Homeopathy is a gentle, yet highly effective system of medicine. It uses naturally occurring substances in the form of remedies to stimulate the body’s own healing power. The results, although gentle, can be powerful and long lasting. It is suitable for everyone, even sensitive patients, from pregnancy, childhood and adolescence to adulthood and older age. An initial interview with a classical homeopath will usually take up to one hour. You will be asked for detailed information about your physical, mental, and emotional health and your personal likes and dislikes. This enables your homeopath to understand your unique individuality. Of particular interest will be your own reactions to the external world, such as temperature, weather, food, etc. Your homeopath will also search for factors that may have contributed to or caused your illness, including stress, shock, traumas, or perhaps family history. Your homeopath might prescribe immediately or may study your case and supply a remedy at a later date. A follow-up visit to determine how effective the remedy has been is usually scheduled four to six weeks after taking the remedy. It is important to realize that treatment of chronic diseases is a process that takes time, especially when other medications are involved. Your homeopath will require regular follow-up visits in order to assess your reaction to your remedy and to decide whether to repeat it, change its potency, or move on to another remedy.