Website is owned by/about
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American Institute of Homeopathy
801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
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One of these bits is probably the most important info to get from the site:
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STANDARDS OF HOMEOTHERAPEUTIC PRACTICE
Homeopathy, or Homeotherapeutics, is a unique scientific system of medicine predicated on the Law of Similars, "Similia similibus Curentur," or, "let likes be cured by likes." Although this principle was first postulated by Hippocrates, it had its first practical application in 1796 when Samuel Hahnemann established Homeopathy. Homeotherapeutics and Homeopathy alike are based on the following premises and concepts:
1. Maintenance of normal health depends on efficient physiological functions as controlled by a complex regulating mechanism designated by the term homeostasis.
2. When threatened by disorder or disease, all living organisms exert an effort to maintain or regain normal physiological equilibrium.
3. Recovery from disease is dependent on the inherent vital force of the organism, i.e., its ability to re-establish homeostasis.
4. In general, most human disorders possess two components, the psyche and the soma, which produce emotional, mental, and/or physical symptoms. *
5. The human organism, by virtue of such inherent properties as sensitivity, irritability, and reactivity, may be provoked into some physiological responses by various types of physical, chemical, or biological incitants. When caused by a drug, this is regarded as an iatrogenic response or reaction.
6. A substance which is capable of evoking certain symptoms when administered to an apparently healthy human being under controlled conditions, may become a potentially effective therapeutic agent when prepared according to the standards of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, and administered in accordance with the principles of the Homeomethodology.
* refers to symptoms and signs
Homeopathy, or Homeotherapeutics, views the state of being unwell as being a holistic disturbance in the homeostasis of the total being, evidenced by symptomatology with or without associated demonstrable physical or laboratory abnormalities.
The physician who employs Homeotherapeutics should be cognizant of the total or holistic nature of physiological disorder or disease and the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.
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1. What is homeopathic medicine?
Homeopathy is a medical specialty that is based on the knowledge and application of medicines contained in the U.S. FDA-recognized Homeopathic Pharmacopœia of the United States.It is a scientific therapeutic method which embodies a philosophy of understanding people and illness in an holistic context with the goal of promoting optimal health and healing.
Homeopathic medicines are applied on the basis of the empiric law of similars. While German physician C. F. Samuel Hahnemann codified this principle in 1796 into a system of medicine that he called homeopathy, from the Greek, omoiou (like) and paqos (disease), the observation of this principle dates to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.). Resolution of an illness occurs when the sick individual is given a small dose of a medicine capable of producing similar symptoms in a healthy prover. The medicine acts to return that person's being to homeostasis.
In homeopathic practice, the assistance of homeostasis, rather than its opposition, renders the subject healthier and more able to resist illness. This aspect of cure is integral to homeopathic practice. The individual's overall sense of well-being and efficient, integrated functioning is of vital importance in assessing health. A complete cure is a step to greater health, not the mere absence of pathologic signs.
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Looking at the definition of holistic health on wikipedia (because it was quick, not because it was best
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Holistic health refers to a philosophy of medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment. While frequently associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broad view of patient care.
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I think I'd want any doctor I place my trust in to take a holistic approach to my health. I don't see how you can really separate this approach from any good practice of medicine. Unless you see an overworked doctor who's only interested in treating your cold or flu/etc. (Like the doctor I saw growing up...)
Looking up homeopathy on wikipedia shows me there's two sides to what people think about homeopathy.
I'm not saying every doctor who says he is practicing homeopathy is an authority in the field and is to be trusted. But that's where being informed comes in...
But, since I'm fed up with traditional American medicine (not going into why, that'll take too long) and going to a homeopathic doctor (only a few months), I have a different viewpoint.
Oh. I see I should add something.... I'd have to argue with homeopathy being
only placebo effect since when I started the treatment I got worse first.