Alternative
Cancer Treatment
Alternative cancer treatment facility in Mesa AZ, An Oasis of Healing,
launches AnOasisOfHealing.com.
Thomas Lodi, MD, Homeopathic Physician and owner of An Oasis of Healing,
explains the fundamental steps needed to take to naturally heal cancer.
Thomas Lodi, MD, Homeopathic Physician and owner of An Oasis of Healing,
Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatment facility in Mesa, Arizona, has just
launched his new website AnOasisOfHealing.com, which provides options
for alternative cancer treatment.
AnOasisofHealing.com provides you with information about the three fundamental
aspects employed to treat cancer: (1) Teaching the patient to stop making
cancer (2) Selectively targeting and destroying cancer without harming
the person (3) Stimulating and enhancing the immune system.
Dr. Thomas Lodi also encourages those seeking a more integrative and alternative
method of cancer treatment to contact the center through the website AnOasisOfHealing.com.
The facility is located in downtown Mesa, Arizona and the website will
provide you with further information on how to set up an appointment,
what to expect during your first visit, travel information, and directions.
http://www.AnOasisOfHealing.com.
Homeopathy
Under Threat?
It never ceases to amaze me how precious the Scientific world is about
its ability to cure. The side effects of a lot of their products make
it necessary for patients to take more tablets that control these side
effects then the combination of chemicals produce physical deformities
that can be painful in the long term. The fact that the modern world has
been conditioned from an early age to believe that the doctor is the one
to go to when you are ill. . .
Complementary/Alternative remedies were thrown out when the scientific
world took over in trying to find answers to why things happen. The practices
they could not explain were regarded as witchcraft and so to be discouraged
at all costs. However, new things are being discovered everyday and with
technology moving forwards in leaps and bounds (thanks mostly to war necessity
and space travel) things that could not be explained before are now finding
answers.
Admittedly I was one of those sceptical members of the human race that
although acknowledging the reports of things unexplained preferred to
move slowly into the alternative field and experimented personally with
anything rather than subject my family to any more antibiotic treatments.
I now practice Complementary/Alternative therapies and take a very real
interest in trying to understand the mechanisms behind their working.
It was a comment made by a remedial therapist, who was instructing a course
(I was attending) about his interest involving more intensive study of
the body using cadavers as subjects, about facia that made me think about
meridian lines and their possible relationship to the facia. I could see
a link between facia and meridians. This would then make all therapies
utilising meridians scientifically explainable. Energy should not be so
difficult if these scientists would stop thinking about 'dead' matter.
Everything on this planet is made from atomic structure which does not
stop moving just because it becomes a brick (dead matter). Some of us
have affinity with machines - a possible reiki link - and colour is only
energy at different speeds. In ancient acupuncture they used stone needles
and this can be readily explained if you combine the theory behind crystal
therapy with facia and meridians. And we know that it is not always pressure
that produces results. Thought energy is being acknowledged by the computer
industry and is that not the same energy generated by the reiki practitioner
through visualisation? The energy sense that creates the conduit so reconnecting
his client to the universal energy that s/he has temporarily disconnected
from and enabling the balancing of the body's switches/fuses - chackras
- again. Also, there have been numerous studies about the power of thought
and it's ability to manifest a physical disorder.
However, no matter the scientific explanation, isn't it all really about
power and money at the end of the day? With the call for help from the
Royal London Homeopathic Hospital caused by it's loss of funding by the
PCT due to reconfiguration and the realisation, over the last two decades,
that nationalised industries are a severe drain to the tax payers contributions
towards government funding, all Complementary/Alternative institutions
are being asked to look elsewhere for their funding while this nationalised
industry is undergoing it's turnaround. This has not been helped by the
very profitable companies that service this industry. The companies that
mark up their prices, in effect successfully holding to ransom the customer
and the taxpayer and closing the doors to any other industry that threatens
their monopoly, in order to make a very comfortable profit. It is not
going to be a very comfortable turnaround but it is forcing some doors
to open and in the end could unintentionally produce a service that is
truly versatile, profitable and in the tax payers interest.
Jane Greenhalgh
Homeopathy
Worse than Witchcraft?
'As
the UK's largest body of professional homeopaths, we have grave concerns
about the extreme and unsubstantiated lengths Professor Baum is prepared
to go to in his attempt to discredit homeopathy.
‘He asserts that there is an ‘epidemic of malaria’ due
to ‘backpackers...taking homeopathic prophylactics’ when in
fact the Health Protection Council (Centre for Infections) says no such
data exists, adding that cases of malaria in this country have actually
been steadily decreasing since 1995.
Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years, treating the patient rather
than the disease. Baum is right to observe that its mechanism of action
has yet to be proven. But nevertheless, the fact remains that it works.
‘The evidence is there in the trials (and of course we would welcome
more), the outcome studies (including an analysis of over 23,000 outpatient
consultations at the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital, in which more than
70% reported clinical improvement) plus the sheer volume of repeat visits
by patients. With thousands of people seeing a practitioner and in excess
of £25 million pounds being spent on homeopathy each year, why would
so many return again and again for treatment if it did not work?
‘Patient choice is not a new concept - indeed, homeopathy has been
available on the NHS since 1948. What we object to most strongly is this
ill-informed and scaremongering attempt to limit choice for thousands
who would otherwise derive great benefit.’
Paula Ross
Chief Executive
The Society of Homeopaths
Web: http://www.homeopathy-soh.org
Dr.
Batra's Homeopathic Cyber Clinics
People
around the world require medicines at one time or the other. Some people
use direct medicines like antibiotics and others opt for alternative therapies
like homeopathy, ayurveda, etc.
The healthcare industry is all set to grow exponentially and India with
its inherent qualities is poised to become the global hub for healthcare
delivery. It is being touted as the next 'big boom' and the sector is
expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, to reach a level of Rs.
3,00,000 crore by 2012, largely spurred by an increased corporate presence
in the sector.
Currently the alternative healthcare industry is approximately Rs 7000
crore of which Homeopathy accounts for 14% of around Rs. 630 crore. Homeopathy
has also been witnessing 25% yearly growth from the past 5 years. This
sector has witnessed the foray of newer corporate brands thereby projecting
the emergence of a potential healthcare corporate sector. Companies like
Dr. Batra's Positive Health Clinics and Bakson's are pumping in as much
as Rs. 15 Crore & Rs 5 Crore respectively in Advertising & Promotion.
Homeopathy is an alternative method of treatment, based on the nature's
Law of Cure, namely 'Like Cures Like'. Homeopathy is the revolutionary,
natural medical science. It is gentle and an effective system of medicine.
The remedies are prepared from natural substances to precise standards
and work by stimulating the body's own healing power.
Homeopathy is highly scientific, logical, safe, quick and extremely effective
method of healing. It offers long lasting to permanent cure, treating
the disease from its roots, for most of the ailments. It is the most rational
science with respect to its concepts of health, disease and cure. Homoeopathy
does not treat superficially by just driving away the symptoms but heals
the patient from within. Undoubtedly, homoeopathy is the medicine of the
future.
The concept of disease in homeopathy is that disease is a total affection
of mind and body, the disturbance of the whole organism. Individual organs
are not the cause of illness but disturbance at the inner level (disturbance
of the life force, the vital energy of the body ) is the cause of illness.
Therefore homeopathy does not believe in giving different medicines for
different afflicted parts of body but rather give one single constitutional
remedy which will cover the disturbance of the whole person. It treats
the patient as a whole and not just the disease. Medical philosophy is
coming more and more to the conclusion that the mere treatment of symptoms
and organs can only help temporarily and that it is the healing power
of the body as whole that has to be enhanced. Homoeopathy believes in
holistic, totalistic and individualistic approach.
Most of the children's ailments like Cold, Cough, Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhea,
Dysentery, Colic, Tonsillitis, Bronchitis, Asthma, Measles, Chickenpox,
Mumps, Dentition problems, etc., could be very effectively and quickly
treated with homoeopathy without producing any side effects whatsoever.
Unlike antibiotics and other such medicines, homeopathic pills do not
hamper digestion, nor lower body's resistance. Neither do they cause any
allergies nor cause any damage even if taken over a long period. Homeopathic
pills, being sweet in taste, are willingly ingested by children. Indeed,
homoeopathy is child-friendly! Besides, homeopathy is effective also in
temperament and behavioural problems seen commonly in children like irritability,
obstinacy, temper-tantrums, fears, phobias, destructiveness; and thumb-
sucking, nail biting, bed-wetting; as well as in mentally & physically
backward children.
Homeopathy is an effective alternate to antibiotics in infectious diseases,
producing no toxic side effects and bringing about rapid recovery. It
has definite treatment for most of the infectious disease such as Sinusitis,
Tonsillitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Meningitis, Otitis media
(pus from ear), Gastro-enteritis (vomiting-diarrhea), Dysentery, Urinary
Infections, etc.
Viral infections such as common cold, influenza, measles, chickenpox,
mumps, viral hepatitis (jaundice), viral meningitis etc. are very well
treated with homoeopathy. The Allopathic system has no curative treatment
for viral diseases except infusing antibiotics under the pretext of preventing
secondary bacterial infection.
In modern life infections have diminished and various allergic disorders
have grown rampant. It offers very effective treatment in all allergic
diseases such as various skin diseases like Urticaria, Eczema, Contact
Dermatitis, as well as giving miraculous results in Asthmatic Bronchitis.
To obtain the best results and full benefits of homeopathic science, one
should resort to homoeopathy in the early phase of sickness. Because of
ignorance and lack of awareness in general public about the usefulness
of homeopathy in all kinds of diseases ranging from Cold to Cancer, many
patients approach homoeopathy late. By this time the disease process advances
to an incurable stage and homoeopathy can offer little then, to the otherwise
curable disorders. However timely given homeopathic treatment could be
a blessing to the ailing humanity.
Homeopathy is not limited to certain diseases but is universally applicable
to all kinds of diseases. It is time, when people must be made fully aware
of the benefits and the scope of homeopathy in various day to day diseases.
Homoeopathy should be more and more made available to the benefit of ailing
persons, as it can positively help 90% of the diseases we have today.
The holistic treatment has cure for animals also like dogs, cats, cows,
horses, sheep .The treatment is effective and animals respond to it easily.
Moreover it is easy to feed them and involves no complicated injections
which are painful to the animals. Problems related to broken bones, diarrhea,
vomiting, skin allergy and even chronic diseases are being treated with
homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines can e given with allopathic
medicines as they do not interfere with the immune system if the animals.
The patient base at Dr. Batra's® cyber clinics is mostly Indians and
NRIs. They have a couple of foreigners taking treatments through the cyber
clinic. The treatment cost for all patients across the world remains the
same, i.e. Rs.6,900 per annum. If the medicines need to be shipped to
the patient, then the same is done at the actual cost of the courier.
The treatment given through the cyber clinic is the same as given in any
clinic. The doctors in-charge chat everyday with all their patients at
a stipulated time and any one can consult them online or chat if any help
is needed or for a feedback. The treatment is mainly via homeopathic medicines
and the medicines are sent to the patient only after every case is studied
thoroughly. If and when they come to India, they visit the clinics and
meet the consulting doctors for a follow-up on their conditions.
The cyber clinic offers online consultation and treatment to more than
4.5 lakh online consumers each month. Of those, 90% are located abroad.
The cyber clinic caters to patients in 86 countries mainly from US, Canada,
UK, UAE, Saudi, Japan, Germany, Australia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Bahrain, China, Mauritius, Malaysia and Thailand. No special facilities
are provided to the patients who are NRIs.
‘Over 5 crore people turn to homeopathic treatment in India. The
international clinic set up by Dr. Batra's® at Mauritius is garnering
a substantial amount of revenue for our clinics. We entered the international
market in 2003 and have not looked back since’.
Nicki
is Practising at Lewes
Nicki
Hutchinson LCPH, is a homeopath at the Equilibrium Clinic in Lewes. She
takes the opportunity to tell you a bit about homeopathy and her practice.
'Homeopathy
uses a holistic approach to health. It seeks to boost the immunity and
general well-being of a person. It is an energetic medicine which is safe,
gentle, effective and yet powerful.
Absolutely anyone can use homeopathy. It is safe for pregnant women, babies,
children and the elderly. Homoeopathy aims to help achieve freedom from
ill health, traumas and emotional problems and to empower you in the healing
process or journey.
My approach is practical, where I place an emphasis upon the individual.
I draw upon several tools, which I use alongside homeopathy such as herbs,
nutrition, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Alaskan and Bush Flower
Essences.
My practice is diverse. I treat people of all ages with a wide range of
conditions such as skin problems, stress & anxiety (e.g. depression,
grief, sleep disorders, fatigue, high blood pressure, and exam nerves),
skin problems (e.g. psoriasis, acne, eczema), digestive disorders (e.g.
IBS, ulcers, constipation), hormone imbalances (e.g. PMT, infertility,
menopausal issues, pregnancy), injuries (e.g. post surgery, sports injuries),
and other problems like arthritis, asthma, coughs, colds, allergies and
hay fever.
The end of the winter is in sight and spring is soon to emerge. Do you
suffer from hay fever? Have you ever tried homeopathy? Why not get ready
for the spring and be prepared with your own individually prepared homeopathic
remedies.
Homeopathic hay fever remedies can bring relief in the short term. In
the longer term homeopathy can provide constitutional treatment which,
taken over two or three seasons, will reduce symptoms, if not completely
cure the condition.
In order to bring good health and well-being into 2007, I am reducing
my fees by £5 on all first appointments, if you book before the
end of March 2007
Time and distance need no longer be obstacles to your health. Email nicki@energy-matters.net
to book your Skype appointment.
Nicki practices at the Equilibrium Clinic on Friday mornings from 9.00am
until 1.00pm. To book an appointment call 01273 470955. If you would like
to know more about homeopathy feel free to email me or give me a call.
Or you can visit my website at www.energy-matters.net.
EMEA
Workshop on Homeopathic Medicinal Products
The
European Medicines Agency
(EMEA) organised a workshop on homeopathic medicinal products towards
the end of last year at the request of the European Commission.
The aim of the workshop was to provide a forum for discussion among all
stakeholders on the current legislative framework for homeopathic medicines.
The workshop addressed strengths and weaknesses that have been identified,
as well as potential threats and opportunities for improvement.
At the end of the one-day meeting, the participants concluded that the
process of harmonisation should be strengthened, but that the different
traditions in homeopathy in the EU Member States should be accepted. In
addition, more experience with the registration procedures for homeopathic
medicines within the current framework should be gained, with a view to
maintaining availability of a broad range of homeopathic medicines.
The workshop brought together some 50 experts from industry, healthcare
professional and patient associations, as well as regulatory authorities.
The main topics of discussion were:
* The impact of recent revisions to homeopathic legislation on manufacturers,
patients and healthcare professionals across the EU in terms of access,
availability and affordability of homeopathic remedies, including anthroposophic
homeopathic medicinal products;
* The challenges within the current regulatory framework as regards harmonisation
and its limitations;
* Experience gained with the mutual-recognition procedure so far, and
what can be learned from it for the future;
* The role, achievements and responsibilities of the Homeopathic Medicinal
Products Working Group (HMPWG);
* The role of the European Pharmacopoeia in the development of monographs
in the field of homeopathy.
The outcome of the workshop will be presented in a report to the European
Commission, based on input provided by all parties attending.
Web: http://www.emea.europa.eu
Nepalese
Health Minister for Promotion of Homoeopathy
Nepalese
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population Amik Sherchan
recently said the government should promote homoeopathy, as it is the
most accessible, affordable and appropriate treatment for the general
public in the country.
‘If we promote homeopathy, we can deliver service to a large section
of the population in the country as allopathic treatment has gone beyond
the reach of Nepali people,’ Sherchan said. He also said he is ready
to take initiative if the homoeopathic doctors want him to do so.
He called on homoeopathic doctors to work in an organised way. ‘While
allopathic treatment is a significant achievement of medical science,
homoeopathic service needs to be nationalised to cater to the commoners
who need it the most,’ he said.
Civil rights activist Dr Sundar Mani Dixit said the homoeopathy system,
which once was taken as a para-medical science, now has been considered
as complementary medicine. ‘It is a system based on immune symptoms,
while the allopathic system is based on clinical history examination,’
he said. He blamed the weak state apparatus for the skyrocketting cost
of treatment.
Sherchan also honoured two pioneering personalities - Dr Krishna Bhagat
Pradhanang and Dr Tilak Man Singh Pradhan - for their contribution to
homoeopathy for over half a decade. He also released 'Homoeo News,' a
monthly bulletin on homoeopathy.
Gergana
graduated from the Medical College in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She has held
positions in several medical institutions and her acquaintance with homeopathic
medicine begins when it saved her son from a continuous illness.
Geri: on homeopathic medicine and its basics
‘Homeopathic medicine uses miniscule quantities of diluted animal
or plant substances to cure illnesses,’ says Gergana in her introduction
to a tradition-tested, alternative method of healing. The main idea, coined
centuries ago by Hippocrates, is that a substance that has caused an illness
can also cure it; the key to the success of the methodology is that a
miniscule amount is applied. There is nothing accidental here: it has
been proven that as the quantity of a toxic matter decreases, its healing
properties increase. ‘ And that is the fundamental philosophy of
homeopathic medicine,’ adds Gergana.
Homeopathic substances are extracted from plants, animals or minerals.
They are produced under the control of specialists in a clean environment.
Tinctures - or, the concentrated substance - are yielded from plants.
Then, they are filtrated and stored in special conditions and diluted
even later. Those from animal origins, on the other hand, are extracted
from the animal itself, its body parts or its poisons. In the store you
will see such compounds packed as granules, solutions or powder.
Personal experience
Geri's acquaintance with homeopathic medicine begins when it saved her
son from a continuous illness. When he was 21 months old, he caught a
cold, had a bad infection and irremediable cough. Despite the antibiotics,
syrups and pills she bought, the worried mother could not cure her child.
The immune system of the boy had apparently been severely injured and
his body was unable to fight off the sickness.
Then Geri heard of a pediatrician who specialised in homeopathic medicine.
The natural products he prescribed strengthened the immune system of her
son and ‘the vicious circle of illnesses was broken’. Ever since
then, she cannot recall an instance when alternative medicine has not
helped. Her family supports her and they all trust the effects of homeopathic
medicine.
What does homeopathic medicine cure? Does it have side effects?
Homeopathic medicine, explains Geri, cures infections, allergies, asthma,
skin diseases, digestion problems, headaches and many others. It is totally
harmless and there can be no side effects. As proof, she states that it
can cure both babies and pregnant women. ‘Even pets,’ she jokes.
Also, it can be safely combined with conventional medicinal methods. The
only warning is that if treated with homeopathic medicine, it is not recommended
that the patient consume aromatic foods.
An interesting characteristic is that you will not find written directions
inside the package of the product. The reason, explains Geri, is that
a single product can cure different illnesses. And that, in return, is
why the patient should always be guided by the strict control of his personal
doctor. The first consultation lasts about one hour to an hour and a half
so that the physician gets to know his patient's body really well. He
asks questions, takes tests and writes down all peculiarities concerning
the health of the sick individual. Then, the doctor is able to advise
the patient about a suitable medication: one that when taken by another
patient might have a very different effect.
Is homeopathic medicine popular in Bulgaria?
According to Geri's observations, homeopathic medicine was introduced
and popularised in the country not long ago. However, its followers' increase
and quick development are ‘necessary prerequisites for a bright future’.
As an example she points out the growing number of courses that doctors
can take before they practise the technique officially. Another factor
for the growing popularity of homeopathic medicine is that it is not an
aggressive method: it does not burden up the body with harmful chemicals
as pills do. The body copes with the illness on its own as it mobilises
immune system.
Traditional vs non-traditional medicine
Unfortunately, homeopathic medicine has often been misunderstood or even
rejected by traditional medicine officials. Despite the common confrontations,
homeopathic medicine has been spread beyond the borders of the nations
where it is typically famous. There are many homeopathic doctors in nations
such as Great Britain, France and Germany; their health care services
actively invest in the growth of homeopathic products and their universities
even have special courses. Although that is not the case on Bulgaria,
the substances used were officially approved several years ago and are
widely spread across the country.
Who resorts to homeopathic medicine? Does one need to have a certain
type of thinking in order to undergo the healing process successfully?
Contrary to popular belief, the alternative method is not based on psychological
self-suggestion that the substances could help. For instance, she says,
babies can be treated with plant, animal or mineral products, yet they
cannot make themselves believe they will be cured. Homeopathic healing
is not achieved as a result of what you think, she warns - unless you
have a doctor to instruct you, you cannot overcome the sickness. ‘You
need a physician who will know the details of your illness and health
so he can follow any changes and improvements.’ And, again, she emphasises
- the process is highly individual, so you cannot treat yourself on your
own at home.
Homeopathic medicine is especially appropriate for children. The reason
is quite simple - any child would prefer the sweet candy to the bitter
pill or the painful injection. Unfortunately, it is the adults who tend
to disbelief. May of them simply would not comprehend the actual results
achieved through alternative medicine.
The good news is you can find the homeopathic substances in any drug store.
They can be taken prophylactically if you sense an impending illness.
Why does the notion of homeopathic medicine scare so many people?
There are a number of factors for its rejection by scientists and medical
officials. Because of the large dilutions to which each substance is subjected,
it is difficult to prove how exactly homeopathic products work. It is
known that in dilutions such as these, science cannot detect even a single
molecule of the original substance. On the other hand, it is proven that
large dilutions have a strong therapeutic effect. Last but not least,
these medications are usually cheaper than regular pills. On the whole,
it is an easy-to-follow, harmless method that can do you only good.
West
London Homeopaths
(London, UK), existed for 12-15 years until its founder and very
dynamic leader, Annie Summers, became ill and died in April of this year.
It was a vibrant support group with frequent lectures and CPD for
homeopaths in the West London area. Approximately 15 WLH members
met on Friday, 3rd November to pay a tribute to Annie, discuss
a memorial and plan the future as the existing membership wanting
the group to continue.
The group acknowledged that it needs a strong leader with time,
energy and motivation. WANTED: Homeopath with leadership and organisational
skills to revive and lead the West London Homeopaths group for support,
lectures and CPD.
Existing membership primarily based in Ealing, several prepared to help
in different ways: treasurer, desk-top publishing, database keeping, photocopying.
Group open to new members, both practising homeopaths and students.
Please contact: Helen Kimball-Brooke, 020 8998 1204
Val Southorn, 020 8568 0350 (valsouthorn@blueyonder.co.uk)
Prue Fox, 020 8847 2560 (p.fox2@ukonline.co.uk)
Jane Dickson, 020 8579 5271 (douglasandjane@tiscali.co.uk)
Regulation Of Homeopathic Medicines A Boost For Consumers
The
Society of Homeopaths recognises the need for appropriate regulation of
homeopathic products, in order to protect patients and consumers, and
welcomes the implementation of the National Rules Scheme for homeopathic
medicines.
The National Rules Scheme of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory
Agency (MHRA), which comes into force tomorrow, allows the inclusion of
therapeutic indications on the packaging of over the counter (OTC) homeopathic
medicines.
Therapeutic indications on labels will make it easier for the public to
self-select OTC homeopathic remedies and may encourage new consumers to
try them. The range of indications will be limited to minor, self-limiting
conditions such as travel sickness, minor skin conditions, hay fever,
and muscular pain and stiffness. It will exclude serious diseases such
as cancer and diabetes.
Melanie Oxley, Communications Manager, said,
'This is an excellent move, adding to patient choice. Therapeutic indications
will give homeopathy more credibility as a safe and natural complement
to orthodox medicine and will rid homeopathic remedies of the stigma of
being difficult to understand. We welcome the recognition of the value
of safe traditional use and the experience of practitioners.'
The Society of Homeopaths is committed to playing its part in delivering
a stronger and more appropriate evidence base for the safety and efficacy
of homeopathy.
Email:
info@homeopathy-soh.org
Sense about Science: Homeopathy and Malaria
The
Society of Homeopaths,
the UK’s largest body of professional homeopaths, recognises that
malaria is a serious and life-threatening disease and supports the right
of the individual to make an informed choice when considering preventative
treatment.
At present, there is no large scale research evidence to support the use
of homeopathy in preventing malaria. However, the historical use of homeopathic
remedies to strengthen the individual’s immune system, with the intention
of helping prevent infectious diseases, is well documented.
Consequently, there is substantial anecdotal evidence from around the
world to suggest that homeopathy may offer a gentle, yet effective, complementary
or alternative approach.
Society Chief Executive, Paula Ross, comments 'we acknowledge that there
is much anecdotal and scientific evidence to support the arguments presented
for and against orthodox anti-malarial treatment. We also believe that
homeopathy has something to offer in this area. Clearly, this needs more
research. Nevertheless, absence of evidence is not the same as evidence
of inefficacy'.
The Society of Homeopaths
'The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths
in the UK. Established in 1978, we have over 2,500 members. Our Registered
Members have graduated from a recognised college, are fully insured and
practise in accordance with our strict Code of Ethics & Practice.'
Email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
Latest Homeopathy Research
National
Service Evaluation (NSE) is a SoH
funded pilot project, which is collecting data on 1,000s of consultations
with SoH homeopaths throughout the UK collecting data from 100s of their
patients and sending it into the project. The aims of the project are:
* To give us basic data on the types of conditions and symptoms for which
patients are currently seeking homeopathic treatment.
* To give us information about the amount of help that patients receive
from homeopathic treatment
The first evaluation will be published soon. The results of this evaluation
will help us identify future avenues for research
The Department of Health is currently funding several training fellowships
in the area of homeopathy research:
* Clare Relton at University of Sheffield is doing research on homeopathy
and the menopause. She has completed an audit of clinical outcomes (using
MYMOP), a systematic review of homeopathic treatment of menopause, and
is designing a pilot study of homeopathic treatment for menopausal symptoms.
E-mail c.relton@sheffield.ac.uk
* Dr Elaine Weatherley Jones at University of Sheffield is researching
‘the meaning of the homeopathic consultation’, as well as doing
more work preparatory to a second larger study of homeopathic treatment
for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For further information and a list of her
publications, please contact Elaine E-mail e.weatherley-jones@sheffield.ac.uk
* Dr Michael Emmans Deans at York University is working on establishing
a database of homeopathic research, running a Delphi project to develop
agreed standards of homeopathic trial reporting and he is also designing
a study of homeopathic treatment for ADHD.
* Dr Sarah O’Brien is running a feasibility study of homeopathic
treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. One of the questions this five arm
randomised controlled trial is asking is how much of the effect of the
homeopathic is derived from the consultation. She is working with Caroline
Eyles.
* Caroline Eyles started her PhD at The University of Southampton as a
research fellow in November 2004. This research is an exploratory study
looking at homeopathic practitioners' perceptions and experiences of the
homeopathic consultation and will identify within the context of the homeopathic
consultation those factors that practitioners perceive to be important
in promoting therapeutically effective consultations. For further information
please contact Caroline at C.G.Eyles@soton.ac.uk
or visit her website at http://www.som.soton.ac.uk/staff/cge/
The following members of the Society of Homeopaths are also currently
researching various aspects of homeopathy and homeopathic practice:
* Lesley Foulkes at the University of Central Lancashire, the first phase
of Lesley’s research is concerned with establishing a conceptual
model of change during homeopathic treatment and from this identifying
a range of outcome domains. The second phase of this project will use
these outcome domains as a base for the development of evaluation specific
and sensitive to homeopathic treatment. For further information please
contact Lesley at lesleyfoulkes@aol.com
* Fiona Madon completed her MSc in Complementary Therapy Studies at the
University of Westminster in July 2005. Her research focuses on the experience
of 18 non-medically qualified homeopaths in setting up and sustaining
a practice and places this within the context of business development.
The findings suggest that both internal and external factors impact on
practice growth throughout the business life cycle. She may be contacted
at: fiona@madon.com
* Lionel R Milgrom Classical physics asserts that all that is physical
is observable. Quantum physics on the other hand teaches us that NOT all
that is physical is observable. In this respect, there is a similarity
in discourse between homeopathy and quantum physics. Consequently, his
research aim is to develop and eventually test theoretical models of the
therapeutic that attempt to bring about harmonisation of homeopathy's
anecdotal and developing empirical evidence base with quantum mechanics.
A bibliography of published papers is available from: lionel_milgrom@homeopathy-soh.org
* Julie Smith Co-Course Leader in Homeopathy, University of Westminster
‘A critical reflexive inquiry – a transformational process as
a practitioner researcher.’ This doctoral study draws on Julie’s
own experiences as a professional homeopath to generate and articulate
practice-based knowledge. This is an exploration of practice as complex,
contradictory and uncertain. This model of critical reflexive inquiry
has the potential to be adapted by other practitioners wishing to take
a transformational view of their practice. For further information, please
contact: J.Smith08@westminster.ac.uk
The Society's Research Committee Plans for 2006
In 2005 we undertook several initiatives to help new research happen:*
Building research awareness within the membership of the Society of Homeopaths.
We recently ran several workshops for homeopathy college teachers on research
methods. In 2006 we are running a Homeopathy Research one-day course for
SoH members.
* We have a lively research folder with plenty of news and discussion
on FCM, the Society of Homeopaths intranet system
* We also offer detailed advice on individual Society of Homeopaths members'
projects and in developing their research ideas and potential research
collaborations.
* We do not provide research grants, but we do work closely with the charity
Homeopathy Action Trust (HAT) who do fund research into homeopathy.
* We have set up a research ethics committee, to assess the ethical implications
of research projects.
We are continuing and building on these initiatives in 2006.
*
National Service Evaluation (NSE) (see 2 above)*
Members of the research committee have liaised with the communications
department to ensure that the Society produces rapid and informed responses
when research reports appear in the media.
As well as the NSE, members of the Society of Homeopaths are currently
involved in many homeopathy research projects, including the following:
*
Chronic fatigue syndrome
* Fibromyalgia
* Menopause & hot flushes
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
* Drug withdrawal
* Attention deficit disorder
* The therapeutic effects of the consultation
* Homeopathy Childbirth kits
* A physics/quantum physics description of homeopathy
* Drop in clinics
* Provings of new remedies