Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_07_28/GA_2807_E1_018.pdf 

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Galway Advertiser

July 28 2005

NEWS

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FASHION

BEAUTY

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H E A LT H

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LIFE

MARY
BY JENNIFER HOUGH A recognised alternative to orthodox medicine, homeopathy is becoming increasingly popular in this country. Indeed it is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world and one that has been around for more than 200 years. Through its remedies homeopathy helps to treat people naturally, holistically and individually. So what exactly is it, and how does it work? Local homeopath Liz Burke reveals all: "Homeopathy treats the whole person, it not only looks at the symptom they are displaying at that time, but their background. We spend an hour and a half with a new patient to get a detailed history and to look at the bigger picture in order to get a remedy to suit them." Essentially homeopathy is holistic, meaning it treats all the symptoms as one, which in practical terms means it addresses the cause, not the symptoms. This often means that symptoms tackled with homeopathy do not recur. Liz explains: "Homeopathy is all about finding the right remedy for someone. The remedies we use are exclusive to homeopathy, are plant and mineral based, and free of any toxins. But what might work for one person might not necessarily work for another who has the same symptoms, it's all about finding the right remedy." So is it art or science? "I think it is mix between the two which is why I love it so much, it's all about getting the correct balance, and finding the correct remedy for each person. It's a structured methodology, and an art form ," she says as she thumbs through a well-worn book documenting how to treat different symptoms. "And because it's been around for so long it has all been recorded."

O'CONNOR

Homeopathy: A natural, holistic, and individual medicine

Alternative treatment, not diagnosis
Liz is quick to stress that homeopaths do not diagnose, they are there to offer an alternative treatment, not diagnosis. So perhaps to understand more about the burgeoning medicinal treatment it is necessary to understand why and how this homeopath became involved. "I had acne when I was a teenager and was on long term antibiotics and hormones for it, they would eventually help but I didn't like the side effects. I started to use herbal remedies and nutrition to deal with it and became interested in it that way." But it wasn't until years later that Liz considered it as a career. "I originally completed a degree in engineering but I am a people person and decided it wasn't for me. A friend gave me a book on homeopathy and I was really fascinated by it." So 14 years ago Liz enrolled in the Burren School of Homeopathy, completed her four year course, and hasn't looked back since. She now runs her own business from above O'Beirns pharmacy and health food shop on Henry Street. "People are sceptical and I can't blame them," she says frankly, "I was too when I first began but when you think about it, it really makes sense." Homeopathy works on the belief that symptoms are your body's way of telling you there is an underlying problem, while we do not claim to be able to cure every illness, in the long term natural remedies are more effective."

Registered homeopath Liz Burke at work in her office above O'Beirns pharmacy on Henry St. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

But it can work hand in hand with orthodox medicine too. "I would always say to go to your doctor for diagnosis. And if you are being treated by a doctor, make sure you consult him or her before you stop any prescribed treatment."

Ethics
The Irish Society of Homeopaths, of which Liz is a member, works to increase awareness and understanding about homeopathy. `It's very important that you go to a registered homeopath. We have all trained for four years, have been in practice for at least one year, and adhere to a strict code of ethics." So it's not only orthodox practitioners who are sworn to a code of ethics. "We cannot make decisions for a person, or give them advice to discontinue seeing a doctor, we are here to facilitate the well-being of a person." Liz firmly believes homeopathy empowers people. "If someone gets a good remedy, the right one for them, it's amazing to see them blossom and become well naturally. Our job is to help make people feel better. If they don't then they should go to a doctor." She continues: "Homeopaths are interested in you as an individual and we conduct an in depth interview to ascertain what might be

going on. Spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects are also taken into account." While this may sound cliched to some Liz has a booming business so there must be something to it. "It can be difficult for people to understand and I myself was sceptical when I first started training, but I've seen it work over and over."

pregnant women can use it without the danger of side effects. Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted side effects.

A natural process
It is a natural process and works in harmony with your immune system, unlike some conventional medicines which suppress the immune system. (For example, cough medicines suppress the cough reflex, which is your body's attempt to clear the lungs.) Homeopathic remedies are not addictive once relief is felt, you should stop taking them. If no relief is felt, you are probably taking the wrong homeopathic remedy. "Prescribing the right homeopathic remedy does take a little more time and patience than conventional medicine, as exactly the right remedy needs to be taken for your symptoms. There is no such thing as a standard homeopathic remedy for any one condition." So do some become disillusioned by this? "Yes some people are put off if it doesn't work for them straight away, but if you stick with it you will benefit greatly in the long term." If you would like further information on homeopathy go to www.ishom.com or contact Liz on 091 555687.

Challenging bad press
Liz certainly does not claim to cure all: "Homeopaths have had bad press because of an isolated case in this country, but while there's always one who gives the rest a bad name, I feel we need to move on and focus on the positive results of homeopathy. I have treated all sorts from people with minor coughs and colds, children with asthma and epilepsy, and I have treated people for cancer and MS, but again we would never advise someone to stop consulting their doctor." Liz explains some more: "With something like cancer we treat for the sickness that can come with it, and not only physical problems, we help with stress and depression too." So when the correct remedy is taken, homeopathy is extremely effective as results can be rapid, complete, and permanent. And it is completely safe. Even babies and