Recently homeopathy has been under fire- from narrowly escaping the NHS prescribing ban, to Oxford University being accused of “promoting quackery” for holding a conference on homeopathy. Here, we talk to experienced homeopath Rita Smith for an alternative view.
Can you explain what homeopathy is?
It’s a holistic form of medicine that treats the whole person, not just a single complaint or disease. It takes the whole person into account, and treats mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s a dynamic energy giving medicine-there is nothing of the material substances that it's made from left in the medicine. All that’s left is the energy of the thing it's made from, and that energy resonates with your own energy-which can be out of balance and therefore cause dis-ease.
How long have you been a homeopath?
14 years.
What training is required?
I did a part-time 4 year course, which is roughly the average time required to qualify with a registering body.
In the course, topics included the anatomy, physiology, the history of homeopathy, the laws and principles of homeopathic prescribing, as well as studying the materia medica (a list of the remedies and their cures).
How do you treat someone with homeopathy- what does the treatment consist of?
Firstly, clients have a consultation-a discussion about their presenting complaint. This is talked about in depth, and physical and emotional elements are discussed, as well as their family history and their personal history of health. This is all taken into account and then a remedy is decided on and prescribed. Usually a follow up appointment is held after 4 weeks.
In the media and online, homeopathy has often been disregarded as it supposedly involves the placebo effect...can you explain why, and what this is?
Some people argue that people are influenced into thinking that this pill they’re given will help them, rather than it actually helping them. If people who come to see me ask about that- “will it be the placebo effect”- I always say homeopathy works equally as well on babies as it does on adults- it can’t be the placebo effect because you can’t influence a baby into making them think it will make them better. Equally, animals are treated homeopathically- there are homeopathic vets- and you can’t influence animals either.
What would you say to people who are completely opposed to homeopathy?
It’s each to their own, I don’t try and go out of my way to convince people, but you shouldn’t knock it until you try it. If it’s good enough for the Royal Family, then it’s good enough for you!
Thank you!
