Dr. Samuel Christian Frederic Hahnemann. M.D.. (1755-1843)

Homeopathy is an empirical and holistic system of medicine. It was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. In homeopathic treatment, "potentised" remedies of botanical, animal and mineral origin are used. They are tested on healthy volunteers.

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*Principle of similarity:The medicines are prescribed individually on the basis of the principle of similars (Similia similibus curentur - Let likes be treated by likes).Homeopathy demonstrates that a substance that produces a certain set of symptoms in a healthy person can cure a sick person experiencing those same symptoms. For instance, onions make your eyes water when you cut them. If you have a cold or allergies and your symptoms include watery eyes, the likely remedy to treat your cold or allergies would be Allium Cepa, which is made from onions.

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*Principle of individuality: a homeopathic doctor prescribes a remedy that fits the individual's symptoms and not a generalised diagnosis.

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*Principle of potency: homeopathic remedies are prepared by serial dilution with vigorous shaking; at each step of dilution they become more potent due to shaking. Hahnemann was dissatisfied with the side effects of his concentrated remedies. Therefore he focused on reducing the dose by diluting it more and more. He realised that this rendered the dose insufficient in strength to act. When at each stage of diluting he vigorously shook the dilution, he noticed that the healing effect of the diluted substance was not diminished. On the contrary, it was even enhanced, and at the same time the toxic side effects disappeared, which was an ideal combination. He attributed this to the shaking of the dilution. He called this method "potentising" (shaking gives the dilution power or potency).