Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself and is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances mainly given in tablet form. Based on their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.

It works on the principle of “like cures like” - that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness. For example, one remedy which might be used in a person suffering from insomnia is coffea, a remedy made from coffee.
 
Scientifically it can not yet be explained precisely how homeopathy works, but new theories in quantum physics are going some way towards shedding light on the process. What we do know is that a carefully selected homeopathic remedy acts as a trigger to the body’s healing processes.

Homeopathy has been widely used throughout the world for more than 200 years. In 2000, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science & Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Homeopathy can be safely used alongside conventional medicines and will not interfere with the action of medicines prescribed by your doctor. Because homeopathic medicines (often referred to as remedies) are non-toxic, there are no side effects and they are safe even for pregnant women and babies.

What happens when you see a homeopath?

At the first consultation your homeopath will usually spend at least an hour asking detailed questions about your current health, medical history, and lifestyle. Some of the questions may seem strange, but the important thing to remember with homeopathy is that it treats the individual in a holistic way, and so your homeopath is looking to understand how you experience your symptoms and how they effect your life, so that she can match you with the most appropriate remedy.

Subsequent consultations will involve you discussing the changes that have occurred with your homeopath, so that she can understand how you have responded to the prescription and what the next step of your treatment will be.

What can homeopathy help?

Homeopathy treats the person rather than the named “disease” so potentially it can help patients with a wide range of conditions, both acute and chronic. Illnesses commonly seen by homeopaths in the clinic include recurrent infections (such as colds, tonsillitis, cystitis), skin conditions, chronic coughs, menstrual and menopausal problems, chronic fatigue, migraine, digestive problems and stress related symptoms such as anxiety, depression and insomnia or other sleep issues.