Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine developed over
200 years ago which stimulates the body's inherent ability
to heal itself. Homeopathy recognizes each of us as a unique
human being requiring individualized treatment. It is based
on a unique set of principles. The word homeopathy is
derived from the words "homeo" and "pathos" meaning "similar
suffering" and describes the first principle of homeopathy,
The Law of Similars. A very simple example is the red onion.
Chopping an onion usually produces stinging and watery eyes
in a healthy person. However, when prepared homeopathically
and given in minute dosage Allium Cepa is a very helpful
remedy for hay fever. Treatment is of potential benefit to
most people and has application over a broad range of
conditions. Many chronic conditions that are a challenge to
conventional medicine such as colitis, arthritis, migraines
and depression respond very well to homeopathic treatment
which addresses the whole person not just the symptoms of
disease.
In the last few years studies have been published in various
prestigious medical journals such as the Lancet, British
Medical Journal, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology,
International Journal of Immunology and Pediatrics, and
Human and Experimental Toxicology. These studies have
demonstrated the biological activity and therapeutic
benefits of homeopathic medicines. Recently, studies were
conducted by German physician, Marianne Heger and staff at
the Homeopathy International Research Centre. Their clinical
studies involved physicians from all over the world. Over
10,000 patients with varying complaints participated. Data
was entered directly at the physicians' offices where the
examinations were made. The study compared the effectiveness
of homeopathic treatment vs. conventional drug treatment.
Heger reported, "We were surprised. We expected that
homeopathic medicines would be as good as conventional
medicines and we were surprised to find that Homeopathy in
this period did much better than the conventional medicine.
The patients had quicker results, significantly fewer side
effects and a distinctly higher satisfaction level with the
treatment (79% vs. 65%)."
These kind of results seem almost unbelievable in Canada
where Homeopathy is only beginning to build a following. In
Europe and many other parts of the world it is a different
story. Homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed by
physicians and homeopathic practitioners alike. Many people
use Homeopathy as a regular part of health treatment. Even
the British Royal Family has a homeopath. When your child is
sick there is, of course, no substitute for consulting with
your family physician. A homeopathic practitioner is not a
medical doctor. However, Homeopathy provides a wonderful
compliment to standard medical care. Homeopathy is widely
recognized to be safe. Medicines have no lasting side
effects and can be taken with conventional medication
without risk of interaction.