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.
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.
“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”
58 year old Sarah was referred for homeopathic treatment because of difficulty sleeping, with associated feelings of exhaustion, low mood and headaches. She felt that these symptoms began in the menopause four years earlier and that a brief spell of trying HRT had only made the symptoms worse. Additionally, a recent eye test had revealed a very high intraocular pressure of 31 and 33 Hg (normal range 10-21Hg).
After four months of homeopathic treatment alone, a retest revealed a considerable improvement in the eye pressure scores to 23Hg in each eye.
Her headaches and sleep pattern were improving also, and at the end of six months’ treatment Sarah was feeling much better in herself. Consultations had revealed some long-standing emotional stress which she had felt unable to talk about before. Her overall MYMOP score reduced from 4.33 to 2.0.
Professional Organisation Links
The Society of Homeopaths: www.homeopathy-soh.org
The Faculty of Homeopathy: www.trusthomeopathy.org
The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital for Integrated Medicine: www.uclh.nhs.uk/rlhh
Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital: www.ghh.info
