Homeopathy is an alternative medical branch well-known for its holistic approach to health care. Developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann more than 200 years ago, homeopathy is considered as the second largest therapeutic system in the world by WHO. But, it is also one of the most controversial subjects in therapeutics according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.1
The Principle Behind Homeopathic Medicines
What makes homeopathy different is that the treatments used are “individualized.” It is not uncommon for different people with the same condition to receive different treatments.
The system works on the principle of “like cures like,” which means that a patient with particular signs and symptoms can be helped by a homeopathic remedy that produces those sign and symptoms in a healthy person. Also, these remedies retain their biological activity after repeated dilution and succussion, even when diluted beyond Avogadro’s number.
Many critics claim that such homeopathic remedies are nothing more than a placebo.2 Despite this controversial view, homeopathy has been a raging craze in hair and skin treatments, producing observable positive results.
The Problem With Conventional Treatments
Generally, conventional forms of treatment believed in focusing on the disappearance of symptoms. In the case of skin and hair problems (and even chronic diseases), such methods cured the symptoms with the help of symptomatic medicines. The problem with such treatments is that there is a suppression (temporary relief) of symptoms, which can recur once you stop the treatment. While such methods are necessary to treat emergency and life-threatening conditions, symptom recurrence just causes anxiety in other milder disorders.
[pullquote]Conventional treatments focus mainly on the local signs and do not work on the root cause or individual symptoms.[/pullquote]
With skin and hair problems, this methodology clearly won’t work. Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence on this, according to homeopathic principles, symptoms of a disease are considered as the body’s own defensive attempt to correct its imbalance rather than just a manifestation of the disease. Thus, the disappearance of symptoms may not be an indication of cure, especially when health is considered holistically.
How Does Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathy believes in a holistic approach to health care and works on the root cause of diseases. These medicines not only act on the local or disease symptoms but also treat a person as an individual. A homeopathic therapist treats the layers of symptoms and the healing starts from the inside to the outside (Hering’s law of cure). A potential connection is formed between the patient’s present complaint and their constitution (overall personality).
Homeopathic medicines strengthen the vital force and aim to improve the overall health rather than just treat the symptoms. This method works excellently when treating skin and hair diseases, and people often get a gentle and ideal cure without the recurrence of the disease. So, to get rid of the disease permanently and gently, most patients turn toward homeopathy.
Homeopathy For Skin And Hair
Skin and hair problems are the most common reasons for which people seek homeopathic treatment. According to the British Homeopathic Association, it is important to be sure that the homeopathic treatment is appropriate.3 While it works for multiple diseases, there are few exceptions. For example, malignant melanoma is a dangerous skin condition characterized by a “mole,” which grows, bleeds, is irregular in shape, and has to be removed surgically without delay.
From the point of view of homeopathy, eczema and psoriasis are two main diseases that can be treated very well with the help of homeopathic treatment. But, for getting the best results, it is a must that the treatment is individualized.
Similarly, hair problems are a common source of constant stress and worry in a person. According to homeopath Dr. Sharma, homeopathy has a large number of remedies to tackle hair loss. Every kind of hair loss, ranging from hair loss due to pregnancy to hair loss due to weakness, can be successfully treated with the help of homeopathic remedies. These medicines not only act on the local cause but also treat the root cause as well.
A skilled therapist will do a detailed case study of the patient to collect their all-important symptoms. This includes the causation, location, sensation (how a patient feels), concomitant symptoms (other associated symptoms), and modalities (factors that make the existing complaint worse or better). Along with this, physical (appetite, thirst, sleep, dreams, etc.) and mental general symptoms are equally important. After the case is properly evaluated, the indicated similimum (the most apt remedy) is prescribed to form an ideal cure.
Homeopathy has proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for treating hair and skin diseases, but it doesn’t provide a cure as quickly as desired. It may take time, patience, and perseverance to experience relief from troublesome symptoms of skin and hair diseases. Consult a professional homeopathic therapist for a proper individualization and to select the best possible remedy for your case.
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