HOMEOPATHY: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Homeopathy derives from the Greek "homeoios" for similar and "pathos" for suffering. It is based on the law of similars or "like cures like". This fundamental principle has been at the healing practices of ancient civilizations. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician generally considered the father of medicine, already mentioned the Law of Similars, in such statements as "Through the like disease is produced, and through the application of like it is cured". A German physician named Samuel Hahneman defined it as homeopathy in 1796.
Homeopathy's law of similars means that, if a substance ( medicine, remedy) is given to a healthy person, it will produce a distinct set of symptoms. However, if a sick person already has these symptoms and is given this remedy it will restore the individuals health. It is like the principle fight fire with fire! A simple example is the onion. When you cut an onion your eyes become teary and your nose may get stuffy. These symptoms are similar to the common cold or allergies. If these symptoms match, a homeopathic preparation of onion (allium cepa) can relieve the symptoms, by stimulating the body's own healing abilities.
Homeopathic remedies are made by using mostly natural substances who are prepared through a series dilutions and vigorous shakings. The more dilute and shaken the remedy, the stronger its action.
Homeopathy treats the whole person, not just a disease. That means that two people with the same disease may get a different remedy because they are treated as a distinct individual. Homeopathy offers treatment for chronic diseases as well as acute diseases, injuries and emotional disorders.
After conventional medicine, Homeopathy is the most widely used system of medicine practiced in the world and the fastest growing. It was introduced in North America in 1828 and by the 1900's one out of six American doctors were homeopaths. Our first female physician Emily Stowe was also a homeopath.
