Alternative medicines can be a confusing thing to understand. We place so much importance on standard, western medicines that we can sometimes forget about the power of natural remedies.
Homeopathic and holistic remedies are among the popular and well-known alternative treatments today. And when people talk about these two treatments, they often use the terms interchangeably.
Despite this, they are not actually the same although they are related.
When we are debating holistic vs homeopathic, it really comes down to the type of treatment we are talking about. Read on, and we’ll go over what the two terms really mean and show you how they differ.
Holistic vs Homeopathic
When it comes to holistic vs homeopathic, there are a few differences worth noting.
Holistic treatment refers to treating the whole body. Hence the term ‘holistic’. This can be a mix of western, scientific medicine and a whole body treatment such as acupuncture. Homeopathy can also be included in holistic treatments.
Homeopathy is a specific way of treating an ailment based on two main principles.
The first principle of homeopathy is ‘like cures like’. This means that the thing that caused the ailment can also cure it. For example, a bee venom mixture can be used to treat swelling.
The second principle is potentization. With potentization, homeopaths will mix 1 part of the active ingredient with 9 parts alcohol or distilled water. This medicine can now be called ‘1x potency’. The process is repeated and becomes 2x. This is continually repeated until the desired potency is reached.
The solution can be drunk or taken as a pill.
Sleep Aids
To better see how homeopathic treatments might differ from holistic ones, let’s look at a specific example. For treating insomnia and sleeping disorders, both types of medicines are natural but differ in their active ingredients.
Melatonin
One example of a holistic treatment for sleep disorders is melatonin. This hormone is naturally-occurring within the brain and regulates our sleep-wake cycle.
When we have jetlag or inconsistent work schedules, we may experience decreased melatonin when it is finally time to go to sleep.
Melatonin supplements are usually taken before bed. This will increase one’s melatonin levels and help them experience more regular sleep.
Coffea Cruda
Melatonin helps people sleep better because it increases their levels of a naturally-occurring sleep hormone. Homeopaths will sometimes go in the opposite direction.
One popular homeopathic treatment for insomnia is Coffea Cruda. Coffea Cruda is a diluted solution that comes from coffee bean extractions.
Coffee beans contain caffeine, which is notorious for keeping people awake and alert for hours.
In Coffea Cruda, homeopaths use a diluted mixture containing minuscule amounts of the coffee bean. Homeopaths believe that this type of remedy can treat sleeplessness and anxiety.
Holistic Medicine’s Origins
Many scholars link holistic medicine to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for thousands of years and is based on the idea that there is an energy flow within the body.
Through practices like herbal medicines, acupuncture, and tai chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to cure this energy flow and get the body back to its optimal condition.
Homeopathy’s Origins
Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy has a much more detailed and well-understood beginning.
Although the idea that “like cures like” has been around since Ancient Greece, it wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that the term “homeopathy” came to be.
It was originally coined by Samuel Hahnemann and he started utilizing these alternative treatments in opposition to the practice of bloodletting.
Homeopathic Treatment for Dogs
Alternative medicines aren’t just used for people. Many homeopaths will use remedies to cure their pets’ ailments as well.
For example, when it comes to homeopathic cancer treatment for dogs, there are a number of available treatments. One such treatment is soil-based probiotics.
Remedies like this one can help your dog absorb the nutrients their body requires to make them stronger and healthier.
There are also homeopathic treatments that contain essential vitamins that can help boost a dog’s immune system.
Holistic Treatment For Dogs
Holistic treatment includes homeopathic remedies and then some.
People may opt to treat cancerous diseases in their dogs with alternative medicines. This is because more standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause more problems than they solve.
The first holistic step is usually changing the dog’s diet. Holistic treatment focuses on all-natural foods as opposed to processed. These foods are made without chemical alterations. They are similar to organic foods for humans.
This diet is often in combination with homeopathic treatments.
Other holistic treatments for dogs can include massages to increase blood. Dogs can also see a chiropractor to help align their bones and spine.
Aromatherapy can help your dog relieve some stress by smelling natural oils.
Also, you may have seen in the news lately that CBD oil is now being used to treat anxiety in cats and dogs.
Alternative Medicines for You
If you, a loved one, or even your pet is experiencing some sort of ailment, try to consider all treatment options. Do your research before determining which remedy you think is best.
Although modern medicine may seem like the only cure, there are often less expensive yet equally effective natural medicines also available.
Now that you know the difference when it comes to holistic vs homeopathic medicines, you are better equipped to make your own treatment decisions.
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