Capricorn Natural Health is a Natural Medicine clinic operating in Yeppoon and Gladstone, providing professional consultations since 2006. It is operated by Ross Lorraway, who has more than two decades of experience in Natural Medicine, and holds bachelor degrees in Naturopathy, Homoeopathy and Science (Geology Degree with Honours), and a Diploma of Herbal Medicine. Ross graduated in 1990 from The Australian College of Natural Medicine, Brisbane, Queensland (later called "Endeavour College of Natural Health"). He is a long standing professional member of "The Australian Homoeopathic Association" and "The Australian Register of Homoeopaths". The clinic treats people who suffer from a wide range of conditions which include fatigue, headaches, migraines, anxiety, stress, emotional and behavioral problems, disorders of children, insomnia, PMS, menstrual and other hormonal problems, arthritis, digestive and respiratory disorders, skin problems, weight issues and lowered immunity. Problems are mostly chronic; acute cases are less common. Although having credentials and many years of experience in several modalities, including Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Homoeopathy, at Capricorn Natural Health, Ross chooses to use classical homoeopathy, as he has found how effective, gentle, truly holistic and profound this form of medicine is, in chronic and acute illness. Homoeopathy is used in many countries, and is the second most common natural medicine used throughout the world (next to Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has a proven history of success going back more than 200 years, is endorsed by the World Health Organisation, and is known to be used by many popular public figures, past and present, such as the British Royal family, Paul McCartney and many others. The Swiss government recently did an extensive study on the effectiveness of traditional medicines, and subsequently affirmed that homoeopathic treatment is both effective and cost-effective and that it should be reimbursed by Switzerland's national health insurance program. Homoeopathy is a therapeutic system of medicine founded by an outstanding German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), and has many outstanding and beneficial features. Based primarily on the principle of �like cures like�, it states that illnesses defined by a certain set of symptoms can be alleviated by substances which cause a similar set of symptoms to arise when the substance is given to healthy persons. It usually involves small doses of gently acting and specially prepared natural substances selected individually for each patient, irrespective of the name of the diagnosis. For example, different patients suffering from osteoarthritis are often given completely different medicines, depending on the individual expression of their illness. Hahnemann was a brilliant student, an outstanding physician, chemist and researcher and was proficient in many languages. Unhappy with the lack of effectiveness and the damaging side effects of the prevailing medical system, he retired from his medical practice, supporting himself and his large family by translating medical literature, but at the same time tirelessly continuing research and experiments ultimately leading to the effective utilization of the �like cures like� principle (the principle of similia). He found that very small doses of specially prepared (�potentised�) substances acted effectively and gently as medicines when selected according to the similia principle. Those who practice and experience this therapy often describe Hahnemann as a giant in the history of the world of scientific and rational medicine. He was an exceptional scholar, a wonderful, enlightened and inspirational human being who worked selflessly and tirelessly for the benefit of mankind. Briefly there are several requirements which define homoeopathic practice: 1.?The similia principle needs to be upheld 2.?Only one individual medicine is given at one time for each individual patient, irrespective of the name of the disease 3.?The dose is small, and given as infrequently as possible, and the medicine is attenuated (�potentised�) 4.?It is holistic. That is, the state of the person as defined by physical, emotional and mental symptoms are all taken into account 5.?Disease and medicines are energetic in nature, not material 6.?Consequently, the symptoms indicate the state of derangement of the non-material life principle (the �vital force�), which operates continuously and which is always striving to keep the organism in good health 7.?The most important symptoms are considered to be those that are most striking, strange, rare or peculiar to the disease. Those common to the disease are of lesser significance 8.?The indications for the use of a substance as a medicine arise from detailed studies of the effect of that substance on healthy individuals 9.?It is the sick individual who is treated, and not his or her health condition. The medicine is not selected on the basis of the name of the condition; it provides only limited guidance. Ross has a strong scientific background, having studied geology, chemistry, physics and mathematics at university, having graduated with a science degree in geology (with honours). Previously to working in the health field he had extensive experience as exploration geologist in Australia and overseas. Ross is thus very comfortable with the rational nature of homoeopathy, which arose using inductive reasoning, based on careful observations, experimentation and practical experience. Many positive clinical trials have been published, and an increasingly large number of scientific studies have been performed which attest to the plausible nature of the action of the homoeopathic remedies. These are usually natural substances of mineral, plant or animal origin, which undergo a special process termed �potentisation�, whereby the substance is serially diluted and vigorously succussed, often to such a degree that there is very little, if any, of the original material remaining! It is believed that this process unlocks and intensifies the hidden healing potential of the substance, such that even previously inert substances become powerful, yet gentle therapeutic agents. This phenomenon is difficult to explain by materialistic minds, but is perhaps best explained by physicists using modern quantum theory. While homoeopathy is based on simple clear principles, and while it can bring about many positive results, it is a serious practice which involves much knowledge, dedication and hard work. It is therefore advised that if a person chooses homoeopathic treatment, he or she consult with a practitioner who is qualified, skilled and experienced in this modality. This is especially true if complex chronic disorders are involved. Unfortunately, many practitioners who claim to be homoeopaths have little or no training or experience in this area, and primarily use other modalities. It is advised particularly to first check if the practitioner is a registered member of The Australian Register of Homoeopaths, which is the peak body of homoeopaths in Australia. Although homoeopathy is a science, its practice also involves an element of art. As in any great artwork, much detail and exactness is required to prescribe the correct medicine. Initial consultations, especially can be quite lengthy. This is often of much benefit to the patient, however who is encouraged to describe in detail whatever is bothering him or her, whether or not it is related to the pathology. The homoeopathic consultation is quite detailed, and much awareness is gained by the patient in bringing up their own individual issues and concerns which have often never been previously acknowledged nor studied during brief visits to the doctor. Self-awareness is very important in regards healing. It helps to liberate and benefit the patient if allowed to manifest in a sensitive and caring atmosphere. Of course, it also enables the practitioner to perceive the important characteristics of the patient and to thus prescribe the best and most suited remedy. Patients thereby often feel extremely relieved to be able to talk to a receptive person who attempts to understand exactly what is the core underlying issue. Since the whole person is ill then we have to study the relevant physical, emotional and mental aspects of the patient. All patients are interviewed in detail and at depth to understand not only the symptoms, but also to understand what is the real nature of the underlying problem, which is believed to be often a particular disturbance of the normally healthy energy pattern of that individual. It is believed that this deranged energy pattern is revealed by changes in symptoms of the person in health, eventually leading to the observed pathology. It is also believed that the illness or pathology involves the whole person and is not restricted to one part, or to one particular tissue or tissue; the whole person is ill, not just the part, even though the diagnosis may involve only one part. For example, an itchy fungal infection of the skin, say �ringworm� involves not only the skin, but the immune system, which is general and not restricted to the skin. Suppose in one individual patient with ringworm that the itching is prominent and the patient is also unusually emotionally affected by its presence, as indicated by irritability or timidity in the presence of other people, then his or her nervous system and mind are also involved, which are not local! Suppose he or she becomes exhausted and fatigued from the emotional aspect of the infection, then the adrenal glands may also become affected, with far-reaching effects on the whole organism. That is, the problem is with the whole person; the skin is merely the tissue and physical expression of the problem. Therefore, the interview with the patient needs to involve the study of the whole person, that is, attention needs to be not restricted to one particular part, tissue or organ. Each part is afflicted by the same deranged energy pattern as is observed in every other part and organ, as in the immune system, the nervous system, the mind, and the endocrine system. That is, the disturbance involves the whole person, as expressed not only by the local symptoms, but also by the desires and aversions, the hobbies and interests, the vocation, the sleep and dreams, the fears and the perspiration, etc. Observations also indicate that persons have their own individual experience of their condition, in addition to the symptoms common to the condition. For example, people diagnosed with ringworm do have in common the itching and the annular physical expression common to the lesion, but also their own sensations and individual experience of it. For example, one patient is irritable and sensitive to it, covers the problem up and accepts the situation as permanent, even avoiding treatment of it, feeling that it is not possible to eliminate it. He or she is depressed and feels that he is stuck with it forever. In contrast, however, another patient hardly notices it and feels that it will eventually disappear with some effort, and even looks forward to the eradication of it with some joy and sense of achievement. Each of these patients will require a completely different homoeopathic medicine to boost the immune system to completely eliminate the problem, even though the pathology is the same. Hence, not only does illness affect the whole person, but it also affects each individual in a completely different way. The result may be that the same pathology occurs in each person, but each patient may require a different medicine. Conversely, the same deranged energy pattern may result in two completely different pathological entities in two patients, but they will require the same medicine! In a completely different way each individual suffering the same pathology has his or her own individual experience of it, and needs a completely different medicine. It is not only the holistic nature of the illness that needs to be recognized, but also the characteristic individual expression of it for each patient who suffers the same pathology. His or her perception and tendencies, and his or her experience of the illness and response to it are also important. The physical, mental or emotional symptoms are merely an expression of the deranged energy pattern. Much emphasis is often placed on information which may appear unrelated to the physical or pathological problem or diagnosis, but which characterizes the general characteristic features of the individual who suffers that pathology, eg their sensitivity to the weather, food cravings or aversions, perspiration, sleep, fears, temperament and behavior, stress triggers, what situations or conditions cause an increase or decrease of their symptoms, how they react to stresses, etc. Past history and family history is also important. Medical diagnoses and reports are often very helpful, if not crucial and necessary, and medical advice is mandatory at all times, especially for serious chronic illness or acute emergency conditions. After the interview, and thorough study and assessment of the patient's problems in their entirety, the patient is subsequently given, if and when applicable, commonsense advice on diet and lifestyle, relaxation, yoga and meditation, and are treated using the homoeopathic system of medicine. Ross is continually studying, upgrading, attending seminars, lectures, on-line courses and webinars in Australia and overseas. He has been involved with advanced research and methods of treatment, such as those of Dr. Rajan Sankaran, a world known homoeopath and research scientist. To find out more detail, or to book an appointment, call Capricorn Natural Health today

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