The Faculty of Newsletter August 2016 Vets defend right to practise homeopathy

eterinary members of the Faculty Photo: Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com Monika of Homeopathy have been in the V media defending the practice of using homeopathy to treat animals. This follows news that equine vet Danny Chambers in submitting a petition to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) calling for vets to be banned from prescribing homeopathic medicines. Mr Chambers launched his petition in November last year with the aim of attracting widespread support for a ban. But despite numerous appearances in the media to promote his petition it has attracted just 1,000 signatures from vets, which is only 4.5% of the RCVS’s 22,000 membership. The evidence debate Appearing on the BBC’s Victoria president of the British Association of He argued this was the main reason Derbyshire Show, Mr Chambers claimed Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons, why vets who practise homeopathy get homeopathy has been proven not to Mark Elliott, was a guest on BBC Radio attacked. “We do get results,” he said, work and is bad for animal welfare. 4’s Today programme where he too “and are obviously denying the placebo “Science tells us homeopathy does debated the subject with Mr Chambers. effect.” nothing whatsoever … sick animals He first informed a polite but In a statement, the RCVS said “… should be given a proven product,” clearly hostile presenter that a homeopathy is currently accepted he said. similar petition was presented to by society and recognised by UK Also appearing on the show was the American Veterinary Medical medicines legislation, and does not, Faculty member Geoff Johnson who Association (AVMA) two years ago in itself, cause harm to animals”. said: “Science is where you observe and was “comprehensively rejected”. Before going on to say it could see phenomenon occurring and in 21 years As well as stating there is evidence no justification for banning veterinary of being a homeopathic vet I’ve seen for homeopathy, Mr Elliott informed surgeons from practising homeopathy. many animals respond very well.” the presenter that another reason for An official response to the petition He then went on to point out the AVMA’s decision was because “the from the Faculty was published on its that contrary to Mr Chambers’ claims, evidence for their own practices was website. In it the Faculty’s veterinary there are quality scientific studies pretty sketchy at best”. in veterinary homeopathy and dean, Peter Gregory, said: “In an age highlighted a Dutch trial in which Emphatic response when antibiotic resistance is such an neonatal piglets responded positively When the presenter said that while important issue, veterinary surgeons when homeopathy was used as a people may experience a placebo and farmers who have found they can replacement to antibiotics in the effect, animals can’t and therefore limit the use of these drugs by using treatment of Escherichia coli diarrhoea. should not be treated homeopathically, homeopathy should be applauded and Another Faculty vet and the vice- Mr Elliott was emphatic in his response. not attacked.” EDITORIAL

Brexit and the Faculty of Homeopathy t was a result that wrong-footed the confident to invest at higher levels. Greg White experts, the pundits, the bookmakers Nonetheless the Faculty can Iand the markets. Britain’s vote to demonstrate constantly our pivotal leave the European Union has marked role as the representative body for the start of an unprecedented period healthcare professionals integrating of uncertainty and potential change homeopathy into practice, and in the UK economy. The immediate should be viewed as most investment aftermath of the decision to leave the worthy. In fact, even if uncertainty is EU has seen a fall in share prices and not removed quickly, once any “new the value of Sterling. Other impacts, such normal” is defined supporters could as movements in interest rates and a start to prioritise investment as the tightening public purse, are yet to be seen. importance of our educational cause The people have spoken. What is pressed home – precisely because might their verdict mean for the of the impacts of financial and political Faculty? Though it is too early to tell options in the near term may tighten fallout. Rather than scrolling back their whether recessions and significant as other matters compete for attention. support, the Faculty’s past, present economic downturns in the past hold This may continue until such time as and future backers will see the need to any precedent for the current situation, either “normal service is resumed” or a sustain their commitments. the uncertainty itself could create a “new normal” is defined. Returning back to Brexit, the UK need for adjustment to the Faculty’s The Faculty suggests the following certainly finds itself in a peculiar plans for growth. Beyond a suggestion considerations for those organisations situation and one that requires that “expecting the unexpected” might with whom we work, as we will be steadfast leadership to see us through. be wise going forward, here are a few attempting to stick to these ourselves: Just as the government needs to reassure the public of the country’s thoughts octhe Faculty’s immediate 1. Things can’t stop: homeopathy future stability, the Faculty wants to plans and reaction to Brexit. is under pressure as it is; were we to allay any fears among our European Faculty council met to consider discontinue the programmes of work and worldwide members and and approve the new Faculty plan on planned prior to the referendum result partners as to our commitment to the 13 June 2016. The council recognised we will collectively suffer as a result. A international homeopathic community. that as an independent organisation a business as usual attitude is important It will take some time for the dust new approach to our external relations as it is hard to see how failure to to settle. should be at the heart of our activities continue to engage for short-term going forward. Just as well, for we now reasons wouldn’t create even larger Greg White look out at an external environment problems in the future. Chief Executive drastically altered from the date of that meeting. I will write more about the 2. Poverty is relative: many Faculty’s plan in simile in the weeks to organisations prospered even during come. the seismic downturn of the credit Suffice to say that central to the crunch and banking collapses of 2008/9. Grant-makers – organisations external relations strategy are options Editor: John Burry which are in the business of giving to help the Faculty generate more Consultant Editor: Greg White external income, so relationships with money to professional bodies like our Faculty of Homeopathy grant giving trusts, foundations and Faculty – should have in place long- other potential supporters will be one term investment strategies which CAN Mezzanine key to our success. Yet funding-related take into account the possibility of 49-51 East Road decision making may be delayed as recession and in general tend to invest London people monitor the effects of Brexit on in limited risk vehicles. While grant- N1 6AH giving did fall during the last recession wealth and liquidity. Almost certainly Tel: 020 3640 5903 there will be a sense of distraction, so it was less than was anticipated by the National Council for Voluntary E: [email protected] it could take longer to engage and W: www.facultyofhomeopathy.org cultivate potential funders. Trouble in Organisations. All the material in this publication is copyright the markets may mean organisations 3. Let’s all be patient and not and may not be reproduced without permission. feel poorer as well, so less inclined to assume the worse: it is possible, The publishers do not necessarily identify with or hold themselves responsible for contributors’, invest even though poverty is relative perhaps probable, that projects and correspondents’ or advertisers’ opinions. (see below). programmes may take longer to deliver Design: HMCA Services It may be premature to assume that than envisioned as funding decisions [email protected] levels of European co-operation and take longer, or as funders invest more Printing: Henry Ling Limited grant giving will fall, but quite possibly modestly until such time that they feel

2 NEWS simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

NHS homeopathy to end in Liverpool NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Speaking after the decision, Dr de ignoring the people who matter most – Group (CCG) has announced it is to Lacy said: “It has been a very frustrating the patients who use the service.” cease funding homeopathy treatment. and time consuming process to reach In its consultation the CCG found The decision follows a campaign by the conclusion that was perhaps that the majority of patients who have the anti-homeopathy group the Good inevitable from the outset. The whole undergone homeopathic treatment Thinking Society, who threatened the consultation process will have incurred reported an improvement in their CCG with legal action if the service, significant costs to Liverpool CCG to health, with almost 60% describing which costs just £29,000 a year to run, decommission a service that costs their experience as “excellent”. was not reviewed. £29,000 a year or 0.003% of Liverpool “The CCG states in its Quality As part of the formal review CCG’s total budget.” Strategy 2015-2017 document that process, the CCG conducted a public She continued: “No matter how ‘patient feedback’ is an important consultation which found that almost supportive our patients are, how element in assessing the quality of local 60% of local people who had used effective and cost effective the service healthcare services. But not, it appears, homeopathy said it was beneficial to we provide, whatever argument we put their health, describing their experience forward regarding evidence, no-one when the service being assessed is of the therapy as “excellent”. Despite making decisions appears to hear this.” homeopathy!” said Ms Wyllie. this patient endorsement the CCG’s The British Homeopathic Dr Nielsen and Dr de Lacy are governing body voted overwhelmingly Association (BHA) campaigned on now working closely with the CCG to to end its contract with the service behalf of patients for the continuation develop a de-commissioning plan for provider, the Liverpool Medical of the service. Responding the CCG’s the service, including ensuring patients Homeopathy Service, which is run by decision Margaret Wyllie, BHA chair, currently receiving treatment are made Faculty members Dr Hugh Nielsen and said: “In deciding to stop funding aware of the changes and decisions can Dr Sue de Lacy. homeopathy, NHS Liverpool CCG is be made about their future care. A warm Irish welcome awaits delegates to the 2016 congress in Belfast The traditional Irish greeting Céad Míle Fáilte, which translates video cases showing how homeopathy has helped patients as “a hundred thousand welcomes”, awaits delegates to the with severe addictions. From the NHS Glasgow Centre for 2016 Faculty of Homeopathy Congress (formerly the British Integrated Care, Dr Jacquline Mardon will talk about how Homeopathic Congress) in Belfast. homeopathy can be used in an integrative practice. And Recognised as the most intellectually and socially all the way from Japan Dr Ronko Itamura will looking at a stimulating event in the homeopathic calendar, the three-step strategy of recovery from schizophrenia through congress organising committee has put together an exciting homeopathy. programme of informative and inspiring presentations, along Research will again feature prominently in the programme. with a number of enjoyable social events to allow delegates Dr Alex Tournier from the Homeopathy Research Institute to relax and unwind. (HRI) will be discussing the latest evidence in homeopathy Under the theme of “Homeopathy: healthy patients, basic research, while fellow scientist from the HRI Rachel healthy practice” leading homeopaths from the UK and Roberts will offer a critique of the negative conclusions abroad will be sharing their knowledge and experience in the from the 2015 report by Australia’s National Health and fields of homeopathic theory, practice and research. Medical Research Council. And Dr Peter Fisher will present an Among them will be Dr Jonathan Hardy who will be using update on the biological model and clinical research Dr Elizabeth Alex Tournier Dr Jonathan Hardy in homeopathy. Thompson The keynote speaker is Swiss paediatrician Dr Heiner Frei who will share his clinical experience of using homeopathy in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. Other confirmed speakers include congress favourites Dr Elizabeth Thompson, Dr Julie Geraghty, pharmacist Lee Kayne, Dr Bob Leckridge and Dr David Owen, plus many more. The Faculty of Homeopathy 2016 Congress is taking place in Belfast from 3 to 6 November at the four-star Europa Hotel. To book your place and take advantage of the early- bird discount, visit the congress registration page at www.facultyofhomeopathy.org/congress-2016-registration

3 NEWS NHS Wirral service defended

The battle to save NHS homeopathy Mr John Cook of the North West Friends of homeopathy and Iscador service. moved to Birkenhead in May, when Homeopathy 2. Only fund the treatment in NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning exceptional circumstance if the Group (CCG) held a public meeting as patient’s GP can prove that the part of its consultation process on the patient is likely to derive greater future of the homeopathy treatments benefit from the treatment than it funds through the Liverpool Medical might normally be expected for Homeopathy Service (LMHS). patients with that condition. The service review follows a campaign by an anti-homeopathy 3. Stop funding the service. group called the Good Thinking However, the way the options are being Society, which claims the service is a presented by the CCG attracted censure waste of NHS money. Over a two year from Mr John Cook, chairman of the period up to March 2015, the CCG North West Friends of Homeopathy. cost that patients can expect to receive spent £31,608 for homeopathy and He complained that the CCG was should the homeopathy service be Iscador (mistletoe extract) treatments misleading the public by stating that withdrawn. The BHA says it is impossible for patients living within Wirral. That is option one (to retain the homeopathy for the NHS or the public to make an an annual cost of less than £16,000 out service) would be against the advice educated decision on changing service of NHS Wirral CCG’s budget of just over of the National Institute for Health provision when the alternative choices £473 million. and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, are not evaluated or budgeted. Dr Sue Wells, a GP in West Kirby who whereas option three (to cease funding Further criticism was levelled at the is currently the CCG’s acting medical the service) would be in accordance research listed in the Literature Review director, chaired the meeting which with the guidelines. section of the CCG’s consultation paper, was well attended. The audience was Mr Cook reminded the CCG which the BHA dismissed as “non- evenly split between supporters and that NICE makes it abundantly systematic, scanty and lacking in a opponents of the service, but despite clear that its guidance “does not scholarly process”. the passionately held views on both override the responsibility of Predictably, assertions were made sides there was no repeat of the angry healthcare professionals and others by opponents of the service that scenes that marred a Liverpool CCG to make decisions appropriate to the there was no evidence to support public meeting late last year. circumstances of each patient”. This homeopathy as an effective treatment A commentary on the CCG’s issue was also addressed by the BHA beyond placebo. Dr Hugh Nielsen consultation document was produced in its commentary document. NICE, from the LMHS rebutted these claims by the British Homeopathic Association it pointed out, has not conducted a by stating that the LMHS offers an (BHA) and circulated at the meeting. review of homeopathy and has only individualised service that provides In it the BHA calls on the CCG to listen issued guidelines advising against the genuine health benefits for patients. to the patients who have been using use of homeopathy for two specific To support his argument Dr Nielsen the service. All but one reported an conditions: lower urinary tract infections referred to the positive results from improvement in their symptoms, clearly in men and jaundice in babies. the meta-analysis of individualised showing “patients with complex health A straw poll conducted at the homeopathy conducted by the BHA in problems had benefitted from the meeting resulted in a small majority in collaboration with the Robertson Centre services provided by LMHS at a minimal favour of option one over option three, for Biostatistics, Glasgow University. cost”. with little support for option two. The NHS Wirral CCG is asking the public The document also criticises CCG’s decision on the future of NHS to consider three options: NHS Wirral CCG for failing to provide homeopathy in the Wirral is expected information on the treatments and their 1. Extend the existing contract for a later this year. The Faculty makes a capital transfer The Faculty’s management and an office complex in the fashionable The Faculty’s new address is: administration operation has moved Old Street area of the capital. to London. For the past 12 years the While some days staff members will Faculty of Homeopathy Faculty has shared offices with the be working remotely, they can still be CAN Mezzanine British Homeopathic Association contacted by email and during normal in Luton, but since June both office hours by phone on the new 49-51 East Road organisations have been working from number 0203 640 5903. London N1 6AH

4 simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy GP’s lifetime honoured in the US of service is Dr Constantine Hering, an early pioneer of homeopathy in America, has been recognised honoured with a Pennsylvania state historical marker, erected at the location of his former home and office in with MBE Philadelphia. Faculty member Dr Reginald Carr has The installation of the memorial received an MBE from Prince William at was the culmination of a year-long an investiture ceremony at Buckingham effort by the National Center of Palace. News that Dr Carr had been Homeopathy (NCH) to have Dr Hering’s made a Member of the Most Excellent many important achievements officially Order of the British Empire was recognised by the state. formally announced in the New Year’s Through his extensive scientific honours list. The official citation reads: medical research and unselfish “For services to the people of Blyth, devotion to the advancement of treated countless people, often even Northumberland.” the art of healing through medical refusing payment for the treatment education, Dr Hering (1800-1880) that changed their lives. Dr Carr, who has been a GP in helped to establish Philadelphia as the As an author, he produced Blyth for 40 years, said he was surprised leading nineteenth century American volumes that are still in print and when he heard he was to receive city for both medical care and medical used by practising homeopaths. As a the award. education. His contribution was so pioneer, he helped to organise the first In addition to providing medical great he is known today as the “father homeopathic medical school and the care to the local community for four of North American homeopathy”. very first medical society in America. decades, Dr Carr has a long association During his lifetime he was The marker was unveiled by Ann with the Blyth branch of the RNLI responsible for many key events in Jerome, NCH president, and fellow NCH (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) the establishment of homeopathy board member Sharlene Goldfischer. dating back to 1953, when he became in the United States. As a researcher, Also attending the dedication the voluntary medical officer at Blyth he introduced medicines that to this ceremony was Dr Hering’s great lifeboat station. This involved active day are essential to homeopathic grandson, Conrad Hering Knerr. service in rescue operations of sailors practice. As a teacher, he educated Visitors to Philadelphia wishing to from vessels in distress. generations of the homeopaths who see the memorial can find it at 12th and On account of the doctor’s would shape the profession as it came Arch Streets, on the grounds of the connection with the RNLI, Prince to prominence. As a physician, he Pennsylvania Convention Center. William, a former pilot with the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force, chatted to Dr Carr about lifeboats and helicopters A party at the Palace after presenting him with the MBE. Faculty president Dr Helen Beaumont represented the British Homeopathic It was during his childhood that Dr was among the quests at a Buckingham Association and I was there with my Carr first became interested in the RNLI. Palace garden party in April. Faculty hat on – literally! Though the “My father was a sea captain and a pilot When all the guests had assembled, weather was rather grey and wet it did on the local harbour, and my mother proceedings began with the entrance not dampen spirits. worked to support shipwrecked sailors of the Yeomen of the Guard. Then Her We were formally introduced to the during the war,” he explains. Majesty appeared at the top of the Duke and it was a good In 1963, Dr Carr became Honorary steps for the National Anthem. opportunity to carry on discussions Secretary of Blyth RNLI and since then The Queen and Prince Philip started at the BHA’s royal reception in has had further honours conferred on were accompanied by the Duke and March.” him. These include the prestigious RNLI Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Andrew, The Queen and other members of the Countess of Wessex and Princess the family are known to be supporters Gold Bar in 1996, and in recognition Alexandra, each making their way to be of homeopathy, and the spritely way in of his 64 years’ service to the Blyth introduced to different guests. which Her Majesty carries out her hectic branch he later received the RNLI’s “I was delighted and honoured to be schedule of royal engagements, despite highest award, Honorary Life Governor. invited by The Duke of Gloucester to a being 90 years old, certainly offers a Recognition beyond the service first garden party at Buckingham Palace,” glowing regal endorsement for the came in 2008 when he was awarded said Dr Beaumont. “Margaret Wyllie therapy. the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

5 NEWS Wedding bells ring for Faculty Fellow

The beautiful surroundings of to join the couple to celebrate their the Roman baths in the city of Bath marriage. The chief bridesmaid was provided the romantic setting for the Cristal’s ten-year-old daughter Olivia, exchange of wedding vows between who had the huge responsibility of Cristal and her new husband Martin. looking after the wedding rings, while Romance blossomed on an Easy Cristal and Martin’s 18-month-old Jet flight from Naples to Stansted in daughter Hildi provided occasional autumn 2013 when fate – or possibly vocal support during the ceremony. Cupid – contrived to put the former Dr Helen Beaumont, Faculty president, Faculty chief executive in the seat next said: “Both on behalf of the Faculty and to publishing executive Martin. personally I would like to wish Cristal With Cristal being American and and Martin every happiness. This is Honorary Faculty Fellow Cristal Sumner Martin hailing from Germany, family wonderful news: a fantastic occasion, a has got married. and friends travelled from far and wide lovely couple and delightful daughters!” Harvard survey has good news for homeopathy in the US

Researchers from Harvard have published a survey in the American Journal of Public Health1 that delivers good news for supporters of the much maligned therapy in America. Although homeopathy is not used as widely in the US as it is in many European countries, the survey found there has been an increase of 15% over five years in the use of homeopathic medicines. Furthermore, those who use it regard homeopathy as one of the top three complementary and integrative approaches to their healthcare. The survey investigated the possible public health benefits of homeopathy and was conducted by a team led by Michelle Dossett MD, PHD, of the Harvard School of Public Health and placebo expert Ted Kaptchuck OMD, from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, a teaching hospital affiliated to the Harvard Medical School. treatment they had received had improved their health “a They noted that earlier studies suggested “potential public great deal” than those who self-prescribed. health benefits such as reductions in unnecessary antibiotic Leading American homeopath Dana Ullman said the use, reductions in costs to treat certain respiratory diseases, survey’s results support the idea of individual choice in improvements in perimenopausal depression, improved healthcare. “Just as our country is a melting pot of different health outcomes in chronically ill individuals and control of a cultures and races, our health and medical care likewise needs Leptospirosis epidemic in Cuba”. this healthy diversity.” From their study they found respiratory and ear-nose-and- In 2015, a French study concluded that GPs using throat conditions, along with musculoskeletal pain syndromes, homeopathy were finding patient management less to be the most common conditions for which people sought expensive than colleagues who did not use the therapy, homeopathic treatment. They also concluded users of which may represent an important interest to public health. homeopathy tended to be better educated than those who The Harvard researchers made a similar observation: “Because did not use the therapy. of potential public health benefits associated with the use of The Harvard team reported that patients who saw a homeopathy, further research on this modality and targeted professional homeopath were much more likely to have a studies of users are warranted.” positive view of homeopathy compared with those who self- prescribed and purchased remedies over-the-counter. Those Reference who consulted a professional practitioner felt homeopathy 1. Michelle L. Dossett, Roger B. Davis, Ted J. Kaptchuk, and Gloria Y. Yeh. Homeopathy Use by US Adults: Results of a National Survey. American was “very important in maintaining health and well-being”. Journal of Public Health: April 2016, Vol. 106, No. 4, pp. 743-745. doi: 10.2105/ More of these patients thought that the homeopathic AJPH.2015.303025

6 simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

Dr David Reilly retires Threat to beds at Friends and colleagues of Dr David Reilly gathered at the Glasgow NHS Centre for Integrative Care (CIC) in May to wish him a happy retirement. the Glasgow CIC Consultant physician Dr Reilly started working at the centre in 1990 when it Robert Calderwood operated under its former name, the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital. Dr Reilly has been a leading figure in the development of services at the centre. Over the past few years he has focused on the WEL (Wellness Enhancement Learning) programme, which involves the practice of integrative and self-care approaches to health and well-being. Central to WEL is the support it provides for personal change through sparking the self-relationship towards greater self-compassion. Funded by the Scottish government, Dr Reilly’s work involved looking at ways to set up a course to help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME, and to train healthcare professionals to deliver the course. A plan to save NHS Greater Glasgow “The number of beds has already Despite retiring from the NHS, and Clyde £69-million includes a been reduced from 14 to seven,” she he has no plans to slow down as he proposal to shut the seven beds at the said. “It would be really bad news if this intends to continue with his work on Glasgow Centre for Integrative Care was to close. It’s used by patients with the WEL programme. (CIC), according to a leaked report many conditions like Motor Neurone Patricia Donnachie, service support being considered by the health board. Disease, MS and cancer. It will badly manager for CIC and Renal, said: “David Under the Local Delivery Plan affect the people who use the centre.” has been an amazing ambassador for for Greater Glasgow the CIC would A petition raised by Ms Hughes the hospital over the years. His forward become a day and outpatient service calling for the CIC to be funded by the thinking has been a big part in the only and would no longer provide the Scottish government is currently being changes that the hospital has gone five-day inpatient service currently considered by the petitions committee through to make it into the Centre for available. The reason given for the at Holyrood. Integrative Care. He will be missed by service cut is that the “requirement for Elizabeth Porterfield is the head of all the staff.” the in-patient service is reduced by strategic planning and clinical priorities the decisions of other boards to cease at the Scottish government healthcare to fund the service, that reduction directorate. In a letter to the petitions in funding also requires us to reduce committee, she said: “NHS Greater costs”. Glasgow and Clyde have confirmed However, supporters of the they have no plans to change the CIC were quick to point out that services provided by, or indeed to in September last year Robert close, the CIC.” The Faculty’s Twitter Calderwood, chief executive for NHS The letter went on to say that the account has Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said there health board re-stated this position to 3,416 followers were no plans to change the services health secretary Shona Robinson and available at the CIC. minister for public health Maureen Keep up with “The Centre for Integrative Care Watt during a visit in June 2015. the conversations continued to be viable, even in the A statement from NHS Greater light of other NHS boards’ decisions to Glasgow and Clyde said: “The board Log on to stop referring patients to it,” he said. is planning to engage with the public http//twitter.com/ But campaigner Catherine Hughes and patients on a range of service fohhomeopathy fears this latest proposal will result in changes during this year with a view to the eventual closure of the CIC. making final decisions in late 2016.”

7 CASE STUDY Undermined and under attack A case of Cadmium express things. I am red around the I do like things my way. I am face, lots of pustules that were weepy a lecturer at university in phosphoricum from and infected. I get lumpy, yellow- the School for Policies. Faculty president headed, boil-like spots around my I am a research mouth. When I eat cheese, especially coordinator. I Dr Helen Beaumont. hot cheese – hot and greasy – it itches disseminate information. I’m he woman, P, is 38, my face around my mouth. My face is responsible for single and a university too greasy. I spend a fortune on lotions, trying to look better. I suspect sugar. organising the group. lecturer. T I can’t cut out sugar. I eat fruit, dried It is good. I do a lot of Presenting complaints are acne, cold fruit, and drink wine. I have a good diet, work with survivors of sores, irritable bowel syndrome. I never eat junk food. I have a mostly violence. In a small way, P: Acne is the more pressing issue. I also vegetarian diet. I exercise, I don’t smoke I can make a difference. get irritable bowel syndrome. The GP but I have really bad skin. On the research side, I did a big project with the thinks it is not linked and has checked How does it make you feel? What is Women’s Institute. I did a for coeliacie (gluten intolerance). I have the experience? excluded wheat and dairy from my huge launch with NSPCC diet. My stomach is not as bloated and P: I feel miserable. It is only a superficial with teenagers. I’m not painful, but there has been no impact complaint. I haven’t got a terminal stressed about my job. on my skin and it has not regulated my illness but it affects everything I do, like It is a difficult field to work bowels. The cold sores are not nearly so going on holiday, especially camping. in, but there is a good support bad but I still get them frequently. I hate it. I feel so self-conscious. network. It’s a feminist unit with It takes up a huge amount of time, activism, a network with a political Tell me about your skin? always looking at it. I have an active impact. I am lucky P: I will not leave the house without time socially but I am always messing with that, it affects policy. make up. It is only on my face, around with my face, putting make up on. I’m my mouth and nose. It is worse before very self-conscious. I’m a show off, I like a period, big lumpy things. I have photos normally. Now, on holiday there tried everything except Roaccutane. I are no photos. Sun takes the redness had homeopathic treatment, Natrium away; it looked better with a bit of muriaticum, but it did not help the cold colour. The redness does not look so sores, there was no real difference. It red, but the sun can trigger cold sores. started when I was twenty-five when Tell me about being a show off? my best friend committed suicide. I was traumatised in a quiet way. It was such P: I play in bands. I direct a band. I like a shock – disbelief. I didn’t know how to to be on stage performing. I feel great. deal with it. I became withdrawn. I did it last night. It was a great sense of achievement. It feels good, it’s such Tell me more about the shock? good fun. I play percussion and drums. P: Shocking, it was so out of the I like music. ordinary. Shock affects your body. I am controlling. I’m directing – I’m Women internalise things – things in charge. I am involved with a group of happen to the body since you don’t friends. I’m not a controlling person but

8 simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

What are you passionate about? P: I have a big social network. I am in three different bands. My family – my sister has three kids. My friends are so important to me. I don’t have children or a partner. I’m out more than I should be. I love doing things with people. I love holidays, seeing new places meeting new people, something different and new. I am different from other people. I like to be out with my friends, playing in my bands, creating music, being with people. We can all communicate through music and creativity. Friends are very important. I was with someone until last week (she starts to cry). It is all a bit raw just now. We were together for a year. Do you have any fears or phobias? P: I fear I will be on my own with no family, no friends. What would it be to be on your own? P: I would have no family, or more importantly, no friends. That would be the worst possible thing I could imagine, I could not tolerate that. There would be a sense of loneliness and isolation. It would be a waste of life. It is not what we are functioned to do, you will not have maximised what you can do. My sister says I find it hard to relax and do nothing. I do too many things and get overtired. I don’t want to be on my own. What would it be to be on your own? P: It would be very sad. You could not imagine what it would be like. No one to talk to, no one to get support from, no one to enjoy things with! Tell me more about support? P: We all need support, to be told what we look like in a new outfit, to talk about work issues and whether to buy a house or new CD. You need non-judgmental support but you need critical support as well. Tell me more about critical support? P: I have got some work issues. The structure at work and the higher management are not being helpful. Hierarchical things. I feel aggrieved; there is a gender hierarchy. I was not treated as other colleagues were, so I am annoyed. Virtually all the positions of responsibility are taken by men. Men progressed further than me. I have been through all sorts of challenges to address it. They know I think I have been treated unfairly; some people are supportive, some have not been. I feel undermined. Undermined? P: You are not appreciated. Your work is not acknowledged or it is belittled. You are not recognised for what you are doing. You see other people advanced for what they are doing. I watch the department reap awards for the work I am doing. The department receives accolades in but I don’t get the same money. It pisses me off! I do not get the recognition. Tell me about being advanced? Photo: altanake/Shutterstock.com P: Formal channels to draw to people’s attention. I am not getting the attention or the appreciation. I’m finding it more and more difficult to attain what I should do. There’s a constant pressure to perform but I’m not being appreciated. I feel unmotivated. I have been taking extended lunch breaks and not going in early to work – it’s counterproductive. I’m not doing as much as I should be. I have less enthusiasm.

9 Tell me more about your digestive Loves performing on stage, playing drums in bands. symptoms? P: For years I have had a sore, swollen

stomach. I don’t have proper bowel Photo: Light Bulb Studio/Shutterstock.com movements, they are not solid. I wonder if I am not absorbing nutrients. I wonder if eating no wheat helps my stomach and no dairy helps my skin. I get lots of bloating, a distended stomach, I’m full of gas and air. I have an upset stomach, painful belly, gurgling and diarrhoea. If I go out for a meal I have to sit on the toilet in the morning, sometimes after a meal. Spicy food makes me belch. Red onions aggravate me. closure. He has other children now. I of the strong emphasis on friends and have a good relationship with Mum. the exhaustion from overextending Tell me about your nature? What type of weather do you prefer? herself and socialising. The focus on P: I’m seen as an outgoing person, keen communication is seen in Phosphorus to organise parties. People see me as P: I like sun and heat and warmth and and also in Cadmium itself. easy going and well-balanced. I do light. I hate cold wind, rain and misery. Jan Scholten says Cadmium is in like time on my own, but I need to be I feel cold in the house. series 5, stage 12. Cadmium features doing something like reading. I never What food do you like? are repetition in performance; feeling watch TV. I might lie around if I have a powerless; undermined; drama; P: I eat too much cereal – I love my hangover. I rarely do nothing – I would threatened; reproduction; forgery; decay. feel I was missing out. I’m exhausted cereal. I like fish, seafood and salad. I Cadmium rubrics suggesting this since I came back from holiday. I go out became vegetarian at 15 and haven’t every night with friends. I’m not happy! eaten red meat since. A few years ago feeling are: I’m very unhappy since my relationship I had shingles and afterwards I had • Dreams; destination, not reaching split up. I should not be unhappy as chronic fatigue. I do so much and then • Dreams: looking for someone and there are good things in life. I sold my I am completely knackered, wiped out, failing to find him place 400 miles away to find a place I feel low. Sometimes, I go out seven • Dreams: running, after someone here. I have a permanent job here. nights a week. • Dreams: unsuccessful efforts to do Prescription: Cadmium I live in a shared house but I need various things something that is mine. This transient phosphoricum 200C, split dose, Cadmium substance way is affecting my mental health. I’m repeated one month later. Cadmium is a lustrous silver white not feeling settled. I would be happier Follow-ups metal. Its surface has a bluish tinge being in my own place; I could decorate Eight weeks: she did very well on and it tarnishes in air. It is ductile, very it the way I wanted to. Cadmium phosphoricum. Her acne malleable, soft enough to be cut with improved and it was no longer a Tell me about your childhood? a knife. Its capacity to absorb neutrons problem for her. She felt she could go is very high, so it is used as a barrier P: Mum and Dad split up and Dad out and be seen without her make-up. to control nuclear fission. Cadmium is disappeared. They separated when I Twelve weeks: she enjoyed playing often found in combination with Zinc. was eleven. I didn’t have much contact with the band again and was assigned It is a component of nickel cadmium with him until I was nineteen. When I to work on a project she wanted to do. batteries and in colouring agents in was twenty-one there were huge fights Sixteen weeks: her work situation the form of bright yellow or bright red and arguments, so he cut off all contact improved, she felt she was getting the cadmium sulphide. It is also used in and did not see me or my sister at all. recognition she deserved and she got a communication, such as in telephone Just last year I had an email from his promotion. wife saying it was his birthday. and tram cables. It jams conduction, Analysis prevents flowing. During the proving, How do you feel when your dad does Sankaran says Cadmium has the the telephone lines of Jayesh Shah not want to be in contact with you? feeling that their talent, creativity or were blocked. P: I feel very sad and upset. I was very performance is constantly threatened Keywords: undermined, aggrieved, hurt. I think he has no idea how he has or attacked. They need to be very alert critical support, unappreciated, treated us. Dad not making contact is to maintain their position. It becomes constant pressure to perform. cruel. I was upset about it but I have got increasingly difficult to maintain their Dr Helen Beaumont my friends. You have to get out there position under attack. They make constant make contact with others, socialize efforts to maintain their position, but This case study is reproduced with because you can’t rely on your family. there are many unsuccessful efforts. permission from The email from his wife gave some Phosphorus salt was chosen because www.interhomeopathy.org

10

INTERVIEW A homeopathic physician reflects Dr Nick Avery retired homeopathy although I had referred of working in the NHS. This involved a number of patients, at their request, mixing the constitutional or similimum earlier this year. He to Dr Ann Clover at the homeopathic concept with local prescribing. Together talks to simile about hospital in Tunbridge Wells. As a Vega with David Ratsey and Kathryn Vale, we machine measured patients for things set up the homeopathy course HETW the major influences called “nosodes”, which was something (Homeopathic Education at Tunbridge on his career and how to do with homeopathy, I decided to Wells) and within two years I took it attend the Homeopathic Professionals over and became director of education he sees the future Teaching Group (HPTG) course, for the course. which was designed to teach GPs Twelve HPTG students also for homeopathy in homeopathy. undertook a teacher training course medical practice. The HPTG group were proponents run mainly by doctors David Owen and Alice Greene and eight of us completed What first got you interested in of the school the three-year programme. This taught homeopathy and how did your of classical homeopathy, although me the importance of “feedback” experience of learning homeopathy we were exposed to a number of rather than criticism which enables the influence your future teaching at innovative “gurus” during the three- teacher to develop – which, hopefully, the Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic year course. These included Jan I did! Hospital and on the HPTG course? Scholten, who introduced ideas about Dr Kathryn Vale – a fellow HPTG My original introduction to the periodic table, and Jeremy Scherr graduate – also did the teacher homeopathy came via . who reassured us that listening to the training course and is probably the In 1994, a good friend announced that patient and trying to help come up expert on how to treat patients under I really ought to meet his neighbour with any remedy was enough, and the constraints of limited time. This who was a Russian refugee, a former finding the “one remedy” was a bonus. was the biggest difficulty in terms of colonel in the Russian army, who had I was also impressed by Jonathan transferring our knowledge of classical been working as a top space scientist Shore who, apart from introducing new homeopathy to our more familiar GP and had an IQ “off the scale”. Apparently remedies – such as many from the bird setting. The approach is more based on he had invented a machine that family – showed how important it is piecing the patient’s history together diagnosed what was wrong with you to listen to the patient and try not to over a number of short consultations, by measuring acupuncture points. This lead them into a particular direction. using local, supportive or specific sounded really whacky but I met him This approach obviously took a lot of remedies until the “bigger remedy” nevertheless. consulting time and may have been becomes clear. He demonstrated his “Monada” the inspiration behind my longest device which was inspired by and, so he consultation of 8 hours and 20 minutes! claimed, an improvement on the Vega I also enjoyed the many books machine used by many practitioners written by Rajan Sankaran who of complex homeopathy. Somehow gradually developed an approach … ‘heart-sink’ patients he persuaded me to attempt a clinical which I think has been taken up no longer made my trial of the machine on 200 of my GP by many young homeopaths. This NHS patients, under the sponsorship of may be what led to my approach to heart sink as I felt I Dr Julian Kenyon at the Centre for the emphasising the emotional symptoms could help most of Study of Complementary Medicine in of the case. Southampton. I knew nothing about Dr Ann Clover was very supportive them in a fundamental acupuncture, so Julian persuaded me when I worked with her at the way. It brought me to attend a weekend course. As a result Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital, I found myself treating my patients with first as clinical assistant, then later enjoyment and needles and they couldn’t get enough clinical Fellow, and she adopted a very of it! classical but practical approach, taking satisfaction in my work. I also knew very little about into account the time constraints

12 simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

How did your practice change I therefore tended to sort out the such as major magnesium deficiency, or after you joined Prof George gut and nutrition before adding in the mitochondrial failure and led to specific Lewith at the Centre for the Study constitutional or similimum remedy. regimes to correct them. Once the “soil” of Complementary Medicine in This approach also enables the remedy had sufficiently improved, then Southampton? to be worked out over a number of remedies applied using the homeopathic The first thing that George said to appointments, during which time the principle were much more likely to me was “sort out the gut”. I did not realise patient is feeling better anyway. produce a healing response. Interestingly, how important this would turn out to How has your training in allergy, by correcting the nutritional issues, be, as I found that many of my patients environmental and nutritional particularly magnesium related to energy had IBS which turned out to be due to medicine with the British Society for and muscle function, I did myself out dysbiosis. I remember when I was still a Ecological Medicine, helped in your of a lot of income from acupuncture GP, new to homeopathy, and many of my practice of homeopathy? treatments that were no longer necessary! patients felt able to tell me about all the The BSEM course, which was spread What do you think will help more complementary things that they had over three years, was a real eye-opener doctors become interested in been doing without my knowledge. and I found it really fascinating and homeopathy and take up Faculty Several of them were seeing someone extremely useful. This gave me all the training, given the difficult climate who was treating them for Candida. tools to enable me to apply many of for NHS homeopathy? Little did I know that within a few years, George Lewith’s techniques. I learned One of the biggest issues is the I too would be treating most of my about neutralisation and enzyme- over-reliance on the double-blind, patients for this condition which many potentiated desensitisation which had cross-over clinical trial technique for conventional colleagues don’t believe a profound effect on allergic issues. assessing the efficacy of treatments. exists. Fixing the gut and restoring Many patients have major problems This has some rationality in terms of nutrition improves the “soil” or “terrain”, with illnesses such as multiple chemical statistics and treating patients who fit as Hahnemann put it, and creates the sensitivity and these techniques, the trial criteria (e.g. those who have only optimum environment for the organism together with homeopathy and to respond to a homeopathic stimulus. a single pathology, are on no existing isopathy have proved very helpful in As I said in my talk to the Faculty of medication, are not pregnant, but above managing these difficult conditions. I Homeopathy Congress a few years a minimum and below a maximum age, felt that these tricks were the perfect ago (to the horror of my colleagues!): in other words not paediatric or geriatric) complement to homeopathy itself. “Homeopathy doesn’t make patients but does not really apply to individual I also think it would be difficult better – it is the patient’s response, which patients. This colours the approach to practice full time just offering is dependent on sorting out physical of new doctors who are trained homeopathy, the BSEM techniques issues such as dysbiosis and nutrition, exclusively in this scientific approach. It increase the options and make it possible before adding in the stimulus.” means that they dismiss homeopathy to treat a broader range of patients with George also taught me a lot about and indicate their views to their patients. different expectations. Some of my complex homeopathy which involves I would say that if a patient came to patients came to me with a history of mixing large cocktails of low potency/ see you and was pregnant then the “never responding to homeopathy” and mother tincture remedies designed to evidence would not apply to her. If the did very well with the other approaches. work together to have specific effects patient was a child or over 65, the same such as organ support or focussing the Your interests have included the situation applies. The evidence, for attack on pathogens using nosodes. treatment of Chronic Fatigue example, of the efficacy of flu vaccinations This meant taking on board the use of Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and IBS. is based on administering the injection the Vega machine (so-called because it How has practising integrated to healthy young individuals who measures the “Vegetative reflex”). This medicine, in addition to produce a good immune response; yet involved applying a probe to a specific homeopathy, helped with this? it is recommended for the young or acupuncture point and introducing When I worked at the Tunbridge elderly whose immune response is poor. different ampoules into the electrical Wells hospital, I was only allowed to In other words there is no evidence that circuit containing nosodes, remedies or prescribe homeopathic remedies (or it is of any benefit to the people who organ tissues and measuring its effect on use acupuncture). This helped many actually need the vaccine. So people impedance measurements. This is a tricky patients to some degree (audits are not actually being scientific with technique which is very user dependent regularly indicated that 70-80% of the results of these trials. and feels like “electronic dowsing”. It is patients improved). However, the I think that focussing on how difficult to accept from a scientific quality of result was significantly better inappropriate this method is in terms viewpoint but I sat in with George when these other techniques were of measuring effects of medicines on many times during which I noticed most incorporated. CFS patients who were individuals and looking at outcomes, of the patients returning for follow-up bed-bound were, in many cases, able audits and patient satisfaction should had improved dramatically following to return to an active, normal life. Blood be pushed forward. ministrations suggested by the test. In tests available at Biolab and Acumen I was attracted to homeopathy fact, I can only remember one patient [Ed: clinical labs] gave a scientific view because I felt conventional medicine who had not improved out of hundreds! of the underlying physical problems, was not interested in causation or cure,

13 only management. I have now cured as Southampton, which has input to regularly practising and, hopefully many patients which I could not do from Prof Lewith, Dr David Owen, Dr improving, my musical prowess on a before; I enjoyed seeing patients with Trish Ridsdale and Dr Jonathan Hardy, number of instruments. I have transitioned “tricky” conditions such as IBS and with whom I have had the pleasure of from the guitar and mandolin to chronic fatigue; “heart-sink” patients no teaching, will be producing more open- harmonica and, now, penny and low D longer made my heart sink as I felt I could minded graduates. Interestingly they whistles. This has enabled me to join my help most of them in a fundamental run a complementary medicine musical friends once a week to play Irish way. It brought me enjoyment and module which is shared with the student music and Blues in a pub in Hastings satisfaction in my work. I think GPs osteopaths and they were already very which I hope to continue indefinitely. were looking for this when I took up much “on-side” with these techniques. I have always wanted to study homeopathy. I think the same need is The future will be driven by astronomy but never had enough time there now and we should encourage patient demand versus antipathy to do it justice. For my recent birthday them to give homeopathy a try; to from the mainstream. I don’t think the my daughter and son-in-law have told try to bring the enjoyment back into mainstream will ever completely win, me to pick a course and go for it! medicine for them. although some CAM techniques may I also have a “Man-shed” which need to go “underground” – particularly Is the public perception of homeopathy is now to be re-named “Grandad’s as, once the Brexit process is completed, and complementary medicine where Workshop”. This means I will not we will no longer have the possibility of you thought it would be when you only be spending time making my protection from Europe in terms of first started out training in CAM and granddaughter wooden toys but also patients’ rights to choose their treatment. how do you see its future? helping her to play with them. I think many members of the What are you looking forward to, Finally, we will be spending a lot public are very happy with the idea now you have more free time? of time in the South of France where of homeopathy and there is a lot My decision to retire was we have a holiday home, which does of dissatisfaction with the empirical precipitated by a major, incurable (but not have access to the internet. I approach which is designed to treat treatable) illness. This will have an impact will certainly not be missing those symptoms rather than cure patients. I on what I am able to do and I am trying demanding patient emails and having did not anticipate the strong to learn how to pace myself – which deadlines. In fact it has taken me six anti-homeopathic perspective of is something I have been advising my months to write this because I am so far conventionally trained doctors, although patients for years! off the pace which probably means that I suspect some medical schools such However, I am looking forward I have finally learned how to relax. BOOK REVIEW simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy Homeopathy and ADHD – a new treatment concept with polarity analysiss ADHD and ADD; their symptoms, depends fundamentally on the reliability pathophysiology, prevalence and of the grading in the repertory used. correct diagnosis. Several treatment Prescription, dosage advice and options – conventional, alternative and progress assessment are discussed. supportive – are explained. Several case examples are given to Polarity analysis is a systematic illustrate the method and possible approach based on Boenninghausen’s problems. Therapeutic Pocket Book. The weighting Chapter 5 offers a comparative of symptoms according to Materia Medica of the most common Boenninghausen is explained. remedies used for children with ADHD/ He then explores deeper the ADD. This consists of 37 remedies, with homeopathic treatment of ADHD Calc carb, Lycopodium and Sulphur and the difficulties of identifying the being the most frequently prescribed. right remedy, the challenge assessing The individual characteristic aspect of progress and the time needed for a complaint is seen with ADHD/ADD improvement. Standardised case taking patients in the differing combinations is explained as well as the identification of symptoms of perception and the of unreliable symptoms. Symptoms are effects on thought processes, memory, divided into reliable features and those fine-motor skills, sleep and mood. of reduced reliability. The scientific evidence for the Polar symptoms such as efficacy of homeopathic remedies Author: Dr Heiner Frei amelioration or aggravation, as well in patients with ADHD/ADD is also Publisher: Narayana Verlag as disturbances of perception, are examined. Three controlled studies are considered most reliable and are the presented and discussed including a Price: 49 excl. postage from € cornerstones of this new method. five-year clinical study that involved a www.narayana-verlag.com Symptoms that can have an opposite screening phase before the randomised Pages: 264 pole such as thirst/thirstlessness are double blinding, enabling individual considered polar symptoms. Symptoms ISBN: 978-3-95582-075-6 prescriptions. It employed a multi- with a high grade correspond to the disciplinary allopathic team, most of r Heiner Frei’s latest book genius of a homeopathic remedy. whom were keen on proving that examines the effect of The genius of a remedy includes all homeopathy is a placebo treatment. In Dhomeopathy in the treatment of those symptoms running like a leitmotif the screening phase 84% of children ADHD/ADD. through the remedy. Genius symptoms could be successfully treated, while Swiss paediatrician Heiner Frei is a are frequently found occurring in 88% of participants in the double blind former head of paediatric haematology various parts of the body and are clearly study are doing well. Seventy-four per and oncology at the University perceptible. cent of all children are so much better Children’s Hospital of Bern. He then Contraindications to a specific with homeopathy that they can lead a studied and taught homeopathy, remedy present if the patient’s symptom normal life at school and in the family. and was the president of the Swiss shows as low grade in the repertory, The results also showed that Association of Homeopathic Physicians but the opposite pole as high homeopathy can improve cognitive for many years. He has been involved grade, e.g. Nux vom has a dislike of functioning and can lead to at least in many research programmes, movement at grade three and a need partial healing of the ADHD/ADD. To conducting clinical studies in acute for movement at grade one. Nux vom, achieve these outstanding results it is tonsillitis, otitis media, ADHD, H1N1 therefore, will not heal a patient who necessary to do the case taking exactly influenza, the treatment of multi- has a need for movement, although as described using the polarity analysis. morbid patients and homeopathic Nux vom exhibits the symptom of Polar analysis has become a valuable methodology. dislike of movement. tool for many practitioners. It makes it In 2001, Dr Frei developed polarity To determine the polarity difference easier and more accurate to find the analysis, a new approach to improve the the grades of the polar symptoms are simillium and achieves an astonishing precision of homeopathic prescriptions, added together for every likely remedy success rate of 75% in children with ADHD. which was the subject of his earlier and subtracted from the total grades In November, Dr Heiner Frei will be book Polarity Analysis in Homeopathy of the opposite poles. The higher the at the British Homeopathic Congress in — A Precise Path to the Similimum. His polarity difference, the more likely it is Belfast to discuss his method and results. new book follows on from this, firstly that the remedy will cure, assuming there discussing the medical principles of are no contraindications. Polarity analysis Dr Christine Suppelt

15 CASE STUDY

A remarkable case of Nepenthes distillatoria from Dr Bridie O’Dowd. Trapped! Photo: Pell Studio/Shutterstock

his case was really interesting for cards. We were always tricked. It was as time; it will be different this time. But it me. Morag is a strong, capable, if we lost our footing and balance on never is. He knows I need the money – Tintelligent 54 year-old woman. shifting sand. that’s the lure! She was clear and expressive, using How are things for you now? Please say more. metaphor, hand gestures and even a M: I feel vulnerable, kind of “staggery” M: He seems to keep making me go drawing to describe her situation, and and wobbly. I keep losing my required very little prompting to reach back to him. I tell him that I don’t want footing and knocking into things. I’m the deep sensation level of this remedy. to communicate, that I can’t because emotionally too open. It was a pleasure to take her history. of lies and cheating and manipulation. I met her in September 2014 when How does that feel? I need to stop being entangled by his she was recovering from a recurrence of M: It comes back to my brother again. stories. I need to pull back. But I so breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy. This is the next chapter in his tricks strongly want the sense of family. He is with the inheritance. He weaves stories such a big part of that and he knows it, Tell me how things are for you? and I’m confused as to who or what to so I have to connect with him. That is a M: The initial breast cancer diagnosis believe. was in September 2007. It came out of lure too. He denies things. He has status the blue. I had a lot of hot flushes on How does this affect you? and money, so he has the power to Tamoxifen. At the time there was a lot manipulate. M: It makes me feel so stupid. I feel of conflict in the family. We’ve got an He is so clever, getting information, stabbed in the back. I put my foot in issue with our big brother. It’s about our lying and cheating. I feel so unsettled there and next thing I know I am falling inherited money being spent by him. when he calls. It’s like he is using the into the trap. (She lets her hand fall There was a lot of lying and cheating. money and property that I am due as downwards to demonstrate this.) We just couldn’t trust him. Our sister inheritance as a kind of lure. It’s as if I can’t anticipate it coming. kept saying, “Give him one more Why was I not awake? Why am I always chance.” What is a lure? falling into the trap? But it was always underhand deceit. M: A lure is something set up to catch We were in a weaker position than him. you, it entices you. Then they’ve got What is the feeling of a trap? It’s like we just didn’t see it coming, we you on a hook. You’ve bought into it! M: I feel empty and hopeless, like in a were wrong footed every time. He dangles things in front of us and deep hole with me at the bottom. He pulled the strings and loaded the leaves us hoping it will happen this Like a well – I can’t be heard or seen.

16 simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

Standing in it bereft, treading water. I thought I saw what was going on, like something at the top of the well was secure; it was solid and healthy, but it wasn’t. It is a trap door. It springs open and I drop in and it eats me up, swallows me up. (Again she demonstrates this by holding up her hand horizontally and suddenly letting it flex down at the wrist.) It’s like, “Ha, now I’ve got you!” Say more about the trap door? M: It feels like you are standing on something solid that supports you. I believe the thing he says is going to happen, will happen this time. But it is like a theatrical device. What’s that term? Smoke and mirrors! Like a mirage! Everything solid melts away and you fall and ricochet down, thinking: What? Why? Here again! We are not prepared, no matter how many times we just never see it Fig: 1 Patient’s drawing coming. He just manages to pull you in again. Remedy: Nepenthes distillatoria 1m, 3 “I put my foot in there and next thing I What is it like beneath the trap doses know I am falling into the trap.” door? Case analysis M: I’m ensnared, it’s a trap. I’m falling. On the inside cavity, Pitcher plants Nepenthes distillatoria is a tropical It’s like, “How can I be in this position may also contain inward and downward again?” Pitcher plant endemic to Sri Lanka. It pointing protruding hairs or waxy It’s as if I have no resources to fight. is a genus of the carnivorous plants. scales to ensure that insects cannot The more I try to get out, the less The “Pitcher” has a lid-like structure climb out. I wondered if the following successful I am. In fact it just makes it or operculum. In many species the words illustrated this sense of difficulty harder, as if you are bouncing down off underside of this lid is attractively climbing out of the trap. all the previous times he’s got you like coloured with anthocyanin pigments “The more I try to get out, the less this. and contains strong smelling nectar successful I am. In fact, it just makes it She shows me what she means on a glands which lure and attract prey. The harder.” drawing. (See Fig: 1) prey usually consists of insects. Morag described clearly this aspect of being The trap contains a fluid of the In what way has he “got you” ? seduced by her brother’s promises. plant’s own production, which is used M: He’s so cunning and manipulative to drown the prey. (The pattern-match and clever. Always one step ahead, he “A lure is something set up to catch you, of the metaphor of being helpless in knows how to affect us. He just ups it entices you. Then they’ve got you on water) the lies and cheating and there we are a hook.” “… like in a deep hole with me at the again, he’s got you again. I think how “You’ve bought into it “ plausible it all seemed. He wanted me bottom … like a well. Standing in it, to believe it. In order not to fall in, I’d “He dangles things in front of us and bereft, treading water.” need to not be ensnared by his tricks. leaves us hoping it will happen this The lower part of the trap contains How can I leave this relationship? I need time, it will be different this time.” glands which absorb nutrients from to “divorce” my brother? Surrounding the entrance to the captured prey. That she even uses I just don’t matter. He plays with me. trap is a structure called the peristome the language of being consumed is I’m dependent on him. When I try to or the lip. Here a thin film of water remarkable. confront him with the lies and deceit, forms on the surface which is slippery “I drop in and it eats me up, swallows he makes me feel so small, so stupid, and offers an unsure footing, causing me up.” like I’m shriveling, diminished, a little insects to “aquaplane” or slip and fall girl. And if I try to pin him down, he The following themes and non- into the pitcher. Again, this aspect of gets me with his barefaced lies and it is human specific keywords may come slipping is clearly portrayed by Morag. so derogatory that a part of him thinks out spontaneously in a case that would I’m stupid enough to believe his lies; “It was as if we lost our footing and alert us to a patient needing a remedy and every time – I am. balance on shifting sand.” from the family of carnivorous plants.

17 Nepenthes distillatoria I can see the situation much more clearly. His next pitfall is trying to alienate my niece from me but I’m not falling for it. I suggest she uses a dose of Nepenthes distillatoria 1m, if she senses herself being influenced by her brother.

• To lure, to entice, to tempt, to attract • To capture, to catch, deceive, disguise, pretend • To cheat, to betray, to trick • To trap, to ensnare, to confine • No way to get out, no escape, no loophole • It pulls you down It is interesting that in addition to expressing clear themes of carnivorous plants, this patient also exhibits some aspects of the inner feeling of the insect family also. • Size: small, diminished, little • Looked down on: feeling stupid, “derogatory”, “I just don’t matter” Since a patient expresses the entire constellation of words representative of a remedy, their language and gestures may represent both perpetuator/ aggressor and the victim. Follow up – 7 October 2014 M: I felt rattled with the first dose. Not well, shaky, and then I settled down. but I’ve refused to be drawn in. I can true, steady ground not trick ground. Now I am more settled. I’m much see the situation much more clearly. His Again I suggest she uses a dose of more aware that what I need to do is next pitfall is trying to alienate my niece Nepenthes distillatora 1m, if required. from me but I’m not falling for it. monitor my own behavior. I need to Follow-up 26 March 2015 I suggest she uses a dose of hold my ground. In the past, I let the M: My brother scenario has calmed Nepenthes distillatoria 1m, if she senses ground slip and slide. Now I accept that down completely. It’s like I can see him I can’t change him. Now I can allow the herself being influenced by her brother. coming a mile away. Another lie – I situation to come with him and hold Follow up – 15 December 2014 know it’s a lie! This time his tactic is a my own. I’ve had enough experience M: I’ve completely changed my way of “poor me story” but I’m not going to be now. I won’t go there again! being available for his maltreatment. He hoodwinked all my life. I don’t feel like I’m being sucked into hasn’t been able to “hook” me. I’ve got She continues to remain well. a situation with some enticement. I’ve a much clearer grasp of him trying to let go of the money. He is still trying to take me in. I can recognise my pattern be ahead of us every step of the way and take action sooner. I’m standing on Dr Bridie O’Dowd

18 WHAT’S ON simile • August 2016 • The Faculty or Homeopathy

Regular meetings Education at the W Surrey & W Sussex Homeopathic Group Portland Centre for Event Time: 20:00 until 22:00 Members include doctors, vets, dentists, and pharmacists. The aim of the group Integrative Medicine is to act as a forum for ongoing learning and support, covering all aspects of 2016/2017 homeopathy and medical practice. The Punch Bowl, Oakwood Hill, nr Ockley, Surrey. RH5 5PU Open day taster session for the LFHom, For dates please contact Charles Forsyth 01737 226338 (office) 01737 248605 MFHom and MFHom(Vet) training (home) 07802 293006 (mobile). course Wednesday 7 September 2016, 2pm-4pm Leeds Homeopathic Group PCIM Education office, Portland Street, Regular meetings at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Adel, north Leeds Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AL Jutta Prekow on 0113 203 7329 or at [email protected] Teaching dates for GEMS advanced Manchester-Liverpool Homeopathic Group study seminars and LFHom and MFHom training in Bristol commencing Meetings for discussing homeopathic cases and other matters relevant to September 2016 homeopathy. Friday 23 September 2016 Open to doctors, vets, nurses, pharmacists of all levels. Location varies, so contact in advance for details: Dr Eftihia Metallidou on 0161 Friday 25 November 2016 4747301 weekdays 12-4.00pm or email: [email protected] Friday 20 January 2017 London Homeopathic Group Friday 10 March 2017 Saturday 17 September from 10:30am to 1pm Friday 19 May 2017 Topics: The Orchid Family Theme by Dr Dreher-Brogan, Thuja cases and the AGM. PCIM Glasgow Masterclass Series Venue: 12 Jerome Crescent, Marylebone NW8. Saturday 10th-Sunday 11th September 2016 – For further information and to confirm you will be attending contact Dr Julie Geraghty - Management of Dr Ralf Schmalhorst at [email protected] Chronic Fatigue PCIM Bristol Masterclass Series Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September 2016 - The British Association of Centre for Integrative Medicine Annette Sneevliet Homeopathic Veterinary (formerly Bristol Homeopathic Hospital. Saturday 3 December 2016 - Jonathan Hardy Surgeons Conference 2016 www.portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk Saturday 21 January 2017 - Geoff Johnson This CPD event is open to all levels 9-11 September 2016 Saturday 11 March 2017 - Elizabeth Venue: Bath Spa University of experience: medical homeopaths, Thompson professional practitioners and students Open your minds at the BAHVS 2016 Saturday 20 May 2017 - Julie Geraghty conference. This wonderful three- of homeopathy from all colleges. CPD: Integrative Medicine Diploma launching 5 hrs per day. day event offers an exciting range of January 2017 presentations. Become enthused by The masterclass costs £150 for the A new two-year diploma course for health fresh ideas – listen, learn, contribute and two-day event. For more information or care professionals. debate. The conference in also a great to book your place email education@ Come and join us for our next PCIM opportunity to socialise and over the portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk Glasgow Masterclass 10-11 September 2016 – Dr Julie Geraghty - three days you can enjoy a BBQ, the bar, 2016 British Homeopathic Management of Chronic Fatigue a band and dance. Congress Come and join us at the first event in the For further information about the 3 to 6 November 2016 PCIM Bristol Masterclass series programme or to book a place visit Homeopathy: healthy patients, 24-25 September 2016 – Annette Sneevliet – www.bahvs.com or call Stuart on healthy practice Evolution of Remedies, Synergy of Systems 07768 322075. Venue: Europa Hotel, Belfast, Northern To book a place please email: education@ Glasgow Homeopathic Ireland portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk Masterclass Series See our website for more information about An exciting programme of these education courses 10 and 11 September 2016 – M.E. presentations, seminars and workshops www.portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk and Chronic Fatigue is planned and will be delivered by Speaker: Dr Julie Geraghty leading homeopaths from the UK and The third of a series of three abroad. Away from the conference hall, Homeopathic Masterclass weekend there will be opportunities to meet old lecture seminars hosted by Glasgow friends and make new ones at social NHS Centre for Integrative Care events that will reflect the convivial (formerly Glasgow Homeopathic hospitality of our Irish hosts. Hospital) and delivered by the For more information, please contact academic department of the Portland [email protected]

19 CONTACTS

Who to contact at the Faculty

••• STAFF • Greg White – Chief Executive • Dr Claire Raistrick [email protected] [email protected] 07401 443580 • Mohammed Saqib Ali - • John Burry – Communications Manager Digital Marketing Officer [email protected] [email protected] 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1012 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1015 • Chris Connolly – Communications and • Tracey Simmons - Membership Officer Operations Officer [email protected] [email protected] 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1002 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1014

• Nilesh Mulji – Financial Controller Faculty of Homeopathy [email protected] 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1013 CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road London, N1 6AH • Lisa Peacock – Education and Tel: 020 3640 5903 Quality Officer Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.facultyofhomeopathy.org 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1003

••• FACULTY COUNCIL

• Helen Beaumont, President • Lesley Peatfield, Communications [email protected] Co-ordinator • Liz Thompson, Vice-President [email protected] elizabeth.thompson@ portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk • Patricia Ridsdale, Members’ Committee Convener Sara Eames, Immediate Past-President • [email protected] [email protected] • Gary Smyth, Treasurer • Andrew Sikorski, NHS Primary Care [email protected] Representative • Julie Geraghty, Medical Dean [email protected] [email protected] Jacqueline Mardon, NHS Secondary Care Peter Gregory, Veterinary Dean • • Representative [email protected] [email protected] • Patricia Donnachie, Nursing Dean [email protected] • Jonathan Hardy, Independent Practice • Tariq Khan, Podiatry Dean Representative [email protected] [email protected]

The publishers do not necessarily identify with or hold themselves responsible for contributors’, advertisers’ or correspondents’ opinions. Design by HMCA Services – Printed by Henry Ling Limited