Complementary Medicine

I am a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist who has also been fully trained as a Homeopath and Acupuncturist. I learnt my complementary medicine skills whilst conducting scientific research for my doctorate and training to be an Epidemiologist.

In my NHS clinical practice I offer my patients both conventional and complementary medicine (CAM). In my private practice I offer either integrated Gynaecological services or complementary medicine alone. I do not practice private Obstetrics.

Here is some information about the CAM therapies that I offer.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognizes that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment not the disease.

Homeopathic remedies cannot cause side effects and you cannot become addicted to them. This is because only a very minute amount of the active ingredient is used in a specially prepared form.

Homeopathic medicines or remedies are usually prescribed so that the treatment matches your symptoms as you experience them. This also takes account of you as a person - your individual characteristics emotionally as well as physically.

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power. This stimulus will assist your own system to clear itself of any expressions of imbalance. The aim is to get you to a level of health so that eventually you will need infrequent treatment.

After taking your remedy you may notice some changes. Some patients experience a period of exceptional well being and optimism. Sometimes your symptoms can appear to get worse for a short time. This is a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. Sometimes a cold, rash or some form of discharge may appear as a 'spring cleaning' effect which means your system is going through a cleaning stage. Similarly, old symptoms can reappear, usually for a short period. These symptoms will pass, and must not be treated, as they are a very important part of the healing process. If any response to your treatment concerns you, do contact your homeopath as soon as you can, as it is important to know what happens as treatment progresses. You might also want to make notes of any changes and take them with you to discuss at your next appointment.

Homeopathy cures from the inside, and often superficial symptoms such as a skin complaint, are the last to clear. Be patient! In the long term it may be better for you to be cured of both the cause of your illness and its symptoms, rather than merely relieving or suppressing the symptoms. Remember that every case is different, and no two patients are alike.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing that was developed in China thousands of years ago and is now becoming popular throughout the world. Diagnosis in acupuncture is aimed at identifying imbalances in the body and treatment is carried out by the insertion of fine needles into the meridians or energy pathways under the skin to stimulate or sedate the flow of Qi. According to the Ancient Chinese philosophy the flow of Qi can become disturbed because of various reasons, including troubled emotional states, infections, poor nutrition, hereditary factors, or even weather conditions. Acupuncture has been used successfully on people of all ages and is reputed to be particularly helpful for the relief of chronic health conditions. However, acupuncture does not merely address physical conditions but is designed to rebalance underlying patterns of disharmony in the whole system. It can be used safely alongside conventional medicine or as a preventative measure in order to maintain good health and to promote an enhanced feeling of well-being.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally very safe. Serious side effects are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments.

Does acupuncture have side effects?

You need to be aware that drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of patients, and, if affected, you are advised not to drive; minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatments; pain during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments; symptoms can get worse after treatment (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your acupuncturist about this, but it is usually a good sign; fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.

Is there anything your practitioner needs to know?

Apart from the usual medical details, it is important that you let your practitioner know.

Single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used in the clinic.

Clinic Policy

All treatments are recommended after a thorough evaluation.

It is OK to be on both conventional and complementary medicines as long as it is under supervision.

It is OK to change your mind about your treatment, whether conventional or CAM.

If you do not like an integrated approach please let me know and other arrangements can be made.

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