The Society of Homeopaths asked me to write a book review in which the author shares some thirty homeopathy real life case studies and testimonials. The book titled The Joy of Homeopathy is authored by North Yourkshire Homeopathy, Em Colley. This blog is based on that review.
Emma (‘Em’) Colley is a graduate of the North West College of Homeopathy. She has practiced homeopathy for some 18 years, and today also teaches and supervises students.
Chapter one relates the story of her teenage companion (a horse), Kara. Kara had a chronic eye inflammation and was a risk of losing an eye. She was healed by homeopathy.
[btw note that animals only Vets are permitted to treat animals].
Em says that her ‘intention in writing this book is to help [the reader] gain a greater understanding of homeopathy and what it can achieve’. Clearly her intention is also to spread the word, and so this is a book for the interested lay reader. Nevertheless her ‘joy’ resonates equally with the professional.
Her opening chapter, ‘What is Homeopathy’, gives an important resumé of the philosophy and principles of homeopathy including its Laws. Of these the most important is the law of similars (in short – like cures like).
Generally speaking, in homeopathy, symptoms reflect the curative effort of the organism which should be supported and not suppressed. (I note that I have not covered this topic for some time, so it is one I must revisit soon).
The next chapter contrasts the homeopathic and conventional approaches (this is a topic I have touched on recently). She reflects on those skeptical of the therapy. Her wish is that ‘the two opposing schools’ might work together harmoniously for the benefit of all.
She writes that ‘the proof is in the pudding’. So, in magazine style Em goes on to summarise some 30 cases, from patients young and old. These are grouped according to the focus of the complaint (e.g. headaches, respiratory, skin, mental health etc.). Patients are of all ages. This is clever, as the breadth of the potential of homeopathic treatment becomes apparent. And it is also important as even patients sympathetic to the therapy are apt to limit its potential.
The opening story about her horse is a case in point. A blog from retired GP and homeopath Dr Bob Leckridge comes to mind here. He recalls advice given during his GP training to think twice before sending a patient to a ‘man with a knife’! None deny that surgery has its place but the risk and consequences have to be weighed.
Chronic illness is often debilitating. Em laments for those who needlessly suffer because ‘there is nothing more that we [orthodoxy] can do’.
In the closing chapters Em shares some close family experiences of homeopathy used alongside conventional medications and post operatively.
Em reveals the homeopathic process to the reader almost subliminally. There are greater depths to find on second reading. What does come across is the care and time she takes in analysing each case. This is also reflected in the words of her patients who write of their experience.
I have blogged previously on the importance of the homeopathic consultation.
In a book of ‘Joy’, the challenges and frustrations of homeopathic prescribing in an impatient and sceptical world, have less emphasis. Neither are they denied, however.
She makes the important point that ‘Homeopathy is not a miracle cure’. Nor is it a quick fix.
Increasingly now, I make it clear to patients / clients that longer standing conditions take time to resolve. Children respond quicker because they have not had time to accumulate many health issues. The clue is in the name – ‘patient’!
Her joy is in listening, in witnessing healing; in learning and collaborating. These sum up her motivations in the conclusion to this thoughtful and readable work. It comes as an encouragement to all those curious and open to the healing art.
May I encourage you to investigate whether homeopathy can help with your health needs? I offer a free half-hour discovery call which you can book via my website. Or send an email to [email protected]
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Disclaimer: I am a qualified professional homeopath and not a medical doctor. The NHS has many resources, and seeking the opinion of your GP is always of value.
Dibden Purlieu, Southampton