When German physician Samuel Hahnemann proposed (in 1796) Homeopathy as a form of alternative medicine, it was hailed as a turning point in medical science.
But history would prove that this type of treatment was practiced in India for hundreds of years, with people suffering from various types of illnesses treated with different methods that are harmless and sans side effects.
Dr Raghubir Singh Rehan (popularly known as Dr Preet) would say that what matters is the successful treatment of patients.
“Homeopathy is essentially a natural healing process, providing remedies to assist the patient to regain health by stimulating the body’s natural forces or recovery.
“It concentrates on treating the patient, rather than the disease,” he said.
A qualified Homeopath from his native India, he arrived in New Zealand in 2003, armed with 24 years of experience in the field.
Four years later, he established Universal Homeopathic NZ Limited and today his Papatoetoe practice is known for specialist care and treatment.
As a registered practitioner with the Council of Homeopaths of New Zealand and as a member of the Homeopathic Society of New Zealand, he inspires confidence and trust among his growing list of patients.
“Homeopathy is based on the principle of ‘like cures like,’ and is non-habit forming.
“As homeopathic medicines are prescribed in minute amounts, there is no chance of side effects that can occur with conventional medicines,” he said.
He said Homeopathic treatment was cost-effective, since the charges for consultation and prescription are combined.
