Homeopathy in Berlin Steglitz
Homeopathy (Homois pathos = similar suffering) was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). He developed clear and comprehensible principles of the homeopathic healing method, which are based on three fundamental pillars.
The three fundamental pillars of Homeopathy:
I. The Principle of Similarity
Hahnemann discovered through his studies and experiments that a medicine can help a patient if the patient exhibits similar symptoms to those produced by the medicine when taken by a healthy person. This means that each medicine alleviates the very complaints it can also produce in a similar form.
II. Homeopathic Drug Testing
To determine which symptoms and diseases a homeopathic remedy can produce (in a healthy person) and thus alleviate in the case of illness, homeopathic remedies are tested on humans. This so-called drug testing is conducted under the guidance and observation of a homeopathic physician. All changes in condition, both physical and psychological, are recorded. The totality of all documented symptoms creates what is known as the drug picture.
III. Homeopathic Potencies
The starting substances for homeopathic remedies include plant extracts, salts, minerals, metals, and animal products (e.g., snake or bee venom). Since the side effects of administering the pure medicine can be considerable, Hahnemann developed a method to reduce these effects. It also became evident that this homeopathic processing (known as potentization) can greatly enhance or deepen the effect of the medicines.
Procedure: A part of the starting substance (the medicine) is diluted with nine parts of a neutral solvent (a mixture of alcohol and water). Crucially, this new mixture is shaken vigorously (10 strong downward shakes or 10 firm strikes on a hard, resilient surface). This produces the potency D1 (ten-fold potency). If you repeat the shaking process, starting from D1 (one part D1 and nine parts mixture), you obtain D2, and so on. If the solution consists of one part starting substance to 99 parts mixture, it is referred to as C potencies (hundred-fold potency). In homeopathy, the term "dilute" is not used; instead, it is referred to as "potentizing" or "dynamizing."
Homeopathic Case Taking
To find the right, healing remedy, the homeopath must conduct a comprehensive and thorough case taking (anamnesis). In this detailed conversation, they inquire about the symptoms of the illness and the personal characteristics of the patient. The goal is to gather information about the typical symptoms of the disease as well as the characteristic traits, habits, preferences, or aversions of the sick person. This creates a complete picture of the sick individual. Based on this overall picture, the homeopath seeks a remedy that closely "resembles" the patient’s disease picture (principle of similarity).
Health – Healing
The principles of homeopathy fundamentally differ from those of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine focuses on the symptoms of a sick person and tries to combat (suppress) them with corresponding medications. In contrast, homeopathy views these symptoms only as expressions of the illness, i.e., as disturbances of a higher life or control principle. This disturbance needs to be corrected, which makes the disease symptoms unnecessary and allows them to resolve through the self-regulation of the organism.
Initial Reaction after Homeopathic Remedy Administration
Following the administration, there may be a strong reaction depending on the body's responsiveness or the potency given. This may manifest as a temporary worsening of the disease symptoms or as detoxification reactions of the body (sweating, diarrhea, etc.). However, there is often also an improvement in the general condition at the same time.
These reactions should, if possible, be allowed to occur undisturbed. They are often necessary to regain a state of health. In case of doubt, one should consult the homeopath.
Limitations of Homeopathy
Generally, many disease states, both acute and chronic, can be treated with homeopathy. However, homeopathy reaches its limits when:
There are deficiencies in the organism (e.g., inadequate nutrition).
A condition of advanced tissue destruction is present (e.g., organ destruction, scar tissue, etc.).
Serious external circumstances hinder healing (e.g., extreme family or psychosocial conditions).
The homeopath cannot identify the correct remedy necessary for healing due to a lack of symptoms.
Side Effects in Homeopathy
In principle, homeopathic therapy does not have side effects in the conventional medical sense. A wrongly chosen homeopathic remedy usually shows no effect, meaning it has neither a positive nor negative effect!
However, inappropriate application can lead to undesirable reactions, such as when:
Multiple homeopathic remedies are given simultaneously, confusing the organism and complicating healing.
Improperly, too many high potencies are administered too frequently, which can obscure the symptoms and potentially prevent healing.
Homeopathic remedies in the same potency are used for too long (or high potencies are frequently repeated). This can lead to symptoms of the remedy (the "drug picture") being transferred to the patient.
Obstacles to Healing
During homeopathic treatment, various things should be avoided, as they can hinder or interrupt the effect of homeopathic remedies (antidote). For example:
Chamomile in any form (e.g., as tea or in medicines).
Peppermint in any form (e.g., as tea, in medicines, in candies, chewing gum).
Strong essential oils (e.g., camphor, menthol, or peppermint oil in bath/sauna additives, ointments, etc.).
Alcohol excesses, various medications.
Toothpaste with the above essential oils (please inquire about suitable toothpaste for homeopathic treatment at the pharmacy).
Coffee, Coca-Cola.