Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine that works with the body's innate ability to heal. It uses very dilute doses of substances that stimulate the body's own defense mechanism and healing powers and return it to a state of balance-physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Homeopathy is founded on the principle of "Similia similibus curentur"-Let likes be cured by likes. For example, when an individual develops a skin rash with symptoms similar to that of poison ivy (whatever the cause), a homeopath might recommend a remedy made from poison ivy to help resolve the skin rash.

Homeopathy is commonly confused with other "natural" approaches to healing that involve the use of plant or mineral products. However, while homeopathic remedies are made from similar natural substances, both the preparation and administration of the dose and the philosophy behind the use of the remedy is very unique.

For example, homeopathic substances are very dilute, so much so that they may not have any measurable "substance" left in them. In addition, the action of the remedy is to stimulate a healing response. See What Are Homeopathic Remedies?

How is it used today?

Homeopathy today may be:

Used by individuals, who treat themselves or family members for minor illnesses and purchase the remedies over-the counter at health food stores, drug stores, and even grocery stores.
Recommended by chiropractors or naturopaths, who have varying levels of homeopathic training, and may use non-traditional techniques for prescribing (see How Can I Find a Provider?)
Practiced by traditional or classical homeopaths who use the principles and practices described in this article. Classical homeopaths identify the remedies needed to help people of all ages, whether their symptoms are mild or severe and acute or chronic.

Woman playing with her kids Homeopathy does not replace all other medical treatment, as it has both advantages and limitations. One of its greatest benefits is its ability to increase the overall energy level and general health of an individual, so there is a more balanced physical/mental/emotional state.

You can safely use homeopathy in combination with other therapeutic practices-including many pharmaceuticals. Homeopathy does not work through understood biochemical mechanisms (the physical mechanism of molecular interactions). Therefore, it does not interact with drugs in the same way as herbal preparations or other supplements. Also, as symptoms decrease, the medication dosage may decrease, or the need for a drug may disappear entirely.

You can also use homeopathy as part of a holistic approach to improve health and well-being. In fact, it is incorporated as part of the other systems of medical practice, including both naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicine. While a classical homeopath works predominantly with remedies, they may also address other lifestyle issues, such as diet, exercise, and relaxation practices, especially when those issues can act as a barrier to a homeopathic cure. Some practitioners may also augment their homeopathic treatment with such things as reflexology, nutritional supplements, and flower essences, but those things are not strictly a part of classical homeopathy. (See What Are Homeopathic Remedies?)

Where does it come from?

After homeopathy was systematized in the early 1800s by German physician Samuel Hahnemann and introduced to America in the 1820s. The American Institute of Homeopathy was established in 1844, three years before the American Medical Association.

By the turn of the 20th century, a quarter of all American medical doctors practiced homeopathy. Many medical schools were homeopathic schools, including the Universites of Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa. At that time, many of America's cultural leaders were homeopathy's strongest advocates, including Mark Twain, John D. Rockefeller, Harriett Beecher Stowe, Susan B. Anthony, Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, and many others.

In the 1910s, the popularity of homeopathy began to wane, due to a number of complex economic, social, and political reasons. One important reason was the development of modern pharmacy, in which a specific drug, such as an antibiotic, could be used in anyone with the same diagnosis. This appeared easier and less time-consuming than homeopathy, which individualizes treatment. The promise of the "silver bullet," drove the evolution of medicine throughout the next 50 years. In the U.S., homeopathy went underground, but was kept alive by a handful of dedicated practitioners. Some of those individuals were naturopathic practitioners.

By the 1970s, American healthcare providers and consumers alike were becoming aware of the limitations of pharmaceutically-based medical care, and interest was climbing in "complementary" types of healthcare practice. Homeopathy, which had continued as a common practice in many other countries, began a strong comeback in the U.S.

Today in Europe and South America, homeopathic medicine is not even considered "complementary or alternative," because it is so widely practiced by physicians. Approximately 20% of German doctors and 30% of French doctors use homeopathic medicines regularly. Homeopathy's longstanding presence in Britain's national healthcare system is highlighted by the fact that the British Royal Family has used and supported homeopathy since the 1830s. Currently, more than 40% of British physicians refer patients to homeopathic doctors.

Is naturopathy the same as homeopathy?

While naturopathy is not the same as homeopathy, it does incorporate homeopathic remedies and principles within its scope of practice.

In the early 1900s, naturopathy was founded in North America by another German, Benedict Lust, who promoted a healing regimen that included food uncontaminated by chemicals or preservatives, water, air, or sun, and exercise with hydrotherapy (which includes treatment with hot baths, saunas, and colon irrigations).

In its current form, naturopathy is best described as a system that applies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. Naturopathic physicians have not only taken a standard medical curriculum, but have completed four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling.

Modern naturopathic physicians, therefore, all have some training in homeopathy, although the number of hours varies widely, and is much less than a certified homeopath would have. Some naturopaths study beyond their standard training, focusing in homeopathy, and may go on to become certified in homeopathy. On the other side, modern homeopaths use the principles of clean food, water, air, and lifestyle to help their clients optimize their overall health and remove barriers that may decrease the effectiveness of prescribed homeopathic remedies.