Homeopathic Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed and often itches, cracks and bleeds. Symptoms vary greatly among individuals. Some are so mild that a person doesn't even realize he has the disease where in others the sores become so severe that hospitalization is necessary. Treatment depends on the specific symptoms observed and the severity of the condition. Because conventional treatments for psoriasis are often unsuccessful, homeopathic treatment for the disease is growing in popularity.
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History
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Homeopathy, the practice of homeopathic medicine, was developed in the 18th century in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the ancient concept of "like cures like," meaning that if a large quantity of a substance causes symptoms in a healthy person, then a very small dose of that same substance will cure a person suffering from those symptoms. The concept is similar to that of vaccination.
Theories/Speculation
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Prevailing theories about exactly how homeopathic treatment of psoriasis works are supported by major clinical trials and in practice. Practitioners of homeopathic medicine believe that that the human body is constantly striving to attain a state of normalcy by reacting to changes it interprets as "fixable." Homeopathy works by using a very tiny and diluted amount of a substance to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms. The belief is that this will trigger the immune system to attack the disease and the skin will return to a normal, healthy condition.
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Procedures
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Homeopathic medicines for psoriasis are available without prescription, but an evaluation by a certified practitioner of homeopathy is recommended before self-medicating. A homeopathic evaluation is holistic in nature. Symptoms of the disease are carefully observed and documented, along with details about the overall behavior of the patient. Details about the patient's attitude, likes and dislikes and personality traits in general are studied. Based on these observations, a homeopath guides the patient in choosing the best medicine and dosage for his particular condition. The most common homeopathic medicines for psoriasis include Arsenicum album, Graphites, Sulphur, Lycopodium and Petroleum.
Benefits
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Homeopathic treatment of psoriasis involves using safe products that have no side effects. The doses are so minuscule that they are completely harmless. Also, some believe that the peace of mind that comes with using natural substances contributes to an overall sense of wellness that helps boost the immune system and heal the body.
Considerations
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There is no scientific evidence that treating psoriasis with homeopathic medicine is effective. However, the medical community acknowledges that it's not impossible that some of these treatments might be helpful and it is generally agreed that they are completely safe. Homeopathy is still a very young branch of medicine. Additional scientific study will be required to resolve conflicting beliefs about its effectiveness.
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