What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was developed 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahneman, and is currently the second most widely used form of medicine in the world. It is built around two main principles: that disease is simply the manifestation of an imbalance in the body’s energy, and that like cures like.
The first principle encourages homeopaths to find links and see connections between things that conventional doctors may view as completely unrelated. The body is a complicated organism with a great deal of “institutional memory” . . . and it may still be having unhealthy reactions to past trauma. This is why your initial homeopathic consultation can take up to two hours — your homeopath is acting as a detective, finding and piecing together clues from the past to form a cohesive understanding of the present.
The “Law of Similars,” or the idea that like cures like, is recognized by homeopaths and allopathic (conventional) doctors alike. From this law came the practice of inoculation — and the understanding that introducing a small amount of a toxin into the body teaches the body how to cope with that toxin more effectively.
For more in-depth discussions of homeopathy, I recommend the following resources:
Handouts
Influenzinum Protocol — A one-page handout with the suggested protocol for use of the remedies Influenzinum and Oscillococcinum in the treatment and prevention of influenza symptoms.Arnica — A one-page handout about a leading homeopathic remedy for the quick healing of muscle injury, muscle strain from overuse, childbirth, major surgery, and the shock and pain of falls and blows.
Homeopathic First Aid — A two-page list of common homeopathic first aid and acute care remedies with brief lists of their symptoms. For example, “Aconite — Extreme fear and stress after shock. Restlessness and anxiety. Symptoms begin suddenly and come from exposure to cold wind.”
Homeopathy Info Sheet — A one-page handout containing basic information for clients, including: “What is homeopathy?” “When should I call you?” and “What should I expect when I take a remedy?”
Books and reference materials about homeopathy
How does Healing with Homeopathy work? — An article by Misha Norland, an English homeopath who was one of my first teachers.
What is homeopathy? — An article by Julian Winston, former editor of Homeopathy Today
Impossible Cure — This book provides an in-depth and exciting account of the history, philosophy, science, and experience of homeopathic medicine that includes the story of how the author’s son was cured of autism by homeopathy. I think everyone who is interested in homeopathy should read this book.
Homeopathic Self-Care — As the authors say, this book is a “simple, practical, highly informative yet user friendly guide to self treatment.” I use this book myself for common first aid or acute ailments, such as colds, flu and insomnia.
The Faces of Homœopathy — This is a beautifully illustrated history of homeopathy. “Through a narrative laced with 137 biographies, 365 illustrations, numerous anecdotes, and many personal reflections, the fascinating history of homeopathy, with its primary focus on the United States and England, comes to life.”
Homeopathy Home — This site contains lots of great homeopathic links.
Minimum Price Homeopathic Books
Homeopathic Educational Services
Organizations
National Center for Homeopathy
North American Society of Homeopaths
Pharmacies
Hahnemann Labs (a homeopathic pharmacy)
Helios (another homeopathic pharmacy)
Schools
The School of Homeopathy, Devon, England
The State of California does not offer licenses in homeopathic medicine, and Edi Pfeiffer is not a physician. Homeopathy is alternative and complementary to healing arts that are licensed by the State of California. Under Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6 of California’s Business and Professions Code (commonly known as the Medical Practice Act), Edi may offer services in homeopathy as long as she meets certain requirements and restrictions, which are described here.