Oct 25, 2023 9:36:44 AM | homeopathy What is Homeopathy?

In the world of alternative healthcare, there exists a method that often flies under the radar but has been trusted by millions for over two centuries: Homeopathy. Homeopathy is a system of healing grounded in the belief that the human body possesses an innate ability to heal itself. In this blog, we'll explore the essence of homeopathy, and its principles, and uncover the vital force that guides its healing process.

The Basics of Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been in use since 1810¹. It is characterized by a few key principles that make it unique among medical practices:

• Natural Sources: Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources, such as plants, minerals, and animals, and are used in extremely small amounts.
• Non-Toxic: One of the most attractive aspects of homeopathy is its non-toxic nature, making it suitable for all age groups, from infants to adults. Safe dilution is key to a homeopathic remedy.
• Holistic Healing: Homeopathy treats the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and mental aspects of health, rather than just targeting specific symptoms or diseases.
• Individualized Treatment: Instead of treating diseases by name, homeopathy focuses on treating the individual, aiming to discover and address the underlying causes of their health issues.
  
  

Principles of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is guided by a set of principles that define its approach to healing:

• Law of Similars: This fundamental principle states that "like cures like," meaning a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can support similar symptoms in a sick person.
  
  

• Potency and Dilution: Homeopathic remedies are often highly diluted, with the belief that the more dilute the remedy, the more potent it becomes. This practice is known as infinitesimal dosing.
• Individualized Support: Each person is unique, and their wellness plan should reflect this individuality. Homeopaths carefully select remedies based on a client’s specific support needs and constitution.
• Single and Combination Remedies: Homeopathy typically recommends one remedy at a time to ensure that its effects can be accurately observed and assessed. However, herbalists may use a combination of many remedies available called combination homeopathic remedies.
  
  

The Vital Force

Central to the philosophy of homeopathy is the concept of the “vital force”³:

• A Homeostatic Mechanism: The vital force is described as a self-regulatory mechanism that constantly maintains the body's physiological balance. Dr. Glen Nagel, ND, shares this analogy of how homeopathy works: 

“Homeopathy stimulates the self-healing system of the body. If I had dirt on my face I would not know, but if I look in a mirror (which would be the homeopathic remedy), then I see the dirt and the self-healing kicks in, and I wipe of the dirt. The remedy is a stimulant and the body does the healing. Another analogy is like disciplining children you can yell at them and shout at them to be quiet (this is like a drug) or you can very quietly whisper and get them to listen, this is the homeopathic method. When the message is quiet and at the right vibration, the body can better hear it and make changes.”

• Living Energy: Homeopathy is often referred to as a living and intelligent energy, responsible for healing and preserving balance within the body. Similar concepts exist in various cultures and are known by different names, such as life force, chi, or prana.
  
  

Homeopathic Dosing

Homeopathic remedies come in varying degrees of potency and are administered in accordance with the law of dilution. Here's a brief overview:

• Low Potency: Remedies in the range of 6C to 30C can be repeated more frequently. These are generally available over the counter and available to the public. 
• High Potency: Remedies from 200C to 10M  is beneficial for more chronic deep seated issues.
• Dilution and Succussion: All homeopathic medicines are subjected to a process of dilution and succussion (shaking) to potentiate their effects.
• Memorized Molecular Structure: Although a subject of scientific debate, the notion that water can preserve the molecular memory of a substance when highly diluted offers insights into the potential mechanisms of homeopathy.⁴
  
  

As you explore the world of homeopathy, you’ll discover a myriad of opportunities for learning and growth. With ACHS’s professional development and  accredited programs you can deepen your understanding of this holistic approach to health:

• How Homeopathy Works - Enjoy a free Continuing Education Course to expand your knowledge.
• Integrative Homeopathy Specialist(™) ACHS Micro-credential -  Gain the skills to guide individuals on their path to holistic healing.
• Doctor of Science in Integrative Health - Apply homeopathy in a clinical practice or as part of your dissertation research.
  
  

Take the Next Step

• Learn more about ACHS’s Herbal Medicine Programs
• Speak with an advisor
• Tuition: Learn more about tuition and talk with your advisor about payment options to fit your budget. 
• Submit application

Sources:

(1) Department of Homeopathy Govt. of NCT of Delhi. (n.d.). Origin and Growth of Homeopathy in India. Department of Homeopathy. https://homeopathy.delhi.gov.in/homeopathy/origin-and-growth-homeopathy-india

(2) Dr. Glen Nagel shares an example he provides to his students when teaching about homeopathy.

(3) Vithoulkas, G. (n.d.). The Spin of Electrons and the Proof for the Action of Homeopathic Remedies Abstract Introduction. Semantic Scholar. https://medandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/JMedLife-13-278.pdf

(4) Francis Beauvais, “Memory of water” experiments explained with no role assigned to water: Pattern expectation after classical conditioning of the experimenter, EXPLORE, Volume 17, Issue 2, 2021, Pages 130-140, ISSN 1550-8307, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.02.012.