What to expect...
As remedy selection relies on getting a good picture of a person as an individual, the beginning of treatment can be pretty intensive. The first consultation lasts an hour and a half and, in this time, you will be asked to describe in detail your current state of health: your symptoms and your feelings about them. You will be asked about your medical history, including that of your immediate family, your energy levels, food likes and dislikes, sleep patterns and how you react to the surrounding environment - for example, changes in weather. I will need to know what makes the symptoms better or worse, when they occur and whether you consider that they are related to any problems in the past or present.
After this consultation, I will work on choosing the remedy that matches your case most closely and will send this remedy on to you a few days later. The first follow-up appointment (approximately 45 minutes) is usually about 4 weeks later, when I will evaluate your response to this remedy in detail in order to determine the next step forwards.
Responses can be rapid so that only two or three appointments may be necessary. The response varies with the type of symptoms present and the unique features of every case: no two people are alike. Conditions that have been present for a long time generally take longer to resolve, although there may be an improvement quite soon after taking a remedy.
Homeopathy works from the inside out rather than just relieving or suppressing symptoms, so that an outer complaint such as a skin condition may be the last to go. Be patient! It is better for us to address both the cause of the illness and its symptoms than aiming only to relieve or suppress them. When they go, you should be at a higher level of health altogether.
The treatment may bring relief very quickly, whilst some people may ask for on-going support. The aim is to improve the level of health to such a stage that treatment is only needed infrequently.
After initial successful treatment, many people attribute their continuing good health and high energy levels to a yearly homeopathic "MOT". This may help tp maximise health and prevent illness.
What about seeing my GP?
Do maintain this relationship. Your GP can arrange tests and monitor your condition. Although the philosophy of homeopathy is different from that of conventional medicine, the two systems can be complementary.
If you would like to discuss how homeopathy can help you, or have any questions, do contact me on 020 7813 9490 or mary@acanthushomeopathy.co.uk.
