ABOUT HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a safe, effective and gentle system of healing which works by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. 

Homeopathic medicines are non-toxic, non-addictive and free from side effects.

Homeopathy is both a science and an art.  It is a system of medicine that takes into account the mental, emotional and physical characteristics of the individual.  In treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, it is extraordinarily effective in restoring health and vitality. 

Patients frequently report not just improvement in their physical and emotional health but that, because they feel better in themselves, they have been able to make beneficial changes in their lives.

Homeopathy does not treat the disease, it treats the person - individuality is the essence of homeopathic treatment.

Worldwide, homeopathy is the second most popular system of medicine (World Health Organisation, 2005) and in Europe alone over 100 million people benefit from homeopathic treatment.

HOW DOES HOMEOPATHY WORK?

Homeopathic medicine is based on the idea of treating 'like with like'.  This means that a substance that can create symptoms in a healthy person can also cure someone who is suffering from similar symptoms.  So, for instance, the homeopathic remedy made from stinging nettle, is a remedy frequently used in the treatment of hot, prickly conditions. Homeopaths have thousands of such remedies from which to choose.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT?

Homeopathy is suitable for anyone of any age, including babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly.  Homeopathic remedies can be taken safely alongside conventional medicines.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?

As a general rule, the longer you have had a particular condition, the longer treatment will take. If you have had your condition for many years it will probably take appointments over several months  (we often say one month for every year you have had the condition) before your symptoms are clear, although some improvement should be seen much sooner.  If your condition is more recent, you may only need a couple of appointments.  However, as everyone is an individual there will be variation.

HOW DO I KNOW IF HOMEOPATHY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Homeopathy is very personal and can be influenced by the relationship and rapport with your homeopath.  Please ring the Alexandria Healing Centre on 020 8579 7230 to arrange a no obligation chat to explore whether homeopathy can benefit you.  Interestingly, you don't have to believe in the benefits of homeopathy (although a willing partnership between patient and homeopath is always best) for it to be effective - homeopathy works on babies and even farm animals!

ABOUT HERBALISM

WHAT IS HERBAL MEDICINE?

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine known, and is used by 80% of the world's population today.  A great variety of plants are used to promote health and to prevent and treat disease.  You will probably be familiar with some of them, such as Echinacea, Ginkgo biloba and hawthorn, and the trained herbalist has hundreds more from which to choose.

Herbal medicine has a long tradition in all cultures, and recent research has begun to prove some of their huge benefits.

Today, herbalists benefit from the accumulated wisdom of Western and Eastern traditions combined with modern scientific research.  Whereas much modern conventional medicine can have unwelcome side effects, herbs provide a gentle but powerful solution to a wide range of conditions.

As well as relieving symptoms, herbal medicine also works on a deeper level to help patients return to full harmony.

Herbs prescribed are ethically and sustainably sourced, and organic wherever possible.

HOW DOES HERBAL MEDICINE WORK?

Herbs are composed of complex constituents that work together, balancing and complementing each other.  Every medicinal herb has known actions and qualities and has affinities with one or more body systems or organs.  Herbalists are trained to know these qualities and prescribe the herbs accordingly.

HOW ARE HERBAL MEDICINES TAKEN?

Herbs are often taken as tinctures (prepared by soaking fresh herbs in a solution of alcohol and water for several weeks, then straining and using the resulting liquid).  Often more than one herb will be prescribed at a time, and up to eight may be present in one bottle.  A month’s supply of herbs for an adult is usually 400ml – usually taken as one teaspoonful twice a day.