Homeopathy- An Overview

Homeopathy is a well-described, scientifically based system of medicine.

The German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann laid the groundwork of homeopathy almost two centuries ago.

The mode of action of homeopathic medicine is assured by extensive experiments called “provings” to determine the symptoms produced by a substance.

One way we have to explain homeopathy is by the research done with nanotechnology in the last years. Iris Bell MD, PhD has done a wonderful job in that regard.

Homeopathy’s name comes from the Greek words “homoios” (similar) and “pathos” (suffering) and has three main principles:

1. The Law of Similars

This principle states that a given substance can cure in a diseased person the symptoms that it produces in a healthy person. For homeopathic remedies an infinitesimal quantity of a substance is taken which in a larger dose would cause a reaction similar to the one we are treating. That means given in minute doses the medication will produce a curable effect in a sick person while at the same time the same medication in a larger dose would ail a person. For example Ipeca, in large doses will cause vomiting but in small doses will be used to fight and prevent vomiting.

2. The Principle of the Infinitesimal Quantities

This is the result of the research for the smallest effective dosage. The principle follows the Arndt-Schulz Law, which states that weak stimuli increase physiologic activity and very strong stimuli inhibit or abolish activity.

3. The Principle of the Totality of Symptoms

Homeopathy does not aim at healing one specific organ but rather help the individual on a whole, his total being. This is derived from Hahnemann’s understanding that we all are not a mere body with organs, nerves etc, but that our emotional and physical state is interconnected. Homeopathic remedies take care of both spheres physical and psychological.

Summary provided by our good friends at Herbasante