Discover more about Homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
The word “homeopathy” means “similar suffering.” A homeopathic medicine is given based on its ability to mimic the disease state, thereby stimulating the body to heal itself. Homeopaths consider the body’s defense mechanisms to be the optimal healing system.
A properly selected homeopathic medicine stimulates these defenses to work more effectively.
History and development of Homeopathy
The development of homeopathy in the United States was marked by impressive expansion during the early 19th century with the arrival of the first homeopaths from Europe.
Homeopathic medical schools, clinics, and pharmacies prospered, and homeopaths were respected and highly appreciated. Starting in the 1900s, when chemistry discovered the so-called “wonder drugs,” such as Aspirin, Penicillin, and later Sulfa drugs, many doctors and patients believed they had found the true cure for illnesses, although these drugs merely masked the symptoms by alleviating pain. At that time, the dangerous side effects of these “fast-acting” drugs were not yet known, and bacterial resistance was not an issue. By 1950, only a few homeopaths remained, and all the homeopathic medical schools and clinics had closed.
Today, times are changing once again. In the last decade, homeopathy has seen a strong revival in the United States due to the growing evidence of the harmful side effects of conventional drugs and the rise of antibiotic resistance caused by the overprescription of antibiotics. According to a study by the University of Toronto, adverse drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in the USA, killing over 100,000 Americans every year.
While homeopathy almost disappeared in the USA, it continued to thrive in Europe, where scientific work advanced and new therapeutic strategies using homeopathic medicines emerged. Innovations such as the concept of drainage and individualized polypharmacy developed by the French physician Dr. Leon Vannier, the anthroposophical approach by Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner, and homotoxicology by German physician Dr. Hans Reckeweg were introduced, among others.
Homeopathy has continued to expand successfully across Europe, where most countries include it in their National Health Systems. It also thrives in India, which boasts over 100 homeopathic schools, and in Latin America, where it is widely known and practiced.
We can expect new developments soon, as modern technology is now being applied to explore the entire domain of homeopathy, including research in quantum physics. In addition, clinical research and scientifically conducted trials continue to demonstrate the virtues of Hahnemann’s science and art.
What are the Medicines?
Homeopathic medicines are made according to a book of standards called the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS). Since homeopathic medicines are considered drugs under United States Federal Law, the HPUS is recognized by the FDA, which regulates the manufacture, marketing, and sales of all homeopathic medicines in the United States.
The majority of homeopathic medicines come from botanical or plant sources, while the rest come from minerals or biological sources. Homeopathic medicines are available in various pharmaceutical forms, including globules, liquids, ampoules, suppositories, ophthalmics, and topicals for local application.
Is there research to support Homeopathy?
Yes. Several high-quality studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as the British Medical Journal, JAMA, and Lancet among others have shown homeopathy to be effective for various conditions. For updated and more detailed information about research in homeopathy, please visit the pages of The American Institute of Homeopathy and Homeopathy Research Institute.
How does Homeopathy work?
Homeopathy works based on the principle of “Similia Similibus Curentur,” which can be divided into three aspects:
- Any pharmacologically active substance causes in a sensitive healthy individual a group of symptoms that are characteristics of the substance.
- Any sick individual displays a group of morbid symptoms which are characteristics of the disease that he is suffering. The morbid symptoms are characterized by the group of changes in the way of feeling and functioning of the person caused by the disease.
- The healing can be reached by administrating to the sick infinitesimal dosages of substances capable of producing at much higher doses, over a healthy susceptible individual, symptoms similar to the ones displayed by the sick person.
The goal of homeopathy is the selection of the medicine that most closely resembles the symptomatology presented by the sick person.
Are Homeopathy Medicines safe?
Because of the small doses used in homeopathy, the medicines are not toxic. There are no known side effects. There are no known or suspected contraindications or drug interactions between homeopathic and conventional medications.
