Questions & Answers

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Homeopathy is a safe, non-toxic and effective system of medicine that originates from Germany more than 200 years ago.  It was developed by a medical doctor, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who discovered through his research that specific substances in nature have the potential to heal if given in low or minute doses while the same substances can cause similar or same symptoms if given in crude form to healthy individuals.  

Through extensive experiments which included testing remedies on healthy and willing human subjects, Dr. Hahnemann developed guidelines that are followed by homeopaths worldwide.  Homeopathy is the most popular alternative system of medicine and, it is used worldwide to treat both acute and chronic medical conditions. 

The guiding principle behind homeopathy is “like treats like”. One example of how the “like treats like” principle is used in conventional medicine:  Allergy Immunotherapy whereby treatment of allergic patients involves introducing small doses of the allergen (such as pollen) to desensitize the patient to the allergens. 

Health Canada recognizes homeopathy as a holistic, health philosophy and practice.  Health Canada regulates homeopathic products as a type of natural health product.  Health Canada reviews homeopathic products to make sure that they are safe and supported by textbooks and other references used in the practice of homeopathy (e.g., pharmacopoeia, Materia medica).

The process of making homeopathic remedy starts from a raw substance such as plants or minerals. A tincture – aka “mother tincture” - is made from these substances after it goes through a process that involves crushing and dissolving in liquid (such as alcohol or water) and mechanical shaking. Further steps are taken to dilute these tinctures and make specific potencies. For example, if 1 part of the mother tincture is mixed with 99 parts of alcohol followed by vigorous/mechanical shaking, the resulting dilution would be 1 C.  

The potency of a remedy is indicated on the medicine. For example, the homeopathic remedy labelled Arnica 6 C means the remedy has been diluted 1:100 six times (with vigorous shaking at each step). From the homeopathic perspective, the higher the potency, the stronger the remedy. Qualified homeopaths determine the potency needed for their patients based on their experience as well as assessment of the patient. 

In Canada, the preparation of homeopathic remedies is standardized.   Homeopathic medicine assessed and licensed by Health Canada have a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) as they are found to be safe, effective and of high quality under their recommended conditions of use.  The final homeopathic product can be in liquid, pellets, creams, gels or tablet form. Details of preparation of any specific remedy, is available in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia.

Yes, homeopathy can absolutely work while a patient is also taking conventional medications.  The homeopathic treatment I provide do not interfere with conventional medications.  The goal of homeopathy is to strengthen our own healing mechanism while going through other treatments which include conventional medication. 

There is plenty of research studies done in the field of homeopathy – the PubMed website, that has biomedical and health related scholarly literature, lists many research studies that   demonstrate the effectiveness of homeopathy. Qualified and experienced researchers from around the world have dedicated their energy into conducting honest and thorough research that show how living systems – including plants, farm animals and, humans – respond to homeopathy. In a few of my blog posts, I mention several scientific studies that demonstrate the validity of homeopathy.  

Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) is a well-respected institute, based in the UK, that is dedicated to promoting high quality research in homeopathy.  HRI was founded by the physicist, Dr. Alexander Tournier, who worked as a researcher at Cancer Research UK (5th institute worldwide for molecular biology).  To learn more about HRI Research, visit https://www.hri-research.org/hri-research/how-do-homeopathic-medicines-work/

Homeopathic remedies begin to work within the body as soon as it is taken.  As each patient’s situation and circumstances are unique, the way the remedies work differs from one individual to the next.  If someone is suffering from a complex condition for many years, the time taken to be healed may be longer than someone with a simpler condition.  My patients usually notice a positive difference right after the first appointment.  

Yes, it works. Homeopathy aims to help an individual achieve optimal health by stimulating their own healing mechanism (immune system, for example) so that their own body can tackle the virus-related problems or viral infection.  

Parents seek out homeopathy for their infants and children because it is safe and gentle. Homeopathy can address many issues – physical, emotional, and behavioural - that infants and children face without causing side-effects and without interference with conventional treatments (if any is taken). 

From my clinical experience, I have seen success with homeopathy in young patients who were expressing behavioural issues such as temper tantrums, phobias, bed-wetting, and ADD.  Also, physical conditions such as colic, tonsillitis, coughs, and fevers in infants and children were alleviated with the use of homeopathy. 

Referral is not needed to see a homeopath. Sometimes doctors, psychotherapists, or other health professionals refer patients to see a homeopath but there is no official process that requires a letter of referral. To book an appointment at this homeopathic clinic located at 846 Wilson Avenue (near Yorkdale Mall), please call 647-784-5715 or email at gentleholistic@gmail.com .  You can also book an appointment via online and, I will contact you to confirm details.  

There are third party insurers that provide coverage for homeopathic services – it depends on your current policy. As homeopathy is currently regulated as a regulated Health Profession in Ontario, individuals who want their policy to cover homeopathy can reach out to their specific insurance companies to ask for coverage.