Helen Saunders, RSHom LCH Registered Homeopath

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy was developed over 250 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German Doctor.
The fundamental principle of homeopathy is that any substance which can produce symptoms in a healthy person, can also, if specially prepared and diluted cure those same symptoms in someone who is sick. This principle is called the Principle of Similars (or 'Like Cures Like').

For example, coffee contains stimulants that cause restlessness and insomnia in some people. In homeopathy a person needing the remedy made from coffee (coffea) would suffer those symptoms. Another example is an onion, which, when being chopped, can cause streaming eyes and a runny nose. The Homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa, which is derived from onions, would be used to treat these symptoms and is often prescribed for Hayfever.

A safe and gentle, yet profoundly effective form of treatment, Homeopathy works by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine with a proven track record using natural substances, treating the whole person on all levels, physical, mental and emotional. It also recognises that individuals suffer illness in different ways. This means that for the same condition two people may require completely different remedies. Homeopathy recognises that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient as an individual who needs treatment rather than the disease itself. If the central imbalance is treated then other symptoms will disappear. It treats the problem at its roots.

How are Remedies made and what is in them?

Remedies are made from a wide variety of natural substances, drawn mainly from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. They are prepared in special Homeopathic Pharmacies. The substance undergoes a process known as 'potentisation', which includes 'dilution' and 'succussion'. This process creates a highly diluted remedy which contains a strong therapeutic action, with no dangerous side-effects. Remedies are given in the liquid form or more commonly soaked into tablets for easy dispensing.

As new remedies are introduced they are tested on healthy volunteers to see what symptoms they produce, working on the principle that 'like cures like' and enhancing the number of remedies we can utilise in Homeopathy.

How quickly will I feel the benefit?

This depends on what sort of illness you have. A very slowly developing complaint will not disappear overnight but other complaints can improve quickly. When the most appropriate remedy is taken, it appears to act as a catalyst, giving the self-balancing and self-curative potential of the body the stimulus it needs. As a result, when improvement takes place it should not be limited to the piecemeal disappearance of symptoms. Often a patient will start to feel "better in themselves". This may include increased energy, greater enjoyment of life and better sleep. A rough guide to bear in mind is that it takes about one month of treatment for every year that you have suffered a particular condition. Although symptoms can disappear very quickly patience and commitment is also required.

I usually recommend at least 3 sessions to enable us to establish changes in health. The aim is to get you to a level of health so that eventually you need infrequent treatment. It is important to view a return to good health as a process or journey.

What does treatment involve?

Initially, it will involve a consultation of about one and a half hours during which I would find out through sensitive and detailed questioning all about you and your current symptoms, your medical history, stress load, sleep pattern, energy levels, digestive health, family health and any allergies. You are seen as a partner in the healing process rather than as a passive party. For many individuals the first consultation can be a very therapeutic experience. It may be the first time you have been able to talk at such length about yourself and your illness and what has lead you to your level of health at the consultation.

For many conditions I will give either dietary and other advice or an information sheet to take away with you. This recognises that certain foods can contribute to your condition. It does not take the place of the homeopathic treatment but is in addition to it.

For children the consultation is shorter, usually about an hour for the first consultation, recognising shorter attention spans! I make use of toys and art materials to make the process as enjoyable as possible.

I will then spend time after the consultation assessing the information that you have given and will prescribe a remedy.

Your reaction to that remedy will be assessed at subsequent consultations, which are normally one month apart.

Homeopathy is subject to a strict code of ethics. You can be assured that the information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Need More Information?

If you would like to obtain further written information about how Homeopathy can help you please click here to email me and I will send you information leaflets that will help you when considering the best options for you. The leaflets cover such topics as: Fibroids, the Menopause (including HRT - is it right for you?), Homeopathy for people taking long-term medication, Student Stress, the menopause from the male perspective and Hayfever. Please indicate what leaflets are of interest to you and I will e-mail them back to you as soon as possible.

If all your questions are not answered by this website and you would like to meet me to discuss how homeopathy could help you before going ahead with treatment I offer 15 minute free consultations at all the places I practice (subject to availability). Otherwise please do not hesitate to call me either to make an appointment or seek further information.


...... and finally a quote from a couple of well-known historical figures.

"The cure of the part should not be attempted without treatment of the whole, and also no attempt should be made to cure the body without the soul. For this is the error of our day in the treatment of the human body, that physicians seperate the soul from the body" PLATO

"It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has" HIPPOCRATES - the father of medicine - born 460BC - died 377BC