The purpose of the consultation is to establish a diagnosis upon which treatment can be prescribed. The initial consultation lasts one hour and consists of a conventional medical case history and examination where appropriate, followed by the homeopathic history.

The homeopathic history analyses the symptoms and in particular factors that make those symptoms better or worse. As homeopathy treats the “whole person” an overall picture of the patient is needed. You will be asked about your general likes and dislikes (eg temperature, diet, time of day), general features (eg sleep, appetite, thirst), temperament, emotions and general sense of “well being”.

The overall case is analysed in order to find a homeopathic medicine which most closely matches your symptoms in the context of your general “whole person” features. This may take place at the time of the consultation or more commonly after the appointment. The analysis results in the prescription of a particular homeopathic medicine which will be sent to you directly from an approved homeopathic pharmacy. Instructions in taking homeopathic medicine will be on the bottle. Depending on the case the medicine may be given at a continuous low potency or a single high potency dose.

A successful response to the homeopathic medicine is noticed as an improvement in symptoms as well as a possible improvement of “well being”. This response may start to occur at any time over the next few weeks; recent or acute symptoms tend to settle quickly. Long established or chronic symptoms take longer to respond. Depending on the condition and treatment regime, the symptom improvement may be short lived, partial or complete. Occasionally the symptoms can worsen in the initial stages of the treatment. This aggravation reaction is short lived and an indication that the medicine is correct for the condition.

Review of the case and response to the medicine is four weeks later and lasts 30 minutes. Features of the response and their timing will be asked. If needed another prescription will be given. This might be the same medicine at the same or different potency or an entirely new medicine.