As human beings, we are more complex than we realise. We are multifaceted conscious beings that experience emotions as well as think and feel through our environment and experiences. No two individuals are identically the same, even identical twins. Although their DNA may be identical, their thoughts and experiences are different thereby creating a difference of perspective. Each experience and individual mindset or beliefs has an effect on health.
Even though each of us is unique, most ailments, illness, disorders or disease are treated in a very reductionist approach. A reductionist approach to healthcare has its advantages, as targeted treatment for specific infections, administration of insulin for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or emergency medical surgery for trauma.
However, health is more than just working to treat a specific system. In most cases, we need to address the cause of the lack of harmony within the body that brings about the dis-ease. For example, coronary artery disease is due to an obstruction of the arteries supplying the heart with oxygen and nutrients. When these arteries are obstructed this causes angina or heart attack. These conditions do not just happen, they are a build-up of factors over time such as diet, lifestyle factors as exercise and emotional stress.
For true health to be actualised, we need more than just our physical body to be healthy and in a state of homeostasis. Our mental, emotional and spiritual aspects also need to be in harmony. Let me explain what I mean: when we are in a state of stress, the mind signals to the body to prepare for a fight or run away from a particular threat. The body begins to pool resources such as glucose and lipids (fats) into the bloodstream to be utilised by muscles at a moments notice. The adrenal glands also produce epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones constrict blood vessels pulling blood from digestive organs and increasing blood pressure to the peripheral tissues such as your muscles and brain. Just from you perceiving a stressful situation your body now has excess glucose and fat in the bloodstream and increased blood pressure. Over time, if this is not brought back into balance disease or illness such as diabetes mellitus type 2, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) or even hypertension may manifest.
For these reasons, it is important to incorporate stress reduction and coping mechanisms into your daily life such as meditation, yoga and tai chi. These practices help re-centre the mind and body, aiding the body to return to homeostasis once more.
Homeopathy as a healthcare profession takes the whole of the individual into account. Homeopathy uses specifically indicated remedies to stimulate the body to rectify the disharmony and encourage the body's innate ability to heal itself. Each case is treated individually to the specific symptoms presented by the patient physically, mentally and emotionally to bring about wholistic care and well-being. The patient's lifestyle, health, diet and all contributing factors are taken into account during a consultation as well as when providing the prescription. The homeopathic approach aids the patient to once more find their centre.