by Sawsan Elzayyat

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: August 24, 2010

Holistic medicine is as a system of medicine which views every patient as an integrated whole rather than as a set of symptoms. Many alternative medicine systems are holistic systems of medicine. Among the better-known alternative medicine systems in the West are homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy.

Homeopathy, a complete system of medicine that dates back to the 18th century, is based on the belief that illness is specific to the individual (the patient is treated, not the disease). The other two principles of homeopathy are the Law of Similars, (stating that giving patients a diluted form of substances that produce the same symptoms as their illness will cure them), and the Law of the Infinitesimal Dose (a complex process of dilution). Although the Law of Similars somewhat resembles the principle behind vaccinations and allergy medications that expose the patient to minute quantities of allergens to increase the body's tolerance level, there is no clear scientific explanation of how it works.

The FDA regulates homeopathic medicine as over-the-counter (O-T-C) drugs, but less strictly. Labels are required to list indications, ingredients, dilutions, and instructions for safe use, but inclusion of expiration dates is not compulsory and homeopathic remedies do not undergo finished product testing to verify contents and strength.

'Homeopathic' remedies are widely advertized on the Internet, and you can even purchase herbal ingredients and dilute them yourself. Since the FDA does not regulate the herbal industry, it is difficult to be sure what you are buying. If you truly believe in homeopathy, then you must also understand that the homeopathic principle of individualizing treatment means that you cannot self-medicate.

Whole generations, all over the world, have always depended solely on Herbal Medicine for treatment. Until the 18th century, this was the most common form of medical treatment in the Western world too.

The biggest problem, for both Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine as practiced in the west, is the lack of clinical evidence and research on safety, effectiveness, correct use and dosage. In the minds of many, herbal medicine is natural (and therefore safe) because it is not part of conventional medicine, which is artificial (and therefore risky). Although they would probably never do the same with a prescription drug, such people often use herbal remedies without consulting a healthcare professional.

This type of reasoning

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