What is Homeopathy? In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick which he called homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning 'similar suffering'). Like Hippocrates two thousand years earlier, he realised there were two ways of treating ill health: the way of opposites, most commonly used by conventional medicine and the way of similars. |
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Hahnemann discovered that diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results. Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the natural world and prescribed on the principle of treating “like with like” or the way of similars.
What is “like with like”?
Take for example, a case of insomnia. The way of opposites is to treat this by giving a drug to bring on an artificial sleep. This frequently involves the use of large or regular doses of drugs which can sometimes cause side effects or addiction.
The way of similars, the homeopathic way, is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance, such as coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This can then help the patient to sleep naturally. Of course, this is a simplified example. Homeopathy is patient-centred and a homeopath will prescribe based on the totality of your symptoms and how you, as an individual, experience them. This also takes account of you as a person - your individual characteristics, both emotional and physical.
Homeopathic remedies, properly prescribed, are safe and can also be given to pregnant women, babies and children(1).
How does it work?
Scientists cannot yet explain the precise mechanism of action for homeopathy but there is published evidence of its efficacy. It is believed that homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing abilities and that this stimulus assists your own system to clear itself of any expressions of imbalance. For more details on research evidence, please see the Society’s website at www.homeopathy-soh.org.
What will your homeopath need to know?
In order to find the right remedy for you as an individual, your homeopath will need to know more about you. A detailed understanding of who you are, along with any complaints and details of how you experience them, is needed to assess your case correctly. So anything you can tell your homeopath that is typical of who you are will help this process. Finding out about your general energy levels, your past medical history and the way you live are also important. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence. The initial consultation will usually last at least an hour.
What will the treatment involve?
Your homeopath will usually give you a homeopathic remedy, normally in the form of a tablet or tablets, or occasionally as powders, which should be allowed to dissolve in your mouth; or you may be given a liquid remedy with instructions. Do make sure that you understand the instructions before you take your remedy.
If you are given homeopathic remedies to take at a later date, be sure to store them in a cool dark place, away from anything with a strong smell and try to avoid placing them near your mobile phone. If you travel abroad, where possible, try to avoid putting the remedies through the X-ray scanner.
Please tell your homeopath about any medicine or supplement that has been prescribed by your doctor or that you take regularly. Please also mention any recent dental treatment or any other complementary or alternative treatments you are undergoing. These may affect your homeopathic prescription.
Homeopathic remedies can be used at the same time as conventional medication but it is important that you discuss this with your homeopath, both at the initial consultation and later, should your doctor make a new prescription.
Your homeopath may also give advice on remedies to help you with acute ailments such as colds and flu, as well as first aid advice.
If, at any stage of your treatment, you are concerned that your symptoms are changing, you should contact your homeopath and/or medical practitioner immediately.
What will happen once treatment starts?
After taking your remedy, you may notice some changes. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well being and optimism. Sometimes your symptoms can appear to get worse for a short time. This is often a good sign that the remedy is taking effect(2). Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of discharge may appear as a 'spring cleaning' effect which means your system is going through a clearing out stage. Similarly, old symptoms can reappear, usually for a short period.
These symptoms are an important part of the healing process but, if any response to your treatment concerns you, do contact your homeopath as soon as you can. You might also want to make notes of any changes and take them with you to discuss at your next appointment.
How long does treatment take?
This depends very much on what sort of illness you have, as well as the other individual characteristics of your case. Every case is different. So it can be difficult for your homeopath to assess this until after your second appointment. A slowly developing complaint or one that has
been experienced for some years, may take longer to improve, although there may be a response and some improvement quite soon. Acute complaints can often get better more quickly.
Homeopathic remedies work from the inside, with the patient usually feeling more positive in themselves, with more energy, in the first instance. Outer symptoms such as skin conditions are often the last to clear. Sometimes patience is called for – as the balance is slowly restored, the symptoms will improve.
Will there be advice about diet and lifestyle?
A homeopath will ask you about your usual diet and lifestyle and may suggest changes, especially if it seems that this is contributing to your illness. Of course, a good basic diet is necessary for good health, with less sugars, fats, alcohol and refined foods. There is an increasing awareness of the benefits of foods free from artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. Whole foods and organic foods, free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers, are also increasingly available.
What about seeing a GP?
We recommend that you maintain your relationship with your GP. Although homeopathy works in a different way from conventional medicines, it can sometimes help to combine the two systems.
Patients may want homeopathic treatment as they are unhappy with the side effects of conventional drugs. Or it may be that conventional medicine has been unable to help them and they see homeopathy as an alternative. In any event, it is important to remember that any changes in medication should be discussed with your doctor as treatment progresses.
Can I treat myself with homeopathic remedies?
You can use some remedies at home to help in acute and first aid situations such as colds, cuts, stings, minor burns and bruises. Ask your homeopath for further information or find your nearest class or seminar on this subject.
There are a number of good books available such as:
How do I find a qualified and registered homeopath?
To find a qualified and registered homeopath, please consult the Register of The Society of Homeopaths. All homeopaths registered with The Society have agreed to practise in accordance with a Code of Ethics and Practice, hold professional insurance and have passed stringent academic and clinical assessments before being admitted to the Register.
Our Register is available free of charge by post or visit www.homeopathy-soh.org
Other leaflets available include:
• Homeopathy in Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Homeopathy for Men
• Homeopathy for Babies and Children
• Homeopathy and the Menopause
• Homeopathy for Stress, Anxiety and Depression
For a copy of these leaflets or The Society's Register, please contact the office or view them on our website.
References
1 Dantas, F., Rampes, H. Do homeopathic remedies provoke adverse effects?
A systematic review. Br. Homeopathic Jnl. 2000; 89: pp. 35-38.
2 Castro, M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan.
