by Kimberlee Fountain, Benicia, CA
In my practice, I have found that using natural medicines can sometimes be confusing for parents. Homeopathy is very different from other treatments they have used to care for their families. I thought the best way to help parents understand the difference was to ask for help from a mother who is experienced in using alternative medicine.
Kimberlee became interested in alternative medicine in 1998, a year before her son, William, was born. Her skill as a lay-homeopath is extensive, and I consider her a friend and colleague.
When I first started using homeopathy, I was so excited about it that I wanted to use a remedy to take care of every minor injury or illness that happened in my family. Anytime my son yelled “ouch,” I grabbed some arnica and slathered it on his injury, sometimes before even comforting him. I loved the idea that I was taking care of the problem in the fastest, yet most natural and simple way. I knew the arnica was just the right remedy and would relieve my son’s pain. It was comforting to know just what to do, and homeopathy seemed like such a natural extension of my mothering.
My son, as it turns out, doesn’t like to be fussed over. More often than not, he refuses any attempts on my part to soothe his bumps or bruises, and just carries on. And guess what? The bumps and bruises end up going away on their own.
So why do I always think I need to intervene on his behalf? It’s probably because that is just what we mothers tend to do. It starts when that helpless little infant is placed in our arms, and we realize that his or her very survival depends upon us. And thereafter, we will do anything to help our child thrive.
The ability of homeopathic remedies to gently nudge the body toward balance resonates with my beliefs. However, after years of using homeopathy, I’ve learned that looking for a remedy to heal each and every bump, bruise, cold, fever, or other illness isn’t necessary. It may not even be appropriate. I’m learning to trust in the body’s ability to take care of itself. It is, after all, constantly in the process of healing and regenerating without any assistance from me. Trusting in the body’s ability to restore itself with the least intervention is the true meaning of homeopathy.
Photo: Kimberlee & son, William (age 11)
Related Post:
Homeopathy For Your Family: A Resource Guide
A Homeopathic Journey to Wellness
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathy
© 2010 Myra Nissen.
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