| Report from Kumasi |
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| Sunday, 24 January 2010 18:44 |
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Before I left UK in Jan 2009 it was decided that Kumasi (Ghana's second city) maybe the place for me to concentrate my homeopathic efforts. However I spent the first 4 weeks visiting the other clinics already set up by Mel Dupres and GHP in Accra and Seva. Then I moved to Kumasi, hosted by the most welcoming family 'chez Boaten' plus 1,100 children, who even after 5 months still used me as a human climbing frame! I now know what a female spider feels like carrying her young, not to mentioned having my hair chewed and arms licked just to check on the white flavour - I loved it! The Ghanian children have a very special quality, I dare say if my backpack was not already bursting my fiancee would be a little suprised when meeting me at the airport!
A Saturday clinic had already been set up in Kumasi when there where visiting homeopaths, it was fairly quiet, but one of the great things was that we got follow-ups. This may sound normal but its a real difficulty in Ghana and aftercare written and verbal in both English and Twi (or whatever regional dialect is used) is essential for ongoing success. I was also given an office in the school where i set up a children's clinic (thanks once again to the generosity of the Boaten family who's school it is). This did not thrive as I had intended for several reasons including trying to have a consultation with the noise of over 500 children..... Also despite being a low cost clinic parents/grandparents did not want to part with their money. This was down to the lack of knowledge and understanding of homeopathy, in the pipe line was talks at parent evenings at the school etc. We needed a permanent clinic, open everyday available to as many people as possible. I stated looking at possible property and as had raised 5,000 pounds I felt this was the best use of what had so generoulsy been donated. As I saw it - the future of GHP in Kumasi had now begun in earnest. I must thank all my family, friends and patients for their extremely generous contributions, this has paid for the clinic for the next 2 years, a fantastic head start for homeopathy. After a 3 week break in Burkina Faso (another advantage of working in Ghana is that if you like to travel, then there are some wonderful countries to explore within easy reach). On my return I found a wonderful double shop, good location, and after bartering galore paid for 2 years rent ( they wanted 10 years rent upfront!). Soon I had (with the help of Bonsus connections) the plumber, painter, electrician and carpenter all in place and my 3 week target for the opening was met. That's a first in any given country I'm sure. We were open for business, I had spent time and money advertising on radio, the best market medium in Ghana. The downside was the phone calls from 6.30 am when the first add went out, by 9 am I usually had at least half a dozen phone calls. Education and nutrition also play a very important part as to the success of homeopathy in Ghana. The body is less able to heal when basic nutritional health is non-existent, I tried to explain to all patients that vegetables and fruit available were what they and their children could benefit from, and was in fact cheaper than buying junk food which tends to be the priority. The Kumasi Homeopathic Health Clinic has been left in the capable hands of Bonsu Boaten and Kathleen Moore, there are many exciting plans in the pipeline so please if this has made you in the least bit curious, then contact the Ghana Homeopathy Project. My personel thanks once again to all those who donated not only money but support, and also to Bonsu and his family who looked after me so well! Sara
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 19:22 |
Acknowledgments: Benefactors of Ghana Homeopathy Project, in alphabetical order: Abha Light Foundation, Alliance of Registered Homeopaths, Gala Homeopathy, Ghanaian International Airways, Helios Pharmacy, Homeopathic Supply Company, Samuel Goodenough Trust, S.E. London Homeopaths, S.W. London Homeopaths, and the many individuals who have given funding, books, remedies, supplies, their skills and their time, without whom this work would not be possible.
Special Mention: We extend our special thanks to the students and staff from the Contemporary College of Homeopathy, Kent Homeopathic Associates, Alternative Training and School of Homeopathy, and the Sheaf Trust for their ongoing support.
Over thirty million people in Europe already benefit from homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy could help you too.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a gentle, holistic system of healing, suitable for everyone, young and old. Homeopathy focuses on you as an individual, concentrating on treating your specific physical and emotional symptoms, to give long lasting benefits.
* Homeopathic treatment works with your body's own healing powers to bring health and well being.
* Patients are treated as individuals, not as a collection of disease labels.
* Homeopathy treats all your symptoms - mental, emotional and physical.
* Homeopathic remedies are gentle, subtle and powerful.
To get in touch with a qualified homeopath near you, call The Society of Homeopaths on 0845 450 6611 who will give you a list of professional, registered homeopaths nearest to your home, and answer any of your questions.
How long has Homeopathy been used?
Homeopathy has been used in the UK for over two hundred years, but has an honourable tradition dating back to ancient Greece. It was Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant doctor working in 1796 who developed the scientific and philosophical foundations of this gentler way of healing. These scientific principles form the basis of successful homeopathic practice today.
What happens when you see a homeopath?
Your homeopath understands that establishing good health involves treating both mind and body, so time is taken to listen to your emotional and physical symptoms. To stimulate your body's own healing process, a remedy closest to your individual symptom picture is prescribed. Healing begins from within your body, strengthening your health and immune system, without any danger of damaging side effects.
Are homeopathic remedies safe?
Homeopathic remedies are a unique, potentised energy medicine, drawn from the plant, mineral and animal worlds. They work by gently boosting the natural energy of the body, and are very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients. There is no danger of addiction or toxicity.
What can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy treats the person, there is some evidence to suggest it can help a person manage the symptoms of acute fevers, sore throats and toothache, to chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma, anxiety and insomnia.
Where can I find a qualified homeopath?
The Society of Homeopaths produces a frequently updated register of professionally trained homeopaths, who work to the Society's Code of Ethics & Practice. You can find one in your area by consulting the register available on this website or telephone 0845 450 6611 and we will mail a copy to you.
(Nothing contained on this page should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting your homeopath or healthcare practitioner. The above information is taken from the website of the Society of Homeopaths, UK)
Other places to turn for info on homeopathy include:
ARH
- Millbrook - Millbrook HillNutley - East Sussex
TN22 3PJ - UK
Tel/Fax: 01825 714506
info@a-r-h.org
HMA - Homeopathic Medical Association
7 Darnley Road, Gravesend
Kent DA11 0RU - U.K.
Email: info@the-hma.org
Tel: 01474 560336
ANM - The Association of Natural Medicine
a-nm@hotmail.co.uk
This last association - ANM, registers people from other disciplines, however, it has many homeopaths such as Tricia Allen, Tessa Jordan, Theresa Partington etc
Its a mellow evening in Benin, a good time for reflection on my past 6 months in Ghana. More importantly my homeopathic experience and I can share to hopefully encourage future volunteers to embrace the most friendly and welcoming country I have had the privilege to visit.