What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy has been practised for over 200 years and used by millions of people around the world.
It is a natural and effective form of holistic medicine which looks at each person as a unique individual, taking into consideration physical, mental, spiritual and emotional symptoms in order to prescribe a remedy to stimulate the body’s own natural healing process, to improve the immune system and help achieve a better state of health and wellbeing. Homeopathy looks at the whole person to encourage harmony and balance rather than just treating the disease.
Homeopathy is based on the principle that like treats like, in other words a substance which causes symptoms in large doses can be used in minute doses to treat similar symptoms. For example in the case of hay fever, the remedy Allium cepa which is made from red onion, is often prescribed for streaming watery eyes, which is similar to the symptoms caused when cutting up an onion.
Homeopathic remedies are made from natural sources, mostly plants, minerals, chemicals and animal sources and given in tablet or liquid form. They are gentle, safe, non toxic and non addictive and therefore considered safe for women during pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding and for people of all ages from babies and children through to the elderly. As a complementary medicine, the remedies can be taken along side prescribed conventional medicine without interfering with the beneficial action.
Homeopathic Consultations - A Typical Session
The first consultation lasts between 1-1½ hours where you will be able to discuss all areas of your health and wellbeing, you will be listened to with empathy in a safe, confidential and non judgmental environment. This includes your physical symptoms, past medical history, diet, lifestyle, personality and sleep patterns. A detailed and accurate case enables a remedy to be chosen that most suitably matches the whole picture of your case.
Follow up appointments are at 4-6 week intervals depending on your individual needs and last 30-45 minutes where you will be able to discuss and reflect on the action of the remedy.
The number of treatments needed varies for each individual depending on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of time they have been experienced for. It is advisable to have a minimum of 3 appointments, unless it is an acute illness, as not many illnesses will be resolved in just 1 appointment. This gives time to assess the action of the remedies and then review the course of treatment.
In between appointments
It is best to note down any symptoms, thoughts and feelings that you experience between your appointments so that you are able to discuss them in full next time.
If you are unable to contact me at any point and you are in need of homeopathic advice you can ring the Homeopathic Helpline on 09065 343404 where you will be able to speak to a registered homeopath. Lines are open 9.00am to 12.00am and calls cost £1.53 per minute plus network extras.
In a medical emergency please immediately call your GP, NHS Direct (111) or the emergency services (999).
