Drs.J.P.Prinsloo Inc.
Homeopathic Practice
Homeopathy in Perspective
Adaptation
of the article by Dr.
Johan P. Prinsloo as
it appeared in the winter 2000 edition of NATURAL ESSENTIALS, The
Integrative Health Supplement to UPDATE, "The Journal of
Continuing Education for General Practitioners". (The most
popular Medical Journal in South Africa)
Introduction
Homoeopathy
is one of the fastest growing medical modalities in the world today.
In spite of this growing interest much confusion still exists as to
the true origins, scientific validity, applicability and efficacy of
homoeopathy. Even in this day and age of effective mass
communication, internet, journals, etc., misconception about the
basis, fundamental principles and philosophy of homoeopathy exist
which tend to equate homoeopathy with eastern philosophies,
"natural" and traditional medicines such as herbalism and
the likes. In this article we shall endeavour to present an
objective factual overview of homoeopathy.
Christian
Samuel Hahnemann 1755-1843
Christian Samuel Hahnemann was
born on April 10, 1755 at Meissen, Saxony, near Dresden. He died in
Paris on 2 July 1843. Even as a child Hahnemann had a very inquiring
attitude and a tendency to original thought. This was spurred on by
his father, a porcelain painter, who from the outset endeavoured to
teach his son the value of reasoning and thought. He had aspirations
for a classical education, which his father could not afford. A
teacher, realising the potential of the young boy allowed him the
opportunity to earn his tuition. Astonishingly, Hahnemann now only
twelve years of age taught his classmates the fundamentals of the
Greek language. At the age of 22 years, he was a master of Greek,
Latin, English, Italian, Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic, Spanish, German,
and some Chaldaic. In 1775 he left for Leipzig to study medicine. He
earned his living by teaching German and French and by translating
English books. Two years later he moved to Vienna where facilities
were available for his practical studies and obtained his Medical
Degree (M.D.) in 1779. (1) (2) (3)
He started his
medical practice and finally settled again in Leipzig so as to be
near a teaching institution. He accepted charge of an institution
for mental diseases at Georgenthal. Here he drew much attention for
his successes and humane approach to treatment. (1) At a
time when the mentally aberrated were treated like wild animals,
Hahnemann stated, "I never allow an insane person to be
punished either by blows or other kind of corporal chastisement,
because there is no punishment where there is no responsibility, and
because these sufferers deserve only pity and are always rendered
worse by such rough treatment and never improved." (3)
During this time much original work came from
Hahnemann. In 1784 he published a very practical work "On
the treatment of Chronic Ulcers." The work was highly
praised in Medical journals and was indeed remarkable for its
excellent rules on hygiene, some of which he introduced while
heading the mental institution. His focus on exercise, recreation,
clothing, diet, clean air, external use of cold water and hygiene
were ahead of time and similar to modern day thinking. In 1789 he
published his "Instruction to surgeons concerning the
treatment of venereal diseases", for which he was highly
applauded once again. (1) (3)
Hahnemann was by
now a highly respected Medical Practitioner, Scientist and Chemist.
He was spoken of as "this celebrated chemist," "One
whom chemistry has to thank for many important discoveries."
The leading physician of the day, Dr.Hufeland, spoke of him as "one
of the most distinguished physicians of Germany, a physician of
mature experience and reflections." His publications were
described as "no ordinary work, but written with an unusual
degree of knowledge, reflection and original thought."(1)
Hahnemann's wine test first appeared in van Sande's 'Signs
of The Purity and Adulterations of Drugs', of which Hahnemann
wrote the greater part of the essay. Hahnemann's wine test was
greatly praised in chemical and scientific journals and
Trommsdorff's Journal of Pharmacy stated that 'ignorance of
Hahnemann's Wine Test was damning evidence of the incompetence of
many apothecaries.' (4) Hahnemann's four volume set
entitled 'The Pharmaceutical Lexicon', was one of the standard
pharmaceutical reference works of his day. (6)
During
the period from 1777 to 1806, Hahnemann translated 24 texts from
other languages into German. Of these 18 were done during the 1780's
and 1790's, while he was conducting various chemical research and
experiments and first formulating, through research and
experimentation, the fundamentals of homeopathy. Not only did he
translate these texts, but he also added annotations to them with
extensive commentaries and personal suggestions. He was also
renowned for his tendency to add his disagreements to specific texts
where warranted. Hahnemann translated 17 books from the English, 6
from the French, 1 from the Italian, and 1 from the Latin, totalling
over 9400 pages of text in 29 years, which amounts to 324 pages per
year, or approximately 1 page every day for 29 years. (4)
During this same period, Hahnemann also translated
numerous short papers on medicine and chemistry for publication in
various journals of chemistry, science and medicine. From the titles
and volume of these translations, Hahnemann was arguably one of the
best read physicians, and, if one considers that from 1785 to 1789
he published more than 2200 printed pages, which included
translations, some original works and essays, while he worked
strenuously at his own medical profession, he must have ranked
amongst the most energetic and hard working physicians, scientists
and chemists of his day. (4) When reading of the symptoms
of a substance, Hahnemann would ingest a small, non-lethal quantity
of it so as to ascertain whether it can produce similar symptoms in
himself. He acted as a human laboratory for toxicological analysis
in his efforts to validate that which he was translating. Where he
differed with the author he could then add comment to the effect,
with conviction.
In 1790, while translating Cullen's Materia
Medica Hahnemann, differing with the author, tested the claims by
taking small doses of Peruvian bark, the result was the birth of
Homoeopathy. Six years later in 1796 after constant study,
experimentation and practical research, Hahnemann published in
Hufeland's journal, the leading medical journal of his day, an essay
"On a new principle for ascertaining the curative properties
of drugs." This historical proclamation of his second
principle, though being a physician of highest repute, a scientist
no one dared question, was met with fierce opposition and criticism.
(1)(4)
Here is demonstrated Hahnemann's character
as a Scientist, he sets the example for all "scientists"
to this day in that, to pronounce that something does not work
before having tried and experimented with it first, is not only
totally unscientific and unprofessional, but may be considered
irrational. A scientist is someone who studies, experiments and
researches without any bias or prejudice before acceptance or
rejection in any manner what so ever. The code of the true scientist
is :"To prove all things and hold fast that which is good"
(5) ; It is to be a lateral thinker and to be open minded
and receptive at all times; It is to disregard hearsay and to
consider everything as neither valid nor invalid until personal
investigation has equipped him to do so. Hahnemann experimented on
himself in every case of doubt, he researched his findings with
Peruvian bark (quinine) for six years before finally
publishing.
This was the end of Hahnemann's Allopathic
career and beginnings of Homoeopathy. By the end of Hahnemann's life
he had completed ten volumes of Provings, which included experiments
with ninety nine substances upon himself, published seventy original
works on chemistry and medicine, left 54 case books containing the
detailed records of all patients consulted by him from 1799 to 1843,
four large volume of repertories, 1500 pages each, and numerous
articles on a wide variety of subjects (1), including,
"The Medicine of Experience", His "Organon"
1st to 6th edition, "Chronic
Diseases", "Materia Medica Pura" and the
numerous other writings. By the late 1830's Hahnemann had become the
most famous physician in Europe. Poor patients were treated for free
and Hahnemann charged his other patients only if a cure was
achieved. Samuel Hahnemann died peacefully in his bed on July 2,
1843. The inscription on his grave reads: Non inutilis vixi
(I have not lived in vain).
The Development of
Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy spread rapidly. In 1825 Dr.Hans Gram
moved back to the US from Holland and introduced homeopathy to their
medical fraternity. By 1900 there were in the United States; seventy
homeopathic general hospitals with 4829 beds, 32 special hospitals
and asylums with 6592 beds, over sixty orphanages and old people's
homes, more than one thousand homeopathic pharmacies, thirty four
State and one hundred and sixteen local homeopathic societies, 9369
Homoeopathic Medical Practitioners and twenty two homeopathic
medical schools producing between four to five hundred new graduates
per annum, with a doubling of the number of homeopaths in New York
every five years during the period 1829 to 1869. (6)(7)
By this time there were also some two thousand homoeopathic
practitioners in Europe. (7) Of the four US medical
schools with the largest libraries three belonged to homoeopathic
colleges and there were 29 different homoeopathic medical journals.
There existed only one registration authority in the US and
graduates from both Conventional Medical schools and from
Homoeopathic Medical schools registered as medical doctors with this
same body.
The rise of homoeopathy was not appreciated by
all and the American Medical Association's (AMA) efforts to suppress
homoeopathy grew increasingly more effective. In 1910 a very biased
evaluation of American Medical Schools which was chaired by Abraham
Flexner in conjunction with leading members of the AMA resulted in
the Carnegie Foundation's publication of the infamous Flexner
Report. This report led to a reduction of homoeopathic schools from
twenty two in 1900 to only two in 1923, of the black medical schools
less than thirty percent(<30%) remained and it contributed a
thirty three percent(33%) reduction in the number of women
graduating from medical schools in the US. It's publication
effectively eliminated 85-90% of the health care practitioners in
the US (6) By the 1930s all homeopathic medical schools
had dropped the word "homeopathic" from their names as did
all of the homeopathic hospitals and by the 1950s virtually all
homeopathic inpatient care had ceased.
Homeopathy was kept
alive in the U.S by the efforts of people like Dr. Royal Copeland,
M.D., a homeopath, dean of New York Homeopathic Medical College,
Health Commissioner for New York City and U.S. senator who sponsored
the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1938, the bill that established the
F.D.A. and which gave long-standing legal status to homeopathic
medicines to this present day. Secondly, during the federal hearings
in the 1960s for Medicare legislation, medicines listed in the
Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia were included as drugs reimbursed under
Medicare.
The demise and deliberate suppression of
Homoeopathy was short-lived as radio, television, magazines and
journals contributed to a restoration of the status quo and
interest in homoeopathy is growing faster today than ever before.
Statements from world leaders and organisations in favour of
homoeopathy contribute enormously in changing the perception of
homoeopathy. The World Health Organisation stated in their Journal
"The World Health Forum" that "Homoeopathy
seems well suited for use in rural areas where the Infrastructure,
Equipment, and Drugs needed for Conventional Medicine cannot be
provided." The Mahatma Gandhi said, "Homoeopathy
cures a greater number of people than any other method of
treatment.", President Francois Mitterand of France, and
six Deans of Medical faculties, called for more research on
Homoeopathy in an article in " Le Novel Observateur" one
of France’s leading magazines, the Editor of this magazine stated
in his editorial, "It is a Fact that Homoeopathy obtains
results, and sometimes spectacular results." (6)
In
the early 1970’s in the US there were 50 - 100 Practitioners
specialising in Homoeopathy, by the Mid 1980’s there were more
than a thousand, with a doubling in numbers between 1980 to 1982.
The were also some 1000 more practitioners from other Health
Professions practising it. The FDA in a report stated that there was
a 1000% growth in the sales of Homoeopathic Medicines in the US from
the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s. From the late 1970's
through the end of the millennium sales of homeopathic medicines
have reportedly increased by 2000%(37). Market research
has shown that sales of homeopathic remedies have grown at 25-50%
per year during the past ten years(38). In 1999 the world
market for supplementary/complementary medicine was estimated at
US$46 billion of which an estimated $20 billion were for botanical
and homeopathic sales, followed by vitamins and minerals with $17.8
billion and sports/specialty supplements at $8.8 billion(36).
There is a 39% growth in the interest in Homoeopathy in Great
Britain. The are more than 2000 Homoeopathic Practitioners in
Argentina and an equal number in Brazil. All pharmacists in Brazil
must do Homoeopathic Pharmacology to graduate. There are 120
Homoeopathic Medical Faculties, more than 100 000 Homoeopathic
practitioners and more than a hundred four-and five-year
Homoeopathic Medical Colleges in India(28). There are
more than 11 000 French Doctors who prescribe Homoeopathic
Medicines. More than 20 000 French Pharmacies now sell Homoeopathic
Medicine. Degree Courses in Homoeopathy are now offered in 6 Medical
Schools in France. Homoeopathy is taught in all Pharmacy Schools in
France and in four Veterinary Schools.
In South Africa the
Homoeopathic Industry has been growing steadily. Sales of
homoeopathic medicine in South Africa are growing at an enormous
rate. The interest among our South African Allopathic Medical
colleagues is evident form the number of medical practitioners
attending Homoeopathic lectures, seminars and congresses. It is
estimated that more than 10% of South African Allopathic Medical
Practitioners advise or use Homeopathic medicines. The Alternative
Medicine Market in South Africa is now more than R2billion per annum
and growing rapidly. Membership of non-allopathic associations and
societies are on a steady incline and so are the numerous
publications which feature regular articles on these subject.
Homoeopathy is recognised as being the fastest growing medical
modality in the World. The perception of homoeopathy is changing and
there is a growing demand to learn more about
homoeopathy.
Homoeopathy as practised in South Africa
The
terms Homoeopathy and Homoeopaths mean different things to different
people and it is necessary to place homoeopathy in perspective for
everyone to understand what it really is. In South Africa there are
three groups of Primary Contact Practitioners, being Medical
Practitioners, Homoeopathic Practitioners and Chiropractors.
Homoeopathy became a registerable profession in 1974 and any person
wanting to practice as a Homoeopathic Practitioner needs to be
registered with the Allied Health Professions Council (one of the
five autonomous Statutory Health Councils), established in terms of
Act 63 of 1982, the other four councils being the Medical and Dental
Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council and Dental Technicians
Council. There are currently more than 600 registered Homoeopathic
Practitioners in South Africa and some 100 to 200 new intakes every
year between the two official Homoeopathic Schools, in Durban and
the Witwatersrand. A Post-graduate Homoeopathic course is being
developed locally for Medical Practitioners. The Homoeopathic
Profession has worked hard at demographic representation since the
early days and today more than 30% (thirty percent) of all
registered practitioners are from the previously disadvantaged
population. An even better representation exists in terms services
rendered in rural areas as a very large portion of practitioners
live and practice in rural South Africa where health services are
desperately needed. As previously mentioned, the WHO also feels that
"Homoeopathy seems well suited for use in rural areas where
the Infrastructure, Equipment, and Drugs needed for Conventional
Medicine cannot be provided."
The fact that a
person is registered as a homoeopath suggests that he/she practices
pure homoeopathy, but in practice this is not necessarily the case,
which sometimes causes confusion. Furthermore, numerous
non-homoeopathic treatments, medicines, techniques and philosophies
are confounded with homoeopathy. Registered homoeopaths may choose
to practice homoeopathy in 'n number ways and these different
approaches to Homoeopathic medicine can be summed up as follows;
Some Homoeopaths consider it of utmost importance that there
should be strict adherence to the modern "classical"
homoeopathic philosophy. This includes, among others, prescription
of only a single remedy, adherence to the similimum
principle(Individualisation), the totality of symptoms, the minimum
or infinitesimal dose (high and ultra high potencies or dilutions).
They choose to practise homoeopathy according to an approach that
focuses on the constitution of the patient rather than the condition
itself. The Mental or mind symptoms are considered most important in
determining the medicine to be prescribed, which may include even
the past history of relatives such as grand and great grandparents
and as such these practitioners require at least two hours per
consultation. The medicines tend to be supplied in the form of
powders (of which only a certain number actually contain any
medication or active substance), or small round sugar pellets called
granules or pillules.
Then there is the more conventionally
established approach to homeopathy. These practitioners choose to
prescribe any homoeopathic remedy, single and/or complex, in any
form, ampoule, suppository, ointments, tablets, capsules, drops,
pillules or granules, etc. They prescribe for the condition as
presented in the individual patient. They may prescribe
simplex(single) higher potency medicines according to the similimum
for the condition as presented in the individual patient, for
specific organs or symptoms, but may often also support it with
complex homoeopathic medicines for specific organs and/or systems,
or to obtain specific affects. These practitioners tend to be very
holistic in their approach and treat the condition, the organs
involved as well as the person as a whole. They would for instance
prescribe medicine specific to the condition, medicine for the
constitution, medicine to assist in drainage and medicine for focal
infections, etc. They treat chronic and acute conditions and quite
often run busy primary contact practices. They would use any
medicine, as long as it is Homoeopathically prepared, in their
effort to assist in restoring their patients' health. They tend to
follow 'n more modern holistic combined inter-disciplinary approach
to homoeopathic treatment and also work closely with their medical
and alternative / complementary counterparts.
Another group
of Homoeopathic practitioners tend to follow an integrative
approach. These practitioners utilise not only those treatments and
medicines for which they are primarily registered, but combine a
number of quite different methods, medicines, techniques and
alternative disciplines in their efforts to restore patients to
health. They often include treatments like Ozone therapy, Hydrogen
peroxide therapy, Isotherapy, Vitamin therapy and clinical nutrition
as part of their treatment program. They may even combine the
conventional with the unconventional. This integrative approach to
medicine is found all over the World today and is growing rapidly.
The present Scope of Practice of Homoeopathic Practitioners
in South Africa is more in line with that of Medical Practitioners
in SA and elsewhere and most South African Homoeopaths tend toward
the last two approaches. These homoeopathic practitioners also
utilise a variety of diagnostic techniques and equipment most often
similar to conventional medical practitioners, but may include
Iridology, Live Blood Analysis, Electro-acupuncture Devices and
numerous others. Consultations are usually around 30 minutes and
very cost effective.
Internationally Homoeopathy is
considered a post-graduate field of specialisation for registered
Medical, Osteopathic and Naturopathic Practitioners, whereas in
South Africa it is being offered at undergraduate level as it was in
the United States until the 1950's. The training of homoeopaths in
South Africa involves a five year Masters degree course leading to a
M.Tech.(Hom)., followed by a one year internship program. Admission
requirements are similar to those of the MB.ChB (medical) programs.
The curriculum of the first three years are the same as for MB.ChB
including dissections, but excluding surgery. As Homoeopathy follows
a medicinal therapeutic approach, pharmacology takes the place of
surgery. Homoeopathic students undergo dual training, meaning that
they are trained both as Homoeopathic Practitioners and as
Homoeopathic pharmacists. Homoeopathic Students are also required to
study conventional allopathic(medical) pharmacology and undergo
three years of pharmacology training, which includes
homoeopharmaceutics and dispensing as part of the study of Materia
Medica. The fourth and fifth years focus on clinical medicine,
clinical homoeopathy, systemic pathology and the practical
application of Materia Medica, applied homoeopathy as it were. The
fourth and fifth years follow the same path as the MB ChB, but focus
upon the homoeopathic rather than on the allopathic treatment in
Cardiology, Urology, Dermatology, Gynaecology, etc. Owing to the
fact that registration in South Africa demands no less than a
Masters degree level qualification, allopathic (conventional)
medical practitioners wishing to practice Homoeopathy in South
Africa are required to do a three year post-graduate course of
training in Homoeopathy and then pass the National Council
Registration Examination (CRE), before being allowed to register as
Homoeopathic practitioners. It is illegal for anyone (including
Medical Practitioners) to prescribe Homoeopathic medicine or
practice homoeopathy in South Africa without being registered with
the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and
as such dual registration with both the AHPCSA and the Health
Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is provided for. The
Scope of Practice of Homoeopathic Practitioners is virtually the
same as for Allopathic / conventional Medical practitioners, so too
are the Code of Ethics, Continuing Professional Development
requirements, etc. South Africa is considered the World leader in
terms of Homoeopathic education and training.
An evaluation
of the South African Homoeopathic training suggested that this
training is of a much higher standard than the training of Medical
Practitioners in many overseas countries including Germany and
others. The only real difference between South African trained
Homoeopathic practitioners and their medical counterparts is the
surgery aspect, which is replaced by pharmacy. It is recognised that
South Africa produces the best trained Homoeopathic practitioners in
the World today. South Africa, through its masters degree program,
also produces a vast amount of International standard
scientific/clinical Homoeopathic research annually. The Masters
Research Dissertations include double blind clinical trials,
laboratory studies e.g. in vitro studies, etc. These studies are of
the highest scientific standards and include the most advanced
scientific technology and methods.
Principles and Practice
of Homoeopathy
Similia similibus curentur - let likes be
treated by likes, this is the primary principle of homoeopathy.
Homoeopathy is most often confused with small, minute and
immeasurably diluted (infinitesimal) substances, but this, in fact,
is not the true meaning of homoeopathy. The encyclopaedia describes
it as, "Homoeopathy is a system of medicine based on the law of
similars—that like is treated or cured by like. The principle of
Homoeopathy "like is cured by likes",
suggests it to be a fundamental Law of science, but practitioners
mostly apply the rule simply as "let likes be treated
by likes", which is Homoeopathy's fundamental principle or
therapeutic approach to the practice of medicine. In homeopathy a
drug that produces the same symptoms as a disease (e.g., quinine
given to a healthy person mimics malaria) is used in small doses to
treat that disease."(9) Hahnemann demonstrates this
principle to exist in nature itself, " A weaker dynamic
affection is permanently extinguished in the living organism by a
stronger one, if the latter (whilst differing in kind) is very
similar to the former in its manifestations." (8)
This explains how it applies to medicinal treatment of disease "In
order for a medicine to affect a cure, it is before all things
requisite that they should be capable of producing in the human body
an artificial disease as similar as possible ("and
somewhat stronger") to the disease to be cured…"
(8) Smallpox is an excellent example of the principle of
homoeopathy, especially in relation to vaccination. When the product
of smallpox was used for the preparation of vaccines, patients died
as consequence. Jenner utilised cow-pox, which is very similar in
nature and presentation to smallpox to prepare his vaccine, which
resulted in the virtual eradication of smallpox. Hahnemann says
"Smallpox coming on after vaccination, as well on
account of its greater strength as its great similarity, at once
removes entirely the cow-pox homœopathically, and does not permit
it to come to maturity; but, on the other hand, the cow-pox when
near maturity does, on account of its great similarity,
homœopathically diminish very much the supervening smallpox and
make it much milder, as Muhry and many others testify."(8)
He explains Jenner's smallpox vaccine when he says that "two
similar
diseases cannot exist
beside each other in
the same organism, or together form a double
complex disease".(8)
Hahnemann also quotes Jenner as having suggested that in the
presence of Rachitis (Rickets), vaccination does not take effect(8),
which is in agreement with Hahnemann's converse-theories once again.
Homoeopathy is a system of medical practice based on three
principles ; 1) Drugs are tested on healthy human subjects, 2) The
Law of Similars, 3) The Individual Disease Picture. It is not
necessary that the dilution of the medicine be infinitely diluted.
However, what is important in every individual case, is the
homoeopathicity of the prescription. Homoeopathicity meaning that
the medicine or remedy prescribed should be in accordance with the
Homoeopathic principle of similimum (individualised to the condition
as presented in the patient). The principle of similimum has been
demonstrated even on the level of molecular biology.(16)(26)
The symptomatological picture presented by a patient or disease
(both, subjective and objective), should very closely compare with
the Drug Picture (symptoms produced by the medicine when tested on
healthy subjects). Stated otherwise, the patient's symptoms or
symptoms of the disease should be matched against the symptoms
produced by the drug when given to healthy human subjects. It is for
this reason that Homoeopathy is considered one the most difficult
medical modalities to study and practice as the average Homoeopathic
Materia Medica contains some 2000 Homoeopathic substances describing
between 200 and 2000 symptoms for each, which must be compared with
the symptoms as presented by the patient or as existing in the
disease at hand. There are almost ten thousand individual
Homoeopathic substances listed with the South African Medicines
Control Council plus thousands of Homoeopathic Complexes
(combination formulations).
An example of a commonly
prescribed Allopathic substance which concurs with the principle of
likes treated by likes, is the prescribing of Colchicine in the
treatment of acute gout. Massive doses of Colchicine causes
"Inflammation in the big toe and heal, with great tenderness
to touch", "His sufferings seem intolerable."
(10) "So far as it influences healthy joints it
is to cause inflammation and pain in them, and not any condition
opposite to that which obtains in the gouty state." (11)
Although Pharmaceutical companies give indications for
Colchicine in both acute and chronic gout, as well as for
prophylaxis,(12) both homoeopathic and allopathic
articles tend to indicate it primarily in the acute forms. (15)
It must be added though, that from a homoeopathic perspective,
this is not the only condition for which Colchicine or Colchicum
(the name used in Homoeopathy) is indicated as it causes a much
wider range of symptoms, including the well known side-effect of
diarrhoea and others.
Homoeopathic Medicine
The
Drug Picture or Drug Action is obtained from ; Provings, Toxicology
and Pharmacology, Clinical use, and Veterinary use. (2) The
term Proving implies that a "healthy" human subject would
under controlled and supervised conditions take samples of a
substance for the purpose of invoking symptoms, peculiar to the
substance, in himself. This "may" be compared to a
toxicological study of drug action, but much more in-depth and
detailed, and covering a much wider spectrum of effects, changes
signs and symptom notation. The symptoms and signs are carefully
observed and documented in terms of severity, duration, primary and
secondary symptoms, factors which influence the state and severity
produced in the, Mind, Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat, and so forth.
In earlier times the substances taken were crude substances, and the
provings were, in many cases, continued for prolonged periods, but
stopped before becoming lethal. (10) The later provings
were performed with diluted or potentized substances. The purpose of
the proving then is to ascertain the symptom range and "picture",
of the action of the substance as produced in the healthy. The first
rule of any scientific experiment, is that it should be
reproducible. The reproducibility of the provings are especially
important. Numerous re-provings of drugs have been conducted over
the years to determine just that. The positive results of
re-provings have led many to conclude that it unnecessary and that
provings should rather be conducted on new substances to add the
Homoeopathic Materia Medica. In some cases, results of gross
poisonings and toxicology act as indispensable sources of
information regarding the action of substances. It must be realised
that the symptoms of poisoning and the side-effects of drugs and
substances are (from a homoeopathic perspective) provings of the
drugs/substances. Much of the symptomatological data contained in
homoeopathic Materia Medica's stem from poisonings and toxicological
records. The drug picture is further enhanced and confirmed by
clinical experience and findings from practitioners, researchers and
training institutions. The same applies to results obtained from
veterinary practice and experiments. (10)
Substances
used in homoeopathy have their origin from plants, chemicals,
minerals and other. There are also other classes of homoeopathic
medicine;
Nosodes are derived from pathological organs or
tissues, causative agents such as bacteria, fungi, ova, parasites,
virus particles, yeast or disease products or excretions.
Allersodes are derived from antigens, i.e., substances which
under suitable conditions can induce the formation of antibodies.
Antigens include toxins, ferments, precipitogens, agglutinogens,
opsonogens, lysogens, venins, agglutinins, complements, opsonins,
amboceptors, precipitins, and most native proteins.
Isodes are
derived from botanical, biological, chemical or synthetic
substances, or drugs, including excipients or binders, which have
been ingested or otherwise absorbed by the body and are believed to
have produced a disease or disorder which interferes with
homeostasis.
Sarcodes are derived from wholesome organs or
tissues obtained from healthy animals. (17)*
The
preparation or manufacture of Homoeopathic medicine requires a
process which Hahnemann termed dynamization or potentization. The
process begins with the preparation of a homoeopathic mother
tincture ( Ø )or tincture for short. The tincture is prepared
according to the rules as set out in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.
The medicine is then potentized according to the decimal scale (1:10
indicated by "D" or "X") or the centesimal scale
(1:100 indicated by "C" or "CH"). Depending on
which scale is used or required, one part of the tincture is diluted
with either nine ("x") or ninety nine ("CH")
parts of alcohol and is then succussed (shaken vigorously). This
would be the first potency and is designated either 1x or 1CH
respectively. The next potency, the 2x or 2CH potency is obtained by
repeating the process in either 1:10 or 1:100 dilution respectively.
This process of successive dilution and succussion is repeated until
the desired potency is obtained.
The greatest obstacle to
acceptance of homoeopathy lies in the potencies or dilutions
employed. As mentioned before, it is not the dilution or potency
which is of most importance, but the homoeopathicity. The vast
majority of Homoeopathic complex medicines contain substances with
potencies ranging from the mother tincture (1:9) to the 6x
(1:1,000,000) decimal potency. In the case of Colchicine, one finds
it prescribed in strengths of 1mg which can be compared to a 3x
potency. (12) Alprazolam is prescribed in doses as small
as 0.25mg per dose. (12) If fluoride in drinking water
exceeds 0.7mg/l which amounts to less than 1ppm (parts per million),
supplementation is not recommended. (13) 1ppm can be
compared to a 6x potency. A more chemical example is that of a
swimming pool in which a level of 3ppm of chlorine is considered the
ideal concentration to maintain a healthy state of the water, this
is equal to ± 6x potency. A physiological response can be
obtained with the pituitary hormone in dilutions of 1:100,000,000
and adrenaline may act at dilutions three times greater. One day's
production of prostaglandins in the body, weigh as little as one
tenth of one milligram and is sufficient to the need.(14)
It has also been demonstrated that substances in potencies as high
as 14x (1:10-14 ) contain enough of the active
ingredients to cause physiological stimulation of
macrophages/monocytes to produce 5 to 15 chain amino acids (called
"motifs"). In terms of these studies, concentrations or
dilutions ranging from the undiluted to the 14x dilution are
considered to have a biochemical action, and dilutions higher than
14x are considered to function energetically.(16)(26) It
has been shown that the formation of Th3 cells are induced by
substances only in the potency/dilutions 1x to 14x (plus minus 1 to
10μg per day per kg body weight), while higher concentrations of
the same proteins inhibit such cell formation. This means that
certain therapeutic effects on the cytokine level can only be
achieved through substances at these low concentrations.(26)
It would seem that, on average, the potencies or dilutions used in
homoeopathy are not all that different from conventional medicine,
or inconceivably high. While in many instances the strength of
Homoeopathic dilutions may perhaps exceed those of conventional
Medicine, the physiological effect of low concentration homoeopathic
medicines can be demonstrated scientifically.
Homoeopathic
medicines can be prescribed either patient specific, as is the case
when prescribing in accordance with the similimum of the patient or
disease, or it can be prescribed symptom specific, as in the case of
Colchicum for the specific symptom of pain in gout. In the latter
case the results are not always equally effective in every case
which applies equally to both homoeopathy and allopathy. Some
articles / authors state that Homoeopathic medicines are patient
specific and homoeopathic complex medicines are symptom specific,
while it is in fact not true. This notion stems from a
modern day misinterpretation of the principles of homoeopathic
prescribing. Any Homoeopathic medicine can be prescribed for any
specific symptom, any specific organ, any specific patient or for
any specific disease. Various homoeopathic medicines are described
in the most authoritative homoeopathic literature as being specific
to certain organs, symptoms, disease, etc. Was it not for this fact,
complex homoeopathic medicines could barely have been developed, as
most complexes are formulated by virtue of these specific
indications of the individual simplexes contained therein. The
difference between patient specific and symptom specific prescribing
lies in the application or therapeutic approach. Homoeopathic
complex medicines can also be prescribed either symptom specific or
in a more general sense, disease specific. In fact some homoeopathic
companies produce complexes for patient specific application in
accordance with the various constitutional type classifications.
Homoeopathic Complexes tend to be more specifically aimed at
specific organs or tissues, or at specific functional states.
Complex homoeopathic formulae are usually prescribed according to
their indications. The efficacy of many complexes are supported by
clinical trials and most homoeopathic pharmaceutical companies have
ongoing programs to research and validate the efficacy of claims and
indications.
Scientific Evidence and Validation of
Homoeopathy
There are ± 30,000 biomedical journals in
the world, growing by 7% per annum since the 17th
century, yet only about 15% of medical interventions are supported
by solid scientific evidence. This is partly because only 1% of the
articles in medical journals are scientifically sound and partly
because many treatments have never been assessed at all. One x-ray
in five is taken unnecessarily. Based on autopsy findings, errors in
diagnosis are now just as prevalent as in the past (around 50%)
despite enormous technological advances. Errors in medication
supplied in hospitals occur once every 6.5 administrations (either
in medications or dosage given), while between 50 and 80% of adults
swallow prescription medication every 24 to 36 hours. According to
figures in the USA only 2% of special investigative test results
actually influence subsequent treatment decisions. 12% of all
surgery is said to be unnecessary, with caesarean section averaging
23% of all deliveries in the US.(18)
(Read
the latest article with shocking evidence "Modern Health
Care System is the Leading Cause of Death)
A.D. Speransky
states in his book "A Basis for the Theory of Medicine":
"It
must be frankly admitted that contemporary medicine does not owe its
success in the sphere of treatment to science alone. Scores of its
methods and procedures rest on empiricism and even on chance. Only
in the sphere of infection, of mechanical therapy and of hygiene are
its achievements connected with a really scientific analysis of the
phenomena. For the rest, anarchy prevails, here and there connected
by separate facts and practical comparison. We have an infinite
number of medical theories, but we have not had, and do not have a
theory of medicine, a theory capable of embracing all the data and
directing them into channels where they can be most actively
utilized."(39)
Homeopathy has a
wonderful advantage over other disciplines since it has a codified
set of 294 principles contained in The Organon. These principles are
not mere theories or conjecture, but are based upon repeatable,
verifiable scientific experimentation and investigation as
prescribed in the Organon and documented for practical application
in the Materia Medica. Homoeopathy is one of the very few (if not
the only) health disciplines that is based upon and practised
according to a specific and detailed philosophy. If practised in
accordance and with strict adherence to the rules and guidelines
contained in the Organon specific outcomes can be expected for it is
based upon proven cause and effect in terms of the provings of each
and every homoeopathic medicine. The advances in quantum physics are
verifying the principles of homeopathy and World-wide vast amounts
of research are conducted in Homoeopathy. According to research in
Germany and Europe, we can already scan a remedy and graph it's
unique electromagnetic signature as a waveform (Energy pattern). We
can do the same thing using one remedy at different potencies, with
each potency producing a unique electromagnetic signature or
waveform. This effectively proves the existence of physical
substance within homoeopathic medicines to at least the 30CH
potency. Each and every homoeopathic medicine correctly prescribed
will act safely and predictably in accordance with the
symptomatological guidelines as contained in the Materia Medica. The
same results can be expected in every individual prescription of
every homoeopathic remedy every time for it is based upon fact and
repeatable experimentation.
Contrary to general belief, vast
amounts of research (including double blind clinical trials) in
homoeopathy have been conducted over the past two hundred years.
Scientists regard double blind clinical studies as the "gold
standard" and this evidence for homoeopathy, is not lacking. A
state of the art meta analysis reviewed 186 studies, 89 of which fit
pre-defined criteria, showed that patients taking homeopathic
medicines were 2.45 times more likely to experience a positive
therapeutic effect than placebo.(19) Another
meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic medicines, 81 of
which (77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22 studies, 15
showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: "The evidence
presented in this review would probably be sufficient for
establishing homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain
indications." Further, "The amount of positive
evidence even among the best studies came as a surprise to us."
(20) Homoeopathy has been shown in numerous controlled
studies to be superior to placebo.(21) (22) A
meta-analysis of 105 studies in toxicology showed that homeopathic
medicines may be useful in treating toxic exposures(23).
An acclaimed controlled study concluded that Homoeopathic medicine
may be an effective alternative in the treatment of hypertension
having demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing both blood
pressure and pulse pressure in subjects.(27) Studies have
demonstrated homoeopathy to be effective in: vertigo;29
pollinosis;21,30 postoperative ileus;31 upper
respiratory tract infection and otitis media;32,33 and
depression and anxiety34 to quote but a few. A
meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials published in the Lancet
concluded that the
results were "not compatible with the hypothesis that the
clinical effects of homoeopathy are completely due to placebo".19
An earlier study also published in the Lancet
also
indicated that the evidence for homoeopathy is reproducible.22
As stated by Dr. Gaby, "While statistically
significant results will occasionally occur by chance, it is
extremely improbable that a worthless treatment would repeatedly
produce statistically significant benefits."35
Numerous studies have also shown the cost
effectiveness of Homoeopathy. A study of 130,000 prescriptions
confirmed the benefit and savings to homeopathic treatment. The
number of paid sick leave days by patients under homeopathic
physicians were 3.5 times less (598 days/year) than patients under
general medical care (2,017 days/year). Homeopathic medicines
represent 5% of all medicines prescribed in France, but represent
only 1.2% of all drug reimbursements due to their lower cost per
prescription. (Homeopathic medicines are fully reimbursable under
the French health care system) (24). A study showed that
homeopathic care for infertility was 30 times (30x) cheaper per
successful delivery than the comparison group given conventional
care (25). Unfortunately South African Medical schemes
generally place very little value on the cost-effectiveness and
efficacy of Homoeopathic treatment and reimbursements are
negligible, notwithstanding the fact that South Africa leads the
field in Homoeopathic training (being equal to Medical training and
state funded) and that Homoeopathic practitioners have a scope of
practice similar to that of medical practitioners.
In South
Africa some thirty clinical trials and research dissertations are
conducted and published annually by graduates of Technikon
Witwatersrand and the Durban Institute of Technology. Numerous
trials are also conducted at Universities and by Manufacturers and
distributors of Homoeopathic Medicine in South Africa. Clinical
trials formed the basis of homoeopathy from the outset and thousands
of research projects and controlled clinical trials have been
conducted over the past two centuries. A meta-analysis is presently
underway to evaluate the past research conducted at Technikon
Witwatersrand School of Homoeopathy.
Homoeopathy is based on
sound principles and scientific guidelines, it is supported by vast
amounts of research, which is growing by the day, done with the help
of the most advanced scientific and clinical technology, by some of
the World's foremost scientists, also supported and used by leading
international scientists, including Nobel Laureates, growing faster
than any other health modality, having withstood the "test of
time" over some two hundred years in spite of the most severe
attempts to suppress and discredit it, used in paediatrics, adult
and geriatric medicine, veterinary medicine, acute and chronic
disease, in fact every field of medicine, with great
success.
Modalities, Techniques and Medicines often linked
to or confounded with Homoeopathy
In South Africa, many
unrelated medicines, techniques, modalities and therapeutics are
confounded or equated with homoeopathy. Homoeopathy is often linked
to so-called "natural" medicines, including herbalism /
phytotherapy, chinese medicine and acupuncture, iridology, ayurveda,
and various other modern and traditional integrative medicines and
therapeutics. Although some aspects or medicines are sometimes used,
applied or advised by individual homoeopathic practitioners, these
have nothing in common with Homoeopathy and are not related to or
part of homoeopathy. Two centuries ago when Hahnemann founded
Homoeopathy, medical practice consisted largely of herbal and crude
un-adultered natural substances. It was exactly due the side-effects
of these "natural" substances that Hahnemann experimented
with potentisation in an effort to produce safer yet effective
medicines. Most of the substances used in Homoeopathy are the same
as those used in conventional medicine and herbalism/phytotherapy.
The difference is that in homoeopathy these substances are not used
in their pure/crude natural form, but rather far from it. Many
conventional medicines still contain pure natural substances, but
these are used under very controlled conditions. Conventional
medicine is fully researched and the side-effects, interactions,
contraindications and working is well researched, documented and
published. Conventional medicine, although dangerous in some
instances are used very responsibly under very controlled and
specific instructions. Unfortunately very few "natural"
medicines are researched at all and in many instances are used in
accordance with traditional use and unsubstantiated theories without
any knowledge of possible side-effects, interactions or
contraindications often refusing to admit to the existence thereof.
Homoeopathic substances are well researched in terms of its
philosophy, documented in Materia Medica's and Pharmacopoeia and
prescribed accordingly. In homoeopathy, as in conventional medicine,
every fine detail of every substance has to be obtained from
experimentation, human trials (including provings in the case of
homoeopathy), toxicology, veterinary science, interactions and
contraindications. In the case of Homoeopathy these studies include
detailed mental symptoms produced and every possible affect on every
organ and system. Homoeopathy does however have the added advantage
that very few side-effects, interactions and contraindications exist
owing to it not being used in crude natural form. The same can
unfortunately not be said of most "natural" traditional
medicines. Homoeopathy moved away from crude natural substances,
while "natural" traditional and conventional medicine
continued along the path of crude natural substances, but while
conventional medicine did so under very strictly controlled and
responsible conditions, "natural" traditional medicine did
not.
Conclusion
Owing to the variety of different
approaches some homoeopaths may perhaps find some fault with some of
the statements made in this article, but it was not written for
homoeopaths. Instead, it was written for the Allopathic Medical
Practitioners and other Health Professionals who show interest in
homoeopathy and who would like to understand what homoeopathy is. It
is by no means a detailed or scientific research paper on the
subject of homoeopathy. It is hoped, however, that it explains and
abrogates some of the misconceptions about homoeopathy, which
existed until now. There is nothing mystical or esoteric about
homoeopathy. Homoeopathy does not use unknown substances or mere
placebos. Most homoeopathic substances were, or are still used in
allopathic medicine. The difference lies in the manufacturing
process, the direction of indications, in some instances the
strengths or dilutions and, perhaps, the paradigm. The proof of the
pudding is in the eating and as stated by the honourable Dr.E.B.Nash
:"Prove all things and hold fast that which is good".
There is no validity or rational in acceptance or rejection of
anything until tried and tested by oneself. The information provided
from such an article has no substance or value, which is worth more
than the cost of the ink and paper, unless is it put to the test
practically. Only once the information is put to the test in
practical application and the results weighed, does it materialise
in value and therapeutic applicability. Homoeopathy is safe and
undoubtedly effective, proven by the tremendous world-wide support
and interest of patients and health professionals.
Homoeopathy
originated from conventional western medical science and is a true
Alternative Medicine. It was founded by a Western Medical Genius as
an alternative to conventional allopathic medicine. It has been
further developed and enhanced by the efforts of brilliant
homoeopathic medical doctors over the past two hundred years.
Homoeopathy is a complete medical science as it treats any medical
condition in any human being of any age and is supported by
scientific research and clinical trials.
In
the twenty first century,
Homoeopathy
is the Best Known, Safest, and Most Effective Wholistic Healing Art
in the World.
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(1)
A compend of the Principles of Homoeopathy for Students of Medicine,
Garth Boericke, M.D. B.Jain, New Delhi, India; p137-143
(2) The
Handbook of Homoeopathy. Its Principles and Practice; Gerhard
Koehler, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont; p18-21
(3)
Homoeopathy. The Potent Force of the Minimum Dose, Keith A. Scott,
M.B., Ch.B., M.F.Hom. & Linda A. McCourt M.A.(Oxon), Thorsons;
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(4) Peter Morrell, A Guide To Hahnemann's Translations
(5)
Leaders in Homoeopathic Therapeutics, E.B.Nash MD Sett Dey &co,
Calcutta 1959; p372
(6) A Condensed History of Homeopathy
Discovering Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century, Dana Ullman,
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(17)*
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