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 HOMEOPATHY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF HOMEOPATHY 
Homeopathy is the practice of treating ailments with natural substances.  It is based on the concept of treating “like with like,“ meaning that conditions often improve when substances are introduced that would produce the symptoms in a healthy individual.  It is suitable for all ages.  Homeopathic practitioners perform an evaluation of the individual’s overall physical, mental, and lifestyle aspects to develop an appropriate treatment protocol.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
A wide range of conditions from arthritis and skin disorders to depression and chronic fatigue can be treated with homeopathy.  It is also appropriate acute for conditions such as severe fevers and toothache.  Over the counter homeopathic remedies are available for dozens of conditions.

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathic therapy was first introduced by Samuel Hahnemann, a German scientist.  Hahnemann conceived of homeopathy while studying a text that mentioned the use of cinchona bark as an herbal remedy to cure malaria.  Hahnemann obtained cinchona bark, ingested it, and observed that he developed the symptoms of malaria even though he had previously been healthy.  He conceived that a substance which causes certain symptoms may also be able to alleviate them; this is called the “simila principle.”

By testing these substances on himself and volunteer subjects, he was able to observe and note the symptoms brought about by various herbs.  He then integrated this knowledge with his clinical practice, and over time was able to develop more formal methods of homeopathy.

Hahnemann developed two concepts of homeopathy.  Potentization is the process of methodically diluting a substance while titrating rapidly at each level of dilution.  Hahnemann believed that this procedure causes the solution to be more effective, as the movement releases the “vital essence” of the remedy.  Second, he held that the presentation of an ailment should not dictate the course of treatment.  Instead, a total evaluation of the individual’s health status should be undertaken.  This may result in individuals with similar sets of symptoms being treated with different substances.

Hans Burch Gram, a Boston-born doctor, studied homeopathy in Europe and introduced it into the U.S. in 1825.  Immigrants from European countries also possessed homeopathic training and such treatments began to spread.  In 1835, the first homeopathic medical college was established in Allentown, PA. In the early 1900s almost 10% of United States medical practitioners were treating with homeopathic remedies, and there were numerous homeopathic institutes and hospitals.

Awareness of homeopathy began to grow again in the 1960s, and by 2000 almost 2% of the United States population had used homeopathic treatments in the prior 12 months.  Homeopathic medicine is an established part of nationalized health care in some European, Asian, and Central American countries.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is based on the concept that each individual possesses a “vital force” or energy that is an innate healing mechanism.  Health issues result when this energy is negatively impacted; thus, homeopathic medicine serves as a catalyst for the body healing itself.  It functions through the use of very small doses of herbal compounds that produce symptoms of illness in the well when administered in much larger amounts.

Homeopathic medicinal substances are generally made from plants and minerals and are extremely diluted; in fact, no molecules from the original source can be observed in the remedy.  Because of this they are extremely safe for all patients and gently increase the body’s healing energy.

The specific potency of the treatment compound is noted after its name.  “X” potencies stay in the body the shortest and are the mildest form of treatment.  Several doses of X potencies is often safe and these treatments may be appropriate for use at home, to treat children, or to employ for minor sudden illnesses.

C potencies are more concentrated than X potencies and some may also be sold over the counter.  They are also used for minor illnesses, seasonal allergies, and can be recommended for treatment of ongoing conditions.

High potencies are designated as M and are correspondingly used to treat more entrenched health issues.  M remedies may be stored in the body and remain for several months so they are given in fewer doses under close supervisor.

Many modalities of homeopathy presently exist.  Using Constitutional treatment, a single dose is given of a very high potency.  The practitioner then monitors the patient for up to six months to determine if the symptoms have altered.  This practice is most useful for long-standing, lingering issues and genetic predispositions, such as cancer, allergies, and depression.

Classical homeopathy stays the truest to the original practice begun by Hahnemann.  The practitioner utilizes only one remedy and attempts to find the best match between the presenting symptoms and the efficacies of the particular remedy.

Combination homeopathy relies upon a system of diagnosis consisting of a patient history and self-report as well as practitioner impressions as well as muscle testing.  Remedies are comprised of two to four substances and this method is the most widely used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Complex is utilized for more complicated ailments that present with numerous symptoms.  The compounds may contain up to 25 substances which is believed to promote lymphatic clearing. 

How is it done?
 WHAT A SESSION OF HOMEOPATHY IS LIKE
The initial session may to take 1 - 3 hours and include a very thorough personal health history. If follow-up visits are necessary, the doctor may be able to do them over the phone if a patient is unable to return to the office easily. 

Who does it?
HOMEOPATHIC DOCTORS
There are a wide variety of training programs in the U.S., varying in length from two-day seminars to four-year courses. Doctors, dentists, oral surgeons, osteopaths, acupuncturists and nurses with medical training may utilize homeopathy within their scope of practice. Currently there are states that license M.Ds that are also homeopaths. Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy can obtain the Diplomate in Homeopathy (DHt) endorsement through successful completion of an educational program and oral and written examinations.