BBC Health Website Deletes Complementary Medicine

Last week the controllers of BBCHealth www.bbc.co.uk/health, the health section on one of the most accessed websites in the world, decided to remove all coverage of complementary medicine! They used to have substantial coverage with over 40 pages on this subject covering all the major therapies, their pros and cons, evidence for their effectiveness, how to find a qualified practitioner, etc.

However the site has in recent months been sent a deluge of letters and emails claiming that complementary therapies such as homeopathy and cranial osteopathy should be removed. As a result large chunks of this part of the site were simply removed overnight and now, following recent cutbacks, it was decided that, rather than update this part of the site, it should simply be removed altogether!

It may seem incredible that a public service site this prominent can deem complementary medicine so insignificant that it no longer warrants any coverage other than the odd news story. This is despite the fact that complementary medicine is used favourably by a significant proportion of the population (recent surveys have estimated that around 1 in 5 Britons use it at some point or other) and that increasing numbers of people are now seeking to train in these therapies.

However, as the 'quack busters' become more organised and active, evidence of the backlash against complementary medicine is appearing all over the place - such as the removal of PCT funding for homeopathy, the threatened closure of the homeopathic hospitals, many negative news stories in the press and so on.
Rather than taking a reasoned view and considering the evidence from good research studies on complementary medicine some groups seem simply hell bent on trying to 'stamp out' complementary medicine in any way possible. The BBCi removal of complementary medicine coverage (which has been in place for almost 15 years!) is one example.

If you believe information pages on it should be returned to BBCi, please, please take just a minute to express your views using their online comment form at:

www.bbc.co.uk/feedback

to make your view known. As a public service company they have to listen to your views so your email will make a difference. Apparently for all the many letters and emails that they received that were against complementary medicine they only received a handful in support. Therefore if you are in support please let them know so they may revise their thinking on this subject.

Please act as soon as possible and pass on these details to anyone else you know who may also be willing to write in support of complementary medicine.

Original source: Read article here

Post Christmas Detox - Feb 2008, Hove Factually

Now that the festive indulgence is over, you might have less energy, feel ‘sluggish’ and experience disturbed sleep. Homeopathic remedies can help by supporting you to spring clean your system, putting a spring back in your step!

The body becomes toxic from external and internal sources; such as smoking, caffeine, air pollution, amalgam fillings, chemical residues on food, water, paints drugs and vaccinations. Our thoughts and emotions can also be toxic.

The body systems that help our bodies to detox are the bowel, liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. Depending upon your particular complaint, one or all of these systems may need some support in the detoxification process. In chronic and complex cases, it is best to consult a qualified homeopath to minimise the side-effects of detoxing.

Two great homeopathic detox remedies are Nux Vomica and Sulphur. Homeopaths use these remedies in combination. It is important to clear toxicity as it can prevent a person from returning to optimum health.

What can be expected from a homeopathic detox?
People can experience different effects depending upon their level of toxicity. Some people get a cold, have a mild fever or diarrhoea; these are ways of getting rid of the toxins. And others say that they generally feel better!

Here are some ways you can help your body detox:

1. Drink water

It is essential to drink at least 1.5 litres of water each day. 70% of our body is made up of water. Drinking water also helps to flush out toxins from our system. It is recommended that you avoid caffeine (also found in chocolate, and carbonated drinks).

2. Reducing your coffee intake
Do you find it hard to get going in the mornings, but are fine once you have had some caffeine? Withdrawal from caffeine can be unpleasant due to withdrawal headaches, but a few doses of Nux Vomica can help treat the headaches and help reduce the caffeine cravings. It also helps support the liver and is suited to those people who crave stimulants, who are stressed, irritable and wake up feeling unrefreshed.

3. Quit Smoking
Often the reason that smokers can’t give up cigarettes is because when they try, they feel more irritable and emotional than usual and have headaches; this is because the body is beginning to detoxify. Homeopathic remedies such as Tabacum and Nicotinum can help reduce the cravings. Remedies such as Arsenicum and Gelsemium can help the nervousness, anxiety and irritability associated with quitting. Remedies such as Ignatia and Lobellia support the lungs to help with cough or shortness of breath, difficult breathing and the sensation of a heavy chest from smoking.

4. A healthy diet
Refined and processed foods, hydrogenated fats and sugars should be avoided whilst detoxing. Eat a diet of fresh vegetables (preferably organic) and unprocessed foods.

5. Herbs
Milk Thistle (Carduus Mar) is a great herb to support the liver, kidneys and spleen during a detox.

It is advisable to see a professional homeopath to be guided through a detox programme, as your system may need some support before and after taking the remedies.

If you would like more information or advise on detoxing please contact me on nicki@energy-matters.net

Read the article in full here