What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complete and holistic system of natural medicine that was founded by the German physician and chemist Samuel Hahnemann around the turn of the nineteenth centry.  Today, over 30 million people around the world use homeopathy to care for their health.  It is a truly natural way of tackling physical and psychological ill health, based on the use of remedies prepared from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms to treat illness and its symptoms.  Many people knw about some homeopathic remedies, such as arnica for bumps and bruises or calendula to sooth skin problems, but few know that hoemopaths have over 3000 remedies available to fit every sort of need.  And since all remedies come from natural sources, they are safe and non-toxic for old and young alike.  Good homeopathy does not just drive away the symptoms of illness, but also helps the individual to regain good health by dealing with the root causes of their problems.

What problems can be helped by Homeopathy?

Homeopathy can support health across a wide range of conditions and imbalances.  Homeopathy is suitable for people of all ages, including small children and babies.  Acute short-term complaints and chronic conditions, whether physical or more emotional in character, can all respond well to homeopathic treatment.  Common and irritating problems such as digestive troubles, IBS, allergies, and skin conditions may also be helped, along with more significant and chronic conditions, such as arthritis, migraines, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue and ME, and stress and low mood.  Homeopathic treatment can also help ease the side effects of courses of conventional medicine.  And homeopathy can support people at any time of life, including during pregnancy.   This list is not comprehensive: contact the homeopath if you would like more information or advice.   

How does Homeopathy work?

Homeopathic treatment is based on a number of key principles.  First, the idea of 'the totality of symptoms' means that the homeopath will not just want to know about one symptom, but will want to understand the whole of your health history.  Second, the homeopath will look for a remedy that is the 'simillimum' - the remedy or remedies that most closely match the total pattern of symptoms that the patient has.  Thirdly, the remedy prescription is governed by the principle of 'the minimum dose', meaning the homeopath will aim to prescribe only as much of the remedy as is necessary to bring about a change in your condition.  In this way, homeopathic treatment is holistic, tailor-made to your needs, and gentle.

What form does treatment take?

Being treated by a homeopath involves going for detailed consultations, after which remedies are prescribed with guidance on how to take them.  The homeopath needs to gain a detailed understanding of the nature of your complaint, but will also need to know about your health in general, your lifestyle, your personality, and your family history.  The consultations allow the homeopath to gather information about your health picture and your needs.  .  This ‘data’ allows the homeopath to select remedies from the 3000 or so that are available that will be particularly suited to your needs.  The initial consultation may last up to two hours (less for children), with follow-up appointments lasting around an hour.  To assess progress, follow-up consultations are an important part of the process, in that they help the homeopath assess how you are responding to the remedies.  The number of consultations you require will depend on your condition and how quickly you respond to the remedies.  Some people will see their homeopath for as long as it takes to treat their condition and then take a break until they need another remedy; others like to come regularly if they have an on-going condition, while others may make appointments now and again to 'top up' or have a bit of a boost when they feel out of balance.  The homeopath will review this regularly with you to ensure that your expectations of treatment are being addressed.