Understanding Homeopathy: A Gentle yet Effective Form of Treatment

Homeopathy is a gentle but effective form of treatment which stimulates the natural ability of the organism to heal itself. 
The word homoeopathy comes from the greek words "homoios" which means similar, and "pathos" which means disease. 
This reflects the main principle of homoeopathy, the law of similars, which predicts that a disease can be cured by a medicine, which in healthy people is able to produce a condition that resembles the disease. 
The law of similars is probably a basic law of nature. Therefore, it is not surprising that examples can also be found in orthodox medicine, where the mode of functioning for some medicines probably can be ascribed the law of similars. 
Homeopathy originated in 1796 and was discovered by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, based on the law "Like cures like" which falls under Nature's law of cure.
Dr. Hahnemann, a german scientist, discovered the truth behind this law, and it has been verified experimentally and clinically for two hundred years.
In his own words, 'the highest ideal of cure is to restore health rapidly, gently, permanently, to remove and destroy the whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly, comprehensible principles.' 
This form the basis of science of homeopathy.
Samuel Hahnemann was a medical genius whose thought was far ahead of its time. He experimented on himself extensively using quinine, and the results led him to formulate the 'law of similars'.
He also discovered the principles of using small doses. He carried out a vast number of experiments on himself and others using tiny doses, naturally - the so-called 'proving'. Modern homeopathy still relies on the proving carried out by Hahnemann and his successors. It is also believed that he introduced the idea of prescribing on the basis of the patient's character or constitution. 
Homoeopathic medicines are likely to work through the body's own curative powers in a way that is best explained by comparison with vaccination. 
Both the homoeopathic medicine and the vaccine constitute a mild stimulous that causes mobilisation of the body's defence mechanisms and thus increased ability to oppose a pathogenic influence. 
The homoeopathic medicine does not work at molecular level, but probably through non-materialistic qualities (possibly electromagnetic in nature) in the organism, which are so sensitive that even a mild stimulus is enough to cause a reaction.

Principles of homeopathy
The law of Similars or the law of Cure (fundamental law of homeopathy)
A substance that can artificially produce certain disease-like symptoms on a healthy person; only that substance can cure a similar disease when it is given to the patient in the form of homeopathic medicine.
The law of Single Remedy
Treating man as a whole with one single remedy which is most similar in all his sufferings. 
Individualization 
No two patients get the same remedy even though they may be having the same disease.
Order of healing
After any treatment, your health should never progress from milder illness to more severe illness. There is a defined order in which the cure should happen, as per nature's law.
The law of minimum dose
The dose and repletion of mediecine has to be minimum to ensure that the treatrment is safe and free from side-effects.

Global scenario of homoeopathy 
Several surveys suggest many people integrate, use, and value homoeopathy as a complementary treatment option. 
Worldwide, over 200 million people use homeopathy on a regular basis. Homoeopathy is currently practiced in over 80 countries. 
It has legal recognition as an individual system of medicine in 42 countries and is recognized as a part of complementary and alternative medicine in 28 countries.
WHO considers homeopathy, as one of the most commonly used forms of Traditional & Complementary Medicine and fastest-growing and second-most widely used system of medicine in the world.
Scope of homeopathy
Homoeopathy has been used as a therapeutic measure over the year in different diseased conditions such as Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pediatrics Complaints, Chronic Dermatological problems, Auto-Immune Disease Conditions, Psychosomatic Disorders, Life Style Disorders, Allergic Conditions, etc. 
Homoeopathy is also used as palliative care in conditions like Cancer, Terminal illnesses, HIV/AIDS, etc., for providing palliative care and improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Advantages of homeopathy
Homoeopathic medicines are safe, effective, and is based upon the natural substances. 
With the use of simple substances in minimum doses, it can be safely used for pregnant women and lactating mothers, infants, and children and in the geriatric population with minimum toxicological properties. 
Instead of having a direct action on the microorganisms, homoeopathic medications act on the human system (self-protective) to fight the disease process. As such, no microbial resistance is known to develop against homoeopathic drugs. 
The mode of administration of medicines is easy. There are no invasive methods, and medicines are highly palatable, thereby enhancing their acceptability. 
The individualized treatment approach is incompatible with the increasing need for customized treatment, which is being realized in the modern era. 
Treatment is comparatively more cost-effective than other therapeutic systems.

As a system of medicine, homeopathy is highly scientific, logical, safe quick and an extremely effective method of healing. 
It offers long lasting to permanent cures for aliments, treating as it does, the disease from its roots. 
The remedies are prepared from natural substances to precise standards and work by stimulating the body's own healing power.
A disease affects the mind and the body, thus disturbing the whole organism. 
Therefore, homeopathy does not believe in giving different medicines for different afflicted body parts, but prefers to prescribe one single constitutional remedy which will act on the disturbed balance between the mind and body of the whole person.
The unique approach adopted in the preparation of homeopathic drugs ensures that the end product contains only the dynamic curative power of the medicine.
By a special process called potentization, over 2500 homeopathic medicines are prepared from vegetables, animals, minerals and or chemical sources. 
Hence, these remedies, with their extremely minute dosages are non- toxic, are absolutely harmless and bring about safe and sure cure. 
It is important for a homeopath to know when and where acute medicines can be best employed. 
Remedy selection involves choosing a medicine, which is similar in expression to the individual. 
Medicines, just like people, have their own unique expressions. No two are alike. 
In homeopathy, there are thousands of different remedies. 
Selecting a remedy, which matches the patient, involves a thorough understanding of the expression of health.
As traditionally developed, classical constitutional homeopathy is a holistic art that looks at the symptom picture of a person, including psychological, emotional, physical and hereditary information about the individual.
The doctor goes through a detailed case study after which the totality of symptoms is arrived at. 
Then a process of repertorization, (studying the symptoms for the selection of an ideal treatment) is done which is interlinked with various aspects of the principles of organon. 
The end result is a constitutional remedy for that particular case.
When accurately implemented, homeopathic constitutional care can elicit a profound healing response. 
It can be extremely effective in treating chronic and long-term health problems. 
It strengthens the body's defense system, helps to eliminate many health problems and increase the sense of well being and happiness.
In modern-day scenarios, it is a beneficial therapeutic and preventive aid for lifestyle disorders. 
Homeopathy is curative and can be used for preventive, promotive, and palliative purposes, and it is based upon rehabilitative aspects of the healthcare system. 
Homeopathy, being a cost-effective, affordable, safe & effective treatment procedure, is one of the best choice of alternative therapy.

A homeopath is the only doctor who can act as a physician to the whole family.