Homeopathy has a fascinating approach to health. Unlike conventional medicines, which control the body and its symptoms through chemicals, Homeopathy works by triggering a positive reaction from the body's self-healing mechanism (see Case 1). In doing this, two things happen. First, the body is stimulated to correct its own state of ill-health, and second, it is strengthened to be more resistant to the problem in the future (see Case 2).

Homeopathy is both safe and effective. Its medicines, called remedies, are mainly derived from mineral, plant, and animal sources and are placed into sub-molecular doses by a process called "potentisation." This process retains and amplifies the beneficial effects of the remedy while removing any toxicity. As a result, homeopathic remedies are free of chemical side-effects and cannot poison. They are non-addictive and can be safely taken with other medicines. They are safe for people of all ages including babies, the elderly and the pregnant. Homeopathic remedies can even be used with animals and plants.

Homeopathy effectively treats both acute and chronic problems. Deep-seated complaints such as arthritic, digestive, and respiratory disorders can be resolved as easily as headaches, hay fever, and the discomfort of teething. Because mental-emotional states are also affected when a person is in a state of imbalance, problems such as jealousy, lack of confidence, depression, panic-attacks, and children's behavioural disorders can also be simply and effectively treated.

Homeopathy is truly a remarkable system of medicine and as we progress through the tutorials of the coming months, I hope you will come to enjoy its fascinating approach to health care. In the meantime, let me share two cases from my Clinic where Homeopathy made significant differences to long-standing health problems.

  Case 1 - Control vs Cure

In the weeks following his homeopathic prescription, Gary's blood pressure began to fall. In consultation with his doctor, Gary's blood pressure medication was reduced and then ceased as his blood pressure normalised. Over the next few months, Gary needed the occasional dose of his homeopathic remedy until his vitality was strong enough to maintain health in its own right.

Gary's case is a good example of a key difference between conventional and homeopathic medicine. In chronic problems, conventional medicines are generally used to control rather than cure symptoms. Over time, this form of suppression will damage the body's own ability to heal so that the person progresses to worsening states of health. Either the same problem will need stronger doses of the existing medicine or new problems requiring new medicines will appear.

In contrast, Homeopathy stimulates and strengthens the person's vitality to restore balance. When this is achieved, symptoms disappear and health is returned. The homeopathic remedy is no longer needed. This is exactly what happened for Gary. He has not had a blood pressure problem since.

Case 2 - Bacteria and Viruses are Like Flies

Brianna was prescribed a homeopathic remedy indicated by the symptoms of her abscess and the other health problems she was experiencing. Within 24 hours, her eye had opened and by 4 days, the abscess had cleared. She felt better than she had done for years! When I next saw Brianna, some 12 months later, she was still abscess free.

Brianna's story is not unusual and clearly shows the importance of treating the underlying problem rather than end symptoms. Antibiotics can dramatically improve bacterial infections but they do not correct the imbalance that led to the infection in the first place. Bacteria and viruses are like flies that hover around a rubbish heap. Spray the flies and they will die but if the rubbish remains, new flies soon gather. In the same way, infections can repeatedly return.

This is exactly what happened to Brianna. Antibiotics helped for the short-term but the bacteria soon returned. Once the homeopathic prescription had removed the rubbish heap by correcting Brianna's underlying imbalance, her self-healing mechanism was free to restore real health. With no imbalance to support the unwanted bacteria, the abscesses resolved.

Brianna improved in other areas also. The tinea between her toes disappeared, she lost the lethargy that had bothered her for years, and her migraines ceased. With vitality strengthened, she will be more resistant to these problems in the future.

Next month, learn about:

• The Law of Similars and what it can do for you
• How to turn coffee into a simple homeopathic remedy
• Why the humble onion might be your best friend during a bout of hay fever
• What hyperactivity medications such as Ritalin and Dexamphetamine have in common with Homeopathy