FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2
for the sceptic (scepticism's OK - really!)

Does homeopathy work - well, does it?
The test of homeopathy is whether patients get cured - not whether it can be made to fit into a trial who's paradigm provides a way to justify giving potentially lethal drugs to patients as being safe enough to be in their interest (so called 'scientific' trials).Thousands upon thousands of patients the world over swear by homeopathy and they have been treated for virtually all ailments known to mankind

Do you actually know what homeopathy is? Really?
If you don't really know what homeopathy is, how can you make any judgements about it? (hint: you can't) Find out what it is first, not what you think it is. All the disdain, scorn or ridicule I read about homeopathy is based either on assumptions, supposition, ignorance or laziness, or a combination of all four. Much of it is deliberate misinformation masquerading as evidence by those with a vested interest. Is that really the intelligent way to approach a subject? An open mind will be required.

Is homeopathy dangerous? Not compared to orthodox Western medicine, where thousands (*106,000) of patients a year die from the effects of its medicines.

How does homeopathy work?
It's one thing to be sceptical, quite another to be prejudiced. Admitting you don't understand something is the first step to discovery. If you are the sort who prefers to find out for themselves rather than be told what to think, keep reading, if not, keep bleating. It may take time and be challenging to understand but do persevere it will be worth it. Start with the information on this site or explore the web where there is a huge amount of positive information and understanding waiting for you. In my experience sceptics of homeopathy require only one thing to accept homeopathy, and that is to be treated themselves (by a qualified homeopath!) and see it work for themselves.

Is there any proof it works?
Homeopathy has been proven to be effective. Yes proven. The proof is there in medical records across the world - proof. Unequivocal: e.g. the categorical proof that it cures cholera. So what have you to lose by exploring homeopathy, why not see if it works and work out how later?

Can I treat myself with homeopathy?
That really depends what you are trying to treat and how well informed you are. There is no reason that you cannot treat yourself and your family for common acute ailments - if you are well enough informed about homeopathy. On the other hand if you are not well enough informed, i.e. if your prescribing is not effective or the condition more serious than you realise, it can be a case of a little knowledge can be a bad thing if you try to treat conditions that are beyond your experience. Better to consult an expert in the first instance.

What about 'off the shelf' homeopathy?
I do not endorse the new legislation that allows medical claims to be made for specific remedies or combinations of remedies, not because I believe they are dangerous in themselves, but because that is not the correct way to apply homeopathy, it is very 'hit or miss' and the public could quickly become disillusioned with homeopathy if they think that is the best it has to offer... it certainly is not!

Why does homeopathy get bad press?
Why all the hoo hah? Some people really get hot under the collar about how homeopathy just cannot work - a classic case of wearing coloured glasses and proclaiming that everything has to be that colour. Some peope make a living out of knocking homeopathy. Corporate funding and vested interest is allegedly behind a lot of the media reports. I have not yet seen a single article or report or test against homeopathy that does not fall apart when properly challenged. But the challenges go unreported and anyway by then the damage is usually already done; the readers know no better and believe what they read. Yet all the while people continue the world over get cured by homeopathy. So if you want to see the 'good press' on homeopathy not the anti-homeopathy propoganda ( that's what it is) then checkout the alternative health magasines and online resources.

So who's right?
Some very persuasive speakers hold very anti-homeopathy views. As do most chemists and pharmacists (and who seem to think 'science' means 'chemistry'). That is their view and they are welcome to it, but homeopathy works despite their disbelief,. they are simply expressing the limits of their understanding, of their world view, and they are not prepared to accept anything outside of that. It's not an arguement worth persuing with them. As an intellectual debate you can take whichever side you prefer, however if you are unwell and need a cure, then a debate about who's right is not what's needed; what's needed is action: see the (qualified!) homeopath, get your remedy, either it will cure or it won't. Debate over.

---