The Principle of Similars, the Basic Concept of Homeopathy

by Heidi Stevenson

As documented in Samuel Hahnemann, Founder of Homeopathy, the primary concept of homeopathy is Similia Similibus Curentur, Let Like Be Treated By Like. In the standard medical world of allopathy, this sounds absurd. We have been conditioned to accept a certain paradigm of healing without thought. The idea that we must treat a condition with something that has the opposite effect, such as giving laxatives for constipation, is so deeply-engrained that we fail to see that even modern allopathy utilizes substances that create similar symptoms.

Two examples of the Principle of Similars routinely used in allopathy come to mind quickly: vaccinations, in which a low-potency of the disease-causing substance is given, and allergies, for which people are given very small doses of the substance they react to. The same approach has been used in pharmaceutical drugs. For example, the cone snail produces a particularly virulent neural poison that produces excruciating pain. A derivative of it is now used in very small concentrations in an exceptionally potent pain medication, ziconitide.

Thus, the Principle of Similars is well recognized in allopathy, even though it has an aura of utilizing only the Principle of Opposites.

The concept wasn't entirely new with Hahnemann, though he did formalize it and take it to its greatest effect. The concept is known in the western world to go as far back as Greece's Hippocrates. It was enunciated by Paracelsus, and was utilized in cultures around the world, including South America's Mayans, North America's Indians, and Asia's Chinese. Homeopathy, though, has taken the concept to its fullest extent and the application of succussion, as developed by Hahnemann, has increased the concept's effectiveness many times over.

The basic concept of similars is fairly easy to understand. Examples in homeopathy include using Apis mellifica, the common honey bee, to treat symptoms of localized swelling, soreness, and inflammation—the same symptoms caused by bee stings.

In acute conditions, when symptoms come on suddenly and are generally temporary, as in injuries, colds, and teething, the application of Like Treats Like is fairly straightforward.

There are, though, more complex issues involved. The homeopathist puts a complete symptom picture together, including all aspects of the person that seem relevant. These can include personality traits, physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, inciting cause, genetic heritage, physical appearance, and even dreams.

Consider that ingesting some substances not only cause physical symptoms, but can also produce emotional and mental ones. Opium is noted for making people indifferent, putting one in a state of disconnect from the world. Thus, a homeopathist might consider potentized Opium for patients who seem to be disconnected, if the other symptoms seem to match. For example, the person who has severe constipation—a well-known symptom of narcotic use—combined with lack of interest in life, might be helped with Opium. Indeed, if it is the similimum—the remedy that matches the entire symptom picture—then not only the constipation is likely to be relieved, but also the disconnect from the world.

The search for the similimum can be complex. The reason that it is generally very difficult, if not impossible, for each person to find his or her own similimum is the difficulty in truly seeing oneself. Homeopaths see other homeopaths for deep healing.

However, one must wonder why so many homeopathic first aid remedies are so consistently effective, such as Belladonna for high fever, Arnica for bruises and bumps, or Aconite for shock. One must match the entire symptom picture with the remedy. There are thousands of remedies, and many have similar symptoms. Each person is different, so why can the same remedy help nearly everyone in some acute situations?

The reason has to do with the picture presented by the patient at the time. Think of it like this: When you've hit your head very hard, what is the most significant thing about you at this time? It's the injury, with its pain, swelling, bruising, and often fear or anger. These characteristics are the most important thing about you at that moment. Thus, you are the Arnica picture. When the pain of the injury fades, the real you masked by the injured you resurfaces. Even in acute illness, the Principle of Similars is accurate.