I feel tremendously privileged to be able to introduce this wonderful method of healing that is called homeopathy. It is simple, effective -and also miraculous. I began my studies in homeopathy after witnessing the profound effects it had on my personal well-being and that of my family. As it healed small things, I saw a much greater influence on the dynamics of the family as a whole. As each of us individually felt stronger and healthier, the family dynamics changed and life became 'smoother'. When difficulties arose, together we moved quickly through them, without becoming 'stuck'.

The founder of modern homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, was frustrated with the medical practice of his day, so he began by investigating the idea of Hippocrates known as the "way of similars". Hahnemann, while working as a medical textbook translator, stumbled upon a written explanation of quinine (cinchona bark) stating that its effectiveness against malaria is due to its 'bitter qualities.' He started taking it himself, two to three times a day. The symptoms he developed, fever, chill, and perspiration, were strangely similar to the symptoms of intermittent malaria. Once he stopped taking it, the symptoms stopped. Contemplating the principle of 'like cures like", he continued to experiment with natural substances, taking them himself and with volunteers, recording with precise clarity each symptom that would arise.

Why was he so excited by this discovery? It provided a sound basis for the selection of medicines. Medicines that could cause symptoms in a healthy person, could be used to cure the same symptoms in the sick. Later, he overcame the obstacle to self-poisoning by dilution and "succussion," (shaking vigorously), so the remaining substance is rendered harmless and non-toxic. His research was with human volunteers. Never did he rely on victimizing a helpless animal.

What exactly is happening here? Let's say we were to get a bruised leg as a result of an accidental fall. We would find a natural substance that in large doses could cause a bruised sensation and bleeding under the skin, such as Arnica, a composite flower. If Arnica could speak to us, it would say it loves living on mountaintops in the soil of a decaying peat moor, torn apart by the insect life that feeds on it underground and on its crown leaves. This wonderful plant withstands much trauma from above and below.

Arnica is sometimes called the "aspirin" of homeopathy. The symptomology of Arnica includes bruising from blows or falls as well as muscle and nerve pain. Homeopathic doses of Arnica will heal these. Mentally, there is a particular type of obstinacy in Arnica, as if to say, " I can survive, I am indispensable". Therefore if you did not want me to fuss over your injury, yet felt bruised, torn or battered all over, I would give Arnica for a speedy recovery.

When a baby is in pain it can be overwhelming, especially for sleep deprived parents! In the case of one very young client, I was asked to find a remedy for a particular type of crying. In the Merck Manual, 'colic' is defined as "a symptom complex of early infancy characterized by paroxysms of apparent abdominal pain and irritability". I wondered why this 'complex of symptoms' was treated conventionally by chasing one symptom after another, rather than taking the whole child into account including the fears, expressions, cravings, desires, and even the vast array of different physical signs. Unfortunatly, this little client's mother had been advised that her milk was "no good" and was the cause of the 'colic'.

In the case of an infant or child, the visual cues I get are essential. I watch the interaction between parent and child as well as consider what are the expected norms of development. Through careful detective work, I found that this infant preferred to be carried in a particular way — with hard pressure to the abdomen — and became angry if not held this way. You may have seen babies being carried draped across the arm of a parent in a folded position so that all the pressure is on the stomach. It is unusual to feel better lying on a painful part, but this baby was better each time firm pressure was applied to her abdomen. If not held this way, she would bend at the hips, push her knees into her abdomen and belt an angry cry. If placed over the arm or on top of her parent's shoulder, she became calm. The baby could not tell me she had 'cramping' pains so I observed the physical clues: clutching hands and toes. By the time an infant is 8 months old, the neonatal reflexes disappear, so this was not a reflex. Anger, amelioration from pressure on the abdomen, and cramping pains, are keynote symptoms of Colocynthis, the gourd plant. (In biblical times, Colocynthis was used as a purgative.) For this infant, I chose the remedy Colocynthis, and with two doses, she returned to her friendly self while her mother happily resumed nursing.

Homeopathy is very useful for a wide range of ages and conditions. It is very helpful for speeding recovery of illnesses such as a cold or flu. It may be helpful for an injury or first aid. I offer workshops to teach a basic knowledge of useful remedies for speedy relief of such simple situations.

Homeopathy is effective for conditions that do not respond to conventional treatment and for chronic conditions, or situations in which you have never been well since a particular illness. During consultations, I use my skill as a practitioner not to just hear you, but to really listen to what makes your pain, depression, sleeplessness, fears, or headaches distinctive, because not all persons experience the same sensations! More chronic conditions deserve in-depth analysis in private consultation before a remedy can be found.

For me, homeopathic healing involves a passionate wonder and appreciation for all natural elements in life, including the unique elements of an individual's life. When studying the hundreds of remedies in our material medica, I listen with the same intensity to the voices of the plants, minerals and elements with the ultimate goal of matching a remedy that resonates with you as an individual to bring back vitality and health!

(Learn more at Deborah's website: www.medica.ws;   Or Visit her A.R.E. of New York Edgar Cayce Center : Practitioner page]