Unit 10
Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the premise that a substance which can cause symptoms in a healthy person can cure the same symptoms when they occur in a sick person. Simply put, “like cures like.” Homeopathy also subscribes to the “law of infinitesimals”: the more dilute the agent is, the greater its healing power. However, this law conflicts with the basic principle of physiology and biochemistry, that solutions lose effectiveness when highly diluted. Not surprisingly, many investigators have dismissed homeopathy because of its implausible rationale. However, a few studies have provided positive evidence in support of the effectiveness of homeopathy.

Objectives

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to

1. define “homeopathy,” and explain the nature of homeopathy.
2. identify situations where homeopathy may be used.
3. determine the effectiveness of homepathic treatment by analysing available research.
4. identify trends and issues related to homeopathic treatment.