What is Homeopathy ?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the research and observations of the 18^th century German doctor, Samuel Hahneman.  Like Hippocrates 2000 years earlier, he realised that there were two ways of treating ill health, the way of opposites and the way of similars.  He discovered that what a drug can cause, it can cure.  For example, if a substance produces nausea in a healthy person, that same substance taken by someone suffering from nausea would act as a cure.  Hahneman used the term “homeopathy” from the Greek words meaning “similar suffering” to underline the fundamental principle that like treats like.  Conventional medicine on the other hand, works in the way of opposites and drugs are given to suppress symptoms.

What is the Principle ?

In trying to reduce the risks of side effects, Hahneman further discovered the apparent paradox that the less of the original substance which is present in the remedy ( when diluted in a particular way ) the more effective or “potent” it becomes.

This principle of the infinitesimal dose is at the heart of the debate between conventional and Homeopathic practitioners and yet the system thrives because it is observed to work, not only in humans but in animals treated by an increasing number of homeopathic veterinary practitioners. Recent clinical trials by conventional practitioners have supported the efficacy of homeopathic treatments, and the modern theories of molecular physics are starting to offer some understanding of how this seemingly impossible principle can indeed be true.

How does it work ?

A homeopathic remedy acts to stimulate the body towards self healing.  It does not seek to suppress symptoms, but to treat the whole patient, not just the disease.   Remedies are selected by your Homeopathic physician to match the individual patient`s unique make up; hence two patients presenting with superficially the same symptom may receive totally different remedies.

Homeopathy can at times offer spectacular results that seem close to miraculous, however with long-standing and multifactorial conditions, a return to good health may involve patient, careful management.  Homeopathy is safe when practised by a specialist trained and medically qualified practitioner.  Under such conditions, harmful side effects are extremely rare.

Who can it help?

All ages benefit from homeopathy, from tiny babies to the very elderly and it can be used with great effect in a wide range of medical conditions.

Homeopathy can be of particular help when;

• ordinary drugs may have adverse side effects or are contra-indicated e.g. in pregnancy.
• no conventional therapies as yet offer real help e.g. post viral syndrome, pre-menstrual tension.
• conventional medicines offer only temporary control e.g. arthritis, migraine, allergies.
• other treatments have simply failed to help e.g. chronic catarrh and recurrent infections, especially childhood ear and chest infections.