The Origin of Homeopathy

The Origin of
HOMEOPATHY

Homoeopathy is based on the principal that whatever can harm can also cure - that is, the natural Law of Similar. It is a holistic therapy which offers lasting cures on many levels- physical, emotional and mental. Homoeopathy uses minute doses of highly diluted natural substances to bring about healing and is capable of treating most  acute and chronic problems without negative side effects.           Homeopathy’s beginnings emerged from Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German Physician.    Hahnemann graduated from medical school in 1779 and started his own medical practice.  He soon got disillusioned with medicine, especially the use of toxic drugs.  He gave up his own practice and began working as a chemist while translating medical texts.  At that point, around 1790, Hahnemann began working on a project to translate William Cullen’s Materia Medica into German.  He was exposed to the principles of “similars”.  He compiled his findings that were to change the world on healing for centuries to come.           The first homeopathic medical school in the United States was set up in the lated 1800’s.  It gained recognition because of its success in treating the  many epidemic diseased rampant at that time like scarlet fever, thyphoid, cholera and yellow fever.           Homeopathy treatment became very popular in the early 1900s.  At that time, there were 22 homeopathic medical schools, 100 homeopathic hospitals and over 1,000 homeopathic pharmacies.  Boston University, Stanford University and New York Medical College were among those educational institutions that were teaching homeopathy.

However, in the early 1920s many of the schools closed mainly due to the growth of modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.  While there was a drop in interest in homeopathy in the US early in the last century, it was not the case elsewhere. Instead, there was a big resurgence in Europe and parts of Asia, especially in the Indian sub-continent.           The Great Mahatma Gandhi saw its effectiveness while studying in Europe.  He brought it back to the Indian sub-continent as he was impressed by both its cost and effectiveness.  Today, it is so big in India and Pakistan that many think homeopathy originated from the Indian sub-continent.           Today, nearly all French pharmacies sell homeopathic remedies and medicines.  Indeed, the leading cough and cold brand in French pharmacies is homeopathic.  The British royal family is a leading proponent of this healing art in Europe. Apart from The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, there are 5 other homeopathic hospital in United Kingdom, i.e. in London, Tunbridge Wells, Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow.           For the first time in Malaysia, homeopathy is being offered at university level in Cyberjaya University  College of  Medical Science (CUCMS) This programme has been approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and concordant with the Ministry of Health as well as Malaysian Homeopathy Council.           A professional homeopath must undertake 4 years of studies in Anatomy & Physiology, as well as Pathology & Disease, Materia Medica, Homeopathy Philosophy & study of Homeopathic Repertory and have clinical experience.  Homeopaths can be medical doctors, and in the US, many homeopaths are also chiropractors, naturopaths, osteopaths, nurses, dentist and veterinarians.