How Does Homeopathy Work Anyway?

[Guest guest]

How Does Homeopathy

Work Anyway?

By Susy Parker Goins

Homeopathy can seem like a completely foreign concept to

those of us brought up on mainstream, allopathic medicine. The principles of Homeopathy are easily understood, however, by even novice

users. With a little study and good reference materials, you can understand and

apply Homeopathic Medicine to your family’s health.

The four fundamental laws of Homeopathy — the Law of Similars, the Law of Single

Remedy, the Law of Minimum Dose and the Law of Direction of Cure – form

the philosophical basis of this powerful healing modality. Each law identifies

an aspect of Homeopathy that sets it apart from other healing

philosophies.

As like is to like

The Law of Similars, so named by Homeopathy’s founder, Samuel Hahnemann, has been

known for thousands of years. Physicians discussed theories on symptoms

substances caused and were capable of curing as early as the time of

Hippocrates and the Oracle at Delphi.

It was Hahnemann who began the process he called

“proving,” taking notes on the reactions a healthy person (himself)

had in response to a given substance. For example, the symptoms he developed

after drinking cinchona bark extract were similar to the symptom picture for

malaria. The treatment for malaria is quinine, a product from cinchona bark.

Hahnemann drew the conclusion that if cinchona bark can cause the symptoms, it

should be able to resolve them too.

One thing at a time

The second homeopathic fundamental is the Law of Single Remedy.

Hahnemann believed that a practitioner should not prescribe more than one

remedy at a time.

There is a lot of wisdom in this concept. Say you take a

multiple-remedy product. If it doesn’t work — well, too bad, try

something else. But if it does work, how can you know which of the five or six

or 12 ingredients in the product is the remedy that worked? And what are the

chances that the remedy that was beneficial is the same remedy that promoted

complete healing?

To determine which single remedy best suits your individual

needs, you must get a complete picture of your state of being at that moment.

Several excellent reference volumes can assist you in sorting through the

options. A consultation with a homeopathic practitioner will give you a

thorough understanding of your needs. Remember: A scattershot approach with a

multiple-remedy formula won’t necessarily lead to complete healing, just

relief from immediate symptoms.

A strategic nudge

The third law, the Law of Minimum Dose, states that you should

take the smallest possible dose to nudge your vital force to start the Healing Process. This conservative attitude allows

practitioners to ease clients into the Healing Process. Hahnemann believed that healing should be

“rapid, gently and permanent.”

To use too much of a remedy frequently aggravates symptoms

before creating any improvement. This can put patients off the homeopathic

modality entirely. I twisted my ankle some years ago at my in-laws’ house

and took arnica montana for it. This was indeed the correct remedy, yes —

but due to my inexperience with Homeopathy, I took several doses of 30C potency. The result

was an incredibly painful night with little sleep. Had I researched more deeply

into my particular situation, I would have taken far less and been able to get

some sleep.

Improvement may take a little longer using the minimum dose

standard, but it is much easier and less disruptive to increase dosages than it

is to step back.

Which way from here?

The fourth fundamental law of Homeopathy describes the Direction of Cure. As you work

your way closer to a state of health, an identifiable pattern of healing

emerges. First, healing works its way down from head to foot. Second, healing

works from major organ to minor organ. Third, it works from the inside to the

outside. And finally, you see a reversal of symptoms.

The first three directions follow a logical path down and out

the body. The fourth direction can be surprising. As the most recent ailments

resolve, older or previously suppressed symptoms can reappear. You might find

that an old knee injury you thought was completely healed resurfaces after you

resolve a series of Migraines.

Rapid, gentle and permanent

These four fundamental laws – the laws of Similars, Single

Remdy, Minimum Dose and Direction of Cure – form the philosophical

framework for Homeopathy. Many health care providers and patients apply

allopathic sensibilities to the Healing Process by suppressing symptoms or using more

remedy than is necessary. These laws allow the use of Homeopathy for healing as Samuel Hahnemann believed it

should be: rapid, gentle and permanent.

About the author

An informal Student of natural health for years, NFO Bookshelf and

Natural Beauty Editor Susy Goins received her certificate in Homeopathy from the American College of Health Sciences.

The self-proclaimed out-of-the-mainstream mama of three is a writer, belly

dancer, actress, costumer and cook and will soon be celebrating 20 years of

marriage to her husband.

—– For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies Mountain Rose Herbs is where we recommend you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!