Over 200 years ago a German doctor named Samuel Hahnemann popularized what would eventually come to be known as homeopathy. His methods quickly spread through out Europe and gained great popularity because of their simplicity and effectiveness. However, the initial simplicity behind the concept of homeopathy belies an underlying complexity that makes its practice and application a true art form.
The easiest way to explain how homeopathic medicine works is the catch phrase "like cures like". It works on the concept that, given in small quantities, substances that would normally cause a symptom in healthy patients will actually help cure that same symptom in an ill patient exhibiting those very specific symptoms. For example: if a patient is experiencing severe allergies (sneezing, runny eyes and nose), a homeopathic doctor may prescribe red onion, or Allium cepa (the Latin name for red onion) based on the fact that in healthy patients red onion causes symptoms that mimic those of allergies. It is believed that by introducing small amounts of a substance (or substances) into the body, the immune system will be stimulated to fend off the invading illness and the patient will recover. In some cases, homeopathic cures are almost instantaneous, in others, the healing occurs over time.
To understand the significance of how homeopathic medicines work, it is important to first understand how traditional or allopathic western medicines work.
When a patient visits a doctor practicing western/allopathic medicine, the doctor will identify a specific symptom(s) of the patient's illness, and then prescribe a medicine (either over the counter or prescription) that will manage the symptom(s). The main criteria for dosage are the patient's age, body weight, and sometimes gender. Very little is done to identify the source of the illness, or to bolster the patients immune system to fight the illness on its own. Chronic and short term illnesses are often treated the same.
In contrast, when a patient visits a doctor who practices homeopathy, the doctor will attempt to ascertain the source of the patient's illness by taking a detailed case history. Part of the case history will include the symptoms the patient is having, but the symptoms alone will not dictate the course of treatment. By doing this, the doctor will be able to determine if a patient is suffering from a minor temporary illness (such as a cold), or a more serious chronic illness (such as severe allergies). Homeopathic doctors use the source of the illness, specific symptoms, and the patient's emotional, physical and mental state to determine both the amount and frequency of any prescribed medication. Because of this, treatment for the same basic symptoms can very a great deal between patients.
Another popular aspect of homeopathy is that the medicines used are all derived from natural sources including plants, animals, and minerals. By using homeopathic remedies, patients can avoid or reduce the amount of chemicals they have to put into their bodies. Homeopathic medicines are made through a special process called potentiation. Potentiation involves taking a source material, and sending it through a series of controlled dilutions un till it is rendered harmless to the human body. The resulting medicine retains enough of its original properties to make it an effective cure when administer appropriately, but diluted enough that side effects are minimal or non-existent. Homeopathic medicines can be used to cure bacterial and viral infections, to help with common every day problems like head aches, and even in the treatment of serious ailments like cancer. Homeopathy is safe for children and adults, and many times can be used when other medicines can not. For example, many conventional medicines are unsafe for pregnant or nursing mothers, where as there are many homeopathic medicines that are safe for women to take during all stages of their reproductive years. Proponents of homeopathy feel that it is important to turn to homeopathic healing arts first and in all cases, instead of as a last result after conventional treatments have failed. It is believed that homeopathic healing is just as, if not more effective than anything offered by conventional medicine.
Homeopathic healing used to be a very common practice until the 1900's when more conventional medicines and surgical practices began gaining popularity. Nowadays, it is once again gaining popularity as both a stand-alone treatment, and also as a companion treatment to more conventional methods. People seeking natural cures are turning to homeopathic medicines and doctors instead of those who practice conventional medicine. This increase in popularity resulted in the formation of the Homeopathic Medicine Research Group. Beginning in 1997 the Group began conducting clinic trials and recording data on the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, all information gathered has indicated that even in a conventional scientific setting, homeopathic medicine does work.
As of yet, there is no governing body that schools and certifies homeopathic doctors. However, there are societies in both Europe and America that have been established by voluntary enrollment of participants to help self govern both practicing individual Homeopaths, and the schools educating those who wish to become Homeopathic doctors or practitioners. In addition, many conventional doctors are beginning to learn and practice homeopathy in conjunction with more conventional treatments. Before selecting any doctor, check their credentials. See what societies they belong to, where they earned their degrees or certifications, and if any charges of medical misconduct have been filed against them.
By Elizabeth Anderson
