1. What is the principle of Homeopathy?
There are two approaches to treating illness: the law of opposites and the law of similars. Homeopathy operates on the law of similars, meaning a substance that causes sleeplessness in a healthy person can help treat sleeplessness in someone who is unwell. Similarly, a remedy that induces diarrhoea in a healthy individual can be used to treat diarrhoea in the sick. The remedy stimulates the body's natural healing processes, enhancing its ability to combat disease by boosting the immune system, which then works to restore health.
2. Why does the interview take so long?
The homeopath’s focus is not on the disease itself but on strengthening your immune response. To achieve this, they aim to understand your entire being—physical, intellectual, emotional, and even subconscious aspects. By assessing all these areas holistically, the homeopath can choose the most appropriate remedy. The in-depth case-taking process you engage in plays a crucial role, helping to gather and integrate all these aspects for a personalised treatment plan.
3. Is homeopathy always a slow-acting treatment that I’ll need to take indefinitely?
This is not accurate. Homeopathy can provide rapid and effective results in severe cases such as gallstones, renal colic, and abdominal colic, often within 5 to 10 minutes. It can lower a high fever in just 10 minutes and is also effective for chronic conditions like arthritis, skin allergies, or asthma, even if they've been present for 15 to 20 years. For such chronic issues, treatment typically requires administering the remedy over a period of six months to a year for optimal results.
4. Do the remedies have any side effects?
Any medication has the potential to cause side effects. Homeopathic remedies, if used without the guidance of a qualified homeopath, can also lead to adverse effects. However, the following factors minimise the risk of side effects with homeopathic treatment:
- The dosage is extremely small to non-existent.
- Remedies are prepared through serial dilutions and a process called potentisation, which reduces the physical quantity of the substance while enhancing its healing potential.
- A homeopath conducts a thorough and detailed assessment to find a remedy that matches your unique personality and symptoms, which reduces the likelihood of side effects.
5. What actions should I avoid during the treatment?
Avoid using balms, ointments, or similar products that contain camphor or menthol, as they can counteract the effects of the remedy and only provide temporary relief through irritation. Also, steer clear of strong perfumes. You may continue drinking your usual tea and coffee if you already do, but do not start consuming them during the treatment. Do not discontinue any allopathic medications on your own; they should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
6. Do I take the medication on an empty stomach?
Medication can be taken on an empty stomach, after breakfast, after lunch, or at any time of day. The only precaution is to avoid eating or drinking for 15-20 minutes before and after taking the remedy. This helps ensure proper absorption of the medication through the tongue.
7. Is it true that my symptoms might worsen before they completely improve? Why do some people experience a skin rash during treatment?
In some cases, you might experience what’s known as homeopathic aggravation. This is a positive sign during your treatment, indicating that symptoms may intensify temporarily before the issue resolves completely. An old, unresolved complaint may reappear briefly as part of the healing process. If this happens, remain calm and inform your homeopath right away; these symptoms will eventually subside.
Occasionally, a skin rash may develop during treatment. This occurs because the treatment helps move the disease from a deeper internal organ to a less critical external area, like the skin. Patients may experience flare-ups of previous skin issues, such as ringworm, eczema, or boils, depending on their susceptibility. These rashes indicate that the internal problem is being addressed and overall well-being is improving. The rash should also resolve relatively quickly.
8. What should I expect from the treatment?
What should I expect from the treatment?
You should notice improvements in several areas:
- The severity and frequency of your main symptoms.
- Your overall well-being, including appetite, sleep, dreams, and energy levels.
- Your mood and temperament.
- Your ability to handle stress, sensitive issues, and your overall mental state.
9. What if I develop a viral infection or any acute problem during the course of treatment?
Homeopathy can provide effective help for acute situations, often eliminating the need for other treatments. The remedies used in these cases act quickly to alleviate discomfort and pain. Sometimes, these acute episodes are specific to the individual and offer insights into long-standing issues, allowing for more effective treatment of chronic problems and reducing the frequency of acute episodes. If a crisis arises that requires specialist intervention, you will be advised on an appropriate course of action, including conventional medicine or NHS intervention.
10. Can my problem recur after the treatment?
The primary issue itself should not return after treatment. However, a mild episode of a chronic condition might occasionally reappear due to excessive physical or mental stress. These episodes will be infrequent and less intense, as the medication helps you manage stress more effectively and improves your ability to handle challenging situations.
11. How long can I store the remedy?
Homeopathic medications can maintain their potency for a long time if stored properly in a dry, cool, and dark place, away from sunlight. They should be discarded if they become moist or change colour. It’s important to keep the medication away from strong-smelling substances like camphor, mint, menthol, strong oils, and perfumes. Medications should be kept away from the source of electromagnetic radiation like mobile phones and microwaves.
12. Can homeopathy be used for infants?
Yes, homeopathy can be very effective for infants, including those just a few days or months old. Conditions such as infant colic, fevers, and colds can be managed successfully with homeopathic remedies.