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August 2007 - Society's Response to Dawkin's Article
11 May 2006 News Release - Homeopathy Helps Hayfever
August 2007 - Society's Response to Dawkin's Article
Sir,
Re: Richard Dawkins, ‘The Enemies of Reason’, 20th August, Channel 4
The Society of Homeopaths, Europe’s largest body of professional homeopaths, is concerned at the lengths yet another eminent professor and scientist is prepared to go to discredit homeopathy and patient choice, in what appears to be no more than a fear-laden reaction at the growing popularity of complementary medicine.
Dismissing anything that he himself cannot explain, Professor Richard Dawkins (‘The Irrational Health Service’) leaves the viewer unsure about who the real enemy of reason is as he insists on polarising the debate between homeopathy and medical science.
The real issues of patient choice and integrated health are swept aside as Dawkins unhelpfully pitches Herceptin against homeopathy. And not only does he omit to mention the four out of five meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy which have reached broadly positive conclusions, he also forgets to add that prescribed drugs can have significant side effects and indeed do not work for everyone.
Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years, treating the patient rather than the disease. And in 2000, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science & Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Dawkins et al are right to observe that its mechanism of action has yet to be proven. But nevertheless, the fact remains that it works. And with thousands of people seeing a practitioner and a £38 million pound spend on homeopathy predicted for this year, why would so many return again and again for treatment if it was not effective?
Paula Ross
Chief Executive
The Society of Homeopaths
Notes to Editors
House of Lords Select Committee on Science & Technology. ‘Complementary & Alternative Medicine.’Session 1999-2000, 6th Report. The Stationery Office, 2000 P17
Homeopathy
The Society of Homeopaths
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has over 2,300 members.
Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths are fully insured and practise in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of The Society’s Code of Ethics & Practice plus the register is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org.
For further details, please contact Paula Ross or Pamela Stevens, Communications Department on 0845 450 6611 or info@homeopathy-soh.org
11 May 2006 News Release - Homeopathy Helps Hayfever
HOMEOPATHY HELPS HAYFEVER (1)
Record tree blossom and early-flowering oilseed rape have sent hayfever sufferers into despair this Spring. Conventional medicines can mask the symptoms but inhaled steroids and anti-histamines have their downside and are not tolerated by everyone.
Homeopathy provides tailor-made remedies to suit your particular type of hayfever:
Hayfever with sore, swollen eyes – Euphrasia 6c hourly (then as directed) and Euphrasia tincture dissolved in water as a soothing cold compress.
Hayfever with a streaming nose, dry sore throat and constant sneezing, worse outdoors – Natrum-mur 6c hourly (then as directed).
Hayfever with a stuffed-up head that is better for being outdoors and is awful indoors – Pulsatilla 6c hourly (then as directed).
Those who are definitely set off by oilseed rape can order the remedy Sinapis-nigra 30c from a homeopathic pharmacy or through your local chemist or health shop. (View homeopathic pharmacies on www.homoepathy-soh.org).
For complicated or sever hayfever symptoms, consult a Registered Homeopath. Contact The Society of Homeopaths on 0845 450 6611 for our Register or visit our website www.homeopathy-soh.org.
Ends/….
Notes:
HOMEOPATHY AWARENESS WEEK (14-21 June), sponsored by Nelsons, focuses on reducing stress in the summer. Our members are available for interview and many will be offering advice in high-street pharmacies and health-shops.
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest organisation registering homeopaths in the UK, with over 1300 Registered Members (RSHom).
For more information contact the Communications Team on 0845 450 6611
References:
(1) Taylor MA, Reilly D, et al. Randomised controlled trial of homeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with an overview of four trial series. BMJ 2000;321:471-6
