What is Homeopathy?

The word Homeopathy (also Homoeopathy) originates from the Greek for 'similar suffering'. Homeopathy dates back to the 1700s when Samuel Hahnemann discovered that a substance given to a healthy person caused symptoms, so asked himself what would happen if he gave the substance to somebody who was already displaying those very symptoms. He discovered that the substance given in its purest form had an effect but not a curative one, so he diluted the substance and saw there was more of an impact, so then he diluted the substance and shook it very hard a number of times (succussion) and found that there was a profound curative effect.

There are now homeopathic pharmacies who manufacture homeopathic remedies based on the same principles that Hahnemann discovered all those years ago, although with some technological help as it is a time consuming process. The name for the process is 'potentisation'.

How does it work?

Because of the high levels of dilution during the process of making a remedy there is not a single molecule of the original substance left in the pills you get from a homeopath. This makes it difficult for some people to believe that there can be anything in it. There has been a lot of press about homeopathy and whether it works, some good and some negative. As yet it has not been 'scientifically' proven, so sceptics feel that until this can happen the medicine is not worth serious consideration.

My belief, along with many others, is that homeopathy is an energy medicine. This means that what you are given is the substance's energy rather than the substance as a material thing. You will find that you are given your remedy in a certain potency such as 30c, 200c or 1M, and this potency is matched to your energy and the energy of your symptoms by the homeopath. It is believed that the transfer of energy comes from the succussion (shaking) of the remedy as well as the process of dilution.

A homeopathic remedy in your body will very gently kick start your body into healing itself. The hope is that the remedy you are given will 'match' your presenting symptoms and improve and alleviate them, although with many remedies to choose from this can be a challenging task.

There is plenty of information on the Internet and in good bookshops about homeopathy and other complementary therapies. Professional bodies will be glad to assist in any way possible, and most homeopaths are happy to answer questions about their work. I have included some potential questions and answers in the FAQs section of this website or please contact me.