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Homeopathy
Anahata Health
Clinic, 119-129 Edward St, Brighton BN2 0JL |
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a safe and effective system of medicine which is practised in many countries across the world. Homeopathy is a holistic therapy which seeks to heal the whole person and the underlying causes of their ill health, rather than just removing or suppressing their symptoms. Homeopathy recognises the interconnectedness of the physical body with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the patient. It has been used in the treatment of many physical complaints as well as more general or emotional problems such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.
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How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy is based on the principle that like cures like. Over 200 years ago a German doctor and chemist, Samuel
Hahnemann, developed the system of medicine that we call homeopathy today. He discovered that a small amount of a substance which produces certain symptoms when given to a healthy person is capable of curing those same symptoms when given to a sick person. For example, when peeling an onion, a person’s eyes and nose may run with a watery discharge. The remedy allium
cepa, which is made from an onion, can be given in small potentised (i.e. homeopathic) doses to relieve the sort of hay fever which is characterised by watery eyes and nose.
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How are homeopathic remedies made?
Samuel Hahnemann pioneered the process known as
potentisation. This means that a material dose of the substance in question is diluted in water and alcohol and then succussed (shaken several times with impact). Hahnemann discovered that the more times this process of dilution and succussion was carried out, the more effective the remedy became and the likelihood of unpleasant side effects was greatly diminished. Hahnemann tested many substances for their healing properties in experiments known as
provings. Several healthy volunteers or provers took the remedy in question until they started to experience symptoms. All symptoms which resulted from taking the remedy were recorded. In this way the healing properties of many substances were compiled. New provings are taking place all the time and there are now thousands of homeopathic remedies, each with its own unique healing picture.
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What is homeopathic treatment like?
Homeopathic consultations take up to an hour. As homeopathy is a holistic therapy, I will want to get a comprehensive picture of you as a whole person. This will usually involve asking you in detail about your chief complaints, finding out about your general temperament, body temperature, food likes and dislikes, your medical history including any past or present medication, and any past or recent traumas which may have affected your current state of health. For acute problems such as fevers, sore throats, vomiting, etc. less detailed information is needed, so the consultation will take less time. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence (see the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths’
Code of
Ethics).
You will usually be given a homeopathic remedy or remedies at the end of your consultation. These are normally either in tablet or liquid form.
After homeopathic treatment, many patients report an improvement in their general vitality and sense of well-being. Sometimes your symptoms may get slightly worse before they improve, or a cold or some other kind of discharge may occur. These are both positive signs which show the remedies are taking effect. Sometimes you may experience a return of old symptoms, which is also positive and an important stage in the healing process.
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How long does treatment take?
This depends very much on the individual and his or her complaint. In people with strong vitality and a complaint which has come on quite recently, the response can be very quick. In general, the weaker the person’s vitality and the more long-standing or chronic their complaint, the longer they will take to return to a state of health. However even in these more chronic cases a noticeable improvement can occur quite rapidly.
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What about seeing my GP?
I strongly recommend that patients maintain a good relationship with their GP. Although conventional medicine and homeopathy differ greatly in their philosophy, they can still complement one another and patients should not feel they have to choose one or the other. You should always consult your GP before making any changes to your conventional medication.
What sort of things can homeopathy help with?
Homeopathy has been beneficial to men, women and children with the following conditions:
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These are just a few of the many conditions which can benefit from homeopathy. If you are unsure as to whether homeopathy could help with your particular health issues, do feel free to call me.
I am also happy to meet up with you for a free 15 minute session to discuss your needs and whether homeopathy could help.
Adults' sessions last approx 1 hour and cost £40
Children's sessions last approx 30 minutes and cost £20
Concessions are available
Photos of Jo
© Sammy J Bland
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