Kathy, who qualified as a nurse before she had her four children, said: "People have thought I was barking mad since I was 12.

"I do simple readings - tarot, I-Ching or old-fashioned palm reading. My father was the same.

"I am quite good at understanding where people are coming from.

"I find people's hands fascinating. You can tell such a lot, even with my own friends I can see different aspects of their character I didn't know existed.

"I'm a problem solver when it comes to emotions. I have worked with Relate and so I have experience of dealing with relationship issues.

"I decided to do homeopathy, because it offers an integrated approach. It gives support on an emotional level which allows people to deal with any health problems. It's entire body and soul repair."

Kathy studied homeopathy part-time at a college in Devon over five years after her children had grown up.

Homeopathy is based on the natural Law of Similars, discovered by German physician Samuel Hahnemann 200 years ago.

It works on the principle that disease can by cured by a medicine, which when given to healthy people produces similar symptoms to the disease.

When you go for a consultation the homeopath will spend time getting to know all about you - your lifestyle, past health, your family and about your illness.

After your case has been carefully considered you will be prescribed a remedy, usually in the form of pills which are easy to take, non toxic and not habit forming.

It occasionally happens that your symptoms may appear worse for a little time - but this is a good sign and shows Homeopathy can be used as an alternative treatment in pregnancy, for children's health problems such as ear aches, asthma and eczema.

It can also help arthritis, hypertension, hayfever allergies, menstrual and digestive disorders and emotional states such as grief, trauma, depression and anxiety.

Kathy said: "I first went to a homeopath because I had 12 tooth abscesses - and they wouldn't go away.

"The dentist said 'we'll have to take your teeth out'. But I thought there must be something else I can do.

"I found a homeopath. I took one tablet and my face went up like a balloon. I was so shocked I rang her up and she said: "It's OK, it' s a good sign".

"I found out the abscesses were caused by loose mercury floating around my mouth."

The consultation fee is pounds 45, and follow up visits are pounds 32.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY GUIDE
ACUPUNCTURE Small needles inserted into the body to stimulate nerve impulses

AROMATHERAPY A full body, face or back massage with up to three specially chosen plant oils. A great stress buster but also effective in combating cellulite, eczema, psoriasis, sinusitis and muscle tension.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE A simple hands-on therapy that involves gentle movement of the muscles. Suitable for sports injuries, RSI, frozen shoulder, neck and back pain.

CHIROPRACTIC Massage techniqueused to treat muscle and joint complaints HOPI EAR CANDLES Hopi ear candles are a hollow candle made from essential oils, herb and spices. A candle is placed in the ear and burnt, allowing the vapours to travel into the ear to clear any congestion of thesinuses. After the treatment you have a facial massage.

REFLEXOLOGY Foot massage, used primarily to relieve tension and improve blood supply REIK Natural Japanese healing system. The practitioner places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. Suitable for all conditions whether they are physical, mental or emotional.

Treatments range from pounds 10 to pounds 45.

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