What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a gentle, complete system of healing. Homeopathic treatment is suitable for everyone regardless of their age, safe to use in pregnancy, for the elderly and babies. In 1796, Samuel Hahnemann established this system of medicine; his intention was to find a gentle way of stimulating the healing process. He developed the scientific and philosophical basis of our understanding of homeopathy.
Homeopathic medicines have the capacity to stimulate our innate self-healing. When this happens we are better able to deal with acute and chronic health problems. Modern medical scientists are yet to understand how homeopathic medicine brings this about. However, homeopaths find they have good results with homeopathic medicine. Until medical scientists can find answers to these questions, homeopaths continue to see evidence of the healing abilities of homeopathy in the improvement of the symptoms and energy levels of their clients.
How does it work?
The principle that Hahnemann applied to homeopathy was that "like cured like" or the Principle of Similars. By observing the symptoms produced in a healthy person who had taken a large amount of a substance, he found that he could heal someone sick with similar symptoms by using a potentised version of the same substance.
What is a homeopathic remedy?
Homeopathic remedies are made from substances found in nature; over half of all remedies are from botanical sources. The energy from the substance is released through a process of dilution and sucussion (shaking) known as potentisation. The remedy is in liquid form at this point. The next step is to add this solution to small tablets. The tablets are now ready for use and this is the most common way that you will be given homeopathic remedies.
What can homeopathy treat?
Think of who it can help rather than what homeopathy can treat. Homeopathy is known for treating the individual, not the disease - so anyone can benefit from homeopathic treatment. Homeopaths observe that homeopathic medicine appear to stimulate the individuals natural ability to self heal and reduce the intensity of the presenting symptoms. You may wish to maximise your well being without the presence of any particular health issue. Homeopathy can help here too.
If you wish to read more on research on homeopathy you will find it at my professional registration body The Society of Homeopaths
What will happen at the consultation?
The initial consultation lasts for around 90 minutes, where you will tell your homeopath about yourself and your symptoms. Homeopathy recognises that good health comes from treating the mind and the body together; equal importance is given to emotional, psychological and physical symptoms. Your homeopath will ask questions on all areas of your life to match a picture of you to the homeopathic remedy most likely to help. The questions are not designed to be invasive, you should feel comfortable before you discuss sensitive issues.
For children under 12, the appointment is lasts for 60 minutes approximately. Parents can arrange two split 30-minute appointments, one where they attend with the child and one for the parent to discuss sensitive issues concerning the child. Alternately the parent can arrange a 30-minute telephone consultation to discuss their child.
Homeopaths work to a strict code of ethics and conduct - all consultations with your homeopath are confidential. Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths are qualified and hold Professional Liability Insurance.
What happens next?
After the consultation, the homeopath will spend 90 minutes on case analysis and planning your case management. Careful consideration will be made to which homeopathic remedy, its potency and dosage is best suited to you.
When will I get a remedy?
The homeopathic remedy may be one in stock or need to be on special order from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy. When your remedy is ready, it will be posted to you complete with instructions on how to take it and when to contact the homeopath.
Will I need more treatment?
Your homeopath will arrange a second consultation for a review at 4 weeks after your first remedy. Expect this consultation to last 30-45 minutes. Should you be unable to attend a clinic, a telephone consultation can be arranged. This is to assess your progress and continue treatment if necessary. How quickly you return to good health is very dependent on the individual. Most chronic conditions require the minimum of three consultations for measurable results to be observed.
Again the homeopath will spend an equal amount of time with you during the consultation and on your case analysis, remedy choice and future planning for your treatment. The consultation will be 30-45 minutes and the post-consultation time another 45 minutes.
To see measurable results from your treatment it is advisable to book at least three appointments. More than one homeopathic remedy may be strongly indicated, it is only by trying the most indicated remedy first, that together with your homeopath, you are able to find the remedy most suited to you. This way the homeopath can adjust your treatment to find what works best for you.
What will the treatment be like?
You have entered into a healing partnership with your homeopath where you both aim to find best possible outcome for your health. Together you will decide what "health goals" you wish to achieve and how the treatment can help.
There are no miracle cures or instant fixes, as each person has their own healing time. Acute conditions can be treated in a short time frame. Although many chronic conditions will improve, the pace of healing will be slower and more complex. You may need to make some minor changes to your daily habits to optimise your healing, so be ready to participate in the healing process. Remember this a system of medicine that stimulates your healing process. A conscious internal decision to self heal can only add to the beneficial effects of homeopathy.
What does the treatment cost?
Adults: £75 Initial consultation – 90 mins.
Reviews £50 30-45 minutes – either at clinic or by telephone.
Children: £55 Initial consultation – 60 mins.
Reviews: £40 30 minutes – either at clinic or by telephone.
Consultation fees including homeopathic medicine, email/telephone contact between appointments until the next booked appointment.
Fertility & Fertility for Couples
What if my baby/child has an acute illness between appointments?
Parents are recommended to have a homeopathic first aid kit and good homeopathic book for acute treatment at home. I recommend Miranda Castro’s The Complete Homeopathic Handbook, Miranda gives sound advice alongside clear remedy pictures. Having a natural method at your fingertips is empowering for parents while providing speedy treatment for your child. Your homeopathic first aid book will recommend remedies and appropriate action, e.g. first aid measures, taking your child to A&E, contact your GP or NHS24 or homeopath.
Should you need to call or email the homeopath for an acute illness and a remedy is sent out then £10 may be charged, at the homeopaths’ discretion.
Can I contact you outside of the appointment times?
Between consultations a phone in time for a brief update is available free of charge on Fridays 10.00 –11.00 am.
Messages can be left on my answering service at other times. Email is useful, although your privacy cannot be guaranteed in correspondence via the internet. I intend to return your call or email within 24hours Monday to Friday.
I courteously ask you to observe that cancellations, within 24 hours of the appointment time, will be charged.
Simply Health, Health Shield, Standard Life and several other health insurance companies will accept claims for treatment, please check your policy for terms and conditions.
Where can I see a homeopath?
If you wish a consultation at one of my clinics in Edinburgh – call me for an appointment on 0131 664 9822 , 07777617473 or email .
Home visits
Home visits are available on request in Edinburgh, there is an additional charge, within Edinburgh city – £10 & up to 5 miles outside of Edinburgh - £20.
Telephone Only Consultations
I have telephone only appointments. The terms and conditions of these appointments are the same as face-to-face consultations. This way homeopathic treatment becomes accessible to those living far from experienced homeopaths or to maintain an existing treatment with your homeopath while abroad.
To access this service you will need to make your payment in advance either on the payment facility or by posting a cheque in advance of your telephone appointment. Email me for further information on how to access this service.
