Homeopathy
How it works
Homeopathy has been around for at least 200 years, rediscovered and developed by a German doctor and translator called Samuel Hahnemann, who by chance was asked to translate a document concerning homeopathy.
The document said that a substance called Cinchona from which quinine is made (that's an anti- malaria drug), had been given to healthy people, and they had quickly developed malaria symptoms. To find out if this was true, Hahnemann took Cinchona himself, and he also developed malaria symptoms.
This led eventually led him to the basis of homeopathy which is:
- a substance which can cause symptoms is also capable of curing symptoms.
Now, 200 years on, there are over 4000 homeopathic remedies made from substances which have been tested on healthy human volunteers. From these tests homeopaths know what kind of symptoms each substance causes, and so we know what each substance is capable of curing. A "substance" only becomes a homeopathic remedy when it is diluted in a specific way.
This is for two reasons:
- some substances are poisonous in their raw state.
- substances are only curative in small (diluted) doses.
A good homeopath has memorised details of quite a lot of remedies, so she knows what kinds of symptoms were caused when they were tested. She also uses reference books. The homeopath pieces together all the information you give her, and she matches this pattern to a remedy which has the most similar set of symptoms.
85% of homeopathic remedies derive from the plant kingdom, but we also have metals, minerals and animal products, remedies made from allergens and more. None of the remedies I use derive from animals; instead they are synthetically made.
What to expect
A consultation with a homeopath is about getting information, so you will do a lot of talking and I will do a lot of listening. I will ask you about your physical symptoms, your sleep, energy, appetite, food intolerances, medications, supplements, your medical history, your family's medical history, and what stresses you. For children and babies, I will gain most of the information I need from the accompanying parent(s). I will then prescribe one or more homeopathic remedies. An initial consultation with me lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Subsequent consultations last around 30 minutes.
I expect to see some improvement within two weeks of seeing you for the first time, and in order to check this, I ask new clients to phone me within two weeks of their initial appointment, to give me feedback. I am available to speak to should you have any concerns or questions about any aspect of your treatment.
How many sessions will you need, and how often
How many sessions you will need depends on many factors, including the nature of the problem and how long you have had it. I will be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions you will need at the end of your initial consultation. Subsequent consultations are scheduled at four weekly intervals.
Prices
An initial consultation, treatment for four weeks and prescribed remedies adults £45, children £35
Subsequent consultations, treatment for four weeks and prescribed remedies adults £35, children £25
Conditions treated
I have found her consultations to be very thorough and yet always considerate of the dignity and privacy of her client.