Why is it said that homeopathy does not help? Why are homeopaths not convinced by the results of clinical trials? How to give homeopathic granules to young children

Homeopathy is one of the most discussed medical methods, which has both its devoted supporters and equally fierce critics.

"The author drank poison"

The history of homeopathy began in 1791, when its author, Samuel Hahnemann literally "drank yada". Not the most successful doctor with a difficult fate, he traveled around Europe for a long time, learned several languages, worked as a librarian for a Transylvanian baron, taught languages, accompanied doctors during their practice, but recognition did not come to him.

While translating medical books, he came across a reference to the symptoms of cinchona bark poisoning. Quinine in small doses at that time was just beginning to be used to treat malaria. Hahnemann, on the other hand, drew attention to the fact that cinchona poisoning is very similar in symptoms to malaria.

Then Samuel decided to try large dose quinine on yourself. Everything fit together: trembling without chills, thirst, dullness of the senses, stiff joints, numbness - all these symptoms were also present in malaria, which Hahnemann himself had once contracted. So he came to the ancient medical principle of treating like with like. He decided that the same substance in different proportions can both heal and cripple.

It is worth saying that Hahnemann was not a pioneer in this, both Hippocrates and Paracelsus were guided in their practice by the same principle. However, it was Hahnemann who managed to develop this principle to the point that he created an entire branch of alternative medicine on its basis.
On quinine, Hahnemann did not stop and began to try different poisons on himself. He tried 60 different substances on himself, which were later included in his four-volume Pure Pharmaceutical Science.

Homeopathy today cannot be considered a full-fledged component of modern medicine, since it does not have a serious evidence base, does not meet the requirements of an educated, thinking, analyzing doctor of any practice. (V.A. Chipizubov, neurosurgeon) The principle of ultra-low doses, discovered by Hahnemann, is perceived with great skepticism by today's medicine. The thing is that the substance is diluted in such proportions that not a single molecule of the original substance remains in the final composition according to the Avagadro number. Homeopaths have only one answer to these arguments: the memory of water.

It is difficult to go against such a convincing argument in its unprovability, although it is not entirely clear why water should “remember” exactly the original substance, and not thousands of other impurities and chemical elements carried in the air or that were once in the water supply system (let’s imagine for a second “the purest " water pipes early XIX century). By the way, experiments conducted in 2005 by Dr. Cowan showed that water molecules can indeed form a molecular metastructure, but it lasts much less than a second.

Birth of a cult

Nevertheless, Hahnemann's technique eventually began to acquire the features of a real cult. Traditional doctors, whom Hahnemann contemptuously called allopaths (from a combination of the words "other" and "disease") Hahnemann hated. Pharmacists also hated him. This is not surprising - both of them lost considerable profits from the appearance of homeopathy. The hated Hahnemann with a bag full of poisonous substances began to wander around Europe.

The effectiveness of homeopathy was demonstrated by Hahnemann during the epidemic of cholera and typhus that swept through Europe. Hahnemann was on horseback. In his clinic, each patient was welcomed kind word, asked about life, children and the weather - Hahnemann was sure that each patient needed an individual approach, therefore he was both a psychologist and a brother for the sick. Of course, crowds of people went to his clinic. The alternative was to go to traditional doctors who treated with bloodletting, harsh laxatives, mercury, and red-hot forceps.

Now homeopathy is the destiny of people who are either afraid of doctors, or disillusioned with classical, university medicine, or simply desperate (V.A. Chipizubov, neurosurgeon)

Healthy skepticism and the Russian nobility

Traditional medicine even today refers to homeopaths as sectarians, even despite the fact that homeopathy was not given due credit by the most last people. AT Russia XIX centuries, Hahnemann's teaching was not even a fashion, but a craze, albeit not without its persecutors. Representatives of the upper classes of Russian society were delighted with the obscure language of homeopathy, all these flies and flying ointments, which then seemed to be the secret language of alchemy. A perennial family practice homeopathic treatment emphasized a kind of belonging to secret circles.

In "War and Peace" there is a lot of evidence of the addictions of the Russian nobility to homeopathic medicine. Even Tolstoy's eternal ideological opponent Dostoevsky paid attention to her. “Homeopathic parts, after all, can be the strongest,” the writer says through the mouth of one of his heroes. The path from the persecutor of homeopaths to their most faithful supporter was Vladimir Dal, who cured even eye diseases with homeopathic methods.

But homeopathy cannot be completely dismissed and forgotten. There are many, albeit scattered, cases when people recovered after treatment with homeopathic remedies. placebo? - Maybe. Taking into account the fact that any product must be at least non-toxic, when recommending homeopathy, the doctor follows the minimum, but at the same time the main principle of medicine - do no harm. Here is such a "convenient thing" - homeopathy. (V.A.Chipizubov, neurosurgeon).

Homeopathy remains a mystery. Doctors are convinced that it's all about the placebo effect, children love homeopathy for the possibility of healing with small sweet peas, and adults who are convinced of their life experience that the world is not always the abode of logic and common sense, they simply believe in a miracle.

All 200 years of its existence, homeopathy was persecuted by representatives of traditional medicine. Its foundations were made fun of, and any effect was considered accidental. Suddenly, the American Drug Control Association (FDA) announces hearings on April 21-22 this year to collect information and peer review the effectiveness of homeopathy. Is this a chance to go beyond traditional direction? Does homeopathy help or is it just a placebo effect?

The triumphant start of homeopathy

The concept of similia similibus curentur - like cures like - was put forward in 1796 by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. While studying a treatise on the treatment of malaria with cinchona, Hahnemann decided to test this remedy for himself. However, he was perfectly healthy. The result of the experiment was fever, joint pain and fever - characteristic manifestations malaria. This turn led to the assumption that effective medicines provoke in healthy people the symptoms of the disease, from which these drugs, in fact, are taken. Based on this theory, Hahnemann proposed treatment with negligible doses of drugs that provoke symptoms of the disease in large doses. This is how homeopathy appeared, which immediately gathered an army of fans.

Europe and Russia were captivated by the new method of treatment. In 1825, the news of homeopathy reached the shores of America, and 10 years later the first school of homeopaths opened there. The 20th century greeted the technique no less enthusiastically. The Germans bowed to her and invested huge sums in research. Homeopathic pharmacies, magazines, and even the Society of Homeopaths appeared in Tsarist Russia. But after the revolution of 1917 the situation changed...

Difficulties in official relations

FROM Soviet power Friendship among homeopaths did not work out even under Lunacharsky, who immediately took away the Leningrad Central House from them and gave it to the X-ray department. Nevertheless, Soviet doctors continued to introduce the ideas of Hahnemann to the masses, until in 1968 the then Minister of Health forbade the use of this teaching in medical practice.

However, the official medicine of other countries also did not show favor to the alternative course. And although homeopaths have always claimed that the foundations of their concept were laid by Hippocrates, who treated mania with low doses of mandrake root, which causes high concentrations neurotic disorder, - scientists and official doctors have unanimously recognized that homeopathy lacks biological plausibility and that its axioms contradict scientific facts.

In 1997, the president of the FDA called homeopathy a government-sponsored fraud. And the World Health Organization warned patients and doctors against therapy serious illnesses such as HIV, malaria, etc., with the help of homeopathic remedies.

Elusive Evidence

Many scientists dreamed of proving the effectiveness or complete failure of homeopathic medicine. However, the data of numerous tests have not been able to clarify the picture. Surprisingly, studies performed according to the requirements evidence-based medicine, all as one are recognized as insufficient quality. For some inexplicable reason, even the bitterest enemies of homeopathy cannot justifiably call it a pseudoscience, and ardent admirers are unable to prove the consistency of Hahnemann's teachings.

Early meta-analyses clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathy compared with placebo, testified in favor of non-traditional methods. The medical world was quick to dismiss them as inconclusive due to "primary research bias". Large reviews conducted in 2002 and 2005 showed that the effectiveness of the homeopathic method is comparable to the effect of a placebo - a dummy drug. However, both meta-analyses were accompanied by a vague statement that the experiments were not carried out in "proper quality".

And only a very recent systematic review in 2014, unexpectedly for many, admitted that homeopathy can still have a slight effect. However, all this fuss around the evidence base did not affect the trust of the patients themselves.

Folk love for homeopathy

Numbers speak for themselves better than any words. About 40% of the French and Danes, 37% of the British and 20% of the Germans are treated with homeopathic medicines. By the way, they are sold in almost every French and German pharmacy

Unfortunately, Russia does not keep statistics on this topic, but sales of homeopathic remedies in our pharmacies are traditionally high. Few people know that the first and last president Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev awarded the medal famous doctor Demyan Popova for the popularization of homeopathy.

Russians trust the health of their children to homeopathy - it is the homeopathic remedy that is the undisputed leader in sales among pediatric remedies for the treatment and prevention of viral infections. As well as the most popular cold medicines in France and Germany. As you can see, these ratings are not afraid of any meta-analyses and reviews of clinical studies.

Has the ice broken?

The gulf between official medicine and homeopathy formed many decades ago. It would seem that even if the constant devotion of patients cannot “reconcile” them, then no one can do it. But today the medical community has gone quiet in anticipation. The FDA has announced a hearing to collect public information and expert opinions on the effectiveness and application of this approach in treatment. various diseases. The purpose of the hearing is to create regulatory framework for the circulation of homeopathic medicines.

Does this mean that the times of disputes and mutual accusations will be a thing of the past? Most likely, peaceful coexistence is still very far away. However, a ray of hope has undoubtedly dawned. And, perhaps, the indestructible people's love will nevertheless break through the wall of official rejection.

Marina Pozdeeva

Photo thinkstockphotos.com

What is homeopathy and should we be afraid of it? Elena Belova, a homeopath and a former pediatric intensive care doctor, answered the most popular questions from moms about “pseudoscience”.

What is the fundamental difference between homeopathic treatment and conventional?

What is a disease? This is an excessive reaction of the body to a disease-causing factor received from the outside. Classical medicine sends “heavy artillery” and other “chemistry” with the prefix anti- to help the body. It is indispensable in emergency cases, but may break the work immune system, and the body will stop fighting itself.

What does homeopathy do? It sends another microscopic drop of the disease - ultra-small doses of poison, prompting the body to respond correctly and heal itself, turns on those forces that were turned off or turned on wrong.

How does a homeopath select medicines?

What are homeopathic medicines made from? Are they harmless to children?

Literally anything can become a raw material for homeopathic remedies: poisons, minerals, plants ... All this is diluted and applied to grains milk sugar in ultra-low doses: decimal, hundredths, etc.

Homeopathy is based on the theory of small doses. Everyone knows the saying of Hippocrates: “Everything is poison, and everything is medicine. A dose makes it both.” Poison has been used in classical medicine for centuries, but homeopathy does not allow dilutions that are harmful to the body.

There is no particularity, for a homeopath it does not matter who to treat: an adult or a child. The principles are the same.

How to give homeopathic granules to young children?

It is easier for babies to give drops. To give pellets, take a regular syringe, detach the needle and pull out the plunger. Place peas moistened with water inside, and then squeeze the child by the cheek so that he has time to dissolve, and not immediately swallow the medicine. It is advisable to withstand at least an hour after feeding or give half an hour before meals.

Are homeopathy, herbal medicine and placebo the same thing?

No, homeopathy has nothing to do with healing effect self-hypnosis. There are statistics that homeopathy works best on the elderly, small children and animals. What kind of placebo effect can a cat or a baby have? A is the same classical medicine, only based on herbs.

For which diseases does homeopathy help better than evidence-based medicine?

For all skin diseases, allergic and fungal, you can immediately contact a homeopath. Recently in three months active treatment I helped a girl with eczema. Prior to this, the child itched for two years, could not sleep peacefully, they tried all kinds of hormonal ointments on him ...

Is it possible to combine homeopathic treatment with classical?

Yes. The exception is herbal medicine, chemotherapy and some serious drugs that specifically suppress immunity in autoimmune diseases.

Homeopathy is one of the methods alternative medicine. It can cure the patient of the disease in cases where traditional methods of therapy are powerless.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years. It has proven itself as a safe and fairly cheap method of treatment. In 1991, the Ministry of Health of Russia officially recognized homeopathy. This is a special technique for the treatment of chronic and acute diseases. This method is based on the use of specially prepared products that contain very small doses of the original drug. natural origin. Homeopathic treatment differs from conventional pill therapy in a strictly individual approach to each patient. The concept of disease is associated with the suffering of the whole organism as a whole. Many people believe that homeopathy is a treatment with herbs or natural substances in minimum doses. These opinions are true, but only partly.

The history of homeopathy

In the second half of the 18th century, namely in 1776, the German physician and scientist Hahnemann wrote an article about this method of treating diseases. It is this date that is considered the year of the birth of homeopathy. The article was the first to set out the basic principles of unusual medicine, they were as follows:

1. Like is cured by like. The doctor must prescribe to the patient such a medicine that can cause symptoms of the disease in healthy person. That is, according to the assumptions of the scientist Hahnemann, getting into the body, a homeopathic remedy causes the so-called medicinal disease, which subsequently displaces the natural ailment. But this can only happen when the ailment from the remedy is strong and palpable. The principle of similarity is the basis of getting rid of diseases in a way like homeopathy. The disease will not recede if it is not observed, and the whole process of therapy will be wasted.
2. The use of drugs in small doses in a diluted state, but with constant dynamics. The idea of ​​this principle is that the effect of drugs on the human body can increase and differ from the effect of the same drug, only in large doses.
3. The medicinal properties of drugs must be determined by testing them on healthy people. Hahnemann conducted tests first on himself, then on members of his family. After a successful test on relatives, volunteers were involved in this case. The people who took the drugs were of different ages and classes. Such drugs were used for a long time, and all the complaints and feelings of the experimenters were carefully recorded. After the end of the research, for each medicinal product drafted detailed recommendation by application. All symptoms were entered into a special reference book of homeopathic medicines called "Medication".

What does homeopathy treat?

Until now, many people have some distrust of homeopathy and treat any disease. traditional way. And in most cases, the patient gets an appointment with a specialist doctor only after unsuccessful attempts improve health when the disease is in a neglected state, and the number of medications taken is very large. In these situations, homeopathy can help the patient. However, a person who has a good supply of internal strength has a better chance of recovery. Another condition is if the quantity medications taken minimum. The effectiveness of such medicine has been empirically proven in chronic and functional disorders organism. Treatment such as homeopathy is quality help in the treatment of the following diseases:

1. Diseases of the nervous system.
2. Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
3. Paralysis.
4. Insomnia.
5. Headache.

Homeopathy has proven itself in the treatment of such ailments as stomach ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, pancreatitis, cystitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, etc. Such help has a qualitative effect on the body for bronchitis, asthma, tonsillitis and various respiratory diseases. This list of homeopathic effects is not limited. Alternative medicine heals inflammatory processes both male and female genital organs, prostatitis, menstrual cycle disorders, kidney disease. Also, homeopathic treatment promotes healing of the skin and fights against its various ailments, such as eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, boils and warts, etc.

Despite the impressive range of diseases that homeopathy can help to cope with, there are a large number of ailments, in the fight against which this method of therapy is practically powerless. These are tumors, appendicitis, pneumonia, multiple sclerosis and etc.

To date, there is no clear definition of such a method of treating diseases as homeopathy. This and folk way herbal treatment, which is called "phytotherapy", and the method of self-hypnosis, which is only a fraction of the truth and does not fully cover the essence of the concept.

Basic homeopathic remedies

Along with traditional medicine homeopathy is also developing. There are centers in Moscow and other cities where highly qualified specialists offer their services. As new technologies emerge, new medical preparations and methods for diagnosing various diseases. There are many homeopathic medicines. A special reference book is compiled to describe them, and it is simply impossible to consider all the medicines in one article. Therefore, we will consider only the main ones.

Homeopathic remedy "Brionia"

One of the most common means, the effect of which on the human body was described by the German physician Hahnemann, is the drug "Brionia". Raw material for this medicine serves (Bryonia alba). Granules, drops, ointments and oils - all this is the drug "Brionia". Homeopathy in the form of this remedy affects the mucous membranes of the human body. Due to these properties, the drug is prescribed for the following diseases:

1. Dry pleurisy.
2. Exudative pleurisy.
3. On the initial stage bronchial diseases.
4. Asthma, which is accompanied by vomiting and pain in the side.

Also for the treatment of gastritis and problems with digestive tract the drug "Brionia" is prescribed. Homeopathy in the form of this remedy is used for rheumatic diseases, especially for muscular rheumatism, neuralgia, neuritis, etc. The medicine is used to treat mastitis, promotes the appearance of milk in nursing mothers, and eliminates inflammation of the mammary glands. At profuse sweating, which is accompanied by a feverish state, the drug "Brionia homeopathic" will also help. This medicine will help to cope with headaches, coughs, various types hepatitis A. In addition, the drug has effective help in inflammatory processes of the gallbladder.

The drug "Sulfur" (homeopathy). Indications for use

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that is part of the proteins of the human body. In medicine, it is used very widely, often - for the preparation various ointments and medicines. But the main active effect of sulfur is in the fight against diseases. skin. An effective remedy for acne - a preparation of indications for the use of which is in the instructions for each package. Sulfur is not necessarily used only in its pure form. It is combined with various additives, from which the effect of treatment becomes only higher.

Maximum therapeutic assistance to a person will be provided when using a medicine such as "Sulfur" (homeopathy). Indications for use - treatment acne moderate to severe with large areas of skin lesions. It also includes additional components that have a beneficial effect on the process of healing the skin. These are calcium, calendula, etc. The results of therapy will become noticeable no earlier than 10-14 days after application. On the 3-4th day of treatment, an exacerbation of the disease is possible, since sulfur causes, albeit weak, but still irritation in the area of ​​​​acne, thereby provoking even hidden inflammation subcutaneous acne. The use of this drug with or without additives does not cause side effects, it has no contraindications. The use of a drug with the addition of iodine for the treatment of skin is well tolerated by the human body and leads to complete recovery.

Highly effective remedy in therapy lower extremities, boils, acne - the drug "Sulfur". Homeopathy (the use of this iodine medicine gives an antifungal and antimicrobial effect) improves the metabolism in the human body, normalizes the thyroid gland. This remedy with sulfur and calcium helps to get rid of the following diseases:

1. Laryngitis.
2. Tracheitis.
3. Acute bronchitis, etc.

With the help of this medication, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes is reduced and minimized. Also, the use of sulfur sulfurs helps to relax the muscles, thereby preventing cramps and spasms.

The drug "Calcium"

Another common homeopathic remedy is Calcium Carbonicum. This inorganic compound is the main component of limestone, chalk, marble. calcium carbonate contained in eggshell, in oyster shells. Why is the drug "Calcium" so in demand? Homeopathy often uses it in the treatment of many diseases, what is its strength?

The medicinal product suitable for obese people with excess weight. They are often characterized by lethargy and passivity, their hands and feet often freeze. Many have an unhealthy craving for eating clay or chalk. The drug "Calcium" must be used for such diseases:

1. Inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, runny nose.
2. Diseases of bones and joints.
3. Diathesis in childhood.
4. Conjunctivitis, increased tearing.
5. sweating

Homeopathy is about helping patients with muscle pain, irritability, with frequent colds. Thanks to the medicine "Calcium", the complex treatment of uterine fibroids, thyroid nodules, etc. is more effective. This drug should be taken in cases where the body's need for calcium increases, namely during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in adolescence etc.

The drug "Nitrikum"

As you know, salt intake large quantities contributes to the occurrence of headaches, migraines, nausea, dry eyes. There may also be crackling in the ears during meals, breathing problems, ulcers in the oral cavity. big picture may supplement symptoms such as heaviness in the legs and back, skin rashes. Often patients have herpes, abscesses, warts.

Anemia is the main problem in which it is necessary to take the drug "Nitrikum". Homeopathy in the form of this medicine also relieves headaches in the postmenstrual period, helps with chronic kidney diseases and digestive problems. Also, this drug is good for diabetes, uterine pain and various ailments skin.

For whom is the drug "Nitrikum" intended? These are thin, constantly freezing people. Basically, women with a fair face, a thin neck and weak muscles, who constantly complain of fatigue. Their skin seems oily and not very clean, it is often covered with blackheads. Distinctive feature such people - a plump upper lip with a groove in the middle.

Homeopathy for children

Children get sick very often. This is due to the fact that the child's body is not yet strong enough, and immunity is in the formation stage. Especially in winter, the tonsils become inflamed in children - small glands that protect Airways from the development of more severe diseases. In these cases, on help will come homeopathy. Adenoids, or rather, their inflammation often accompanies a disease such as tonsillitis. This is very dangerous and can lead to hearing problems. Many inflammatory processes are perfectly treated with homeopathic remedies, antibiotics in this case are not always required. If a child was often prescribed serious drugs for the treatment of viral and bacterial tonsillitis, then it will not be possible to quickly stop the development of the infection with the help of homeopathic remedies immediately. If you continue to treat children with homeopathy, then the frequency and intensity colds will decrease significantly. After all, all these medical supplies increase their own resistance to diseases of the child's body, which means that his immunity increases. Self-treatment in any case is not welcome, consultation with a specialist doctor is necessary.

But not always only homeopathy can help. The throat can be affected by bacteria, the glands swell, and all ailments are accompanied by fever, fever. In this case, antibiotics are simply necessary.

In addition to various colds homeopathic remedies render needed help children's body with:

1. Burns, injuries, bruises. The doctor prescribes such drugs that contribute to the speedy healing process.
2. Treatment of neuroses and fears.
3. Therapy of complications from vaccinations, etc.

To be honest, many people, including medical workers, are sure that homeopathy is a “charged water”.

“Homeopathy is either classical or none”

(c) O.Yu. Voloshkevich

When I first learned about homeopathy myself, I was very skeptical about this method of treatment. But over time, I realized that often various kinds of skepticism and denial are the result of ignorance of the subject. What made me change my mind? Sick children...

The transition from traditional medicine to homeopathy (although the homeopathic method of treatment is officially approved for use in medical practice) resembles the path from disbelief to faith. You can study history and theory for a long time and in detail, try to understand on your own what a repertory is and how it works, but if you don’t see at least once how your sick child gets better in a matter of hours without any medicines, except for one correctly selected homeopathic drug, then disbelief and skepticism will not go anywhere.

It is impossible to tell at once what homeopathy is and how exactly it works. Therefore, we will review the main points and talk about classical homeopathy with a medical practitioner.

Homeopathy is a method of treatment when like is treated with like. Friedrich Hahnemann is considered the founder, but he was not the discoverer of the law of similarity. Before him, outstanding minds of ancient eras - Aristotle, Hippocrates, Paracelsus, as well as thinkers from ancient India thought about this. The law of similarity means that a drug that can cause certain painful symptoms in a healthy person, reduces or completely eliminates similar symptoms in a patient. For example, a common childhood illness - atopic dermatitis. The allopath (classic doctor) often prescribes antihistamines and hormonal drugs that drive the disease inward and remove only external symptoms. At the same time, the root, the primary source of the disease, does not go anywhere, but hides inside. There is either deterioration or a transition to a new stage: there was dermatitis, it became bronchial asthma, for example. Homeopathy, on the other hand, brings the disease outward, which leads to relief. general condition or full recovery. And this is a true improvement in well-being.

Where did homeopathy come from in the Russian land

« In the future, 1883, it will be exactly 60 years since homeopathy became known in Russia. In our country, as in other European countries, its appearance was greeted with ardent protest from the highest authorities of the medical administration, who saw in the new teaching a dangerous heresy that threatened to shake the centuries-old established authority of the old medical school. Hence the fierce struggle, the weapons of which are ridicule, scolding, intrigue.

In St. Petersburg, for the first time, the method of homeopathic treatment was blessed by Emperor Nikolai Pavlovich and his brother Prince Mikhail. And this happened thanks to foreign doctors Steggeman, Bizhel, and then the nephew of the founder of homeopathy, Karl Trinisus, a famous botanist of that time. So, after the approval of the highest authorities, homeopathy in Russia began its journey, and already in 1831 it successfully defeated cholera raging in St. Petersburg.

The first homeopathic pharmacy also appeared in our city - at the corner of Gorokhovaya and Bolshaya Morskaya streets, in house number 14/26. For almost half a century, Dr. Flemming F.K. was in charge of it. He made a great contribution to Russian homeopathic literature, leaving behind more than 50 books and manuals on homeopathy. And in 1870, under the auspices of the doctor and at the expense of the established Society of Homeopathic Physicians, the first clinic for patients in Russia began to operate.

Bread, circuses and myths about homeopathy

“I don’t believe in your homeopathy, it’s all a placebo effect,” one hears here and there. But, let me. If an adult can still convince himself that after eating a pea, he will certainly get better. Then what about children who are not even able to even say “placebo effect” at all? How to deal with one year old baby, for example, who does not understand that he needs to tune in to the positive at all costs, call on all the forces of the universe, and then the miracle peas will definitely help him? Impossible to teach this to a child. The inconsistency turns out, gentlemen, skeptics. In Europe, the share of homeopathic medicines in all medicines sold is 30%. As one well-known St. Petersburg homeopath says, "It's hard to imagine that all this is the result of mass hypnosis."

Some people confuse homeopathy and phytotherapy (herbal treatment). It's perfect different directions. And the medicine (preparation) in homeopathy can be: herbs, acids, minerals, alkalis, metals, preparations of animal origin, pathological discharge the person himself, his blood and much more. The method of preparation and concentration of the drug is important. Many are just embarrassed by the minimum concentration of the drug. Therefore, apparently, some doctors talk about "charged water." But homeopathy is a proven science. AT last years more and more scientific research not only abroad, but also in Russia.

Another myth is that homeopathy should be taken often, a lot and for a long time, and this is the only way to be cured. Indeed, some drugs must be taken at certain hours, but only because its effectiveness is maximum at this time. Some drugs need to be taken every few hours, but only for acute diseases (flu, acute respiratory infections, etc.). Another thing is chronic diseases. Here it is necessary to apply the drug for a really long time, but not 10 times a day.
In general, homeopathic treatment is a process. There can be no expected miracle in one dose of the drug if we are talking about chronic diseases. After all, it is necessary to treat not the disease, but the patient. This also applies to children. At the appointment, the doctor thoroughly examines the child, he needs not only to conduct an initial examination, but also to know about his habits, taste preferences, fears, make a psychological portrait. Only after the doctor carefully analyzes everything, therapy can be prescribed.

Basic laws of homeopathy

Since homeopathy is a science, it treats and works according to its own laws, which would be nice to know. Especially mothers who treat children on their own.

1. Healing occurs from the center to the periphery.
For example, skin rash in the process of homeopathic treatment, it moves from the face to the chest, then to the shoulders, then to the hands, and then disappears. The opposite dynamics means an unfavorable course of the process. Or the rash was on the hands, but went to the chest and back, then this will also be a negative trend.

2. Healing comes from the inside out.
For example, pain in the heart area is replaced by joint pain, the body, as it were, “expels out” the disease.

3. Healing comes from more important organs to the less important ones.
For example, a patient has depression, it is replaced by skin rashes or diarrhea, the opposite situation, respectively, is not a cure, but a deepening of the pathology.

4. The cure occurs in the reverse order of the chronology of the onset of symptoms, in other words, in the process of treatment, previously transferred and suppressed wrong treatment symptoms and conditions.

It should be especially noted that homeopaths, as a rule, are people with higher medical education, are quite adequate people. And they do not exclude or deny classical medicine, but are looking for a way to a reasonable combination of various directions in cases where it is impossible to get by with only homeopathic treatment.

Homeopathy is the sister of pediatrics. In the treatment of children, almost everything is subject to her, since the reserve possibilities are great. child's body, and he responds well not to suppressive, but to regulatory therapy, which is homeopathy.

Ekaterina Meshkova, a classical homeopath, a pediatrician by education, shared her experience with us.

- Ekaterina, you are a pediatrician by basic education. How did you come to homeopathy, because many of your colleagues simply do not believe in the effectiveness of such treatment?

When I entered to study medical academy, believed very much in our official medicine. It seemed to me that after graduating from the academy I would be able to cure everything in children (optimism went off scale!). But as I studied, my benevolent attitude to the methods of conventional medicine faded. I realized that many diseases cannot be cured. For such diseases, lifelong maintenance therapy is offered. And this makes a person addicted. I realized that prescribing drugs is not safe. Each drug has side effects. I saw that such treatment introduces new symptoms into the body, the disease is twisting more and more. A remedy can remove one symptom and add two or three new ones. This will require further prescription of new drugs. This path seemed to me a dead end, because, in my understanding, treatment should free a person not only from the disease, but also from medicines. Then I started looking for other treatments. Most of all I liked the principles of treatment set forth in books on homeopathy. Homeopathy does not decompose a person into organs, but has a holistic approach to health. Prescribing medicines in homeopathy is strictly individual. In treatment, the emphasis is always on the fact that it is not the disease that is being treated, but the patient. It is important. An ordinary doctor devotes a lot of time to analyzes, examinations, often without even finding out what is going on in a person’s soul. But this is the most important thing! The homeopath takes the first place psychological state. My favorite question at the appointment: "What happened before you got sick?"

I have always believed that the emotional background of a person affects his health. In homeopathy great importance when choosing a drug, it has the etiology (cause) of the disease. A homeopath always tries to identify a psychogenic factor that has affected a person's health. And the allopath sees microbes almost everywhere as a causal factor that needs to be treated with antibiotics. As a result, antibiotics are now pouring in on patients. Especially on little ones. As soon as a mother calls a pediatrician to a feverish child who is not yet a year old, antibiotics will be automatically prescribed to him. Often, it is not even offered to take a blood test.

I myself am surprised that many doctors do not even want to try homeopathy. Apparently, they are satisfied with everything in our medicine. It is sad. It is sad to see a frequently ill child who is prescribed antibiotics every month.

“Our children often get sick, and we spend a lot of time on their treatment, a lot of money on medicines, a lot of energy for recovery. Especially if adaptation begins in kindergarten. The well-known formula is a week in kindergarten = 2 weeks at home. Tell me, how quickly can a child who is ill with a common acute respiratory disease be cured? How much does such treatment cost for parents?

- If the correct drug is selected for the child, then the healing process begins in 3-4 hours acute condition. And then it depends on the possibilities. individual organism. Usually, after a day or two, the child already begins to lead a normal life.

This treatment is much cheaper than conventional treatment. It is necessary only once to splurge on the first-aid kit and regularly visit a homeopath. The cost of a first aid kit is about 3000 rubles. The drugs in this first-aid kit will last for a long time, because only 2-3 peas are required for one order. And the cost of an appointment with a homeopath varies in the city from 3000 to 5000 rubles. Usually, the homeopath keeps the patient on the phone for about 3 months. On average, it turns out-1300r per month for one child.

Now let's calculate the cost of treating acute respiratory infections in the usual way. Let's count on average. Let's say you were prescribed the following drugs: an antibiotic (about 400 rubles), a vasoconstrictor in the nose (200 rubles), an expectorant for coughing (200 rubles), an antipyretic (300 rubles). Well, the aqualor, beloved by pediatricians, is about 400 rubles. Now we are treating a complication from antibiotics - restoring the flora with a probiotic (300r). Plus, if you have been treated in private clinic, then we will count more money for an appointment with a pediatrician (1500r). And if needed paid analyzes, then we will add about 500r.-1000r. The sum turned out to be more round than in the first version.

- If parents decide to try homeopathic treatment, are there any rules that must be observed and strictly followed?

- Oh sure.

1) you need to follow the doctor's prescription, that is, take the prescribed drug from a trusted company.

2) it is necessary to exclude antidotes from the patient's diet, i.e. substances that remove the effect of homeopathy. Antidotes include mint, chamomile, coffee, camphor. Sometimes, the doctor asks to limit some other substances as well.

- Do you need antibiotics in the treatment of homeopathy, which are so fond of prescribing district pediatricians without a blood test for reinsurance?

No, homeopathic treatment does not require antibiotics. Taking antibiotics by a patient is a tragedy for any homeopath. We try to make every effort so that the patient recovers without them.

Is it possible to deal with some chronic diseases children? What is best treated based on your practice?

— Yes, it is possible. Children are the most grateful patients in homeopathy. Various dermatitis, bronchial asthma, gastritis, adenoiditis, etc. respond well to treatment. And also often ill children go into the category of rarely ill after a properly selected drug. But I must say that in homeopathy the diagnosis does not matter, because we treat not the diagnosis, but the person. Therefore, we take patients with any diagnosis for treatment.

Can parents treat acute conditions of their children on their own? What knowledge is needed for this?

Yes, many do. To learn this, you need to attend a special lecture on the selection of the drug in an acute condition and read some books. The mothers of many of my little patients have already mastered the method of selecting the drug in an acute condition.

Isn't homeopathy occult?

— Good question. When I started doing homeopathy, I also asked myself this question, because I am an orthodox person. And I found out that many holy people approved of homeopathy. We all love the Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt. On this issue, he expressed his opinion when he consecrated the homeopathic pharmacy: “Your method is the most reasonable and true. Divine wisdom itself has not found a surer means of healing mankind who is afflicted by sin and innumerable diseases, as the healing of like with like. Before the Cross, death and Resurrection of His Christ established for all ages for the most effective healing of sinful mankind the greatest Sacrament of Communion of His Most Pure Body and Blood. This means that in the God-Man Himself we have an example of healing like with like. May the God-Man Himself and the Almighty Creator and Physician of sick humanity always be your all-powerful helper in your generally beneficial actions.

Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov, Saint Theophan the Recluse, New Martyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) also approved of this method. In particular, St. Theophan the Recluse writes: “Homeopathy can help in all sorts of diseases, but you have to guess the right medicine. You can guess by the symptoms or by how the disease manifests itself. Homeopathy can be treated without seeing a doctor, through correspondence”

John Krestyankin in his instructions to spiritual children writes:

“Darling... tell Mom that many saints were treated with homeopathy. Saint Ignatius of the Caucasus supported his extremely weak bodily composition only with it, but what kind of spirit? And who and what is now inventing from the poverty of the mind and abundance - this is not a decree for us, one thing is clear: both are carnal sophistication. To the believer, everything is for the good, that according to faith, everything is for help or teaching. Everything is good with God, and nothing harms us.”

“Dear in the Lord A! I will give you an example of the Holy Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, who was treated with homeopathic medicines all his life, and this did not prevent him from becoming a saint. Buy the cure, overshadow it sign of the cross, as you overshadow food, and be healed by the blessed Lord for the benefit of People. Lord bless you and help you."

Homeopathy has nothing to do with the occult. But often it is thrown into a common heap to all sorts of incomprehensible kinds of activity. Often this is due to the fact that many psychics and the like hide behind homeopathy and use it.

I assure you that a true homeopath never casts any spells over peas, jumps around a patient with tambourines like a shaman and heals from a photograph! In the manufacture of drugs, too, no supernatural forces are used.

The action of homeopathy is based on purely physical laws.

Many of my homeopathic colleagues and patients are church people.

Since we touched on the topic of religion, I wanted to say that homeopathy is not a panacea. Sometimes, in order to recover, you need not only to eat peas, but also to work spiritually. I like the words of John Krestyankin on this subject:

“And neither allopathy, nor homeopathy, nor osteopathy can cure the sin of apostasy from God. But it is precisely in this that the root of our troubles and illnesses now is that effective and bitter therapy that returns the lost to the path of salvation to God.

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is not for nothing that homeopathy has existed for more than 200 years. And choosing between the often blind general purpose classical medicine or an individual approach to homeopathic treatment, everyone makes their own decision.

And if you have any questions, you can ask them on our forum