Hospital study shows 70% of patients feel better after homeopathy
The results of a six year study at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital show that 70.7% of the patients reported their symptoms as better after homeopathic treatment.
Over 6,500 patients took part in the study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine this month. A wide range of chronic diseases were treated including eczema, asthma, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, arthritis, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. The most marked improvements were seen in children - 89% of under 16s with asthma reported improvement and 75% felt 'better' or 'much better', as did 68% of eczema patients under 16.
All the patients were referred by their GP or hospital specialist and many had tried conventional treatment first without success - read Nikki's story below. Dr David Spence, Clinical Director and Consultant Physician at Bristol and co-author of the study, says: "These results clearly demonstrate the value of homeopathy in the NHS. This is a very large number of patients with conditions that are difficult to treat successfully with conventional medicine."
The study, the largest consecutive homeopathic clinical series every reported, echoes findings from Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital in 2000, where 74% of 1372 patients reported a positive result from homeopathic treatment, and similarly at Liverpool Department of Homeopathic Medicine in 2001, where 76% of 1100 patients reported an improvement of their condition. Some scientists have criticised the study for not having a control group. Our answer to this is that this is an observational study not a scientific trial. What it shows is homeopathy in the real world, as experienced by real people.
Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital re-opened by Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales officially re-opened the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital on Great Ormond Street on 12 October, after its £20 million redevelopment. The Prince unveiled a replica of the mosaic on the ground floor of the hospital and met with healthcare professionals who work to provide integrated care for patients, offering the best of both complementary and conventional treatments. Later, the Prince addressed a gathering of GPs who integrate complementary medicine into their practices. Mr Peter Hain MP spoke at the event and revealed that he is a 'true convert' to homeopathy after his son was treated homeopathically for eczema and asthma.
Focus on: migraines - 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, Nikki Styles-Harris, 33 from Weston-super-Mare, talks about how homeopathy has helped her to control her migraines, for which she was unable to find an effective conventional treatment. She was referred to the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital three years ago.
How long have you suffered from migraines for?
I experienced two migraines in my early 20s then when I was about 29, I experienced a ten month period of migraines. On average I was suffering from two to three a week, which meant increasing amounts of time off work.
What treatments did you try before turning to homeopathy?
I have previous history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma so immediately turned to my GP for advice. I was referred for a brain scan and to a neurologist to rule out 'nasties' and then was prescribed conventional medication by my GP to take nightly. I was also prescribed acute treatment to be taken at the onset of a migraine. The acute treatment worked well but the daily medication made no difference and I was still suffering from migraines.
How was the homeopathic consultation different from conventional consultations?
It took in my whole history and wellbeing. It gave me the opportunity to talk about my fears, my migraine experiences, my symptoms and what impact it had on my life. The consultation also gives you the opportunity to talk about you and what makes you tick. I felt as though my whole self was being treated, not just my condition.
What effect is homeopathy having on your migraines?
Fantastic – I have been migraine free for about two years.
Which homeopathic remedy were you prescribed?
Natrum arsenicum.
How often do you need to use your homeopathic remedy?
I contact my consultant when I feel there might be a concern that I am approaching my 'danger' period and we discuss what is going on for me, how I feel and the remedy is then prescribed as a result of our consultation. I feel we work together on how to treat me.
Would you recommend that other migraine sufferers try homeopathy?
Definitely.
What would you say to somebody who believes that homeopathy is a placebo effect?
Does it matter?! Forget the science and trying to solve why it might or might not work, if it does then be happy and enjoy a migraine-free life.
Download Health & Homeopathy article on headaches and migraines by Dr Andrew Lockie
Download Health & Homeopathy article on headaches and migraines by Dr Tom Whitmarsh
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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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Use homeopathy to cope with those Christmas excesses
Can't resist that extra mince pie/cherry brandy/late night party? Me neither. But don't worry, help is at hand! The homeopathic remedy Nux vomica is known for its ability to deal with ‘excess’. And that doesn’t just mean hangovers. As well as excessive eating and drinking, the remedy is used for insomnia and irritability caused by suppressed anger, coughs and colds, headaches, migraines and women’s complaints.
The leaves, bark and seeds of the Nux vomica, or ‘poison nut’ tree, all contain strychnine, but the homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds alone. The leaves of the plant have long been used, in small doses, to aid digestion and stimulate the appetite. Read about a typical Nux vom personality in our Health and Homeopathy article by clicking on the link below. And don’t forget to stock up on it if you think you are likely to go ‘over the top’ this winter! Read Health & Homeopathy article on Nux vomica
Bye for now!
That's all for now. Thanks to all of you who sent in comments last issue, these were gratefully received and will help me keep the newsletter working for you. Keep sending ideas in please! Just email me. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Don't forget the Nux vom...
Sarah
Sarah Buckingham
sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org
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