A homeopath is a health practitioner who uses complementary/alternative medicine on the belief that the body can heal itself. It is a “complete system of medicine that treats mental, emotional and physical illnesses” – ARH (Alliance of Registered Homeopaths).

Homeopaths believe that the mind and body operate as one. You cannot treat one part of the body without affecting the whole.

Disease is seen as a disturbance to the normal equilibrium of the body, both physical and emotional.

Treatments are chosen to fit the characteristics of the patient, physical complaints are considered in relation to mental and emotional states and vice-versa. Rather than treating only a particular disease or illness, the homeopath treats the unique person’s suffering of the disease.

Homeopaths work on the principle that “like cures like”; a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to remove them.

Here’s an example:

Coffee is a stimulant that can cause temporary insomnia. However in minute homeopathic doses it can be used to relieve that same insomnia.

Homeopathy was founded in the late 1700s in Germany and has been widely practiced throughout Europe. Homeopathic medicine views symptoms of illness as normal responses of the body as it attempts to regain health.

?Homeopathy is for everyone

Homeopaths treat people of all ages, from babies and children right up to elderly adults. Many homeopaths believe that homeopathy can help with most physical and mental conditions:

Homeopaths often see patients with a variety of conditions which include:

• allergies
• arthritis
• asthma
• dermatitis (an allergic skin condition)
• ear infections
• hay fever
• high blood pressure
• IBS
• mental health conditions, such as depression, stress and anxiety

When prescribed by a trained homeopath, homeopathic medicines are safe, non-toxic and non-addictive. They can be taken alongside prescription drugs and will not interfere with any of their beneficial actions.

1. What happens in a homeopath consultation?

Typically an initial consultation lasts 1-2 hours. The homeopath will need to get a complete picture of your condition and past medical history.

They will ask you about many aspects of your life including your emotional state, sleep patterns and how you cope with stress.

The homeopath will then choose a treatment that most closely matches your unique pattern of symptoms.

?How are medicines supplied?

Typically in a powder, liquid or tablet form with a small amount of active ingredient from a plant or mineral.

?How are homeopaths verified?

Anyone can call themselves a homeopath in the UK., even if they have no qualifications or experience.

You can have confidence in a homeopath by looking for one that is registered with a voluntary organisation such as the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths.

The ARH has a “Find a Homeopath” section where you can look up and verify any registered homeopath: www.a-r-h.org/find-a-homeopath.

All members must subscribe to their code of ethics and have adequate insurance. They must also have completed a homeopathy qualification from a qualifying college, or have been in practice for 3 years and be registered with a professional body.