Overview

Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which helps the body to heal itself naturally. Symptoms of ill health are recognised as expressions of disharmony within the whole person, so it is the person who needs the treatment and not the disease.

History

Homeopathy began in the 1790s in Germany. Whilst translating Latin texts Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, chemist and linguist, discovered a different approach to cure the sick.

Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, he realised that there are two ways of treating ill health. One way is by using opposites (as in conventional medicine), the other by using similars.

The name Homeopathy is derived from the Greek words meaning similar suffering.

By using similar medicines, homeopathy treats conditions such as insomnia with a minute dose of a substance, such as coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. Homeopaths call this the Law of Similars, or treating like with like.

Benefits

Homeopathic medicines cannot cause side effects as can be experienced with some conventional medicine. You cannot become addicted to them as only a very minute amount of the active ingredient is used in the initial preparation of each remedy.

Homeopathic medicines are not tested on animals.

The remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power. This assists your own body to clear itself of any imbalances which may be causing the symptoms, helping you to reach your optimum level of health.

Procedure

In order to find the right remedy for you, your Homeopath will need to know all about you. Along with any complaints and how you are experiencing them, you will be asked to give a detailed account of who you are, the way you live and your medical history.

It may appear that much of the information required has little to do with your complaint, but it is all important to your Homeopath. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Your initial consultation may last an hour or more.

If you are given homeopathic remedies, do make sure that you understand the instructions on taking them before you leave.

Source of information: Lenise Shaw BFRP MSECH Licensed Homeopath