healing processes. Homeopathy aims to empower clients so that they can become more active in their healing journey

If Homeopathic Remedies Can Be Bought In A Health Food Store, Why Go To A Homeopath?

While you may think you can figure out what remedy you need, homeopathy is actually more complicated. Over the counter remedies may be of some help for acute and minor problems, but if you have a chronic or serious condition you definitely need to see a trained homeopath for proper treatment. Sometimes finding the appropriate over the counter remedy is confusing. It also can help to know the differences among remedies that seem to refer to similar states. Health food stores are limited in the number and potency (strength) of remedies they sell Your particular situation might require something that you cannot pinpoint accurately and/or easily find over the counter.

What If I Am On Prescribed Medication Already?

You can still be treated homeopathically. The remedies will not interfere. Any medications prescribed by your physician, however, should be dealt with only by your physician. It is hoped that your dependence on those medications will lessen as homeopathic treatment brings you more into balance. Any changes in your prescribed medication should only be made by your physician.

How Long Does Homeopathic Treatment Take?

For most conditions it takes 1-3 months to see significant changes. If there has been significant medical treatment (surgery, extensive medications, etc.) than it can take up to 6 months. In order to know how to use your homeopathic remedy for all future situations, Inner Health recommends you work with your homeopath for six months. In an acute or First Aid situation the remedy will act very quickly--usually within 15 minutes you will notice a change.

How Does the Homeopathic Remedy Work?

Not only do the homeopathic remedies work to clear the troublesome symptoms but they go back to the root of the problem, so that it is eliminated totally. It does so in a gentle, safe way using natural substances that are taken in small amounts for short periods of time. Along with no side effects as often seen in conventional medicine, homeopathy is also cost effective and non-addictive.

Is Homeopathy Expensive?

No, particularly in comparison to the cost of conventional medicine. Unfortunately, in many countries alternative medicine is not covered by health insurance. Homeopathic remedies cost less than a few cents per dose and are not taken as often or for as long as prescribed drugs. The only major cost is the practitioner's services. The first visit will be the most expensive since one to two hours is devoted to the initial interview. Follow-up visits are shorter, generally infrequent, and much less costly.

The first consultation can be anywhere from $200-$1,000 depending on the geographical area, expertise and costs of the homeopath. Most homeopaths will work with a client to develop an appropriate fee schedule.

You can save over a $1000 a year in reduction of medications and supplements when you use homeopathy as your primary care plan according to 2008 Study by Dr. Iris Bell and Dr. Todd Rowe.

How Often Do I Have To See A Homeopath?

After the initial consultation, normally you would see a homeopath for a follow-up visit about 4-6 weeks after the first follow-up and starting to take your remedy. Sometimes more follow ups may be needed if a remedy change is called for and/or the condition or a new condition requires additional treatment. After the initial five follow-ups, one would continue to see their homeopath as needed, depending on their unique situation (remember everyone is an individual). After six months follow ups might be monthly, once every six months, annually and/or whenever something new comes up. Because homeopathy works subtly, sometimes a client will not realize their symptom is gone until they have a follow up. It is interesting how easily a pain or problem is forgotten once it is resolved.

How Are Homeopaths Trained?

That too is a question that has a variety of answers. Much depends on the background, education and skill of the homeopath. Before schools were created, there were apprenticeships with mentors and/or study groups of interested, like-minded persons. These still exist but now there are schools of varying length, in-depth seminars, graduate level courses, and more. Some conventionally trained medical practitioners can take post-graduate courses while others may initially opt for a full training at a school which could take four to five years to complete.

It is important that you ask your homeopath about their experience and credentials. Taking a weekend course or attending a few seminars is not good enough, even for a trained physician, and should be questioned. Trained homeopaths usually have letters after their name indicating their education and/or professional certification. Be sure to ask what these letters stand for. The most recognized certification process in the United States is from the Council of Homeopathic Certification. The letters, CCH, would indicate that the homeopath understands the methodology, philosophy and essential knowledge required to practice as a professional. As yet, however, certification is not mandatory so not every homeopath has this additional credential.

Because of the nature of homeopathy, new methods, remedies, insights and understandings come up each year, and it is important for homeopaths to continue their education to keep up with new developments. Always ask your homeopath how they were trained and how they are keeping up with new information.

Inner Health has been educating homeopaths for over six years extensively based on a strong clinical experience. All our Master Homeopaths have over 10 years of experience, certified, and maintain their expertise through on-going courses.

Where Can I Find A Homeopathic Practitioner?

Inner Health has homeopaths available immediately to treat most cases over the phone. Because the rules and regulations for practicing homeopathy differ in each state, it is sometimes difficult to find a homeopath you can see in person. There are currently less than 400 Certified Homeopaths in the United States. No matter where you locate a practitioner, always make sure you find out what their training has been and how much clinical experience they have.

Are There Different Types Of Practitioners Of Homeopathy?

There are various ways that different practitioners practice homeopathy. There are even many who call themselves homeopaths when they might only use homeopathic remedies occasionally and in conjunction with other treatments. This may cause confusion to many patients. (Inner Health practitioners are Classical homeopaths and use a specific method that they have found to have a deeper and longer-lasting result.) NOTE: all symptoms at every stage are only the tip of the iceberg and it is through our symptoms that we need to treat the whole state.

• Classical - using only one homeopathic remedy at a time to treat the whole person in a dynamic way, following the philosophy and tenets of the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Inner Health highly advises seeking a Classical Homeopath for homeopathic treatment who specializes in the Sensation Method, a unique combination of both classical and modern homeopathic methods.
• Naturopaths - using homeopathic remedies along with other herbs and tonics to stimulate the body into its own healing ability.
• Complex - using a combination of homeopathic remedies made into one substance.

Is Homeopathy Used Outside Of The USA?

Homeopathy is known world-wide. While growing in popularity in the USA, homeopathy actually is more well known and utilized in other countries. In Europe, for example, almost all countries have practicing homeopaths. In fact, in the United Kingdom there are actually homeopathic hospitals and even the Royal Family is known to favor homeopathic treatment. In India, homeopathy is probably used as much as conventional medicine. Homeopathy is part of the national health system in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, India, among others. You can also find homeopaths in Latin and South America as well as in Australia, New Zealand and former Soviet Union countries. It is not as well-known in Africa and China but is beginning to be used there as well.

How Can I Learn More About Homeopathy?

The Homeopathy Basic Course is an ideal way to begin to learn homeopathy and begin to use remedies for simple ailments like colds, coughs, flue, etc. For more information go to: http://www.innerhealth.us/for-homeopaths/homeopathy-basic-course.html

Inner Health offers courses for the beginner to experienced homeopath. Visit www.innerhealth.us/for-homeopaths/index.html to learn what Inner Health is currently offering. There are many books, websites, lectures and classes offered in all parts of the country. You can check local newspapers for classes and/or look online. Most bookshops and health food stores have books relating to homeopathy. Some of the more common ones for beginners are:

Steven Cummings and Dana Ullman, Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine.This book covers homeopathic history, principles, and practical methodology along with home care measures and appropriate homeopathic medicines for a wide variety of acute conditions.

Timothy R. Dooley, N.D., M.D., Homeopathy Beyond Flat Earth Medicine. This book is an excellent introduction to homeopathy - what it is, how it differs, when to use it, what to expect, how to get results.

Miranda Castro, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook.A brief introduction to the history and philosophy of homeopathy. The main part of the book focuses on treating common acute conditions. It is very readable for the beginner. (Miranda also has an excellent guide for Pregnancy and Childbirth as well). Similar to Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine (see above).

Dana Ullman, Homeopathic Medicine for the 21st Century. Very thorough and exact. Well worth reading. If you want one book to have by you - this might be the one.

George Vithoulkas, Homeopathy: Medicine of the New Man. A good introduction to the homeopathic philosophy.

Richard Moskowitz, MD, Homeopathic Medicine for Pregnancy And Childbirth.

What About the Skeptics Who Claim Homeopathy is Quakery?

Homeopathy is wonderfully safe because it uses tiny doses. Skeptics criticize homeopathy because the homeopathic remedies are based on nano-pharmacology. They cannot understand how micro, non-material doses can work, yet these same skeptics happily use remote controls to change the channels of their TVs and open their car doors. These "quack busters" are scientifically ignorant, stuck in a simplistic, Newtonian 7th grade version of the sciences, while true scientists have been moving forward in leaps and bounds.

Renowned Material Scientists, including Dr. Rustum Roy, have proven without a doubt that homeopathic remedies can communicate to the body by emitting light and heat. Meta Clinical Trials including NIH trials have proven Homeopathy works.

The skeptics are actively encouraged by pharmaceutical companies, sometimes using financial means, because Big Pharma sees the huge popularity of Homeopathy worldwide as a direct threat to their market share. They are desperate to stop Homeopathy and to dissuade the public from trying one of the most successful healing modalities available today.

The healthiest mind is an open mind...

As an independent thinker you will quickly discover, with a little further research, that homeopathy has a significant, centuries-old, history of successfully treating not only major epidemics including cholera, typhoid, scarlet fever and the flu, but also innumerable chronic diseases.

It may also surprise you to learn that an international market research company, Global TGI, has found large numbers of people throughout the world trust in Homeopathy ranging from 63% in India to 27% in Germany. In India (where it is a major part of their health system) 1 in 10 consumers have consulted a homeopath in the last year.

Even more impressive is the fact that there has never been a recall of a single Classical Homeopathic Remedy by the FDA, which regulates homeopathic remedies. The remedies are made from natural ingredients--totally green and sustainable products-- that cause no harm to the environment or animals. In fact they are only ever tested on human volunteers. They are sweet tasting and dissolve easily in the mouth--even babies love them!