ABOUT HOMEOPATHY
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a holistic system of healing which can benefit an individual on all levels – physical, emotional and mental. According to the principles of homeopathy, it works by stimulating the body’s own healing power so that it can clear itself of any symptoms of the illness. Homeopaths treat the person rather than a labelled disease and clients generally find that improvement is experienced on many levels, not just the complaint that prompted their visit.
It has been practised for more than two centuries and is based on the fundamental principle of ‘Like Cures Like’.
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What does ‘Like Cures Like’ mean?
A substance given in large amounts that causes symptoms in a ‘healthy’ person can be used homeopathically in highly diluted small amounts to treat the same symptoms in a ‘sick’ person. For example, when cutting an onion, we sometimes experience stinging watery eyes and nose. If a patient experiences these symptoms in hay fever, then we might consider Allium Cepa, a remedy made from a red onion.
Is homeopathy safe?
Homeopathy is very safe because homeopathic medicines use highly diluted substances and work with the body to stimulate its own ability to heal. It is non-addictive and can be safely used alongside conventional medicine. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, babies and children can all safely use homeopathy.
What can it treat?
Homeopathy can be used to treat emotional and mental symptoms. Remedies can be effective in situations of grief, fear, shock, anxiety, anger or anticipation, i.e. a forthcoming exam.
On a physical level, homeopathy can be applied in acute and chronic illness, for accidents, dental work, to relieve the pain of surgery and to help wounds heal. It can be used to treat possible adverse reactions to modern drugs and can also be very effective in pregnancy and childbirth.
An overall improvement in health accompanied by a reduction in susceptibility to colds, coughs and flu is common in homeopathic treatment, as the immune system becomes strengthened.
What are homeopathic remedies?
Homeopathic remedies come from many different sources but are derived from plants, minerals and metals. Remedies are usually given in the form of a tablet or tablets and occasionally, as powders or a liquid.
Homeopathy and conventional medicine
The majority of people use homeopathy safely alongside conventional medicine as a complementary therapy. I actively encourage an integrated approach with other healthcare practitioners, conventional and complementary. I like to make sure that my patients have all relevant homeopathic and allopathic information to hand to make informed decisions about their treatment and I never encourage clients to stop taking their conventional medications without discussing this with their prescribing practitioner.
For more information on homeopathy visit the British Homeopathic Association www.britishhomeopathic.org