Features - Homeopathy and Eczema by Dr Nick Avery

Homeopathy is widely used in the treatment of eczema and is available both privately and through the NHS. It can be very effective as well as being safe and easy to use with minimal risk of side effects. There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence which confirms the efficacy of homeopathic medicines and more and more patients with eczema are finding great benefit from this form of treatment.

There are two types of homeopaths - those that are medically qualified and non-medically qualified practitioners (NMQP's).

The Faculty of Homeopathy oversee medical practitioners who follow a three or four year part-time training course before completing an examination process entitling them to use the qualification MFHom (Member of the Faculty of Homeopathy). Very experienced practitioners who have made significant contributions to the development of homeopathy can be upgraded to FFHom (Fellow of the Faculty of Homeopathy). There are a number of new qualifications being developed which will enable any statutorily registered healthcare professional to obtain a medical homeopathy qualification and these will be in the form of diplomas within the various specialties. Full details of qualified practitioners can be obtained from:

The Faculty of Homeopathy
15 Clerkenwell Close
London
EC1R 0AA
Tel: 020 7566 7810 Fax: 020 7566 7815
email: info@trusthomeopathy.org
website: www.trusthomeopathy.org/faculty

Unfortunately, there are only between three and four hundred medically qualified homeopaths in this country compared with a hundred times this number working as General Practitioners. However, homeopathy is available on the NHS through the five homeopathic hospitals that are still open.

When the NHS was founded in 1948 there were eleven sites, which have gradually been reduced in number. However, facilities remain live and active at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, Scotland, The Department of Homeopathic Medicine @ The Old Swan Health Centre, Liverpool, The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, Great Ormond Street, Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital, Kent and The Bristol Homeopathic Hospital. Referrals are available on the NHS depending on local arrangements. In theory, homeopathy should be freely available to anyone within the NHS but in practice there are local blocks, which can only be overcome with great persistence.

All referrals must be made through your GP and these hospitals have great experience in treating patients with eczema using not only homeopathy but often diet, nutrition and other measures involving lifestyle changes.

The other kind of homeopaths (NMQP's) are governed by the Society of Homeopaths who accredit various courses, which are available throughout the country. Such practitioners come from a wide range of backgrounds but still have to go through a (usually) three-year part-time training course involving supervision, regular assessment, often involving an examination leading to qualification and membership of the Society of Homeopaths. Such practitioners are entitled to use the letters RSHom after their names (or, as with the medical homeopaths, this can sometimes be upgraded to FSHom). Because of their varied background and different approaches, it is usually best to see someone who is recommended because it is important that your philosophy is compatible with the philosophy of the practitioner. Again, details of suitably qualified NMQP's are available from:

The Society of Homeopaths
4a Artizan Road
Northampton
NN1 4HU
Tel: 01604 621400
Website: www.homeopathy-soh.org

The actual consultation tends to be 40 to 60 minutes on the first occasion and 20 to 30 minutes for follow-up visits. Prices can range from £40 to £200 for the first consultation, depending on location and the expertise of the practitioner.

Fortunately, the cost of the homeopathic remedies is quite small and, although it is relatively expensive to pay for two to three consultations, the overall cost, spread over a period of time is not so bad.

Most practitioners that operate with either Faculty or Society qualifications use 'classical' homeopathy. There are a significant number of practitioners who use complex homeopathy. This involves a different approach and has no recognised qualification. Some practitioners will use both techniques depending on the needs of the individual patient. Again, it is usually best if you are looking to go down this route to find someone who is recommended by a person who has been successfully treated.

For further information on homeopathy in relation to eczema or other conditions please contact:

Dr Nick Avery, Boots Consultant Homeopath
The Centre for the Study of Complementary Medicine
14 Harley House
Brunswick Place
London
NW1 4PR
Tel: 0207 935 7848
Email: harley@complemed.co.uk
Website: www.complemed.co.uk

Page Created: 14/10/02