What is Homeopathy?

‘‘A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings.’’ Hippocrates.

Homeopathy is a naturopathic form of medicine that treats mental, emotional and physical illness. It is holistic in its approach as it treats the whole individual.

Homeopathy works on the principle known as ‘The Law of Similars’ or ‘like cures like’. This law states that a substance that can cause a disease can also cure it. Any substance causing symptoms to appear in a healthy person can also cure the same symptoms in a sick person. This idea, which can be traced back to Hippocrates (460BC) and Aristotle (384BC) in ancient Greece, was further developed and refined by the brilliant German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1790’s.

He coined the word ‘Homeopathy’ from the Greek words homeo meaning ‘same’ and pathos meaning ‘suffering’, referring to the ‘like cures like’ principle of healing. For example, one remedy which might be used for a person suffering from insomnia is coffea, a remedy made from coffee. Coffee can cause a person to stay awake. But in a minute dose, as in a homeopathic remedy, coffea can help a person to sleep.

Homeopathic remedies are created from animal, plant and mineral substance. They are safe and effective and can be used by everyone, even the elderly, pregnant women and babies.

Homeopathic medicines are natural in substance and are non-toxic and non-addictive. This is unlike many drugs which whilst being addictive, like tranquilisers, can also be toxic and the side effects can be distressing.

In 2000, the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies having ‘an individual diagnostic approach’ along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture. It is also recognised by the World Health Organisation as the second largest therapeutic system in use in the world.

© Homeopathic Healer by Mark Ispahani. A design by www.johandesilva.co.uk