Homeopathic treatment refers to healing of individuals by using diluted preparations. The preparations which cause symptoms to manifest among healthy people are administered to the ailing person.

The principle of the law of similars (like cures like) is a major component of the treatment. Part of the treatment includes assessing and caring for the physical and psychological condition of the patient.

How Homeopathic Remedies Heal

Most of the medications are diluted so virtually nothing is left. According to homeopaths however, increasing dilution makes the medication more potent.

The Principle of Dilution

Besides the law of similars, the dilution principle (law of minimum dose) is also an integral part of the treatment. The dilution is done in a stepwise manner. The mix is shaken between every dilution. This procedure is known as potentization.

According to homeopaths, potentization relays energy from the substance to the diluted mix. In most of the remedies, the dilution is so thorough nothing of the substance remains. But according to homeopaths, the essence of the substance remains. This is what heals the body.

How Treatments are Performed?

Homeopaths treat patients based on their medical records, physiology, physical, emotional and mental status. Treatment is highly individualized. That is, people with the same illness may receive different types of treatments.

Homeopathic treatment comes from a variety of sources, including plants, animals, and minerals. Among the most common are nettle plants, arnica, various herbs and flowers.

Does the Treatment Work?

Many researchers believe that the treatment does not work, apart from the placebo effect. However, homeopaths counter that there have been studies showing positive effects on the patient.

Scientific studies are difficult to do because UHDs (ultra high dilutions) are difficult to measure. The fact that treatment is individualized makes it even harder to analyze.

Illnesses that Respond to the Treatment

These include abdominal pain and indigestion, hives, anxiety, back and neck problems, chicken pox, and colds. Other ailments that respond well are conjunctivitis, coughs, diarrhea and fever.

German measles, hemorrhoids, herpes simplex, warts, styes, and nausea also respond well. Other ailments that can be treated are impetigo, laryngitis, insomnia, motion sickness and ringworm. Again, the treatments are individualized; a homeopath may use different methods depending on the state of the patient.

Side Effects

Studies show that highly diluted treatments are safe. Liquid treatments have some alcohol, but the FDA states there are no side effects.

Before Seeking Treatment

If you are taking conventional drugs, talk to your doctor first before seeking a homeopath. It is best if you rely on conventional medication first. Pregnant women should consult a health provider before seeking any form of alternative medicine.

Conduct some research on the background and experience of the homeopath. Do some research on remedies for your ailment. This way you can determine if the homeopath really knows what they are doing.

Research on the efficiency of homeopathic treatment is still ongoing. However, there are many people who have benefited from it. If you want to try it, you should follow the guidelines suggested above to avoid incurring any risks.

Originally posted 2010-05-12 11:12:28.