What is homeopathy?
In the late 18th century, a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann came upon a passage claiming that quinine-containing Peruvian bark (chinchona) cured malaria. Using himself as a subject, Hahnemann swallowed a dose of Peruvian bark. He began to feel feverish, drowsy, desperately thirsty, and agitated -- all of which he recognized as symptoms of malaria. This caused Hahnemann to experiment further and form his theory that like cures like, or the Law of Similars. This law states that when a substance in large doses causes certain symptoms, in small doses it can cure these same symptoms. Some treatments in conventional medicine rely on this like-cures-like principle; vaccines, for instance, introduce small doses of an illness-causing agent to prevent disease.
Other important principles of homeopathy are dilution and succussion. Remedies are diluted and then "succussed," or shaken, in order to increase their potency. The process of successive dilution and succussion is called potentization.
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathic remedies start with simple substances, such as herbs, minerals, or animal products. These substances are first crushed and dissolved in a specified amount of a substance -- usually grain alcohol or lactose, mechanically shaken, then stored. This is the "mother tincture." Homeopaths further dilute tinctures with alcohol or lactose, either 1 part to 10 (written as "x") or 1 part to 100 (written as "c"), and then succuss these tinctures, yielding a 1x or 1c dilution. Homeopaths can even further dilute these tinctures two times (2x or 2c), three times (3x or 3c), and so forth. In clinical practice, any dilution may be used, but the most common are the 6x, 12x, and 30x, and 6c, 12c, and 30c. Many times professional homeopaths will use much higher dilutions, as the more diluted the substance, the more potent its healing powers are thought to be.
Rather than simply suppressing symptoms of a disease, homeopathic remedies act as catalysts that aid the body's inherent healing mechanisms. Moreover, homeopaths believe that any physical disease has a mental and emotional component. The homeopathic diagnosis is threefold, including physical symptoms (for example, feverishness), current emotional and psychological state (such as, anxiety and restlessness), and overall constitution of the individual (this includes more enduring qualities related to a person's creativity, initiative, persistence, concentration, physical sensitivities, and stamina). The right remedy for a particular condition addresses all of these aspects and requires a highly individualized diagnosis.
Homeopathy is also unlike other remedies, that is, they are used according to individual symptoms instead of specific remedies for specific diseases. Therefore 3 patients with hay fever could need 3 very different prescriptions. Health-food stores and some pharmacies sell homeopathic remedies for a variety of problems. Remedies are usually taken for no more than 2 - 3 days, although some people require only 1 - 2 doses before starting to feel better, while in some cases daily dosing may be prescribed. If a remedy fails, it may be because it was the wrong substance for the set of symptoms.
What happens during a visit to the homeopath?
An initial visit to the homeopath can take from 1 - 2½ hours. Because homeopaths treat the person rather than the illness, the practitioner interviews the person at length, asking many questions and observing personality traits as well as unusual behavioral and physical symptoms. Determining the person's condition also includes a physical examination and possibly laboratory work.
What illnesses and conditions respond well?
Conditions that respond particularly well to homeopathic treatment include asthma, diarrhea, eczema and other types of skin rashes, depression, anxiety, colds/flu, hot flashes, allergies, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, and otitis media (ear infection). Some professional homeopaths specialize in treating serious illnesses, such as cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune diseases. Always make sure that all the health care providers involved in your care are fully informed about all the different therapies you are using.
The results of individual, controlled clinical trials of homeopathy have been contradictory. In some clinical trials, homeopathy appeared to be no more helpful than a placebo; in other clinical studies, researchers believed they saw benefits from homeopathy. More controlled clinical research is needed to determine the efficacy of homeopathy for various medical conditions.
Homeopathic medicines, due to their dilution, are generally without side effects. However, some patients report feeling worse for a brief period of time after starting homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths interpret this as the body temporarily stimulating symptoms while it makes an effort to restore health. Homeopathic medicines are not known to interfere with conventional drugs; however, if you are considering using homeopathic remedies, you should discuss this with your health care provider.
Is homeopathy regulated?
Because of their long use in the United States, the U.S. Congress passed a law in 1938 declaring that homeopathic remedies are to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This means that homeopathic medicines can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, unlike conventional prescription drugs and new OTC drugs, which must undergo thorough testing and review by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they can be sold. Homeopathic medicines are required, however, to meet certain legal standards for strength, quality, purity, and packaging. In 1988, the FDA required that all homeopathic medicines list on the label the medical problems these medicines can treat. The FDA also requires the label to list ingredients, dilutions, and instructions for safe use.
The guidelines for homeopathic medicines are found in an official guide, the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, which is authored by a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization of industry representatives and homeopathic experts. The Pharmacopoeia also includes provisions for testing new remedies and verifying their clinical effectiveness. Remedies on the market before 1962 have been accepted into the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States based on historical use, rather than scientific evidence from clinical trials.
How can I find a qualified practitioner?
Homeopathic schools and training programs exist in the U.S., most of which offer 2 - 4 year programs. However, no diploma or certificate from any school provides a license to practice. Many homeopaths are also medical doctors, although there are homeopaths licensed in virtually every health-profession category, including veterinarians. In most states, practitioners of homeopathy must be licensed health care providers. Several respected certification agencies exist. The American Board of Homeotherapeutics certifies medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have specialized in homeopathy (DHt is the indicator of a doctor of homeopathy). Naturopaths study homeopathy extensively as part of their medical training and are certified by the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (DHANP). All homeopathic practitioners, including chiropractors, nurse practitioners, and acupuncturists, can apply for Certification in Classical Homeopathy (CCH).
To find a homeopathic provider in your area, contact:
Does my medical insurance usually cover homeopathy?
Insurance companies are more likely to cover homeopathy when the person providing the service is a licensed health care professional, such as an MD or DO who also practices homeopathy.
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