Helen Saunders, RSHom LCH Registered Homeopath

The following is a list of potential questions you may have which are answered in this section:

What evidence is there that Homeopathy works?
How do you explain how Homeopathy works?
Can I carry on taking conventional drugs whilst receiving homeopathic treatment?
I have heard that I may get worse before I get better. Is it true?
Can you treat serious diseases such as Cancer?
It is true that homeopaths don't agree with vaccination?
What do doctors think about homeopathy?
Can I be referred on the the NHS for homeopathic treatment?
Do medical insurance companies recognise Homeopathy?


What evidence is there that homeopathy works?

We know it works from the evidence of 250 years of its practice throughout the world. Many sceptics will argue that it is just a placebo effect that comes into play when a remedy is given. There have been some important trials done in Glasgow which demonstrate that homeopathy is not just simply a placebo. This is coupled with the 250 years of achieving a much higher success rate than can be attributed to placebo alone. It has also been demonstrated to work on animals, babies and small children who cannot possibly be aware of what is happening to them.

How do you explain how Homeopathy works?

This is more difficult because we are unable to explain Homeopathy in modern scientific terms. A homeopathic remedy goes through a process of dilution and this means that very little if anything of the original substance is left. Again, the sceptics would argue that this cannot possibly have an affect on the body. However, we believe that the energetic value of that substance still remains. Homeopaths view an organism as more than just substance and that we are both substance and energy. Homeopathy works at an energetic level and stimulates the bodies own healing processes.

Can I carry on taking conventional drugs whilst receiving homeopathic treatment?

Homeopathic remedies can work whilst taking conventional drugs and are effective in taking away unwanted side-effects. For those who wish to 'come off' conventional drugs, a plan can be formulated in conjunction with your GP.

If you would like further information about this subject just click here to e-mail me and I will e-mail back a document entitled Homeopathy for people taking long-term medication.

I have heard that I may get worse before I get better. Is it true?

It sometimes happens that symptoms become worse immediately after taking the remedy but when this happens the patient usually feels better in themselves and their symptoms quickly improve. However, many patients improve without an aggravation of their symptoms. Please just observe what happens with an open mind.

Can you treat serious diseases such as cancer?

There has been little research in this area to date, and let's be honest, most people with life-threatening illnesses see medical specialists first. However, it is important to realise that homeopathy is a complementary medicine and is frequently used alongside conventional treatments in such cases. Homeopathy can reduce the side-effects of cancer treatments, and makes a valuable contribition to the care of cancer patients.

It is true that homeopaths don't agree with vaccination?

It's not as simple as that .... homeopaths specialise in the treatment of individuals and their unique responses to disease. So we work with a very different health model from the conventional one, which aims to increase "herd immunity". There is much anecdotal and scientific evidence to support the arguments for and against vaccination. We believe that parents should be supported in making rational informed decisions on the short and long-term implications of vaccination.

What do doctors think about homeopathy?

Doctors are becoming increasingly open-minded about homeopathy. In many hospitals it is becoming integrated into the NHS.

Can I be referred on the the NHS for homeopathic treatment?

That will be down to your own GP and whether he wishes to fund this form of treatment. Why not ask your GP? More are referring patients to non-medical homeopaths.

Do medical insurance companies recognise Homeopathy?

A growing number do. The following are companies which recognise Homeopaths without GP referral:

HSA
Healthsure
Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund
Forester Health
Health Shield
Patient Aid Association
Provincial Hospital Association