Facts regarding homeopathy

Homeopathy has been used worldwide for over 200 years and is classed as a therapeutic form of medicine, it relies on the principle of like treating like, for example if you have an allergy to something, then the allergen would be used in very minute amounts in order to build up immunity to the allergen.

In order to avoid toxicity the substances are given very well diluted, this avoids any adverse reactions. Homeopathy is very often turned to by people who have tried everything that traditional medicine has to offer and are still suffering. It is used for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions with remedies been prescribed on a patient to patient basis.

The practitioner is very much like a traditional Doctor in that they will give the patient a full consultation in the first instance. This will include taking a full history of the patient, a full examination and investigation, the patient’s lifestyle including diet is also taken into account during the examination.

Is homeopathy available on the National Health Service?

Homeopathy is a very popular form of alternative medicine and as such it is available on the NHS, it has been available since the NHS began in 1948. There is currently 5 homeopathic hospitals available on the NHS as well as Doctors who specialise in homeopathic medicine also being available in traditional hospitals.

How do I get a referral for homeopathic treatment?

If you wish to look into having homeopathic treatment then you should ask your Doctor for a referral, in a recent study around 40% of Doctors now provide access to homeopathic services on the NHS. Once your Doctor has referred you, you will be contacted to either attend a homeopathic hospital if there is one in your area or within travelling distance or attend a clinic.

While you do not have the right to demand treatment the majority of Doctors will eventually refer you if you persist in asking for a referral. If you do have any problems getting a referral for homeopathic medicine then you can get in touch with the patient advice and liaison service.

Can i teach myself homeopathy or use over the counter treatment?

There are many over the counter remedies which are regarded as homeopathic, over the counter remedies are sold at many health stores but it is essential that you understand how to use them properly.

While you can treat yourself, it is always advisable to get the advice of a specialist; while many of the remedies are made from natural ingredients they can still sometimes have adverse reactions. If you are taking any medication prescribed by your Doctor then it is essential that you seek the advice of your Doctor or health care worker before treating yourself with homeopathic remedies.

What are the key points of homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a diverse subject and a form of alternative medicine which can be used to treat a wide range of complaints and illnesses. One of the bases by which homeopathy works is the belief of a vital energy force within the body, if this energy force becomes disrupted then illness rears its end. The basis behind homeopathy is to stimulate the healing process that the body has naturally, thus restoring the imbalance of energy and eliminating illness and disease.

Those who practise homeopathy believe that “like cures like”, meaning that if something is thought to be making a person ill then whatever it is, is given in very small amounts to build up tolerance. For example if someone was suffering from hay fever then small amounts of pollen or allergens would be introduced as a way of building up tolerance to them.

While there have been many explanations as to why homeopathy works, very few have been scientifically proven, if any. However this doesn’t stop a wide majority of people from believing in homeopathy and swearing that it has helped where more traditional medicine has failed.

More recently when research was conducted into homeopathy, some studies suggested that there was no strong evidence that homeopathy actually worked while others suggested that there were positive effects, however they couldn’t be scientifically explained.

What exactly is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a total healthcare system which has been built upon theory and practise. This means that any remedy given to a patient is only given after a full assessment of that individual; it is based upon the individual as a whole taking into account many factors and the symptoms of the illness or problem.

When making a diagnosis the homeopath will take into account the persons physical symptoms, lifestyle, emotions and mental state before reaching any conclusion. On the basis everyone when been treated by homeopathic medicine will be treated as an individual and as such the remedy for the illness will vary from person to person even if the same symptoms are present.

Does a homeopath have to have any special training?

Just as a Doctor of traditional medicine has to have training then so does one specialising in homeopathic medicine. In European countries a primary professional degree is pursed and this takes around 3 to 6 years to complete, it can also be undertaken as post graduate training for Doctors.

What are the homeopathic remedies?

All homeopathic remedies rely on totally natural substances; these substances either come from animal, mineral or plant material. They are diluted and are often prescribed in tablet, pellet or liquid form.