Homeopathy

The development of homeopathy

The Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived several hundred years before the birth of Christ (460 – 370BC), is regarded as the founding father of all medicine. The Hippocratic Oath taken by newly qualified doctors in orthodox medicine binds them to an ethical code of medical practice in honour of Hippocrates. Hippocrates believed that disease resulted from natural elements in the world in which people lived. This contrasted with the view that held sway for centuries that disease was some form of punishment from the gods or God.

He believed that it was essential to observe and take account of the course and progress of a disease in each individual, and that any cure should encourage that person’s own innate healing power. Hippocrates embraced the idea of ‘like being able to cure like’ and had many remedies that were based on this principle. Hence, in his practice and study of medicine he laid the foundations of the homeopathic approach although this was not to be appreciated and developed for many centuries.

During the period of Roman civilization a greater knowledge and insight into the nature of the human body was developed. Many herbs and plants were used for healing by people throughout the world, and much knowledge was gained and handed down from generation to generation. The belief persisted, however, that diseases were caused by supernatural or divine forces.