UK town home to new homeopathy clinic

Homeopathy revolves around the concept of treating ailments by exposing the patient to small quantities of a substance that causes similar symptoms. For example, giving some onion to someone with pollen allergies. Clinic director, Ursula Somers, dreams of opening a homeopathic hospital, and says this clinic is the first step to realizing that dream.

• It's become one of the most sought-after therapies of the 21st century - and now a group of qualified homeopaths are hoping to meet local demand with Reading's first specialist clinic.
• In fact it was pioneered over 200 years ago and has been causing a stir ever since, with many scientists and medical experts denouncing the practice, and some of the most influential people in the world, including Prince Charles, praising the benefits it can bring.
• The basic principle of homeopathy is that an ailment can be cured by small quantities of substances that produce the same symptoms.
• For example, it is believed that onions, which produce streaming, itchy eyes, can be used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
• This means that, unlike traditional medicines, homeopathic medicine can be tailored to the precise needs of each individual.
• Reading Homeopathic Clinic is run by five qualified homeopaths and, as well as providing basic care, offers specialist clinics in women and childrens' health, sports injuries and arthritis.
• The clinic also aims to provide education in this area, and a programme of talks is being planned for the near future.
• "For a long time, I have had a vision of opening a homeotpathic hospital in Reading," says the clinic's director, Ursula Somers.
• "This is the first step towards realising that dream."
• The clinic - based at Total Health in Chapel Hill, Tilehurst - received the official seal of approval last week when Reading West MP Martin Salter performed the ribbon-cutting duties at a special opening ceremony.