Homeopathy, as a holistic alternative healing method, originated in Germany. It was the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann who founded this healing concept, also the homeopathy used today in its various manifestations ultimately goes back to the classical homeopathy of Hahnemann. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann was thus the first homeopath ever.
What is a homeopath?
Homeopathic medicines are used by homeopaths today mostly in the form of so-called scattering pellets, also called globules. Hahnemann already tried in his time to fathom forms of therapy with few side effects and thus started a legendary self-experiment. Through the oral administration of cinchona bark, the homeopath Hahnemann produced a variety of disease symptoms in himself, which he tried to cure through a homeopathic preparation of this very cinchona bark. The principle of homeopathy founded by Hahnemann is Similia Similibus Curentur, i.e. cure similar things with similar things. It is based on the assumption that a substance or an allopathic medicine in homeopathic dilution cures or alleviates exactly the symptoms of disease that would occur if it were administered undiluted. Homeopathic medicines are used by homeopaths today mostly in the form of so-called scattering globules, also called globules. The scattering globules themselves are made of lactose, onto which the corresponding drug is applied during the homeopathic preparation, also called potentization.
Treatments and therapies
Classical homeopaths are aware that already from a potentization of the dilution degree of D23, not a single molecule of the original substance is detectable in the homeopathic preparation. This fact has led to bitter discussions between supporters and opponents of homeopathy, which continue to be controversial to this day. The opponents of classical homeopathy cite as their main point of criticism that a substance that is not present cannot cause any effect. The homeopath, however, assumes in his world view that it is precisely through this mechanism of potentization that the healing powers of the original substance are constantly increased. Opponents and supporters of classical homeopathy according to Hahnemann are still fighting each other today as if in a religious war. However, if one asks the patients, the therapeutic successes of the homoeopaths simply cannot be explained away. Even small children and animals can be treated by homeopaths, and this for a wide variety of clinical pictures and symptoms.
Methods of diagnosis and examination
In homeopathy, however, one must differentiate, there are many homeopaths who are by no means committed to the classical teachings of Hahnemann, but apply quite different homeopathic preparations and preparations. If the strict classical homeopathic teaching according to Hahnemann is abandoned, one also speaks of low potency or complex homeopathy. A homeopath working with complex homeopathic preparations usually applies them by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Depending on the clinical picture of what is to be treated, these preparations always contain several homeopathic medicinal substances in low dilution grades, for example D6 or D12. Thus, even among homeopaths themselves, there are two camps, namely those who are absolutely committed to the pure teachings of Hahnemann and those who rely on complex homeopathy. A homeopath who works in a complex homeopathic way is aware of the fact that, in contrast to classical homeopathy, effective medicines are still present in the medicines administered, albeit in a weakly diluted form. The training to become a homeopath is not regulated by law in Germany. However, it has been established by the highest court that the practice of homeopathy is a healing art. As a result, both classical homeopathy and complex homeopathy may only be practiced by physicians and officially licensed non-medical practitioners. The term homeopath is actually a colloquial term used primarily by patients. By the term homeopath, a patient means a doctor or a non-medical practitioner who practices homeopathy as an alternative medical healing method. In the case of general practitioners or internists who practice as homeopaths, the expertise required for this was acquired in additional continuing education courses, but not through basic medical studies at university.
What should the patient pay attention to?
It is quite similar for alternative practitioners as homeopaths, also here the acquisition of special expertise is usually done by attending seminars and continuing education. So not all homeopaths are the same, and reputable therapists will always understand if they are asked to provide information about their qualifications to practice homeopathy before a consultation.
