The law of similars or curing like with like
Most people are familiar with the allopathic medicine approach – the opposite of that used by homeopathy. The allopathic approach treats disease by providing a stimulus to oppose the medical condition. Homeopathy, though, cures like with like. In simple terms, it uses the law of similars to encourage the body to fight its own battles. In fact the word homeopathy is derived from the Greek words meaning same and suffering – and thereby provides a clue to the way in which it works.

Homeopathy provides a curative energy tailored specifically for each individual. This stimulus triggers the inborn forces of the body to heal itself. In homeopathy disease is considered to have its own cure within itself.

The homeopathic approach most widely known is the therapeutic one. Here emphasis is placed on pathogenic diagnosis, which leads to indicated homeopathic remedies. The therapeutic approach is perhaps the easiest to apply and for this reason is most popular amongst busy doctors who advocate homeopathy. The classical approach seeks to apply the single remedy that simultaneously heals on emotional, mental and physical levels. The practical approach tailors the homeopathic method to the needs of each client. It combines the single remedy with further supporting remedies to assist the major organs and pathways of elimination. The sequential approach utilises a time-line of the client’s medical history as a means of restoring balance. This method is used when the orthodox homeopathic approach to treatment has not brought permanent relief – and often in situations that have been labeled incurable. The spagyric approach treats 'complex symptoms' and related temperaments with specially prepared complex plant remedies.