What is homeopathy?

by Dr. Todd Rowe — 

Homeopathic remedies work by activating the body’s own powers of self-regulation and self-healing.

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that is holistic, scientifically based, safe, inexpensive and curative of chronic disease. Founded by Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., more than 200 years ago, the principles on which it is based have been utilized in healing for thousands of years. Homeopathic remedies work by activating the body’s own powers of self-regulation and self-healing.

The word homeopathy comes from the Greek “homios” (similar) and “pathos” (suffering). One of the basic principles in homeopathy is the “Law of Similars,” which states that substances which cause certain symptoms in healthy people can cure those same symptoms in an ill person. Conventional medicine follows the same model through treatments such as allergy desensitization shots and vaccinations.

Classical homeopathic treatment uses only one remedy at a time to treat and cure chronic disease. A homeopathic evaluation takes several hours and focuses on gathering a deep understanding of an individual on all levels of his/her being. The homeopath also is concerned with idiosyncratic symptoms or those characteristics that uniquely define them.

Examples include sleep position, food cravings, favorite hobbies, dreams, fears and many others. Based on the symptoms displayed and characteristics elicited, the single remedy which most closely matches those symptoms is chosen. Homeopathy is not only effective in treating chronic disease, but it is also highly effective in treating acute disease and in first aid.

More than 3,000 homeopathic remedies exist, consisting of herbs, plants, minerals, metals and animal products. All are safe, gentle and do not produce side-effects. They are also inexpensive compared to the cost of standard medical treatment.

Homeopathy brings the individual to a greater level of health and creates additional disease resistance. In homeopathy, health is defined as freedom — freedom to express oneself on all levels of being.

Todd Rowe, M.D., M.D.(H), CCH, DHt, graduated from Rush Medical School and Hahnemann College of Homeopathy. A classical homeopathic education author, Rowe is president of the American Medical College of Homeopathy and director of the Desert Institute School of Classical Homeopathy. www.weteachhomeopathy.com or www.AMCofH.org.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 6, December 2006/January 2007.