A survey in 2015 indicated that 79% of the population are open to the idea of homeopathy [1]. If you are interested in ways of supporting your health using an individually tailored and natural approach, then homeopathy can help. This post aims to give you an introduction to what happens when you see a homeopath and what happens in a homeopathy session.

What is it like to have a homeopathy session

1. Homeopathy Is Genuinely Holistic

“Homeopathy involves treating the individual with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their specific symptoms and personal health, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient.”

Homeopaths consider the whole person. Our remedies each have a profile, some extremely detailed. These cover the range of symptoms and characteristics covered by that remedy physically and emotionally. We have thousands of remedies to choose from, and different strengths that we can use. The role of the homeopath is to match one or more of these remedies to their patient so that not only are their symptoms covered by the remedy, it matches them as a person. In effect, what we aim for is an individually tailored tonic.

2. A Homeopathy Session Is Detailed

When we meet patients for the first time, we usually allow more time so that we can take a full case history. Often we will book a homeopathy session for one and a half hours for adults, maybe less for children. This gives us  time to go through your current concerns, and to then talk through your health and relevant life history.

Homeopaths consider each part and system of the physical body, so that where symptoms exist we factor in that detail. But we will also wish to gain an appreciation of your general physical constitution – where are the areas that give you trouble, e.g. digestion, skin, respiratory, etc. What you are affected by – heat, cold, damp, which foods do you like and which ones do not like you, are you a fresh air junkie or do you struggle if you are in a draught? Do you love to be in the mountains or the sea? What makes you feel better and what makes you feel worse. In this way we build up a detailed picture of your physical constitution.

We also try to gain an understanding of what it is like to be you – to walk in your shoes. What makes you happy, sad, or angry? How you live – how you would like to live. If you have come for a homeopathy session around an emotional issue, how you are coping with stress for example, then we try to understand what it is like for you. How you feel, what triggers it, when did it start, etc. Because our remedy profiles are so detailed, they cover this kind of information which then allows us to further tailor the remedy to the person.

With a physical or emotional condition we will also take into account what was happening in your life before or when it started. Sometimes a change such as moving house, schools or jobs, a stressful situation at work, or a change in relationships can be very relevant. The remedy selected by the homeopath will often include these kinds of factors as part of matching the remedy to the patient.

The homeopath will allow different time and emphasis within the session when taking your case depending upon what you would like to have some help with. And you can decide what you bring and discuss at the homeopathy session – the approach works for people who are gregarious open souls, as well as those of us who are more private.

3. A Homeopathy Session Offers A Judgement-Free Zone

How often in life do we find a safe, non-judgemental space in which to discuss and explore our health, thoughts and feelings? In the accepting space of a homeopathy session you may be listened to in a different way. One that you might not have experienced before – one that enables you to reflect and make connections. It may be that in the discussion light bulb moments occur that help people rediscover themselves in this busy life. Connecting with who they really are underneath all the family and work roles we inhabit. Discovering meaning and creativity.

As homeopaths we are not attempting psycho-analysis, but gathering the information we need to in order to make that remedy match. For me, I also enjoy the added bonus of helping people gain insights and gather resources to help them in living healthier and happier lives.

What we discuss is confidential, the session is for you and about you.

4. There Is Plenty Of Time In A Homeopathy Session

The initial homeopathy session and subsequent follow ups, usually around an hour, give us time to cover the necessary ground. There is time to gather information, consider responses to remedies, your progress, and making any adjustments to the prescription. Where it is helpful, we may also consider lifestyle support measures around diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc. as appropriate.

The breadth and depth of homeopathy allows people to use the time in different ways and for different reasons. Sometimes people will book a series of appointments for help with particular issue, and for others it is an ongoing resource they choose to support their health as and when they feel it would be helpful.

5. Variations On A Theme

I have written this post based upon my own experience and homeopathy practice because that is what I can draw upon to share with you. There are many different approaches within homeopathy and different types of practitioner. If you are curious about this deep and elegant system of medicine, it can be worth approaching a few different homeopaths and talking to them about how they practice. Then you can find the best match for you.

I am registered with the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths and you can find out more about homeopathy and search for local homeopaths on their website.

Homeopathy is a thorough, careful and considered approach to supporting good health. Most homeopaths will have undertaken years of training to support their patient’s well-being on every level. Homeopaths may also have different therapeutic skill sets, drawing upon previous training and experience as well as continuing our professional development so that we have even more to offer our patients.

There are so many different ways in which homeopathy can be supportive. My post Evidence for Homeopathy and the Find A Homeopath testimonials page also give you information and links for homeopathy and when people have found it to be of help.

I hope you have found this to be of interest and if you have any questions about what happens when you have a homeopathy session, or would like to book a free initial meeting, please do contact me.

References and Resources:
[1] February 2015, a major market research survey in homeopathy was commissioned by the 4Homeopathy (4H) group, with Boiron, a leading manufacturer of homeopathic medicines. Manchester-based market research company Mustard conducted the research.
[2] Alliance of Registered Homeopaths
[3] Find A Homeopath