Homeopathy derived from Greek words hómoios- ὅμοιος-
"like-" + páthos πάθος "suffering" is a type of medicine
system that contains treating the patients with highly diluted substances in
the form of tablets. Homeopathy aims at triggering body’s natural system of
healing. Homeopathy was originated in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on his
doctrine of similia similibus curentur.
Homeopathy is based on three central tenets i.e. law of similar,
law of infinitesimals and law of succession which are still unchanged. First
law demonstrates that a substance that produces a certain set of symptoms in a
healthy person can cure a sick person experiencing those same symptoms. Second
law demonstrates select medicines according to a total picture of the patient,
including not only physical symptoms but also lifestyle, emotional and mental
states, and other factors. Third law demonstrates that homeopathic medicine is
believed to be more effective when its active ingredient is diluted and succeeded.
Any plant, mineral or animal substance can be used as a
remedy. The original substance is diluted in liquid continuously, and
vigorously shaken with each dilution. These very small amounts of remedies can
act very strongly when used properly. Also, because the remedies are extremely
diluted, they are extremely safe. Homeopathic pills are made from an inert
substance (often sugars, typically lactose), upon which a drop of liquid
homeopathic preparation is placed .The clinical experience of homeopathy shows
that the micro-dose is effective. It works upon common people, infants and
animals.
The World Health Organization estimates that homeopathy
is used by 500 million people worldwide, making it the second most widely used
medicine in the world. In England, France, Germany and the Netherlands,
homeopathy is included in the National Health Service. The Royal family since 1830′s. Queen Elizabeth is using homeopathy. Mahatma Gandhi, Wm. James, Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow, Daniel Webster, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Samuel
F. Morse, John D.Rockefeller, are some of the well known people who used
homeopathy.
Key features of homeopathy treatment include:
·
Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the
correct remedy is taken, results can be rapid, complete and permanent.
·
Homeopathy is completely safe. Even babies
and pregnant women can use Homeopathy without the danger of side effects.
Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication without
producing unwanted side effects.
·
Homeopathy is natural. Homeopathic remedies
are normally based on natural ingredients.
·
Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune
system, unlike some conventional medicines which suppress the immune system.
(For example, cough medicines suppress the cough reflex, which is your body's
attempt to clear the lungs)
·
Homeopathic remedies are not addictive - once
relief is felt, you should stop taking them. If no relief is felt, you are
probably taking the wrong homeopathic remedy.
·
Homeopathy is holistic. It treats all the
symptoms as one, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause,
not the symptoms. This often means that symptoms tackled with Homeopathy do not
recur.
However there are conditions that are
outside the scope of homeopathy like, If a patient has a problem that
necessitates a surgical intervention, the homeopath will refer this patient to
a surgeon. But as surgical interventions are a shock to the organism,
homeopathic treatment will be ideal to prepare the patient for surgery and help
them recover from the operation. Of course, cases with dislocation or fracture
will be dealt with by an orthopedic doctor. For less serious mechanical
physical problems, patents will be referred to a chiropractor, osteopath, other appropriate therapist. Generally, people afflicted with
genetic, congenital, or fixed metabolic diseases or with very advanced
degeneration cannot always expect full recovery, but more often a palliative
relief with homeopathy, free of side effects usually expected when palliation
is done with modern drugs.
In the future, this benevolent yet
effective system of healing will hopefully survive and continue to develop.
Whether Western or no, the integration and dialogue between existing medicinal
systems contribute a vast and precious understanding of each system to the
practice of human medicine.