In this section:
- What is homeopathy?
- How does homeopathy work?
- What can homeopathy treat?
- What are the benefits of homeopathy?
- Who can benefit from homeopathy?
- What happens during the consultation?
- What happens next?
- What if I am already taking prescribed medicine?
- How do I book an appointment?
- How much does it cost?
- Are remedies included in the price?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- How do I take and store my remedies?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
- Can I get advice outside of the consultation?
- What should I do in an emergency?
- Can I come in without an appointment?
- Are home visits available?
- Is homeopathy covered by healthcare insurance?
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural and safe alternative to conventional medicine, which stimulates the body to heal itself. It treats the whole person by recognising the relationship between mind, body and emotions.
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy recognises that there is a vital energy within the body and that during ill-health this vital energy produces symptoms as the body’s attempt to naturally heal itself from an internal imbalance. Remedies are prescribed based on the principle of ‘like cures like’, to work with the body to heal itself gently. For example, one of the remedies now used to treat insomnia is coffee, which in its natural form can cause insomnia.
What can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy can treat a wide range of complaints, including:
- Childhood Illnesses – teething, colic, glue ear, attention deficit, hyperactivity, bedwetting, delayed development, measles, chicken pox, mumps
- Chronic Conditions – arthritis, backache, fatigue, ME, migraines, allergies, insomnia, high or low blood pressure
- Digestive Disorders – indigestion, colitis, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn
- Emotional Disturbances – anxiety, grief, depression, panic attacks, phobias, shock
- Hormonal Imbalances – painful periods, menstrual problems, PMT, menopausal problems, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disorders, infertility, endometriosis
- Pregnancy and Childbirth – morning sickness, swollen ankles, urinary problems, labour, healing, breastfeeding difficulties, baby blues
- Recurrent Infections – tonsillitis, flu, ear infections, cystitis, thrush, herpes, mouth ulcers
- Respiratory Disorders – coughs, sinusitis, hayfever, asthma, bronchitis
- Skin Problems – eczema, acne, psoriasis, heat rash
What are the benefits of homeopathy?
Homeopathic medicine offers a number of benefits to those who use it:
- Homeopathy differs from normal medicine by working with your body to treat the cause of the illness, not just the symptoms, thereby encouraging your body to restore any imbalance from within.
- By addressing the underlying cause of illness, homeopathy boosts your immune system, helping to prevent ill-health and improve your ability to cope with stress in the future.
- Homeopathic remedies offer a safe, natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, without unwanted long-term side effects.
- In addition to experiencing improvements in the complaint for which you are seeking treatment, you may also find you have more energy, you sleep better and you generally feel better in yourself as a result of using homeopathy.
Who can benefit from homeopathy?
Everyone can benefit; from birth through childhood, teens and adult years. As the remedies are non-toxic and non-addictive, they can also be used during pregnancy and childbirth. Homeopathy is useful in the treatment of recent complaints as well as long-standing, chronic conditions.
What happens during the consultation?
Your first appointment will last up to one and a half hours. You will be asked detailed questions about your condition, as well as your past medical history, emotional make-up, sleep patterns, lifestyle and your family’s medical history. All of this information helps to ensure that the best remedies are selected for your individual needs.
What happens next?
You will be given homeopathic remedies to treat your condition. These will either be given to you at the end of the consultation or sent to you by post afterwards. Your progress will be monitored at the follow-up appointment, normally about four weeks later. This appointment will last approximately 45 minutes. Your recovery rate and the number of appointments you will need will depend on the nature and duration of your illness and on your individual vitality.
What if I am already taking prescribed medicine?
Many people choose to take homeopathic remedies alongside medication prescribed by their doctor. In this case, as your condition improves you may be able to safely reduce your prescribed medication, thereby avoiding any side-effects you might have experienced. Always consult with your GP before reducing or withdrawing any medication and do not suddenly stop taking medication without ensuring it is safe to do so.
How do I book an appointment?
Please telephone the C.H.A.I.M. Centre on 020 8452 0900 or email info@chaimcentre.com to book an appointment.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a consultation is £60 for the first appointment and £45 for follow up appointments. Consultations for children (including the first appointment) are charged at £45.
Are remedies included in the price?
Yes. All consultation fees include your remedies.
What methods of payment do you accept?
You can pay by either cash or cheque. I am afraid that I do not have credit card facilities.
How do I take and store my remedies?
Remedies should be handled as little as possible. Use a spoon to remove one pill from the packet, put it in your mouth and suck it until it dissolves. Remedies should not be taken within fifteen minutes before or after eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. They should be stored in a cool, dark place away from strong smells, e.g. peppermint, coffee, menthol or eucalyptus, and also away from mobile phones and electrical equipment.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. In the event that you need to re-arrange or cancel your appointment, please call the C.H.A.I.M. Centre on 020 8452 0900 as soon as possible. I ask for at least two working days notice for cancellations. Cancellations made within 24 hours and missed appointments will be charged in full.
Can I get advice outside of the consultation?
Yes. Ongoing support and advice is available between appointments as required. You can telephone me on 020 8203 5681 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. If there is no answer, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may email me at nicola@roadtobetterhealth.co.uk and I aim to respond within 48 hours.
What should I do in an emergency?
If you are unable to contact me for any reason, but would still like homeopathic advice, the Homeopathic Helpline provides telephone cover from 9 a.m. to midnight everyday of the year. The telephone number for this service is 09065 343 404. Calls are charged at £1.50 per minute and you will be recommended a remedy to purchase from a pharmacy or health food store.
If you have any doubts in an emergency situation, you should contact your GP or Casualty Department.
Can I come in without an appointment?
Yes, a walk-in clinic is available with no prior booking needed. You can use the walk-in clinic for minor ailments such as coughs, colds, stomach upsets, travel or vaccination advice and sports injuries. You will be given 15 minutes and the charge is £15, including remedies. The walk-in clinic is available at the C.H.A.I.M. Centre every Tuesday 4.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Are home visits available?
In exceptional cases, e.g. for those with mobility issues, home visits may be arranged. There is a £10 surcharge per visit. Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Is homeopathy covered by healthcare insurance?
A number of insurance companies offer some kind of cover for homeopathic treatment. At present they are:
- Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund
0121 454 3601 www.bhsf.co.uk - Foresters
08457 990 099 www.foresters.co.uk - Health Shield
01270 588 555 www.healthshield.co.uk - HSA Healthcare
0800 085 4321 www.hsa.co.uk - Norwich Union Health Insurance
0870 900 1035 www.norwichunion.com - Patient Aid Association
01902 371 000 www.paycare.org - Standard Life Healthcare
0800 333 350 http://uk.standardlifehealthcare.com/content/index.html - Westfield Health Scheme
Sales: 0845 602 1629 Customers: 0114 250 2000 www.westfield-health.org.uk
Always contact your insurance company first to check their level of cover. Some may cover all or only part of your fees; some may only cover homeopathic consultations via GP referral; and some may only cover homeopaths registered with specific professional associations – I am registered with the Society of Homeopaths.
