Have you heard this one?

Woman goes to the doctor, is examined by the doctor gives her professional diagnosis based on  years of  training (paid for by the tax payer). A prescription is written and drugs purchased. The woman uses these drugs,  she doesn’t get better, in fact she feels worse. 

Woman goes to a homeopath who has funded her own training in homeopathy as she wishes to help people to get better without resorting to a life of drugs (not paid for by the tax payer, not earning £80K ++). Homeopath takes the woman’s case based on the emotional and physical symptoms that the woman tells her. Notices that the symptoms are similar to that of  condition X, alerts the woman that she should go back to her GP and ask if her condition could be X. 

Woman finds surgery shut for holiday so she goes to a hospital where her condition is confirmed as X.

Woman thinks ‘How could her GP miss it?   GP had done a physical examination? Why did she give me that prescription when I didn’t have the symptoms that required that prescription? Why was I worse after seeing my GP?’

Homeopath had gone on a collection of symptoms and knew that it accurately described condition X. Homeopath had never encountered this condition before, she simply noted the symptoms and did her job.  She takes her responsibility as a health professional seriously,  alerts clients to any health issues that needed further investigation. 

The homeopathic medicine that the woman took helped her condition. She’s grateful that one of her healthcare professions was able to make an accurate diagnosis and understand what was happening in her body. 

Homeopaths are responsible well trained practitioners. They are trained to listen to what their clients say, observe them closely and take detailed notes of their symptoms. 

Not all GPs make this kind of mistake, most GPs listen to their ‘patients’ , make correct diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment. 

GPs and homeopaths should be working together to improve people’s  health.

Homeopaths should  be judged on their results, not by the biased opinions and propaganda from the bad science bloggers. 

Real homeopaths treat real people, bad science should start to get real.

Homeopathy and chronic illness

Homeopathy is a highly debated but often used medical treatment. With this cohort study we aimed to evaluate health status changes under homeopathic treatment in routine care. Here we extend former results, now presenting data of an 8-year follow-up.

In a prospective, multicentre cohort study with 103 homeopathic primary care practices in Germany and Switzerland, data from all patients (age >1 year) consulting the physician for the first time were observed. The main outcome measures were: The patients’ perceived change in complaint severity (numeric rating scales from 0 = no complaint to 10 = maximal severity) and quality of life as measured by the SF-36 at baseline, and after 2 and 8 years.

A total of 3,709 patients were studied, 73% (2,722 adults, 72.8% female, age at baseline 41.0 ± 12.3; 819 children, 48.4% female, age 6.5 ± 4.0) contributed data to the 8-year follow-up. The most frequent diagnoses were allergic rhinitis and headache in adults, and atopic dermatitis and multiple recurrent infections in children. Disease severity decreased significantly (p < 0.001) between baseline, 2 and 8 years (adults from 6.2 ± 1.7 to 2.9 ± 2.2 and 2.7 ± 2.1; children from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 2.1 ± 2.0 and 1.7 ± 1.9). Physical and mental quality of life sores also increased considerably. Younger age, female gender and more severe disease at baseline were factors predictive of better therapeutic success.

Conclusion. Patients who seek homeopathic treatment are likely to improve considerably. These effects persist for as long as 8 years.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2630323

Homeopathy ‘no cancer care harm’

A recent article on BBC News website stated that

” Some homeopathic medicines may ease the side-effects of cancer treatments without interfering in how they work, a scientific review has concluded.

The Cochrane Collaboration said, while there were few studies, it did appear that some effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy could be alleviated.

It highlighted in particular calendula to prevent dermatitis, and what is known as Traummel S for mouth sores.

But it said further work was needed to confirm these findings.

Eight studies with a total of 664 participants were considered by the group, led by Dr Sosie Kassab, a specialist in complementary cancer therapies at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.

Three studies looked at preparations to counter the skin reactions of radiotherapy, but only one was deemed to be high quality.

This, from France, suggested that calendula – from marigolds – reduced acute dermatitis in breast cancer patients more effectively than the more conventional treatment trolamine. It involved 254 patients.

No interference

One of three studies on treating the side-effects of chemotherapy was deemed high quality.

This found that Traumeel S, a mixture which includes belladonna, arnica, St John’s wort and echinacea, was effective in reducing stomatisis – painful mouth sores – when used as a mouthwash.

Two other studies of homeopathic treatments on menopausal symptoms brought on by cancer treatments were declared to be of high quality but did not provide any evidence that the treatments worked.

There was no evidence to show that any of these treatments interfered with cancer therapies, and indeed one study showed that radiotherapy was less frequently interrupted in the group receiving homeopathic care.”

 

Homeopathy: 79% of patients have improvement- CAM report

More research to support the use of homeopathy and other therapies in improving health and well-being.       

Homeopathy fares well in Northern Ireland report

  

Complementary and Alternative Therapies Backed for NHS Funding

 A major Government-funded study, carried out in Northern Ireland and commissiond by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, found there would be a range of benefits to patients in providing access to complementary and alternative medicine, and that the treatments could even save the health service money.
 

Treatments administered after referral from local GPs included acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, reflexology and aromatherapy.

The Health Minister in Northern Ireland has made the independent evaluation report available to download on the Department’s website. As well as an extensive report with detailed responses from patients, GPs and practitioners, using a validated audit tool, focus groups and surveys, the report has made recommendations about the way forward. www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/complementary-alternative-medicine.htm
 

The ResultsThe Results

Following the pilot, 80% of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms, 64% took less time off work and 55% reduced their use of painkillers.
In the pilot, 713 patients with a range of ages and demographic backgrounds and either physical or mental health conditions were referred to various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies via nine GP practices in Belfast and Londonderry. 
 

Homeopathy received the highest percentage of reported improvements :   In relation to treatment programme, patients who availed of chiropractic and osteopathy treatments (56%) were less likely to record an improvement in their level of wellbeing, compared with patients availing of acupuncture (77%) and homeopathic treatments (79%) (see page 31 of the report).       

Health improvement

• 81% of patients reported an improvement in their physical health
• 79% reported an improvement in their mental health
• 84% of patients linked an improvement in their health and wellbeing directly to their CAM treatment
• In 65% of patient cases, GPs documented a health improvement, correlating closely to patient-reported improvements
• 94% of patients said they would recommend CAM to another patient with their condition
• 87% of patient indicated a desire to continue with their CAM treatment

Painkillers and medication

• Half of GPs reported prescribing less medication and all reported that patients had indicated to them that they needed less
• 62% of patients reported suffering from less pain
• 55% reported using less painkillers following treatment
• Patients using medication reduced from 75% before treatment to 61% after treatment
• 44% of those taking medication before treatment had reduced their use afterwards

Health service and social benefits

• 24% of patients who used health services prior to treatment (i.e. primary and secondary care, accident and emergency) reported using the services less after treatment
• 65% of GPs reported seeing the patient less following the CAM referral
• Half of GPs said the scheme had reduced their workload and 17% reported a financial saving for their practice
• Half of GPs said their patients were using secondary care services less

Despite initial scepticism, the GPs involved were almost unanimously in favour after seeing tangible results. In 99% of patient cases GPs said they would refer the patient, or a different patient, to the scheme again and in 98% of cases GPs said they would recommend the service to other GPs. However, they also called for more information to help build their understanding of CAM therapies.

 

(Source: Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety : Evaluation – Complementary and Alternative Medicines Pilot Project in Northern Ireland, May 2008 (see web-link above); and circular email from Get Well UK)

This article is orginally from homeopathyworked for me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Arnica & Bellis Perennis for mild postpartum bleeding

Homeopaths have been prescribing Arnica and Bellis Perennis to reduce postpartum bleeding since these remedies were first proved.

Homeopathic provings are conducted by homeopaths to find out which symptoms a substance can produce. The homeopathic medicine is taken by provers, who must be people in good health, all symptoms are recorded. The provers are supervised by other experienced homeopaths. At the end of the proving, usually around a month later, the evidence is gathered and analysed. Together with other information about the substance, the proving  forms the detailed symptom picture of homeopathic medicines found within homeopathic materia medica books. Homeopaths have relied on this knowledge, which has been handed down by generations of homeopaths since Hahnemann, to make prescriptions.  Simultaeously new provings have been added to bring us over 4000 homeopathic remedies.

Now that (almost) all medicines are tested by Randomised Controlled Trials, homeopathy is being scrutinised as to it’s methodology for researching homeopathic medicines. This has encouraged some of the homeopathic world to embark on RCTs to test the effects of homeopathic medicines on specific symptoms. With more evidence based information backing up what we homeopaths and the public, who use homeopathic remedies, already know, this can only be good for homeopathy’s longevity. Our clinical evidence that homeopathic remedies used homeopathically improve the health and wellbeing of clients has been enough for us. To satisfy the critical eye of the scientific world the more scientifically minded amongst us have responded with RCTs.

If you like reading research material go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
or just read the abstract below, either way it confirms what homeopaths have always known about using Arnica and Bellis Perennis after childbirth.

The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding–a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study–preliminary results.

Oberbaum M, Galoyan N, Lerner-Geva L, Singer SR, Grisaru S, Shashar D, Samueloff A.

The Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel. oberbaum@szmc.org.il

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Arnica Montana and Bellis perennis on postpartum blood loss. DESIGN: Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial. SETTING: Department of Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. INTERVENTIONS: Forty parturients were randomized to one of three groups: Arnica montana C6 and Bellis perennis C6 (n=14), Arnica montana C30 and Bellis perennis C30 (n=14), or double placebo (n=12). After 48 h the Arnica/placebo was halted, and patients continued the Bellis/placebo until cessation of lochia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hemoglobin levels (Hb) at 48 and 72 h postpartum. RESULTS: At 72 h postpartum, mean Hb levels remained similar after treatment with homeopathic remedies (12.7 versus 12.4) as compared to a significant decrease in Hb levels in the placebo group (12.7 versus 11.6; p<0.05), in spite of less favorable initial characteristics of the treatment group. The mean difference in Hb levels at 72 h postpartum was -0.29 (95% CI -1.09; 0.52) in the treatment group and -1.18 (95% CI -1.82; -0.54) in the placebo group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo.

Homeopathic remedies to use during pregnancy

 

For the gentle approach and the safety of the baby, expectant mothers seek out non-toxic treatments for everyday ailments during pregnancy. Homeopathy offers a side effect free medicine for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and newborns. Homeopathic remedies do not adversely interact with other medicines nor do they inhibit their action. So using homeopathic remedies before, during and after pregnancy can prove invaluable.  Homeopaths are able to help ailments arising around reproduction, pre conception health, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and post-natal depression. Your homeopath will be able to supply you with a homeopathic remedy kit to use for acute prescribing.  Pre conception care  Healthy parents make healthy babies. Homeopathy can play a part in getting you both ready to conceive. The much discussed ‘constitutional homeopathic remedy’ is one that matches your energetic state as completely as possible. It takes into account the pattern of your symptoms combined with your personal characteristics that will point to a particular remedy. This remedy will stimulate your own self-healing to respond and work effectively on improving your health. You may have been feeling a bit run down, having recurrent colds or other acute illnesses. Within a couple of months of receiving homeopathic treatment you should begin to see an improvement in your general health. This is also an excellent time to deal with any chronic conditions or health concerns that may cause difficulty during pregnancy. These might include skin complaints or respiratory troubles, addiction to junk foods, caffeine or cigarettes for example.  Fertility  It’s a well kept secret that homeopathy improves fertility. Homeopaths treat couples with fertility issues to enhance their chances of conception. Second time parents may be as anxious to conceive, as those waiting for their first baby. Remedies can be prescribed to establish regular menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual problems and to stimulate ovulation or sperm production. There is anecdotal evidence that homeopathic treatment before IVF and other assisted conception methods raises the chance of success. This holistic approach to fertility means that the emotional, psychological and physical symptoms can be gently dealt with to help couples through this exciting but often stressful process.  Pregnancy  Having babies can be easy for some women who sail through pregnancy looking and feeling fabulous. They are the lucky ones; for others being pregnant can bring morning sickness, constipation, back pain, heartburn and tiredness. These common complaints can easily be helped with homeopathic remedies:  Morning sickness  Cocculus 6c is a good remedy to try if you loathe the idea and smell of all food and drink. You may also experience nausea that rises to, or is felt in the head. Yawning and feeling hungry are additional symptoms.  If you suffer from constant nausea with empty belching and retching, vomiting is difficult and does not relieve your nausea, Ipecac 6c is the homeopathic remedy which may well help you.  If you feel worse after eating and drinking and need to vomit small amounts and desire fresh air and sympathy then try Pulsatilla 6c.  If after a few doses there is no improvement, consider another remedy. In severe cases, consult your GP and homeopath about further treatment.  Homeopathic remedies can bring relief to these troublesome symptoms in early pregnancy with the help of your homeopath you should sail through a natural healthy pregnancy.    Authors: Elizabeth Biagi and Rachel Murphy are mothers as well as  registered homeopaths with The Society of Homeopaths. They hold clinics in central Edinburgh where they see clients of all ages.

 

 

Homeopathy improves male fertility

Homeopaths are increasingly seeing women with fertility issues yet seldom do men volunteer to visit a homeopath for this health concern. Research suggests that a year long course of homeopathic medicine improves male fertility. The key to increasing male fertility is individualized homeopathic treatment, regular consultations  and ongoing treatment.  This is standard homeopathic practise, treating the person rather than a named condition. By implication men will benefit from the holistic approach of contitutional homeopathic treatment. Even those who didn’t complete the year long treatment, 5 of 7 drop-out patients experienced significant improvement after 3 months, including a 55% increase in sperm density, 63% increase in progressive motility, and 196% increase in the density of sperm with good motility. Encouraging enough for men to give homeopathy a try, even for three months. 

Individualized homeopathic therapy for male infertility”, Homeopathy, 2002 by Gerhard I and Wallis E of University of Heidelberg, Germany, Dept of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproduction, showed significant evidence of improved sperm density, motility and general health of men over an average 10.3 months of homeopathic treatment.

Read the report at

http://www.amcofh.org/documents/HomeopathyInfertilityResearch.pdf

Homeopathy for you & your baby

 

Find out more at http://www.homeopathicgarden.co.uk/content/fertility.htm

Homeopathy has the remedy

Welcome to my blog, I’m Elizabeth a registered homeopath. I’m going to use this blog to write articles and highlight articles of interest on homeopathy for everyone.

Homeopathy is part of my life, it’s simple to make homeopathy part of your everyday healthcare. With an understanding of homeopathic principles, a good homeopathic home prescribing book and homeopathic remedy kit, you are well on the way to treating everyday ailments. For chronic conditions, find a local registered homeopath go along for an initial visit to find out if homeopathy can help you.

 This is strictly for those who adopt, or wish to adopt , homeopathy as part of their lives. I’m not inviting comments. For those who want to talk, I’m on twitter under indigopath.

Find out more about me, homeopathy and my clinics at mywebsite www.homeopathicgarden.co.uk