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The principles of homeopathy

An introduction to homepathic principles and practice

Author: Abhishek Lodha June 4 2007

Homeopathy is the Science of New Age Healing. The term homeopathy is derived from the Greek words 'homios' meaning similar, and 'pathos' meaning suffering. It is one of the oldest sciences of alternative medicine, the first homeopathic medicine having originated nearly 207 years ago back in Germany. Most homeopathy medicines like Belladonna and quinine are derived from plants.

The role of an experienced homeopath is to analyze the full case history of the patient, note down and understand the details of his symptoms and then select the most appropriate remedy to treat the particular case. He will be guided by the Principles and Laws of Homeopathy below:

The Principles of Homeopathy

1. Homeopathy looks upon symptoms of diseases as a positive sign and the first step to start treatment.

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2. Nothing can be taken for granted in the treatment of homeopathy. Full symptoms have to be considered and the case history of the patient needs to be studied by the homeopaths.

3. Homeopathy treatments are individualized. The composition of medicines for no two people suffering from the same disease can be the same.

4. It may also happen that the symptoms of two people are similar, but the reaction of medicines for different individuals is different.

5. The aim of homeopathy treatment is not to control or suppress the symptoms, but to completely cure the person suffering from it.

The Laws of Homeopathy

1. The Law of Similar

This is the principal concept of homeopathy. The concept is that homeopathy treatments are individualized. The composition of medicines for no two people suffering from the same disease can be the same. Moreover, even if the symptoms of two people are similar, reactions to the same medicine might well be different.

2. The Single Remedy

In the homeopathic treatment, one single medicine is given to the patient at a time. Unlike with synthetic medicines, there is no need to consume several drugs at a single go for a single disease. Moreover, the homeopathy medicine's dosage and strength depends upon the individual's constitution.

3. The Minimum Dose

As far as homeopathy medicine is concerned, a single and small dose is strong enough to have an impact on the diseases and its symptoms. Moreover, homeopathic medicines in their raw forms are very strong and concentrated. The medicines are diluted either with water or ethyl alcohol before giving them to the patient.

4. The Direction of Cure

Homeopathy medicine generally works like this: from a more important organ to a less important organ, from within to outward, and the symptoms that appear first disappear last.

Are Homeopathy Medicines Safe?

Homeopathy medicines have so far been safer than allopathic (conventional) medicines; they hardly ever give rise to side effects. Homeopaths claim that the medication is safe because the key ingredients are present in minimum quantities.

Very often we come across an increase in symptoms with the initial intake of homeopathic medicine. But it must be remembered that this is the initial reaction of the medication and is a part of the process of becoming cured.

Precaution in Diet during the Treatment

In homeopathy, the medicine and its effects get absorbed directly by the tongue. As such, while under the homeopath's treatment, people are generally advised to avoid the intake of raw onions, anything sour, coffee, camphor and similar foods.

About the Author

Abhishek has been practicing Homeopathy for the last few years. This led him to start the open-to-all forum of Homeopathy on MysticBoard, the best place to learn and discuss anything related to homeopathy, or to get advice from resident doctors.

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