Homeopathy is another mainstay of naturopathic medicine. In fact, I have found that more people have heard the word "homeopathic" than "naturopathic" and I am often asked about the difference. The answer to that question is simply that homeopathy is one of the tools a naturopathic doctor uses to help people return to their optimal state of health.
The question, 'What is homeopathy?' is an entirely different matter! Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the Law of Similars. Basically this Law says that what a substance can cause, it can also cure. Developed by Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the 1800s, homeopathy has a strong presence in Europe and India and is, once again, gaining popularity in the U. S. A note of history, here in the U.S. there were several homeopathic medical schools and hospitals at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, 1 in 4 doctors of that time were homeopaths.
Hahnemann's study began with the observation that cinchona bark (a substance used to treat malaria - the precursor of today's quinine) caused malaria-like symptoms when given to a healthy person. Skipping through the studies and development of remedies to the present - today we have a large assortment of homeopathic remedies, each with its own picture of symptoms that it may treat. Whatever ailment a person might have, when the entire symptom picture is matched correctly to the symptom picture of a particular remedy, a prescription of that remedy will stimulate the body's own ability to come into balance and rid itself of the presenting symptoms.
Homeopathy considers the whole person and is very individualized. Where conventional medicine looks for the similarities in a symptom picture to determine a diagnosis - and then a standard treatment prescription, homeopathic medicine looks for the things that are different about the symptom picture - things that make it peculiar to the individual. That is the key to finding the correct remedy. So if 10 people complain of heartburn, it is very unlikely they will all receive the same remedy.
Homeopathic remedies are completely safe, having no side effects. They work with the body to restore balance. The dosages of remedies are incredibly small, but chosen correctly, have the power to overcome both acute and chronic health problems.
Partly because it's so safe, homeopathy is often used by laypeople for basic first aid and some acute illnesses. There are a number of good books that can guide in the choice of remedy.
For more information about homeopathy, there is a great book you can read on-line at this link: Beyond Flat Earth. It's a pretty easy read and I highly recommend it to better describe its history, workings and cases.
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What is
The Vis?
a) Latin word for power
b) A foundation of naturopathic medicine
c) Word rhyming with bees
d) All of the above
The correct answer is d!
"The Vis" is, in naturopathic medical circles, short for the Latin, "Vis Medicatrix Naturae," which translates to the Healing Power of Nature. It is at the very core of naturopathic medicine and what sets it apart. The Vis is our body's own innate intelligence that strives every minute of every day to keep the body in a perfect balance of health and function.
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Looking Ahead
Tuesdays - Beginning May 11, the office will be open Tuesdays from 9am-1pm.
Otherwise, hours continue by appointment Monday - Thursday. |
To Ponder....
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of
value."
-- Albert
Einstein
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Greetings!
Thanks for so many good wishes on our move! I appreciate your continued support. Spring is Nature's manifestation of new beginnings, so our fresh start here feels just right. Please excuse our dust for a little longer, and excuse this abbreviated newsletter as well! I expect everything to be back on track by June! |
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2nd Tuesdays
on Summer VacationLast year we had a June, July, August summer. This year we have to add May, since the renovation of the classroom is not yet complete. We'll be back in September with no more "space is limited" warning! Well, I suppose if 100 people show up we'll be in a tight spot...! The Vis will continue to keep you updated.Have a Great Summer!
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WellSpring Updates
Renovation Update. Phase One is mostly complete and the actual WellSpring office has moved into its new quarters at 810/818 East Ashman. The entrance is in the back of the house and you walk right into our new waiting area - which is currently without a ceiling or seating - but will soon be stocked with goodies - supplements, herbs, aromatherapy, yoga supplies, library, etc.... I appreciate your patience while we get the finishing touches together. My family and a neighbor have been the primary worker bees on this project and I cannot thank them enough for pulling off this amazing transformation in 3-1/2 weeks.
Phase Two is underway and is the bigger project now. When the Studio is complete, a wonderful yoga space awaits those taking yoga classes from Wilma Carter and Kim Zielke. We had a later start on this project and much remains to be done, so class schedules are not yet available, but we'll keep you posted! The Studio will also be the home of 2nd Tuesdays and other special events.
Hours Update. I am so happy to welcome Jill Sampson to the WellSpring team! Beginning Tuesday, May 11, thanks to Jill, we will have open office hours Tuesdays from 9am-1pm. If you need a refill on supplements, you can stop in during this time without calling ahead! We intend for these hours to expand in the future, but we're glad to have this start.
Outside these hours, the office will still be open by appointment Monday through Thursday. And after I administer the final on Wednesday, May 5th, I'll be done teaching the CMU class and will be back in the office on Mon/Wed afternoons. |
"Of the Month"
 Okay, so here's where the abbreviated newsletter comes in! I wanted to talk about feet as we're coming up on barefoot weather and there is much to know about this fabulously complex appendage at the end of our legs. But when it became apparent that the calendar was going to win the race of Newsletter Completion, I decided I'd rather skip a month instead of giving you a half-baked discussion of this important topic. As a teaser, then, just know that I want you all to start going barefoot for at least part of every day. Get out there in the morning dew, work on spreading your toes, give them some fresh air! And I'll tell you why in June. |
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Thanks to you all for your support these last 2 years. I look forward to seeing everyone in our new home and continuing the journey!
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Be Well,
Kim Palka, ND
WellSpring Naturopathic
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The information contained in this newsletter is presented for
educational purposes. Nothing contained in it should be
construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or
treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your
physician or other qualified health care provider. Whenever you have any
health care related questions, please call or see your physician or
other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your
physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a
new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard
medical advice or delay in seeking it because of anything you have
read in this newsletter.
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