Homeopathy ‘could take pressure off health system’

DOCTORS’ WAITING rooms could be less crowded and hospital lists shorter if people took a more preventative approach to their health by using homeopathy, according to the Irish Society of Homeopaths (ISH).

Next Friday is Homeopathy Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of homeopathy in treating every day complaints as well as more serious chronic conditions.

On the day homeopaths will be out in force at shopping centres and health shops nationwide to answer any questions people may want to ask about the treatment that attempts to stimulate the body to recover itself.

One person who discovered homeopathy a long time ago is TV presenter Caroline Morahan.

"I am fortunate to have discovered homeopathy a long time ago. It is now my first and only port of call whenever I am sick," she said.

Caroline takes her homeopathic first aid box everywhere. It has saved her from numerous potential disasters from chip-pan burns to food poisoning. She has even used it to treat her dog, who discovered a new lease of life afterwards.

"It is refreshing to know that if I am ever under the weather I can address the root cause rather than just repress the symptoms. That's the real beauty of homeopathy it works in harmony with your body, not against it," she said.

Broadcaster and programme marker Teri Garvey said homeopathy had been a wonderful discovery for her and her family.

"We have had so many benefits from it that I would recommend anyone interested in maintaining good health to consider it."

Ms Garvey is also chairperson of the Department of Health's recently commissioned National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists.

The group, which includes a member of the Irish Society of Homeopaths, was established to examine issues relating to the regulation of complementary therapists and will present a report and recommendations to the Minister for Health.

Homeopathic treatments involve the use of minute amounts of naturally occurring substances that are prepared in a specialist homeopathic pharmacy.

Homeopaths say the remedies stimulate the body's defence system and can therefore safeguard against future ailments.