Homeopathy is a highly systematic, scientific method of therapy based on the principle of stimulating the organism’s own healing processes in order to accomplish cure. The basic system was devised and verified 200 years ago by the German Physician Samuel Hahnemann. This system was the direct result of his attempt to minimize the horrendous toxicity associated with the use of the conventional therapeutic drugs of his era. Homeopathy’s astounding success rate in both acute and chronic diseases has resulted in its standing the test of time and achieving widespread acceptance in Europe, South America, and India. The first medical association, hospital, and medical college in America were all homeopathic. In fact, 30 percent of all physicians in this country in the early 1900s were homeopathic practitioners and it was taught in many colleges.

Throughout history, disease has been viewed from two fundamentally different perspectives: as a malfunction of specific parts of the body, or as the result of a deeper disturbance of the patient as an integrated whole on the mental, emotional, and physical levels. The former viewpoint is called allopathic, “allo” meaning “other” and “pathy” referring to disease or suffering. In that system whatever symptoms arise are counteracted by drugs in a reactive fashion: a decongestant for a runny nose, an analgesic for pain, steroids for inflammation, etc.

Any valid holistic therapy recognizes that the organism has its own mechanisms for healing, however deficient those processes may be at any given moment. Those healing mechanisms include all the chemical and physiological processes elucidated by modern science as well as more subtle ones yet to be known.

Conventional (allopathic) medical treatment is based upon the concept of diagnosis. All patients with a specifically named condition are given the same therapy, usually chemical medicines. In homeopathy, treatment is based on the individual’s unique symptom picture. Treatment is not aimed at a specific organ or body part, rather at the vital force (subtle internal energy mechanism that enables the body to heal itself.) All disease begins at the level of the vital force. In order to affect a cure, treatment must be able to reach to that deep level associated with the vital force.

Homeopaths feel chronic disease is not a succession of unrelated symptoms, but rather a problem in the non-physical realm of the vital force. Physical disease only mirrors that condition. We then stimulate the vital force with a specifically chosen remedy for that patient (out of 2,500 possible remedies) based upon an analysis of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are naturally occurring substances from the plant, animal, or mineral kingdoms. They are given in great dilution according to the Law of Similars, such that whatever substances produce a set of symptoms in a healthy animal will cure those symptoms in a sick animal when given in small amounts. A resonance develops between the patient and the remedy enabling the vital force to be strengthened so the disease can be overcome.

Symptoms are a sign of the vital force trying to heal and are the only way by which we know disease is present. The prescriptions are based solely upon these expressions of the vital force and not upon laboratory data or machine technology.

All the remedies have been tested to determine which symptoms are produced by each of them when given in large doses. The job of the homeopath is to match disease symptoms with symptoms known to be produced by the remedy. The patient is then given that specific remedy in a dilution (in effect, an artificial medicinal disease) whose strength or potency has been determined at an FDA approved homeopathic pharmacy. This remedy, if similar enough and stronger than the original disease, will displace that disease. Then the action of the remedy will dissipate over time leaving a stimulated vital force (the body’s own healing power) to heal the disease.

The remedies are prepared by homeopathic pharmacies in environments carefully controlled for temperature, odor, dust, light and humidity. The original substance is placed in alcohol and water and serially diluted (usually 1:10 or 1:100) a large number of times. The vial is vigorously shaken at each step (succussion). The final dilution can be used directly as a liquid or to saturate sugar pellets, which can then be administered to the patient.

Paradoxical as it may seem, the more the original substance is shaken and diluted, the more potent it becomes while chemical toxicity is eliminated. Presently the exact mechanisms for this are still in question but it is a fact verified in daily practice and seen to occur historically in literature hundreds of years old.

It is important to make clear that homeopathy is not a panacea, nor is it free of difficulty. Today’s cases are clearly more problematic than those of our predecessors a hundred years ago. Complications of inherited problems, improper diet, environmental toxins, suppressive medical treatment, over vaccination and negative emotions affect all of us. Our pets are reservoirs and mirrors of our thoughts and feelings. In spite of this, most pets derive great benefit over time from homeopathic treatment, many of whom are permanently cured.

In chronic disease, homeopathy usually does not give immediate relief of symptoms. Usually there is an aggravation of symptoms briefly as the vital force is stimulated prior to the cure. In spite of this, the patient will somehow feel better. Intensification of existing symptoms is a sign of the body’s own healing power and is considered a favorable response. Although difficult at times, it is crucial at this point to wait out the aggravation.

It is also best to minimize and gradually taper any other medications, as they will merely delay the cure. The aggravation is necessary because the vital force, now free from disease, can begin the task of healing. This is accomplished by inflammation, with its usual concurrent fever and discharges.

Healing will progress according to Herring’s Law of Cure: from the head downward, from within outward, from front to back, from most critical problems to less important ones, and in reverse order of symptom appearance. The healing of the body has its own sense of hierarchy and time. On average, cure takes three months to two years, depending on the severity of the disease.

As you can imagine, homeopathy is highly demanding on the prescriber. Getting to know patients takes time and energy and years of dedicated study. Meanwhile, we must deal with healing crises, previous drug suppressions and emotional factors.

It is important to keep in touch by phone or in person, as evaluation of response is crucial. Your attention to detail, in order that you can convey information about your pet that is most peculiar, unique, unusual, or characterizing, is most valuable. True healing takes time. The most common mistake is giving another remedy too soon after the previous dose, even after months have passed. The vital force that is responsible for the healthy running of the body knows better than we do what pace is optimal for cure.

Instructions for Healing:

·    Diet: A proper diet removes one of the major obstacles to cure. Giving home prepared food is ideal. Commercial, additive free “natural” brands may have to suffice.

·         Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement and must be repeated periodically. We recommend no other vaccinations be given during homeopathic treatment.

·         Allopathic drugs:  They are designed to remove a specific symptom without regard to the patient as a whole and this suppressive approach leads to weakening of the vital force and may antidote the remedy. If the patient is taking allopathic drugs prior to beginning homeopathic treatment, it is important not to stop them, but to taper off gradually.

·         Other treatments: Supplemental nutrients, glandulars, and mild herbs are acceptable.

·         Miscellaneous: Other specifics which may antidote remedies are mothballs, electric blankets, camphor, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and noxious odors.