Homeodynamic- Pauline Smithson -Registered Homeopath

What is homeopathy?
This is a concept akin to that of vaccinations. By providing it with a ‘taster’ of the disease, homeopathy prompts the body to create resistance, but unlike the idea of vaccinations, homeopathy is given not just as a preventative measure, but most often as a remedy to an existing condition.

When taking homeopathic medicine, you are effectively kick-starting your body into fighting the problem itself, by giving your immune system the necessary information to do so. This gentle approach has many obvious advantages and is able to offer a response tailored to your specific symptoms.

What does curing with "Similars" mean?
This means using a substance, that could cause a similar problem, to cure the problem, e.g. in a condition where the skin had symptoms that looked, and felt like a nettle sting, even though it wasn't (e.g. urticaria), nettle might be used homeopathically because the effects of nettle are 'similar'.

Why would this actually cure the "similar" problem?
Samuel Hahnemann's genius (founder of homeopathy), was to discover that when made susceptible by illness, our bodies do indeed react to the homeopathic remedy, as if it were actually causing a similar problem. Thus our system safely cures itself by this reaction, because the remedy it has been given is similar to the disease.

What does the medicine contain?
Although there are thousands of different remedies, the carrier for them is usually the same. Homeopathic medicines are usually in the form of small sugar pills. These sugar bases carry the individual prescribed remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are created through potentisation i.e. repeatedly diluting it down so that less than trace elements of the substance remains. Remedies can be made with any substance from an everyday plant to a rare mineral. The body is naturally so sensitive when ill, that it is able to respond to these otherwise, undetectable amounts.

Will I see a change straight away?

This is very much dependent on the condition being treated. For example acute problems such as a cough or injury from an accident usually respond very quickly to homeopathic treatment. Deeper conditions such as arthritis, and other chronic health problems will take longer.

There will be occasions when an acute problem takes longer, or when a long standing complaint is immediately dealt with in the first consultation. Each case is individual and will respond accordingly.

How long will I need treatment for?

This is very much dependent on the condition for which you are being treated. Acute problems eg. Sprains, bruises, ear infections etc, can often be resolved in one or two appointments. More chronic problems such as asthma, depression etc, may need a little longer, or ongoing treatment.

Do accidents and injuries respond well to homeopathy?

Strains, sprains, breaks and bruises all usually respond very well to homeopathy. Injuries that are treated promptly with homeopathy are far less likely to result in chronic problems. Homeopathy is very effective in reducing swelling and pain.

Is it safe ?
Although homeopathic medicines should be kept away from children. However, it is impossible to suffer a toxic overdose. Homeopathy is safe for children, the elderly, the seriously ill and even newly born babies. For this reason it is also particularly suitable for people who are in a very fragile state.

If you are taking medication from your GP, this will be noted, and accounted for, in the process of your consultation. It is safe to take homeopathy with medications prescribed by your GP. It is never safe to withdraw from your medication without GP/Professional support.

Can homeopathy be used with other therapies?

Homeopathy works very well in combination with other therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture and aromatherapy amongst others. The therapies often compliment each other and increase the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment.

Can Homeopathy be used during childbirth?

Thousands of women are choosing to use homeopathy to help reduce complications, and to ease anxiety and pain in childbirth. It is completely safe and is highly beneficial to mother and baby.

What ailments can it be used for ?
Homeopathy is a holistic system which can be extremely beneficial to a vast range of physical and emotional problems. In theory there is no limit to what conditions homeopathy could treat. In practice it depends on the experience of the practitioner, the commitment of the individual patient and also the laws in different countries limiting what can be treated.

While treatment for some problems is complex, and requires a detailed diagnosis and prescription by a qualified Homeopath, there are many complaints for which homeopathic medicine can be simply, safely and effectively self-prescribed. For example Arnica, a treatment for bruising, is a useful first aid homeopathic remedy and can be purchased in most chemists.

What does treatment involve ?
A Registered Homeopath will have completed a three or four year professional course in homeopathy, and be fully qualified and accredited to practice. This includes the requirement to annually complete a set amount of Continuing Professional Development.

Your Homeopath will require information about your past illnesses and the difficulties you are currently experiencing wiith your health. Your Homeopath will use this information to build a detailed, and personal picture of the possible causes of the symptoms you are experiencing, and will prescribe you medication on the basis of the information you provide.

Once you are taking your remedy, your Homeopath will ask you to provide feedback so they can monitor your progress.

Consultations can be taken over the telephone, however it is preferable to meet in person. Home visits are usually arranged for patients who are unable to attend the homeopathic clinic.

Does Homeopathy work?
If you know nothing about homeopathy, the way it works may seem strange to you at first - but persevere - it really does work!

Homeopathy will work only if applied according to homeopathic principles. This is why it is important to understand the basics of homeopathy, and the way it differs from other forms of medicine, before trying to use it.

What is 'allopathy'?
Homeopathy is much more akin in its philosophy to that of Eastern traditional medicine, than it is to that of modern conventional Western medicine. Western medicine will use a method to treat a skin condition, by suppressing it with an agent such as coal tar products, steroids based creams, etc. These produce an effect that is opposite to the problem (suppressive), thus preventing the body's reaction.

In contrast, homeopathy uses a remedy that will cause a similar condition, allowing the body to utilise its natural defences and act curatively, (non-suppressive). Homeopathy is a prescription which causes a reaction and this reaction cures the patient whereas Western medicine produces a prescription which removes the problem.

Therefore, when you take Homeopathic medicine you are effectively Kick-starting your body into fighting the problem itself - you are giving your immune system the necessary information to do so! The body’s own healing powers are stimulated to tackle the problem that is causing you to be unwell.

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