Homeopathy is a system of medicinal treatment founded by
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He
published a paper in 1796 in which he promulgated his principle
that “likes are cured by likes”. This principle is known as “Law
of Similars“. Hahnemann claimed that quinine, a medicine widely
used for successful treatment of malaria, produced symptoms of
malaria in a healthy person. The patients of malaria were treated
with a medicine which created the same symptoms as those created
by the disease. The observations with quinine and other medicines
led Hahnemann to his “Law of Similars”.
Four years later Hahnemann advanced his doctrine of
“potentization of dynamization” which stated that medicines in
small doses effectively exerted their curative power.
The homeopathic system of treatment is based on these two
principles – Law of Similars and Potentization.
Potentization is a process by which medicine is diluted in
precise steps and subjected to “succussion” (a vigorous shaking
action). This process brings about an energetic change that gives
medicines a deeper curative effect. Repeated dilution ensures
that the medicine has no toxic effect. This allows homeopathic
use of many substances which would be unsafe under normal
conditions.
Traditionally homeopathic treatment is done to cure the
disorders, not just the symptoms. Any physical and emotional
disorder produces certain symptoms in the body. In many cases
different ailments produce similar symptoms. As a part of the
treatment the medicines are prescribed to eliminate the causes of
disease or discomfort. If two patients have similar problems,
they may still require different medicines depending upon their
habits and many other factors. Medicines of higher potency are
generally given only after the cause of the disease is
established.
Homeopathy is relatively young – just over 200 years old. New
medicines and treatments are constantly being evolved and
documented. Such research studies are called “provings”. As a
result of these research studies, Homeopathy is used in a wide
variety of health conditions.
Homeopathic medicines do not work strictly by chemical action. At
higher potency the medicine is diluted so much that concentration
of original medicine reduces to insignificant level. Yet the
medicines not only work, they are more effective at higher
potency. “Potentization” process brings energetic change in the
medicine. In turn the medicine stimulates the body’s defense
mechanism to fight the cause of disorder. This approach produces
more stable cure as compared to treatment with drugs. Direct
chemical action of the drugs often produces harmful side effects.
Homeopathic medicines on the other hand have no or little side
effects. They are safe and non-toxic.
Two centuries of existence has firmly established homeopathy. It
is accepted form of treatment in many parts of the world.
However, the theory of homeopathy is inconsistent with known laws
of science; therefore the critics often dismiss it as
pseudoscience and quackery.
Homeopathy has thrived on the basis of its results. Its medicines
have relatively slow but lasting effects. It is not trusted to
meet emergency situations, but it is extremely useful in many
other situations.
