Homeopathy: What You May Wish to Know
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Homeopathic Principles
The principles of homeopathy were first formulated at the end of the eighteenth century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He had given up the practice of medicine when he found the therapies of his time to be ineffective and extremely harmful, and did not resume practice until he discovered in homeopathy a means to help people heal gently, rapidly and reliably. Homeopathy spread quickly throughout Europe and to the United States, where at the beginning of the Twentieth century 15-20% of all doctors were homeopaths. Despite repeated criticism from orthodox medical circles, the validity of Hahnemann’s ideas continue to be demonstrated over 200 years later.
Stimulus to the body. Homeopathic treatment, like all truly natural therapies, seeks to stimulate the innate healing power of the individual,their Vital Force, so that all physiological systems function at their best. As the person moves toward her or his optimal level of general health, she or he feels better. But the homeopathic remedy does not directly that a symptom or condition. Instead, it simply helps to initiate the process by which a person through their Vital Force heals her or himself.
Totality of symptoms. The homeopath views a person’s health as a condition of the entire individual rather than in terms of the presence or absence of isolated symptoms. Homeopaths do not diagnose disease or treat diseases. Remedies are selected which best correspond to the person’s total state. Evaluation of the individual’s level of health and choice of correct remedy does depend in part on a thorough understanding of all symptoms. But in addition, important indicators of general health, like the level of vitality the person experiences and his or her emotional well-being, demand close attention.
Law of similars. A remedy is chosen which is capable of causing, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the sick person. The symptoms the sick person experiences are thus the most important guide to the choice of the correct remedy.
Remedies. Homeopathic remedies are usually made from plants, simple minerals and anything on our earth. These substances are prepared by a process of repeated dilution and shaking which makes them capable of stimulating the healing process. A stronger remedy is more dilute and potentized (shaken). This is a major difference from allopathic, herbal medicine where stronger means more substance is present.
Minimum dose. As little remedy as possible is employed. After a dose is given, the individual’s response is carefully observed, and the remedy changed only when necessary.
Scope of Homeopathy. Since homeopathy is used to assist people rather than treat illness, anyone, whatever their diagnosis, can benefit from homeopathic care. Homeopathy helps by increasing the individual’s strength and resistance to disease. Homeopathy does not cure disease, nor is it a substitute for good health habits. In the long run, health depends in good measure on eating well, exercising adequately, getting enough rest, dealing effectively with stress, and living creatively.
Acute illness. Homeopathic care is often effective during acute illness. Again, the remedies are not directed toward removing symptoms or killing germs, but rather toward strengthening the person so that his or her own healing capacities work better.