Alternative Therapy

 

What is Homeopathy?

Lauren Feder, M.D. gives us an education

What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that works by using a small dose of a substance to help stimulate the body's healing forces. Homeopathy is a safe treatment that is gentle, yet extremely effective when used properly. The principle of homeopathy is based on the "law of similars." In other words, a substance that could cause symptoms in large amounts can heal you in minute doses.

Let's look at an example: The homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa (Red Onion) is used to treat the runny nose and watery eyes from a cold or hay fever, the very symptoms it would cause if one were cutting a red onion in the kitchen. There are hundreds of remedies that homeopathic practitioners use.

What is the history of homeopathy?
In 1789, a young physician in Europe named Samuel Hahnemann made a brilliant medical discovery. He called it Homeopathy. Although the principles date back to Hippocrates, it was Dr. Hahnemann who was credited with organizing it into a modern scientific and medical system.

News of his exciting discoveries spread quickly. By the early 1800s, homeopathic practitioners had arrived on the shores of the New World. In America, homeopathy's popularity continued to spread after American doctors had great success with it in the treatment of the cholera epidemic of 1849. In addition, many folks relied on homeopathic remedies to treat common mild ailments at home. By 1900, there were over 100 homeopathic hospitals in the United States alone.

Homeopathy's many supporters include Britain's Royal Family, Louisa May Alcott, Gandhi, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Goethe and many others.

How are homeopathic remedies made?
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a series of dilutions and succussions. Natural substances are diluted to the point where all that is left in the medicine is the 'print' or the essence of the substance. Just as if one were to touch a pane of glass with a finger, a print would be left, though the finger would not be there. So, in homeopathy, the energy of the substance remains in the remedy while any possible toxicity of the substance is diluted out. Such a process renders natural products non-toxic while increasing their potency, producing a safe and effective treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are made from various plants, minerals and animal substances. There are over 2000 remedies. Most are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and few are available by prescription.

 

What is the difference between the 6X and 6C potencies?

Remedies come in various potencies. The 'X' and 'C' come from the Roman numerals ten and hundred. Hence, the 6X strength is weaker than the 6C. The lower potencies, which range in strength from 6X, 6C, 30X and 30C are appropriate for use at home. The correct choice of remedy will work at any strength. In general, remedies in the strengths of 6X and 6C need to be repeated more often than the 30X or 30C. I prefer that people new to homeopathy begin with the 6X or 6C potencies.

 

Which conditions can I treat myself, and which should I not?

The homeopathic remedies described in this article are for basic self-limiting conditions that do not require a medical diagnosis. These are minor illnesses with few symptoms. The homeopathic treatment of severe illnesses and chronic diseases requires the expertise of a professional homeopath.