Every mother should know about homoeopathy

An American homeopath, Tami Herndon, tells us why every mother should know about homeopathy and where she can get all the relevant information

Q: What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy, like all truly natural therapies, seeks to stimulate the innate healing power of the individual so that all systems function at their best. Homeopathy helps people move toward an optimal level of vitality, and anyone can benefit from it. Homeopathy does not directly treat a condition by killing germs or removing a symptom. Instead, it uses minute doses of natural substances to help activate the process by which the person heals him or herself. Homeopathy treats the individual not the disease. It requires extensive listening and consideration of the whole person - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Classical homeopathy is based on principles formulated by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, who died in 1842.

Q: How did you become interested in becoming a homeopath?

When my son was an infant, he suffered from projectile vomiting. Our pediatrician tried all sorts of treatment but nothing helped. We were referred to a homeopath and in 10 days he was totally fine. At about the same time, his older brother had a severe reaction to his 15-18 month vaccination. His entire torso became covered with painful warts. Once again a simple dose of homeopathic medicine and the warts disappeared. I thought this is powerful healing; I'd like to help people like this too. Within a year, my husband was transferred to Minneapolis and I was able to attend one of the best homeopathic schools in the country.

Q: What should every mother know about homeopathy?

That it's very effective. It's easy to use. It works alongside regular medicines. It takes into account all of the interesting and individualistic characteristics of your very unique child. Our children, and we too, can get stuck in our developmental process and homeopathy can help us get un-stuck. For example, a mother brought her six-year-old boy to see me. He'd been diagnosed with autism and Asperger Syndrome. He spent the whole first session under my desk digging in my carpet; no speech, no eye contact. Four weeks later at his follow-up appointment, he shook my hand and said "Hi, Miss Tami." His mother beamed. Now at eleven years old, he's caught up 100% on social cues and is on level in his main stream school. Another child, a girl with bad asthma, took medicine regularly and ended up in the emergency room 2-3 times a month. Now, four years later, she is a great athlete - swimming and running - with hardly any remaining respiratory symptoms.

Q: What do you most enjoy about your work?

It gives me a "greater good" feeling. I see clearly that my clients have increased vitality, their need for medicine is reduced, and their quality of life is greatly improved. It's also stimulating intellectually; I like to be an information resource. Plus I enjoy the deep interaction I have with my clients, getting to know their different life stores. Sometimes I think I have the best profession in the world!

Q: How can a mother find a homeopath or learn more about it?

Stores like Whole Foods and Sun Harvest carry many homeopathic remedies for first aid and acute home care. Boiron, a well-distributed brand, often has a display of little blue vials - each about the size of a lipstick. For example, you can use Apis for a bee sting, Hypericum for fingers slammed in a door, and Chamomilla for a teething baby who is inconsolable. To learn more, a good resource is Homeopathy for Children by Murray Feldman and Gabrielle Pinto.

For chronic situations, like asthma, arthritis, insomnia, or hormone imbalances, you need to find a good homeopath. It's best to use someone locally so you can meet face-to-face, especially for the first session. However, many homeopaths also use telephone and email to consult with clients. Ask your friends or other natural health care providers for referrals. Two other good resources are The Council of Homeopathic Certification or The National Center for Homeopathy. They both provide search engines to help you find a professional homeopath in your state. Styles of practice vary, so be sure to ask practitioners if they specialize in chronic or acute cases. If they hold another medical certification, confirm that at least 80% of their practice is classical homeopathy.

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