Homeopathy is a child-friendly and gentle therapy

Childrens illnesses are far too complex than what may appear on the surface. So, notwithstanding phenomenal scientific advance, nobody knows for sure what goes on inside their mind/body most of the time. Lets think of a simple example: why do children with acute illnesses develop somewhat 'unconnected' chronic illnesses?

For conventional medicine a 'cure' means suppressing the symptoms of a given illness. Homeopathy understands the consequences of suppression. Suppression only allows an illness to spread its roots deep inside and become chronic. Homeopathy evidences that a skin disease such as eczema and a respiratory illness such as asthma, for example, are connected. Conventional medicine too accepts that both eczema and asthma are the result of allergies. Homeopathy goes a step further. It suggests that when eczema is suppressed a reaction at the superficial level it leads to asthma, a reaction at a deeper level.

Its certainly not a smart idea to 'convert'a child with eczema into an asthmatic child through suppressive treatment. Whats more, the buck doesnt stop at this level. A host of psychological issues accompany every chronic physical illness, including eczema and asthma. Homeopathy observes that when the course of healing is suppressed, even a superficial illness can reach a profound level affecting vital organs as well as our mind and emotions.

Conventional treatment provides a reduction of symptoms, even bringing about a temporary improvement of a chronic illness. This outcome is, however, not a healthy prospect, because with conventional treatment, a child with allergy, for example, needs to take medications on a continual basis. When regular medications are stopped, it leads to flare-ups or 'after-effects'. The same child may now require new, more powerful medications. Its a vicious cycle.

Homeopathy appreciates all these issues and more. It, therefore, allows its practitioner to look into the subtle nature of illnesses as also the unique, distinctive patterns of a childs temperament, for which a safe, non-habit-forming, gentle remedy is given to bring about natural, holistic healing. Homeopathy also activates a self-regulating change in the childs mind/body without suppressing the symptoms. It honours natures wisdom. Put simply, it prevents children with acute illnesses from developing chronic conditions in the first place.

Article by Dr Mukesh Batra
L.C.E.H., F.H.M.A. (U.K.), F.R.S.H. (Med) P.(Lon), M.D.H. (U.S.A.), F.B.I.H.(U.K.)
Published in Times of India on 7 March 2010