What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that uses plant, mineral or animal substances to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. The choice of which remedy is indicated in a particular case is based on the Law of Similars. The Law of Similars states that a substance which is capable of producing a certain set of symptoms in a healthy individual can remove these same symptoms if perceived in an unwell individual – in other words what a substance can cause it can cure (Similia Similibus Currentur). This is a natural law observed as far back as 400 B.C. by Hippocrates. The development of this law into a system of therapeutics was achieved 200 ago years by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann who is considered the father of homeopathy.
Hahnemann (1755-1845) was a gifted physician, scientist and translator, but became increasingly disillusioned by the medical practices of his day. Blood letting, the use of mercury and other now long abandoned practices were common place. In many cases the intervention by the physician caused more harm than good. Hahnemann therefore abandoned his medical practice and searched for an underlying healing principle. When translating Cullen’s Materia Medica he came across a text passage which stated that the curative properties of Peruvian Bark in the treatment of Malaria were due to its bitter principle. Not convinced by this conclusion Hahnemann decided to consume some Peruvian Bark himself. To his surprise he developed symptoms similar to malaria, which subsided when ceasing to ingest Peruvian Bark. This experience led Hahnemann to further explore whether the reason that Peruvian Bark was curative in Malaria is that it has the ability to produce malaria-like symptoms in a healthy individual. The curative action of Peruvian Bark (Cinchona officinalis) is used in conventional medicine also in the form of quinine. Hahnemann subsequently tested many medicinal substances on healthy people and found that each drug produced a specific set of symptoms. When the same drug was given in a smaller amount to a sick person whose illness produced a similar set of symptoms, a curative effect was observed. These experiences led Hahnemann to (re)discover the Law of Similars.
What does a homeopathic consultation involve?
Homeopathy is a highly individualised form of treatment as the homeopathic medicine must be matched to the person at all levels – physical, mental and emotional.
The initial homeopathic consultation is therefore usually quite lengthy (1-1.5 hours) and seeks to establish details of past and present symptoms on the physical as well as mental-emotional level. Special emphasis is put on establishing the ‘life space’ around the onset of complaints as well as the unique signs and symptoms experienced by the individual.
Once the ‘Patient picture’ has been established it is then a matter of matching this with a similar ‘Remedy picture’ from the homeopathic pharmacy (Materia Medica).
What types of illnesses can Homeopathy treat?
All types of chronic illnesses, except surgical cases, can benefit from homeopathy. Acute illnesses can also be managed successfully. Because the medicines are free from toxic side effects, homeopathy can be use in the treatment of pregnant women, babies, children and nursing mothers.
- Some examples of illnesses commonly treated by homeopathy are:
- coughs, colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, asthma, hay fever, bronchitis
- digestive and gastric complaints, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
- PMT, painful or difficult menstruation, menopausal flushes
- anxiety, panic attacks, depression
- rheumatoid arthritis
- urinary tract infections, candidiasis
- headaches and migraine
- skin diseases: acne, eczema, psoriasis
- paediatric problems: colic, teething, bed wetting, ADHD
Topics of interest
Picture diary of the 3 week Palghar Intensive homeopathic Training in January 2005
Useful sites
Australian Register of Homeopaths web site:
Australian Homeopathic Association: