Administration of medicines from plants and other sources 'potentised' in dilutions. Potentisation is believed to produce changes at molecular and sub-molecular level, although it has been difficult to obtain scientific proof of this, leading some people to believe that the effects of the treatment are ‘all in the mind’. On the other hand, it is also not believed to do any harm, and some people value the extended time that homoeopaths are able to give to discussion with patients. Diagnosis is via detailed analysis of case histories on the basis that the substance producing a symptom will also cure it ('like cures like'). All kinds of symptoms are covered by the homoeopathic materia medica including those of brain injured children.
Bach flower remedies are claimed to address different emotional states. These and standard homeopathic remedies are available over the counter as well.
At the moment, there are more than a dozen organisations registering homoeopaths in the UK, all of which are gradually gathering together under the Council of Organisations Registering Homeopaths (CORH), tel. 01444 239494, www.corh.org.uk. At the moment the registers are still held by the individual organisations, which are listed on CORH’s web site. Because, legally, anyone may set up and practise as a homeopath, also in theory anyone may attach homeopathic remedies to other work, it is advisable to check what training and registration a practitioner has in homoeopathy.
The Department of Health allows GPs to make referrals for homoeopathic treatment on the NHS, however not all Health Trusts have a budget set aside for it. If you find it is unavailable, or are uncertain whether homoeopathy might help, contact the British Homeopathic Association, tel: 0870 444 3950, for advice. There are five homoeopathic hospitals currently in the UK.
The Cerebra website, Research section, contains a report on an Indian homeopathic remedy, G Therapy. Among published literature, no other studies appear to look at cerebral palsy, however the following may be useful;
Thompson E, Hicks F. Intrathecal baclofen and homeopathy for the treatment of painful muscle spasms associated with malignant spinal cord compression. Palliative Medicine 1998 Mar;12(2):119-21.
Haidvogl M et al. Homeopathic and conventional treatment for acute respiratory and ear complaints: a comparative study on outcome in the primary care setting. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2007 Mar 2;7:7.
Altunc U et al. Homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments: systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2007 Jan;82(1):69-75.
