TELEDUCTION delves into the history and modern practice of homeopathic medicine in a new documentary for television.

This hour-long documentary on Homeopathy offers insights and experiences on the subject from four of the leading international countries who practice this alternative and holistic form of medicine. The program interviews experts in the U.S., the U.K., France and Germany to provide a clear and in-depth look to help demystify this age-old practice.

The story of the origin, principle and modern practice of homeopathic medicine

Who was Samuel Hahnemann and what was he thinking when he developed a system of medicine still in practice after 200 years? The German physician and chemist was a contemporary of Mozart. He studied to become a doctor but quickly became disillusioned with the conventional practice of medicine. Like popular new- age health practitioners today, Hahnemann advocated the healing power of healthful foods and exercise. But when patients came to him with ailments, he elected not to cure their symptoms of disease, but rather to treat the whole person with specialized, minute doses of natural substances intended to increase the body's own inherent defenses. Hahnemman developed these medications, commonly called "remedies," during a lifetime of "provings," and with seemingly miraculous results: during the deadly 1832 cholera epidemic that swept through Europe, homeopaths claimed a 97% cure rate.

As Hahnemann's body of knowledge increased, so did his following, despite the fact that his detractors (many of whom practiced in the traditional medical arts) ridiculed his work and called it nonsense. Within a short number of years, the practice of Homeopathy spread throughout Europe, the United States, India and many other countries. Today, homeopathic practitioners, physicians and veterinarians continue to successfully treat patients for a wide range of physical and mental illnesses using ideas and remedies developed and published by Samuel Hahnemann in his Materia Medica. But the processes by which these minute doses of inexpensive, natural substances effect cure remain, for many, a mystery.

Samuel Hahnemann based the practice of Homeopathy on the principle of similars. His theory supposes that a substance can cure symptoms similar to those it can produce. Rather than suppressing the symptoms, homeopathic medicines stimulate the body to defend and heal itself. Modern clinical trials of Homeopathy have proven it safe and effective in a wide variety of non life-threatening conditions including asthma, hay fever, PMS, flu, migraine headache, and trauma. But Homeopathy is also used in the treatment of chronic illness, in childbirth, to ease infant and child ailments, and in the management of animal diseases. Homeopathic self-care is widely practiced with simple first-aid. Practitioners, however, universally caution that those with more serious illnesses should seek the care of a professional.

Homeopathy: Mystery of Healing is a documentary for broadcast and educational use. It examines Samuel Hahnemann's theories and the work of modern homeopathic practitioners, physicians, veterinarians and pharmacists around the world.