Intoduction to Homeopathy
What is Homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy is a system of medicine developed in Germany over 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It is primarily based on the law of similars, ‘like cures like’, which means, a substance capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person when taken in minute doses. The ‘law of minimum dose’ is applicable here, where, the medicine employed to cure is diluted multifold by a process called potentisation and succussion, that increases its effectiveness.
Basis of Homoeopathy
The cornerstone of homeopathic prescription is individualization, i.e. every homoeopathic medicine is prescribed based on the specific needs of a particular person. The homoeopath takes a detailed case history that includes the chief complaint, mental and emotional state, appetite, desire, aversion, seasonal preference, childhood and past history, sleep pattern, dreams, any associated complaints etc. for a chronic case. In an acute case, the presenting complaint is mainly considered to make a prescription.
Homoeopathic View
Predisposition to disease arises from multiple factors such as physical weakness, environment, psychological imbalance, stress, heredity etc. Homoeopathic treatment works in synergy with the body’s own healing response to bring about optimum state of health and wellbeing. Therefore, a well-selected homoeopathic remedy enhances an individual’s self-curative mechanism in both acute and chronic disease states.
Scope of Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is effective in a spectrum of diseases ranging from common cold to cancer, allergies, neurological and autoimmune disorders, psychiatric diseases, epidemics etc. Homoeopathic treatment is safe and effective at any age starting from a newborn to geriatric population. In addition to human beings, homoeopathy is equally effective in animals.
Homoeopathic treatment not only addresses the current symptoms the patient is suffering from, but also, removes the tendency to similar occurrences in the future. Treatment with homoeopathy is rapid and gentle, without any long-term dependence on the medicines.
Usage of Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is the second largest system of medicine in the world according to World Health Organization. Over 200 million people use homoeopathy worldwide with the largest number of users and practitioners in India. In addition to India, countries such as Switzerland, Mexico,
Brazil, Chile and Pakistan have homoeopathic medicines in their national healthcare system.
