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Q
& A
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Holistic Medicine?
What is Homeopathy?
What is Classical
Homeopathy?
Why Homeopathy?
What does Homeopathy treat?
What are Homeopathic
Medicines?
What is a Homeopathic session
like?
What do I know Homeopathy really
works?
Are Homeopathic medicines safe?
What is the training
of a Naturopathic Doctor?
What is the
training of a skilled Homeopathic Practitioner?
What is the difference
between Naturopathy and Homeopathy?
Can I be on other medicines?
What does Homeopathic treatment cost compared to conventional
or Allopathic medicine?
How long will my treatment last?
Does insurance cover my appointments?
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| What
is Holistic Medicine? |
A Holistic
Medicine, sometimes referred to as Complementary or Alternative
Medicine, is an approach concerned with treating the whole person
- physically, mentally, emotionally. It also recognizes the
importance social and physical environment plays in a person's
health. This system of healing incorporates a wide range of
techniques, including homeopathy.
Throughout medical history, disease has been approached from
two basic points of view. The mechanistic perspective sees disease
as a malfunction of specific body components and the symptoms
as the disease itself. The holistic perspective views disease
as a result of an imbalance of the whole person and the symptoms
as the manifestation of the imbalance. Homeopathy represents
the holistic viewpoint.
As people become aware of conventional medicine's limitations,
they increasingly turn to Homeopathy and other holistic specialties.
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| What
is Homeopathy? |
|
A very
rigorous system of natural medicine, homeopathy appreciates
that within each person there is an innate healing power that
can help restore health - not simply alleviate or suppress
symptoms. This healing power is visible every day when, without
any outside help, our cuts heal and our colds disappear. Homeopathy
powerfully stimulates this healing process to cure illness.
Two hundred years ago the brilliant German physician Samuel
Hahnemann discovered homeopathy's core truth: like cures like.
Conducting extensive medical research, he learned that different
natural substances given in large doses would make healthy
people ill. He then proved that these same substances, specially
prepared and given in small doses, would cure people who were
ill with these very same symptoms.
The total picture of symptoms, especially those that are unique
to and characteristic of the patient, are considered. A remedy
is selected which best corresponds to that total picture.
That remedy then works by augmenting the body's inherent ability
to heal itself.
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| What
is Classical Homeopathy? |
| Classical
Homeopathy is the original medical approach that Dr. Hahneman
founded and developed some two hundred years ago. Based on the
principle Òlike cures like,Ó it employs a single remedy at a
time to treat a spectrum of symptoms. These medicines are specially
prepared at a homeopathic, pharmaceutical laboratory and are
all-natural.
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| Why
Homeopathy? |
Homeopathy
is highly effective for many conditions, including some conditions
which can not be cured by conventional medicine. Moreover
it functions in harmony with the body, gently and with no
side effects. It is even safe for pregnant women and infants.
Almost immediately after Hahneman's discovery, homeopathy
became widely used throughout Europe. Today millions of people
in Europe, India, Latin America and, increasingly, in the
USA and Canada take advantage of homeopathy.
The FDA reports that sales of homeopathic medicine has increased
100% in the past twenty years. According to the British Medical
Journal, nearly half the British population, including the
British Royal Family, see homeopathic physicians.
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| What
does Homeopathy treat? |
Homeopathy
treats most acute and chronic problems. The linked conditions
will take you to a personal case treated by Dr. Goodman-Herrick.
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| What
are Homeopathic Medicines? |
Called
remedies, these are specially prepared by homeopathic pharmaceutical
companies using natural substances, mostly plants and minerals.
Unlike other medicine, homeopathic remedies work on a dynamic
principle of minuscule dosage. Instead of effecting a chemical
change per se, it gives your body the necessary stimulus to
heal itself. Once this occurs, you body's systems gradually
return to balance, which helps you gain strength and resist
disease.
Many basic homeopathic medicines can be found at your local
pharmacy. It is recommended to only purchase medicine that your
homeopathic practitioner or consultant has prescribed.
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| What
Is a Homeopathic session like? |
An extensive
range of questions are asked regarding your physical, emotional,
and mental conditions in the initial interview. Your answers
provide information that allows the doctor to know you as a
complete human being and in turn provide a very precise and
effective treatment plan.
Most of the time, the remedy is given at the conclusion of the
consulting visit. However, sometimes it is necessary to do further
research. In acute cases, the original visit and one follow-up
are usually sufficient. In chronic cases, treatment is a process
over time, depending on individual circumstances. To insure
proper treatment, the Doctor needs to monitor progress and sometimes
adjust or alter doses.
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| How
do I know Homeopathy really works? |
You do
not have to believe in homeopathy; it works with babies and
animals.
You do have to be committed. With your collaboration, the goal
of this practice is to help you attain and maintain the highest
possible level of health.
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| Are
Homeopathic medicine's safe? |
| Yes, they
are completely safe, even for children and pregnant woman. They
are without side-effects.
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| What
is the training of a Naturopathic doctor? |
| Licensed
naturopathic physicians are trained at 4-year, full-time, approved
naturopathic medical schools. They take licensing exams in those
states which license naturopathic doctors. Those states are:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New
Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Puerto Rico also
gives licenses. Presently naturopathic doctors are working on
legislation in a number of states, including New York, to obtain
licensing laws.
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| What
is the training of a skilled Homeopathic practitioner?
|
| Years
of training with master homeopathic mentors and in training
programs. After extensive training, practitioners can take an
exam to become board certified in homeopathy by the Homeopathic
Academy of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Goodman-Herrick is board-certified.
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| What
is the difference between Naturopathy and Homeopathy?
|
| Naturopathic
is a broad umbrella term for many natural healing therapeutics,
such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, hyrdrotherapy, homeopathy
and nutrition
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| Can
I be on other medicines? |
| Yes. There
is no problem with drug interaction. Over time, with successful
treatment, you may be able to decrease or eliminate your other
medication with your prescribing physician's consent.
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| What
does homeopathic treatment cost compared to conventional or
allopathic medicine? |
| Homeopathic
medicines cost a small fraction of what traditional, drug medicine
cost. A container of homeopathic medicine sufficient to last
a whole month costs $6. Sometimes a single dose is all that
is necessary. Most often the cost of homeopathic medicine costs
between $3 and $6 a month.
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| How
long will my treatment last? |
| The length
of treatment varies from person to person. Most often, after
the initial visit, a person is seen once a month for several
months to monitor care. After that visits are on an as-needed
basis.
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| Does
insurance cover my appointments? |
In Connecticut
it often does, depending on your plan's coverage. In NY it does
not. Dr. Goodman-Herrick's office requests that payment be made
at the conclusion of each visit.
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