Dr. Dean McGee

Homeopathy began in 1798 with the research observations of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant German physician (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Hahnemann). He was known for many “natural” health care recommendations, such as “the use of fresh air, bed rest, proper diet, sunshine, public hygiene and numerous other beneficial measures at a time when many other physicians considered them of no value” (The Friend of Health, Samuel Hahnemann, 1792)

Homeopathy began when Dr. Hahnemann noticed that quinine (a drug used to treat malaria) given to healthy medical students produced symptoms of malaria. The prevailing theory of his day was that treatment should counteract (or suppress) the symptoms of a disease, and yet this drug (quinine) appeared to be effective by actually producing the symptoms of the disease that it cured. This led him to develop what he called the “Law of Similars”. His treatment was based on the ability to provoke the body to respond to a stimulus. Because the stimulus had to be gentle enough to not worsen the condition, doses were diluted to extreme amounts.

Hahnemann referred to his new system as “homeopathy” – from the Greek words “homoios” (similar) and “pathos” (suffering or disease). He distinguished it from the prevailing theory of the day, which he referred to as “allopathy” – from the Greek “allo” (opposite) and “pathos” (suffering).

For many years, these two systems have been at odds, but more recently, some physicians have used both, depending on the application. In England, the royal family uses a homeopathic pharmacy in London on a regular basis as part of their health care. The integration is perhaps most evident in Germany, where today’s medical doctors are educated in drugs, herbs, and homeopathics side-by-side, with appropriate usages for each based on the condition and responsiveness of the patient.

It is our belief that all 3 Types of Therapies – Training, Stimulus, & Intervention – play a vital role in effective health care.

Since the doctors in our office are licensed to diagnose all conditions, but not to dispense (or discontinue) prescription drugs, we refer to medical doctors for prescription drugs or other medical procedures for conditions that are either 1) unresponsive to conservative care or 2) require emergency intervention.

For all other conditions, we use homeopathics – as well as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, herbs and other standard nutrients – when appropriate for the care of our patients.

Over the past 200+ years, homeopathy has demonstrated an effective and useful place in the broad spectrum of health care, and should continue to provide a valuable service for many years to come.