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 homoeopathic 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 homoeopathy 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. It is effective in a vast range of conditions some of which are listed opposite.

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 much treatment will I need?

It is commonly found that simple acute conditions will clear up after just one or two doses of the correct remedy. Deep seated, long term or recurring problems need careful management and longer treatment over several months, although even serious conditions can start to show immediate improvements.

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.