Homeopathic medicine is an alternative treatment regimen in which minute doses of an active ingredient, which in larger amounts would produce symptoms in healthy persons similar to those of the disease, are given in order to stimulate the healing process.
The concept is that like cures like, known in Latin as similia similibus curantur. If you take a substance that can cause a specific symptom when given in large doses, if you dilute that same substance, the diluted solution can be used to treat these symptoms. A common potency is to mix one part of an extract of the ingredient with 99 parts water or alcohol and repeat that process 200 times.
Another concept often used in homeopathy is called the law of minimum dose, which holds that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Homeopathic products are often so diluted that no trace of the original substance can be detected.
For example in treating a poison ivy reaction, a homeopathic practitioner might take the poison ivy, dilute it through the potentization process described above, and use the diluted solution to treat the rash caused by the exposure to poison ivy.
In the case of poison ivy, the plant itself can be diluted and used to treat the rash. For other conditions, the homeopathic practitioner would use a plant or mineral that, in larger doses, would be likely to produce symptoms similar to those caused by the disease or condition that is being treated.
Homeopathic products may be produced from plants, minerals, animal parts, or synthetic substances, such as arsenic oxide, sodium chloride, snake venom, opium, and various hormones.
Homeopathy can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases or conditions, including allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, coughs, depression, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, nausea, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scrapes, and toothaches.
In order to determine the treatment, a homeopathic practitioner will seek to determine the kind of symptoms the patient is experiencing, where it is located, how long the symptoms have persisted, what it feels like, the time of day in which the symptoms are present, and if there are any other symptoms associated with it.
The goal of a homeopathic consultation is to determine the physical, mental, and spiritual symptoms that the patient is experiencing, and to decide upon a remedy that will cure the totality of the patient's symptoms, which is usually prescribed as a single dose or only a few doses.
Developed in Germany in the 18th century, homeopathy is common in several European countries. Although it is not as popular in the United States, neither it is unknown.
Samuel Christian Hahnemann, a German physician, is known as the father of homeopathy. After much experimentation, he found that when he took a small amount of cinchona bark, which contained quinine, the drug used in the treatment of malaria, he experienced the symptoms of malaria. From this start, he arrived at the idea that drugs that cause specific symptoms can be used to cure diseases that cause the same symptoms.
Homeopathy is considered a legitimate alternative to traditional medicine by some, while others define it as a pseudoscience, quackery, or a New Age practice. Detractors will attribute positive outcomes from homeopathic treatments to a placebo effect.
Recommended Resources
The site began as a remedy finder in 2001 and was a non-commercial personal project. Today, it has expanded, and its remedy finder may be accessed through the site, while the online software is also available as a remedy finder on anyone's site under license. Included are thousands of symptoms and itemized remedies, and its repertory has been rearranged and reworded to make it more suitable for the application of homeopathic software. Included are an online discussion forum and a remedy store.
https://abchomeopathy.com/
Accreditation Commission for Homeopathic Education in North America
ACHENA was founded in 1982 as the Council on Homeopathic Education. The Commission is an independent accrediting agency that assesses the educational standards of homeopathic schools and programs. ACHENA commissioners represent homeopathic educators, practitioners, students, allied health professionals, and the public. An archive of standards and competencies is provided, along with an overview of the accreditation process, a list of accredited and candidate schools and programs, and contacts.
https://achena.org/
American Institute of Homeopathy
The AIH was established in 1844, and lays claim as the oldest national medical association in the United States. Its membership is open to licensed physicians (medical, osteopathic, naturopathic, and veterinary), dentists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have integrated homeopathic medicine into their practice, as well as pharmacologists and pharmacists. Member benefits, standards of practice, bylaws, and a membership application are provided.
https://homeopathyusa.org/
British Institute of Homeopathy
Institutionally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Homeopathic Education in North America, the BIH is an independent, non-profit, specialized accrediting agency whose mission is to promote excellence in the education of professional homeopaths. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive classical homeopathic education to students and professionals, live or online. In service since 1987, the BIH offers a professional homeopathic practitioner program, which is highlighted here.
https://bihint.com/
Caduceus Institute of Classical Homeopathy Training
Founded and directed by Willa Keizer, who holds a Certificate in Professional Homeopathy, and is a Doctor of Vitalistic Healing, registered with the North American Society of Homeopaths, the Institute offers three levels of homeopathy training certificates, giving students the ability to learn the basics first, and then progress to advanced training. Its training programs are highlighted, and online enrollment is offered. A list of graduates and contacts is included.
https://homeopathytraining.org/
Canadian Academy of Homeopathy, The
Founded in 1986, the Academy is a homeopathic school designed to provide homeopathic training and promote the practice of homeopathy throughout Canada and the world, as well as encourage research and scientific inquiry and educate the public on the merits of homeopathic healthcare. Its location, courses, webinars, research and development programs, services, and informational articles are included on the site, along with student testimonials and contacts.
https://www.homeopathy.ca/
Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Homeopathic Education in North America, CCHM emphasizes the health sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical examination, and nutrition), clinical proficiency, and the study of pure Hahnemannian homeopathy. Its programs include a homeopathy and health sciences diploma program, homeopathy for health care practitioners and physicians, homeopathic a post-graduate program, and a homeopathy introductory course.
https://homeopathycanada.com/
Founded in 1995, the Hudson Valley School of Classical Homeopathy instructs individuals in the art of healing and health maintenance at all levels, and offers a two-year certification program entitled "The Nature of Healing," a two-part program open to anyone who wants to learn, as well as another two-year Master Clinical Course on DVD, covering the classical homeopathic case-taking techniques, methodology, and philosophy. Private practices in Hartwick and Monroe, New York are also featured.
http://www.classicalhomeopathy.com/
Council for Homeopathic Certification
Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, the CHC certifies individuals who meet and maintain professional standards and ethical competence in classical homeopathy. The CHC confers the Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) credential for professional homeopaths, although no license to practice homeopathy exists in the United States or Canada, with the exception of Ontario. Eligibility, exam requirements, and recertifications are discussed.
https://www.homeopathicdirectory.com/
European Central Council of Homeopaths
The ECCH is a European Council whose membership is comprised of established associations of professional homeopaths from individual countries. Established in 1990, the organization focuses its representational activities within the boundaries of Europe, particularly the European Union. Its organizational structure, national members, officers, and membership policies are set forth, along with an overview of its activities, research, and guidelines. Upcoming events and contacts are included.
https://homeopathy-ecch.org/
Daxa and Vijay Vaishnav are homeopathic doctors from India, and certified classical homeopaths in the United States, as well as teachers of homeopathy who have taught in India, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Initial and follow-up consultations may be requested online, including its policies on cancellations and no-shows. Homeopathy is defined, including the science behind it, whether it is holistic, possible side effects, and its use with animals.
https://www.drvaishnav.com/
Homeopathic Nurses Association
Founded in the 1980s, the NHA represents and facilitates learning opportunities for nurses around the world who are interested in studying, and/or using homeopathy in their professional lives. Membership levels and costs are defined, and visitors to the site can sign up or renew online. The organization's mentorship and advocacy programs are highlighted, along with its scholarship program, advertising opportunities, a directory of homeopathic nurses and practitioners, and contacts.
https://www.nursehomeopaths.org/
The Homeopathic Symposium offers online access to educational materials, which are available on demand, including a library of interactive case videos and multimedia tutorials, which may be previewed or enrolled into through registration. A list of video training modules and multimedia tutorials is provided, and its registration and subscription options are included, along with prices, features, and system requirements. Its address, telephone, and customer service email are provided.
https://www.homeopathicsymposium.com/
Based in Tuggerah, New South Wales, Australia, the store's business hours, address, contacts, and appointment policies are set forth, including local, national, and international callers. The site includes a catalog of homeopathic products, offers, and special offers, with online shopping capabilities, as well as a library of information, research data, videos, podcasts, and self-help tips. General information, uses, and dosage instructions for various remedies are included.
https://homeopathyplus.com/
Based in India, Homeorizon is an online global destination for homeopathic professionals, students, and the public. With the goal of bringing evidence-based homeopathy to the mainstream, the site's authors hope to help distinguish useful data from junk information, providing authentic homeopathy knowledge and resources. Homeorizon includes an electronic journal, Homeopathic Horizon, a monthly publication with in-depth information on various homeopathic topics, as well as other resources.
https://homeorizon.com/
Online since 2001, Hpathy offers free content and services for the homeopathic community. The website includes informational articles, case reports, and research papers from more than 1,500 medical doctors, homeopaths, veterinary doctors, and scientists, which can be found in its online library of homeopathic books. The site also includes information and guidance regarding homeopathy treatment for patients, interviews with homeopathic professionals, audio, and videos.
https://hpathy.com/
Dr. Rajesh Shah is a medically trained homeopath who practices in Mumbai, India. For more than three decades, he has conducted seminars and workshops for practitioners and students in several countries, has published several research papers in international professional journals, and holds multiple patents for his newly introduced drugs. General information about homeopathy is presented, along with details of his practice, and an alphabetical list of diseases includes those that are curable.
https://www.askdrshah.com/
Montreal Institute of Classical Homeopathy
Situated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, MICH is a school of natural health that facilitates holistic consciousness. Its diploma program offers integrated training as a holistic practitioner, naturopath, and homeopathic practitioner, as well as offering continuing education, training, and mentorship for its graduates. Its diploma programs are described, including tuition, and a guidebook and full program syllabus may be downloaded. MICH faculty, graduates, and interns are introduced.
https://www.michmontreal.com/
Based on the principles of Samuel Hahnemann, classic homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that treats diseases or disorders through the use of natural remedies designed to stimulate the body's self-healing powers. An introduction to homeopathy, homeopathic pioneers, homeopathic medicine, and information on diseases, home care, emergency preparedness, vaccines, immunizations, and traveler's health are included. An online form can be used to ask questions of a doctor.
https://www.myhomeopathic.com/
National Center for Homeopathy
Founded in 1974, the NCH is a non-profit organization designed to promote health through the advancement and practice of homeopathy, foster support for people learning homeopathy, provide education, and build awareness, while advocating for increased access to homeopathy. Its educational, advocacy, and outreach programs are featured, and its current board, membership levels and policies, and contacts are provided. A calendar of events, advertising opportunities, and awards are included.
https://homeopathycenter.org/
With separate presentations for USA (English), UK (English), Deutschland (Deutsch), and France (Française), Nelsons, its products, and its brands are featured here. Located in North Andover, Massachusetts, Nelsons specializes in homeopathic dilutions. Its brands are highlighted here, along with current deals and places where they may be purchased. Product ratings are included. The company's address, contacts, management team, and career opportunities are posted on the site.
https://www.nelsons.net/
Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine
Founded in 2001, OCHM is a non-profit homeopathic training college with a program approved by the College of Homeopaths of Ontario. Its programs include a blended intensive diploma program, an accelerated diploma program for healthcare professionals, a post-graduate program, a distance education program, a certificate course, clinical internships, and satellite programs in Manitoba and Vancouver. A teaching clinic and a free online clinic are included.
https://ochm.ca/
Founded by Ian Lindsay Wheeler in 2002, Pegasus Homeographics features the "Pegasus Bluebox Kit," an all-in-one, easy-to-use homeopathic solution, with remedies for most of the common acute ailments that families are faced with. Other products include its "Maternity/Labour Kit," with eight remedies and a topic oil to facilitate a healthy pregnancy term, and "Pegasus for Pets," with a range of solutions designed for companion animals. Other remedies are also available.
https://www.pegasuskits.com/
Manufactured according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, Rxhomeo's products are homeopathic over-the-counter products listed with the US FDA, adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices. Developed in Germany, homeopathy has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century. Its online catalog includes an alphabetized product list, single homeopathic remedies, and current promotional offers. Payment options and shipping policies are defined.
https://www.rxhomeo.com/
The setting for the UK attendance course on homeopathy takes place in a 19th-century country house on the campus of the Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. Study options, courses, clinical training, books, fees, and enrollment policies are set forth, along with alumni testimonials, patrons, and awards. The school is highlighted, including a list of twelve reasons to study with the School of Homeopathy and careers in the field of homeopathy.
https://www.homeopathyschool.com/
Claiming to be the largest group of registered professional homeopaths in the United Kingdom, the membership organization is governed by a board of directors, elected by the members, and a fully-staffed office that provides management and administrative support for Society activities. Founded in 1978, the Society requires members to complete training with one of its accredited course providers before joining its register as qualified homeopaths, and sign a code of ethics and practice.
http://homeopathy-soh.org/
Vancouver Centre for Homeopathy
Established in 1982, the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the Centre founded the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy, and its practitioners are members of international homeopathic organizations. Its initial consults for children and adults, follow-up appointment procedures, appointment policies, and fees are set forth, and appointments may be booked through an online appointment form. An introduction to homeopathy and the homeopathic approach is provided, with contacts.
https://www.homeopathyvancouver.com/
