Homeopathy literally means 'similar suffering'. It is a comprehensive system of medicine based on the principle that where a substance causes certain symptoms to appear in a healthy person, minute amounts of that same substance will cure these symptoms when they appear in a sick person. So for example, coffee in large doses can make it difficult to get to sleep. Homeopathic coffee (known as 'coffea') is a key remedy for insomnia. Onions make your eyes stream; homeopathic onion (known as 'Allium Cepa') is an important remedy for hayfever and the first stages of a cold when the eyes are affected in the same way.

This key principle of homeopathy, known as 'like cures like' was known by the Greeks and Romans, and written about by Paracelsus in the 15th century. But it was Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, who 'rediscovered' homeopathy in the early 19th century and on whose work modern homeopathy is based. Today, homeopathy is used by millions of people worldwide, including the British Royal Family.

There are over 3000 homeopathic remedies in use and new remedies are being discovered all the time. Most are made from plants and minerals, but there are remedies made from snake venom, dog's milk and all sorts of other substances - even sunlight. Homeopathic remedies are made by diluting and sucussing (shaking) a substance many hundreds - and even thousands - of times in a process called potentisation. The greater the dilution, the more potent a remedy becomes. In theory any substance at all can be made into a homeopathic remedy and used to treat the symptoms that it produces in healthy people. These are identified by a rigorous process called a 'proving' (from the German word 'prüfen' meaning 'to test').

However, what makes a remedy truly homeopathic is the way in which it is prescribed. Homeopathy is a holistic medicine, which means that the whole person is taken into account when selecting a remedy for an individual. A professional homeopath will find out a great deal about a person wanting treatment, not only information about the condition needing treatment, but also the person's medical history, personality, and likes and dislikes. All of these will help to select a remedy that matches the unique characteristics of an individual.

Homeopathic remedies are taken in the form of small sugar tablets that dissolve in the mouth. They are completely safe for everyone - babies, children, pregnant women, older people, people who are seriously ill and those on prescription drugs. Homeopathic remedies do not have toxic side effects and work by stimulating the body's own immune system and healing power to resolve imbalances in the body that have resulted in illness, pain, discomfort and distress. Homeopathy is effective for physical, emotional and psychological conditions, both chronic and acute.

Just about anything!

Homeopathy can be very effective in alleviating chronic problems where conventional medicine can only offer symptomatic relief through prescribed medicines which may have unpleasant side effects. These are just some of the conditions which can be successfully treated using homeopathy:

Physical problems, such as
· Asthma
· Eczema
· Hay Fever and other allergies
· Repeated infections
· Glandular fever
· Chronic fatigue
· IBS
· High Blood Pressure
· Gallbladder problems
· Headaches
· Menopausal symptoms - an alternative to HRT
· Morning sickness and other pregnancy - related ailments
· Premenstrual and menstrual problems

Psychological problems such as
· Anxiety
· Panic Attacks
· Depression
· Stress
· Learning difficulties in children
· ADHD
· Bedwetting

Concerns about Children's health, such as
· Constant colds, ear or chest infections
· Low energy
· Poor appetite
· Baby colic
· Skin problems from cradle cap to eczema
· Asthmatic tendencies

Homeopathy can also be a great way to maintain health through times of transition, such as pregnancy, menopause, relationship or work changes, or when coming to terms with loss or trauma. These are the times when our health is usually most often compromised. Regular homeopathic treatment will strengthen and support you at these times and often avoid the need for prescription medicines.

What will happen at my first appointment?
The first consultation usually lasts about an hour and a half or one hour for children. The homeopath will ask you to explain the background to your current health problems in some detail, and ask questions about your symptoms. She will also need to find out about your medical history, your temperament and personality, and the major events in your life that have affected you. Food likes and dislikes, the sort of weather you prefer and your energy and sleep patterns will also be taken into account. At the end of the consultation, the homeopath will usually give you some remedies to take over the course of the coming month, talk about how to take the tablets and answer any questions you may have.

How long will it take to get better using homeopathy?
This varies enormously as no two people are the same. The amount of time it will take for your symptoms to go completely will depend on how long you have had them, your overall energy and the type of problem you have. Homeopathy is a gentle medicine which works on the underlying imbalance causing ill health, rather than by simply suppressing symptoms. The result is a lasting improvement, but this can take time. However, you should see or feel some benefits after 2-3 consultations.

How often will I need to come for an appointment?
Consultations are usually arranged at monthly intervals which give the remedies a chance to make a difference. Sometimes the homeopath will want to see you sooner, especially with acute problems or flare-ups.

Do I have to stop taking the medicines I am having from the doctor?
No, it is never recommended that you stop taking any prescribed medication without discussion with your GP or consultant. Homeopathic remedies will still work alongside prescribed medication, although they may take a little longer to have an effect.

What can I expect after taking a homeopathic remedy?
Sometimes, especially after you take your very first homeopathic remedies, you may experience a runny nose, loose stool or other signs that your body is having a bit of a 'spring clean' and getting rid of toxins that are blocking your body's natural ability to heal itself. These symptoms are usually painless and will pass in a few days. Similarly, the problem you have may appear to get a bit worse initially and then calm down and improve. This is all part of the natural process of healing and is usually accompanied by a feeling of well-being and greater energy.

Will I have to stop drinking coffee or using mint toothpaste?
Not unless you are able to without too much suffering! It is believed by some homeopaths that coffee, mint and a few other strong smelling substances can antidote homeopathic remedies, but this is not true for all people or all remedies, so it's a personal choice.

Will I need to take tablets every day?
It depends on the nature of your problem, your overall energy and the amount of prescribed medication you are taking. Homeopathic remedies work by 'nudging' your body in the direction of healing, and some people need more frequent 'nudging' than others. So you may be given tablets to take daily or just once a week.

Is homeopathy available on the NHS?
There are 5 homeopathic hospitals in the UK, offering homeopathy on the NHS, but none in Birmingham or the West Midlands. A few GPs have a medical qualification in homeopathy and give homeopathic remedies alongside conventional treatment. However, most homeopaths practice privately. It is possible for GPs to refer patients to local homeopaths if their funding arrangements allow for this.

Many people subscribe to the Hospital Savings Association or Birmingham Hospitals Saturday Fund which will cover 50% of the cost of homeopathic treatment up to an agreed maximum amount each year. Leaflets are available at the BAC Centre.

Is homeopathy safe?
Homeopathy is a completely safe form of medicine for everyone, from tiny babies and pregnant women through to elderly and very sick people. It is safe because it is based on an energetic understanding of healing.
Homeopathic remedies are made by diluting natural substances many hundreds and thousands of times, usually beyond the point where there is even a molecule of the original substance left in them. It is as if they hold a memory of the original substance, which can stimulate healing if it resonates with a particular individual. If it does not resonate, it will do nothing and cause no harm.
Homeopathic remedies are usually given in the form of tiny sugar pills coated with a single drop of the potentised (diluted) remedy. They are easy to take, and children love them! Liquid forms of the remedy dissolved in water are usually given in dropper bottles for administering to very small babies.

Because homeopathic remedies are so safe, it is possible for anyone to treat themselves for simple everyday ailments using common homeopathic remedies. These are available to buy in chemists and health food stores. Home remedy kits, and kits for childbirth and travelling are available to purchase from the BAC Centre. The kits include a guide to help in selecting the right remedy.

Adults:
New patient initial consultation and treatment: £50 (1.5 hours)
Follow up treatment: £40 (1 hour)

Children:
New patient initial consultation and treatment: £36 (1 hour)
Follow up treatment: £36 (1 hour)

Costs include homeopathic remedies.

Also on sale at the BAC Centre:
- Ainsworths home remedy kit £36.95 (42 remedies)
- SOS Skin Rescue Cream to support natural treatment of eczema and psoriasis: £8.95 (50ml), £14.95 (100ml)

www.a-r-h.org - the website of the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths. Includes the ARH code of ethics for registered practitioners, how to get help with treatment costs and a 'Find a Homeopath' guide for the whole of the UK. The ARH also publishes a free guide to homeopathy colleges in the UK, available through the website.

www.helios.co.uk - the website of Helios homeopathic pharmacy, where you can order homeopathic remedies and books online.

www.trusthomeopathy.org - the website of the British Homeopathic Association and the Homeopathic Trust. Includes evidence published in the Lancet and British Medical Journal supporting homeopathy and details of 'Friends' groups around the country which put on talks and events for people interested in knowing more about homeopathy.

www.homeopathyhome.com - a useful American site bringing together all sorts of homeopathy resources on the web and including a discussion forum.

www.bahvs.com - the website of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons. Lists homeopathic vets in the UK.

www.homeopathycharity.com - the website of Frontline Homeopathy which provides homeopathic treatment and education in developing countries and in areas of the world suffering the effects of war, natural disaster and poverty.

www.informedparent.co.uk - a support network for parents seeking to make an informed choice about vaccination. Includes a useful booklist and online ordering facility.

More info to come.