What is Homeopathy? How does it work?
Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that has been in use worldwide for over 200 years. It is recognized by the World Health Organization as the second most widely used therapeutic system in the world (after Ayurveda). Millions of people benefit from homeopathy.
The name homeopathy, coined by its originator, Samuel Hahnemann, is derived from the Greek words for ‘similar suffering’. Hahnemann was born in Germany in 1755. He was a medical doctor and a chemist who became disenchanted with harsh and ineffective medical interventions. Through rigorous scientific experimentation and the application of inductive reasoning, Hahnemann created the homeopathic system of medicine. His careful observations led him to uncover the laws of healing found in nature upon which homeopathy is based.
“No individual has done more good to the medical profession than Samuel Hahnemann” –Sir William Ostler, The Father of Modern Medicine
Homeopathy is founded on two main principles, the first being ‘like cures like’, which means that a substance capable of producing certain symptoms in a healthy person, can be used to treat those same symptoms in a case of disease. In Homeopathy we trust that the body will always be using its most effective healing response to a given situation. By using medicines which can stimulate a similar healing response, we boost the body’s own vitality, and work with it, instead of against it.
The second main principle in Homeopathy is that only ‘the minimum dose’ should be employed, in order to avoid the side effects that are so often the consequence of conventional treatment. This principle is based upon the understanding that homeopathic medicines are stimuli for healing vital force (qi or chi or life force) and that we need only give enough to produce a response. This ensures that treatment will be as gentle and natural as it is healing and effective. This medicine is individualized to the patient as a true holistic healing modality. By treating people as a whole, we often see the simultaneous improvement of more than one complaint. Improved mood, sense of well being, immunity and increased energy levels often occur as a result of a positive response to a remedy. Because of its ability to heighten the natural defenses of the body, homeopathic medicine is a great option in preventative treatment, and the maintenance of good health.