To differentiate themselves, many doctors of chiropractic have expanded their practices beyond strictly chiropractic procedures. Most do so by integrating products such as herbals or supplements into their practices.

However, a majority of these products — whose labels are not required to contain the comprehensive information found on drug labels — demand the practitioner to invest considerable time in researching potential interaction with other medications, side effects and recommended dosages.

An additional clinical expertise, however, offers an effective solution with no risk of side effects or drug interaction — homeopathy, which is easy to learn when used for acute chiropractic conditions, requires little time or cost to administer, allows chiropractors to stay within their original scope of practice and shows consumer demand is growing.

These over-the-counter medicines also allow chiropractors to offer something unique, as well as build their image as health consultants.

What is homeopathy?

A 200-year old therapy, homeopathy works with the patient’s body to stimulate its own physiological resources. Made of micro doses of botanical, biological or mineral substances, homeopathic medicines are non-toxic and do not produce side effects, such as drowsiness, which can greatly interfere with professional and personal productivity. Because they don’t interact with other drugs, homeopathic medicines can also be safely taken in conjunction with conventional medicines.

Unlike most supplements (such as vitamins), homeopathic medicines are regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as drugs — and have been since 1938. FDA regulation ensures the purity and safety of these medicines and also requires their labels to include specific indications and directions — making them easier for chiropractors to dispense.

Many of these factors contribute to homeopathy being one of the safest therapeutic choices available for all types of patients: children, pregnant women, seniors, even high risk patients with heart disease, liver problems or other types of medical problems.

Patients focused on sports and fitness are interested in nutrition and natural remedies also appreciate homeopathic medicines — especially athletes who wish to avoid substances that can hinder performance or cause negative results on a drug test.

Last, because they seem to act by stimulating the body to react to an illness instead of simply suppressing symptoms, homeopathic medicines do not “mask” problems. Consequently, chiropractors are able to clearly detect any more serious conditions that might develop.

Pair the product’s safety record and tried and true effectiveness with the public’s demand for “natural” medications and you can see why interest is growing every year. Considered a mainstream choice in Europe, homeopathy is the second most popular therapy in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO), having over 300 million patients worldwide in 65 countries — as well as hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers.

Homeopathy and chiropractors

Homeopathy has been researched and tested over and again.

Complementing these research studies, two centuries of practice exhibit the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including joint and muscle pain; trauma; fractures and sprains; and sciatica and lumbar pains.

To address all of these conditions, DCs need only become familiar with a handful of homeopathic medicines. The following are the most useful homeopathic medicines for chiropractors:

•Arnica Montana. This is one of the most common homeopathic medicines for musculoskeletal conditions, prepared from the flower leopard’s bane.

This medicine can be taken internally or applied as a gel or ointment. An excellent first-aid tool for physical shock and injury, it promotes healing of damaged tissue and, when taken orally, helps control bleeding.

It is also an effective medication for joint and muscle problems, such as osteoarthritis, sore muscles due to unaccustomed exercise, cramps, bruises and sprains. According to recent sales statistics, Arnica 30c is the number one-selling homeopathic product in natural product supermarkets.

• Ruta Graveolens. Made from the whole rue plant, Ruta is a key medicine for bruising of the lining of the bones with deep aching pain, rheumatism, tendon injuries, painful bruises and sciatic nerve pain.

• Rhus Toxicodendron. Derived from poison ivy leaves, Rhus Tox has been used medicinally since the 18th century. It is primarily used for aching and stiffness related to rheumatism, osteoarthritis, sprains and strains.

• Bryonia Alba. From the root of the white bryony, Bryonia is effective for inflammation in the lining of the joints, as well as osteoarthritis and rheumatism with joints that are painfully hot and swollen.

• Apis Mellifica. Made from whole honeybees, Apis is indicated for a wide variety of conditions. Chiropractors find it useful for conditions that affect the lining of the joints, chest and abdomen — for example, arthritis, pleurisy and peritonitis.

Homeopathic training

Homeopathy can be easily incorporated into a chiropractor’s daily practice. However since several homeopathic medicines can address the same type of condition, depending on particular symptoms of the individual, additional education and training is necessary to unlock the full potential of these medicines — especially to address chronic conditions. Fortunately, there are many schools throughout the United States and Canada for chiropractors interested in further helping their patients by using homeopathy. Visit the website for the National Center for Homeopathy (www.homeopathic.org) for a listing of schools and other resources.

Dr. Ronald Boyer is an internationally recognized authority in the education and practice of homeopathy and is the medical director for the Boiron Institute, the U.S. medical education division of Boiron, a pharmaceutical company specializing in homeopathic medicines. He can be contacted by e-mail at Ronald.Boyer@Boiron.com.

Editor’s note: To find out more about homepathic research, go online to www.ChiroEco.chttp://www.chiroeco.com/article/issue13 and read or download “Homepathy passes the test,” by Dr. Boyer.