Frequently Asked Questions
- How does homeopathy work?
- Homeopathic treatment is an energetic medicine similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherpy, herbalism, reflexology also work on the energy system but in a different way to homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the person's own energy or healing potential. We have all had the experience of being ill, or perhaps injured, and then gradually recovered naturally. In more serious conditions we need more help to regain our health particularly if the symptoms are distressing. Homeopathic remedies can provide the stimulus our system needs to put things back in order. The remedies do not mask the symptoms (like a painkiller would mask the pain) but when the imbalance in the system is resolved, the symptoms also resolve.
- Do I have to believe in homeopathy for it to work for me?
- No. homeopathy is used to successfully treat babies, young children and animals who are not able to understand. It is fair to say that if you have a positive outcome from trying something different or new, then you will believe in it.
- What are remedies made of?
- Many remedies are derived from natural substances such as plants or minerals. Some come from animal sources, such as their milk or venom. The substance is prepared in a homeopathic pharmacy with a process of dilution and succussion. This enhances the healing properties of the remedy whilst at the same time renders it safe and free from side-effects. The resulting "medicating potency" is used to medicate pleasant-tasting sucrose or lactose pills. Remedies can also be taken in a liquid form.
- Are homeopathic remedies ever tested on animals?
- No. Animals are never used for testing homeopathic remedies. Tests are usually conducted amongst fully consenting and healthy men and women.
- Who can use homeopathy?
- Anyone can benefit from homoepathy: babies, children, teenagers and adults including the elderly.
- Are the remedies safe for children, babies and pregnant women?
- Due to the way homeopathic remedies are prepared and the high level of dilution, homeopathic remedies are safe to use at all ages. Many women use homeopathic remedies during the various stages in pregnancy and during childbirth.
- Can homeopathy be used for any kind of illness?
- Homeopathy always looks at treating the whole person and not just the disease and there is some evidence to suggest it can help a person manage the symptoms from acute fevers, sore throats and toothache, to chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma, anxiety and insomnia. Some patients have reported that they benefited from homoeopathy in not only alleviating the symptoms but also gaining an increased feeling of well being.
- Can homeopathy work alongside conventional medicine?
- Yes, but some patients seek out an alternative such as homeopathy so that they can avoid taking prescribed medicine. Others want to reduce their need for prescription drugs. Each patient is assessed on an individual basis. It is never a good idea to stop taking prescribed medication until you have talked it over with your G.P.
- What will happen after my consultation?
- After the first consultation I will send you a remedy, it will be in the form of a a single tablet or liquid to be taken every day. I will probably ask you to wait one month before a follow up appointment, this is to give the remedy plenty of time to trigger the body's natural healing energy into starting a healing process.
- During this period you may notice certain changes. Sometimes there is a reaction after taking the remedy, which often takes the form of a discharge i.e. a cold. This is because the body has been stimulated into throwing out toxic material. Sometimes you may notice a temporary release of emotional symptoms. Later you may notice old, sometimes forgotten symptoms appear briefly. This is a good sign that the body is dealing with conditions that were previously suppressed or not dealt with at the time.
- How long will it take for me to be cured?
- Unfortunately this is impossible to predict as each individual case is different and cure depends on how much there is to unravel. Deep seated ailments which have been around for years don't disappear overnight. Generally after receiving a remedy you should begin to feel better in yourself and your energy and enjoyment of life should increase.
- How should I take the remedy?
- Homeopathic remedies are administered as small pillules, tablets, drops or powders and absorbed slowly in the mouth. It is not necessary to remedies with water or during meals but it is important that the mouth is clean and fresh so you are advised not to eat, drink or smoke within 15 minutes of taking a remedy. Avoid handling the remedy as far as possible and store in a cool dark place away from strong smelling substances.
- Do I have to avoid eating or drinking anything while I am being treated?
- Some substances and treatments can undermine or antidote the effect of the remedy and completely undo all the good work, during treatment so patients need to try to avoid:
- Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus - i.e. in Tiger Balm, Vick, essential oils, deep heat treatments, cough mixtures and some lozenges. It is advisable to switch away from a menthol toothpaste and alternatives can easily be fond in good health stores.
- Coffee can antidote remedies in patients who are very sensitive to coffee, if in doubt please avoid coffee wherever possible. Recreational drugs - Cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, hallucinogens and other strong drugs all antidote the positive effects of the remedy.
For further information you can refer to The Society of Homeopaths see www.homeopathy-soh.com