Homeopathy Simply Explained

One of a series of online leaflets, Homeopathy Simply Explained outlines how homeopathy works, what to expect from homeopathic treatment, and how to find a good homeopath.

Other leaflets in the series,

published by the Society of Homeopaths:

Homeopathy for Men.

Homeopathy in Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Homeopathy for Babies and Children

Homeopathy and the Menopause.
 

Coming Soon: Homeopathy for Stress and Anxiety

You may also like to read these web pages:

How Does Homeopathy Work?

How to Take Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic Treatment

Disclaimer

All remedies are taken at your own risk. Always read instructions on any product. Information on this site is not intended in any way as prescription or diagnosis, and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or other suitably qualified health professional. If you have a medical condition, or take prescription medication, please seek medical advice. Please read Terms and Conditions before using this website.

How does it work?

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power. This stimulus will assist your own system to clear itself of any expressions of imbalance. The aim is to get you to a level of health so that eventually you will need infrequent treatment.

What will your homeopath need to know?

In order to find the right remedy for you as an individual, your homeopath will need to know all about you. A detailed understanding of who you are, along with any complaints and details of how you experience them, is needed to assess your case correctly. So anything you can tell your homeopath that is typical of who you are will help this process. Finding out about your general energy level, your past medical history and the way you live are also important. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence. The initial consultation may last an hour or more.

What will the treatment be like?

Your homeopath will give you a homeopathic remedy, usually in the form of a tablet or tablets, occasionally as powders, which should be allowed to dissolve in your mouth; or you may be given a liquid remedy with instructions. Nothing else should be put in the mouth for 20 minutes before or after taking the tablet, not even toothpaste or cigarettes, Your homeopath will usually advise you to avoid coffee, peppermint and preparations containing menthol, eucalyptus and camphor, as these can interfere with the action of the homeopathic remedy. Do make sure that you understand the instructions before you leave.

If you are given homeopathic remedies to take at a later date be sure to store them in a cool dark place, away from anything with a strong smell. If you travel do not let the remedies go through the X-ray.

Please tell your homeopath about any medicine or supplement that has been prescribed for you by your doctor or that you take regularly. Also mention any recent or immediate dental treatment. These may possibly interfere with your homeopathic treatment.

Other treatments may affect your homeopathic treatment, so please do not take any form of medication, including homeopathic remedies without first asking your homeopath, who may be able to give you some first aid advice. If you develop a cold, headache, or any symptoms that concern you, please discuss them with your homeopath.

What will happen once treatment starts?

After taking your remedy you may notice some changes. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well being and optimism. Sometimes your symptoms can appear to get worse for a short time. This is a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of discharge may appear as a 'spring cleaning' effect which means your system is going through a cleaning stage. Similarly, old symptoms can reappear, usually for a short period. These symptoms will pass, and must not be treated as they are a very important part of the healing process. If any response to your treatment concerns you, do contact your homeopath as soon as you can, as it is important to know what happens as treatment progresses. You might also want to make notes of any changes and take them with you to discuss at your next appointment.

How long does treatment take?

This depends very much on what sort of illness you have, as well as the other individual characteristics of your case. So it is not realistic for your homeopath to assess this until it can be seen how you respond to the remedies prescribed over some time. It is possible to say that a slowly developing complaint, or one that has been experienced for some years, will not disappear immediately although there may be a response and some improvement quite soon. Other acute complaints may get better more quickly.

Homeopathy cures from the inside, and often outer symptoms such as a skin complaint, are the last to clear. Be patient! In the long term it is much better for you to be cured of both the cause of your illness and its symptoms, rather than merely relieving or suppressing the symptoms. Remember that every case is different, and no two patients are alike.

If you wish to discontinue your treatment for any reason, your homeopath will talk things over with you.

Is there any advice about diet and lifestyle?

A homeopath will ask you about your usual diet and lifestyle, and may suggest changes, especially if it seems that this is contributing to your illness. Of course, a good basic diet is necessary for good health, with less sugars, fats, alcohol and refined foods.

There is an increasing awareness of the benefits of foods free from artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. Whole foods and organic foods, free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers, are also increasingly available.

What about seeing a GP?

We recommend that you should maintain your relationship with your GP. Your GP will be able to arrange any tests or X-rays you may need. Homeopathy has an alternative philosophy but by working in this way with your GP the two systems of health care can provide complementary services.

Can I treat myself with homeopathic remedies?

You can use some remedies at home to treat first aid problems such as cuts, stings, minor burns and bruises. Ask your homeopath for further information or find your nearest class or seminar on this subject.

How do I find a qualified homeopath?

To find a homeopath, consult the Register of The Society of Homeopaths. All homeopaths registered with The Society practice in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics and Practice, hold professional insurance and have passed stringent academic and clinical assessments before being admitted to the Register.

Our Register is available free of charge by post or visit www.homeopathy-soh.org

Nothing contained in this leaflet should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting your homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Published by permission of the authors, the Society of Homeopaths

The Society of Homeopaths
11 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park,
Northampton NN3 6WL
Tel: 0845 450 6611 Fax: 0845 450 6622
Email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
www.homeopathy-soh.org