Mounting concern about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, flu pandemics and side effects (and effectiveness) of some conventional treatments is creating increasing interest in homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathy is a natural and effective system of medicine that is widely practised throughout the world. In this article Jennie McMurran, a Wellington City based homeopath describes the foundation principles of homeopathic medicine, explains how the “Law of Similars” is applied in practice, and shares some of what homeopathy has to offer for improving health and well being.

Foundation principles of homeopathy

The word homeopathy is difficult to get to grips with, but its origin holds an important clue to what homeopathy is all about. The word homeopathy comes from Greek words meaning similar suffering. The Law of Similars is the fundamental law on which homeopathy is based. It means a substance that is capable of producing a given set of symptoms in a healthy individual can also cure such symptoms in a sick individual, when prescribed in a homeopathic dose. In other words, “like cures like”. For example, after drinking large amounts of coffee some people experience palpitations, insomnia and generally feel “wound up”. The homeopathic medicine made from coffee (coffea) is one medicine that may be effective in treating such symptoms.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, recognised the Law of Similars in ancient times. However, it was Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, who allowed that law to be fully applied. He did this by discovering Potentisation, the unique way of preparing homeopathic medicines. This process of repetitive diluting and shaking of the medicine removes any toxicity. Not only that, somewhat paradoxically, potentisation increases the energetic healing qualities (potency) of the substance. The non-toxic nature of homeopathic medicines means, that unlike some herbal medicines, homeopathic medicines can be used during any stage of life (including during pregnancy, infancy and old age).

Homeopathic medicines do however need to be treated with respect. The minimum dose is an important homeopathic principle. The aim is to prescribe just enough to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities - with homeopathy, “less is more”. And the last key principle of homeopathy is to prescribe one homeopathic medicine at a time. Rather than prescribing different medicines for different symptoms, the aim is to treat the “whole person” through the use of a single medicine directed at initiating a healing response in the person as a whole.

Applying the law of similars

A consultation with a homeopath involves finding out as much as possible about the health problem(s) for which the client is seeking treatment. The aim is to gain an understanding of the precise and unique nature of the client’s symptoms, be they mental/emotional or physical.

The client’s key symptoms requiring treatment are then used to help identify the best homeopathic medicine for them. The homeopath is looking for a homeopathic medicine capable of producing the same symptoms if it were taken repeatedly by a healthy person. In treating like with like, the homeopath is applying the law of similars to stimulate a healing response in the individual.

Homeopathic medicines come from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. Around 5000 homeopathic medicines are used. Information about what symptoms each homeopathic medicine is capable of healing comes from three areas:

• Homeopathic provings - homeopathic medicines are tested on healthy humans using a strict process known as a proving. Symptoms are carefully noted down and compiled.
• Successful clinical use of the medicine
• Knowledge about toxicology of the medicinal substance in its crude form (e.g. effects of lead poisoning or snake bites)

Potential for genuine improvement in health

Homeopathic medicine is based on a comprehensive understanding of health and disease. The symptoms a person has indicate an underlying imbalance in the body’s natural self-regulatory mechanisms. Symptoms arise when the body can’t handle what is occurring, be it an infection or an emotional upset. It is the underlying imbalance that needs to be addressed if the symptoms are to be properly cleared from the body and health is to be genuinely improved.

If symptoms are simply suppressed without addressing underlying causes, overall health is not likely to improve. For example, while drugs like antacids and anti-hypertensives may be necessary in some cases, they do not address why the symptoms arose in the first place. Typically an individual needs to keep taking the drugs (and put up with any side-effects) to try to keep the symptoms at bay. In some cases, this approach may result in a reduction in overall health and well being. For example, on-going use of hydrocortisone to suppress eczema may make asthma more likely to develop in some individuals.

With homeopathy the aim is to work with the client towards a more genuine level of health and well being by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. While homeopathy is not a “magic bullet”, I’ve seen some profound improvements in the health and well being of many people treated with homeopathic medicine for a wide variety of complaints. The wonders of homeopathy continue to make me enthusiastic and committed to improving community knowledge of what homeopathic medicine has to offer in this day and age.