Gergana Aleksandrova

Gergana graduated from the Medical College in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In her life, she has held positions in several medical institutions.

Geri: on homeopathic medicine and its basics
"Homeopathic medicine uses miniscule quantities of diluted animal or plant substances to cure illnesses," says Gergana in her introduction to a tradition-tested, alternative method of healing. The main idea, coined centuries ago by Hippocrates, is that a substance that has caused an illness can also cure it; the key to the success of the methodology is that a miniscule amount is applied. There is nothing accidental here: it has been proven that as the quantity of a toxic matter decreases, its healing properties increase. "And that is the fundamental philosophy of homeopathic medicine," adds Gergana.

Homeopathic substances are extracted from plants, animals or minerals. They are produced under the control of specialists in a clean environment. Tinctures - or, the concentrated substance - are yielded from plants. Then, they are filtrated and stored in special conditions and diluted even later. Those from animal origins, on the other hand, are extracted from the animal itself, its body parts or its poisons. In the store you will see such compounds packed as granules, solutions or powder.

Personal experience
Geri's acquaintance with homeopathic medicine begins when it saved her son from a continuous illness. When he was 21 months old, he caught a cold, had a bad infection and irremediable cough. Despite the antibiotics, syrups and pills she bought, the worried mother could not cure her child. The immune system of the boy had apparently been severely injured and his body was unable to fight off the sickness.

Then Geri heard of a pediatrician who specialised in homeopathic medicine. The natural products he prescribed strengthened the immune system of her son and "the vicious circle of illnesses was broken". Ever since then, she cannot recall an instance when alternative medicine has not helped. Her family supports her and they all trust the effects of homeopathic medicine.

What does homeopathic medicine cure? Does it have side effects?
Homeopathic medicine, explains Geri, cures infections, allergies, asthma, skin diseases, digestion problems, headaches and many others. It is totally harmless and there can be no side effects. As proof, she states that it can cure both babies and pregnant women. "Even pets," she jokes. Also, it can be safely combined with conventional medicinal methods. The only warning is that if treated with homeopathic medicine, it is not recommended that the patient consume aromatic foods.

An interesting characteristic is that you will not find written directions inside the package of the product. The reason, explains Geri, is that a single product can cure different illnesses. And that, in return, is why the patient should always be guided by the strict control of his personal doctor. The first consultation lasts about one hour to an hour and a half so that the physician gets to know his patient's body really well. He asks questions, takes tests and writes down all peculiarities concerning the health of the sick individual. Then, the doctor is able to advise the patient about a suitable medication: one that when taken by another patient might have a very different effect.

Is homeopathic medicine popular in Bulgaria?
According to Geri's observations, homeopathic medicine was introduced and popularised in the country not long ago. However, its followers' increase and quick development are "necessary prerequisites for a bright future". As an example she points out the growing number of courses that doctors can take before they practise the technique officially. Another factor for the growing popularity of homeopathic medicine is that it is not an aggressive method: it does not burden up the body with harmful chemicals as pills do. The body copes with the illness on its own as it mobilises immune system.

Traditional vs non-traditional medicine
Unfortunately, homeopathic medicine has often been misunderstood or even rejected by traditional medicine officials. Despite the common confrontations, homeopathic medicine has been spread beyond the borders of the nations where it is typically famous. There are many homeopathic doctors in nations such as Great Britain, France and Germany; their health care services actively invest in the growth of homeopathic products and their universities even have special courses. Although that is not the case on Bulgaria, the substances used were officially approved several years ago and are widely spread across the country.

Who resorts to homeopathic medicine? Does one need to have a certain type of thinking in order to undergo the healing process successfully?
Contrary to popular belief, the alternative method is not based on psychological self-suggestion that the substances could help. For instance, she says, babies can be treated with plant, animal or mineral products, yet they cannot make themselves believe they will be cured. Homeopathic healing is not achieved as a result of what you think, she warns - unless you have a doctor to instruct you, you cannot overcome the sickness. "You need a physician who will know the details of your illness and health so he can follow any changes and improvements." And, again, she emphasises - the process is highly individual, so you cannot treat yourself on your own at home.

Homeopathic medicine is especially appropriate for children. The reason is quite simple - any child would prefer the sweet candy to the bitter pill or the painful injection. Unfortunately, it is the adults who tend to disbelief. May of them simply would not comprehend the actual results achieved through alternative medicine.
The good news is you can find the homeopathic substances in any drug store. They can be taken prophylactically if you sense an impending illness.
 
Why does the notion of homeopathic medicine scare so many people?
There are a number of factors for its rejection by scientists and medical officials. Because of the large dilutions to which each substance is subjected, it is difficult to prove how exactly homeopathic products work. It is known that in dilutions such as these, science cannot detect even a single molecule of the original substance. On the other hand, it is proven that large dilutions have a strong therapeutic effect. Last but not least, these medications are usually cheaper than regular pills. On the whole, it is an easy-to-follow, harmless method that can do you only good.