Celebrating 175 years

The Faculty of Newsletter May 2019 The Faculty’s new president looks to a positive and exciting future r Gary Smyth is the Faculty of Homeopathy’s new president. DHe officially took office in March, after being elected unopposed to lead the organisation for the next three years. Dr Smyth had been acting president since last August, when he took on the presidential duties and responsibilities following the tragic death of his predecessor Dr Peter Fisher. Dr Patricia Ridsdale (vice president), In his acceptance speech at Dr Gary Smyth (president) and the faculties AGM, he said he was Dr Sara Eames (operations manager). delighted and honoured to become the st Faculty’s 81 president and thanked and private general practice, and Since then homeopathy has become everyone who had supported and working as a homeopathic physician integral to Dr Smyth’s professional encouraged him in his efforts so far. in Belfast. In addition, he teaches life: as a clinician, teacher and as an He continued: “As a community we homeopathy to medical students at organiser both within the Faculty and have experienced enormous changes the city’s Queen’s University and on the wider homeopathic community. over the past few years. Now in our Faculty courses. th Vice-president 175 year, it is a good opportunity for Dr Smyth joined the Faculty in Supporting Dr Smyth will be the us to reflect on what is going well and 2007 but his interest in homeopathy Faculty’s new vice-president, Dr Patricia on areas where we could improve. I dates back to his childhood. Ridsdale. Dr Ridsdale has been a GP in look forward to hearing the views of “When I was a child, my parents our members as to how they would took me to see a homeopath who the Basingstoke area for 25 years and like the Faculty to develop in future. treated me for some minor health also practises as a homeopathic We have a tremendous heritage upon issues,” he said. “At medical school I physician at various locations for the which to build and with increasing became increasingly curious about Natural Practice. She has served on the patient demand for homeopathy, homeopathy, a curiosity fuelled by my Faculty council for number of years as coupled with an enthusiastic teachers’ hostility towards this system the membership convener, a role that membership, we have every reason of medicine, despite many patients she will continue to perform for the to be optimistic. I look forward to clearly demonstrating improvements time being. working with all of our members and with homeopathic treatment. A change to the Faculty’s to exciting and positive times ahead.” “As a young doctor the limitations management structure was also Clinician, teacher, organiser of the conventional medical paradigm announced at the AGM. Following the Dr Smyth studied medicine at the were becoming increasingly obvious departure of chief executive Greg White, University of Dundee Medical School, and I gradually developed an interest Dr Sara Eames has been appointed graduating in 1999. He then spent in whole person medicine, holistic operations manager to oversee the several years working within primary health and well-being. This led to me day-to-day running of Faculty business. and secondary care, before qualifying enrolling on an introductory course In her new role Dr Eames will work as a GP in 2008. in homeopathy in Glasgow, where I closely with Faculty staff and the council At present he works as a “Portfolio discovered a way to integrate both the to ensure members continue to receive GP”, splitting his time between NHS art and science of medicine.” an efficient and professional service. EDITORIAL

t the time of writing this Having said that, at the grand old Dr Gary Smyth editorial, I’m making last age of 175 years, it makes sense that Aminute preparations before we pause to reflect on exactly how visiting New Delhi for World we would like our organisation to go Homeopathy Day on 10 April. To forward into the future. I would like mark our 175th anniversary, we will to invite all Faculty members to share be celebrating the importance of their ideas and views regarding this. integrating the themes of education, We are forming several “Working research and clinical practice. The Groups” in order to support the work Faculty has been engaged in these of the Faculty. These groups will focus three areas of work for many years, but on Membership, Finance, Education, is seeking a more international stance Journal and Communications, and for our future development. Events. The Faculty already has many If you have a specific interest or international members and teaching skill in any of these areas, now is the centres. Furthermore, many UK time to get involved, as we need the colleagues travel widely to teach skills of individual members in order and visit practitioners abroad. And to help us all move forward. If you are increasing global collaboration is more interested in helping with any of these important than ever before, not least Working Groups, please get in contact. given the unknown implications from Finally, it was great to see everyone the UK’s departure from the European who attended the Annual General Union. Increasing our international than ever before, and homeopathy has Meeting in London in March, when I links will bring many mutual benefits never been more widely discussed. was appointed president of the Faculty and the Faculty is well placed to grow Our pharmacy colleagues report that for the next three years. I intend to these collaborations in future. sales of homeopathic medicines have work closely with the Faculty council After a truly international congress increased and many members are and the wider membership, and look in 2018, I have been pleased to treating more patients than in the past. forward to exciting and positive times welcome a number of international But what is clear is that the way ahead. colleagues who have joined as we’ve practised homeopathy in the The involvement and views of all Affiliates of the Faculty. There are signs past is not necessarily how we’ll Faculty members is vitally important that a number of other practitioners practise it in the future. Although the in order to carve out our shared future see the value of being affiliated with Faculty will continue campaigning together and ensure that we deliver on the Faculty. If you have any friends for NHS funding for homeopathy, I our mission statement: “To promote or colleagues who are eligible to be am greatly encouraged by the network and support the highest standards affiliated with us, please do encourage of charitable clinics which are being of practice, education and research them to get in contact. established across the country by in homeopathy.” Please join the However, while we consider the our sister organisation, the British conversation about how we continue to create a healthy and happy future for important issue of international Homeopathic Association. These our fantastic organisation in the years expansion, we must not forget the charitable clinics provide new and to come. enormous needs and opportunities innovative ways of working for all of within the UK. At home, we have us and ensure that patient access to Dr Gary Smyth witnessed huge changes in the homeopathic treatment will continue, President, Faculty of Homeopathy healthcare environment over the past regardless of any short-sighted few years. These include the issue of decisions by NHS managers. NHS funding, regulatory changes, I’m also encouraged by the an appraisal and revalidation system enthusiasm and determination of for doctors, and a distorted and false our members. They know and are Editor: John Burry view of homeopathy which has been convinced by the value and benefits of Consultant Editor: Sara Eames propagated by a hostile media. integrating homeopathy within their Faculty of Homeopathy The attacks on our profession have practice. The cumulative experience CAN Mezzanine , 49-51 East Road been intense and it is understandable over many years of practice and tens of London, N1 6AH Tel: 020 3640 5903 that some colleagues have become thousands of patients is much stronger E: [email protected] discouraged, as their ability to and louder than any reductionist W: www.facultyofhomeopathy.org practise homeopathy has become argument made by our opponents. All the material in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not more challenging. However, I am With increased patient choice and necessarily identify with or hold themselves responsible for optimistic about the health of the an enthusiastic membership, we have contributors’, correspondents’ or advertisers’ opinions. Faculty and the health of homeopathy every reason to be optimistic about our Design: HMCA Services [email protected] in the UK. Patient demand is higher future. Printing: Henry Ling Limited

2 NEWS simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy National survey produces encouraging results for complementary medicine

A large number of people in Britain conducted by OnePoll.com and on gym memberships, vitamins and would consider using complementary commissioned by the campaign supplements, prescriptions, exercise medicine as part of their healthcare, group 4Homeopathy in support of classes and healthy foods. This mean according to the results of a national Homeopathy Awareness Week, which that during their adult life people will survey. runs each year from 10-16 April. spend over £65,000 each on trying to Two thousand people were surveyed A spokesperson for 4Homeopathy stay healthy. to discover how as a nation we feel said: “Looking after your health is Seven in 10 people said they think about our health. When questioned one of the most important things about the state of their health on a about complementary medicine, one in you can do … and we are encouraged regular basis, with the average adult three people said they would consider by the results of the study which visiting their doctor three times a year. using a CAM therapy in the future, indicate many Brits would be open to And while Londoners are most likely while one in six said they already alternative therapies in the future.” to worry about the state of their health, use some form of complementary As well as seeking views about those living in the North West are medicine to treat an illness. complementary medicine, the the most relaxed about their physical In answer to questions specifically survey canvassed people on their well-being. about homeopathy 11% said they already attitude towards other aspects of 4Homeopathy is an alliance of use the therapy, while a staggering 42% their health and well-being. This 11 of the UK’s largest homeopathic would consider using it in the future. revealed that the average person in organisations working together to The independent survey was the UK spends £1,091.26 annually promote the benefits of homeopathy.

A campaign to mobilise public support for homeopathy is launched in France A campaign to protect the public’s campaign is using social media the patients who need to speak now.” right to access homeopathy has been networks to call on people to express In France it is estimated that launched in France. their support for homeopathy by three out of four people have used Mon Homéo, Mon Choix (My signing an online petition, which has homeopathy. The therapy is considerably Homeopathy, My choice) was set up already attracted 50,000 signatures. cheaper than other forms of treatment, by a number of French homeopathy Dr Charles Bentz, president of with the average price of reimbursable groups representing health professionals, the Syndicat National des Médecins homeopathic medicines standing at patient associations and manufacturers Homéopathes Français, a national €2.70, compared with the average price of homeopathic medicine. syndicate of homeopathic doctors, of other reimbursable medicines which Homeopathy is currently covered is among those who are behind the is €9.90. Many GPs and midwives by the French national health system but campaign. At its launch in April, he regularly prescribe homeopathy to its continued availability is threatened said: “There are millions of French their patients, and more than 21,000 by opponents of the therapy. The people who take homeopathy and it is pharmacies dispense it daily.

3 NEWS

Spanish doctor slams plan to make people Legendary Ukrainian ‘better informed’ homeopath remembered about so-called As the first heavy snow of winter fell homeopath. This was during the era of pseudo-science and on Kiev on 14 November last year, the Soviet Union, when the autocratic therapies more than a hundred people gathered government was ideologically opposed at Ukraine’s national Museum of to private enterprise. Despite being In Spain, a doctor has criticised the Medicine to remember one of the hampered by communist ideology government’s campaign to protect country’s foremost homeopaths, and medical bureaucracy – which people from what it calls “pseudo- Dr Demian Popov. included a ban on using homeopathic therapies” and “pseudo-sciences”, The memorial event was organised remedies such as Lachesis, Causticum describing it as is ill-thought out and by the Association of Homeopaths and Mercurius solubilis – Dr Popov’s badly defined. of Ukraine. Among those attending practice was a success and over the The campaign was launched by was Faculty Licensed Associate years attracted growing numbers of the minister of health, consumption Dr Antonina Matsuk. She says that patients. and social welfare, and the minister Dr Popov was so influential in the His studies of the healing art, and responsible for science, innovation development of homeopathy in the his experience of using it in clinical and universities. Its aim is to make Ukraine he has acquired almost practice, saw him become a passionate information available about a range mythical status. advocate of high potency remedies, of complementary and traditional “Over a career that lasted 60 years,” believing they have a deeper and more therapies so the public will be better she continued, “legend has it that he reliable effect than those with lower informed when making decisions saw and treated one million patients.” potencies. about their healthcare. While this figure maybe somewhat It was around this time that he also But Dr Gualberto Diaz, research exaggerated, Dr Popov was widely set up the Kiev Homeopathic School advisor for the National Assembly of known as the “people’s doctor” and his where he taught other doctors the Homeopathy in Spain (ANH), said contribution to the advancement of principles and practice of homeopathy. the government has failed to define homeopathy in the Ukraine during the Today the Kiev school is called the what exactly it means by the term last century cannot be denied. Centre for Homeopathy, where pseudo-therapy, and that there is no Inside the museum of medicine, Dr students from the Ukraine and abroad clear explanation as to the quantity Popov’s eldest grandson Anton Popov, study to continue the healing tradition and quality of evidence required for a chair of the board of the Association of Demian Popov. therapy to be evaluated as positive. of Homeopaths of Ukraine, retold the On 23 July 1990, Dr Demian He added: “If one sticks to those story of his illustrious grandfather’s Popov’s long life came to an end. therapies that have demonstrated the life and work. Homeopathy’s history has been highest degree of scientific evidence, as Demian Vladimirovich Popov was fraught with internecine conflict and some would propose, we are left almost born into a peasant family in 1899. schisms, as exponents of different without medicine, since only 20% of But despite his humble start in life approaches to practising the therapy recommendations in primary care he won scholarships that eventually fought for ascendency. Dr Matsuk would be supported.”* saw him graduate from the Odessa says to prevent this recurring in the Initially the campaign highlighted Medical Institute in 1925. During his future everyone should remember the 73 therapies that were determined to early career he practised as a surgeon, words of Demian Popov: “Homeopaths be pseudo-therapies. These include but in 1930 he became more interested work in different institutions and use Tibetan massage, psychic healing, in homeopathy, a subject he had first homeopathy differently. Homeopathy colon hydrotherapy and come across when he was a medical is a dialectical medicine. Is it worth medicine from . But the student. fighting with each other? Evidently government is planning to review the In 1935, he moved to Kiev and set not. The dialectic itself is the freedom evidence for another 66 therapies, up in private practice as a medical of having an opinion and a choice.” including , osteopathy, homeopathy and herbalism. In a statement the ANH said that Dr Peter Fisher’s memorial service while it supported efforts to protect A memorial service for Dr Peter Faculty’s late president who died in a sick people from deceptive advertising Fisher will take place on Wednesday road accident in August last year. and , there is enough 12 June at 3.30pm at St Martin-in- The church bells of St Martin-in- evidence that homeopathy, properly the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, the Fields will be rung in celebration used, can benefit patients. London. Friends, former colleagues of Dr Fisher’s life between 2.30 and *Ebell MH, Sokol R, Lee A, Simons C, and patients, along with many leading 3.30pm. Anyone who wants to Early J. How good is the evidence to support primary care practice? Evid Based Med. 2017 figures from the world of homeopathy, attend the service will be made Jun; 22(3):88-92 will be attending to remember the very welcome. 4 NEWS simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Joint CAM initiatives discussed The Faculty of Homeopathy has met with representatives of organisations from across the complementary medicine spectrum to discuss the possibility of forming an alliance to produce mutually beneficial CAM initiatives. The discussion was led by Michael Dixon, chair of the College of Medicine, who has a close association with HRH The Prince of Wales. Representing the Faculty was pharmacy dean, Tony Pinkus, who sat down with leaders from a number of CAM therapy professional bodies including osteopathy, , and acupuncture. At present the group is small but it was generally agreed this would make it manageable and therefore more effective. However, it is anticipated that its numbers will grow slightly as representatives from medicine and podiatry could join the group in the near future. Although podiatry is not a CAM therapy, there is support for CAM interventions within the Pharmacy dean, Tony Pinkus profession and its strength in terms membership numbers would be a its term of reference, Prince Charles their availability. My sense is that definite advantage in helping the group is said to be keen to promote its this can only assist our goals and be achieve its aims. objectives with an inaugural launch at of benefit to Faculty members, and I A tentative agreement was reached Clarence House. hope to discuss the idea with council that the collaboration would best Mr Pinkus said: “The aim of the colleagues when next we meet.” operate under the umbrella of the collaboration is to explore ways in Each participant is now reporting College of Medicine and could possibly which a joint approach might achieve back to the executive of their respective become an independent body in the greater awareness among the public of organisations and the group will future. Once the group has agreed on CAM services and therefore increase reconvene in the spring to consider the

Dr Michael Curtin 1960 – 2019 It is with deep sadness that we report the death of complementary therapies should not take the place of Dr Michael Curtin, who passed away in January. conventional medicine, but can be very effective working Michael graduated in medicine from Sheffield alongside it. University Medical School and became a doctor in Away from medicine Michael had a wide range of 1984. It was soon after qualifying as a GP in 1989 that interests including photography, cycling, Tai Chi, good he became interested in complementary medicine and food and opera. went on to study acupuncture and homeopathy. He often Up until his retirement in 2016, he worked as a GP combined his interest in foreign travel with gaining for many years for the Saffron Health Partnership in greater knowledge about these therapies, particularly Bedfordshire, and was well respected by his patients when he visited Japan and Greece. and colleagues alike. He also had a private practice in Michael’s special interest was in the treatment of London’s Harley Street. chronic painful conditions, including tension headaches, Michael was a long-standing member of the Faculty migraine, neck and shoulder pain, tennis elbow, pelvic of Homeopathy. He was a Fellow of the Faculty and pain and over-active bladder, low back pain, fibromyalgia a highly experienced revalidation appraiser, and his and arthritic knee pain. Throughout his career he was knowledge, commitment and friendship will be a true exponent of integrative medicine, believing that greatly missed.

5 NEWS Faculty delegation travels to India for important scientific convention

Dr Gary Smyth in New Delhi

A number of Faculty members ago that the Faculty of Homeopathy Dr Smyth said: “This was one of the celebrated World Homeopathy Day in was founded. most significant international events India this year when they travelled to Faculty president, Dr Gary Smyth, in the Faculty’s history. To celebrate New Delhi to take part in a scientific Dr Helen Beaumont, Anne Smyth the 175th anniversary of the founding convention. and Kulwant Uppal were among some of our organisation in this way was The scientific convention took of the UK Faculty members who hugely exciting and demonstrated our place on 9 and 10 April and was a joint attended the event. They were joined increasing international influence. endeavour organised by the Central by Faculty members from India and The scientific convention was one of Council for Research in Homoeopathy, elsewhere, who heard an international the important strands of work that the Ministry of AYUSH and the line-up of speakers deliver a series Dr Peter Fisher had been working on Faculty of Homeopathy. Not only is 10 of presentations which focussed before his death, and I was delighted to April designated World Homeopathy on linking the important themes be part of this historic event.” Day to celebrate Samuel Hahnemann’s of education, research and clinical A full report on this event will birthday, it was on this day 175 years practice. appear in the August issue of simile.

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6 NEWS simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Homeopathic vets heading to Scotland for BAHVS conference in defiant mood The British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Medicine in 1985. She Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) annual became certified in veterinary conference will this year take place in homeopathy by the Academy of Scotland. Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH) in By adopting the phrase “Alive and 1997. She is associate editor for the Kicking” as its conference theme, the Journal of the American Holistic BAHVS is not only highlighting the Veterinary Medical Association, and will health and vitality that homeopathy become its editor-in-chief in September can bring to animals, it is expressing 2019. Dr Epstein has lectured all over the the membership’s defiance of a campaign world and is a past president of the AVH. that seeks to prevent them from using Other speakers include two former the therapy. clinical leads at the NHS Centre Over the weekend of 14-16 June, for Integrative Care, Glasgow: Dr delegates will congregate at the Stirling Bob Leckridge and Dr David Rielly. Court Hotel within the beautiful grounds The conference will also hear from of Stirling University to hear a quality some of the UK’s foremost experts in line-up of speakers. homeopathic veterinary medicine, The keynote speaker will be among them John Saxton, Geoff Dr Shelley Epstein from the US, who Johnson and Nick Thompson. will explore various subjects including For full details about the BAHVS Vijaker principles in acute and chronic 2019 conference and to book your disease. Dr Epstein graduated from the Dr Shelley Epstein place visit https://www.bahvs.com/ University of Pennsylvania School of stirling-conference-2019/ Homeopathy faces being blacklisted by the NHS Health bosses are seeking to blacklist NHS spokesperson issued an ominous GPs are still prescribing homeopathy. homeopathy following news that GPs warning. “The NHS has issued As we made clear in our legal challenge are defying official NHS guidance by guidance making it clear to GPs that to NHS England, many doctors continuing to prescribe the therapy to homeopathy should not be prescribed, recognise the benefits of homeopathy patients. and to give further legal force to this we for their patients. Also, the feedback In 2017, NHS England recommended will now be formally requesting that the from patients treated with homeopathy that homeopathy should not be Department of Health blacklist it so on the NHS is overwhelmingly positive. routinely prescribed as it claimed the that funds cannot be wasted in this way.” “Homeopathy costs relatively little, complementary medicine was of “low Last year, the British Homeopathic can be used for acute and chronic clinical effectiveness”. However, the Association (BHA) failed in its legal conditions, has no side effects, and latest figures from the health service challenge to get the NHS decision if used as a first line intervention by reveal that 3,295 prescriptions for overturned. trained GPs, the NHS could seriously homeopathic medicines were issued last The BHA’s chief executive Cristal reduce antibiotic use. It is time for the year, costing the NHS £55,044. Sumner said: “The British Homeopathic NHS to encourage more homeopathy to Responding to these statistics an Association is not surprised to hear that be prescribed, not less.”

7 NEWS

Exciting HRI conference programme announced

Organisers of the 4th Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) International Conference are promising a scientific event of the highest calibre, after announcing an exciting line-up of speakers. Researchers from 26 countries will deliver the latest cutting edge research in homeopathy in 36 oral presentations and 47 poster presentations. The programme includes six keynote speakers who truly reflect the international flavour of this popular biennial event. As well as Dr Clare Relton and Dr Elizabeth Thompson from the UK, delegates will hear from Prof Leoni Bonamin, Brazil, Prof Robert Hahn, Sweden, Prof Vladimir Voeikov, Russia, and Dr Michael Teut from Germany. During the conference they and Dr Elizabeth Thompson Prof Vladimir Voeikov the other presenters will cover clinical, fundamental and qualitative research, homeopathic community – whether The HRI International Conference laboratory-based studies, pathogenetic as active researchers, academics, runs from 14-16 June and will take trials and research into veterinary practitioners or students – to meet, place at London’s four-star Tower homeopathic medicine. exchange ideas and discover what’s Hotel. Tickets are selling fast. For HRI conferences provide a rare new in in this rapidly developing area further information and to book your opportunity for the international of scientific research. place visit www.HRILondon2019.org World renowned figure at Faculty CPD event At the beginning of the year, several Faculty members homeopathic prescribing in acute and chronic cases and from the Midlands attended a CPD event in Birmingham. presented two video cases: one featuring a patient suffering Organised by the Faculty’s international representative from a habit cough and the other a thyroid cancer case, both Kulwant Uppal, the event featured Dr Veneeth Sidharthan, of which were unresponsive to conventional treatment. a globally renowned homeopath who is an expert in treating Mr Uppal says the case studies were very informative pathologically grave cases such as cancer. and easily replicated within medical practice as well as a Dr Sidharthan has addressed conferences all over the pharmacy setting. world, including the Faculty’s Belfast congress in 2016. Although yet to be confirmed there are plans for another At the Birmingham event, Dr Sidharthan discussed CPD event in the Midlands in the autumn. New charitable homeopathy clinic opens in Liverpool A new charitable homeopathy clinic Cristal Sumner, the BHA’s by a team of three highly experienced has opened in Liverpool. The clinic chief executive, said: “With the homeopaths led by Faculty member is called Liverpool Homeopathy and limited availability of homeopathic Dr Hugh Nielsen. is the latest addition to a network of treatment within the NHS, services An initial consultation at Liverpool clinics that is being developed by the like Liverpool Homeopathy are more Homeopathy is £20 with follow-up British Homeopathic Association (BHA). important than ever. Everyone has the sessions costing £10. The new clinic is being run in right to choose high-quality healthcare The BHA opened its first charitable partnership with the North West and we’re proud to be able to bring clinic in Norwich in 2011 and also Friends of Homeopathy and maintains affordable homeopathic treatment to operates services in Bath, York, a long tradition of homeopathy in a Merseyside.” Norwich and Edinburgh. Additional city where a homeopathic hospital The clinic is located at the Liverpool services will be announced during 2019. treated patients for many years. Medical Institution and will be staffed www.liverpoolhomeopathy.org

8 VIEWPOINT simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy What is fuelling the attacks on homeopathy? Faculty Fellow and profession against homeopathy and Dr Bob Leckridge other complementary therapies former president are young generalists. Young GPs Dr Bob Leckridge are among the most stressed and threatened doctors for a number of attempts to understand reasons. They deal with patients with the medical profession’s complex multiple chronic diseases every day. They can’t cure them and hostility towards they struggle to manage them. They homeopathy. haven’t enough time to spend with each patient (and are jealous of those ’ve often wondered why the attacks who do), are faced with informed on homeopathy are so vitriolic. patients who challenge their advice IWhat gets the anti crowd so worked and decisions, have to deal with up about this therapy? Homeopathy complaints and threats to sue when doesn’t have a reputation for killing things don’t go well, and have to under threat? Dr Klein gives a number people, or harming them with side- conform to an increasing number of reasons. effects. The costs of homeopathy are of protocols and guidelines which negligible compared to drugs and Young generalists undermine their authority. surgery. So what is it? Firstly, the core role of doctors has Polarisation On 27 November 2018, the French been that of curing diseases and saving Dr Klein’s final point is about how newspaper Le Monde published an lives. But in 1946, the World Health the polarisation we see in political interview with Dr Alexandre Klein, a Organization defined health as not discourse has spread into other areas. doctor of philosophy and the history the absence of disease, but a state of In France there is an anti group called of medicine at the Université Laval complete physical, mental and social #Collectif Fakemed, which attacks all (Québec). He’s been studying this well-being. Whole new professions and alternatives, and a pro group called question. His key insight is this. sectors of the economy have opened Collectif Safemed, which promotes Throughout history when the medical up around “wellness”, “well-being” integrative medicine. They are not able profession has felt under threat it and “health”. These areas are not the to dialogue with each other. has responded by attacking others. preserve of doctors. Doctors have lost So, here’s my question. How In the past it was folk healers, wise their monopoly on health and their can the Faculty open a constructive women, or in early 19th century France, status as experts. dialogue with mainstream doctors? officiers de santé, who were medical Secondly, alongside this shift, Are we able to recognise and practitioners who didn’t hold the title the number of chronic diseases has acknowledge their stresses, struggles of doctor. Currently it’s homeopathy exploded. These are diseases doctors and their suffering? Do we have and any therapy they classify as can’t cure, and often struggle to even anything to offer them which would complementary or alternative manage. Thirdly, he says you can see help? Do we have anything to learn As we see in all walks of society, the hand of corporations in the anti from them? In other words can we use this is the human tendency to blame movements. Drug companies fund the same skills and values we use with someone else for your suffering, patient groups and encourage them our patients? Non-judgemental, attentive, usually targeting a minority group, to fight for drugs and against anyone listening and caring, sharing insights such as immigrants or groups defined promoting alternatives. and learning together how to live. by ethnicity or religion. The question Fourthly, he highlights the fact that then is, why is the medical profession the most active players in the medical Dr Bob Leckridge FFHom

9 CASE STUDY

Five minus three – looking for the cause Dr Yvonne Höflinger History acute asthma attacks. Mentally he was His mother stopped breastfeeding cautious; he used supporting wheels on presents a case of a three days after giving birth owing his bike. With others his behaviour was young boy and connects to insufficient milk supply. After one timid and reserved. His parents reported month he developed eczema in the he was very cautious, shy and easily the cure to Aphorism 5 flexures of his elbows and knees, withdrawn – quite different to his twin of the Organon. which disappeared while using topical brother. In winter time he repeatedly cortisone ointment. suffered a deep fissure in the middle his five-year-old boy is a twin. He He received his first vaccinations of his lower lip, which was quite often and his brother were delivered by in June 2006 without any reaction, bleeding. From time to time he had TCaesarean section in 2006, three but after getting pneumococcal yellow nasal discharge, but didn’t weeks before the due date. In May 2011, vaccination in December 2006, he suffer any acute diseases like flu as in his parents brought him to my surgery contracted severe bronchiolitis and previous years. with previously diagnosed bronchial therefore had to be hospitalised twice. I got to know about his enormous allergic asthma and food allergy. In 2007 he had multiple episodes fear of spiders. He would cry and run He had taken inhaled of otitis media and bronchitis. out of the room if he saw one. Washing bronchodilators twice daily since He received frequent courses of his hands very often was a habit, which December 2010. His parents were antibiotics. Food allergy (especially he developed owing to his fear of worried about the course of his future to legumes) was initially observed in contagious infection. There was also a health and wanted to try homeopathic 2008 with bronchospasm and swelling fear of dogs since he was very little. He treatment. of mucus membranes in his throat. was quite conscientious about trifles. His physical appearance was tall In 2009 again, otitis media and Sometimes aphthae appeared in his and slim. I observed he had blue bronchitis were diagnosed. From mouth, but no ointment was applied. sclerae as well as fine long eyelashes. In December 2010 onwards, he developed Last year each of the twins had general he had a low temperature. allergic bronchial asthma and suffered chickenpox with severe skin rashes. 10 Regarding food and drinks he disliked Repertorisation: Synthesis cheese and fruit. During physical exertion he perspired profusely. 1 1234 4 GENERALS - VACCINATION; ailments after (49) 2 1234 4 EYE - DISCOLORATION - blue - Sclera or conjunctiva (12) Family history 3 1234 4 EYE - HAIR - Eyelashes - long; are (6) Father: Recurrent tonsillitis, extreme allergy of pollen, grass and mould. He 4 1234 4 EYE - HAIR - Eyelashes - fine; are (3) had TB vaccination as a baby. 5 1234 4 GENERALS - TALL people (20) Paternal grandfather: Died of 6 1234 4 GENERALS - LEAN people (122) prostate cancer; had a lot of lung 7 1234 4 GENERALS - ALLERGIC constitution (64) infections. Paternal grandmother: Constitutional analysis Hypertension. Half a year later, in November 2011, he had less acute asthma attacks and now Mother: Childhood chickenpox, used the bronchodilator inhaler only three times a week. The suppressed eczema recurrent tonsillitis. She also had TB in the bends of his knees recurred. Each evening there was still yellow nasal vaccination as a young child. First discharge. One day his mother measured a temperature of 39°C, when he had a pregnancy with a healthy girl, nine flu infection. Sweating has significantly diminished. However, his fears and the years before the pregnancy with twin obsessive behaviour of hand washing persisted as before. His allergic reaction to boys. Between these two pregnancies food (legumes) had also been unchanged by Tuberkulinum Koch. Now it was time she had an abortion and lost a lot of to start with a constitutional remedy. blood. Her brother committed suicide in 2000. Repertorisation: Synthesis Maternal grandfather: He had many infectious diseases in his life, many ear 1 1234 4 MIND - FEAR - spiders, of (19) infections and travelled often. 2 1234 4 MIND - FEAR - dogs, of (36) Maternal grandmother: Healthy. 3 1234 4 MIND - CONSCIENTIOUS about trifles (14) Twin brother: has frequent nose 4 1234 4 MIND - CAUTIOUS (46) bleeds, besides this he is very healthy 5 1234 4 MIND - TIMIDITY - children; in (28) and robust. 6 1234 4 MIND - WASHING - desire to wash - hands; always washing her (22) Elder sister: She has strabismus. No 7 1234 4 MIND - FEAR - contagion (20) other health problems. 8 1234 4 GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - cheese - aversion (39) Miasmatic analysis 9 1234 4 GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - fruit – aversion (34) This boy showed only reaction on 10 1234 4 PERSPIRATION - EXERTION - agg. - slight exertion (150) pneumococcal vaccination, but not to 11 1234 4 EXTREMITIES - ERUPTIONS - Elbows - Bends of elbow (17) previous ones. External stigmata, like 12 1234 4 EXTREMITIES - ERUPTIONS - Knees - Hollow of knees (26) his slim body shape and tall height 13 1234 4 FACE - CRACKED - Lips - Lower - Middle of (25) for his age, the shape of his face (like an inverted triangle), the long fine eye 14 1234 4 MOUTH – APHTHAE (177) lashes and the blue coloured sclerae 15 1234 4 MOUTH - FINGERS in the mouth, children put (15) indicated the tubercular miasm. 16 1234 4 RESPIRATION - ASTHMATIC – allergic (34) His family background also showed features of tubercular miasm, We started with Natrium muriaticum Q 18, once a week in early December 2011. for example the intense bleeding of After a very short time he developed over 100 molluscum all over his body. I his mother after abortion, the nose explained Hering’s law to the parents and why they should not interfere with bleeding of his twin brother and the this phenomenon. These molluscum disappeared slowly and at the same time his recurrent tonsillitis of his parents, asthma improved extraordinarily fast over the following weeks. who both received the TB vaccination Five months later he did not use the inhaler any more. He still had nasal as children. Externally he resembled discharge but the eczema in the flexures of his knees looked better. There were his maternal grandfather, who loved no more fears, no more obsession to wash his hands and his food allergy was no to travel and was susceptible to longer severe. infections. His paternal grandfather Well, I asked myself why this boy had reacted so quickly on his constitutional had multiple lung infections before he remedy Natrium muriaticum? Hahnemann taught us the cause being of highest finally got prostate cancer. priority in the symptomatology in a case. On this obvious miasmatic Aphorism 5, Organon background, I decided to open the case Useful to the physician in assisting him to cure are the particulars of the with a nosode: Tuberculinum Koch. most probable exciting cause of the acute disease, as also the most significant As the family lived in a neighbouring points in the whole history of the chronic disease, to enable him to discover country, they could only access the its fundamental cause, which is generally due to a chronic miasm. In these potency CH 7, which he took daily. investigations, the ascertainable physical constitution of the patient (especially

11 simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy

when the disease is chronic), his Final analysis moral and intellectual character, his During Hahnemann’s time of prenatal occupation, mode of living and habits, interventions or in vitro fertilisation his social and domestic relations, his were not known. Reflecting on this age, sexual function, etc., are to be Reflecting on this case, I questioned if we should think taken into consideration. about broadening Aphorism 5, and Regarding the underlying cause case, I questioned if if we should include the causations in Natrium muriaticum, it is very we should think about of new methods in our modern deep grief; quite often grief about a medical time. Hahnemann said we lost person. When the brother of his broadening Aphorism should consider all circumstances, mother committed suicide, the boy the miasmatic ones as well as life was not yet conceived. 5, and if we should circumstances. I had a meeting with his parents include the causations Do life circumstances include life and asked them to tell me if something from “day one” on? We cannot know sad had happened during the pregnancy of new methods in our if an embryo has feelings, if there is or subsequently. Suddenly the mother modern medical time. already a soul in this early stage of life, started to sigh and weep – yes, after nor if this boy at that embryonic stage, her abortion she and her husband when his sisters and brothers were wanted another child and they had killed directly beside him, had already an in vitro fertilisation done. Five felt unconsciously a deep grief. These fertilised embryos were implanted questions remain unanswered. To this day I remain in contact hoping one of them would lead to a reduction of five minus three was with the parents of this boy. He pregnancy. Some time later they both carried out. The mother wept bitterly regained full health with his were confronted with the news they when she told me her story. constitutional remedy. expected quintuplets. Repertory: Mind: Ailments from As they knew they could not cope grief, death of a person, of a child: with this situation, an embryo Nat.-mur. (4th grade) Dr Yvonne Höflinger FILM REVIEW simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Promise or placebo? In March, the film Magic Pills was seen by audiences in London and Edinburgh. Here the film is reviewed by simile’s editor. n discovering the title of the latest film about homeopathy OI must admit my heart sank. Opponents of homeopathy have long employed occult terms to denigrate and ridicule the therapy and its practitioners, so I feel it is unwise to describe homeopathic medicines using words which unintentionally reinforce this view; even if the results of homeopathic intervention are sometimes so dramatic many patients feel their health has been transformed by “magic”. I’d also heard that the film covers the use of homeopathy in the treatment of cancer and HIV/AIDS, as well as exploring homeoprophylaxis as an alternative to conventional immunisation. These are areas that have caused homeopaths problems in the past, with critics accusing those making such claims of giving false hope to patients suffering from life threatening conditions or of irresponsibility for suggesting it can afford protection against contagious diseases. in a magazine article. This and other growing evidence base of patient So I was more than a little anxious incidents of media distortion, along outcomes and quality research when I sat down to watch Magic with interviews from leading sceptics, supporting homeopathy as an effective Pills. However, except for a few form the first part of her film as she medical treatment. reservations, my concerns proved tries to explain why homeopathy To counter the critical onslaught at unfounded. Ananda More’s film is a attracts such vehement hostility and the beginning of her film, Ms More balanced exposition of the controversy opprobrium. She concludes that travels to Africa, India, Cuba and Europe bedevilling homeopathy, giving a advances in science have always been to show homeopathy improving health platform to sceptics to assert their only hindered by “confirmation bias”, where and lives. In Tanzania she visits the too familiar views while showing how some people will rationalise evidence Homeopathy for Health in Africa (HHA) homeopathy is bringing improved inconsistent with their beliefs as project run by Jeremy and Camilla health to patients around the globe. “wrong” or “impossible” or perceive Sherr, where much of their work Media distortion it as a form of “trickery”, resulting involves treating HIV/AIDS. In Ananda More is a Canadian homeopath in them developing an implacable Tanzania approximately 1.4 million whose frustration at the portrayal of opposition to ideas that challenge people are living with HIV/AIDS. This homeopathy in the media increased their own. This, she believes, is why figure includes 100,000 children, 90 per when she was seriously misrepresented opponents refuse to recognise the cent of whom were born with the virus.

13 Jeremy Sherr explains they are electron microscope. think the film could have provided trying to show homeopathy can Dr Bellare and his team found more details of the work the Finlay be “complementary rather than that even after extreme dilutions Institute has done in this area. contradictory” to conventional “… there are molecules of the original Brave and honest material still left behind”. This work treatment. “We’re not trying to fight Magic Pills is a brave and honest film: has been replicated by other scientists conventional medicine, we’re trying brave because it gives so much time to and produced the same results. to show homeopathy is a very useful the arguments of those who campaign However, getting his exciting and adjunct,” he says. against homeopathy; honest in ground-breaking research published Working alongside conventional highlighting the obstacles the therapy’s in scientific journals is proving doctors the Sherrs help patients proponents have to overcome to get the impossible, as the bias shown by continue with their anti-retro viral growing evidence base taken seriously editors against homeopathy means medication, but also prescribe by the scientific community. But papers are rejected even before going homeopathy to help boost the immune Ananda More’s film also offers hope out to peer review. system. Visiting an HIV/AIDS clinic in its reporting of the excellent work The next stop on Ms More’s global run by HHA, we hear how patients’ homeopaths are doing among some odyssey is the Finlay Institute in Cuba, CD4 counts – the cells killed by HIV of the world’s poorest people. And a centre for vaccine research and and critical for fighting infection according to Dr Pranip Banerji it will production. Immunologist Dr Gustavo – increase when they are receiving be the growing interest in and demand Bracho is interviewed about the homeopathic treatment. But Jeremy for homeopathy from people around leptospirosis epidemic of 2007, when Sherr is quick to reject the idea the world that will eventually compel cases of this tropical disease among the homeopathy is a cure for HIV/AIDS. the worlds of science and medicine to population in the eastern provinces of “We’re not here to claim we’re look more closely at this controversial the country were above average. curing AIDS,” he says. “We’re here to and much maligned therapy. At that time there was only enough say homeopathy can help.” He says: “Things are changing. leptospirosis vaccine to immunise 0.1% At the Banerji clinic in Kolkata, Things are not changing because of the 2.4 million people living in the we learn of its extensive data of the medical community. Things region. With heavy rain increasing the collection programme that records are changing because of the patient risk of infection, doctors at the Finlay clinical information from their many community.” Institute decided to make a homeopathic thousands of cancer patients. We meet Evidence of this “people power” medicine and within two weeks it a brain tumour patient who appears to can be seen in the crowds of patients had been administered to 70% of the have made quite a startling recovery flocking to attend the Banerji population. When Dr Bracho and his from this form of cancer, which is clinic; from the growth in global recognised as one of the most difficult colleagues examined the results of this emergency public health exercise they sales of homeopathic medicines; to treat. This anecdotal evidence is and in the result of the referendum supported by data from the clinic’s were surprised to see there had been a marked decrease in cases of the disease on complementary medicines in records which shows an 87% success Switzerland that saw the government rate in treating brain tumours. which was contrary to historical trends. The following year Cuba was struck include the option of homeopathy in Here I felt the film could have the country’s healthcare system. been clearer about how many of these by three major hurricanes, bringing the wet conditions in which the This is Ananda More’s first patients were treated exclusively leptospirosis bacteria thrive and as a venture into filmmaking, but despite with homeopathy or if any of them result there was a significant increase her inexperience she has produced a had also received chemotherapy and in the number of cases of the disease – beautifully shot and informative film radiotherapy. And Dr Pranip Banerji’s except in the eastern provinces where that makes a valuable contribution to assertion that conventional cancer reported cases fell dramatically. the homeopathy debate. By being treatments might kill patients will cause Doctors at the Finlay Institute courageously objective in her treatment disquiet among many doctors who use conducted further trials using of her subject, Magic Pills will enable homeopathy as part of an integrative homeopathy to immunise against a more people to make intelligent and approach to treating this disease. number of diseases, including cholera informed choices about their healthcare. Nanomedicine and dengue fever: the results were But I still wish she’d chosen a different

The fundamental problem faced by positive in every case. Encouraging Photo:Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.com title for her film. homeopathy is the ultra-dilute nature results indeed, but I would still *a branch of medicine that applies of the medicines, which critics say urge caution in drawing any firm nanotechnology to the prevention and renders them free of any molecules conclusions about the effectiveness treatment of disease. of the source material. This is of homeoprophylaxis. American investigated during a trip to the Indian astronomer Carl Sagan is credited with John Burry Institute of Technology in Mumbai. coining the phrase “Extraordinary This review is reproduced with Here Dr Jayesh Bellare, an expert claims require extraordinary proof”, permission from the British in nanomedicine* has conducted and to meet the requirements of this Homeopathic Association research into nanoparticles using an battle cry of the sceptic movement I www.britishhomeopathic.org

14 9 CASE STUDY Coming out of her shell Dr Julie Geraghty describes a fascinating gemstone case.

took over the care of Ada, a 41-year- right person. There was a lot of pent-up down to me. She makes the shop look old with seizures and mental health energy from those seven years. The pretty, I’m more of a doer. I’m quite Iproblems, from a colleague who had whole time I was on the epilepsy passionate about the job. I have a bit been treating her with Causticum. She drugs I had no libido. When I got of OCD.” is a slim, friendly person, with half her rejected by this chap, I started to go Describe the voices in your head. head shaved and she is always dressed funny, the hormones were playing Ada: “I think people are following me in black. havoc with my head and I was home. I think that people don’t like drinking quite heavily.” Ada: “I haven’t had a seizure for two me. I had a very strong feeling that my years, so I’ve stopped the epilepsy As I was only getting to know her, I son had been stabbed at school, it felt drugs after seven years. The seizures advised her to continue Causticum very real but it wasn’t. I have thoughts are always worse if I drink too much. 200c monthly. I noted the thoughts of of people being hurt, myself being hurt, I’m still under the mental health team putting her hand in the blender, and but I haven’t self-harmed this time. I’m – I get thoughts of putting my hand in having been worse since being rejected worse when I’m on my own. The GP the blender. I used to self-harm years by the man. I saw Ada again three gave me diazepam 2mg, but it made me ago with sharp things, but I haven’t months later. sleepy, and it’s addictive. I use a Bach done that for years. I got the self-harm Ada: “I’ve been signed off work for a flower remedy combination, and I thoughts after I started a relationship month with anxiety. The voices in my get herbs from Neal’s Yard. I stopped with a particular gentleman and my head have come back. I was crying at smoking and drinking a week ago. hormones started doing the natural work. I have a big workload, no one I do have a bit of a dependency on things (gesture: rotates hands). It is taking that workload off me. I’m alcohol. I’ve been depressed in the triggered the whole thing from the last deputy manager of a charity shop. The past with a lot of drugs, drinking and seven years. I’ve been waiting for the manager is not supportive – it’s all self-harm.”

15

. I am (gesture) (gesture). … a girl in the (clasps hands) (gesture) birthday. We went to explore to a went birthday. We th “Yes, age 16. I went out for for out I went age 16. “Yes, “It is feel dark, “It nice, not I don’t “It feels tight “It a pizza, a guy his me gave phone I met himnumber. was the it next day, my 16 they feel stuck, blocked, tight, contained, and need release to themselves from this in beto they who order really are, in transform to order themselves. This process transformation of is common allto gemstones, expresses but in each in subtly different ways. I now know that needs she – remedy a gemstone but which one? about the more me lump?Tell Ada: feels jaggy, sharp “It not … if walkedyou down that road, someone will get stabbed, will you get attacked, sexually assaulted.” sexually you Were assaulted? Ada: … it needs… it is holding open. to It me back from being myself. I want go to off and dance like I used I wantto. to feel free, a care have not in the world. be to jealousNot other of who people are prettier.” are we gettingNow closer much to understanding the sensation she hinted shell”. her in of at out “coming Something is tight, a blockage, is it likebig, a dark lump that needs to and release.move can She see and has – she feel it drawn the shape it of thevery But interesting clearly. thing is that feels she this lump/blockage is stopping feeling her truly herself, and can she needs before it move to fully express herself. This is the unique combination the of remedies: gemstone Tell me more aboutit? more me Tell Ada: like I am truly myself not whole derelict building. kissed He me, then himself forced he me. I froze, on I know was it didn’t what do, to the first timehadI ever had sex. my told never I parents. His father owned half the of village.My I blocked off. it friend, who I could told, died have when I was 13. wasHe squashed a forklift by truck. wasHe best my friend. looked He afterme.” Once it has come out it willit hasOnce it out come be a lot therebetter, will be a release yoga classyoga is really felt confident – I really stupid.” about the more me lump?Tell Ada:

Photo: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.com

. (Gesture: folds (She starts to cry) “It felt like felt “It a block, a blockage, “I am “I the youngest three, of my My friendsMy want didn’t get to

It feels likeIt a very negative thing, worthless, like lump.” a big Could draw you the lump me? for What did feel? you Ada: something there which needs move to so I can express myself. hands together over central chest). behind back.my very I felt emotional, the fear being not of good enough. I thinkdon’t very myself about much all.at I used get to bullied school. at a large have amount self- of I don’t esteem. I am really not worth it. Age I had really15 hair; long they set fire I was 15 to ages hair. 11 my to From isolated, own my the most on of time. hairinvolved when my was set fire, on and spoke I never them to it. about I parentsonly my I when I was told 18. also had bulimia. I used steal to money from parents my and loads buy food of and when they gorge would I out. were hide all the packaging.” about your more me family?Tell Ada: brother is the eldest andan I have The social sister. older were workers involved. father My discipline couldn’t was he frightened brother, my my of father My usedbrother. chase to me with a leather I used slipper. on sit to handsmy hit socouldn’t me. he He would punish even me when I hadn’t anythingdone wrong, and mother my believednever I’d me. I felt been adopted, that parents. they my not I should were had differenthave parents. I am closer close my not to I’m brother. my to are we verysister, different I people. meditation lots of done have and yoga. This yoga weekdo class, I couldn’t felt I that everyone in the was room better than me.” Patient’s drawing Patient’s

. I’m worse worse . I’m

Thoughts of self-harm Thoughts of . I’m always a friend’s round at . I’m “I am“I quite out quiet, if but I’m “I’m scared of water, I can’t swim I can’t scared water, of “I’m “I’m still “I’m suffering with anxiety,

I usedwithnine live to in a house I thought putting about hand my 16 if there are that people lots of I don’t know; I fear that they like not do me. in andI work a pub I feel safer behind like when come people the it I don’t bar. space,into my I get nervous. I don’t like being own; my I would on like to live in a community. a of lot nice, support was that – people (gesture: swirling movements of hands). (gesture) and I can about shell my of out come (gesture: opens hands out) Describe yourself me. to Ada: house chatting. quite creative, I I’m use hands. my festivals, I love field kitchens, puppets. when I feel happier creating. theI’m I love outdoors, countryside, being around a fire with friends think playing music. I don’t I deserve be to – I sabotage happy it. shell my this of a lot out come I have the For year. past seven years been I’ve hiding myself away.” What are afraid you of? Ada: in the drawn sea. the to I’m But sea. watch and to it of I spendI love a lot time in Cornwall.” I prescribed Spongia 200c as she I felt less wellwas and the Causticum wasn’t helping. She neededhelping. She support and company and used the expression “come shell” my of out twice, so along with thethe of sea love and liking not people coming space, into her I chose Spongia. Ada: gotten veryit’s bad; the remedy was so helping I stopped not it. All the – voices in louder head got my wassomeone going get to stabbed. The same thoughts that came after I parted from this gentleman last I hadn’t year. been with seven years for someone hands my I hadin hold to the blender. simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy

Again she goes back to harming herself understanding of the gemstone Before I was more negative. I have not with a sharp object – recall that twice remedies. Another point confirming had any seizures for three months. I she has mentioned thoughts of putting a gemstone remedy is that Ada is went to a festival. I had some alcohol, her hand into the blender, as well as interested in yoga and herbal remedies, but I was very careful, only three being stabbed. This must be part of the showing her desire to look within for small bottles of beer a day. Alcohol remedy. healing. I saw her again three months makes me anxious. I have had Tell me about that feeling of release? later. more control.” Ada: “It is holding me back from What about the voices in your head? being myself. I want to be able to grow Ada: “Now when I hear them, I tell properly. I am nearly 42, but I feel them to shut up. My son has just had th younger, I feel about 12 or 13 inside. I his 16 birthday – it brought back what have not been able to grow into myself. happened to me. I have been thinking I want someone to give me a cuddle Now we are getting about confronting the guy, taking to make it okay. My friends are really much closer to him to court. But I think I should let good, they are part of my family. I it go. His family is quite high up in have always hung out with alternative understanding the the council. I wouldn’t have a leg to people. I have always felt safe with sensation she hinted at stand on. He would deny everything, it Travellers. I feel part of their family. I would be my word against his. I need moved out of home aged 18 and lived in ‘coming out of her to lay it to rest.” in a trailer by a river. The Travellers shell’. Something is tight, The remedy is clearly acting as the looked out for me. I have been a key sensation as her epigastrium is squatter as part of a group.” a blockage, it is like a big, lighter, more open and moving – the What is your favourite colour? dark lump that needs to opposite of the dark, tight blockage. I Ada: “Scarlet red, black and fuchsia talk about being kinder to herself when pink.” move and release. She she has negative thoughts, and advise her to reduce the remedy to Monday to can see and feel it – she Friday, once per month. Then I saw her has drawn the shape of again three months later. Ada: “I am still much better. I feel it very clearly. But the happier, a lot more confident. I am interesting thing is that more able to meet people and speak to people. I don’t feel so bad about she feels this lump/ myself. I am trying not to withdraw. The anxiety is not as bad. I stayed blockage is stopping with my job, and I am now managing her feeling truly herself, the shop. (Spontaneously she says) It Obsidian doesn’t feel as blocked as it was here and it needs to move (gesture), it feels more open. I don’t Her drawing has made me think of feel like a twelve-year-old any more. Obsidian, also called volcanic glass. before she can fully I am growing into myself. I am much It is formed when volcanic lava high express herself. more careful with alcohol when I am in silica cools rapidly without time at a party. I think the remedy has been for crystalline formation, so it is an This is the unique very good for me and I would like to amorphous mineraloid. However, it combination of the continue to take it monthly.” has long been used both as a healing Do you have the negative thoughts or stone, as well as an “Obsidian knife” gemstone remedies... the voices in your head? for arrow heads and tools when Ada: “No, I haven’t had that at all.” sharpened. Her drawing looks very similar to a raw obsidian stone with She spontaneously mentions the very sharp edges. blocked feeling as being more open, I prescribed Obsidian immersion and that she is growing into herself 200c, one daily Monday to Friday, Ada: “It has helped a lot, the feeling – the exact duo that signifies the repeated alternate weeks. This is here (gesture: brings fingers to central gemstone remedies. Obsidian is a one regime of using the gemstone chest). It feels like things are moving, remedy that we should bear in mind immersions, as described and lighter, I feel a bit more open (gesture). considering the huge increase in the prepared by the homeopath and I feel a lot more confident. Since incidence of self-harm and cutting in gemologist Peter Tumminello from taking the remedy I feel something teenagers, especially girls, in recent Sydney, Australia, who has done is releasing, it has made me feel a bit years. incredible work on opening up our happier. There are things I want to do. Dr Julie Geraghty

17 VACANCIES

Faculty of Homeopathy Medical Dean The Faculty of Homeopathy is rcruiting a new medical dean to start in post from 1 September 2019. The vacancy has arisen following Dr Julie Geraghty’s decision to step down from the role in August 2019. The post requires two sessions per month Applicants must be a doctor, hold the MFHom (plus expenses) for attending Faculty meetings. qualification and would ideally be a current or The medical dean is chair of the Faculty’s former teacher on Faculty accredited courses. academic board and will be expected to attend Experience of being a Faculty examiner or Faculty council meetings three times a year, as well involvement with the Faculty through other as chair the examination panel which convenes by committees would also be an advantage. telephone once or twice a year. Applications from MFHom doctors with a background in academia are also welcome. The successful applicant will take the lead on The new medical dean will be required to academic matters relating to the training and attend academic board and council meetings practice of homeopathy by doctors and be in June 2019 for the best possible induction to an active member of the Faculty’s council. An the post. international perspective and/or experience of For more information about the post and to apply driving international teaching partnerships is please email [email protected] particularly relevant.

Editor-in-Chief The Faculty of Homeopathy is seeking applications for the role of editor-in-chief of its journal Homeopathy.

Homeopathy is the only PubMed/Medline indexed homeopathic publication in the world, and enjoys over 100,000 individual downloads per annum. The editor-in-chief is expected to take the lead on overall editorial direction and development strategy, working closely with publisher Georg Thieme Verlag, the journal team and reporting progress annually to Faculty council. Applicants must hold the MFHom qualification and would ideally have a familiarity with academic publishing and the history of the Faculty. The editor-in-chief post is remunerated and the successful applicant would be expected to start in post in August 2019. For more information about the post and to apply please email [email protected]

18 WHAT’S ON simile • May 2019 • The Faculty of Homeopathy

Regular meetings W Surrey & W Sussex Homeopathic Group London Homeopathic Group Event Time: 20:00 until 22:00 For further information contact Dr Susanne Dreher- Members include doctors, vets, dentists, and pharmacists. Brogan at [email protected] The aim of the group is to act as a forum for ongoing Irish Homeopathic Group learning and support, covering all aspects of homeopathy Regular meetings take place in Trim, Co. Meath. For further and medical practice. information contact Dr Jaume Costa at [email protected] The Scarlett Arms, Walliswood, Ockley, Surrey, RH5 5RD. Northern Ireland Homeopathic Group Meetings take place for CPD, discussion of clinical cases, For dates please contact Charles Forsyth 01737 226338 and other matters related to Homeopathic practice. Open (office) 01737 248605 (home) 07802 293006 (mobile) to all Faculty affiliated healthcare professionals, regardless Leeds Homeopathic Group of experience. Location varies. For more information, please Regular meetings at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Adel, north Leeds contact: Mrs Anne Smyth at [email protected] or Jutta Prekow on 0113 203 7329 or at [email protected] call 07734 053780. Manchester-Liverpool Homeopathic Group The SW Scotland Homeopathic Group Meetings for discussing homeopathic cases and other The group usually meets the first Wednesday of the month matters relevant to homeopathy. in October, November December and also February, March, April, May and June. Open to doctors, vets, nurses, pharmacists of all levels. Meetings are held from 7.30-9pm in the NHS Centre for Location varies, so contact in advance for details: Integrative Care at the Gartnavel Campus, 1053 Great Dr Eftihia Metallidou on 0161 4747301 weekdays Western Road, Glasgow. For more information contact 12-4.00 pm or email: [email protected] Stephen Caulfield at [email protected]

British Association of Homeopathic demonstrating the Evolution Model that Come join this exciting and amazing value Veterinary Surgeons 2019 Conference she has become so expert in using over the convention featuring so many different 14 – 16 June 2019 last decade. topics in one place at one time. Venue: Stirling Court Hotel, Visit this website for the full education Price: £200 for the weekend or £115 for University of Stirling, Stirling, programme: www.ncim.org.uk each day. Scotland. FK9 4LA For further details and to book phone 0117 For more details and to book visit https:// This is a lovely location for the BAHVS’s 973 8035 or email [email protected] integrativehealthconvention.co.uk/ conference and it is hoped as many people LMHI World Congress, Sorrento, Homeopathy Masterclass – Psyche as possible will attend, and perhaps take a Italy and Structure Crystals, Minerals few extra days to look around the local area – you won’t be disappointed. 25 – 28 September 2019 and Personality Typology 19 or 20 October 2019 More info coming soon with list of The main theme of the 74th Liga speakers once confirmed and booking Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis (choose your day) details. www.bahvs.com/stirling- (LMHI) Speaker: Peter Tumminello conference-2019/ Conference will be “The medicine of the Venue: Engineers’ House, The Homeopathy Research Institute future from the ancient heart”. Promenade, Clifton Down Road, Conference For more information visit http://www. Bristol. BS8 3NB. 14 – 16 June 2019 lmhi2019.org/ Homeopathics derived from elements, Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy Integrative Health Convention minerals and gemstones, each bear the Venue: The Tower Hotel, London. stamp of a definitive crystal structure. 2019 Peter has uncovered how to use the key of Registration for the HRI’s 2019 conference 5 – 6 October 2019 crystal structure to unlock prescriptions is now open. For more information and to Venue: Park Plaza Hotel, 39 Vauxhall to this vast array of medicines, which form book your place visit www.hrilondon2019. Bridge Rd, London. SW1V 1EQ. such a significant part of the Material org/ Medica. The Integrative Health Convention Homeopathy Training – Summer showcases different hour-long lectures The seminar is an exposition of the School: Evolution: Connecting all with over 30 talks to choose from on material in Peter’s new book Psyche and methods of homeopathic practice different topics ranging from Acupuncture Structure and builds on his previous 5 – 7 July 2019 to , TCM to Yoga, work Twelve Jewels. He will use his Nutrition to Hypnosis, and many more. understanding of structure, along with The National Centre for Integrative standard symptomatology and case Medicine is delighted to welcome Annette This year the College of Medicine’s own analysis, as well as the use of the colour Sneevliet for a three-day Summer School Dr Michael Dixon will be giving a keynote symptom to shine a light into the enigma in Bristol. Annette’s skill is to be both speech on integrating the conventional that is our extraordinary Materia Medica one of the best prescribers and also one and complementary, and the relevance of of the best teachers in homeopathy today. integrated health to the health service and For more information visit https:// Annette will cover all three kingdoms sustainability. facultyofhomeopathy.org/events/

19 CONTACTS

Who to contact at the Faculty

••• FACULTY COUNCIL

• Gary Smyth, President • Lesley Peatfield, Communications Co-ordinator [email protected] [email protected]

• Patricia Ridsdale, Vice-President • Patricia Ridsdale, Members’ Committee Convener [email protected] [email protected]

Helen Beaumont, Immediate • Jacqueline Mardon, NHS Secondary Care • Representative Past-President [email protected] [email protected] • Jonathan Hardy, Independent Practice • Julie Geraghty, Medical Dean Representative [email protected] [email protected] • Peter Gregory, Veterinary Dean • Gabriella Day, NHS Primary Care Representative [email protected] [email protected]

• Tony Pinkus, Pharmacy Dean • Barbara Jones, Veterinary Representative [email protected] [email protected]

••• STAFF

• Sara Eames, Operations Manager [email protected] Faculty of Homeopathy • Lisa Peacock – Membership and Education Officer/Quality Officer CAN Mezzanine, [email protected] 49-51 East Road 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1003 London, N1 6AH • Alison Davies Tel: 020 3640 5903 Digital Communications Officer Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.facultyofhomeopathy.org • John Burry, Editor of simile [email protected]

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