Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a therapy based on the theory of treating like with like. Homeopathic remedies use highly diluted substances that if given in higher doses to a healthy person would produce the symptoms being treated.

Homeopaths

Homeopathy...

What is Homeopathy?

In 1796 a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered the Law of Similars which states that:
a substance which produces symptoms in a healthy person will cure the similar symptoms in a sick person.
For example, take a case of insomnia:the conventional, or allopathic way is to treat this by giving a drug to induce an artificial sleep. The homeopathic way is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance, such as coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This enables the patient to sleep naturally.
Homeopathic remedies do not cause side effects and you cannot become addicted to them. This is because only a minute amount of the active ingredient is used in a specially prepared form.

How does it work?

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing power to help your own system to clear itself of any imbalance. The aim is to get you to a level of health so that you will need less frequent treatment.

What will the first appointment be like?

In the first appointment, which usually takes about two hours, I will take a detailed case history, covering your present symptoms and also your personal history including any major milestones in your life. I also ask about major emotional factors such as fears. I will also ask questions of a more general nature relating to body temperature and foods that you particularly like or dislike. Together with family medical history I begin to build up a comprehensive picture of you.
Please be sure to let me know of any ongoing treatment from your doctor, particularly any medication you are currently taking which you should not stop.

What will the treatment will be like?

The treatment is usually in the form of pills although a liquid form can also be used.
It is important that nothing should be eaten or drunk 20 minutes before and also 20 minutes after taking the remedy. The remedy is put straight into the mouth i.e. it is NOT taken with a drink. The pill should be held in the mouth for a minute, chewed and swallowed. You should avoid peppermint, coffee, menthol, eucalyptus and camphor throughout the treatment as they have been shown to have an antidotal effect.

How should Homeopathic Remedies be stored?

Remedies should be stored in a cool, dark place away from strong smells and strong sunlight. If you travel please avoid taking them through the X-ray.

What will happen once treatment starts?

After taking the remedy you may notice a period of well-being. Certain symptoms, such as a cough can get worse for a very short time. Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of discharge may appear as a ‘spring-cleaning’. Similarly, old symptoms may reappear for a short period of time. These symptoms are an important part of the healing process and should not be treated. If any of these responses concern you please contact me.

How long does treatment take?

After the initial consultation of around 2 hours (depending on practitioner), follow-up appointments take approximately 50 minutes. During follow-ups a more complete picture of you is built up and your response to the remedies can be assessed.
The length of treatment depends very much upon what sort of illness you have, as well as the other individual characteristics of your case. It is important to say that a slowly developing complaint, or one that has been experienced for some years, will not disappear immediately although there may be some response and some improvement
quite soon.

Homeopathy works by curing from the inside, and so outer symptoms such as a skin complaint, are often the last to clear.

What about children?

Children respond very well to homeopathic treatment. Ideally a homeopath will work with the parents so that in time they can become confident to prescribe for the child in simple acutes, so avoiding using allopathic medicines where possible.