In September 1962, in Scotland, a couple celebrated the birth of their third child, a baby boy. They were delighted, having two girls; they felt that now their family was complete.

Life was as near perfect as possible. With all the adoration that usually accompanies the arrival of a newborn, the first four months of this baby's life gave absolutely no cause for concern. However just over the horizon, storm clouds were gathering, their joy was to become utter despair.

Their small son contracted Bronchial Pneumonia and with it came a rapid downward spiral into ill heath. Soon he was extremely ill indeed. Weeks of chronic respiratory problems followed, in and out of hospital, passed from one care team to another. While the family was thrilled with the care and support, the cure seemed ever elusive. When this baby reached his ten month he was rushed into a Sick Children's Hospital in Glasgow just clinging to life. One lung had collapsed and the other was not doing an awful lot better. His condition worsened and on three separate occasions the family was called and were told that the prognosis was very poor indeed. The situation was critical, but worse was to come. After a brief respite the dreaded summons came again.

On arrival at the hospital the heartbroken parents were told gently that their son had one hour to live. A last ditch effort was made to give this child another chance of life. However, everything had changed, Medical Science had done its utmost to help, but all avenues had been exhausted. He would not recover from the next critical episode. The decision was made to take the child home. One of the Doctors said "to die there, or to see what mother-love could do."

He did go home, and that Mothers love took her son to a Homoeopathic Hospital in Glasgow and under the guidance of a German Doctor there was an almost immediate improvement. Not a miraculous cure overnight, day by day, week by week, month by month inroads were made. Even victories were won with the odd setback thrown in for good measure.

Charlie the child had survived and that was 42 years ago. This story intrigues me because, I know this person very well and everyday I have been with Him. No, he is not my Brother - this Baby was me!

In a very real sense Homoeopathy saved my life and for that I am eternally Grateful. That one hour that I was given all these years ago has stretched through all the years until today. I have always been intrigued by Homoeopathy, but never had the time to discover what it was all about. Following an assault whilst doing some Nursing work, I was retired in my early thirty's. Suddenly having all the time in the world, my mind was drawn again to Homoeopathy. I began to study and qualified to practise Homoeopathy.

Life has turned full circle; this is not a job this is more like a calling. I have the privilege of extending to others the very real benefits of Homoeopathy and can say from experience that this really works.

So what is Homoeopathy?

Let me tell you what its not. It is not some collection of Home made remedies passed down from our Grandmothers. This is a Holistic Therapy whose methods of treatment can be used to alleviate many conditions. The very principles of Homoeopathy have been used for hundreds of years, however it was Samuel Hahneman, a German Doctor in the late 1700's who finally, through painstaking work, laid down the principles and doctrines behind Homoeopathy. It uses natural substances such as metals, minerals, plants, etc in very minute doses to treat individuals.

Homoeopathy differs greatly in its approach than that of what individuals are used to. Take consultations for example. The initial consultation can last up to one hour. During that time the practitioner will want to know not only about your condition or illness, but also about your emotional well-being, your mental well-being, patterns of illness running through your family, lifestyle choices etc. The beauty of Homoeopathy is that the whole person is treated, not just some condition. As part of its function, Homoeopathy strengthens the immune system, raises the individuals vitality and enables them to fight the illness and to remain healthy.

You've had your consultation, you've got your Medicine, what is likely to happen?

Homoeopathy does not propose to be some miracle cure. All Therapy Improvements can often be seen fairly quickly, however for longer term suffers who have been bombarded with doses of conventional medication, the recovery period could be much longer. Unless you are grosly mis-prescribed, there should be little chance of any side effects. There is one possibility which must be highlighted; on occasions when the person is prescribed the correct medication, but upon commencing treatment the original symptoms get worse, this should only last a day or two. Like the morning star preceding the Dawn, this type of aggravation, more often than not, comes before the cure. Homoeopathy helps the individual retain a healthy, natural state without introducing chemical substances or stimulants. The Remedies are non-toxic and non-addiotive. It can be used alongside conventional medication, in fact as a practitioner, I also suggest that my Patients let their G.P. know about their Homoeopathic Treatment as a matter of courtesy. Equally I would never take the decision to instruct some one to cease their "normal Medicines", that is their G.P.'s prerogative. With good Homoeopathic treatment there should be no need for antibiotics, steroids or inhalers. Good Prescribing is not simply about easing symptoms or reducing pain, it is all about cure and enabling individuals to have a full, active life. Life is more about living with an illness, trust me - i know.