Heidi Geha

July 30, 2016

D9: Homeopathy

In your own words, explain how homeopathic medicine works. What makes homeopathic

unique from all the other professions we have studied? What is similar to the other professions

we have studied? How do you become licensed in homeopathy today?

Homeopathic medicine works on the principle of like cures like; for example, the disease

is used to cure the disease. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole person not just the

symptoms that are presented. Homeopathic treatments are minute doses that are made from

animal, vegetable, and mineral substances that match the patients symptoms. The better the it

matches the symptoms the more effective the results. All treatments are individualized; the goal

of the treatment is to affect the bodys own natural ability to heal.

Homeopathic medicine is unique from other professions we have studied but similar in

many ways to the other professions we have studied. The main difference would be that

homeopathy is based on theory of like cures like, a small amount of the disease is used in the

treatment. The second difference would be how the treatment is formulated. The process of

dilution takes several weeks. Plant parts are dissolved in a mixture of alcohol and water and left

to stand for 2 to 4 weeks. The mixture is called mother of tincture, is occasionally shaken and

strained. That solution is then used to make potencies by repeatedly diluting with water or

alcohol and vigorously shaking it, a process called succession (Synovitz and Larson, page 129).

Like Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine the whole patient is treated. The

examination evaluates the person as a whole not just a symptom. Synovitz and Larson describe
the initial examination (page 129-133) with the patient as follows: The physician will start the

examination by looking at the patients temperament, personality, and emotional and physical

responses before prescribing a homeopathic remedy. A persons genetic and personal health

history and body type are also considerations when prescribing a homeopathic remedy As with

many other CAM therapies homeopathy had a great start and then a period of non-interest when

traditional scientific medicine was introduced and backed by indisputable research. In the

1970s there was a resurgence of popularity in holistic, more natural, and alternative medicine

for treatments.

Currently there are not licensing or professional standards for homeopathic practioners.

Generally, one is already licensed in another medical profession like: medical doctor,

chiropractor, veterinarian, nurses, and physical therapists to name a few. Then these medical

professionals incorporate homeopathic medicine into their practice (Synovitz and Larson, page

134).

Synovitz, Linda Baily., and Karl L. Larson. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Health
Professionals: A Holistic Approach to Consumer Health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning,
2013