Discouraged by the then current practices of bloodletting, blistering and the induction of toxic substances, homeopathy was developed by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann during the 1700s and early 1800s. His research and experiments led him to the discovery and belief that "a substance that produces a certain set of symptoms in a healthy person has the power to cure a sick person manifesting those same symptoms." This new medicine he called homeopathy, the Law of Similars or "like cures like."
Homeopathic remedies can be found in most major health food stores. As they are considered over-the-counter medicines by the FDA, they can be purchased by anyone. Most major cities have at least one doctor practicing homeopathic medicine and many books and websites are devoted to the study.
Faith Healing
Faith healing is practiced by many religions, including some denominations of Christianity. For those that believe, the faith in the higher power is enough to heal. Recent studies have shown that prayer is, indeed, strong enough to heal many conditions.
Faith healing can take many forms. Prayer, by both the sufferer and others, is probably the most prevalent. Meditation is another form of faith healing and takes many paths from simple mind over matter to guided imagery that focuses on the illness and banishes it. Laying on of hands, while not normally considered mainstream, has worked for many searching for health through faith.