Why Homeopathy?

You may be reading this because you are already interested in homeopathy and want to learn a bit more about me and my views or you may have found this post because you want to find out a bit more about the subject – either way, I hope that you will leave this page knowing  a bit more about one or both! Many, many years ago I had a young Labrador dog who was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis (damage to the vertebrae of the neck) – with a prognosis that he would be totally immobile within a few months. I felt that there must be another way than the inevitable termination of his life at a rather premature age. To cut a longish story short; under the care and attention of a marvellous homeopathic vet, Christopher Day,  my dog, Ben was given a new lease of life and lived on until he was 16 years old. He received homeopathy, acupuncture and treatment using hopi ear candles (used today as a treatment to ease the stresses of our Western culture and to address various problems relating to the ear, neck and face.) It was his response to the homeopathic treatment that really consolidated my interest in the power of the remedies and spurred me to learn more, and indeed,  I have learnt so much, not only through my own studies but through the treatment and response of my patients throughout the years. I possess an enduring belief in this system of medicine and an enthusiasm and passion to share its message with as many folk as are willing to listen! You don’t have to be a ‘believer’ for homeopathic remedies to work – I have seen homeopathy help so many people, be they old, young or babes in arms. Animals respond well, as do plants! Homeopathy is a safe and effective method of medicine that regards health and illness as processes rather than states. As a practitioner, I will make use of all the symptoms of a patient and select a  remedy to match the specific requirements of that individual – a truly ‘holistic’ method of prescribing. Symptoms are seen as the body’s attempt to deal with problems and to restore health  and generally that process should not be opposed but assisted so as to more rapidly return the body to normal function. Common examples of the curative nature of acute symptoms include fever in influenza (which kills the virus), and vomiting and diarrhoea in food poisoning (which expel the toxic material). Sometimes, symptoms persist and become ‘chronic’ – that’s when a qualified homeopath should be sought to help find the right treatment.Very often, it is not possible to do anything about the external environment that may be exacerbating the condition or to replace organs that have atrophied or been removed, but generally homeopathy can help the body to repair itself more quickly and maximise healing potential. By using the body’s own remarkable ability to heal itself and understanding that ‘symptoms’ are an expression of some inbalance, homeopathy can (and does!) really make a difference. There is no limit to the types of condition that homeopathy can help – everything from First Aid situations to chronic, debilitating illnesses and so much in between. I believe that allopathic medicine has much to offer but I don’t believe that it should have exclusivity. There are many conditions that the main stream practioners have very little to offer in way of treatment, cure or even simply lessening the symptoms. I speak from experience – the conditions I see that conventional medicine has not helped include eczema and other skin conditions, asthma, menopause, migraines, stress, anxiety & panic attacks – the list is actually infinite! We need to see our bodies as a ‘whole’ – not as individual sections that are dealt with by particular department; we are not a ‘cardiac’ case or a ‘gastro’ case or a ‘oncology’ case or an ‘ophthalmic’ case or even a ‘mental’ case – we are vital, energetic beings with all our parts linked together – that’s why in homeopathic treatment it is important to understand and listen to  what  our body’s telling us about its ‘dis’-ease on a mental, emotional and physical level. ……….. that’s why I think Homeopathy is so important ……… more next time!

In the beginning ……….

This is where I begin – I have never written a blog before or even commented on anyone elses blog. This is, therefore, a steep learning curve for me, but in my quest to keep up with the times I have decided to start this narrative. I hope to share some of my interests with you and perhaps evoke some thoughts that will lead to postive comment and debate.

My journey through life, so far, has been eventful but not exceptional. I will endeavour to give you a glimpse of who I am and what makes me ‘tick’ as well as sharing some of the things I have learnt and highlighting the things I feel are important.

Starting with my name seems like a pretty good place to begin ……….. I am Donna – some of you may have known me as Donna Goodman – that was when I was young and single (seems so long ago!), some of you may have known me as Donna Sinclair – that was when I was married to my first husband and the rest of you will know me as Donna Draper – currently married to my second husband!

I am one of three children, born to wonderful parents, Ron & Audrey and to whom I owe so much. I grew up in Ramsgate in the Kent, enjoying a happy childhood and school life. I left school midway through my sixth-form studies – attracted to the bright lights of London I joined the Metropolitan Police in 1975 – thus began a 26 year career policing our great Capital. Perhaps on another occasion I will share some of the highlights of my career with you, but let me say that I certainly learned a great deal about human nature in those hectic and demanding years!

As I approached retirement from the police, I was able to realise an ambition that I had forgone when I left school early. In some ways I regretted not taking my ‘A’ levels and progressing in the ‘normal’ manner to University. Both my sister and brother had taken this course but it had eluded me, principally because I had another agenda when I was 17 years old! In the late 1990’s, Westminster University pioneered a BSc Honours Degree course in Homeopathy and Health Sciences. All my adult life I had been an enthusiastic follower and advocate of homeopathic medicine. I had at variuous times undertaken some ‘distance – learning’ courses to further my knowledge & understanding of homeopathy but this was never formalised or ever became in any way structured. To cut a longer story short – I applied and was accepted on the Degree Course and started on a new phase of my life. Both my desire to achieve an academic recognition of my abilities, coupled with my love of the subject and desire to have the knowledge to be able to help people if I possibly could, fulfilled and inspired me. I am as passionate about homeopathy today as I have always been and simply want to share that enthusiasm with anyone who wants to listen.

I live and work in a small village called Worth, which is situated just outside the Cinque Port of Sandwich, in Kent on the South East coast of England. I have patients come to see me from a wide surrounding area, including Thanet (Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs), Dover, Deal and Canterbury. Have a look at my website for more information regarding my practice.

As regards interests – they are varied and too many to mention but I love play my classical guitar (not expertly but enough to give me a modicum of pleasure!), I have an eclectic taste in music – more about that another day! I love my Labradoodle (a dog) – Toby and have four chickens that torment him on a daily basis! I am a keen supporter of organic food & sustainable farming. I am interested in all things to do with nature and wildlife and despair at some of the terrible things that we (as a human race) are doing to this wondrous planet of ours – let alone to the indigenous populations that try to live their lives without torment and cruelty.

Up until now, I haven’t mentioned family – that’s because this is any area that I will expand upon in later correspondence. Family values are at the heart of my existence – I will explain what that means to me (and to them) one day soon.

I hope that this potted précis of me gives you a little insight into me ………… I’ll be back soon!