Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that has been in use for over two hundred years. It is used by millions of people worldwide and is practised by qualified clinicians across the UK and internationally. This page explains what it is, how it works in practice, and what to look for in a practitioner.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy was developed in the late eighteenth century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the principle that a substance which causes symptoms in a healthy person can, in a highly diluted form, help to relieve similar symptoms in someone who is unwell. This principle is known in Latin as similia similibus curantur, meaning like cures like.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). They are available from specialist pharmacies and health food stores, though the individualised prescription from a qualified homeopath is considered quite different from self-prescribing an off-the-shelf remedy.
How does a homeopath work?
In practice, a homeopathic consultation is a detailed, unhurried conversation. A homeopath is not simply looking at your symptoms in isolation. They want to understand you as a whole person: your physical symptoms, your emotional life, your sleep, your energy, your history and the way your symptoms behave.
Two people presenting with what appears to be the same condition may receive quite different homeopathic prescriptions, because the homeopath is responding to the individual rather than the diagnosis. This individualised approach is central to how homeopathy is practised.
What conditions do people seek homeopathic support for?
People seek homeopathic support for a very wide range of concerns. Some of the most common include anxiety and stress, sleep problems, hormonal concerns including menopause and fertility, digestive complaints, skin conditions, chronic fatigue, migraines, children’s health and emotional difficulties including grief. You can explore the conditions people come to Similia for and how a homeopath approaches each one.
Homeopathy is most often sought as a complement to conventional care, particularly for conditions that have not responded well to conventional treatment or where patients are looking for a more holistic approach to their health.
How does homeopathy relate to conventional medicine?
Homeopathy works best alongside conventional care, not instead of it. People who consult a homeopath are encouraged to continue with any conventional treatment or medication prescribed by their GP, and to keep their GP informed that they are also seeing a homeopath.
A responsible homeopath will never advise a patient to stop prescribed medication or to avoid conventional treatment that is clinically indicated. If you encounter a homeopath who does, that is a concern worth taking seriously.
Is there evidence for homeopathy?
The evidence base for homeopathy is debated. Some clinical studies have shown positive outcomes, others have not. The scientific consensus on the mechanism of action remains contested. What is consistent is that large numbers of patients report significant benefit from homeopathic treatment, and that serious adverse events are very rare.
We are not in the business of making evidence claims we cannot stand behind. What we can say is that many people find homeopathy helpful, that when it is practised by a properly qualified and registered practitioner it is safe, and that for many patients it offers a valuable complement to their conventional care.
How is a homeopath trained?
In the UK, homeopaths typically train on a four year degree level programme accredited by a professional body. Training covers homeopathic philosophy and materia medica, case-taking, clinical practice and professional ethics. On completion, graduates can apply for registration with the Society of Homeopaths or another recognised professional body.
Medically qualified practitioners such as GPs and nurses can also train in homeopathy through the Faculty of Homeopathy, which provides postgraduate homeopathic education for healthcare professionals.
What should I look for in a homeopath?
- Registration with a recognised professional body such as the Society of Homeopaths
- A recognised qualification from an accredited training programme
- Current professional indemnity insurance
- A willingness to work alongside your GP and conventional care
- Transparency about what homeopathy can and cannot offer
These are exactly the standards Similia checks for every practitioner in our network before making a referral.