What Is Homeopathy?

I've already mentioned this law. Let me explain it a bit further. The main precept on which homeopathy was developed is the Law of Similars which states that similar symptoms caused by certain substances on healthy people associated with certain diseases may be effective in using it for treatment. Homeopathic remedies are unique in that they are symptom-specific.

Homeopathy respects the complexity and uniqueness of individuals. To prescribe the correct homeopathic remedy, a homeopathic physician must carefully observe your unique and sometimes quirky behaviors and responses. The physician must watch your symptoms -- obvious and subtle -- to prescribe the remedy.

In homeopathy, life is considered a vital force that has its own inherent energy. Everything that lives has its own energy. These energies exist in balance and harmony in nature. However, certain circumstances may lead to imbalances that disturb the harmony of these energies. Homeopathic medicine believes this is diseases. Homeopathic remedies aim to restore the balance of the vital life force.

Another tenet of homeopathic medicine is the Principle of Minimum Dose, which is based on the belief that the least possible action may be enough to necessitate any change in nature. Through this principle, homeopathic remedies are developed using extreme dilution of substances in such a way that the beneficial effects still remain while removing all the harmful effects associated with the substance.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to the standards of the United States Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. The remedies are all based on naturally occurring plant, mineral, or chemical substances. Of course, the remedies come in different potencies. The term potency means something different in homeopathy thatn in conventional medicine.

Homeopathic remedies go through a series of dilutions. After each dilution, the remedy is shaken with force -- succussed. Each time the remedy is succussed, it it considered to have been potentiated. Thus, the more it is succussed, the greater the potency.

Commonly available homeopathic remedies are available in several forms -- the mother tincture, x potencies, and c potencies.

Mother Tincture
An alcohol-based extract of a specific substance . Mother tinctures are commonly used topically or in a fashion similar to herbal tinctures.

X Potencies
In homeopathy the x (derived from the Roman numeral) represents 10. It indicates the mother tincture has been diluted to one part in ten. The number preceeding the x indiates how many times the remedy has been diluted and succussed.

C Potencies
The c, also derived from the Roman numeral, represents 100. A c potency indicates that a mother tincture has undergone dilutions to 1 part in 100. The number preceding the c indicates how many times the remedy has been diluted and succussed.

As an example, a 6x potency represents six dilutions/succussions beginning with the mother tincture. A 6x is more potent than a 3x since, in homeopathy, each succussion increases potency.