Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine started by Samueul Hahnemann in 1796. It is based on the theory that "like cures like" and uses minute diluted amounts of natural substances that cause effects similar to the disease that is meant to be treated. Homeopathic doctors are found worldwide and are especially popular in Europe, Australia, the U.S. and India. Most countries require some sort of license or certification to become a homeopathic doctor and practice homeopathic medicine, but it is still unregulated in some areas. There is much controversy as to the effectiveness of homeopathic medicine, and homeopathic doctors have been banned in some places.
History
Samuel Hanhemann came up with the central theory of homeopathy while experimenting with treatments for malaria. He found that the bark of the cinchona tree; which is a source of quinine and is used in treating malaria, produced some of the symptoms of malaria itself. This led him to further experiment with substances in minute doses that produced mild symptoms similar to the symptoms of the diseases he wished to treat. He published several books that outlined his findings and his treatment protocols for various diseases, but it is his final book, "The Organon of the Healing Ar,t" that is used by most homeopathic doctors today. By the 20th century, there were 22 homeopathic colleges worldwide. Homeopathy experienced a decline in the mid-20th century, but is today again gaining in popularity, due in part to the rise of .
Homeopathy today
Homeopathic doctors today practice in all parts of the world, and homeopathic medicine is accepted by many members of the alternative medical community. The National Center for Homeopathy lists almost 700 in the United States alone. In some European countries with socialized health care, homeopathic doctors and treatments are covered by insurance.
Homeopathic doctors
Homeopathic doctors usually go to a homeopathic medical school and obtain a degree, just like a regular doctor. The National Center for Homeopathy lists 28 schools that teach homeopathy worldwide. The designation of CCH or Nationally Certified Classical Homeopath is used when practitioners pass the board exam given by state or national members of the North American Society of Homeopaths (NASH). Other countries have other various certifying bodies, although homeopathy is unregulated in many parts of the world.
Controversy
There is a lot of controversy in the mainstream medical community as to whether homeopathic doctors are practicing a legitimate form of medicine. Many trials show positive results from homeopathic treatment, but many medical professionals dispute the accuracy of the findings as well as the circumstances of the trials. In 2005, the Swiss government released its findings after performing more than 200 trials on homeopathic medicine. The researchers, publishing their findings in the journal Lancet, concluded that the effects of homeopathic medicine are nothing more than placebo effects. The Swiss government soon dropped homeopathy from its national health insurance coverage.
Considerations
Many alternative health practitioners are also knowledgeable or cross trained in the theories of homeopathy and integrate Hanhemann's precepts into their practices. Many of the most popular and traditional homeopathic formulas are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Visiting a homeopathic doctor who specializes in homeopathic medicine may not be necessary to experience whatever benefit homeopathy may provide.
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