Exploring the Difference Between Combination and Classical Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative healing modality first developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. During the 250 year history of homeopathy, the method with which homeopathy is practiced has gradually changed. Some staunch followers of Hahnemann's original methods remain, calling themselves classical homeopaths. Other individuals utilize a contemporary form of homeopathy that relies on combination homeopathic medicines and the potential for self-treatment.

Homeopathic medicines are ultra-dilute preparations of biologically active substances. At its inception, homeopathy was recognized as a significantly safer alternative to the herbal syrups and mercury tonics of the time. Homeopathy flourished, homeopathic hospitals were built through out the world and numbers of trained homeopathic doctors were on the rise.

However, homeopathy in the United States was eventually to pale in the shadow of the aggressive allopathic medical culture that was quickly establishing control over the methods and means with which medicine could be practiced. During this time homeopathy continued to be widely practiced in India, as well as several European countries.

Despite a history of overt suppression and a continued struggle to design scientific trials that can accurately evaluate the efficacy of homeopathic medicine, homeopathy is again gaining popularity in the United States. Interestingly, the increase in the popularity of homeopathy may be largely attributable to the widening availability of over-the-counter combination homeopathic medicines that provide patients with the opportunity to treat themselves.

The practice of classical homeopathic medicine requires an in-depth personal consultation with a homeopath. During the homeopathic interview, the classical homeopath will elicit specific information regarding all body systems, as well as the mental, emotional and dream realms. The homoepathic practitioner will also observe the physical characteristics and mannerisms of their client. Once the classical homeopathic practitioner has a complete "picture" of their client, they will search through homeopathic materia medicas till they find the one homeopathic remedy that is an ideal match.

In contrast, many combination homeopathic medicines are available in health food stores, drug stores and online. Combination homeopathy utilizes the same valuable information held in homeopathic materia medicas and repertoires as a classical homeopath uses. Combination homeopathic medicines are formulated by choosing several of the most common remedies used for a certain medical indication. Then any antidotes are removed. Antidotes are homeopathic remedies that cancel each other out when used together.

Individuals can choose a combination homeopathic medicine based on their illness or symptoms, and because the medicine contains multiple remedies it is highly likely that they will dose themselves with the correct remedy for their needs. In addition, some combination homeopathic medicines contain multiple potencies, thus further increasing the likelihood that the correct remedy in the correct potency will be administered.

Classical homeopathy and combination homeopathic remedies each have their strengths and weaknesses. Though both alternative healing methods have homeopathic principles at heart, the methods with which these are utilized are significantly different.