Homeopathy is one of the world’s most popular alternative treatment methods. It is based on the principle that the human body can heal itself
This is quite similar to the belief system of other alternative treatment methods. However, homeopathy isn’t based on energy work. Rather, it is based on the principle that symptoms of a disease in healthy people can cure similar symptoms in sick people. In other words, like cures like.
Short History
Homeopathy was developed in 1796 by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. He came up with the idea while he was doing some translation work on a medical treatise. The development of homeopathy was most probably guided by Hahnemann’s distaste for the mainstream medicine of the late 18th century. He even coined the term “allopathic medicine” to allude to the existing system. After more than two hundred years, this term is still in use.
How Does It Work
As stated above, homeopathy is based on the belief that like cures like. It means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can treat the same symptoms of an illness in another person.
These substances are also personalized for the person being treated. So, when a person goes for homeopathy treatment, they are asked about their background, details of their health, and so on.
Then, the substance that is right for them is diluted in a water or alcohol solution. A lot of shaking is involved too (to give the water or alcohol the properties of the substance). In the end, very little of the original ingredient is left in the solution but it is considered potent enough to cure the illness of the patient.
Controversies Surrounding Homeopathy
Ever since the beginning, homeopathy has been surrounded by controversies. The mainstream medical community has been quite vocal about how homeopathy doesn’t have concrete science backing it.
For instance, researchers have stated that this method doesn’t actually use active ingredients that can reduce the symptoms of a disease. Rather, only a water or alcoholic base solution is used.
Then there are doctors who say that the principles of homeopathy go against what is known about chemistry and physics. And as we all know, nothing can exist that breaks the laws of nature.
What Conditions Does Homeopathy Treat?
Homeopathy can treat a whole host of conditions and diseases. Some of the most common ones are mentioned below:
- i) Bruises and scrapes.
- ii) Migraines and regular headaches.
iii) Stress, anxiety, and depression.
- iv) Allergies.
- v) Fever.
- vi) Premenstrual syndrome.
vii) High blood pressure.
viii) Skin ailments.
The Benefits of Homeopathy
Despite all the controversies involved in homeopathy, it still has its own benefits. Some of the more important ones are:
- i) It has no side effects since there are literally no active ingredients in the medicine.
- ii) Homeopathy can help treat a number of conditions.
iii) It is easy to administer.
- iv) Homeopathic medicines are easily available.
- v) It aims at removing the root cause of the problem at hand
