Is Homeopathy safe? Does it work? Is Homeopathy real science?
We’ll be answering all of those questions here. We’ll also address 12 common misconceptions about Homeopathy.
Homeopathy is a topic that is often surrounded with skepticism. In this article we’ll be explaining if Homeopathy is a legitimate form of alternative medicine, if it’s safe and multiple other questions regarding Homeopathic medicine. We’ll also be debunking some common myths about homeopathy.
All of the information in this article is based on data-backed facts and does not rely on any speculation whatsoever.
1. It is unscientific.
All homeopathic remedies are tested in double blind studies to show their effects on a healthy person. By noting the symptoms that are revealed in these provings, homeopaths can determine the healing potential of each remedy.
In studies concluding in 2009 by the World Health Organization (WHO), 74 out of 142 randomized controlled trials (RCT) concluded with 63 positive for homeopathy and 11 negative. There is clear evidence that Homeopathy is both scientific and legitimate.
2. It is practiced only by “quacks”.
Samuel Hahneman(1755-1843 Germany), the founder of homeopathy, was a medical doctor, a skilled chemist, and a son-in-law of a pharmacist. He left the medical profession because he saw that the drastic procedures of that time were doing more harm than good. A genius in languages, he began to earn his living by translating medical texts. This gave him a profound understanding of the nature of healing which led to the development of homeopathy.
Proofs that Homeopathy has legitimacy in it’s very roots
- It would be surprising to note that Dr. Hahneman, the founder of homeopathy also created the concept of the double blind study!
- Almost all of the early practitioners of Homeopathy were themselves medical doctors.
- Until the 1920’s one quarter of the medical schools in the United States were Homeopathic!
- Surprising FACT: Today, approximately 50% of the hospitals in India are Homeopathic.
3. It is only a placebo.
I do not wish to denigrate the healing power of the mind through the use of placebos. However, the effectiveness of homeopathy on even infants and animals clearly shows that the effect of the healing power of homeopathy cannot just be a result of a placebo. What clarifies this even more is the clinical evidence shown in the study that we mentioned above. Homeopathy has been proven to work on its own merits when tested against individuals who were administered placebos.
4. It is just like a form of herbalism.
Homeopathic remedies undergo potentization. Although many homeopathic remedies are prepared from plants (as well as minerals and animal substances) they are diluted to the point where there is very little or none of the original substance left. They are prepared and subscribed for and used very differently than herbal remedies.
5. It can’t possibly work because there is no active ingredient left after all the dilutions.
What is left is the “potentized” energy of that substance. It is this energy, that when it matches the energy and symptoms of the patient, that is curative.
6. It is a form of Oriental or Eastern medicine.
As noted above, homeopathy developed in the West in the context of classical Western medicine. The one thing that it does share with Eastern medicine is the understanding that we are animated by a “vital force” which needs to be strengthened in order to facilitate healing.
7. It won’t work if I don’t believe in it.
See #3
8. It didn’t work for my mother (or friend or cousin) so it won’t work for me.
Perhaps they didn’t follow the homeopath’s instructions or they self prescribed, or they went to a doctor that was not trained in Classical Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a complex art and science that takes years of training and experience to become a skilled practitioner.
9. Homeopathy works just for simple things like colds mild injuries, childhood illnesses, etc. that would get better sooner or later anyway.
It’s true that these are some of the easiest things to treat homeopathically even by home prescribers. However, for over 200 years Homeopathic physicians have been treating almost all of the scourges that have plague mankind; including epidemics , mental illness, degenerative diseases and even cancer. The homeopathic literature is filled with amazing success stories, including many cures of people who were considered incurable by the orthodox medical profession.
10. Being treated by homeopathy means giving up all of my medications and/or drastically changing my lifestyle.
It is true that conventional medications can make homeopathic evaluation and treatment more difficult. However, most homeopaths do not encourage any change in medication until there has been some improvement from the homeopathic treatment and not without the cooperation of the prescribing physician.
As for lifestyle changes, there are certain things such as drinking coffee or taking recreational drugs that can interfere with the healing process. Many homeopaths have ways of accommodating to the needs of each patient and only encourage gradual positive changes in lifestyle.
11. Homeopathy is dangerous.
Homeopathy has a track record of safety unsurpassed by any other established method of healing.
For more on the regulation of homeopathic medication see the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States website.
Any side effects are rare, minor and temporary. Occasionally, there may be an aggravation of symptoms as a normal part of the healing process. This too is in most cases temporary and can be moderated (even in very sensitive individuals) by a skilled practitioner.
Homeopathy is safe. It is proven to be safer that any other established method of healing.
12. Homeopathy treatment is just little white pills.
Yes, the primary tool that a practitioner of homeopathy uses for healing are the remedies prescribed which often may come in little white pills. However, the philosophy of homeopathy is based on a holistic approach. It has a clear vision of what constitutes full health and well being and has a deep understanding of what the process of healing entails.
Dr. Hahnenman encouraged his students to use any tools(including exercise, psychology, diet, massage and positive lifestyle changes) that can be shown to strengthen the vital force of the patient and to remove any blocks faster and more complete cure.
Conclusion: Homeopathy is safe and recommended for nearly anyone with any sort of ailment. While it certainly can and should accompany generic medicine, it should not replace generic forms of medicine or healing without the recommendation of a certified physician.
About Yaakov Wieder
Yaakov Wieder Lic.Ac. has practiced 5 Element Acupuncture for over 30 years and successfully healed many people.
His relationship with Classical Homeopathy started over 12 years ago and when he began integrating Homeopathy into his practice of 5 Element Acupuncture and Integrative Bodywork; he discovered that taking an effective homeopathic remedy can have an effect on the patient’s acupuncture pulses and other subtle measurements. Shortly thereafter, he was astounded to find that he could duplicate the same effect merely by placing the remedy bottle on the patient’s body! In this way he feels more confident that he is sending the patient home with the proper remedy. He has invested much time lately studying what other homeopaths around the world have been doing to try to successfully deal with the current Covid-19 epidemic.
You can reach out to Yaakov for a free phone consultation or via zoom or schedule an appointment to receive treatment at his office in Jerusalem, Israel. You can reach out to Yaakov here.