HOMEOPATHY is the world’s second leading system of medicine for primary healthcare, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Though developed in 1769, this medicinal system came to this region much later, more than a couple of scores of years after its development. Homeopathy came to this sub-continent courtesy a Maharajah. When Maharajah Ranjit Singh of Punjab fell seriously ill, he had swelling of the vocal chords and lost his voice. Doctors from all over the world were summoned - to no avail.

At last a well-known doctor of a little known system of medicine, Dr. John Martin Honigberger, was invited. Little did anyone suspect that this would have such a profound effect on the history of the Indian sub-continent. Dr. Honigberger diagnosed the Maharajah with paralysis of the vocal chords and oedema and went on to successfully cure both. Homeopathy had arrived in the sub-continent. Today, you don’t have to be a Maharajah to benefit from homeopathy.

With the growth of interest in alternative medicine, more and more people are exploring new healthcare options. What they want is a mode of treatment that is safe and effective. Homeopathy fits the bill. Homeopathy is finding increasing acceptance around the world. It is the leading alternative medicine in the US, France, and at over 30 billion euros, it is the largest market in the world.

Homeopathy has made major advances in regions like the Mediterranean basin, South America, Eastern Europe and South Asia. Today, the homeopathic market in this region is valued at 1,300 crores. In Pakistan, almost half of the 10,000 doctors registered prescribe Homeopathy on a regular basis.

The name homeopathy comes from the Greek homio (meaning like), and pathos (suffering). The philosophy of Homeopathy, known as similia similibus curentur or ‘like cures like’, was developed in 1796 by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, revered as Homeopathy’s patron saint and founding father.

A homeopathic substance that produces those symptoms in a healthy person may be used to treat a sick person with the same symptoms. The more dilute the substance, the greater its effect or cure. According to Hahnemann, homeopathic substance, even in very tiny amounts, worked by stimulating the vital life force, a type of energy present in all living things. Homeopaths consider the patient’s total experience, both mental and physical symptoms and the individual’s emotional state. A homeopathic practitioner often seeks out what may seem life irrelevant information.

While other systems regard humanity as a mass, Homeopathy treats each patient as one of a kind. Homeopaths not only attend to symptoms but also to individuals. Both the curative effects and symptomatology of each medicine are tried out and proven only on healthy human beings, not rats and rabbits, making Homeopathy uniquely reliable. Homeopathy uses only natural substances in minor does, hence are entirely safe with no side effects - and especially suitable for women and children.

Homeopathy identifies and cures the cause rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. It improves body resistance and all round health, providing long-term healing. Homeopathy treats the root of the problem in skin ailments - as with every ailment. It is non-invasive, pleasant and simple to use.

With homeopathy therapy, there is no dietary restriction. No need to give up even tea or coffee. Just ensure that no food is taken in the half-hour before and after consuming medicines. Homeopathy medicines can be taken along with other forms of medicines. With addictive medicines, Homeopathy can be used during the tapering off period.

Homeopathy therapy obviates the need for surgery in certain cases of wards, piles, fissures, tonsillitis, ovarian cysts or kidney stones. Homeopathy treatment is cost effective and complete with fewer expensive tests and procedures. Homeopathy therapy offers preventive medication. While conventional medicine has no cure for cold, Homeopathy primes the body and increases its resistance to the cold virus.

It has limitations too. Medical emergencies like heart attacks, sudden strokes and severe accidents need hospitalisation. Several conditions do require surgical intervention such as a burst appendix, perforation of a stomach ulcer, internal bleeding or large fibroids. But even in such cases, homeopathy can hasten post-operative healing and provide effective pain relief.

Homeopathy cures a large percentage of cures than any other method of treatment and is beyond doubt a safe, economical and most complete medical science.