HOMEOPATHY AS A FEMINIST FORM OF MEDICINE

In this paper I begin by discussing the reinforcement offered to ontol ogical dualism by biomedicine. It then describes some parallels betwee n the development of feminist health activism and that of professional , non-medically qualified homoeopathy, going on to ask whether alterna tive medicine can offer a 'political' challenge to ontological dualism . Three aspects of the feminist critique of biomedicine are discussed in relation to contemporary, feminist, homoeopathy. They include the p ower dynamics within the clinical encounter, the degree to which socia l and environmental issues are incorporated within medical diagnosis a nd treatment, and the manner in which the patient's subjective experie nce is used during case-taking. I conclude that contemporary feminist homoeopathy does address the concerns relating to dualism and power ra ised by the health activists of second wave feminism; it therefore mus t be considered a 'feminist' form of medicine. However, its very succe ss in this regard raises a new set of difficulties and tensions. Altho ugh holistic forms of medicine do have the potential to address the on tological dualism which is inherent to biomedicine, they may also incr ease the capacity practitioners have to construct and enforce normativ e forms of behaviour through their clinical practice. In addressing on e set of feminist concerns relating to biomedicine, homoeopathic pract ice may actually intensify the dangers relating to a second set of fem inist concerns.