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.

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.

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.