FAQs
How can homeopathy work if there is nothing in it?
It is true that most of our remedies prescribed have no molecules of the original substance left in them. However, it is not true to think that just because there are no molecules left that it cannot work. The process of making a homeopathic remedy (Serial Succussion and Dilution - SSD) alters the structure of the solution. It is the structure of the substance that largely determines it's properties not the composition. This is how homeopathy can and has been shown to work. A scientist named Louis Rey in 2003 (please see this page for more info) showed that ultra-high dilutions of substance give off heat specific to the substance diluted, even though there were no molecules left. This shows that ultra-high dilutions are indeed active. This is just one study amongst many, some of which can be found on this page.
There is also the question of whether science currently has the technology to really "see" what is in the remedies. Just because there are no molecules in the substance does not mean that there is not another active ingredient - besides that of the structure of water. An analogy that may be used is if you took a CD to a chemist they would not be able to find any information on it, but would just come up with the basic chemicals used to make the CD. However, put that CD into a computer and now you have all the information that was stored on it readily available.
Likewise, homeopathic medicines cannot be accurately analysed by a chemist, but when given to the human body the "information" stored in the remedy is readily accessible and hence the positive effects seen on taking a homeopathic remedy.
If you would like to read a good overview of some of the scientific evidence for potentisation please see this article by Carol Boyce from the Saving a Lost Generation website.
Also please check out the scientific studies that have been archived on this website.
If I want to see a homeopath who should I see?
If you would like to see a homeopath then ensure that they are registered with one of the main registering bodies recognising homeopaths, these are;
The Society of Homeopaths - Website
The Alliance of Registered Homeopaths - Website
British Homeopathic Association - Website
The Homeopathic Medical Association - Website
The Association of Natural Medicine - Website
This will ensure that your homeopath has completed a 3/4 year course in homeopathy and that they are undertaking CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Each of these organisations ensures that their members practice according to a code of ethics.
Why does the media print so many negative articles regarding homeopathy?
Unfortunately this is the case today with the media. Homeopathy has suffered attacks throughout it's 200 year history and this has not changed. It seems that the media would rather print sensationalist biased articles rather than sensible unbiased ones. However, even though this is the case homeopathy is still used by approx. 500 million people worldwide and by around 6 million people in the UK. In India homeopathy is recognised as a conventional medical treatment. It seems that although the media is against homeopathy, the public demand it as they know it works, as is evidenced by the many people who use it and by randomised controlled trials. Hopefully in time the media will recognise this demand and adjust accordingly.
There are also campaigns led by those with vested interests who wish to see the demise of homeopathy. They claim that it cannot work. But much like those who claimed that the Earth was flat, or that you couldn't split the atom they will one day be proved wrong. In the words of the UK health minister it would be "illiberal" to stop NHS support for homeopathy. This movement seems intent on restricting people's democratic rights of choice to their healthcare.
If you would like to find out more info about the organisations involved in discrediting homeopathy and other CAMs (Complementary and Alternative Medicines) please read this interesting article by Zac Goldmsith in the Guardian. Another good article to read is this one by Carol Boyce.
It is true that most of our remedies prescribed have no molecules of the original substance left in them. However, it is not true to think that just because there are no molecules left that it cannot work. The process of making a homeopathic remedy (Serial Succussion and Dilution - SSD) alters the structure of the solution. It is the structure of the substance that largely determines it's properties not the composition. This is how homeopathy can and has been shown to work. A scientist named Louis Rey in 2003 (please see this page for more info) showed that ultra-high dilutions of substance give off heat specific to the substance diluted, even though there were no molecules left. This shows that ultra-high dilutions are indeed active. This is just one study amongst many, some of which can be found on this page.
There is also the question of whether science currently has the technology to really "see" what is in the remedies. Just because there are no molecules in the substance does not mean that there is not another active ingredient - besides that of the structure of water. An analogy that may be used is if you took a CD to a chemist they would not be able to find any information on it, but would just come up with the basic chemicals used to make the CD. However, put that CD into a computer and now you have all the information that was stored on it readily available.
Likewise, homeopathic medicines cannot be accurately analysed by a chemist, but when given to the human body the "information" stored in the remedy is readily accessible and hence the positive effects seen on taking a homeopathic remedy.
If you would like to read a good overview of some of the scientific evidence for potentisation please see this article by Carol Boyce from the Saving a Lost Generation website.
Also please check out the scientific studies that have been archived on this website.
If I want to see a homeopath who should I see?
If you would like to see a homeopath then ensure that they are registered with one of the main registering bodies recognising homeopaths, these are;
The Society of Homeopaths - Website
The Alliance of Registered Homeopaths - Website
British Homeopathic Association - Website
The Homeopathic Medical Association - Website
The Association of Natural Medicine - Website
This will ensure that your homeopath has completed a 3/4 year course in homeopathy and that they are undertaking CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Each of these organisations ensures that their members practice according to a code of ethics.
Why does the media print so many negative articles regarding homeopathy?
Unfortunately this is the case today with the media. Homeopathy has suffered attacks throughout it's 200 year history and this has not changed. It seems that the media would rather print sensationalist biased articles rather than sensible unbiased ones. However, even though this is the case homeopathy is still used by approx. 500 million people worldwide and by around 6 million people in the UK. In India homeopathy is recognised as a conventional medical treatment. It seems that although the media is against homeopathy, the public demand it as they know it works, as is evidenced by the many people who use it and by randomised controlled trials. Hopefully in time the media will recognise this demand and adjust accordingly.
There are also campaigns led by those with vested interests who wish to see the demise of homeopathy. They claim that it cannot work. But much like those who claimed that the Earth was flat, or that you couldn't split the atom they will one day be proved wrong. In the words of the UK health minister it would be "illiberal" to stop NHS support for homeopathy. This movement seems intent on restricting people's democratic rights of choice to their healthcare.
If you would like to find out more info about the organisations involved in discrediting homeopathy and other CAMs (Complementary and Alternative Medicines) please read this interesting article by Zac Goldmsith in the Guardian. Another good article to read is this one by Carol Boyce.
