About Homeopathy

Liz Duffy LCHE MARH Registered Homeopath

What is Homeopathy?

"Homeopathy is about natural health and good vitality"

How does it work”?

Homeopathy is derived from the Greek words ‘homoeos’ meaning similar and ‘pathos’ meaning disease or suffering. The name reflects it's fundamental principle “like cures like”. In other words, homeopathy treats symptoms with minute amounts of a substance that would produce those same symptoms if given to a healthy person in its original form.

An example to explain this is insomnia. If a person drinks a lot of coffee it can cause or aggravate sleeplessness, however if given a tiny homeopathic dose of coffee (which is gentle and not addictive)…it will match the patient's symptoms and cure the sleeplessness.

The basic homeopathic principle of 'like cures like' was established by Hippocrates 2500 years ago, but homeopathy as we know it today was developed by a German physician called Samuel Hahnemann.

It is a gentle, effective system of medicine which assists the natural ability of the body to heal itself.

Unlike conventional medicine there are no side-effects as no chemical reaction takes place, instead it triggers the body to heal itself. Homeopathic treatment is safe and non-addictive for everyone.

Homeopathy is safe to use alongside existing medication although many patients use homeopathy as a way of reducing conventional medication (with their GP's permission, of course). when the patient is feeling tired and unwell, homeopathy can rebalance their vital force, boost their immune system allowing them to fight disease and improve their vitality.

Homeopathy can help with all stages of life...from teething babies, poorly children, hormonal teenagers, worn out Mums, stressed businessmen, menopause...to the elderly and infirm.

It is holistic so treats the whole person on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels, this is so useful when treating patients as often an unresolved emotional problem can manifest as a physical symptom.

Homeopathy can be so useful when a diagnosis has not been given but the patient knows there is something wrong and generally feels unwell. We accept everyone is different, we listen to your current complaints...physical, mental and emotional and prescribe remedies that fit your symptoms and match your constitution.

Frequently asked questions:

How quickly will I get better?

This depends on a number of factors…if it is a first aid condition, such as a minor burn or an acute such as a tummy bug, you should feel better within an hour or two. If it is a chronic condition such, as eczema or migraines that you have had for several years, treatment will be longer. Don’t forget with Homeopathy we are looking at the underlying cause of the condition as well as alleviating the symptoms, so a chronic condition will take longer.

Can homeopathy help in first aid conditions?

Absolutely, it is ideal in these situations, this is why it is a good idea once you have started treatment to have a first aid remedy kit in case the need arises. In a first aid situation, or an acute that comes on quickly over the weekend, homeopathy can be invaluable. For example, it can help with bumps, bruises, blisters, bites and stings, burns (minor), falls, shock, strains, sprains, sun-burn, toothache, sudden earaches from being out in the wind and tummy bugs. Do always consult your GP/hospital if the condition is serious.

What happens if my children are ill at the weekend or out of hours?

I am on a weekend locum rota list and, if I am not on call, one of my colleagues will be able to help you. Emergencies or acutes that can’t wait are dealt with out of hours (after 6pm and evenings). Again this is why it is a good idea to have a general first aid kit…so if your child develops a high fever, earache, croupy cough or a sickness bug and you have the remedy at hand, treatment can start straight away.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends on the severity of your condition, how long it has been treated with conventional medicine and the individual’s response to the remedies. Once the condition has improved some patients stop treatment, others come on a less frequent basis to maintain their health and general well-being.

Can I continue taking my prescription drugs and seeing my GP?

Yes of course. Homeopathy works well along side conventional/allopathic medicine. Some patients wish to use homeopathy as a means of reducing/withdrawing their medication...this must however be discussed with their GP. Any diagnosis or blood test results can be of the utmost importance to a homeopath.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are made from natural sources such as plants or minerals and come as a pill/tablet or in liquid form. Pills need to dissolve in the mouth and nothing else should be taken for 10/15 minutes before and after, including drinks, toothpaste and cigarettes.

When a patient starts homeopathic treatment it is advisable to have a supply of first aid remedies at home and these are available from my practice or from Helios (01892) 537254 or www.helios.co.uk

An effective form of treatment for everyone:

Babies, children, pregnant and breast-feeding women, the elderly and those with terminal illness.

It can help babies with...asthma, breastfeeding problems, recurring bronchilitis, colic, coughs, constipation, cradle cap, croup, eczema, fevers, sleep problems, teething difficulties and wind.

Children with...allergies, asthma, behavioural problems and ADHD, bedwetting, bowel problems, chest infections, childhood illnesses, ear infections, eczema, fevers, growing pains, headaches, head lice, molluscum contagiosum, sleeping problems and night terrors, tonsillitis, verrucas and warts.

For teenagers...acne, confidence issues, exam nerves, hormonal mood swings, menstrual problems and stress.

Everyone else...arthritis, angina, anxiety, cystitis, depression, digestive complaints including ulcers, bloating, excess acid/reflux, eating disorders, endometriosis, first aid and trauma, grief, gynaecological conditions, hay fever, high blood pressure, hot flushes, indigestion and heartburn, infertility, ME, panic attacks, post-natal depression, pregnancy and child birth, PMS and menstrual complaints, menopause, migraines and headaches, muscle and joint pain, prostate and urinary symptoms, psoriasis, shingles, sore throats, sports injuries, stress related problems, sunburn, thrush and candida.

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