What is Homeopathy?
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Homeopathy is a holistic treatment and means ‘similar suffering’. It is based on the ‘law of similars’ or treating “like with like” that was first documented by Hippocrates (460-377BC) , the father of medicine. and later further developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. He called this system homeopathy and stated his approach to treating illness was
"The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health, or removal and annihilation of the disease in its whole extent, in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles."
(Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine)
How does Homeopathy work?
Hahnemann, a doctor and chemist, discovered a way of releasing the hidden energies within natural plant, animal, and mineral products, a process called potentisation. The resulting products were used as medicines and administered to his patients in liquid, pillule, tablet or powder form. He used these medicines to treat a variety of illnesses. The medicines were tested (proven) on healthy individuals and the clinical symptoms produced (referered to as an artificial energetic disease) were documented. The symptoms formed the clinical picture for that medicine. Hahnemann pioneered this method of testing on healthy people that has been adopted in modern times by the pharmaceutical industry when testing drugs.
The known mechanism of action of homeopathy is not fully understood but research to identify it is still ongoing. It is believed that the potentised remedy, given because it is the most 'similar' to the natural disease symptoms, acts as an artificial and energetic disease that stimulates the immune & nervous systems to respond to it. Through responding to the artificial disease, the body naturally eradicates the symptoms of the natural disease. An example of this is potentising onions (botanical name Allium cepa). Onion produces runny eyes and nose when chopped. Potentised Allium cepa may be used to treat the runny eyes and nose symptoms of hayfever.
How are remedies made?
Organic plant, animal, or mineral products of the highest and optimum quality are cut or broken up and steeped in alcohol for long periods of time so that their goodness can seep into it. The product is then strained so that what is left is a tincture. The tincture is then diluted mainly in 1:10 or 1:100 ratios and higher. The dilution is followed by vigorous shaking (succussion) where the hidden energy is released. The dilutions are then sprayed over pillules, tablets, powders, kept in liquid form or added to creams.
Remedies may produce an aggravation or worsening of symptoms initially, but these disappear as the body responds to the remedy. The homeopathic preparation of remedies makes them safe. They are not known to be addictive or toxic and or to cause side-effects. Like conventional medicines they need to be stored safely and appropriately.
What can homeopathy be used for?
Homeopathy works alongside conventional medicine and is not a substitute for your regular medical care and cannot provide a diagnosis. The NHS provides you with a range of services covering screening, diagnostic, routine medical care and emergency services. Patients are advised to maintain their relationship with their Dr/ Specialist and to inform them of any homeopathic treatment being received.
Homeopathy can be used to treat children and adults for general well-being, specific diagnosed complaints or un-diagnosed symptoms where tests don’t reveal anything or for symptoms that are not responding to other forms of treatment. Homeopathy may be of benefit by promoting your body’s natural ability to heal itself and maintain its own balance (homeostasis) through stimulating its immune and nervous systems. Correcting early imbalances may prevent the worsening of conditions.
Patients typically report a general sense of well-being and positive changes to their symptoms and in their lives.
Homeopathy, prescribed by a qualified practitioner, can be taken alongside medication prescribed by your Dr because it will not interfere with the medication’s mechanism of action. As your condition improves with homeopathic prescribing it may be possible to reduce or stop your conventional medication and in doing so reduce the potential side-effects of the medication that can develop with long-term use. The decision to make changes to your conventional medication would always be done in consultation with your Dr so that this process happens safely. This will not be possible for all conditions e.g. diabetes, cardiac, cancer etc.
Symptoms patients commonly consult homeopaths for treatment include:
- Skin complaints - acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, dermatitis, fungal infections, molluscum, cysts, boils, abscesses, shingles
- Digestive disorders - bloating, heartburn, indigestion, colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, constipation, diarrhoea, food poisoning, gastric pain, ulcers, haemorrhoids
- Other general complaints -arthritis, rheumatism, gout, dizziness, headaches and migraine, otitis media/glue ear, tonsillitis, hypertension, ME (Myalgia Encephalomyelitis), Chronic Fatigue, PVFS (Post-viral fatigue syndrome),sleep problems, immune system support
- Respiratory disorders - asthma, bronchitis, recurrent infections, sinusitis, coughs, colds, influenza
- Mental and emotional complaints - depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, grief, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anger, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insomnia, fears, night terrors, OCD (Obsessive Complusive Disorder)
- Women's health - menstrual and hormonal imbalance, absence of periods, PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), thyroid problems, infertility, cystitis, candida, fibroids, PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovaries Syndrome), pregnancy and birth complaints, birth trauma, pre and post-natal depression, breastfeeding and lactation difficulties, menopause
- Children's health - fevers, colic, feeding difficulties, teething, otitis media/glue ear, tonsillitis, eczema, mumps, measles, whooping cough, chicken pox, hayfever etc.
- Behavioural difficulties - bed-wetting, tantrums, aggression, hyperactivity, sleep problems
- Accidents, injuries and trauma - accidents, bites and stings, burns, cuts, wound healing, fractures, shock, injuries, sports injuries, sprains and strains, whiplash, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, backache, sciatica.
Celebrity users of homeopathy
Royalty, aristocrats and wealthy families consulted Dr Hahnemann when homeopathy was in its infancy because of his success in treating conditions conventional treatment was struggling to treat. Even today Royalty, aristocrats, and high-profile celebrities, and influencers use homeopathy. These include the Queen, Prince Charles, Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, David & Victoria Beckham, Cindy Crawford, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Pamela Anderson, Carole Smillie, Twiggy, Caprice, Susan Hampshire, Tina Turner, Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Martin, Louise Jameson, Gaby Roslin, Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Stacey Dooley, Michelle Collins, Arlene Phillips, Nadia Sawalha, Cher, Johnny Depp, Charles Darwin, J.D. Rockerfeller, Jennifer Aniston, Jade Jagger, Roger Daltry, Annabel Croft and Meera Syal.
What happens in a consultation?
Payment for your consultation occurs when you book your appointment and needs to be received within 24hrs of booking. Once payment has been received your consultation appointment will be confirmed by email together with a client information sheet and contact details form for you to complete and return prior to your consultation.
Homeopathy treats the whole person so at your initial consultation, a case-taking of your current and past medical history, family medical history and treatments, significant life events and your reasons/goals for seeking homeopathic treatment will be taken. Your first appointment may be face to face or via zoom and will last 1.5hrs for adults and 1hr for children. Follow-ups last up to 1hr for adults and up to 45mins for children.
Consultations can be held in person (subject to availability) or via zoom sessions in the UK or internationally. English is the spoken language of the homeopath.
How many consultations do I need and how often?
After your initial consultation you would need to attend 2 further appointments to review the effectiveness of your treatment. These would be 4-6 weeks apart. Ongoing constitutional treatment or treatment for long-standing health problems would be discussed in your 3rd session as these may require several appointments over a period of time. For acute illnesses only 1 or sessions are required.
