A discipline started by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the early 1800's and whose merit is in being a non-invasive therapeutic modality. Although it is used for both acute and chronic disorders it's hallmark is in being able to treat chronic disorders of a long standing nature that are difficult to treat with other modalities. The aim of homeopathy is to bring about an equilibrium of the vital force (our internal defense and curative mechanisms so to speak). The basic Homeopathic principle lies in that to effect a rapid and permanent cure one must produce a similar clinical picture. (similia similibus curentur). This is the fundamental principle of homeopathy and it is known as "The Law of Cure". So what we do is give a remedy which produces a clinical picture similar to the disease itself. (Not something that was regarded as scientific back in Dr. Hahemann's time and he was ostracized for these beliefs.) Peruvian bark or Quinine used
to treat malaria was in fact the substance that gave Dr. Hahnemann the
insight into the principle of homeopathy. In his early years as a
translator of books he came across writings on the action of quinine to
treat malaria. His intuitive nature led him to test its effects as
to symptom producing properties on himself and those symptoms took the
form of malaria. He soon concluded that quinine both produced symptoms
of malaria and also cured it. After this he was able to conduct his
provings with other natural substances of plant, mineral and animal origin
and developed a wide range of natural healing substances throughout his
lifetime. These remedies form the basis for the materia medica
which has been expanded but continues to be a valuable source of information
on homeopathic remedies.
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