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Homotoxicology is a modern form of homeopathy. Homeopathy began with
the theories of Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the early 1800's. The
fundamental theory was that 'like cures like'. For example, if a
certain substance such as Nux vomica causes vomiting and diarrhea when
taken in a large amount, then a minute dilution of that substance would
stimulate an energetic response in the body to alleviate vomiting and
diarrhea. These very small dilutions in distilled water, known as
remedies, are thought to act on a subtle energetic level within the
body with the most potent forms being the most dilute. This
energetic and healing response is still not well-understood based on
our current knowledge of biochemistry and physiology. However,
homeopathy, like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on many
years of observation and refinement. Homeopathy is widely used by
holistic human and animal practitioners in the United States and
Europe. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Friday March 10,
2006 p. B1) summarized new information about the energetic and
structural properties of water which may lead to new and better
understandings of this healing modality. Classical
homeopathy relies on the single correct choice of the specific remedy
to stimulate the correct healing response. Unfortunately, many of the
prescribing quidelines utilize emotional symptoms which makes this
technique extremely difficult to apply effectively in animals. In
comparison, homotoxicology utilizes combinations of remedies to affect
healing responses and the selection of remedies is based on the
clinical picture of the animal and not on presumed, or ill-defined,
emotional symptoms. In homotoxicology, diseases are considered to be
ultimately caused by the failure to effectively eliminate toxins. Toxin
exposure can result from bacterial or viral infections, chemical
exposure, tissue trauma and damage, or merely by-products of normal
cellular metabolism. (For example, cells throughout the body
continually produce a toxin, carbon dioxide, that must be eliminated
with every breath.) Disease results from the body's failed attempts to
rid itself of toxins and allow healing. In
this way, homotoxicology incorporates some of the concepts of TCM
relating to stagnation and blockage of energy (detoxification)
associated with disease. Specific
remedies are prescribed based on the history and the doctor's physical
examination and evaluation of the patient. Homotoxicology can be used
in conjunction with other modalities such as diet and supplemental
nutritional support, spinal adjustments, acupuncture, and possibly
conventional medicines. |