Introduction to the speciality of homeopathy – principles and definition

Abstract

The characteristic features of homeopathy are its particular drug therapy and application, its drug provings on the healthy subject, the development of its pharmacology, the case-taking and exact observation of the individual patient’s symptoms and idiosyncrasies, the conclusions drawn from numerous individual healing processes and its extended treatment target. All these aspects result in an approach that is fundamentally different, in theory and practice, from mainstream medicine. While both systems are based on exact empirical observation, their methods of observation and interpretation differ. In mainstream medicine, treatment is based on the clinical diagnosis while the symptoms displayed by the individual patient play a lesser role. In homeopathy, on the other hand, the choice of medication depends on the totality of symptoms and signs displayed by the individual patient. The clinical diagnosis is important for assessing the medical situation but has little bearing on the choice of remedy. Administering homeopathic remedies and mixtures merely on the basis of a clinical diagnosis goes against the principles of homeopathy.