Homeopathy is one of many holistic or alternative medicines to re-emerge over the past several decades. Developed over 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann and practiced in the United States since the early 19th century, the principle of homeopathy is to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by ingesting very small doses of highly diluted substances.
History
Hahnemann's Laws remain the basis of modern-day homeopathy: The Law of Similars, Law of Infinitesimal Dose, and Illness are specific to the individual.The Law of Similars is based upon the same thinking as vaccines and allergy treatments by provoking a reaction or symptom that protects against the actual disease or condition. The Law of Infinitesimal Dose is controversial; practitioners believe that the electrochemical "message" of the dose stimulates the body to heal itself. Practitioners also subscribe to the belief that illness is specific to the individual. Because homeopathic remedies are prepared in relation to a patient's distinctive traits and symptoms rather than a disease or disorder, there may be a number of potential treatments for a particular problem. J. Swayne, faculty member of homeopathy at Hahnemann House in Luton, UK, describes this further as "illness as an agent of wellness."
New Research on an Old Idea
A battle against holistic treatment continues to be waged by Western medicine and pharmaceutical companies. Studies such as the comprehensive one published in 1991 in the British Medical Journal have shown homeopathic treatment to be effective in the healing of conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to heart disease, and mental disorders such as trauma recovery and depression. Another study by Duke Medical Center, published in the Alternative Therapies Journal in 1997, documented the successful homeopathic treatment specifically for depression.
Considerations for Depression
Depression is a multifaceted mental health condition. There are several forms of depressive disorders, the most common of which are major depression and dysthymia. Major depression is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, irritability, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, insomnia, somatic or bodily problems such as aches, pains, digestive ailments, and thoughts of self harm or suicide. Dysthymia or dysthymic depression is usually less severe and less intrusive to daily activities, but it can lead to episodes of major depression or coexist with other mental health or physiological diagnoses.
Because the continuum of depressive forms and symptoms is so vast, homeopathy is thought to lend itself well to addressing the specific needs of each patient. Remedies are prescribed based on the similarity of their characteristics to the symptoms a patient describes. Homeopathic practitioners suggest dietary and lifestyle changes, along with remedies.
Specific remedies that may be useful include ignatia, pulsatilla, sepia, arsenicum and aurum. Ignatia addresses depression associated with grief, fluctuating moods and inappropriate behavior. Pulsatilla is recommended for depression tied to bodily discomfort caused by hormonal changes. Sepia is used for feelings of sadness, worry and irritability. Arsenicum is prescribed for restlessness, obsessive compulsive tendencies or exhaustion. Aurum has been found helpful for feelings of worthless, emptiness or suicidal thoughts.
Expert Insight
According to Dana Ullman, author of "The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy" (Putnam, 1996) and "Find the Best Depression Cure for You" (Natural Health, August 2002), homeopathic remedies can provide a fast and last cure for depression. Ullman says that because the remedies boost the body's own healing power rather than suppressing symptoms, depression lifts sooner and the relief is lasting.
Resources
Several organizations certify homeopathic practitioners. Among them: the National Center for Homeopathy in Alexandria, Virginia, the American Institute of Homeopathy in Denver, Colorado and the Council for Homeopathic Certification in Corte Madera, California, which established a certification exam and code of ethics for the profession in 1992.
For more information or to find a homeopathic practitioner, contact the National Center for Homeopathy at (703) 548-7790 or see www.homeopathic.org.
References
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition
- Homeopathy, Wholeness and Healing, Richard Hughes Memorial Lecture, 2004
- Natural Health, D. Ullman, August 2002
