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Homeopathy is a scientific system of healing
which uses natural remedies to stimulate the body into healing
itself.
It is gentle and effective and is used to treat
all types of illness in every age group, including pregnant
mums and babies, the chronically ill and those needing First
Aid.
The term homeopathy means ‘similar suffering’ and
it works by treating a patient’s illness with a remedy
which produces the same symptoms. For example, a child suffering
from a fever and sore throat is given a minute dose of a
remedy that produces the same symptoms when ‘tested’ on
a healthy person.
These ‘tests’, known as provings,
have been carried out on thousands of volunteers, over many
years, to build up a vast store of remedies to treat the
mental, emotional and physical symptoms of disease and restore
patients’ energy and health.
In order to find the right remedy for each
individual, each patient’s case is taken in depth.
No two patients are alike – we are born
with individual characteristics and all experience different
situations in life – which makes each one of us unique.
By understanding you as a person, how you react
to other people and situations and assessing family history
and complaints, a careful assessment of your case is made
before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.
You may notice some positive changes in mood
and energy levels after taking a remedy. Your symptoms may
also get worse for a short time. This shows that the remedy
is having an effect. Patients are advised to note down any
symptoms they experience and bring this to their next appointment.
Homeopathy was discovered in 1796 by Dr Samuel
Hahnemann, following a lifetime of medical practice and research.
He turned conventional thinking on its head by concluding
that it is the patient who needs treatment - not the disease.
He recognised that all symptoms of ill health
are expressions of disharmony within the mind and body. For
example, if someone suffers a severe shock, they may be thrown
off balance and become come ill with depression or develop
a phobia.
There is an evidence that homeopathy is effective
in the treatment of many disorders, including allergies,
menopausal symptoms, anxiety and mild depression.
Allergies
The number of people who suffer from allergies is rising
year on year and many are turning to homeopathy to help with
the debilitating symptoms caused by an allergic reaction
to pollen, dust or animal fur, a severe reaction to insect
bites or a sensitivity to certain food substances.
Homeopathic treatment can alleviate the distressing ear,
nose and throat symptoms of hayfever and, with regular treatment
over time, the patient’s sensitivity to allergens can
be reduced.
A six-year study of patient outcomes at the Bristol Homeopathic
Hospital showed 89% of under-16s with asthma, and 68% with
eczema, reported improvement.
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Homeopathy can safely treat women in pregnancy
and during childbirth and many midwives work alongside
professional homeopaths, or train in homeopathy themselves
so that they can give remedies as part of caring for expectant
mums..
As a guide, there are remedies to address common symptoms
of pregnancy, such as nausea, heartburn, fatigue and anxiety,
and for use during the birth, where contractions are weak
or irregular or the labour doesn’t progress.
To help the mother recover from the birth, remedies can be
given for healing bruising, , sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
The tongue is clean and the mouth does not
Homeopathy for babies & children
Children and babies can be safely treated for
minor complaints from colds, coughs and earache to bumps
and bruises. The distressing symptoms of childhood illnesses
such as chickenpox can also be alleviated. Homeopathy can
also help more serious complaints from eczema and asthma,
to behavioural problems including shyness, anxiety and
attention deficit disorder.
Menopause
Homeopathy can provide a natural alternative to HRT for
women who are suffering from menopausal symptoms such as
hot sweats, sleeplessness, mood swings and anxiety.
Some women sail through the change in life but, for others,
it can feel like a time of crisis, with the body seeming
out of control.
There are a number of homeopathic remedies shown to be effective
in alleviating these distressing symptoms and restoring the
patient’s sense of harmony and wellbeing.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
There are some complaints such as chronic fatigue syndrome,
or ME, which respond very well to homeopathic treatment,
whereas they have not seen any improvement from taking conventional
medicine.
Patients suffering from truly debilitating exhaustion, which
prevents them from working and leading a normal life, can
benefit from an increase in energy and an improvement in
mood and wellbeing.
First
Aid
Homeopathic remedies are usually in tablet form but occasionally will be given as a powder or as a liquid. They are small, easily dissolved on the tongue and are sweet-tasting.
For them to be effective, you should not eat or drink anything
15 minutes before or after taking the tablet, nor smoke a cigarette or
clean your teeth.
In fact, it is advisable to avoid strong-tasting substances
such as mint toothpastes and menthol cough sweets and heavy use of stimulants
such as coffee and alcohol, whilst under treatment.
Seeing your GP
You should maintain a good relationship with your GP, who
will be able to arrange any tests or X-rays you may need.
However, please mention any medicines or supplements that have been prescribed
by your doctor, or any recent dental treatment, as these may possibly
interfere with your homeopathic treatment. |