The Family Guide to Homeopathy: Symptoms and Natural Solutions

Lockie, a well-known homeopath in the U.K., argues that at its deepest level, homeopathy is preventive in nature, gently nudging the immune system to work better. And although he concedes that drugs, surgery, radiation and other high-tech methods have been successful for some disorders, Lockie claims they are not appropriate for the majority of diseases seen in family practice. Homeopathic treatment, as he describes it, involves a peeling away of ``layers'' of illness, removing symptoms in the reverse order in which they appeared, and each time reaching further back. Because homeopathic medicine looks on the mind and body as one, Lockie argues that remedies should match three elements: physical symptoms, mental and emotional symptoms, and the general sensitivities of the patient. Unfortunately, this comprehensive look at homeopathic treatments is not altogether user-friendly, especially for those who have not yet been evaluated by a homeopath and do not know if their condition is well suited to this treatment system. Appendices include an extensive listing of how 60 substances used in homeopathic remedies are intended to work and a bibliography. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Aug.)