Muddy waters for homeopathy opponents

The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health could not agree more. No reputable practitioner of homeopathy – whether a qualified doctor or not – would ever suggest that homeopathy can cure diseases like these.

Homeopathy is used to treat chronic illness and as an adjunct to orthodox treatment for all sorts of conditions. It helps patients cope with their symptoms and the side effects of conventional medication. Scientific research studies suggest that is the case, for instance in supporting patients suffering adverse effects from cancer therapy.

The WHO statement has been seized on by those scientists who fall into the fundamentalist camp and oppose all complementary therapies including homeopathy.

But they should think carefully before concluding that their case has been proved.

Even if the effects of homeopathy are entirely due to the placebo effect, its use alongside conventional treatment is still valid – and should be subjected to proper research rather than knee-jerk invective.

The Foundation’s medical director Dr Michael Dixon said:

'No-one would disagree with the WHO statement. But they do not say homeopathy has no place in patient care.

The important point is that it should be integrated care: homeopathy – and other complementary therapies for which good evidence is available – used alongside conventional treatment.

In the real world, rather than in the ivory towers and laboratories of fundamentalists, we are concerned that our patients get treatment that works. If a cure is not possible – and many people are living with chronic disease – then that means alleviating pain and other symptoms, and offering support that will improve the quality of their lives. That is where homeopathy and other complementary treatments have a role.'

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1993. Its principal aim is to make sure that all patients can access good integrated healthcare. That means treating patients as whole human beings – paying attention to body, mind and soul. It may include access to proven complementary therapies, but the Foundation does not suggest that is necessarily the best course of action for all conditions and all patients. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.fih.org.uk

2. Media enquiries to Pat Goodall, 01246 410707 or pat.goodall@fih.org.uk

3. All other enquiries to contactus@fih.org.uk or call 020 7024 5755.