Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practiced all over the world, whether by doctors, naturopaths and other health professionals. In this article, you will discover what homeopathy consists of, its principles, its method, the different types of dilution, its effectiveness, its benefits, the course of a homeopathy session and finally, the training that allows you to exercise as a than a homeopath.

Homeopathy comes from the Greek words “homoios” which means similar and “pathos” which means disease. It is opposed to allopathy which treats diseases by opposites. This therapeutic technique, which therefore treats illnesses through similarities, was founded 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor. It obeys three basic principles described later in this article.

It is a holistic medicine which is interested in the individual as a whole: the homeopathic treatment does not depend only on the characteristics of the individual but also on the symptoms. In homeopathy, diseases and symptoms are due to an imbalance of the organism, and an attempt of the latter to regain the initial balance. The goal of the homeopathic doctor is therefore to rebalance the organism in depth and not only to treat the symptoms.

Used by nearly 200 million people around the world, the homeopath has been officially recognized in France since 1965, when it first appeared in the French Pharmacopoeia.

The main principles of homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on three principles:

• The principle of similarity: This principle, which constitutes the pillar of homeopathy, comes from the adage of Hippocrates “Similia similibus curentur” according to which like heals like. Thus, this means that a substance administered in a high dose causing symptoms in a healthy individual would have the ability to cure these same symptoms if they occur in a sick individual, when it is administered in a small amount. This principle derives from experimental and clinical observation.
• The law of individuation: In homeopathy, individual characteristics are very important since each individual reacts differently depending on their constitution. It is the sick individual who is treated and not the disease itself.
• The principle of infinitesimal dilution: This principle refers to the way the solution is prepared. By diluting toxic substances, the active principle is lost. According to Hahnemann, this principle could be found by shaking the solution several times, which would have the effect of energizing the solution and making it curative. Dilution is essential since it ensures the safety of the homeopathic medicine.

The homeopathic method

According to homeopathy, the human body has the capacity to heal itself. For Hahnemann, therefore, it is more useful to find a way to stimulate the body’s self-healing process, rather than focusing on knowing the cause of the disease.

The goal of the homeopath is therefore to trigger this process. For this, he will have to learn about the patient and the nature of his symptoms during the homeopathic consultation.

In homeopathy, two individuals suffering from the same disease will not necessarily be treated with the same homeopathic medicines. Indeed, the homeopath endeavors to adapt the homeopathic medicine to the precise characteristics of the symptom’s expression.

Does it works?

The mechanisms of action of homeopathy have not yet been explained, but many scientific studies have shown their interest in the treatment of certain pathologies without, however, concluding that they are really effective.

However, for some detractors, the extreme dilution of homeopathic medicines does not allow its effects to be superior to those of the placebo effect.

These are based on the calculation of the number of Avogadro which postulates that a preparation would contain no more active substances from the moment when it is diluted more than 12 times to 1/100.

Homeopathy to treat a cold

As for the classic cold, there are several homeopathic remedies depending on the disorders present and their characteristics. For example, Nux vomica 5CH is recommended for stuffy nose and sneezing, Cina maritima 5CH is recommended for itchy nose, Allium cepa 4CH for runny nose without irritation etc. As for hay fever, homeopathy makes it possible to limit the use of drugs and to alleviate the symptoms of fever.

Homeopahite for weight loss

Some homeopathic medicines could promote weight loss through their action on the cause of overweight on the one hand, and their draining effect on the other hand. For example, if the overweight is due to snacking, Ignatia Amara 7 CH is indicated while antimonium crudum 9 CH is more recommended if the individual constantly feels the need to eat.

Homeopathy for better sleep

The results of three studies revealed beneficial effects of homeopathy on severe insomnia in participants with improved sleep duration, latency and quality of sleep. But these effects were not superior to a placebo effect. The results of another study showed an increase in sleep time for the groups on homeopathy compared to the placebo groups, with an improvement in the quality of sleep and a reduction in the number of significant awakenings for both groups.

Other indications of homeopathy

• Improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A clinical study carried out on a 5-year-old child showed the beneficial effects of homeopathic treatment on vomiting related to gastroesophageal reflux.
• Decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia: The results of three studies suggest an interest of homeopathy in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, even if its effectiveness in this problem is not fully approved by the scientific community.
• Reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment: A review published in 2009 sought to show that homeopathy could lead to a reduction in inflammation of the mouth induced by chemotherapy, as well as a reduction in hyperpigmentation and skin heat induced by radiotherapy.
• Relieve children with diarrhea: Homeopathy would have positive effects on the duration of diarrhea compared to a placebo treatment.
• Contribute to the postoperative restoration of bowel functions: Homeopathy reduces the time required for intestinal contractions to return to normal, compared to a placebo treatment.
• Relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis: Some homeopathic preparations are effective and have an analgesic effect. Despite everything, this efficiency is not superior to conventional drugs. Homeopathy could prove to be a useful treatment for osteoarthritis, but more studies are needed to be sure.
• Reduce influenza infection time: A homeopathic treatment, oscillococcinum, would reduce the time of influenza infection, without being effective in prevention.
• Reduce symptoms of chronic asthma: Only one study has shown that homeopathy can help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms compared to placebo treatment.
• Relieve dental pain after surgery: In some cases, homeopathy would reduce the pain associated with dental extractions.
• Prevent headaches and migraines: One study showed beneficial effects of homeopathy on headaches and migraines compared to a placebo. This had made it possible to reduce the consumption of analgesics by the participants, as well as the frequency, intensity and duration of their ailments.
• Improve symptoms of depression and anxiety: Homeopathy may have positive effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Reduce the symptoms of menopause: Homeopathy could potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety in postmenopausal women, but also improve their quality of life.
• Relieve PMS: A clinical trial has shown that homeopathy can reduce the symptoms of PMS compared to a placebo.
• Reduce symptoms in HIV patients : Two scientific studies have shown positive results of homeopathy on the number of T lymphocytes, the percentage of body fat, the symptoms of stress in individuals with HIV.
• Improve symptoms of eczema: Two studies carried out on 253 children have shown the positive effects of homeopathy on the symptoms of eczema. These effects are the same as those of usual care.

The active substance can be vegetable, animal or mineral. First, it macerates in a liquid medium composed of water and ethyl alcohol. It is then filtered to obtain a mother tincture. Then comes the dilution phase which can be carried out according to the Hahnemannian method or the Korsakovian method.

The Hahnemannian method consists in carrying out successive dilutions to 1/100 (1 CH). Thus, 1% of the mother tincture is poured into 99% alcohol. During the process of dynamization, the solution obtained is shaken strongly 100 times, which gives a solution diluted to one hundredth (1 CH). In order to obtain other solutions with a different dilution, we take a drop of the 1CH solution and carry out the same process as before by pouring it into 99% alcohol, and shaking it 100 times, which gives a solution. diluted to 2 CH and so on for dilutions to 3 CH, 4 CH etc.

The Korsakovian method consists of preparing the solution in a single bottle, always from a drop of mother tincture poured into 99% alcohol. Except that here, the bottle is emptied after energization, and what remains on the walls corresponds to a drop of the first preparation to which 99% alcohol is added, which constitutes the first Korsakovienne, called 1K. The process is repeated to obtain other types of dilutions.

The diluted extract is presented in the form of granules, tablets or drops.

There are three types of dilutions: The more the patient presents symptoms similar to the pathogenesis of the homeopathic medicine, the more the solution must be diluted.

• Low dilutions: from 1 to 5 CH. Their use can be frequent and durable over time.
• The average dilutions: from 6 to 9 CH. These make it possible to rebalance physiological functions. They can be used for a few weeks.
• High dilutions from 10 to 30 CH. These should not be used frequently, they act in depth and in a lasting way.

In general, it is recommended to space the doses apart if symptoms improve. 

Homeopathic consultation is medical since in France, only health professionals have the right to prescribe homeopathic medicines. It takes place in two phases: observation and questioning. The doctor will first of all observe his patient and study him precisely in order to draw up his homeopathic profile according to which he will be able to carry out his prescriptions. He will then carry out a precise interrogation during which he will ask a certain number of questions in order to learn about the disorders, their intensity, their periodicity, when and how they appear etc … He will also learn about the history of the individual, their lifestyle and family history.

Depending on all the elements collected, he will be able to make his prescription and advise the individual for additional examinations if necessary. As a general rule, the consultation lasts at least half an hour.

Homeopathy training is primarily intended for health or paramedical professionals (pharmacists, doctors, midwives, nurses, osteopaths, veterinarians, etc.).

In France, homeopathy is a particular exercise in general medicine. There are homeopathy DUs that last 1 year, for a course duration of 80 hours or more. They are accessible on file and are expensive. Other longer courses are possible in some private schools with a study cycle of around 3 years.