Homeopathy is a highly methodical system based on scientific principles.  These principles were understood by Hippocrates and synthesized into the practice of Homeopathy by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in 1796.

Homeopathy was the primary method of healing until the 1930's, and now is again growing in the United States.  Homeopathy is used extensively in Europe, India, and South America with numerous homeopathic hospitals and ongoing research.

Traditional medicine usually suppresses symptoms, often driving the illness deeper into the internal organs, which may result in chronic illness.  Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, stimulate the body's own vital energy to restore physical, mental and emotional health in a very gentle and effective manner.

Homeopathic Principles

The principles of homeopathy were first formulated at the end of the eighteenth century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.  He had given up the practice of medicine when he found the therapies of his time to be ineffective and extremely harmful, and did not resume practice until he discovered in homeopathy a means to help people heal gently, rapidly, and reliably.  Homeopathy spread quickly throughout Europe and to the United States, where at the beginning of this century 15-20% of all doctors were homeopaths.  Despite repeated criticism from orthodox medical circles, the validity of Hahnemann’s ideas continue to be demonstrated over 200 years later.

Stimulus to the body.  Homeopathic treatment, like all truly natural therapies, seeks to stimulate the innate healing power of the individual so that all physiological systems function at their best.  As the person moves toward his or her optimal level of general health, he or she feels better.  Secondarily, localized symptoms improve as the strengthened body defenses become active.  But the homeopathic remedy does not directly treat a symptom or condition.  Instead, it simply helps to initiate the process by which the person heals him or herself.

Totality of symptoms.  The homeopath views a person’s health as a condition of the entire individual rather then in terms of the presence or absence of isolated symptoms.  Homeopaths do not diagnose disease or treat diseases.  Remedies are selected which best correspond to the person’s total state.  Evaluation of the individual’s level of health and choice of the correct remedy does depend in part on a thorough understanding of all symptoms.  But in addition, important indicators of general health, like the level of vitality the person experiences and his or her emotional well-being, demand close attention.

Law of similars A remedy is chosen which is capable of causing, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the sick person.  The symptoms the sick person experiences are thus the most important guide to the choice of the correct remedy.

Remedies.  Homeopathic remedies are usually made from plants and simple minerals.  These substances are prepared by a process of repeated dilution and shaking which makes them capable of stimulating the healing process.

Minimum dose.  As little remedy as possible is employed.  After a dose is given, the individual’s response is carefully observed, and the remedy is changed only if necessary.

Scope of homeopathy.  Since homeopathy is used to assist people rather than treat illness, anyone, whatever her diagnosis, can benefit from homeopathic care.  Homeopathy helps by increasing the individual’s strength and resistance to disease.  Homeopathy does not cure disease, nor is it a substitute for good health habits.  In the long run, health depends in good measure on eating well and exercising adequately, getting enough rest, dealing effectively with stress, and living creatively.

Acute illnesses.  Homeopathic care is often effective during acute illness.  Again, the remedies are not directed at removing symptoms or killing germs, but rather toward strengthening the person so that his or her own healing capacities work better.