FAQ

I consult with clients all over the globe. But  I am in Katikati New Zealand.

Local to me Clients may consult with me at my home clinic.  An appointment is required, and details will be provided.

I do not offer a walk in clinic.

I may at times (in specific cases) offer a home visit if a client is unable to come to me personally and cannot consult via online consultation. This requires prior arrangement and may incur additional cost e.g. a transport fee.

For all who live further afield, or those who are outside of New Zealand, I consult via the ZOOM platform. A Zoom link will be provided in your consult booking confirmation. You can click on that and it will bring you to my ZOOM room.

Alternative platform options may be used if ZOOM does not work for your consult. Please discuss prior to your consult to avoid delays. In general I find Zoom the most secure and stable option available and my clients find it easy to use.

All consults can be paid on booking (Credit card), those that aren't are invoiced.

I charge in NZ dollars.

On the consultation information pages on this website a currency converter tool can be found for your convenience. This is a simple way to see how much the stated NZ fee would approximately equate to in your local currency. This does not include your card and transaction fees, and the amount is dependent on exchange rates at the time of payment.

Local clients/ NZ wide clients may pay me cash, via online banking, or with a credit card

I use the STRIPE payment platform through my booking system and for outside of New Zealand clients.

In general I will send an itemized email invoice via Stripe , which allows you to click on a payment link and you can follow the instructions there.(If you cant find it, please check your junk file)

New Clients are required to pay before their first consultation. Other consults are generally invoiced post consult and to be paid on receipt.

Those with an outstanding invoice will need to pay this prior to having a consult with me again.

Acute consultation online requires prior payment on booking, or invoice. Otherwise payment is expected before a prescript will be send out.

It is possible that this is due to time zone differences or my schedule may be fully booked.

I am in New Zealand, I have clients all over the globe and usually we can find a time that can work for both of us.

The 'available-to-you' booking slots in my booking calendar are shown to you in your local time zone. They are the time slots I have available within my local, preferred and usual working hours.

If you are outside of New Zealand and on the other side of the world e.g. in Europe or the UK this may mean my work day hours may fall in your weekend or evening hours. Some people find this works well for them and prefer it. Its not often that there are no workable options.

I am prepared to be flexible to allow for consults outside of my usual availability. I am willing to accommodate if I  can possibly do so.

Should my schedule be full, I can put you on my waiting list and notify you if a suitable slot opens up due to cancelation.

I suggest you contact me, via the form below to discuss my availability for a consult time that suits you. Please  state clearly your location/ time zone in order for me to be able to assess if there is a way to make working together possible.

No, I do not.

I prefer and require each family member to be the focus in their own consultation and to receive the benefit of my undivided attention as they each deserve. I wish to do the best I can for each of them personally.

Therefore preferably individual consults need to be booked. If you are not sure how this will work for you or want to discuss other options; feel free to contact me via the below contact form.

Or book a free of charge 15 Min Intro consult (via ZOOM), to discuss this with me.

I am well aware that seeking help for multiple family members can be a challenge in regards to fees.

Please discuss your needs with me and I will assess if there is a way to accommodate where I can. I use my discretion in this. As each family situation is unique; I do not have a standard discount or offer (apart from the packages I offer HERE).

We can discuss flexi pay or a payment plan and come up with a strategy to stagger the costs.

I do NOT offer discounts on first full consultations, but in case of multiple family members on the same address I may be able to offer discounts on follow up consultations.

Please contact me via the below form if you have any questions.

Or book a 15 Min Intro Consult (free of charge) to discuss this with me.

Good question!

There are reasons for these variations.

The main one being that International clients with chronic conditions generally require more of my time. This is because there are often differences that require me to invest more time in understanding and researching in case analysis. This could be due to eg:

• Terminology/ language used relating to medical history, medicines, treatments etc.
• Language differences; these may add time to understanding and investigating the situation at hand. Extra communication post consultation to clarify etc.
• Cultural differences, situations and values which may be of influence in a clients problem need to be understood and researched in order to understand a persons perspective etc.

Also

• Timezone differences mean that those outside NZ may contact me in my after work hours or weekends and consultations may require me to be available at more early or late hours than usual.
• Sourcing remedies may require extra of my time, for those in other parts of the world.
• There are costs involved in maintaining the ability to do online consultations in order to reach those who live outside of NZ.
• Payment platforms retain fees from transactions.

If you have any questions in regards to this topic please feel free to contact me via the form below.

Or book a 15 min intro chat free of charge to chat about this in person.

It is a policy at Esther’s Homeopathy Clinic NOT to sell remedies without consultation or prescription to those who are NOT clients.

In the course of professionalism and to uphold safety in practice it is my duty to make sure that any remedies provided are indicated. Also to ensure that the receiver understands how to use them safely. As the consequences of providing a remedy are my liability.

If you have health complaints, acute or chronic, you deserve to have these professionally seen to and supported if you can’t resolve them on your own.

Many people believe that because Homeopathic remedies are natural; they are always safe to use, and that free advice or of the cuff remedy supply is okay to ask for. However each case is unique, comes with a history and assessment is required to make sure the prescription meets the needs of the person, that there are indeed no safety concerns or contra indications and that Homeopathy is a suitable measure in this situation.

After a consultation, either Acute or Chronic I prescribe for you once I am confident this is in your best interest and after considering all aspects of your situation. Remedy costs are additional to consultation fee.

If you are a local to me client, I am usually able supply you with remedies myself, once you have consulted with me. But if I can’t, I will refer you to where to source them from.

In your prescript I will include:

• The name of the remedy/ remedies
• Reason for this choice
• The potency or strength
• The suggested dosing regimen
• Where to acquire the remedy
• When to contact me regarding your prescription.
• And I offer back up support for a few days following.

If you are NOT a client you are required to book and pay for a "I want to purchase a remedy" consult before I can supply you with a remedy, if I have it in stock.

If your Homeopath refers you to me in order to purchase a remedy from me, your homeopath needs to communicate this to me prior, before I can sell you the remedy.

Yes there most certainly is!

Homeopathy has a 200 year plus record of evidence that it works in reported results from those who use it and who practice this modality. But there is also ongoing research into the mechanism behind homeopathy. There are many credible studies involving people, animals, plants and cells in Petri dishes in labs that show positive effects of using homeopathic remedies above the placebo effect.  The best place to learn more about this is the Homeopathic research institute. Please follow the link below.

Homeopathy FAQs

Homeopathic remedies may be used by

• people of all ages including babies, pregnant women and the frail
• by animals of all description  and on the farm. Please note that Specially trained Animal Homeopaths are available in NZ.
• the garden or lifestyle block or farm, in order to encourage both soil and plant  health and pest management

Homeopathy may be used to support with, amongst others;

• a wide range of physical, mental and/or emotional complaints
• social and behavioural issues (eg Agoraphobia, ADDH)
• complex and simple health situations (e.g. a cold or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
• First aid situations (e.g. accidents and injuries)
• Acute conditions ( e.g. a cold, teething, exam funk, ear infection)
• Chronic or longstanding conditions (e.g. Diabetes, Eczema, Depression, Anxiety)
• Failing to thrive or lack of enjoyment in life ( eg babies not achieving milestones, self depreciation, Depression)
• Palliative care, in order to support quality of life (e.g. end of life, advanced chronic illness)
• Resilience in the face of seasonal challenges or compromised immune responses (e.g. Hay fever and allergies, susceptibility to seasonal illnesses)
• In conjunction with other modalities in order to achieve the best possible outcome ( Integrative approach of different modalities working together to the benefit of the client.)
• When other modalities have little to offer or when options have run out. (E.g in chronic or un defined or undiagnosed illnesses)
• Mitigating the undesirable effects of conventional treatments and medicines ( E.g side effects of medications, Chemotherapy)
• Toxic exposures and toxic load (eg  pesticides/herbicides, mercury fillings, addiction, radiation, medication)

Homeopathy can work along side other therapies and treatments or medicines and an integrative approach may benefit many situations.

Homeopathy may be used as a stand alone modality and approach to health, but many people find it complements other modalities very well also.

Some people use Homeopathy as a preferred first option when they encounter a health issue. some use it as a last resort when they have tried other modalities but have found no answers. And some use both conventional, other natural therapies and homeopathic options along side each other. All these are valid options. What you decide in your quest for health, depends very much on your personal situation and philosophy.

However it is important to keep the following in mind;

• Never discontinue any treatment you receive or medication you have been prescribed from your doctor or specialist without discussing this with him/her first.
• It is important that all those involved in your health treatment be aware of the medicines, remedies and supplements you are taking and therapies you are undergoing.
• It is your responsibility to inform those involved to ensure safe and effective decisions are made for your situation.

Please click HERE to read more

Traditional Homeopathic remedies are made according to set historical and fundamental principles as well as adhere to rigorous standards of quality control.

Homeopathic remedies can be made from substances from the plant, animal or mineral kingdoms in nature. They can also be derived from chemical substances like toxins or medicines. Additionally remedies may be created by exposure to imponderable substances like e.g. radiation, x-ray or Moonlight also.

Each substance known to man when taken, has a potential effect on health that can be both harmful and healthful. And in Homeopathy we harness this healing potential.

The substance we want to derive a homeopathic remedy of  undergoes a process of methodical serial dilution and succussion (or vigorous shaking). Each stage of dilution and succussion provides a different strength/potency which is the number printed after the remedy name e.g Arnica 30c.

Scales of serial dilution vary and can be 1 : 10 (X potency) ,  1 : 100 (C potency),  1: 1000 (M potency) etc.

To create the example of the Arnica 30C remedy;

• 1 part of Arnica matter is mixed with 99 parts of dilutant (alcohol) and vigorously shaken to create a 1C potency
• Of that dilution 1 part is taken and added to another 99 parts of fresh dilutant and shaken vigorously to create a 2C potency
• This process is continued until 30 cycles have been completed to create a 30C medicating potency.

As a result of this process of serial dilution; the physical evidence of the original substance is reduced with each dilution. Yet the energic memory/ imprint of that substance is retained by it and enhanced/ energized in effect by the succussion/ shaking.

This potentized dilution is then applied to a carrier substance like Sucrose or Lactose pillules or liquid (generally water with a little alcohol as a preservative) to form the dose one takes.

It is due to the fact that homeopathic remedies are such extreme high dilutions that homeopathic treatment is generally known to be a safe and gentle approach to health, that has no toxic or lasting side effects.

In homeopathy the higher the dilution and the more succussed; the higher the potency but also the deeper the action of the remedy is thought to be.

For safe home and self prescriber use it is advised to use potencies up to 30c and some in 200C only. Other potencies are better prescribed by a homeopathic practitioner.

Homeopathy is classed as an ‘Energy medicine’. It’s remedies have an effect at the level of our energetic body/ inner vibration or as Hahnemann called it "Our Vital Force".  A balanced energetic state or Vital Force sustains a healthy state,  where ill health originates from a disturbance in this field. From a homeopathic point of view,  our understanding is that Healing has to happen from within by restoring the Vital force with the use of energetic impulses, administered by the remedy that fits the disturbed pattern.

There are thousands of remedies known in many different potencies and newer remedies are continuously developed to keep up with our ever changing environment and newly created chemicals, substances and lifestyle.

New remedies are tested on healthy people in  events called “Provings” ( in essence this is a homeopathic drug trial). Their effects are systematically and meticulously collated and eventually documented in Encyclopaedia  called “Materia Medica”.  Homeopaths use these documents in order to determine the best remedy for the situation.

Remedies are available in pillule, tablet or liquid form. Choice is determined by availability, personal situation, preference of the client or Homeopath. In essence they generally work the same way.

People are often surprised at the small size of the Homeopathic pills or the small dose they have been asked to take.

That is because in Homeopathy not only very highly diluted substances are used but a prescription will be the minimal dose needed to bring about a lasting improvement in their individual situation.

There are no big pills to swallow or courses of treatment to complete like we are used to do with regular medical treatment, the dosing in homeopathy is not material but energetical. Homeopathy is a form of energy medicine. More can be read about this here and here

In Homeopathy one can definitely say “Less is More” and a gentle stimulus to restore the balance in your energetic body can be subtle though powerfully effective.

Always stick to the instructions regarding your prescription and contact me if you have any questions about that.

Always take the Remedy as prescribed. And follow the instructions precisely.

Take your remedy at least 15 min away from eating/ drinking (other than water) or brushing teeth.

Take a pillule or drop under the tongue in a clean mouth and leave it to dissolve or be absorbed.

Never share remedies prescribed for you, with others without discussion with your homeopath.

Do not handle pillules or tablets with hands but use a clean dry teaspoon each time.

In case of liquid remedy; do not put remedy bottle/dropper to mouth.

Do not return pillules or tablets to bottle or bag, once removed.

If you forget to take a dose; take it as soon as possible (preferably  on the same day as was intended), but do not take the dose at the same time you take another remedy; leave at least 30 min between.

Do not discontinue any medications you have been prescribed by your doctor, while using homeopathic remedies, unless you discuss this with them first.

It is advised to reduce or abstain  from the intake of stimulants for the duration of the homeopathic prescription in order to give your body the best chance at eliminating toxins and put energy towards healing. (eg coffee, alcohol, sugar, recreational drugs)

Adapting a healthy lifestyle, enjoying good nutrition and appropriate hydration as well as sufficient healthy sleep and moderate activity are conducive tools to healing you can employ to help your self.

If you are contemplating if you could work with me, feel free to book a 15 min Intro Chat (free of charge and obligation) to discuss your options and ask questions you may have.

We call Homeopathic remedies, energetic medicine as they are incredibly highly diluted. Therefor it is easy for them to become ‘polluted’ or made inactive by incorrect handling or storing them.

Store your Remedy in a cool, dry and dark place away from strong odours. (I.e. coffee, peppermint, menthol) and direct sunlight.

Keep the Remedy in the packaging it came in, with label intact.

A Homeopathic remedy can be safely stored for a very long time in this way and retain its effectiveness for future use, should that be required.

Due by dates stated on some commercially sold remedies are a requirement of the pharmaceutical industry, without which homeopathic remedies may not be marketed.

Sometimes Clients may ask about the content of remedies because i.e.

• they have allergies to lactose
• they may be vegetarian or vegan and prefer not to use animal related remedies,
• or they don’t want to use products containing alcohol.
• They have concerns about certain remedies due to religious or philosophical perspectives.

I suggest it is t is always best to discuss your concerns with me. I’m very happy to answer your questions, explain and advice in order to meet your needs. In many cases alternative options are available and I can explain them to you.

However it is good to also realize that;

Homeopathic remedies are

• ultra highly dilute and taken in very minimum doses of one (or two) pilules or drops at the time,
• taken for the shortest time possible.
• not big pills to swallow or long weeks of physical doses to take.
• hold no physical matter of the of original substance at all, in most potencies used.
• produced with sustainability and environmental health in mind,
• tested on healthy human beings as opposed to animals
• in most cases and if derived from the animal kingdom, made with a small part of an animal not requiring the animal to suffer or die in the process. Eg a feather, hair, milk, venom, egg, or shed skin.

A remedy prescribed for you by your Homeopath, will be the best fitting remedy for your case, to ensure the best healing response.

If you object to a remedy (and this is a right you have and will be respected at all times, naturally) this may mean the optimum remedy cannot be prescribed for you and therefore the effect of treatment may be compromised.

If you have any concerns about being prescribed remedies you may not want to take and if this is holding you back from booking a consult; Please feel free to book a 15 min Intro Chat with me (free of cost and obligation), and I gladly discuss this concern with you. Or alternatively use the form below to connect with me.

You will be a team player!

When visiting a General doctor or medical specialist, we are used to be diagnosed, prescribed treatment and send home within a very short appointment.

We follow the instructions and there may be a following appointment, but generally there is no interaction with the doctor besides that. The doctor is the ‘expert’ who tells us what to do. And we follow the instructions.

In homeopathy we have a different working relationship. You'll be encouraged to play an active part in your journey to health.

When we come together in consultation, the client is the ‘expert’ on his or her situation and the homeopath is the ‘expert’ on homeopathic medicine. So they work together and are a team of equals when working towards you regaining your health.

Consultation is the event where information is exchanged for the benefit of finding a remedy to support your healing process. And in Homeopathy the consult involves in-depth conversation in order to understand you as a person and to see your health complaint in relation to your situation and life story. It may take an hour or more of getting to know you and to understand your issues.

After taking a remedy, as healing is a process; Observation and self reflection as well as keeping a journal about changes you may notice in your symptoms and experiences you have in your life, between consults can be a very helpful tool. It makes recollection of events easier at the time of your appointments which aids assessment, and helps you to measure progress yourself also.

Usually clients receive indications for them to contact their Homeopath between consults, in order to assess their progress. This  will be especially so with new clients and those with intense or pressing issues.

Clients are often welcome to send brief email updates between consultation, or if there are concerns or questions regarding the prescription or remedy effects. And their homeopath will attempt to respond to these ASAP.

Teamwork and communication are the clue!

It is important and you are advised to contact your homeopath;

• With any question or queries or concern you may have following your prescription.
• When you experience a significant change in your symptoms after taking your prescription, and it is more than a week before your next appointment.
• When you experience no changes after taking your prescription and continue to have troublesome symptoms, with no changes at all after 2 weeks. Dosage or remedy may need to be changed to suit you better.
• When other/new health complaints occur after taking your remedies. They could be an acute complaint (eg a flu) or may be part of the healing process you are working through. It may be preferable to have these assessed, before reaching for other interventions in order to resolve them.
• With your report of improvement! It is lovely to hear you are doing well. This provides a valuable feedback and may be helpful to your practitioners professional improvement, besides boosting morale. Its is good to celebrate successes.

A response to a Remedy is very individual and depends on the history and intensity of your issue and your personal  situation.

As your Homeopath I will refer to expectations at the time of your prescription.

After taking a remedy it is possible you may find i.e.;

• Instant and lasting relief.
• Slow but progressive relief from your prescription.
• A temporary intensification of your issues before finding relief.
• You may start to feel better in yourself, yet your physical complaint is not immediately resolving but may in due time.
• You may find your complaint is resolving, but complaints you had in the past may temporarily return to be resolved as well, then disappear.
• That partial, temporary or no response is seen, and a reassessment of your situation may be needed with an adjustment made to your prescription.

All these responses are normal and can be explained through the Homeopathic process.