Articles

What is Homeopathy and how does it work?

Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine used to diagnose, classify and treat a variety of medical problems (including chronic illnesses and acute conditions) based on the Principle of "Let Likes Cure Likes". Homeopathy, from the Greek words homoios (meaning "similar") and pathos (meaning "suffering"), was developed by the German physician and chemist, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann more than 200 years ago.

Hahnemann discovered that large doses of many natural substances (derived from herbs, minerals and animal products) when administered to healthy people, could create symptoms similar to those experienced by sick people.

He also discovered that by using small, especially prepared doses of these substances (called remedies in homeopathy), illnesses could be cured, if prescribed on the basis of similarity of symptoms.

A first visit to a homeopath usually involves a lengthy in-depth assessment of the patient. The homeopath will require the patient's past medical history, information regarding current symptoms suffered by the patient as well as information about the patients regular diet, lifestyle, physical, mental and emotional state.

A physical examination may also be necessary depending upon the patient's current problem. Based on the information provided by the patient, the homeopath matches the profile with a profile of symptoms for a homoeopathic remedy or remedies. These remedies, which can be given as liquid or tablets, are prepared based on the patient's individual needs according to strict homoeopathic pharmaceutical guidelines. As these remedies are highly diluted, they are extremely safe and non-toxic. These small doses of the remedy/remedies are sufficient to stimulate the body's own healing process.

On follow-up visits to the homeopath, the patient is questioned about the effects of the remedy/remedies and how the patient is responding to the medication. This information aids the homeopath in making decisions about further treatment remedies.

To find a homeopath or relevant service providers in your local area please click here.

< Back