Homoeopaths

Homoeopathy is a system of treatment originally developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755 – 1843), a German physician. The principle of homoeopathic treatment is based upon “letting likes cure likes” or the belief that substances that produce symptoms in a healthy person may be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.

Homoeopaths believe homoeopathic treatments boost the immune system and stimulate the body’s ability to fight infection. Homoeopathic treatment aims to treat the whole person and endeavours to take account of personality, emotional, lifestyle and hereditary characteristics of each person. Homoeopathic remedies, consisting of plants, minerals and animal extracts, and are recommended specifically for each individual and because each person and their traits will be different, the same symptoms presenting in two different patients would be treated with an entirely different homoeopathic remedy. Some homoeopathic remedies and treatments are recognised by the World Health Organisation as a valid form of health care. Homoeopathy is a complementary treatment and may work alongside conventional medicine and pharmacology where appropriate.

While homoeopathy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment of serious diseases or infections, it can help to alleviate symptoms of a wide range of illnesses including allergies, eczema, hay fever, headaches and stress. For quality homoeopathic treatment, consulting a registered practitioner is recommended. The Australian Register of Homoeopaths is the independent national registration board for professional homeopaths and registrants are recognised by the majority of major health insurance funds for rebates. It is important to note that naturopaths are not homoeopaths. Naturopathic training does not meet the government standards for homeopathy.