What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was developed as a complete system of medicine over 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, and is still used by millions of people all over the world. Homeopathy has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, and because homeopathy is about people rather than diseases, it can help everyone.
Homeopathy is founded on the principle of ‘Like Cures Like’, which means that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can be used in minute doses to tend to those same symptoms in someone who is ill. For example, drinking too much coffee can cause sleeplessness and agitation, so according to the principle of ‘Like Cures Like’, when made into a homeopathic medicine, coffee could be used to address these symptoms in someone who is ill.
Homeopathic medicines, usually known as remedies, are made from highly diluted natural substances, and come in tablet, pillule or liquid form. The aim of homeopathic medicine is to stimulate the body’s own natural ability to heal itself.
Homeopathy Is holistic
Our health is very much influenced by the events and circumstances of our daily lives, and our bodies react to these physical, mental and emotional stresses by producing symptoms.
Homeopathy regards these symptoms as an indicator of some imbalance or ‘dis-ease’ within the whole person, and so focuses on the whole person rather than treating each symptom separately. For example, if someone comes to me with chronic sleeplessness, recurrent headaches and digestion issues, I regard all these symptoms as part of the same imbalance rather than prescribing separate remedies for each complaint.
So, in order to find the most effective treatment, to address the disturbance, imbalance or ‘dis-ease’ within your body, I will be interested in learning about you and aspects of your life, not just your symptoms. Homeopathy treats us all as unique… as indeed we are!
I’m taking prescription medicines. Can I still use homeopathy?
Yes! You don’t have to choose one or the other. It is completely safe to take homeopathic medicine alongside medicine prescribed by your doctor. It will not affect its beneficial action. As your condition improves you may be able to safely reduce your conventional medicine, though of course you should always consult your GP before making any changes.
Is homeopathy suitable for everybody?
Yes, homeopathy can be used by everybody, at all stages in life, including women during pregnancy. Homeopathy can be beneficial for everyone and anyone.
What can homeopathy do?
Homeopathy can address a wide range of conditions, and because homeopathy focuses on the person rather than the disease, it can help everyone. You don’t even have to have a named condition, you might just not feel quite your usual self but can’t put your finger on why – homeopathy can help. Here are a few more specific reasons why people consult a homeopath, just to give you an idea. This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are many more!
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Effects of stress or trauma
- Depression
- Grief
- Confidence issues
- Chronic fatigue
- ME
- Joint pain
- Skin conditions
- Hormone imbalance
- Period problems
- Menopause
- Cystitis
- Headaches & migraines
- Insomnia
- Hay fever
- Asthma
- Issues with digestion
- Recurrent infections
- Recurrent coughs, colds, sore throats, ear and chest problems
- Bell’s palsy
- Injury and its after-effects
- Support for side-effects of prescription drugs