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The American Institute of Homeopathy

The American Institute of Homeopathy was founded in 1844. The Institute was ahead of its time and focused on developing the theories, scientific methodology, and beliefs of homeopathy's founder, Dr. C. F. Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy is an alternative medical treatment that involves curing ailments with "like" treatments. Homeopathy involves the Law of Similars which states "let like be cured by like."

Homeopathy also focuses on taking the smallest dose of medicine necessary to cure disease. Taking a holistic or whole body approach to medical treatment is another component of homeopathy. Practitioners of this science must be knowledgeable of medical science and eastern philosophies.

The American Institute of Homeopathy provides a database by which people can search for homeopathic practitioners in their states that treat specific illnesses. Homeopathic practitioners are medical doctors who use natural healing as well as traditional treatments for curing disease. These doctors may concentrate in specific areas such as treatment of diabetes or cancer.

Principles of Homeopathic Practice

Homeopathic medicine is built upon several basic principles. The American Institute of Homeopathy maintains a website which lists these principles in detail. The website can be found at www.homeopathyusa.org.  A brief summary of each principle of practice follows:

• A healthy body is in a state called homeostasis, which means stability throughout the body.
• Disease disrupts homeostasis and causes the body to react and lose stability.
• Regaining homeostasis is dependent on the body's overall health.
• Disease is made up of both mental and physical components.
• The human body can be made to feel stimuli both physically and mentally.
• An outside substance can be introduced to upset the body further in an attempt to cause the body to fight back and return to a homeostatic state.

Treatment of disease involves a mind/body approach. Homeopathy sees not just the system that is affected but the whole body and works to engage the body in fighting disease. There are specific homeopathic drugs that are used to treat medical conditions. Homeopathic practitioners diagnose disease by first taking a detailed medical history and assessment of the patient.

Standard diagnostic procedures are used and a prognosis may be given. Practitioners discuss treatment options including medications deemed appropriate. Per American Institute of Homeopathy guidelines, homeopathy treats the patient, not the disease. The minimum dosage of medication is given and monitored until the desired result is achieved. Visit the American Institute of Homeopathy website to find a practitioner in your state.