THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOMEOPATHY

There are many types of Homeopathy currently used by Homeopaths around the world.  Below is a short description of the the more popular types.  

ACUTE HOMEOPATHY
The condition you are treating has either just started or it is not more than a day to a month old.  The flu, chicken pox or a sports injury are examples. 

The information needed to find the right remedy is:
Did the problem begin after an event or does it have a cause?  i.e., I woke up with a headache after a stressful week of long hours at work, too much coffee and eating too much fast food.  Or, I suddenly developed a headache after a disagreement with my husband.  
What are the symptoms?  i.e., My head is throbbing on the left side and I'm feeling nauseous. 
What are the modalities?  This means, What makes it worse or better and is there a time or situation that affects it.  i.e., My headache is worse in bright lights and when I hear loud noises.  It was there when I woke up this morning.
Are there any changes emotionally and/or mentally since the condition began?
i.e., I have been really irritable and impatient when people want to talk to me.  I've snapped at my wife this morning.  I'm normally not like that.  

CLINICAL HOMEOPATHY
This is Homeopathy used for a condition you've had for a long time.  We call the condition chronic.  Reflux, arthritis, panic attacks, depression or migraines are chronic conditions.  We basically ask the same questions that we did in an Acute case.  This type of treatment generally deals with only the one condition. 

CONSTITUTIONAL HOMEOPATHY
This is also called Classical Homeopathy.  The Homeopath wants to know everything about you.  It is much more holistic in nature than the Clinical approach.  The following are just a few of the questions you will be asked.
What are the physical symptoms that you are experiencing?  What are the modalities and causes of each of those symptoms?  
Who are you emotionally?  How do you feel and react in certain situations?
How are your mental faculties (concentration, memory, etc.)?  
How are you sleeping?
How is your appetite?  What are your favorite foods and what foods do you hate?
How is your energy level?  How are your periods?  How is your sex drive?  Are you happy with your job, your mate and/or your life?
We collect a history on parents and grandparents.  We want to know about your birth and childhood.
The average case takes one to three hours, depending on the Homeopath and his style.  
The goal is to find one remedy that captures your essence completely and not only helps the physical conditions but deals with the underlying causes so that it will not reappear in another form.  The correct remedy will help you to feel a peace of mind and balance.  You will be more able to go after the type of life you desire.


COMBINATION REMEDY HOMEOPATHY
A combination remedy usually contains six to thirty remedies in each tablet.  It is sometimes referred to as a "shot-gun" approach.  There hasn't been a real case taken.  But, the bottle labeled "Arthritis" is bound to have at least one remedy in it that will at least improve your symptoms.  The theory is that the energy of the remedies that are not needed just falls away.  As a Classical Homeopath I don't agree with this theory but I would rather someone with a sinus infection try this before an antibiotic.  I also believe that the formulas with the fewer remedies are better.  This makes Homeopathy accessible to everyone.  Combination remedies are now available in CVS, Whole Foods and most health food stores.  

The next post will be What Are Provings?