Why do patients want Homeopathy? Iatrogenic problems. Drug side-effects Drugs have not worked Want cure not suppression Pregnancy Avoid polypharmacy

Why Patients want Homeopathy Deaths from NHS prescription mistakes and drug side - effects increased 500% between 1991 and 2001 December 2001

What is not Homeopathy Herbal medicine Supplements e.g. EPO Glucosamine Anthroposophical medicine Bach Remedies Tissue Salts.

HOMEOPATHY OMEOS similar PATHOS suffering To treat by means of similar acting remedies ALLOPATHY ALLOS Other To treat by means of opposite acting remedies

Definition of Homeopathy Homeopathy is a branch of Medical Therapeutics based on the principle “Like cures Like”; namely that a substance, which in certain forms and doses causes disease symptoms, may also be used to cure illness showing similar symptoms.

PROVING -- Testing a substance on healthy human volunteers

Principles of Homeopathy Law of Similars. Match the patients’ symptoms to the remedy picture. Use the smallest dose possible. Treat the patient, not the disease.

Belladonna

Red flushed face Dilated pupils (photophobia) Very hot (high fever) Delirious Dry mouth Thirstless

ACONITE

ARNICA

AGARICUS

LACHESIS

TARANTULA

ARSENICUM ALBUM

Dilution Succussion Potentisation

Potency Scales X decimal 1:10 eg 6x C centesimal 1:100 eg 6c, 30c, 200c. M millesimal 1:1,000 eg 1M, 10M LM 1:50,000 eg LM1, LM2, LM3

What can be treated with Homeopathy? No other treatment available Acute illness without the need for antibiotics Chronic illness of all types Patients on orthodox medication TEETH Syndrome Ill-defined illness

Range of Problems Treated in G.P. Grief Ignatia D&V Ars Alb O - A Rhus Tox Cystitis Cantharis Cough Ipecac Large boil H. Sulph IBS various remedies Endometriosis Menopausal migraine Acne Rosacea all treated with the same remedy (Lachesis) Glandular Fever Recurrent cold sores Panic attacks etc All remedies available on NHS prescription

Problems treated in P.P. B.P. Arthritis Anxiety Depression Schizophrenia Tourette’s Syndrome Menopause M.E. Endometriosis Infertility Asthma Repeated URTIs Eczema Allergies etc Medicines available OTC in Boots etc., cheaply

Research Does homeopathy work? If so, where and how. Is it safe? Is it all placebo? How can we improve our success rate and the range of problems treated? New provings Veterinary research

Outcome Studies 80% of patients treated at GHH have an improvement in their complaint, in overall coping and in well being. RLHH cancer clinic - significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels. RLHH asthma audit in adults and children - reduction in use of inhalers.

Advantages to Patient No side effects Prescribe on FP10 or cheap to buy OTC Can produce significant improvement in all aspects of health Can be given to all ages of patient ( and to animals). The dose is the same. May avoid surgery or drugs esp a/bs.

Advantages to the Doctor Safety profile Speed of action in acute cases. Will work with orthodox medicines Extends available therapeutic options. Small storage space Intellectually stimulating and satisfying.

USEFUL WEB ADDRESSES Faculty of Homeopathy British Homeopathic Library British Homeopathic Association Remedy Manufacturers Also Buxton & Grant Freemans Helios Nelsons Weleda Useful Book Introduction to Homeopathic Medicine by Boyd (Beaconsfield)

Any Questions?