Homeopathy: classic healing from the inside out

One of the most profoundly effective systems of healing I've found in my 25+ year medical career is Classical Homeopathy. Founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago, it's based on stimulating healing from within, rather than suppressing symptoms from without as most conventional pharmaceuticals do.

It turns out that if you take a tiny dose of something that in larger doses can cause the symptoms you're suffering, your natural healing forces respond by throwing off the symptoms. This is the Law of Similars in action. Also, classical homeopaths give one medicine or "remedy" at a time, in the lowest possible dose needed for activity.

It's a very individualized system -- time-intensive, yet it also brings the possibility of true healing rather than only "managing" symptoms. Although the remedies are made from natural substances, they are also regulated by the FDA.

I've been fortunate to study with several wonderful schools and teachers. One is American Medical College of Homeopathy in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded by psychiatrist and classical homeopath Todd Rowe MD, the school has both Distance Learning and on-site programs. A new 3-year part-time class begins in February 2009.

After graduating from AMCH, I attended California Center for Homeopathic Education in Escondido, CA. This program focuses on Dr. Rajan Sankaran's "Sensation Method" in homeopathy -- a way of understandinf each patient's suffering so that it can be effectively addressed by an appropriate homeopathic remedy. CCHE also is beginning a new 2.5 year program in January 2009.

There's a wealth of new learning going on in homeopathy, with more and more practitioners available also. For instance, American Institute of Homeopathy lists licensed physician practitioners on its "Find a Practitioner" link; National Center for Homeopathy lists a blend of practitioners. Other very useful resources include North American Society of Homeopaths and the Council for Homeopathic Certification as well.