This study aimed to explore the experiences of midwives who were also homeopaths as they attempted to straddle the different philosophical and practice paradigms they encountered in each domain. It also explored the implications of their experience on their practice. Over recent decades the National Health Service (NHS) has moved towards a scientific-bureaucratic perspective, in which the emphasis is on the use of evidence-based frameworks. It has been argued that this development has moved the focus in healthcare away from ‘caring’. In parallel, there has been an increase in the demand for complementary and alternative medicines in the United Kingdom (UK), and elsewhere. In responding to this call a number of midwives have taken up training opportunities in massage, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and homeopathy, amongst others. There are no studies however, that have examined the impact of training as a homeopath on midwives and their practice. After a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this study used an interpretive hermeneutic framework to explore the experience of midwives who trained as homeopaths. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven midwife homeopaths. The findings were analysed using three different lenses. The first of these conceptualised and explored the midwives narratives as personal and professional metamorphoses, as they changed from midwife to homeopath or midwife homeopath. Secondly, the data were framed using a Heideggerian lens, which illuminated a process of transformation into being authentic practitioners. This demonstrates how authenticity allowed the participants to (re) engage with, and further value the therapeutic relationship as a fundamental element of their clinical practice. The final lens explored the impact engendered of being authentic on the therapeutic relationship that developed between midwife homeopath and the women in their care. The conclusion was drawn that the therapeutic relationship developed by an authentic practitioner via a homeopathic consultation is transferable to other healthcare practitioners, and offers a challenge to practice based in notions of scientism and bureaucracy. Further exploration of these phenomenon’s could help to deliver on the drive to deliver compassionate personalised care across the NHS as a whole.

A mini dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for M.Tech.: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2004. / The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of the thirtieth centesimal (30CH) potency of the venom of Bitis gabonica gabonica on healthy individuals in order to elucidate the total morbid symptomatology produced by the drug so that it may be prescribed by Homoeopathic practitioners according to the Law of Similars, as is required by Homoeopathic methodology. It was hypothesized that the 30CH potency of Bitis gabonica gabonica would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy Provers. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of certain Compositae species herbal extracts (Arctium lappa, Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea) in the inhibition of in vitro growth of Candida albicans as compared to nystatin in terms of the disc diffusion test. Candida albicans was obtained from the Department of Biotechnology (Technikon Natal). Three components were tested on Candida albicans: namely the herbal extracts which were the experimental group, nystatin which was the allopathic component serving as a positive control and the 62% ethanol which was the negative control. Commercially available herbal extracts of Arctium lappa, Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea respectively, with an ethanol concentration of 62% v/v, were purchased from Parceval (Pty) Ltd. The herbal extracts were prepared according to the German Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1991) standards. Commercially available nystatin suspension was obtained from \ Bristol-Myers Squibb (Pty) Ltd, 62% (vlv) ethanol was prepared according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (1991) standards. In carrying out the experiment, 5mm filter paper discs were placed on Sabouraud's dextrose agar plates which were streaked with Candida albicans. Thereafter 0.7 microlitres of the test and control substances were pipetted onto / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of Homoeopathic Similimum against a Homoeopathic Complex (Chamomilla 30CH Belladonna 30CH and Scutellaria lateriflora 06) in the treatment of problematic primary dental eruption, thereby expanding on previous nornoeopathic research. This study was a double blind randomised clinical investigation, which compared a Homoeopathic Teething Complex with Homoeopathic Similimum treatment. Thirty infants were selected for this study if they were between the ages of four months and three years and experiencing problematic teething. The criteria for the study required that the infants involved exhibited the following signs and symptoms of teething: irritability, waking at night, biting and chewing objects, decreased appetite, increased thirst, diarrhoea without dehydration, hypersalivation, flushed cheeks or circumoral rash and swollen red gums. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban, 2003. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lIex paraguensis 6x in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. It was part of a group research project, which intended to explore the effectiveness of a homoeopathic complex (Cantharis vesicatoria 12ch, Equisetum hymenale 12ch, Sarsaparilla 12ch, Staphysagria 12ch, Uva ursi 12ch); as well as the homoeopathic simillimum in the treatment of the above-mentioned disorder. The research focuses on children between the ages of five and eighteen living in various children's homes in Durban. The incidence of nocturnal enuresis in these institutions is high and poses a real problem to both the institutions and the affected children. Nocturnal enuresis is categorised into primary and secondary enuresis. Primary nocturnal enuresis is defined as the failure to achieve dryness consistently and accounts for more than 90 percent of all cases of enuresis (Ullom-Minnich, 1996: 2259). Secondary enuresis refers to the return of incontinence after an extended period of dryness (Ullom-Minnoch, 1996: 2259). For the purpose of this study this distinction was largely ignored as homoeopathic treatment is not reliant on a detailed diagnosis for it's efficacy. The children were however screened for chronic urinary tract infections as well as other neurological and systemic causes e.g. diabetes mellitus. Each child received a full physical examination as well as a detailed homoeopathic case taking. The aim of the above was to exclude any clear aetiologies as well as to establish the homoeopathic simillimum. The sample comprised twenty-six children, five received placebo, and twenty-one received llex paraguensis. This study was part of a larger group research, which comprised of sixty-eight children divided into four groups. Three trial groups of fifteen, sixteen and twenty-one children each, and one placebo group of sixteen children i.e. the placebo group was shared. An observation period of two weeks with the completion of enuresis diaries was used as a baseline for statistical analysis. The following two weeks formed the treatment period with each child receiving a single powder each evening before bed. The remaining four weeks formed the post treatment observation period. Upon completion of the trial, placebo group children were offered free treatment and those who wished to continue with treatment were referred to the Homoeopathic Day Clinic. Results were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistical procedures. The average number of wet nights was used and the results analysed both within and across the groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to the inter group comparison and the Wilcoxon's Signed Rank test was applied to the intra group comparison. No statistically significant improvement was noted in either the placebo or treatment group. There was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups. This indicated an absence of response to homoeopathic treatment with lIex paraguensis. This study failed to demonstrate any clinical improvement in symptoms of nocturnal enuresis. Possible wider psychodynamic improvements or clinical improvements over a longer time period were not measured in this study. Further research could be aimed to assess these areas, before final conclusions can be made about the efficacy of homeopathic lIex paraguensis in the management of nocturnal enuresis. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Diploma in Technology: Homeopathy, Technikon Natal, Durban, 1994. / The atm of this study was to determine if homeopathy has a role to play in the treatment of warts. This study focuses only on external warts (excluding genital warts). A sample of thirty patients was taken from the greater Durban area, and from this sample fifteen were treated with Homeopathic simillimum treatment and the remaining fifteen received placebo treatment. The study was conducted using the double blind protocol with all medications being prepared and dispensed by a neutral homeopathic pharmacist. Every twenty SIX days for the duration of the six month trial, patients' warts were photographed and questionnaires completed, regarding the patients' perception to the treatment. The study was divided into three sections viz. Subproblem one, two and three. Subproblem one was the objective analysis of the treatment by means of colour photography. Trace outlines of the warts from the photographs were scanned onto a computer which calculated the surface area of the warts. Each group (i.e. the control and treatment group) was then compared with themselves (i.e. before and after treatment) using the paired T-test, With the control group p= 0.670, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. With the treatment group p = 0.264, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. When comparing the surface area of the warts treated with homeopathy as opposed to those treated with placebo using the unpaired T-test no significant difference was found between the two groups (p= 0.947). Subproblem two was concerned with the subjective analysis of the treatment by measuring the patients perception to the treatment with a questionnaire. Each .group was then compared with themselves (i.e.before and after treatment) using the paired T-test. With the control group p = 0.623, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. With the treatment group p= 0.1002, indicating there was no statistically significant difference between the beginning and end of the treatment (although this value was closer to 0.05 than the Il value of the control group and thus more significant). When comparrug the patients perception to the treatment of those treated with homeopathy as opposed to those treated with placebo using the unpaired T-test p= 0.947, indicating there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Subproblem three was a comparative analysis of subproblem one and two. There was a positive correlation between the wart surface area and the patients perception to the treatment with those patients recervmg Homeopathic treatment (p= 0.0225, Jr= 0.8246). 60% of the treatment group patients improved, 20% worsened and there was no agreement between subproblem one and two with 20%. There was a poor correlation between the wart surface area and the patients perception to the treatment with those patients receiving Placebo treatment (p= 0.9957, r= 0.0025). 33.33% of the control group patients improved, 46.67% worsened and there was no agreement between subproblem one and two with 20%. It was thus concluded that although there was not a statistically significant difference between the control and treatment groups, there was a difference measured (as can be seen considering the frequency of occurrences) and therefore homeopathy does have a role to play in the treatment of warts. / M

This mini-dissertation was submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. / This study sought to determine the perceptions that currently exist amongst pregnant women towards homoeopathy, in light of the fact that drug use during pregnancy is limited. This study aimed at identifying myths and misconceptions that currently exist towards homoeopathy by looking at the attitudes and perceptions held by this target group. This information can be used to develop future homoeopathic education initiatives for this target group. This study was carried out using the survey method with a questionnaire as the measurement tool. The 'Perceptions in Pregnancy' questionnaire was adapted from Moys (1996), and administered to pregnant adults attending private antenatal facilities. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: A) Demographic data; B) Knowledge and attitudes towards homoeopathy; C) Previous health care experience. This sample was obtained from private antenatal facilities through convenience sampling. Antenatal class instructors within the greater Durban area were approached and briefed about the study. Willing instructors were asked to sign a 'Letter of Permission' (see Appendix A) agreeing to allow the study to be conducted within their classes. Instructors were asked to hand out copies of the 'Participant Information Letter' (see Appendix B) within the class informing potential candidates of the study. Subjects willing to participate were then given a copy of / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1997. / This clinical trial focused on evaluating homoeopathic simillimum treatment of hand osteoarthritis. Emphasis was placed on assessing changes in measurable clinical manifestations and participants pain perception related to this condition. A double-bl ind, placebo-controlled protocol was uti 1ized involving 30 participants chosen from respondents to advertising in the Durban newspapers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive homoeopathic simillimum or placebo treatment. Bilateral antero-posterior-, oblique- and lateral hand and wrist x-ray's were taken to diagnose osteoarthritis. Clinical evaluation utilized the following tools: 1. Collin dynamometer (hand grip-strength) 2. Finger goniometer (degrees of mobility) 3. Circumeter (joint circumference measurements) 4. Aesthesiometer (articular index of joint sensitivity) The lOl-point Numerical Rating Scale (Jensen et al. 1986) was used to test pain intensity and the Short Form McGi 11 pain questionnaire (Melzack 1987) was used to monitor participants pain perception. All tests and questionnaires were repeated monthly over the three month trial duration . / M

Dissertation thesis submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2001. / The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to investigate the homoeopathic simillimum treatment of acute arthritis in primary gout in terms of the illness intrusiveness scale, blood uric acid levels using the uricase conversion method as well as the Acupulse Homeostat machine. For this study 30 patients suffering from primary gout were required. The patients were obtained by advertising in local newspapers and at retirement homes. Patients were included in the study if they presented with six of the seven criteria taken from the American Rheumatism Association's criteria for acute arthritis of primary gout. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group, receiving homoeopathic simillimum treatment and a control group, receiving a placebo. Two follow-up consultations were scheduled at two week intervals. Data was obtained by means of a questionnaire (completed by the patient), readings from the Acupulse homeostat machine and a blood uric acid test. This data was collected at all three consultations. Data entry and analysis was done using the SPSS statistical package. Due to the small sample size, data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analyzed using non-parametric methods. The Mann-Whitney Unpaired Test was done to compare the treatment and placebo groups. Results showed that there was no significant difference between the groups. The Wilcoxon's Signed Rank Test was done to compare data within groups. The only significant difference was found within the treatment group between the first and second consultations as well as the first and third consultations. There was significant improvement with regard to active recreation. The tests were performed at a = 5% level of significance. Data obtained from the Acupulse Homeostat machine as well as the blood tests were analyzed using parametric tests because of the fact that they were continuous variables (regardless of the small sample size per group). In the case of both variables, comparison between the treatment and placebo group was made using the Two-Sample Paired T-Test and comparison within groups / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2001. / This study investigated the effect of different homoeopathic potencies of abscisic acid (ABA) in the presence of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the production of a.-amylase in the de-embryonated endosperm half-seeds of barley (Hordeum vulgare) in order to investigate whether these potencies were able to produce a biological effect. The aleurone layer of the barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain secretes hydrolases that mobilise endosperm reserves during germination. The synthesis and secretion of these hydrolases (principally a.-amylase) is under hormonal regulation. Gibberellic acid (GA) stimulates the synthesis and secretion of a.-amylase and abscisic acid (ABA) reverses this effect. It is for this reason that barley aleurone has been used extensively as a model system for the study of signal transduction in response to GA and ABA (Ritchie, McCubbin, Ambrose, Kao and Gilroy, 1999). For this research five different homoeopathic potencies were used namely - the 4CH, 9CH, 15CH, 30CH and the 200CH. Two methods were used in this experiment namely - spectrophotometry and radial diffusion. For each method three replications were used. Each replication consisted of: five groups of 20 half-seeds treated with the various potencies (the 4CH, 9CH, 15CH, 30CH and the 200CH) of ABA, with a dilution at GA3 at 1x 10.g;five groups of 20 half-seeds treated with the of GA3 at 1X 10.9 (the control) and five groups of 20 half-seeds treated with only the incubation buffer (calcium nitrate). An a.-amylase curve was constructed for both methods using pure a.-amylase at 1350 enzyme units /mg / M