Overview of Homeopathy

 

[See also Introduction to Homeopathy | Why "Classical Homeopathy" often fails]

Some recent discoveries in chemistry relating to homeopathy

Other pages where I give more details:

The Timeline-Guided Approach [basic to Heilkunst approach*]

Taking Homeopathic Remedies

For Clinicians and Scholars: How Hahnemann's "Heilkunst" Medical Art program was recovered from hidden case notes and correct translation of German texts.

Theory that further explains homeopathy and Energy Medicine connections

 

Basic Introduction to Homeopathy

At the outset let me say that I look on homeopathy as an explanation of phenomena not fully understood by Science at the present time, but it will be understood. This will come as a result of applying information from the fields of: quantum physics, fractal science, chaos/pattern/complexity theory, and more.  Homeopathic preparations do not work at all if they have not been vibrated (percussed, "shaken") at each stage of dilution. [See "Vibration and Its Crucial Role in Homeopathy" in the second paragraph on this next linked screen.] The way that some practitioners talk about how "Constitutional Homeopathy" finds the one substance on the planet that most closely allies with the patient, is evidence to me that "Everything is Connected to Everything Else."  This also could extend into thinking about the value of each living organism and plant on the planet as having value for healing.

 

There are several ways of applying homeopathic energy theory, and I cannot cover them all here. We use a variety at the NIHA clinic. 

 

True Believers and True Healing: Because of the effect of homeopathic energies on the Autonomic Nervous System, people often experience neurotransmitter changes that result in feelings of empowerment and clarity of purpose along with physical benefits. I find that some writers and schools of thought about how to apply homeopathy have succumbed to what seems a "religious zeal" in their support of this or that way of using homeopathy; this is, in my opinion, the outcome of their subconscious recognition that something very valuable has happened to them. Homeopathy is not of itself related to any religion, and I have met homeopaths who are of a spectrum of religions, or no religion at all.

 

The approach of the clinicians and authors running the *Hahnemann College/Clinic/Center for Heilkunst is the most accurate one that applies Hahnemann's insights to modern life. This approach is consistent with Integrative Medicine as practiced at our clinic. At present, it is the only site to which I refer people for study. They honor Hahnemann's work, and have much of his work and case notes in the original German. I do not offer this work at this time, but incorporate their principles in my assessment of what to recommend for patients' programs of health improvement.

 

Standard Introductory Words about Homeopathy:

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which was expounded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann near the end of the 1700s, but its basic origins extend to the time of Hippocrates. Homeopathy has a record of two hundred years of clinical use with many remarkable cures. Recent research shows homeopathy to be effective in conditions such as the flu, arthritis, asthma, PMS and depression. Studies have been published in journals such as The Lancet and the British Medical Journal.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and are used in extremely small amounts. They are recognized as drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. In preparing the medicines, they are diluted many times, being given a strong shaking at each step of dilution. Because they are so dilute, homeopathic medicines have virtually no side effects. Of scientific interest is the fact that if the vigorous shaking/vibrating is omitted during preparation at the pharmacy, then the medicines do not stimulate healing. Many homeopaths believe that by using knowledge currently being gained in studies of quantum physics and chaos theory, there may soon be an explanation for the stimulation of the body's immune defense and repair system by the homeopathic dilution process.

One of the foundations of homeopathy is the concept of "like cures like." If a substance can create certain symptoms in a healthy person, then it can cure the same symptoms when they are found in someone who is sick. As an example, if a person Is suffering from a cold, has a runny nose with burning from the discharge, and watery eyes, then a homeopath may choose to prescribe a homeopathic preparation of onion. Onion is well known to cause similar symptoms.

One of the basic tenets of homeopathy is that the symptoms seen when a person is sick are the result of the body's attempt to regain health. Rather than giving medicines which stop the symptoms, a homeopath will prescribe a homeopathically prepared medicine to stimulate them, thus helping the body to heal itself. Homeopathy treats the whole person, including the physical mental and emotional aspects. Homeopathy has been used to enhance wellness as well as to help remove symptoms of sickness. Many homeopathic medicines are available to the public. If in doubt concerning use, consult a professional.