Homeopathy

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a safe and effective form of medicine that works by stimulating the body's own healing power; leading to improved physical and emotional health and a greater sense of well-being. It is widely used to treat adults, children and even animals. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural sources such as plants and minerals which are processed in such a way to raise their healing potential. They are completely safe.

Some complaints can heal without treatment, but when the healing process is faulty or slow, homeopathic treatment can stimulate the immune system to restore the body and mind to health.

Homeopathy can be used to treat almost any illness for which medical treatment would normally be sought. Nowadays, many people use homeopathy as an alternative to conventional medical treatment and others use it to complement the treatment they receive from their GP or consultant.  Treatment also helps prevent illness by stimulating the immune system to bring the patient to his or her optimum level of health.

Homeopathy works on the "law of similars" - also described as "treating like with like" - which was discovered by the founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, over 200 years ago. It works by prescribing a minute dose of a medicine that when given in large doses could cause the symptoms a sick person experiences. For example, it is known that coffee is a stimulant and can disturb sleep. When given as a homeopathic medicine (coffea) to a person experiencing similar symptoms, it will create the opposite effect and improve disturbed sleeping patterns.

Homeopathy treats the person as a whole, rather than simply treating the physical or emotional symptoms in isolation. Most people are aware that emotional imbalances such as grief and shock can lead to physical illness, if untreated or suppressed. The opposite is also true in that pain can cause depression, anxiety and stress. Therefore, the mind and body cannot be separated, both in disease and health.

Homeopaths treat each patient as an individual in order to find the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms he/she is experiencing. Therefore, time is taken to understand the complaint in the context of each person; to identify the physical and emotional symptoms; to investigate the cause of the illness; how it affects the patient’s day-to-day life and how he/she is coping with it.  Only then, can an appropriate prescription be made.

Siobhan Purcell, LCH RSHom

Siobhan Purcell trained at the College of Homeopathy, London from where she qualified in 2002. She subsequently completed an advanced homeopathy course with Orion Training in 2003. In 2000, she moved to New York and commuted to London to continue her studies such was, and still is, her passion for homeopathy. While living in New York, she worked with a homeopathic vet and observed the powerful effects of homeopathic medicine on animals. Since qualifying, Siobhan has worked in other multi-disciplinary practices in Brentwood and Buckhurst Hill and more recently in private practice. Siobhan treats both adults and children for a variety of mental, emotional and physical complaints. Almost any illness for which treatment is sought from a doctor or consultant can be treated homeopathically, however, the approach is completely different. More information about Siobhan and homeopathy can be found at her website: www.essexhomeopath.co.uk

Siobhan is a registered member of the Society of Homeopaths and adheres to their code of ethics. Continuing professional development is an integral part of her practice. Siobhan was classically trained but her approach to practice is flexible and tailored to suit the patient.