What is homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is a holistic, individual approach to maintaining health and wellbeing.  

The word homoeopathy comes from the Greek words “homoios” meaning like, and “pathos”, meaning suffering.  Homoeopathy was developed by a German physician and chemist, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755 – 1843). The primary philosophy of homoeopathy is the Law of Similars or “Let likes be cured by likes”.

Homoeopathy as a primary healthcare profession, acknowledges the importance of individualisation. It is patient driven and caters for every patient’s specific needs on mental, emotional and physical levels.

Homoeopathic practitioners are clinically trained to diagnose and treat disease, yet their holistic approach enables them to listen to and understand the patient as well as their ailments, in addition to providing effective treatment, sound advice and support.

Homoeopathic medicines are made from plants, minerals, chemicals and animal materials. These substances are prepared according to the processes described in the homoeopathic pharmacopoeia. As with any medicine, using homoeopathic medicine safely and effectively, requires the guidance of a trained professional. Since homoeopathic medicine acts as a catalyst to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself, different reactions can occur.

Homoeopathic medicines are found in the following forms:

·         lactose pills (little white balls or granules),

·         alcohol or water based liquid,

·         creams or ointments, and

·         injectables.

Homoeopathic training in South Africa is a five-year full time masters degree leading to a M.Tech (Hom). Only two institutions offer this course in South Africa, namely University of Johannesburg and Durban University of Technology. For a homoeopath to practice legally, they need to be registered with the Allied health professions council of South Africa.