Homeopathy was founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the 1700s. The word homeopathy is derived from the Greek words homeo (meaning similar) and pathy (meaning disease or suffering). Therefore, homeopathy is a form of medicine that is based on the premise that “like cures like.” An example of this would be if you are stung by a bee, Apis Mellifica a remedy made from honey bees is recommended to relieve symptoms.
The homeopathic remedies are derived from plants, minerals, animals, etc., and are taken through a process called potentization; which means the substances are diluted and shaken (succussed) to provide the varying potencies available. A potency of 6c is diluted and shaken fewer times than a potency of 30c; potencies of 200c would be diluted and shaken more than potencies of 30c. Lower potencies such as 6c, 9c, or 30c are used for more acute issues, while higher potencies such as 200c, 1M and higher are used for more chronic, core issues.
Homeopathy is a very individualized form of treatment;, particularly in chronic care cases. Sima will spend a great deal of time gathering specific details of your ailment and of your life. She will consider your comments regarding likes and dislikes in foods and activities, consider your fears, stress, lifestyle, traumas, and sleep. She will also make note of any physical symptoms or behaviors that she notes but may not be mentioned by the patient. Based on all of this information, Sima will recommend a remedy, potency, and dosage plan. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled 5-6 weeks after the initial intake to monitor the effectiveness of the remedy. To learn more about what homeopathy can do for you and schedule your consultation with Sima, please call our office at (800) 669-0358 or send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Effectiveness of Homeopathy
Studies regarding the effectiveness of homeopathy are mixed and homeopaths contend this is because treatment is not being individualized in some studies. One remedy may work well for one cancer patient and yet a different remedy works better on another patient. Some homeopaths believe that when studies are done that test the effectiveness of one particular remedy on an entire population with the same diagnosis, the study is doomed to failure. They believe that different circumstances brought the patients to the same diagnosis and therefore their treatments must be differentiated. Where this has been done, studies have shown promising results.
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Dos Santos AL, et al. 2007 |
In vivo study using rats on the anti-inflammatory effect of Rhus Tox |
Rhus tox in homeopathic dilution spears to interfere with the inflammatory processes involving histamine, prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators. |
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Mojaver Y.N. et al, 2007 |
Observational Study for trigeminal neuralgia using 15 patients. |
Overall reductions of more than 60% in pain intensity was noted. Results suggest that homeopathic treatment is an effective and safe method for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. |
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Kumar KH, et al, 2007 |
Inhibition of chemically induced carcinogenesis by drugs used in homeopathic medicine (rats used). |
Ruta 200c showed maximum inhibition of liver tumor development. Ruta 200c and phosphorus 1M were found to reduce the incidence of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas and increase the life span of rats harboring the tumors. Homeopathic drugs may be able to decrease tumor induction by carcinogen administration. Do not know the mechanisms of action of these drugs. |
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Bristol Homeopathic Hospital |
6,500 patients took part in the six-year study with problems such as eczema to menopause and arthritis. |
70% of patients with chronic diseases reported positive health changes after treatment. Biggest improvement noted in children. |
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Frei, H. et al., 2005 |
Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. |
Improvements of 12 points on the Connors Scale for ADHD was seen for homeopathy, but not placebo. Researchers concluded that homeopathy could be helpful for ADHD particularly in the areas of behavioral and cognitive functions. |
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Oberbaum et al., 2001 |
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 32 children; 30 completed the study. |
Traumeel S, a homeopathic skin cream, may significantly reduce the severity and length of pain and inflammation of the tissues lining the inside of the mouth from chemotherapy in children being treated with bone marrow transplantation. |
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Taylor et al., 2000 |
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 51 participants aged 17 years or older (50 completed the study). |
Team tested the hypothesis that homeopathy is a placebo by examining effects of an oral homeopathic preparation in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Patients in the homeopathy group averaged a 21% improvement over baseline, compared with an average of 2% in the placebo group. The investigators wrote: "Compared with placebo, homeopathy provoked a clear, significant and relevant improvement in nasal respiratory peak flow, similar to that found with topical steroids”. |
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Jacobs et al., 2000 |
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 126 children; 116 completed the study. |
Individualized homeopathic treatments improved digestive problems in children with acute childhood diarrhea. Results are consistent with findings of a previous study. |
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Weiser et al., 1999 |
Randomized, double-blinded trial of 146 people. |
For the treatment of hay fever, a homeopathic nasal spray is as efficient and well tolerated as a conventional therapy, cromolyn sodium. |
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Rastogi et al., 1999 |
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 100 people between 18 and 50 (71 percent male/29 percent female). |
A subgroup of patients with HIV in the symptomatic phase, receiving treatment, had increased levels of CD4 cells at the end of the trial; the placebo subgroup did not. |
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Vickers et al., 1998 |
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 519 people; 400 completed the study. |
Homeopathic remedies, including arnica, are not effective for muscle soreness following long-distance running. |
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Weiser et al., 1998 |
Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of 119 people; 105 completed the study. |
The homeopathic treatment vertigo heel, and the standard treatment of betahistine are equally effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of vertigo attacks. |
Where is Homeopathy Used?
A homeopathy is a form of medicine that is used worldwide. In the United States, it is regulated by the FDA and sold as an over-the-counter medication. In India, Mexico, and Brazil, homeopathy is integrated into their healthcare systems. Some countries such as Italy, France, and Spain limit the prescription of homeopathic drugs to medical doctors.
The following table provides an overview of the use of homeopathy in different countries.
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Argentina |
1,200 homeopathic doctors out of a total of 88,000 doctors. |
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Belgium |
1,000 physicians use homeopathy and it is covered in part by insurance. |
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Brazil |
15,000 out of 282,000 doctors use homeopathy. 9 million people use homeopathy in Brazil. |
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France |
Leading country using homeopathic medicines. 30,000 physicians out of 110,000 use homeopathy. 69% of physicians believe homeopathy is effective. |
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Germany |
3,500 out of 258,000 physicians use homeopathy. |
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India |
Over 250,000 homeopathic practitioners and 75,000 medical auxiliaries prescribe homeopathic medicines. Included in Indian Health Care System. |
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Israel |
300 prescribing doctors. |
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Italy |
7,000 out of 360,000 doctors use homeopathy. 8.2% of Italians use homeopathy. |
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Mexico |
4,000 out of 92,000 doctors use homeopathy. |
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Pakistan |
4,000 physicians out of 10,000 prescribe homeopathy on a regular basis. |
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Russia |
10,000 physicians out of 565,000 prescribe homeopathic treatments. |
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Spain |
1,200 out of 176,000 doctors use homeopathy. |
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Switzerland |
470 doctors out of 4,000 are homeopaths. |
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The United Kingdom |
10% of the population consults a homeopathic practitioner. |
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The United States |
Only a few hundred doctors out of 615,000 practice homeopathy. |
Let us help you in your healing journey. WE ARE HERE TO EDUCATE AND NOT MEDICATE. Call our office at (800) 669-0358 to schedule your consult.
References
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4454856.stm
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy/#a2