Homeopathy or homeopathic medicine is only one of several natural medicines practiced by naturopathic doctors, however Larissa Popov, ND has a special interest in classical homeopathy, and the following is a more detailed account of the action and benefits of this powerful medicine.

What is a Homeopathic remedy?:

Homeopathic remedies are made of potentized plant, mineral or animal substances. The potentization consists of a series of systematic dilutions and succusssions of the plant, mineral or animal matter until to a level of dilution where very few or no actual molecules of the medicinal substance remain. The resulting dilution in either water or alcohol consists of the energetic impression or "fingerprint" left by the substance. The diluted remedy is administered either in liquid form or on a lactose pellet.

Principles and Action:

Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of "like cures like". This means; a substance which can create certain symptoms in a healthy individual, can also treat those same symptoms in a sick individual. The remedy acts by triggering the body's own ability to heal itself. Science has established in recent decades that matter (including human bodies) are not simply masses of atoms, but solidified or compressed energy; we have a gross, physical body, yet on a more subtle level, we are made up of energy. Homeopathy acknowledges that the human body contains a life force energy which animates it; renders it "living" and this life force energy inherently understands how to sustain itself by maintaining the body and mind in a state of health. All symptoms of disease, from a homeopathic model, originate from a disturbance in the life force energy which can occur suddenly and acutely or develop gradually over time and can become a chronic state. The homeopathic remedy, which is carefully and specifically chosen to most closely match the unique symptoms of the patient, has a resonance with the disturbed vibration of the life force, triggering it to move into a healing response.

Benefits:

Homeopathy can be used to treat a wide variety of symptoms whether they are physical, emotional, or mental
A medical diagnosis is not essential for treatment, so it can be beneficial in cases where a diagnosis is unclear
It is one of the safest and gentle medicines available, since it works by triggering the body's own healing response
Easy to administer medicine; whether it's adults, children or animals
It addresses the root cause of disease
No herb or drug interactions
In addition to symptom improvement, many people report a greater energy, sense of ease and freedom in their lives
It is relatively inexpensive
Due to the minimal resource expenditure, it is a sustainable and ecologically-friendly medicine

Types of situations where homeopathy can be particularly helpful:

feeling "stuck" in a particular state for a longtime
struggling with the same fears or anxieties despite being aware of them
symptoms which do not fit a medical diagnosis or physiological explanation
symptoms which are particularly unique or unusual
ailments of infants and children
acute and chronic conditions