06/12/2016
A Brief Overview of Homeopathy
Dr. Amanda Hegnauer, ND
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medical therapy that uses very small doses of medicine, or remedies. These remedies are prepared from substances found in nature. These substances include any plant, mineral or animal. The original substance is diluted in liquid repeatedly and vigorously shaken, also known as succussion, with each dilution. Each dilution followed by succession increases the remedy’s potency. Therefore, the more the remedy is diluted and succussed the higher the potency. This method of preparation imparts considerable energy to each substance. Remedies act by stimulating the power of self-healing as defined in a naturopathic doctor’s core values, Vis Medicatrix Naturae, ‘the healing power of nature.’
Basic Facts of Homeopathy.
The founder of homeopathy was Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Based on his observations, he formulated the Principle of Similarity, which states that a given substance can cure in a diseased person the symptoms that it produces or causes in a healthy person. Dr. Hahnemann’s observations were published in a book called Organon of Medicine.
Homeopathy is a well-described, scientifically based system of approaching health and disease. ‘Scientific’ because the insights are based on reproducible experiments. ‘Well-described’ because from these observations a number of precise basic fundamental rules become evident, for example the similarity principle.
Homeopathic Principles.
Homeopathy lies upon a foundation of four principles. These principles have remained unchanged for over the last 200 years as their strength has been demonstrated through successful treatment.
The base principle is the Similia Similbus Curentur, ‘Let likes cure likes.’ Homeopathy derives its name from the Greek, homeo=’similar,’ and pathos=’suffering.’ Through research and practice Hahnemann verified cure through the use of similars. A substance that can produce disease in a healthy person can be used to create a healing response in some presenting with a similar disease. Each individual person expresses symptoms of the body, mind and spirit when they are sick. Some of these symptoms are common to that sickness while others are extremely characteristic to that person when they are sick. It is the job of the practitioner to match the symptom picture of the homeopathic remedy to the unique symptom picture of the person.
The second principle of homeopathy is the Single Remedy. According to Classical Homeopathy one homeopathic remedy is given at any one time. It is quite difficult to ascertain the action of the remedy if multiple remedies are given at a chosen time.
The third principle of homeopathy is when administering a remedy the smallest possible dose is given. This maximizes the beneficial effects and minimalizes any adverse effect. For example when drugs are given in material doses they frequently cause side effects and adverse reactions. In homeopathy, less is more.
The fourth and final principle is the Potentized Remedy. As noted previously remedies are manufactured unlike any other medicine. Through a series of succession and dilution a very dilute extract is made. This process is designed to bring forth the dynamic nature of the medicine.Diseases Treatable by Homeopathy.Homeopathy treats the person who is sick not the disease description. Whether a person has a chronic or acute disease, all of their symptoms, whether physical, mental or emotional form a whole. Hahnemann referred to this as ‘the whole being greater than the sum of the parts’ representing ones ‘vital force.’ When there is an imperfection in one’s vital force an imbalance occurs; disease.
Since homeopathic remedies are devoid of all chemical toxicity, homeopathy is an ideal medicine for people of all ages, even the most sensitive such as the geriatric population, expectant mothers or newborns.
Homeopathy can be used to treat:
First Aid:
Sprains and bruises
Minor burns
Skin Irritations and Reactions
Poison Ivy, Diaper Rash, Inset Bites
Teething Pain
Acute Concerns:
Colds
Flu
Cough
Headaches
PainGas/Bloating
Female Health Concerns
Chronic Concerns:
Long-term health concerns
Recurrent ear infections
Strengthening of the Body’s Immune System Mental/Emotional Anger/Depression/Anxiety
Outside the Scope of Homeopathy:
Surgical Intervention - however ideal for preparation and/or help in the recovery phase
Dislocation
Organ failure
Genetic, congenital or fixed metabolic diseases
Advanced degeneration
