Homeopathy is a comprehensive system of medicine in which practitioners use solutions containing minute amounts of animal, vegetable and/or mineral substances to promote healing. Homeopaths believe in what they call the "law of similars." This means that "like cures like" and that illnesses can be treated by giving patients a small dose of a substance that produces similar effects to those of the illness. This is the same principle used in allergy treatments and immunizations.Homeopaths evaluate and treat each patient as a whole. They consider psychological, behavioral, and genetic factors--not just the immediate physical symptoms of the disease--when prescribing the remedy that will have the most powerful healing effect on the patient.

The Theory :

The theory of curing 'Law of Similars' dates back to ancient Greece but was revived by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann at the start of the 19th century. Disillusioned with barbaric medical practices that were in favour at the time, he set about developing a more humane and effective form of treatment.According to the 'law of similars' the patient's symptoms are used to determine the best homeopathic remedy for a cure. Patients are also classified by their 'constitutional type' - certain physical, mental and emotional characteristics that may predispose a person to certain types of imbalance.

The Law of Similars :

Homeopathy is based on the 'Law of Similars', first expressed by Hahnemann in the exhortation similia similibus curentur or 'let likes cure likes'. The law of similars is based on doctor Samuel Hahnemann's observation that a given constellation of symptoms ellicited by a given homepathic remedy in a group of healthy individuals will cure an ill individual exhibiting the same constellations of symptoms. Symptom patterns associated with various remedies are determined by 'provings', in which healthy volunteers are given remedies in homeopathic form, and the physical, mental and spiritual symptoms they develop are recorded and complied by observers. Homeopathic practitioners rely on two types of reference in prescribing. The Homeopathic Materia Medicae are organized by remedy, and describe symptom patterns associated with individual remedies. The Homeopathic repertory are organized by symptom, and list individual remedies associated with various symptoms.

Working of Homeopathy :

A homeopathic remedy is made by crushing a plant, animal, or mineral substance then putting it into a solvent such as grain alcohol. The extract is then further diluted in a mixture of alcohol and water and shaken with each dilution; this emphasizes the signature healing effects of the substance being diluted. The process is repeated many times to achieve a therapeutic dilution with few chemical side effects. Some homeopathic remedies are recommended for use every few hours for treating a specific problem; others are used once a day to support resistance to disease or to strengthen the body in general. If a remedy fails to improve your ailment, you may need to move on to another remedy or some other form of treatment.

Factors for the success of Homeopathy :

* Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the correct remedy is taken, results can be rapid, complete and permanent.

* Homeopathy is completely safe. Even babies and pregnant women can use Homeopathy without the danger of side effects. Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted side effects.

* Homeopathy is natural. Homeopathic remedies are normally based on natural ingredients.

* Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune system, unlike some conventional medicines which suppress the immune system. (For example, cough medicines suppress the cough reflex, which is your body's attempt to clear the lungs)

* Homeopathic remedies are not addictive - once relief is felt, you should stop taking them. If no relief is felt, you are probably taking the wrong homeopathic remedy.

* Homeopathy is holistic. It treats all the symptoms as one, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause, not the symptoms. This often means that symptoms tackled with Homeopathy do not re-appear.