Homeopathy FAQs

Is Homeopathy safe with other modes of treatment?

Yes. It is absolutely safe to continue medicines you are currently being prescribed. There is no harm in taking supplements or medications you are dependent on, during the course of the treatment. However, non-essential drugs may be weaned off or gradually discontinued as improvement sets in. (Please click here to view the Benefits of Homeopathy).

Does Homeopathy work on the placebo effect?

No. Though few critics would like to believe so, homeopathic medicines definitely have the ability to cure by producing a curative effect. Mmajority of the cases are not functional derangements, they are reversed pathological or structural changes. The results and the duration in which they have been achieved can be attributed only to this curative effect.

Does homeopathy cure completely?

Yes. However our success rate depends on the extent to which structural or pathological changes have taken place and the nature of the disease.

What are the limitations of homeopathy?

Homeopathy is generally not recommended in cases where risk to life or the condition of the patient exists. Though you may take these medicines concomitantly with conventional medicines, you should avoid taking them at the cost of stopping essential life saving remedies. You should always consult your primary care physician before altering your treatment regimen.

Does homeopathy reverse structural changes?

Yes. A number of conditions mentioned in the Ailments & Treatments list are structural changes and can be easily reverted back to normalcy. However gross pathological changes in our experience can only be palliated and symptomatic relief offered.

Will my condition recur?

After complete treatment ailments usually do not reoccur. However, certain difficult or stubborn cases like allergies, colds, IBS etc. or in other words conditions directly related to the environment, habits, hygiene, and mental well being could occasionally reoccur, however they generally do so with lesser frequency and intensity.

What is the duration of the treatment?

Majority of curable cases can be treated within 3 to 12 months, depending on the disease condition. It is practically impossible to predict a precise period as an individual’s response as well as the extent to which the condition has progressed varies significantly.

Will my condition worsen?

Not really, homeopathically speaking. Occasionally patients may experience an initial increase in the intensity of their complaints, which actually is essential for complete recovery. However, this initial increase in intensity usually lasts only for a few hours to a couple of days, and is usually followed by recovery.

Will Homeopathy suppress my symptoms?
When treated strictly following Homeopathic principles suppression does not take place. However, this may not be true in case where irreversible structural changes have taken place and palliation (temporary relief) is the only way out.

I have recently changed my Homeopath. Will he prescribe the same remedy for my condition as my previous Homeopath did?

Not necessarily. Prescriptions in homeopathy are based on the peculiar signs and symptoms the patient suffers from. Your medical condition may be the same; however your symptoms could have changed over time, or more importantly perceived differently by the new physician. Besides, even if the same remedy is indicated your homeopath has the option of prescribing it in a different strength or potency.

Are individuals with the same medical condition prescribed the same homeopathic remedy?

Not necessarily. Two individuals having the same medical diagnosis may not necessarily have same or similar signs and symptoms. For e.g. two individuals may have the same medical diagnoses of pharangitis (sore throat). However, if one has a sensation of burning in the throat and the other has a sensation of rawness, different remedies may be indicated. Therefore Homeopathy is definitely individualistic. Please refer to Homeopathy – An Introduction.

Are Homeopaths trained to diagnose medical conditions?

Homeopaths in India having the degree LCEH or BHMS or MD undergo practically the same medical training as an MD would do in the US does. Their course includes 4 1/2 years of academic studies and 1 year of hospital internship. They are not only qualified Homeopaths; they may also be classified as General Family Physicians. The major difference is that the Pharmacology is purely Homeopathic. However, they are well acquainted with commonly prescribed allopathic medicines, the knowledge of which is essential, as it helps in differentiating peculiar symptoms from medicinal side-effects.
Homeopathic curriculum other than that in India varies significantly. In the United States majority of the states require a physician to be an MD, only after which can he / she practice Homeopathy. A degree such as ND (Naturopathic Doctor) recognized in certain states in the USA, qualifies an individual to practice this science. Always clarify your doubts with the physician before initiating treatment.

Are laboratory investigations & diagnoses relevant to a Homeopath?

Absolutely. Laboratory investigations help in diagnosing the condition and evaluating improvement. Diagnosing the condition helps in determining the prognosis (future). However, diagnosis does not help in determining the appropriate Homeopathic remedy and is done on the basis of the individualistic signs and symptoms.