Homeopathy Insight

None — Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine based on a premise called the "principle of similars," or "like cures like." According to homeopathic theory, any substance (plant, animal or mineral) that causes illness in a healthy person will cure a person who is sick with that same illness when given in extremely dilute doses.

The basic principle of homeopathy was first fully developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in the late 1800s. About 20 percent of physicians in the U.S. used homeopathy by 1900. Today, homeopathy is more popular in other countries than in America. In fact, The American Institute of Homeopathy reports it is the most widely practiced form of alternative medicine in the world. However, interest in the U.S. is increasing. According to the National Institutes of Health, 3.9 million American adults and 900,000 children used some type of homeopathic remedy in 2007. Common reasons for use include: allergies, flu, asthma and childhood diarrhea.

Choosing Homeopathy

Judy Fulop, N.D., F.A.B.N.O., Naturopathic Physician with Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. IL, says homeopathy is not a cut and dry method of therapy. It takes many years of study to learn about the various remedies. In addition, each "treatment" is personalized. That's because, according to homeopathy theory, people respond to illness in different ways. So the remedy must be based on individual factors, like personality, taste, habits, and even the preferred temperature of food and drinks.

Fulop says homeopathy should not be used in place of conventional medicine, but rather as an adjunct therapy. There are many conditions in which traditional medical practice is still the preferred method of treatment, like for cancer. However, homeopathic remedies can be used to relieve some of the side effects of illness or treatment. The goal is to bring the body back into balance.

Fulop recommends that anyone who is interested in using homeopathic remedies first seek advice from a traditional health care provider. Physicians should also be informed if the patient is using any form of alternative medicine.

For general information on homeopathy:

American Institute of Homeopathy National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine National Center for Homeopathy

WSOC