What is homeopathy?
 In the late 18th century a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, became concerned about the depleting effects of some of the so-called medical cures of the time. He discovered that by diluting medicines to infinitesimal doses, not only did he avoid the negative side effects, but that the action was more potent.
Hahnemann recognised that there are two ways of treating illness, the way of opposites and the way of similars. He built on earlier medical tradition by developing the Law of Similars. In conventional medicine, the way of opposites, drugs are used to suppress symptoms. So a patient with insomnia will be given a drug to induce artificial drowsiness. In homeopathy, the way of similars, the patient will be given a remedy, the symptom picture of which, exactly matches the wide awake state of insomnia. This similar remedy stimulates the body to restore its natural equilibrium, allowing the person to fall sleep.
How does it work?
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted. They are made from natural substances like plants and minerals. All remedies are tested or ‘proved’ by a group of healthy people. Homeopathy works on the principle that ‘like cures like’, so a substance, which produces symptoms in a healthy person will cure those same symptoms in a sick person.
The homeopathic remedy, chosen to match the symptoms, stimulates the body to heal itself and to restore the body’s natural balance. Because homeopathic medicines are chosen to treat the individual, two people with the same disease will not necessarily receive the same remedy.
Are homeopathic remedies safe?
They are very safe, non addictive and have no side effects. They are highly diluted and given in the smallest quantities. Homeopathy is equally safe for babies, children and adults, including older people.
What evidence is there for homeopathy?
Society of Homeopaths: Evidence Base for Homeopathy
Can homeopathic remedies be taken alongside medication from your GP?
Homeopathic treatment can be an alternative to conventional medicine, but it works equally well alongside medication from your GP. In chronic conditions it is often vital to continue your conventional treatment and in any case it should never be stopped suddenly. After some time on homeopathic treatment, you may begin to feel so much better that, in consultation with your doctor, you can begin to reduce your conventional medication.
Who seeks homeopathic treatment?
Homeopathy treats the whole person, so whilst a patient may come with a diagnosed disease, every aspect of their health and well-being will be taken into consideration. Patients consult homeopaths about the full range of physical, emotional and psychological symptoms, seeking a more natural route to better health.
An audit of my practice shows that I have been consulted by people with the following ailments, diagnosed by the patient’s GP or hospital doctor.
- Skin Problems
- Allergy symptoms
- Hormonal problems
- Digestive problems
- Stress, mood levels, anxiety, panic attacks
- Behavioural problems in children
- Symptoms experienced during pregnancy and childbirth
- Coping with traumatic events or periods of transition in life e.g birth trauma (mother and baby), death of a loved one, abuse, divorce, redundancy
I am happy to work alongside conventional medicine and always refer a patient to their GP where I feel conventional tests/investigations would be beneficial. Patients can then make an informed choice about their treatment options.
If you wish to enquire about your individual situation, please give me a call for a no obligation discussion. 01235 527603
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