What is homeopathy?
Its principles were first established and developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). While earning his living translating medical texts, Hahnemann came across a claim that quinine treated recurrent malaria fever because of its astringent and bitter properties, and tested quinine on himself. This was the first drug trial on a healthy person, and quinine produced in him the same symptoms as malaria (such trials are called provings). Hahnemann concluded that the effect came from quinine's ability to produce malaria-like symptoms in a healthy person, and this insight is the foundation of homeopathy.
The aim of homeopathy
- To assess the patient with all their characteristics, together with the disease,
- to find the cause of the disease (causa) and thereby remove it,
- to strengthen the body as a whole and activate its vital energy (dynamis).
How are homeopathic remedies made?
Homeopathic remedies are obtained entirely from natural substances (plants, minerals, animals, bacteria, diseased tissue). They are prepared by a special method: solutions are diluted and shaken many times and then absorbed into lactose tablets. Homeopathic medicines are called remedies.
Do they have side effects?
Because the remedies are prepared by repeated dilution, they have no pharmacological side effects.
Who can be treated?
Homeopathic remedies can be used by everyone, and even in plants and animals. They can be used to support any treatment, to remove the side effects of other treatments, or as the whole treatment.
How is homeopathy applied?
A personal and health history lasting about one to two hours is taken and the most suitable remedy is selected. The remedy is taken dissolved in water or under the tongue. The way it is used is always determined by the homeopath.
Points to note during treatment
While using homeopathic remedies, products containing coffee, mint or menthol should not be consumed, applied to the skin or inhaled, as they may reduce or cancel the effect of the remedies.
Who may practise homeopathy?
Under Turkish regulations, homeopathy may only be practised by physicians, dentists and pharmacists holding a certificate approved by the Ministry of Health.