Definition of Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) proven capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself. Homeopathy was discovered and first practiced by German physician Samuel Hahnemann MD (1755-1843) in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was refined and popularized by the American physician James Tyler Kent MD (1849-1916). Homeopathy is based on the theory that certain element, plant, and mineral compounds will, when ingested or applied in overdose, result in certain specific presenting symptoms. Hahnemann experimented with these substances using a standardized form of serial dilution, and found that they continued to have beneficial therapeutic effects. Mother tinctures are prepared in a standardized process and these remedies undergo both serial dilution and succussion. This process was first employed by Hahnemann and involved a complex potency scale which is still in use by both contemporary homeopaths, and modern pharmaceutical industries which prepare these remedies. Remedies of high dilution are considered to have a restorative effect and stimulate the bodies defense to fight disease. Homeopaths spend considerable time with patients in initial case-taking to observe, interpret and understand the unique symptoms of each case. According to homeopathy, symptoms are the body's way of fighting disease, and substances found in nature are prepared homeopathically and prescribed to instigate a beneficial immune response. Healing responses in homeopathic case-taking are studied from the initial baseline data and the patients progress is observed over follow-up sessions with the practitioner. Homeopathy's scope of practice is defined in new healthcare regulation in Ontario as, "the assessment of body system disorders and treatment using homeopathic techniques to promote, maintain or restore health."
Homeopathy is a traditional healing modality that is often used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Modern research in homeopathy has evolved over the past twenty years, resulting in approximately 120 published clinical trials. Further research in the area of homeopathy and in complementary and alternative medicine is being undertaken at a number of universities and research institutes in Canada and around the world. A focus of many studies involve improving treatment outcomes, understanding mechanisms of action and in determining how homeopathy best fits within the modern healthcare system. Homeopathic colleges in Ontario provide several years of graduate training to students, and clinical experience is typically community based. Most homeopaths work in private-practice, sometimes in a specialized area of treatment. The title, "Homeopath" is protected in law, under provincial healthcare legislation and only a licensed practitioner and member of the Ontario College of Homeopaths will lawfully use this title to provide healthcare. Homeopathy is regulated in many jurisdictions outside of Canada and is funded under the national healthcare systems of some nations. It is widely practiced across Europe, and in particular, in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Britain has a national healthcare system that includes homeopathic hospitals and clinics. India too, has long advocated homeopathy and has more than 25,000 practicing homeopaths. It is also popular in both South America and Central America. The World Health Organization has recommended that homeopathy be integrated into conventional medical practices to meet the healthcare demands of the twenty-first century.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) proven capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself. Homeopathy was discovered and first practiced by German physician Samuel Hahnemann MD (1755-1843) in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was refined and popularized by the American physician James Tyler Kent MD (1849-1916). Homeopathy is based on the theory that certain element, plant, and mineral compounds will, when ingested or applied in overdose, result in certain specific presenting symptoms. Hahnemann experimented with these substances using a standardized form of serial dilution, and found that they continued to have beneficial therapeutic effects. Mother tinctures are prepared in a standardized process and these remedies undergo both serial dilution and succussion. This process was first employed by Hahnemann and involved a complex potency scale which is still in use by both contemporary homeopaths, and modern pharmaceutical industries which prepare these remedies. Remedies of high dilution are considered to have a restorative effect and stimulate the bodies defense to fight disease. Homeopaths spend considerable time with patients in initial case-taking to observe, interpret and understand the unique symptoms of each case. According to homeopathy, symptoms are the body's way of fighting disease, and substances found in nature are prepared homeopathically and prescribed to instigate a beneficial immune response. Healing responses in homeopathic case-taking are studied from the initial baseline data and the patients progress is observed over follow-up sessions with the practitioner. Homeopathy's scope of practice is defined in new healthcare regulation in Ontario as, "the assessment of body system disorders and treatment using homeopathic techniques to promote, maintain or restore health."
Homeopathy is a traditional healing modality that is often used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Modern research in homeopathy has evolved over the past twenty years, resulting in approximately 120 published clinical trials. Further research in the area of homeopathy and in complementary and alternative medicine is being undertaken at a number of universities and research institutes in Canada and around the world. A focus of many studies involve improving treatment outcomes, understanding mechanisms of action and in determining how homeopathy best fits within the modern healthcare system. Homeopathic colleges in Ontario provide several years of graduate training to students, and clinical experience is typically community based. Most homeopaths work in private-practice, sometimes in a specialized area of treatment. The title, "Homeopath" is protected in law, under provincial healthcare legislation and only a licensed practitioner and member of the Ontario College of Homeopaths will lawfully use this title to provide healthcare. Homeopathy is regulated in many jurisdictions outside of Canada and is funded under the national healthcare systems of some nations. It is widely practiced across Europe, and in particular, in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Britain has a national healthcare system that includes homeopathic hospitals and clinics. India too, has long advocated homeopathy and has more than 25,000 practicing homeopaths. It is also popular in both South America and Central America. The World Health Organization has recommended that homeopathy be integrated into conventional medical practices to meet the healthcare demands of the twenty-first century.
HOMEOPATHY: Extraordinary Medicine (video link)