Homeopathy comes from the German word for same, likeness, or feeling “homeo” combined with the word for the quality of something that arouses feeling such as suffering, pity, or sympathy called “pathos.”

• The way the homeopath understands the disordered state of the individual and the natural energy that resonates to assist the direction of cure is based upon this idea of 'similar suffering." Put simply, what can be observed as symptoms of a disorder, can cured by a substance that can cause the "similar" disorder.
• Not only does the clinician observe the suffering without bias, but also recognizes what is strange, rare and peculiar to make the observed situation unique. This is what we can truly call “homeopathic prescribing.” To select a remedy based upon the name of the illness alone, is not ‘homeopathic.”
• This medical treatment in this system is based on the principle of giving “The Minimum Dose.” Curative action comes about by giving small energetic doses of substances which in a healthy person would produce symptoms like those of the disease.
• Due to the “minimum dose” there are no side effects. The principle of less is more applies to frequency of dosage, as well as quantity. A basic guideline is to give just one dose and wait for an improvement. If the original symptoms return, another dose may be given. If new symptoms appear, then re-evaluate to determine if a different remedy is required.
• A basic home emergency remedy kit contains a 6c or 30c potency (strength). During childbirth or very extreme situations a higher potency, such as 200c, may be used.
• Homeopathic home emergency prescribing may be quickly learned for simple acute situations such as in first aid cuts and bruises, the beginning of respiratory colds and flu, and gastrointestinal upsets like diarrhea and constipation or food poisoning. For ongoing and chronic conditions please find a qualified homeopath for constitutional care.
• Begin learning the basics by caring for simple kitchen burns, and playground scrapes and falls. There is a Free Basic Guideline available online and in most emergency kits. Once you learn and understand the principles of homeopathy you will recognize when you can approach the situation with your skills and when it is best to call a medical professional.
• The number one homeopathic remedy is Arnica montana. Having it with you at all times, in your purse, suitcase and car will be invaluable, once you’ve experienced its healing power. Athletes, children, teachers, mothers, and people in every profession and activity have used it for shock, bruising, exhaustion, jet lag and much more. Many are the skeptics who have been converted by just the benefits of Arnica alone.
• Calendula ointment or cream is Mother Nature's antiseptic. Available in most health food stores, it is derived from marigold plants and promotes rapid healing for scrapes and cuts, and preventing wounds from turning septic.
• When there is an true emergency and first aid is needed to address accident, injury, shock, bleeding, etc, it is acceptable to repeat the dosage more frequently. And a number of remedies may be used to target the main issues, or when the symptoms change; for instance, giving Arnica for shock of an accident, then giving Phosphorus to help reduce bleeding. As a general rule, only one remedy is given at a time for symptoms that come on more slowly. Then watch to see the response.
• You will learn how to phrase your questions in an unbiased manner when you take a basic course. You have begun your journey as a homeopath by allowing the patient to speak without directing the answers, and learning to leave all questions ‘open-ended.’ An example would be to say, “what hurts?” enabling the person can tell you just about anything; rather than “leading” the question to a particular organ by saying, “Does your hand hurt?” A closed question only requires the patient to respond, “yes or no,” which ends the conversation.
• Homeopathic medicine kits come in a variety of sizes, and most brands carry a similar range of remedies. The are a more economical way of getting started, and are more convenient to carry around.

Homeopathy Distance Learning: Melissa Burch organizes and teaches extremely affordable online courses for stay at home moms, health care professionals and practicing homeopaths from her office in Boston, Mass. Visit InnerHealth.us to find out more.

Pick up your FREE Basic Guidebook and find our when the next Four-Week Basic Homeopathy Course will begin at http://innerhealth.us/blog2/

Whether you are just interested in healing yourself, or you are already a professional in a medical field or the healing arts, a short course is the way to go. A short course . . .

• Helps to build your confidence in prescribing.
• Provides a venue to learn at your own pace.
• Teaches basic philosophy and application of principles.
• Provides a network of interested others who become friends and support system.
• Can sometimes help with immediate needs and care questions.
• Introduces you to a new method of healing.
• Creates a global community.
• Can be empowering.
• Teaches the fundamental skills like repeterization
• Shows you how to study the materia medica

Here are a few comments from those who have already taken these short courses.

Ellen Meyer says, "I'm a Registered Nurse at a major medical center and became interested in Homeopathy several years ago for my dogs. This was the beginning of my personal journey from the traditional disease focused healthcare approach to a healing and wellness philosophy. About a year ago, I took the next step and began seeing a Homeopath. She is the one who recommended this course. My immediate goal is to develop a better understanding of the meaning and use of Homeopathy. I've read a couple of beginner books and some web sites. Now I'm eager to begin putting what I'm learning to practical use for myself and my family. I'd also like to develop some skills in first aid and other common conditions mentioned in Castro's book. I've struggled with understanding the Repertorising chart and Materia Medica. Last winter, I made a couple of timid and unsuccessful attempts to treat common cold/cough symptoms which made it clear I need to learn more!

Christine Cheng commented, "Homeopathy has been a therapeutic resource for me since 1989 when my aunt became a patient of Dr. Roger Morrison. I went to the Hahnemann Clinic and got my first constitutional remedy. The healing crisis that ensued was intense. It took me years to recover but I think it was what cured my eczema. Some of the clearer benefits of homeopathy was when I had shingles in 2000.

First Melissa recommended one remedy but since it wasn't obvious that my condition had improved, we tried a second one. The pain cleared up within a couple of hours. With the idea in mind that homeopathy will support the body in the direction it wants to go, I tried a couple of remedies to induce labor to give birth. Since neither worked, I took it as a cue to bypass the medical induction go for a caesarean section with the support of a homeopathic protocol for surgery. My spiritual and physiological recovery was immediate. Also, the caesarean was the right choice for this birth based on issues that were apparent afterwards.

My son is 6-1/2 months old and I want to be more self-reliant in taking care of him. As much as I have personally benefited from allopathic medicine particularly the exams and surgeries, homeopathic remedies are the initial options to bring things back into balance. Hearing about the success that homeopaths have had with their personal health and their children's health has been inspirational. I am reluctant to introduce my son to medicines even if they are over-the-counter. My work experience includes marketing, magazine production, video production, massage therapy and interior design. I will continue to have homeopathy push me in the direction that my body wants to go. I am happy to help improve the lives of myself and others."

Jenny Hornung introduced herself at the beginning of a four-week course, "Hello everyone, this is my first online class and I’m really liking this cyber-forum. It is so relaxed! The first time I read anything about homeopathy was when a friend gave me her copy of Miranda Castro’s "Homeopathy for pregnancy and the first year," when I was pregnant. This is really what sparked my interest. I also remembered my grandmother (and mother) with their boxes of brown glass vials and chalky, sweet taste of the pellets!! (although I think these were cell salts). With my daughter being in my life I very much wanted to be able to address our health concerns as they came up and come from a place of knowledge and ability to help heal.

I attended a short intro class a few years ago which led me to an amazing study group here in California. I also always carry a small selection of remedies with me which have come in handy often. With this course I am looking forward to being more "versed" in homeopathy and being able to use the remedies with greater knowledge and confidence. Very happy to be here, thank you! Jenny"

Omayma Saleh wants to learn more and more. He writes, "I am Omayma Saleh, MD, PhD I am a professor of internal medicine in the endocrinology and diabetes unit at the Medical Specialized Hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. As you can see I am a conventional physician and I started my interest in complementary medicine few years ago. I had courses in acupuncture and started practicing it in the obesity clinic at the hospital more than 2 years ago. I became interested in homeopathy and starting taking courses 2 1/2 years ago .

My first course was with an Egyptian homeopath who taught homeopathy through pendulum and boiresonance which didn’t convince me and I started reading on my own and had an online introductory course with a German homeopath. Then I joined another course in Cairo at the NNI with another Egyptian homeopath teaching the classic way like that of Vithoulkas. During this time I attended workshops with homeopaths who visited Cairo, like Scholten, Banergea and Robin Murphy.

While reading a lot and practicing with my family and with a few patients. I registered my self with David Little in his course where a lot of material given. I am really busy with my work which does not enable me to focus on homeopathy which I consider very fascinating. I learned case taking and repertorisation and I bought many books and Mac rep software. I still find homeopathy a very interesting though a bit difficult science.

You may wonder why I am interested in joining this introductory course. I think any opportunity to share and learn from other experienced homeopaths must be taken and I have a great passion of science especially energy medicine. I am looking forwards to gaining more knowledge and experience during this course."