Homeopathic medicine has been around for a long time and is relied upon by millions of people around the world, but what is homeopathy?

An alternative form of medicine before alternative was cool, homeopathy is a treatment process which uses non-toxic medications to address health problems. Homeopathy relies on the concept of the “Law of Similars.” A homeopathic doctor treating according to this principle, would have patients ingest diluted substances which trigger the body’s national healing process.

In homeopathy, which as we mentioned is governed by the “Law of Similars,” the reason a person is getting sick could also be the source of its cure. In other words, substances that cause a person to get sick, can also be used in small amounts to cure the same symptoms.

Although not popular among members of the established medical community, studies are being conducted to give more understanding on how this principle works.

Popular and widely practiced in Europe, Asia and in the United Kingdom this form of medical treatment is not common or well known in the U.S. In many countries, however, practitioners are licensed and considered to be qualified physicians. Doctors in Europe have long been using homeopathy to cure illnesses, according to the statistics of the Holistic and Homeopathic Resource Center. In France, about 40% or 18,000 French doctors are using homeopathy, while 20 % of Scottish doctors would have training in homeopathy. In the United Kingdom, 42% of family doctors would refer patients to homeopaths for complementary therapy.

While homeopathic medicine is often practiced alone, as you can see, in many countries, doctors include homeopathy as one of their aresenal of weapons and tools to heal the sick.

The modern alternative system of homeopathic medicine was established by the German doctor, Dr. Samuel Hahneman (1755-1843). There are studies, however, which show that homeopathy has been used in the United Kingdom for over two hundred years, and actually dates back as early as the Greek civilization.

The remedies used in homeopathic therapies are prepared through a process known as potentiation. This process involves dilutions of substances, dilutions which follow strict guidelines. The potentization process creates an energy change in the substances which make the remedy more powerful. Homeopathic pharmacists ensure that the remedies offered are consistent, and this is why there are strict guidelines in dilutions or succussions (strong shaking). Because of their nature, homeopathic remedies are often said to be safe for pregnant and sensitive patients.

According to information on the website for The Society Of Homeopaths, there are three ways on how remedies are discovered or determined:

1. The toxicity symptoms of the illness.

2. The characterization of the medicine is based on affinities and/or resemblances of the substances with the health conditions it may treat.

3. Tests of the homeopathic treatment are performed on healthy volunteers. After inducing the medicine, they should experience symptoms which are then properly documented.

The results of these steps provide information as to what remedy can be matched with the symptoms being exhibited by the patient. There are specifically homeopathic pharmacies which are authorized and regulated in releasing remedies in dilution or tablet form.

In homeopathy, the more dilutions and succession a remedy undergoes, the more potent it is.

Homeopathic medicine appears to be able to cure various illnesses, from fevers and simple sore throat to major health problems such as eczema, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and even mild depression. With homeopathic therapy, the doctors would stimulate the patient’s body to regenerate on its own. One target of homeopathy is a stronger immune system.

Homeopathy is a popular do-it-yourself treatment for mild health problems and short-term injuries. However, for critical cases it is important to at least get an experienced prescriber’s recommendation for remedy. Sicknesses and remedies generally are not identified with just a single, isolated symptom, and it is important to observe the person and overall symptoms to identify what remedy would work best.