Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy is the practice of treating like with like; that is to say treating an illness with a substance that produces the same symptoms as those displayed by the person who is ill. Homoeopaths' reasoning is that these symptoms do not come from the illness itself but are the body's reaction to it, so rather than trying to suppress them, homoeopathy seeks to stimulate them.

Homoeopaths recognise that people vary in their response to an illness and so a homoeopath's remedies are determined not only by the patient's symptoms, but also by their temperament and responses.

Although homoeopaths generally practise privately, many doctors, some of them GPs, practise homoeopathy within the NHS; besides providing prescriptions for homoeopathic remedies, they can refer their patients to one of the UK hospitals which have a homeopathic unit or department. These hospitals will accept referrals from other doctors too, so if you think it's worth further investigation and are prepared to travel, you could speak to your GP. Most doctors who practise homoeopathy are Members or Fellows of the Faculty of Homoeopathy; to find a practitioner, write to:

The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital
Great Ormond Street
London
WC1N 3HR

For a free leaflet, "How to get homoeopathic treatment on the NHS" send a stamped and addressed envelope to:

The British Homeopathic Association and Faculty of Homeopathy
Hahnemann House
29 Park Street West
Luton
LU1 3BE

Be aware: Anyone is allowed to set up as a homoeopath, even if they are not medically qualified!