HOMEOPATHY 101
By John C Cassone, MS, CNC

What is Homeopathy? 
Homeopathy is a system of holistic medicine that can treat or benefit almost any condition.  A person comes to see a homeopathic practitioner for their chief complaint; asthma, anxiety, skin problems, depression, hormone issues, pain, etc.  Although the chief complaint may be physical, there will be relationships observed between the emotional and mental states as well.  Unlike your regular doctor, your homeopath will spend extra time investigating the core of the disease pattern.  The term holistic refers to addressing the disorder on the deepest levels which can affect every facet of the patient.  In homeopathy, we call this the “totality of symptoms.”  Although the chief complaint is pronounced, the background of the case is filled in by the interview with the patient (or their parents when prescribing for a child).  Interestingly enough, the observed patterns of the disorder are a mirror image of the patient’s susceptibility issues; in other words their constitution.  That is why a classically trained homeopath often refers to their method as “constitutional treatment.”   This also gives a hint at how profound treatment can be as it addresses a person’s core health.

A person comes to see a homeopathic practitioner for their chief complaint; asthma, anxiety, skin problems, depression, hormone issues, pain, etc.

Is it placebo?
Interestingly, many patients that seek homeopathic care do so only when their ailments are very severe.  In other words; homeopaths do not get easy cases but rather the most difficult leftovers of western care.  Stick around and experience homeopathy or speak with individuals that have had their lives transformed by their homeopath.  The answer to that question will become obvious.  The only people asking that question are the ones that know nothing about it or are threatened by it.  We all know that if there isn’t a sales rep with a pizza and a pen, then your regular doctor won’t even look at it.  The fact is that western medicine is making a mess out of chronic disease, over prescribing, and creating many unhappy patients who feel hopeless.  It is out of this mass dissatisfaction that there is a resurgence of interest in alternative therapies.  Homeopathy is booming in other parts of the world.  Many countries have complete homeopathic hospitals.  The Royal Family in England has been treated exclusively by homeopaths for generations.  There was a time when the United States was full of homeopathic doctors, colleges, and hospitals.  The American Medical Association allied with giant pharmaceutical companies and launched a huge campaign against homeopathy in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  This is because there is no money in homeopathy and it was competing with drug medicines.  Chances are you will never find a guy in a suit and tie with a pizza and a pen selling homeopathic medicines.  

The Royal Family in England has been treated exclusively by homeopaths for generations.

So how does it work?
The medicines used in homeopathy are studied under clinical trials and provings.  The actions of each medicine will be the same whether a doctor in this country is doing the research or in some other country or some other time.  How it works is somewhat theoretical.  One analogy is to that of a vaccine; a small minute dose which acts like a trigger.  In this way, the medicine is nontoxic but actually creates a massive healing response deep within the organism.  “Homeo” means similar.  So literally we have “similar pathology.”  Medicines are prescribed based on symptom patterns observed in the patient which are similar to the symptom patterns produced in the proving of the medicine.  If a headache remedy is taken from the store that has a strong correlation to headaches, then there should be some relief.  But remember, this is still a superficial remedy prescription.  It’s like taking aspirin; the headache is better today but the underlying problem has not been addressed.  Only when the totality of symptoms is addressed and the constitution restored, will the headaches be cured long term.  The root cause has to be addressed.

What is suppression and why is it dangerous?
Suppression simply means that the symptom is better without the disease being addressed.  This is dangerous because symptoms are the clues to what is happening.  The symptom is not the disease, but rather the body trying to tell us something.  If we ignore that message we risk a greater disease manifestation later.  Disease states tend to begin superficially and externally but eventually go internally where irreversible damage to organs begins.  This is a common complaint regarding western medicine.  The rash is gone but the root has not been addressed.  After years of drug therapy, a patient often can have layers of suppressed illness.  This is not theory; just ask your friends and family.  It has unfortunately become very common to find people on a handful of medications who actually feel sicker.

The root cause has to be addressed.

So who should I see?
The reality is that there are a lot of good physicians, homeopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and more.  People need to be empowered to get service from practitioners that they trust and can relate to.  Gone are the days when the patient knows nothing and asks nothing.  This is a good thing.  This consumer demand will eventually raise the quality of health care across the board.  People want to know their physician.  People need to know that they are being listened to and cared for.  When you find these qualities with people that can help you stay healthy, then you know you are on the right track.