BHA Bytes : BHA Bytes Issue 1
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| Your e-newsletter from the British Homeopathic Association | |
Welcome to the very first issue of BHA Bytes! I'm Sarah and I work on publications and communications for the British Homeopathic Association. I thought it was about time we provided an email newsletter that will keep people up to date with what's going on in the world of medical homeopathy. I hope you like it. Please send comments and suggestions for topics to me at sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org - this newsletter is for you so I value your opinions! | |
BHA Bytes |
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Lancet article fundamentally flawed
A paper by researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland published in The Lancet recently concluded that "there was no evidence that homeopathy was superior to placebo". The study analysed placebo-controlled trials of homeopathy and conventional medicine. 110 homeopathy trials and 110 matched trials in conventional medicine were included. The study found that there was a broadly similar positive treatment effect in both homeopathy and conventional medicine. However, the authors of the article then restricted their key analysis to only 14 trials (eight homeopathic and six conventional) which resulted in the outcomes being more positive for the conventional treatments. The paper's main conclusion was therefore that the clinical effects of homeopathy are probably those of placebo. The BHA's Research Development Adviser Robert Mathie says: "Most independent scientific observers would regard this analysis as inconclusive in its results and opaque in some of its key methods and reporting." Despite this The Lancet announced "the end of homeopathy" in the editorial that accompanied the paper, triggering a media frenzy! A full analysis of the study by Robert Mathie is posted on our website at www.trusthomeopathy.org
Focus on: Eczema - how can homeopathy help?
In every issue I will be highlighting a particular condition for which homeopathic treatment can be of benefit.
In this issue, Royal London Homeopathic Hospital patient Abigail Compton, 23, from Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, describes how homeopathy is helping her to deal with her eczema:
How long have you suffered from eczema for?
I have had eczema since birth. I seemed to grow out of it as I got older but at around the age of 17 my condition considerably worsened. I couldn't wear any make up or jewellery, couldn't sleep at night, couldn't sit still or concentrate and I felt conspicuous all the time as my skin (on my face and neck especially) was very red and sore-looking.
What treatments did you try before turning to homeopathy?
Everything available. Steroid creams, oral steroids, bath oils, moisturisers. The treatments had begun to get serious. I was given tablets that reduced my immune system and could be so damaging that I would have to have blood tests every week to check that there was no damage to my internal organs. I took one version of these but suffered severe headaches and therefore stopped taking them. I then refused to take any other version of them as I felt I would rather put up with the eczema than take something with bad side effects. When I was sent to the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital I was already attending two other hospitals (Royal Free and St Thomas's) and had recently been going to Chase Farm Hospital as well. I was sent to RLHH by the Royal Free Hospital because they had run out of ideas to help me any more.
How was the homeopathic consultation different from conventional consultations?
It was a longer consultation than I have normally and we covered all of my medical history, not just that to do with my eczema. There were also some seemingly unconventional questions about other aspects of my health, such as whether I was a hot or cold person.
What effect is homeopathy having on your eczema?
My eczema has improved considerably. It has not cleared but my life is much more normal, and my skin is not so high maintenance. I can now wear some make up. I now sleep much better and feel a lot more confident about myself and my appearance. I will still be having treatment for about another year.
What happens when you take your homeopathic treatment?
When I take the tablets, my skin worsens for a few days but then improves to a better condition than it was before I took the tablet.
Which homeopathic remedy(ies) were you prescribed?
I take two Sulphur 12c tablets and also use Calendula cream.
How often do you need to use your homeopathic remedies?
Initially I would take two tablets a week, it has now reduced to two tablets every two weeks. I can apply the cream whenever I feel it is necessary.
Would you recommend that other eczema sufferers try homeopathy?
I would recommend it as a good alternative to conventional medicine. Especially when you feel you are running out of options, or that the treatments being offered are too severe. I had begun to believe that my skin would never be normal(ish) again and I now feel that that is achievable.
Download Health & Homeopathy article on skin conditions
Find out about the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital's Skin Services
National Eczema Week, 17-24 September 2005
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Have you had success with homeopathy? Would you like to feature in our e-newsletter? Email me with your cases at sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org Please make sure your story is only about homeopathy, as I won't be able to use it otherwise. Thanks!
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Case Notes programme looks at homeopathy
If you missed it you can still listen to Dr Mark Porter's Case Notes programme on the BBC Radio 4 website, which focussed on homeopathy a few weeks ago - just click here. Dr Porter interviewed Faculty of Homeopathy members Drs David Spence, Liz Thompson and David Reilly. I thought it was an interesting half hour, well worth a listen.
University blues? Keep homeopathy at hand
It's that time of year again, when leaving home for university can be a difficult time for many young people and their families. In the Autumn issue of Health & Homeopathy magazine, Dr Sara Eames from the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital will be explaining how homeopathy can help. To make sure you receive the next issue when it comes out in October, join the BHA by calling Jacqui on 0870 444 3950, or by filling in our online form.
Bye for now!
That's it for this issue, I hope you found it interesting! Don't forget to send me your ideas for future issues of BHA Bytes, I would like to hear from you - just email me. I'm off now to get some work done on Health & Homeopathy.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Sarah Buckingham
sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org
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Join the BHA and win a free book!
Yes, our friends at Freeman's Homeopathic Pharmacy have agreed to provide us with a copy of a book on homeopathy worth over £20, to give away to one lucky person who joins the BHA before October 31st 2005! All you need to do is click on the link below to fill in a form on our website. Alternatively, give my colleague Jacqui a ring on 0870 444 3950 and mention the BHA Bytes book offer when you sign up. You will be entered into the draw, to take place on 1st November 2005.
As a Friend you will receive four issues per year of our magazine Health & Homeopathy, as well as exclusive invitations to BHA events, access to local homeopathic groups and much more. Most importantly, you will be helping the BHA to promote homeopathy and fund training and research. You can't lose really!
Please sign me up as a BHA Friend
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BBC Radio 4 listeners vote 'complementary'
"Best medical practice must include complementary treatments" was the motion discussed in a recent edition of BBC Radio 4's Straw Poll. The programme was recorded at the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton. At the end of the hour-long debate, 64% of the audience were for the motion and 33% were against. In the week that followed the number in favour rose to 77% as people phoned in to add their views.
2005 practitioner list out now
The new edition of the BHA's practitioner list for 2005 has just been printed. For those of you who don't know, this nationwide list contains the names of practitioners available either privately or through the NHS, and some see patients on certain insurance schemes. It doesn't just include doctors - there are dentists, podiatrists, vets, nurses and pharmacists in there too! If you would like to receive a copy just give us a call on 0870 444 3950. This list is already in the website if you want to look up contact details there. Click on the image below to find a practitioner. It is easier and more cost-effective for us to keep the web version up-to-date so you will find the latest information there. Just so you know!
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Your details - our privacy policy
We want to reassure you that the contact details you provide to the BHA will not be passed onto third parties. We received your email address when you contacted us recently via our website, and you agreed to receive mailings from us concerning homeopathy when you filled in an enquiry form. We will respect your privacy and only use your details for this purpose. BHA Bytes is published six times a year. If you have received this email in error, I do apologise. Just email me and I will remove your details from my list. Many thanks.
Copyright British Homeopathic Association 2005
British Homeopathic Association
Registered Charity No 235900 | Company Limited by Guarantee 102915
Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
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