Tag: Health

The Dual Language of Holistic and Conventional Practices

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

As a practitioner specializing in holistic nutrition, I am committed to integrating alternative medicine into my comprehensive approach.

While I recognize the invaluable role of conventional medicine and adopt it when necessary, I also fully embrace the principles of holistic healing. In my view, each approach has a unique place and time.

I chose to become a holistic nutrition consultant because I firmly believe in the healing power of food. 

It goes beyond simply consuming any type of food; I emphasize the importance of selecting the right kinds, with a focus on high-quality, organically grown produce.

While the detrimental effects of processed foods and chemical additives may not manifest immediately, the long-term effects can adversely affect the body over time.

Quoting the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as ‘The Father of Medicine’, I strongly resonate with the idea that:

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food – All diseases begin in the gut

This philosophy guides my holistic approach to health and wellness.

I generally prefer a gentle approach to the body, avoiding invasive measures and minimizing the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

If I experience a mild headache, I won’t immediately reach for the cabinet in search of Advil. I prefer to let my body manage it naturally, exploring alternative methods of relief first. If these natural approaches prove ineffective, pharmaceutical options are still available.

There are numerous natural ways to address such discomfort.

One of these is Homeopathy.

Homeopathy tends to have a negative reputation, particularly in the United States, more so than in Europe and is widely discredited by the scientific community today. It is frequently labeled as quackery medicine.

Let’s delve into the history of homeopathy.

Homeopathy is a medical system established by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann at the end of the 18th century.

The Doctor Samuel Hahnemann Memorial stands in Washington DC among many other monuments, as historical reminders of its past prominence.

Why was a monument dedicated to him? Because, in the past, homeopathy was indeed a more respected form of medicine than it is today.

There were homeopathic institutions and hospitals spread across the USA. Homeopathy was introduced to the USA by Hans Burch Gram in 1825 and developed significantly through the immigration of German homeopaths. The first homeopathic medical college was established in Allentown, PA, in 1835.

Understanding this historical context provides a more nuanced perspective on the evolution of Homeopathy and its role in healthcare.

Founded on the principle of “like cures like,” homeopathy utilizes various substances derived from the plant, animal, and mineral kingdoms to stimulate healing responses to diseases by administering substances that mimic the symptoms of those diseases in healthy people.

These substances undergo a process called potentization, involving repeated dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking between dilutions).

In some instances, the dilution is carried out to the point where there is minimal or almost none of the original substance remaining. This is where skepticism from both the scientific community and the general population tends to arise, and I fully understand why.

The belief in homeopathy suggests that the more a substance is diluted in this manner, the greater its potency in treating symptoms.

I am perhaps one of the most skeptical holistic practitioners you might encounter. I’m hesitant to adopt a remedy simply because someone insists it’s effective or worked for them. Most of the time, I require personal experience or evidence from close family members before considering it. However, if multiple reports and well-studied cases support its efficacy, I am open to listening and giving it a try.

I value facts. While it is helpful and interesting to have an explanation for everything, I don’t believe it’s right to dismiss a case, or worse, label it as quackery, simply because it is not currently understood. Especially when there are numerous clinical cases that have demonstrated its efficacy.

Homeopathy may appear scientifically implausible, but it could be a limitation of our current scientific understanding. It may be beyond the reach of current scientific methods to prove or fully comprehend it at this time.

I hold high hopes for the future contributions of Quantum Physics and Quantum Mechanics to elucidate what current scientific understanding cannot. I have a sense that the efficacy of homeopathy will eventually be comprehended and explained through these evolving fields.

Numerous historical instances showcase the evolution of new ideas, such as Geocentrism, the Big Bang Theory, and the Germ Theory. Initially met with skepticism or dismissal, these concepts were eventually validated, contributing significantly to advancements in science and understanding.

Conversely, beliefs once deemed accurate were later proven erroneous. Bloodletting as a Medical Practice, once widely accepted, was later recognized as ineffective and potentially harmful. Similarly, DDT as a Pesticide, initially considered safe and effective, proved harmful in the long run, posing environmental and health risks. The belief that consuming spicy foods caused stomach ulcers was debunked with the identification of the bacterial cause (H. pylori).

These instances highlight the imperfection of science. Science is an evolving process, and accepted truths may change as knowledge deepens and methodologies improve. This emphasizes the importance of continual reassessment and openness to new discoveries.

I look forward to the day when either science or metaphysics can offer comprehensive explanations.

Even if the efficacy of homeopathy is, at times, attributed to the placebo effect (which hasn’t been definitively proven thus far), I am entirely comfortable with that possibility.

Let me elaborate on why.

The placebo effect is incredibly fascinating and can have considerable power in terms of healing. However, there’s no on/off switch in your body that you can activate whenever needed.

But if Homeopathy or other natural therapies like self-hypnosis, meditation, or aromatherapy can act like a ‘switch,’ I’m willing to explore their potential!

Your mind can be a powerful healing tool when given the chance. Science has found that under the right circumstances, a placebo can be just as effective as traditional treatments.

A placebo is often employed in clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of treatments and is commonly utilized in drug studies. Randomized double-blind placebo control (RDBPC) studies are considered the “gold standard” of epidemiologic studies.

There are documented instances of individuals who have experienced self-healing through the placebo effect.

Returning to homeopathic medicine, I sense that there is much more to understand about how homeopathy works and its efficacy.

It seems particularly effective in addressing mild acute symptoms with children and animals — two categories unaware of the placebo effect and with fewer mental barriers.

Perhaps I won’t be alive when a comprehensive explanation emerges, but I hope to stick around long enough to witness that moment.

I’m aware that this perspective might be controversial and not appreciated by everyone, but I wanted to share my thoughts on it.

I utilize homeopathy in a more superficial and limited capacity, specifically for mild conditions that don’t necessitate serious medical attention. I wouldn’t consider using homeopathy to treat infections or other severe health issues.

Despite the controversy, I believe Hahnemann and Homeopathy deserve fair consideration.

Wishing everyone good health and kindness to their bodies.

*This article was originally published on Medium.com

Medical Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. The information presented in this article is not intended to offer medical advice but is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be seen as a replacement for professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals.

Products labeled as homeopathic and currently marketed in the U.S. have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any diseases or conditions.