Homeopathy

- the natural way to sleep easy

If to sleep or not to sleep is the question, homeopathy could be the answer.

About one in five people has some difficulty with sleeping, and interrupted

sleep patterns are a common problem at stressful times in our lives.

People with sleep problems commonly consult professional homeopaths

who will look at the whole person, taking into account not just the sleeping

difficulties, but a range of other factors such as stress triggers, other health

issues and personality traits.

A homeopath will prescribe a medicine (known as a remedy) with the aim of

triggering the patient’s natural system of healing. The substances used are

prepared in specialist homeopathic pharmacies, using a careful dilution

process, and as such they are non toxic.  If you know someone with difficulty

sleeping why don’t you show them the research and ask them to give me a

call?

Karen

The Society of Homeopaths, the UK’s largest register of homeopaths with 1,500 members, does not endorse the use of homeopathic remedies with a view to preventing serious tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

At this time, the evidence to support the use of homeopathic prophylactics, that is, using homeopathic remedies as a preventative treatment, is largely anecdotal and therefore the use of this method is speculative.

The Society recommends that members of the public follow the advice given by their GP and/or relevant Department of Health guidelines concerning protection against disease whilst travelling.

The Society is making this statement in response to a BBC Newsnight programme (January 4^th) which contained inaccurate information about homeopathy and falsely suggested that Society of Homeopaths’ members routinely prescribe homeopathic medicines as a prevention for serious tropical diseases, as an alternative to conventional drugs.

The Society would also like to add that, contrary to statements made on the programme, there is a growing body of scientific research evidence which shows that homeopathy is effective beyond placebo in the treatment of patients suffering from a variety of conditions.¹ 

While there is some evidence to suggest that homeopathic medicines may be effective in preventing serious disease (e.g. a recent study in Cuba which suggests that homeoprophylaxis may be a ‘feasible tool’ for controlling epidemics of Leptospirosis)², the amount of evidence available is currently insufficient to justify the practice of homeoprophylaxis for malaria and other tropical disease.

With the devastating impact that serious tropical diseases have worldwide, and the side-effects associated with available drug treatments, The Society believes further research is essential.

In the programme, a brief hidden camera clip of a Society of Homeopaths member talking to a patient about the prevention of malaria was used. As a responsible professional body, the Society of Homeopaths will investigate any formal complaint made against a registered member, in accordance with its professional conduct procedures.

References:

1. British Homeopathic Association. The Research Evidence Base for Homeopathy. www.britishhomeopathic.org/export/sites/bha_site/research/evidencesummary.pdf [accessed, Dec 2010]

2. Bracho G et al. Large-scale application of highly-diluted bacteria for Leptospirosis epidemic control. Homeopathy, 2010; 99: 156-166

The Society of Homeopaths welcomes the Government’s response to the Science and Technology Committee report: Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy, July 2010.

In particular, the Society is glad to see the Government place the emphasis on Primary Care Trusts to choose whether to provide homeopathy on the NHS,  taking account of local need. The Society supports patients’ right to choose homeopathy as a treatment option

Zofia Dymitr, Society Chairwoman said: “We fully endorse the government’s statement “The Department of Health wholly supports the concept of the informed patient. The Society is aware of patient demand for homeopathy, and respects patients’ capacity to make informed choices about their healthcare.”

Society of Homeopaths registered members (RSHoms) meet robust education and registration standards and agree to practice in accordance with the Society’s Code of Ethics. The Society would like to see more patients having access to homeopathy on the NHS, and can provide the evidence that homeopathy is an effective and cost effective treatment option.

The Society also welcomes the report’s acknowledgement of the long tradition homeopathy has enjoyed in Europe, and that this Government, in line with EU policy, does not wish to constrain consumer choice, or to regulate homeopathic medicines at UK level.

To read the full report click here

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_117810