Introduction to Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of alternative/complementary medicine, founded in the late 18th century by a German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’, also known as the Law of Similars. In simple terms, this means that what a substance in crude form can cause, it can cure when made into a homeopathic remedy.
» For example, coffee is known to cause sleeplessness; on the other hand, when it is made into a homeopathic remedy, coffee provides an effective treatment for sleeplessness.
» Another example, a bee sting produces redness, swelling and burning, which feels better by cold applications; any skin condition with such symptoms can be treated by the homeopathic remedy made from the bee.

Homeopathy is based on a completely different paradigm from conventional western medicine (called “allopathy”), which employs opposites in treatment e.g. antacid to reduce acidity, anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation, anti-biotics for bacterial infection, etc.

Homeopathy takes into account the totality of symptoms of each patient, i.e. physical, emotional and mental symptoms and lifestyle factors in order to find one or a few remedies that fit the patient as a whole.  As every person has a unique set of symptoms, homeopathic treatment is completely individualized; it is also patient-oriented, not disease-oriented.

How does Homeopathy work?
Homeopathy sees dis-ease as simply an expression of the disharmony/derangement of the natural life force that governs the body.  Homeopathic remedies strengthen the body’s own healing mechanism or Vital Force, to bring about an effective, gentle, rapid and permanent cure.

Homeopathic remedies are serially diluted (through a process called Potentisation) to the point where chemically no molecule of the original substance remains, yet they work!  Despite the fact that till today, no one has been able to conclusively show why or how homeopathic remedies work, the magic of Homeopathy is that it works; not only that – greater the dilution, the stronger is its curative effect!

Who uses Homeopathy? How popular is it?
Homeopathy is truly a 21st Century medicine. It is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world. It has seen tremendous increase in popularity in the last two decades, especially in Europe and in India. It is used by an estimated 500 million people worldwide.    The UK Royal family, David Beckham, Tina Turner, Darryl Hannah, Sir Paul McCartney are among its famous users.