What Happens In A Homeopathic Consultation? An Interview With Hilary Fairclough by Jane Thurnell-Read

I asked my friend Hilary Fairclough to answer this for me - she's a skilled homeopath working in London and in Penzance (Cornwall, UK).

What is homeopathy?

" Homeopathy is a holistic system of healing which has been used in the UK for over 200 years. In 1796 a brilliant doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, developed the scientific and philosophical foundations of this gentler way of healing. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural sources, mostly plants, minerals and metals which undergo a process of 'potentisation'. This creates tiny doses which have a vital therapeutic action, stimulating the bodys own healing power."

Who can benefit from homeopathy?

"Homeopathy is a safe medicine: there is no danger of addiction, toxicity or side-effects. It is therefore suitable for everyone including babies, children, pregnant women and elderly people. Homeopathy treats the person not the disease so a wide range of conditions respond well to homeopathic treatment including:-

• Digestive disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Respiratory complaints
• Circulatory problems
• Skin conditions
• Recurring infections
• Stress related problems
• Chronic conditions
• Muscular and joint complaints
• Emotional problems"

What happens in a typical homeopathy session?

"Homeopaths understand that establishing good health involves treating both mind and body, therefore time is taken to listen to your emotional and physical symptoms. The homeopathic consultation also involves observation, for example noting the appearance of a skin complaint, but not physical examination.

"The first consultation involves you being asked questions about your current ill-health, your previous medical history and aspects of your physical and emotional make-up, for example, stress, mood, sleep, energy levels, appetite. As homeopaths we try to find out what is individual about you in order to find the right remedy to help make you well."

How often is homeopathy needed and how many sessions will be required?

"How often homeopathy is needed depends on how serious your complaint is and how long you have had it for. Follow-up consultations are usually monthly or every 3-8 weeks. As a rough guide you might need a months homeopathy for every year you have had your complaint, so if, for example you have had symptoms for the last 2 years, 2 consultations may be enough."

How can a good homeopath be found?

"There are professional organisations which register fully trained homeopaths, and so you could approach them to find a homeopath close to you. As well as being a busy homeopath Hilary has founded a charity to bring homeopathy to HIV and rape victims in Maun, Botswana, southern Africa. Click here to learn more about the charity's work."
Have a look at these homeopathic case studies. We have homeopathic kits for sale in our online shop.

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