|
FAQs
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy treats illness by stimulating your body's own natural healing powers. It is a gentle, holistic system of healing, suitable for everyone, young and old. It focuses on you as an individual, concentrating on treating your specific physical and emotional symptoms, to give long lasting benefits. Your homeopath builds up a complete picture of you and prescribes treatment for you as an individual, not simply for your complaint. However, there are times when the prescription may only be based on the symptoms of your illness or condition, such as colds, coughs, fevers, toothache, sports injuries and other acute states.
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopaths see symptoms as a sign that your body is fighting an illness, and use homeopathic remedies which encourage this response to assist the healing process. When you have symptoms of illness, your homeopath will give you a remedy which would produce similar symptoms if taken when you were healthy. Also known as ' the law of similars ' or " treating like with like ". However, this remedy is given in minute quantities so that it promotes your body's self-healing response.
For example, chopping onions can cause streaming eyes and nose. Allium cepa , Latin for onion, can be used homeopathically to treat colds or hay fever where the main symptoms include watery eyes and a runny nose.
Why should I try homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural medicine that addresses the cause of ill-health rather just the symptoms; providing long lasting/permanent benefit. Homeopathic remedies are primarily made from natural substances, and have no side-effects. They are particularly appealing to people who prefer natural products to conventional drugs, those with chronic conditions, and to parents and others responsible for the care of children. Many illnesses can be treated entirely with homeopathy which offers a much more gentle way to health.
What can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy is used to treat everything from acute fevers, sore throats, toothache and simple cuts and bruises, to chronic illnesses such as asthma, eczema, anxiety, insomnia and arthritis.
Homeopathy can benefit a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including those that tend to be difficult for conventional medicine to treat.
Homeopathy is being used increasingly by doctors, dentists, midwives and many other health care professionals because of an increasing understanding of the healing benefits, and in response to growing public demand. Vets are also using it more commonly as an important addition to the choice of treatments available for animals in their care.
What does homeopathic treatment involve?
A consultation focuses on the whole person, and enables homeopathic medicines to be selected on the basis of all aspects of the patient and their symptoms. This means that each treatment like each person is unique.
To discover how best to help, the homeopath will want to know not only about your illness but also about you. How you are affected by environmental factors such as temperature and the weather, the kinds of food that you eat or the food you avoid, your moods and feelings, and your medical history will all help to establish a complete picture of you as a person.
The homeopath then relates the description of your current symptoms to all this background knowledge in order to prescribe the most appropriate remedy at the optimal strength. Choice of remedy is therefore based on you and your condition, not just on your symptoms.
Is there any advice about diet and lifestyle?
A homeopath will ask you about your usual diet and lifestyle, and may suggest changes, especially if it seems that this is contributing to your illness. Of course, a good basic diet is necessary for good health, with less sugars, fats, alcohol and refined foods. There is an increasing awareness of the benefits of foods free from artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. Whole foods and organic foods, free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers, are also increasingly popular.
What is a remedy?
Remedies are derived from a variety of natural materials including plants and minerals and are prepared in licensed laboratories under strict quality control. They are given in tablet, granule or powder form and are available in different, but extremely dilute strengths which are identified by a potency number. Choosing the most appropriate remedy at the optimal strength is very important. Over-the-counter remedies are usually graded at a strength 6c.
How often do I have to take the remedy?
This will vary, depending on the severity or nature of the problem. It can be as frequent as one tablet every half hour or as infrequently as one tablet monthly. Remedies which have acted only need to be repeated when the symptoms recur.
How should I take the remedy?
Avoid putting anything in your mouth for half-an-hour before or after taking your remedy. Some homeopaths advise completely avoiding strong substances like coffee and mint while taking remedies.
How should I store the remedies?
Most medicines are fairly delicate and need to be treated quite carefully. Homeopathic remedies should be stored away from strong light, strong temperature variations and strong smells; all three factors can reduce their result.
Can I use homeopathy and aromatherapy at the same time?
You should not store your homeopathic remedies in the same place as your aromatherapy oils and you should not take a homeopathic remedy at exactly the same time as you apply aromatherapy oil, but you can undergo both treatments for your illness.
How should I handle the remedies?
As little as possible. It is best to tip one pillule into the lid of their container and then tip the medicine into your mouth. Try to touch the remedy with your fingers only if you really have to, and as little as you can. Handling remedies too much can significantly reduce their effect.
Should I stop my other medication?
No. Homeopathic remedies can be safely taken along with other medicines. It can be very dangerous to stop a medicine which you have been using for some time. The remedies will not interfere with your other drugs. You will be able to reduce your other drugs if you begin to improve under the influence of the homeopathic ones. However, this should only be done in consultation with your GP.
Some conventional medicines can significantly reduce the effects of the homeopathic remedies. It is particularly true for steroids and other drugs which suppress the immune system. However, experienced homeopathic practitioners will tell you that it is still possible to see the remedies produce good effects.
What about seeing a GP?
It is recommended that you should maintain your relationship with your GP. Your GP will be able to arrange any tests or X-rays you may need. Homeopathy has an alternative philosophy but by working in this way with your GP the two systems of health care can provide a complementary service.
Take Active Steps towards a Natural
Life™
To book your appointment, or to find out more contact us
and discover what homeopathy can do for you!
|
|
|
|
|
