Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is one of the most respected and widely used systems of alternative medicine in this country and it is used extensively world wide.  It is a complete system of medicine that aims to treat the whole person and not just their physical symptoms or disease.

Homeopathy works on the principle that spiritual, mental, emotional and physical factors are so completely inter-connected within a person that no single factor can be taken in isolation when treating that person.  It recognises that we are all individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses and therefore when we become ill we react in our own unique way.  The symptoms we produce are not seen as the cause of the disease, they are the body's way of warning us that all is not well.  These symptoms we produce are the body's attempt to restore balance and harmony - to heal itself.  Homeopathy medicines act by stimulating and reinforcing the body's own defence system, encouraging the healing to take place from within.

Homeopathy as it is practiced today was established 200 years ago by a German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann and it is still based on the three principles he described.

	A substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat  these symptoms when they occur during illness - 'The Law of Similars'
	Diluting and potentising homeopathic medicines increases their curative powers and avoids side effects.
	Homeopathy treats the whole person and not just the disease or symptoms

Where Can Homeopathy Help?

Homeopathy is a safe and effective method of treating all manner of acute and chronic complaints, both physical and emotional.  Since the medicines are given in minute doses they are safe to use even during pregnancy and can be used for all age groups from the very young to the elderly.

Homeopathy treatment will not interfere with any other treatment you are having including conventional medicine.  If you have a chronic or recurring condition or you have suffered from a number of acute illnesses recently it is advisable to consult a qualified Homeopath.

A Homeopath can often help where conventional treatments have not succeeded.  Because homeopathy treats the individual and not the disease it can also be used where the Doctor has not been able to provide a clear diagnosis.

Whatever your complaint Homeopathy may be able to help.

What Is Homeopathy Treatment Like?

The first consultation will usually take between 1-1.5 hours.  Homeopaths use symptoms as helpful indicators to guide in treating you as an individual.  Whereas in conventional medicine people diagnosed with the same condition will very often be given the same medication, in homeopathy the remedy given depends on many other factors about the person such as their emotional well-being, temperament, inherited and acquired characteristics and previous illness as well as their present complaint.  The aim of the consultation is to get an overview, not only of your illness, but of you as a person, in order to prescribe the correct individualised remedy to treat you holistically.

Consultations are confidential.

A homeopathic remedy will be prescribed and supplied in tablet or liquid form, written instructions will accompany and course of medication prescribed.

Follow-up consultations are important to enable your reaction to the remedy to be assessed and future treatment to be arranged.

Catherine M Roberts B.Sc. (Hons), Lic.LCCH, RGN

Catherine is a Licensed Homeopath.  With many years experience in the medical field she went on to study Homeopathic Medicine gaining a first class honours degree in Homeopathic Medicine and a licence to practise Homeopathy from the London College of Classical Homeopathy.

The Society of Homeopaths represents professional Homeopaths in this country, all members must achieve a high level of training and competence.  As a member of the Society, Catherine is bound to practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Practice and must hold professional insurance.

For more information about Homeopathy or a copy of the code of Ethics for professional Homeopaths contact the Society of Homeopaths.