Homeopathy is a medical science founded by German Physician and Biologist, Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th Century. Today, it is practiced by a wide range of health care practitioners: medical doctors, naturopaths, osteopaths, midwives and even veterinarians. Its resurgence in recent years is due to clinical and proven evidence that it works. Homeopathy is a valuable and integral part of medicine and has become, “the second-largest and fastest-growing medicine in the world” (WHO).

At IMI our main homeopaths follow the doctrines of founder, Samuel Hahnermann, which is based on two foundational principles:

• Prescribing based on the principle of, “like cures like”
• Using one remedy at a time.

Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances to trigger the body’s self-healing ability by stimulating a precise reaction in the body. This, “like cures like” is a system based on the idea that substances that produce symptoms in a healthy person can cure a sick person who exhibits those same symptoms. For example, if you peel an onion you may feel burning and itchiness in the eyes, you may also have a runny nose. If you have similar symptoms during a cold, then a homeopathic remedy Alium cepa from the red onion triggers the body to heal itself.

This form of Homeopathy frequently produces the best results for patients.

Homeopathy works differently from conventional medicine, which normally prescribes medicines to fight or suppress symptoms and often comes with side-effects. In the case of chronic diseases wherein the condition is long-term and conventional drugs have been prescribed, it is likely you will have to take these indefinitely. While homeopathic medicines can be taken safely alongside prescription drugs, homeopaths believe that by suppressing symptoms, conventional drugs often do more harm than good. The goal of homeopathy is to stimulate the body’s own healing capacity so that it corrects the imbalances and weaknesses that allowed the illness to emerge in the first place.

There are many health conditions that benefit from homeopathic remedies and prescriptions. Examples include:

• Anxiety and stress
• Joint pain
• Colds, coughs, flu and low immunity
• Low mood
• Digestive complaints and discomfort
• Skin health
• Fatigue, stress and sleep
• Menstrual health
• Headaches

Homeopathic remedies and prescriptions are made from extremely small quantities of nanoparticles extracted from natural matters: plants, minerals, or animal-based substances. Remedies are non-toxic, which makes it safe for any age. Newborns, babies, children, the elderly, and women during their pregnancy can benefit from homeopathy.

As the intake is very thorough, the first consultations usually last at least one hour but this can vary from practitioner to practitioner. The consultation is an essential part of homeopathy as we like to listen to your concerns and discuss all aspects of your life: physically, mentally and emotionally. This process helps us build a unique picture of who you are and not just the symptoms that you are experiencing.

Once we have built a unique symptom profile we can study the information and identify any links between your life and symptoms and prescribe a homeopathic medicine for you to take. Additionally, we may ask you to make certain changes to your lifestyle, for example diet.

Follow up consultations are much shorter, around 30 minutes. For acute illnesses such as an infection, cold, fever or cough, consultations may be shorter.