‘Homeopathic Medicine is more than Science; it is a Healing Art’

Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine in the world and is used by more than 200 million people worldwide. It is a safe and holistic system of medicine which appreciates everyone is an individual, always treats the whole person and never just their symptoms. Its mission is to strengthen the body's natural healing ability and promote general health and vitality.

Homeopathy was established at the end of 18th century and developed by a German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann. He recognised that when there is illness, all aspects of people are affected and the body is never seen as a series of unconnected parts. Therefore, homeopathy does not treat physical, emotional and mental ailments separately but looks at the whole symptom picture of each person as an entirety and treats everyone as the unique individual they are.

In homeopathy, symptoms of ill health are understood to be the body's method of communication. They express its disharmony and they act like signposts which direct the homeopathic practitioner to the correct method of treatment and remedy.

Homeopathic remedies can be prescribed in a variety of different forms ranging from liquid, pills and powders. There are over 3000 different remedies available worldwide and are derived from, plants, minerals, metals and many other sources.

These medicines (also known as remedies) are safe, non-addictive, non-toxic and do not interfere with prescription medication. This is because they are prepared with the most minute, dynamic doses of active ingredients which will gently stimulate the body to heal itself.

The more these remedies are diluted and energised (succussed) the more active (potentised) they become.

The word homeopathy is derived from Greek words 'homeo and pathos' which mean similar suffering. The principle in homeopathic medicine is 'let like cure like'.

It is understood that a substance which causes specific symptoms when taken in large doses can be highly effective when used in tiny amounts to treat very similar symptoms. A great example of this would be coffee. It is well known that if we drink too much of it, we can have difficulty sleeping and generally feel quite agitated.

However, when the homeopathic remedy coffea is prescribed to people suffering from insomnia, restlessness and agitation, it will have the entirely opposite effect and they may sleep better and feel calmer than they have done in years.

Everyone shows a variety of signs and symptoms when they are sick, some of which may be common to a particular illness but others are more characteristic to the individual when they are unwell. Therefore, a homeopathic consultation (lasting anything up to 90 minutes) consists of many questions.

Firstly focussing on what is troubling you at present, when did it start? What was going on in your life at that time? What makes symptoms better/worse? Family health history and any significant physical and/or emotional life experiences are also considered to be invaluable information. Additional questions such as how do you sleep, what are your favourite foods and how would you describe your mood and energy levels are also extremely useful.

As your homeopath I will then match your symptom picture to the picture of a remedy, always paying close attention to those symptoms which are unique to you. You will then be prescribed a remedy that closely mirrors you and how you are feeling, alongside clear instructions of how to take it.

It will be recommended that you rebook for your follow up appointment (possibly 4 weeks' time) to review your treatment results and also to plan the next stage in your journey to better health.

Many people who are looking for a natural approach to their health are often attracted to homeopathy. Others who are perhaps looking to gently support their existing treatment plan also may try homeopathy.

At East Coast Homeopathy, I will treat you as an individual and not simply address your condition. I see many people choosing to try homeopathy and the most common ailments they come with include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Vertigo
• Sore throats, earache, and common colds
• Skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, eczema
• Allergies
• Hayfever
• Asthma
• Digestive complaints such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Hormonal/menstrual/menopausal symptoms
• Anxiety, depression, grief
• Lethargy, fatigue, sleep disorders
• Muscular/joints aches and pains
• And many more...

Just like homeopathy itself, every treatment is as unique as the individual.

You may be given a single dose of a homeopathic remedy, or repeated doses depending on your case. When illness has developed over a long time, several treatments may be necessary over a period of months. When the condition is acute (short term) such as sore throats or minor injuries, success with homeopathy may be achieved very quickly.

Recovery takes place in many different ways depending on the nature and history of your condition. Generally you should notice an increase in energy, improved sleep patterns and experience a sense of overall wellbeing during your recovery.

Homeopathic remedies are energetic medicines, therefore to protect their strength, please try to keep them away from other energy sources such as mobile phones, laptops and microwaves. I always recommend wrapping them in foil for added safety.

Some substances such as mint, coffee and other strong flavours/fragrances like camphor may antidote the medicine. It is therefore advisable to try to avoid these during your treatment. Weleda Calendula toothpaste is a good recommendation as its great for healthy teeth and gums and can be purchased easily from the clinic or from most health shops and online.

Always follow the guidelines provided with your prescription and never take more remedies than are recommended or take for longer than you need to. It is a good idea to stop your treatment when you start to feel better, watch and wait and allow the medicine to stimulate your own natural healing ability.

Shake your bottle a few times, tip one pill in to the bottle cap and then carefully pop it into your mouth. Allow the pill to dissolve under your tongue. Don't chew or swallow and avoid the lid touching your mouth. If you accidently drop one or two pills, just put them in the bin and don't put them back into the bottle.

Please also avoid eating/drinking/smoking for 20 minutes before and after taking your medicine.