Homoeopathy was developed in the nineteenth century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. At the time of its development, the medical practices of homoeopathy and allopathy walked hand in hand.
Approximately twenty-five percent of the physicians in the United States were homoeopaths. One might say that ultimately it was the emphasis on disease rather than on health that divided these two practices.[1]
Homeopathy, the medicine of energy, is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself by strengthening its own defence mechanisms by using substances selected for their energy-giving properties.
Homoeopaths use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants, herbs, minerals, chemicals, disease products or allopathic drugs which are potentized.[2]
Hahnemann proposed the Law of Similars, which postulates that a substance capable of creating symptoms in a healthy person can, when given in small doses, cure an illness with similar symptoms.
Homoeopathic remedies are diluted so as to encourage the body’s natural healing powers.
Homoeopathy is quite distinct to conventional (allopathic) medicine, in which symptoms are normally dealt with by means of poisonous drugs that weaken the body and mask the problem rather than addressing it.
Homoeopaths think of symptoms, or clusters of symptoms, not as a difficulty but rather as indicative of an imbalance in the body.
The body’s attempt at healing itself is manifested through symptoms, and a small amount of a homoeopathic remedy can give the body the support it needs to finish the healing process.
For example, in large doses, Sulphur can irritate skin, causing abscesses, inflammations and even bronchitis. However, as a homoeopathic remedy, it has healing powers which make it useful in treating these same symptoms.
Chopping red onion can cause burning eyes, a runny nose and maybe even a tickle in the throat – all of which are symptoms of the common cold or hay fever.
Remarkably, Allium cepa (the homoeopathic preparation of red onion) is routinely used in homoeopathic remedies for such ailments, for its power to both bring up and reduce symptoms.
Similarly, another illustration of the Law of Similars can be seen in the treatment of insomnia.
Under conventional medicine, a drug which will cause drowsiness is usually prescribed in large amounts to induce sleep.
This may lead to adverse effects or even dependence.
On the other hand, Hahnemann’s approach is to administer small amounts of something that would normally keep a healthy individual awake, such as coffee; this results in more natural slumber. Once again likes cures likes.
The relationship between a homoeopath and their patient is one of great trust.
During a consultation or series of consultations, the homoeopath “takes the case”, compiling detailed notes to determine how to best prescribe a remedy.
This process involves examining the symptoms on all three levels- mental/spiritual, emotional/psychic, and physical- to get a full picture of the patient’s condition and the patient as an individual.
A homoeopath’s role is to evaluate the patient’s current health condition, looking at any emotional or mental traumas suffered in life, illnesses they may have had, treatments such as drugs, antibiotics, birth control and cortisone used; also family history, quality of sleep and appetite, hydration, cravings and aversions to food, bodily functions and energy levels as well as mental well-being.
They gather physical information about the patient too, such as appearance, gestures and posture – weight and height – plus any laboratory or radiological findings.
All this serves to find a remedy that will lead to the most successful result for the patient. Homoeopathic medicine is focused on gaining an understanding of the person in order to choose a remedy that could bring about curing.
The recognition of the importance of wellness is increasing, with more and more individuals striving for a healthy lifestyle.
Many people are fed up with feeling ill and unhealthy, turning to ancient and alternative forms of medicine and therapies to promote their wellness.
Allopathy (conventional/orthodox medicine) has made great strides with emergencies, accidents and some of acute distress, yet the overwhelming prevalence of chronic illnesses where treatments are limited to managing symptoms instead of healing them is why so many are looking for options.
Professor George Vithoulkas, in the book The Science of Homeopathy, states that “the value of allopathic methods will never be lost.
Such fields as emergency medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, and obstetrics will always be needed, as well as a measure of palliative allopathic treatment, but the context of allopathic medicine would be placed in a more appropriate perspective.”[3]
Conventional medicine will always have its place, but why not also look to homoeopathy when trying to heal acute and chronic illnesses?
Doing so could lead to a lifetime of reduced or relieved pain and suffering for some.
What if medical doctors considered the body’s natural method for curing itself, instead of concentrating on sickness and ailments? That would be remarkable.
I hope and look forward to holistic therapies, such as homoeopathy, being increasingly accepted. These ancient remedies that nature offers have the potential to promote healing in a natural way.
[1] Tiller, William A., The Science of Homeopathy (Grove Press, NY, 1980) Foreword, pg. xi
[2] Vithoulkkas, G., The Science of Homeopathy (Grove Press NY, 1980), Chapter 10, pg. 145
[3] Vithoulkkas, G., The Science of Homeopathy (Grove Press NY, 1980), Chapter 20, Pg. 272,