Principles

Homeopathy was first discovered over 200 years ago by a German medical physician and apothecary, Samuel Hahnemann. Through his knowledge of ancient medical principles, he was able to design experiments which led to the birth of homeopathy.

1. Homeopathy’s guiding principle is “like cures like.” Somewhat like vaccines or conventional allergy treatments but without the side effects, homeopathic remedies are chosen according to their similarity to the disease so as to stimulate healing rather than suppress symptoms. For instance, Coffea—made from the coffee bean and traditionally used as a stimulant—is a remedy for sleeplessness; Allium cepa—from the onion—is commonly used for hayfever; and Apis—bee venom—is an excellent anti-inflammatory for the swelling, redness and heat of inflammation.

2. Individual, holistic treatment is essential to address root imbalances.   In homeopathy, symptoms are outward expressions of an internal problem. Rather than suppressing symptoms, homeopaths use them as clues in remedy selection, which is why paying attention to signs and symptoms is so important.  In practice, this means that remedies are not chosen by disease, but by the unique symptoms a person experiences.

3. Less is more. In homeopathy, remedies are only taken on an “as needed” basis. Remedies are not vitamins where more may be considered better. As a rule of thumb, when you feel better, it is necessary to reduce and stop taking the remedy for its greatest effect.