Homeopathic medicine

What is Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathic medicine is a term that is often mis-used. Many people use the term 'homeopathich medicine' to refer to Holistic and Natural medicine in general. In reality, homeopathic medicine is a subset of natural medicine with a very specific medical approach and treatment style.
Homeopathic medicine, or homeopathy, is a holistic system of treatment that originated in the late eighteenth century. The name homeopathy is derived from two Greek words that mean "like disease" because the system is based on the notion that a medicine capable of curing a disease will mimic or imitate its symptoms.

Genesis

Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), the founder of homeopathic medicine, believed that "like could be cured with like." Homeopaths use the term allopathy, or "other disease," to describe the use of drugs in conventional medicine to oppose or counteract the symptom being treated.

How it Works

The purpose of homeopathy is the restoration of the body to homeostasis, or healthy balance, which is considered its natural state. The symptoms of a disease are regarded as the body's own defensive attempt to correct its imbalance, rather than as enemies to be defeated. Because a homeopath regards symptoms as positive evidence of the body's inner intelligence, he or she will prescribe a remedy designed to stimulate this internal curative process rather than suppress the symptoms. This means that the person being treated with homeopathic medicine will be taking a very small dose of the condition they are being treated for.

Homeopathic medicine originally was practiced only by skilled, licensed professionals. However, today many homeopathic remedies are sold over the counter and patients self-perscribe. Generally, homeopathic medicine is safe and mis-use of the medication is difficult. Patients should be careful to follow the directions exactly as listed on the homeopathic remedy box.

Some of the most effective homeopathic treatments are used to remedy colds, flus, digestive gas, and Premenstural symptoms. Homeopathic products for all these temporary conditions can be found out most natural food stores, some maintstream markets, and many pharmacies throughout the world. Homoepathic medicine has a strong presence and is widely accepted in Europe, more so than the United States.

For additional information about Alternative Medicine, visit the article on Energy medicine.