Homeopathy was originated in the late-1700’s by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. Looking for gentler and, often, more effective avenues to health, Hahnemann discovered that, triggering an organism’s innate ability to find balance on the physical or emotional plateau yielded improvement in one’s wellbeing. As per his discovery and teachings, homeopathic medicine takes root in the law of simillimum, whereby the same substance that can cause a healthy organism become sick, can cause an un-healthy individual regain his or her healthy balance. This law of simillimum calls for individual’s symptoms to match those of the homeopathic medicine, thus allowing the body to return to its optimal state.

Homeopathy does not need to replace allopathic or Western systems of healing e.g., when surgery or antibiotics are required, homeopathy may do its best work as a supportive modality in  regaining one’s optimal health. However, many ailments today are treated by suppressive means without recognizing that what’s being called an ailment is really a symptom: a body’s way of communicating that something is out of balance. For example, one’s organism could be eliminating toxins through skin. Applying creams to make it feel and look better may not be a desirable solution in the long term – respiratory ailments often have history of skin eruptions “successfully” treated with harsh medications. Whatever the disharmony expressed by an individual, short of eliminating that offending “stressor” from one’s life, his or her susceptibility needs to be addressed to encourage healing and resilience going forward. Homeopathy is a safe and natural way of doing so.

Homeopathic medicines – remedies – are prepared by diluting elements found in the world around us, in such a way, that only the energetic imprint of the original substance is left behind. This imprint holds the characteristics of the remedy which, when matched to the person’s symptoms and her or his individuality, will trigger the body to eliminate dis-harmony and heal itself. The better the match, the greater the improvement. Thus, while holistically observing a person – beyond just the presenting symptoms – a homeopath can select a remedy that not only addresses the symptoms but also represents an individual’s uniqueness. As such, deeper healing and reduction in susceptibilities to various ailments can be achieved.

During the first consultation, 1 1/2-2 hrs will be spent reviewing the symptoms, health history, and the individual’s unique characteristics. The ensuing analysis of the information, after the consult, will allow for a remedy to be arrived at. Follow-ups are recommended 4-6 weeks after taking the remedy and can be expected to last 30-45 minutes.

HOMEOPATHY, Beyond Flat Earth Medicine by Timothy R. Dooley, N.D., M.D. is a quick read – an introduction to the science of homeopathy which includes case summaries from this doctor’s practice.

Impossible Cure, The Promise of Homeopathy by Amy L. Lansky, Ph.D. is a more cerebral read – very well written and researched by a NASA scientist. It is both, a personal account as well as, an overview of history, philosophy and clinical applications of homeopathy.