Arnica Group

I started the Kingston upon Thames branch early in 2007 when I had wanted to meet other parents who had concerns regarding the vaccination programme.  We didn’t know of any other parents who had not vaccinated and this was beginning to make us feel very isolated in my health choices for our children, among many friends and GP’s surgery.  I have since found out that up to 35,000 parents every year do not vaccinate at all, and I can now walk to 10 families who have chosen not to vaccinate.

Like many mums of very young babies, I found it nearly impossible to wade through the mountain of conflicting evidence, made more difficult with a sleep deprived brain! I gave my son the first mercury free DT at 5 months (not Polio as it was live and gave a higher risk of becoming paralysed than actually contracting Polio).  My doctor remarked that I was being irrational but several months later when the government announced ‘inactive Polio’ and a reduced mercury I felt justified in my decision.  In fact I never gave any subsequent vaccines and as we continued to look into the health issues, we found that on balance there was much to support our view, that the non-vaccinated child was healthier than the vaccinated.

What began with half a dozen parents meeting from our area has developed with more than 200 people who have attended the monthly meetings at some time, and new groups starting every month in different areas.  See the Arnica UK network page for the full listing, currently 75 UK groups. We discuss related issues to boosting our immune system naturally, eg reducing toxins, holistic health, vaccinations and travelling, homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, taking the fear from childhood disease, nutrition, early childhood brain development, education….. and we have welcomed some excellent speakers.  For example Ralph Jeutter, Trevor Gunn, Jayne Donegan GP, Roy Riggs and Janine Roberts.

Groups also meet informally during the day with their children and it has been wonderful to make friends with like-minded people.

We also share information regularly by using the Yahoo group, Arnicaparents on related health issues.  For example, it has proved very helpful in urgent dialogue re-experiences.  Eg. ‘My child has impetigo, any natural remedies?’ ‘Any ideas for a persistent cough’.  As several members of the group are alternative and mainstream practitioners, the advice is well grounded.

Members are also encouraged to forward interesting pieces of research or articles eg. An interview with a doctor who claims that most repeat ear infections are as a result of antibiotics and, hasn’t prescribed drugs for 12 years or world-wide studies which link aseptic meningitis after certain vaccines! And each branch will still have an email list to keep in touch with local and urgent matters.

Arnica is a parent lead group for parents and health practitioners, and all are welcome to comment on how it may work better.  We want all to feel respected and welcome, regardless of vaccination status….. because natural health is a journey.  Our aim is that all areas of the UK have a group, whatever the name, so that this vital topic of Natural Immunity can be kept alive.

Thank you so much for your interest

Anna Watson

website - www.arnica.org.uk

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/groups/arnica/