Homeopathy is a system of integrative or holistic medicine that originated in Germany around 1795 from the work of German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy works by stimulating the body’s innate healing responses with remedies that consist of various natural substances diluted to almost untraceable amounts, making them safe for everyone, even babies. Most homeopathic remedies are based on the Law of Similars, which is a philosophy in healing that goes back to Hippocrates and states that “like cures like”. Therefore, substances that would cause similar symptoms as those caused by an illness or reaction are used as homeopathic remedies in extremely diluted form. For example, the homeopathic remedy Coffea, is derived from coffee, and can be used to treat insomnia. Modern science at this point does not have an exact explanation of how homeopathy works, however, new discoveries in the field of quantum physics may be helping to shed light on the topic.
Active ingredients in homeopathic remedies are diluted in some potencies literally millions of times, making them essentially untraceable. However, it is this miniscule amount that may only contain an energetic imprint of a substance, when viewed on the molecular level, which induces a healing response. In this way, homeopathic remedies provide a very gentle yet highly effective form of therapy with measurable results.
Just recently, a major cancer research institute tested the effectiveness of several homeopathic remedies on cancer cells, finding results that were almost equal in effectiveness to chemotherapy drugs. More research remains to be done on this exciting finding. In vitro (laboratory cell studies) will now need to be tested in vivo (in animals or humans). The fact that a major cancer research institute has recognized the potential of homeopathy will be a huge benefit for those who seek safe, effective alternative treatments to many illnesses, including life threatening ones.
Traditional homeopathic doctors will typically spend over an hour with a new patient, asking many questions related to the physical, psychological and emotional history of the patient. Specific remedies are often selected based on the mental/emotional patterns presented by the patient as primary symptoms, while the physical issue often remains secondary. With homeopathic remedies, less is more, so it is important to take only the prescribed potencies and quantities of each remedy. Homeopathy can help treat a wide range of health problems from cancer to broken bones to psychological imbalances. A skilled homeopath will help you decide which remedies can work best for you.