What is homoeopathy?

The homoeopathic method of treating disease is based on the Law of Similars. The word 'homoeopathy' is derived from the Greek 'homoios' meaning similar and 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' - ie: similar suffering. The Law of Similars simply means that a substance which creates symptoms in a healthy person, will cure a sick person with similar symptoms.

There are several different methods of homoeopathic prescribing. All homoeopaths generally recognise that a person's physical wellbeing depends on internal harmony, and that disease will occur when this is disturbed. Illnesses can be physical, emotional or mental, or more likely a combination of all three. An important feature of the way I practice homoeopathy is that only one remedy is used at any one time. This remedy must cover not only the symptomatology, but also the personality and individual characteristics of the person who is unwell.

What do homeopathic remedies consist of?

The remedies are sourced from all the kingdoms of nature. The greatest proportion (60%) are from botanical sources. Homoeopathy differs from herbalism in that the plant material undergoes the homoeopathic process of potentisation. Remedies are prescribed in tablet, granule, powder or liquid form and are easy and pleasant to take

How are the remedies prepared?

Homoeopathic remedies are prepared by a unique process of serial dilution, shaking and grinding, gradually reducing the material structure until not a single molecule of the original substance remains in the solution. This process is called 'potentisation' or 'dynamisation'. It enables the essential, hidden, healing characteristics of the substance to be fully revealed.

What can homeopathy treat?

Conventional medicine has over centuries, concerned itself in accurately diagnosing and naming conditions of ill health. Crucial though it is to know what disease you are suffering from, the diagnosis does not take into account the person at all. Homoeopathy on the other hand concentrates on the uniqueness of the individual and the way their 'dis-ease' is expressed. The person, their life story and their symptoms are perceived as being intimately connected, and it is this 'whole' picture that is addressed. Homoeopathy therefore does not limit itself to what it can and cannot treat.

Are homoeopathic remedies safe?

All medicinal substances, including homoeopathic remedies, will produce a reaction of some kind. It is important therefore that they are administered in the correct doseage and potency. I prescribe only one remedy at a time, in the minimum dose, with a potency that is suited to the client. On this basis, remedies can safely be prescribed for all age groups; from the new-born to the elderly, for pregnant and nursing women, and for people who wish to avoid, or cannot tolerate orthodox medication.

How many appointments will I need?

This will depend on several factors, including the age and general health of the patient, the severity of the complaints of either body or mind, or both, the depth and degree to which pathology may have developed and is persisting and the orthodox medication that has been prescribed.

It is common for adults and children with no previous history of disease, to experience a speedy curative response to a single dose of the correct homoeopathic remedy and so require fewer subsequent appointments. Those people with deep seated, chronic or recurring complaints that have evolved over several years or longer, will require the remedy to be repeated more often and this needs careful monitoring over several months to achieve a lasting resolution; although even in these complex cases encouraging signs of positive change can be felt soon after the remedy has been started. It is important to understand that homoeopathic treatment aims for an improvement in the whole person on all levels. This includes a sense of well-being and confidence, happiness and creativity, energy and vitality.

What does homoeopathic treatment involve?

The initial consultation is an in-depth, two hour session where the person is encouraged to talk freely about their problems and how they are affected by them. The purpose of this extended session is to gather as much information as possible in order to select a remedy that will match the symptomatology on all levels. After studying the information, a remedy is decided upon and sent by post. Subsequent appointments usually take place 4 to 6 weeks later and are shorter, between 30-60 minutes. Children and babies usually need slightly less time.

All information divulged is strictly confidential.