Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine originating from Germany which treats every patient as a unique individual, and prescribes a remedy based on the totality of their physical and psychological symptoms. Homeopathic remedies contain micro doses of substances from a variety of plant, mineral and animal sources, which when carefully chosen stimulate the body’s ability to correct imbalances. In line with other research, Impact’s outcomes demonstrate that homeopathy is particularly effective in treating mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, and gynaecological/menstrual disorders. There are five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK, and over a thousand GPs practice homeopathy. In most cases, 6 – 12 consultations are required for successful completion of treatment.

“I have found this service very helpful. Since I’ve been seeing Fiona I have managed to come off antidepressants and I’ve gained lots more confidence which is great.”
Impact comments book

The first consultation lasts for around an hour and a half, during which a full history is taken, and the homeopath listens and takes notes. An understanding of the individual, as well as their history and specific symptoms, is required to assess each case accurately. After a careful analysis of all the information, a remedy is prescribed. Subsequent consultations last no more than half an hour.

Patients often report feeling better in themselves after taking the remedy, experiencing an increase in energy, and an improvement in the specific symptoms and sleeping patterns. On occasion, the symptoms appear to be worse for a short time. Patients frequently report feeling calmer and more balanced following an accurate prescription.

Consultations are generally held once a month, and become less frequent as progress continues. Generally, between six and twelve consultations are required for the successful treatment of a long term condition.

Carol, in her fifties, presented for treatment at the suggestion of her GP. On arrival, she was very agitated, anxious and tearful; the recent discovery that her blood pressure was raised had triggered acute anxiety. During the consultation, it emerged that the anxiety manifested in a number of ways; she was frightened of having a heart attack; she was experiencing panic attacks, especially at night; she was obsessive about neatness/tidiness, and unable to throw any item away. She was also having regular nightmares.

After homeopathic analysis of her symptoms, a remedy was prescribed. Two weeks later, she wrote a note saying she felt much better, “I am pleased to tell you I am so much better, I cannot believe what a difference it has made to me and my circumstances”. During the first follow-up consultation, it became clear that the prescription was accurate – her anxiety was much reduced, her obsessive behaviour had stopped and she was no longer having panic attacks or nightmares. Three and a half months after the first remedy, she experienced a relapse following a stressful family situation, and the remedy was successfully repeated. It was then repeated a third time after a further four months. She recently reported feeling well, with no return of the anxiety.

Professional Organisation Links

The Society of Homeopaths: www.homeopathy-soh.org
The Faculty of Homeopathy: www.trusthomeopathy.org
Royal London Homeopathic Hospital: www.uclh.nhs.uk/rlhh
Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital: www.ghh.info