Hahnemann found that any substance that caused symptoms in healthy people could also be used to cure similar symptoms in sick people. The original experiment used cinchona bark (from which quinine is derived), and Hahnemann found that he could induce symptoms of intermittent fever (malaria) for 3-4 hours a day with sufficient doses of cinchona bark. When he stopped taking it, his symptoms disappeared. Using repeated experiments with different substances, he established the basic principles of homeopathy which have stood the test of time. Homeopathy has not looked back since, and has spread to a large number of countries across the world.

The medicines used in homeopathy are called remedies. The major sources of the remedies used are from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. Whatever the substance originally used for a remedy, it is made into a solution and then diluted with water and alcohol, and then  succussed (intense shaking). Remedies come in different strengths, and apart from the low strengths which are available over the counter, should only be taken on the advice of a qualified homeopath.
The back bone of homeopathy is constitutional treatment. The aim is to strengthen the constitution of the person being treated. This is done by matching a remedy to the individual. The major remedies have ‘personality profiles,’ and the job of the homeopath is to build up a clear picture of the person being treated in order to find a suitable remedy for them.  A classical homeopath prescribes one remedy at a time and in a strength that is sufficient to provide enough of a stimulus to kick-start the self healing process.

Remedy profiles or pictures have been built up over the last 200 years. This process, called a proving, starts with healthy people taking different strengths of a substance, say , coffee, until they start to experience symptoms. These symptoms are recorded meticulously, and then indexed. Most of the remedies in the homeopathic materia medica have had provings, and it is this information that is used to treat like with like.

• It is non-invasive.
• It stimulates the individual’s immune system to become stronger, rather than relying on drugs to kill bacteria/viruses.
• The remedies used are not pharmaceuticals.
• It can be used by anyone at any age, including babies and the elderly.
• The remedies are non-toxic.
• No animals are used to test homeopathic remedies.
• It is palatable. Most children love sucking the wee tablets! There is no need to swallow the tablets with water.
• Children respond well to homeopathy.
• Homeopathy is not addictive.
• Homeopathy is over 200 years old. The same remedies are used today as they were in Hahnemann’s time, and we have the addition of newer remedies. We have over 2,000 remedies to work with.
• A homeopath spends quality time with you.

I ask what kind of patient has the illness, rather than what kind of illness the patient has. I see the patient as a unique individual and I spend time exploring their life and reality to aid my understanding of what their symptoms are trying to express and what issues need to be addressed.

Homeopathy treats the person, whatever the condition/illness/disease. When someone comes for homeopathic treatment, they usually, but not always, come with a named condition or conditions. I take a detailed history of their complaint, enquire about things like sleep patterns, appetite, thirst, weather preferences, as well as building up a personality profile, and identifying any patterns in their health history. This is done irrespective of the condition they suffer from.  A remedy is then chosen to match as closely as possible the person being treated.

Listed below are some of the conditions that I have been asked to help with. At all times, I have treated the whole person, and not the disease:

• Respiratory problems such as recurrent colds, coughs, asthma, COPD.
• Ear infections
• Skin conditions such as eczema, veruccas, molluscum
• Gastro-intestinal conditions such as Crohns Disease, IBS,
• Bowel and digestive problems
• Cystitis, incontinence
• Allergies and food intolerances
• Arthritis and back pain
• Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self esteem
• Autistic spectrum disorders
• Behavioural problems in children
• PMS, menopause and hormonal imbalances

Homeopathy can also be used for conditions with no name, for conditions that do not respond well to drug treatment, for people on medication, and for traumas, past or present, physical or emotional.

What can homeopathy treat?

Since homeopathy treats the whole person, it does not matter what complaint you have. Anyone, from babies to the elderly can use homeopathy and it is very safe.

Do I have to believe in homeopathy for it to work?

No. I have treated sceptics with successful results! Babies, children and animals respond well to homeopathic treatment, and as far as I know, have no “beliefs”!

How long will the treatment take?

This will depend on the nature of your problem, and how long you have had it for. Long standing problems are likely to take longer than more recent problems.

How often would I need to see a homeopath?

In the beginning, every 4-6 weeks, with the intention to lengthen the gap between appointments as progress takes place.

What happens after taking a remedy?

The process of stimulating your immune system can lead to changes, for example, in your sleep and appetite, or changes in your energy output.  Occasionally you can feel more tired or feel worse temporarily, before the beneficial effects begin. I am available for advice/support in between appointments if necessary.There are no side effects as remedies are not pharmaceutical drugs.