Homeopathy

"The cure of the part should not be attempted without treatment of the whole" Plato 283 BC

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is:

• a well-established and complete system of medicine which has been in world-wide use for over 200 years
• a natural, safe, effective and scientific system of healing which supports the body's natural desire to heal itself
• a holistic approach to health, which incorporates the emotional and mental aspects of a person's wellbeing, in addition to the physical.

How does Homeopathy work?

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power.  When the body is undermined by emotional stress, it is physically weakened and becomes vulnerable to bacteria and viruses.  The body's best response at that time may be to produce a fever, in which the invading organism cannot survive.

A well-chosen remedy strengthens the immune system, leading to true cure, rather than suppressing or masking the symptoms of ill health.  Homeopathy is particularly effective in cases where other forms of medicine find the symptoms too vague to treat, but the person knows that something is not right.

What happens during a consultation?

The homeopath will listen to you as you describe your symptoms.  She needs to develop a complete picture of you, so everything you tell her will assist this process, even if it seems irrelevant to you.  For example, any information about your fears or anxieties is very helpful.

The initial consultation will last about two hours for adults and an hour for children.  Follow-up appointments are set four to six weeks after the first meeting, and last up to an hour.  The remedy, in tablet or liquid form, will not be prescribed immediately.  The homeopath will post the remedy to you, with guidance about how and when to take it.

What happens after taking the remedy?

The changes may be minimal at first, and some people experience a slight worsening of symptoms for a short while.  Following this, you will probably notice an enhanced feeling of well-being, with improvement in general areas such as energy levels, sleep patterns and mood.

The homeopath's most valuable asset in the process is regular feedback from you, so noting down any changes as they occur will remind you to mention them at your next consultation.

How long will the process take?

How long you have been experiencing symptoms and the nature of the complaint are important factors in determining the duration and outcome of treatment.

Conventional medical treatment can be used alongside homeopathy, although conventional drugs may slightly inhibit the action of homeopathic remedies.  The homeopath will make allowance for this in the treatment plan.  As your health improves, it may be possible for conventional drugs to be reduced or stopped, under the guidance of your GP.

What illnesses can be helped?

People with all types of illnesses can improve their health with homeopathic treatment, including those with the following conditions:

• anxiety & panic attacks
• asthma & hayfever
• digestive disorders
• headaches & migraines
• PMT & menopausal problems
• The more "modern" illnesses, such as ADHD and ME

Acute illnesses, such as colds and influenza, can also be treated once the homeopath understands your case history.  Homeopathy is safely used to treat the elderly and infirm, pregnant woman, babies and young children.