FAQs
What does a homeopathic consultation involve?
A first consultation usually lasts about 1½ hours. Time will be taken to listen to your emotional, physical and general symptoms. You will be asked about your lifestyle; diet, temperature etc and how your condition affects you. You will also be asked about your past medical history and that of your family.
A follow up appointment of approximately 45 minutes is usually arranged about 4 weeks later to assess how you are progressing.
How often will I need appointments?
The frequency and number of visits required is very individual and depends very much on several factors ie. your condition, severity and how long the condition has been present.
I am taking medicine from my doctor, can I still have homeopathy treatment?
Yes homeopathic remedies can be used alongside conventional medication. However if you have been prescribed a homeopathic remedy and you feel you need to take additional medication then consult your homeopath to discuss how your treatment may be affected.
Do homeopathic remedies have any side effects?
The remedies are non toxic and non addictive with no harmful side effects. After taking a remedy you may notice some changes. Some people experience feelings of increased energy and wellbeing. Sometimes symptoms may appear to worsen for a short time. This is a positive sign which shows the remedy is taking effect. Sometimes your body may have an initial ’clearing out’ which may appear in the form of a discharge in one form or another ie. a cold or rash etc. All these reactions indicate that the process of self-healing has begun.
Can I take homeopathic remedies instead of HRT?
Many people seek out homeopathy to relieve the symptoms that arise during the menopause. If you are already on HRT and have been advised to come off it by your doctor then homeopathy can aim to support you and ease the transition. Common symptoms of menopause that homeopaths see on a regular basis are hot flushes, mood swings, anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of confidence, dryness etc.
What are remedies made from?
Homeopathic remedies are made from a wide range of natural sources including plants, minerals, metals and some animal products.
Are homeopathic remedies tested on animals?
No. Homeopathic remedies are only tested on people.
I have heard that homeopathy is just placebo and there is nothing in the remedy, is this true and how does it work?
The remedies are so dilute that there are no molecules of the original substance remaining. Although there are plenty of research studies that have been carried out, scientists have yet to discover exactly how it works. The answer is more likely to be found in the field of quantum physics. When a homeopathic remedy is made, the remedies are shaken vigorously during the dilution; a practice known as ‘succussion’. It is thought that the process of succussion transfers the energy belonging to the original substance into the neutral substance. Therefore homeopathic remedies are thought to work on an energetic level rather than a material level sending a message to the body to heal itself.
As for the placebo effect; there is an element of placebo in any therapeutic relationship however homeopathic remedies are just as effective on babies and animals. Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years and its success rates are much higher than what could be attributed to placebo.
Can homeopathic remedies be taken by pregnant women and babies?
Yes. Many pregnant women consult a homeopath presenting with common conditions of both pregnancy and childbirth. Some examples that pregnat women seek out homeopathy for are: nausea, cramp, back pain, indigestion, heartburn, emotional distress etc .
Babies, including new born babies, can also respond very well to homeopathic treatment. Some common conditions that parents bring their babies to see a homeopath include colic, failure to feed, nappy rash, teething, coughs, vomiting etc.