Homeopathy is a branch of complementary and alternative medicine and is based on the principle of treating 'like with like'. Substances which cause certain symptoms when taken in large doses are used by homeopaths in small amounts to relieve similar symptoms. An individual is treated with very diluted substances, usually given in tablet form, in order to trigger the body's natural system of healin
g. Homeopaths decide on the most appropriate treatment for the patient on the basis of the symptoms the patient experiences. A range of conditions are addressed; they might be physical problems, such as skin ailments, asthma or arthritis, or they might be of an emotional or psychological nature, like depression or phobias. Homeopaths adopt a holistic approach with their patients, treating the person as a whole, including past and present symptoms. Patients may seek treatment themselves or be referred to a homeopath by their GP. Duration of treatment varies from weeks to months or years, depending on the severity of the disorder. Most practitioners are solely homeopaths but some are also trained in conventional medicine and practice as doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons.
