Is homeopathy safe for everyone?
Because
the doses used are so small, homeopathy is safe for people of all ages, from newborn to the elderly. It can be used
by pregnant women and is used by people suffering from a wide range of conditions without fear of addiction.
What about aggravations or side effects?
Homeopathic
remedies have no side effects in the conventional way of thinking. In some cases there can be a slight aggravation of
symptoms after taking a remedy, which is part of the healing process and indicates that the remedy is working beneficially.
This is known as a homeopathic aggravation, and can represent in some cases a flushing out of toxins. An aggravation
certainly does not happen in every case and is more likely with patients very sensitive to other types of medication.
If you have concerns about the possibility of aggravation of symptoms,please do discuss it with me as there are often steps
that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the possibility of your symptoms worsening before they improve.
How are homeopathic remedies taken?
Homeopathic
remedies are taken in tablet or liquid form. The tablets are made from sucrose or lactose and have a pleasant taste.
Liquid remedies taste like water. Tablets that dissolve instantly on contact with the tongue can be used for infants
and small children. If preferred tablets can be dissolved in water before being administered. Sometimes creams are used
in specific skin conditions to assist with cracking and itching of the skin.
I have heard that there are many restrictions to diet
and lifestyle while taking homeopathic remedies. Is this true?
There are many theories with regard
to the possible antidoting of remedies with the use of strong substances such as coffee, eucalyptus or mint. I individually
assess the likelihood of any antidoting factors with each person and hence would not ask you to stop these substances routinely
unless the taking of such a substance were regarded as being part of your health problem - i.e. through excessive consumption
or extreme sensitivity. Whilst it is preferable to avoid eating or drinking anything while the remedy is actually administered
and for up to 15 minutes either side of taking each dose, I find that many people can continue to drink coffee without affecting
the remedy's action. I do make general suggestions for changes to diet and lifestyle that I think would be beneficial
to your overall health, but only where I think them to be necessary or where you request such guidance.
Can I use homeopathy alongside my existing medication?
Yes, you can. In fact, if you are on medication when you start homeopathic treatment, it is essential
that you keep taking it to avoid aggravating your symptoms or relapsing unnecessarily. After time, if you feel better
for having homeopathic treatment, you can discuss reduction of medications with your GP or consultant. Conversely, if
I have any concerns about your progress, I will refer you back to your GP or another healthcare professional who can help
you. Because homeopathic remedies work on an energetic level, there is no fear of negative interaction with whatever
medication you are taking.
Should I tell my GP I am having homeopathic treatment?
I
always prefer it if GP's are informed when you start homeopathic treatment, particularly if you are under regular treatment
from a GP or consultant. Not doing so could impact negatively on decisions regarding your healthcare or affect continuity
of care. I would be very happy to write to your GP on your behalf to keep him or her updated with your progress as and
when appropriate. However, the decision to allow contact is entirely yours. I am not able to contact either your GP
or any other health care professional on your behalf without your consent.
Is the consultation confidential?
Not
only is everything you tell me in the consultation completely confidential, but the very fact that you have chosen to come
and see me at all is held in confidence unless you choose it to be otherwise. Full details of the patient/practitioner
confidentiality clause to which I adhere can be found in the Society of Homeopath's Code of Ethics and Practice, via their
website (see Links page).
How long will I be in treatment for?
This
is a difficult question to answer without knowledge of your symptoms and the amount of time you have been suffering.
However, homeopathic remedies are only taken so long as there is a problem. Unlike many conventional drugs, they are
not intended to be taken for a prolonged period of time. Homeopathic remedies are stopped once symptoms cease to be a problem
and only resumed if you relapse or the situation changes. Whilst you are feeling well, you do not need to continue with
regular appointments. However, should you wish to continue with homeopathy as a preventative treatment once you feel
better, a regime can be put in place to help you maintain a good state of health. I often suggest that 3 to 4 appointments
might be considered to be a fair trial of homeopathy. However, if you start homeopathic treatment and decide it is not
for you, you are free to stop treatment at any time.
Can I get help with the cost of treatment?
Some
health insurance policies now cover homeopathy, for example Simply Health (formerly HSA), so it is well worth checking an
existing policy or researching other policies available. Homeopathy is available on the NHS via referral from your GP
to one of the Homeopathic Hospitals, however this facility is limited and the waiting list is usually quite long. If
you are on benefit or have concerns about the cost of having homeopathic treatment, please do feel free to discuss this with
me.
