How homeopathy works
Homeopathy takes the principal known as the law of similars or "like cures like" the strategy also behind immunizations. This means that a substance that can cause the disease can also cure it. If coffee leaves one wide awake then a homeopath may use potentised (diluted) coffee or coffea 200C as it's known to relieve insomnia.
Founder of Homeopathy
Homeopathy as it is known today was developed over 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor and chemist. He believed that "The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gently and permanent restoration of health, or removal and annihilation of the disease in its whole extent, in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles."
How scientific is Homeopathy ?
According to the majority of modern mainstream medical professionals, homeopathy is long way from being scientific and its effectiveness needs a long stretch of the imagination. However in 1991 the British Medical Journal published an extensive review article by a group of Dutch researchers on the effectiveness of Homeopathy. They reviewed Homeopathy clinical trials that had been published in reputable medical journals. Trials showed that Homeopathy worked, so they evaluated the methodology to see how carefully the trials were conducted - expecting to see poorly performed trials. To their surprise they found instead, that the clear majority of those more rigorous trials homeopathy proved to be effective. "Based on the evidence we would be ready to accept that homeopathy can be efficacious, if only the mechanism of action were more plausible…"
How are Homeopathic remedies prepared ?
Remedies are derived from plant, mineral, or animal substances. The remedy begins as a liquid solution taken through a series of dilution steps involving shaking or succession to potentise it. It then turns into a tiny sugar tasting ball that you dissolve in the mouth, which is a good reason for scepticism as it tastes too good to be medicine.
Where can I find out more ?
In the UK I recommend contacting the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths at here org for a registered practitioner. If you are on a budget and curious there are also discounted clinics offered by final year students under the eyes of supervisors. Alternatively most countries have a registered body that can be found through a google search.
By Craig Burton
