Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats you as an individual rather than as a collection of symptoms. Homeopathy treats the person rather than a named disease so potentially it can help patients with a wide range of conditions, both acute and chronic. Illnesses commonly seen by homeopaths include recurrent infections (such as colds, tonsillitis, cystitis) skin conditions, hay fever, menstrual and menopausal problems, chronic fatigue, migraine, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Homeopathic treatment can also be very effective for dealing with emotional stress or major life changes such as moving home, a new baby, divorce or bereavement. The first consultation usually takes around 90 minutes. Many people find this is a valuable part of the treatment as it allows time to explore your symptoms and how they affect you, but also gives time to talk about other areas of your life that you feel are important. One or more shorter follow-up appointments 6 to 8 weeks apart are usually necessary to monitor your progress. Homeopathic remedies aim to stimulate your immune system and encourage your body to heal itself. They are safe for all ages and during pregnancy. There is no danger of addiction, toxicity or lasting side effects.