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Homoeopathy is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudo-scientific]] method used for the treatment of almost any disease. It was invented by [[Samuel Hahnemann]], a doctor and occultist from Saxony, around 1800 and, largely unaltered, presists to this day. Homoeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", reads "let like be cured by like." Hahnemann determined that, according to the law of similars, every disease was curable by substances which cause similar symptoms when taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentialization (actually meaning dilution). Homoeopathic remedies are supposed to be more effecitve the more they are diluted into solutions according to particular procedures. None of these two principles was confirmed experimentally until now.

Homeopathy is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudo-scientific]] method used for the treatment of almost any disease. It was invented by [[Samuel Hahnemann]], a doctor and occultist from Saxony, around 1800 and, largely unaltered, presists to this day. Homeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", reads "let like be cured by like." Hahnemann determined that, according to the law of similars, every disease was curable by substances which cause similar symptoms when taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentialization (actually meaning dilution). Homoeopathic remedies are supposed to be more effecitve the more they are diluted into solutions according to particular procedures. None of these two principles was confirmed experimentally until now.

Believers in homoeopathy are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall sceptical towards scientific medicine: the (mostly irrational) fear of "harmful chemistry" is inseparably connected to a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods.

Believers in homeopathy are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall sceptical towards scientific medicine: the (mostly irrational) fear of "harmful chemistry" is inseparably connected to a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods.

Also see: [[Allopathy]]

Also see: [[Allopathy]]

==Variants of Homoeopathy==

==Variants of Homeopathy==

Different variants of the original classic homoeopathy developed in the course of time. Today, there are low-potentizers and high-potentizers, monotherapists and polypragmatists, homoeopathic phytotherapists and anthroposophic homoeopaths, etc.

Different variants of the original classic homeopathy developed in the course of time. Today, there are low-potentizers and high-potentizers, monotherapists and polypragmatists, homoeopathic phytotherapists and anthroposophic homoeopaths, etc.

*Classic homoeopathy is the form of homoeopathy strictly complying to Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann, no more than one remedy is to be administered for all physical or mental diseases at any given time. A classical homoeopath thus will look for the one remedy he believes to be the appropriate similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.

*Classic homeopathy is the form of homeopathy strictly complying to Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann, no more than one remedy is to be administered for all physical or mental diseases at any given time. A classical homoeopath thus will look for the one remedy he believes to be the appropriate similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.

*Constitutional homoeopathy applies mixtures of homoeopathic remedies based on respective diagnoses. Also see: Constitutional homoeopathy

*Constitutional homeopathy applies mixtures of homoeopathic remedies based on respective diagnoses. Also see: Constitutional homoeopathy

*Clinical homoeopathy describes the application of homoeopathic remedies in so-called low potencies (D1-D12) for certain diagnoses.

*Clinical homoeopathy describes the application of homoeopathic remedies in so-called low potencies (D1-D12) for certain diagnoses.

*Miasmatic homoeopathy describes different variants of constitutional homoeopathy with an emphasis on the therapy of chronic diseases in due consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.

*Miasmatic homoeopathy describes different variants of constitutional homoeopathy with an emphasis on the therapy of chronic diseases in due consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.

==Homoeopathic doctors in Europe==

==Homoeopathic doctors in Europe==

Approximately 5,000 doctors are said to have acquired a qualification as a homoeopath in Germany. Netzzeitung (an online paper) says that presently about 1 in every 40 doctors hold additional qualifications in "homoeopathy" in Germany. According to ECHAMP, about 2.5% of doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy, and 14% in Slovakia have a qualification in "homoeopathy". On the other hand, this quota is below 0.03% in Sweden, where only ten of almost 30,000 have an additional homoeopathic qualification.  

Approximately 5,000 doctors are said to have acquired a qualification as a homoeopath in Germany. Netzzeitung (an online paper) says that presently about 1 in every 40 doctors hold additional qualifications in "homeopathy" in Germany. According to ECHAMP, about 2.5% of doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy, and 14% in Slovakia have a qualification in "homeopathy". On the other hand, this quota is below 0.03% in Sweden, where only ten of almost 30,000 have an additional homoeopathic qualification.  

Throughout Europe, 56,000 doctors were holding respective qualifications. An acceptance of homoeopathy so glaringly different in two industrialized nations like Germany and Sweden with a comparable health status indicates, on the one hand, that homoeopathy may be seen as dispensable without difficulty and without causing a relevant effect on a population's health. On the other hand it shows that the popularity of homoeopathy is not as much connected to scientific arguments or a probable efficacy, but rather to Weltanschauung, prejudice or tradition, since conclusive scientific arguments and proof of efficacy supporting the implementation of homoeopathy would have also convinced Swedish physicians.

Throughout Europe, 56,000 doctors were holding respective qualifications. An acceptance of homeopathy so glaringly different in two industrialized nations like Germany and Sweden with a comparable health status indicates, on the one hand, that homeopathy may be seen as dispensable without difficulty and without causing a relevant effect on a population's health. On the other hand it shows that the popularity of homeopathy is not as much connected to scientific arguments or a probable efficacy, but rather to Weltanschauung, prejudice or tradition, since conclusive scientific arguments and proof of efficacy supporting the implementation of homeopathy would have also convinced Swedish physicians.

==The business with homeopathics==

==The business with homeopathics==

The most commonly used homeopathic in the USA is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also goes by the name of "20 million canard". Annual turnover for this product adds up to 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but the complete sales volume does not need more than one single liver - with considerable left-overs remaining from this one piece: A dilution of C200 means a liver to solution ratio of 1 to 10 and 400 ciphers.

The most commonly used homeopathic in the USA is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also goes by the name of "20 million canard". Annual turnover for this product adds up to 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but the complete sales volume does not need more than one single liver - with considerable left-overs remaining from this one piece: A dilution of C200 means a liver to solution ratio of 1 to 10 and 400 ciphers.

==Homoeopathy is financially interesting for doctors==

==Homeopathy is financially interesting for doctors==

It is getting more and more attractive for physicians to bill health funds for homoeopathic services, as German medical journal Ärztezeitung already reported in 2007. Commission includes amounts of € 90 for a first anamnesis, € 20 for repertorisations, € 20 for analysis, and € 45 for follow-up anamneses. For the same amount of € 175, medical specialists will treat five "conventional" patients for three months, regardless how often these patients will consult them. Social health insurance patients were able to claim homoeopathic services in case of such forms of disease "in which a cure or palliation may be expected from a specific therapeutical response of self-healing powers still potentially available".

It is getting more and more attractive for physicians to bill health funds for homoeopathic services, as German medical journal Ärztezeitung already reported in 2007. Commission includes amounts of € 90 for a first anamnesis, € 20 for repertorisations, € 20 for analysis, and € 45 for follow-up anamneses. For the same amount of € 175, medical specialists will treat five "conventional" patients for three months, regardless how often these patients will consult them. Social health insurance patients were able to claim homoeopathic services in case of such forms of disease "in which a cure or palliation may be expected from a specific therapeutical response of self-healing powers still potentially available".

==Homoeopathy and controversial measles parties==

==Homeopathy and controversial measles parties==

As became known in 2005, supporters of homoeopathy do not reject so-called measles parties in general. A respective newspaper article said: Homoeopathic doctors do not reject "measles parties" in general. Considering possible side effects of vaccination against the risks of a disease, an infection caused deliberately was "worth considering" at an age between about three and eight years, Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe commented.

As became known in 2005, supporters of homeopathy do not reject so-called measles parties in general. A respective newspaper article said: Homoeopathic doctors do not reject "measles parties" in general. Considering possible side effects of vaccination against the risks of a disease, an infection caused deliberately was "worth considering" at an age between about three and eight years, Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe commented.

It was a result of vaccinating campaigns that more infants and adults fall ill during outbreaks of measles today, compared with earlier times. However, these persons have a ten times higher risk of developing complications like e.g. meningitis, Rabe explained. "The increase in measles infections in infants is a direct consequence of vaccination policies", Rabe said. According to his view, the final decision regarding a participation of a child in any "measles party" rested with its parents.

It was a result of vaccinating campaigns that more infants and adults fall ill during outbreaks of measles today, compared with earlier times. However, these persons have a ten times higher risk of developing complications like e.g. meningitis, Rabe explained. "The increase in measles infections in infants is a direct consequence of vaccination policies", Rabe said. According to his view, the final decision regarding a participation of a child in any "measles party" rested with its parents.

In case of an infection with measles, the paediatrician recommends a complete abstinence of antipyretics, since these probably increased the risk of complications. "The patient rather needs rest." In many cases, the illness responded well to a treatment with classic homoeopathy.

In case of an infection with measles, the paediatrician recommends a complete abstinence of antipyretics, since these probably increased the risk of complications. "The patient rather needs rest." In many cases, the illness responded well to a treatment with classic homeopathy.

==Studies on homoeopathy==

==Studies on homeopathy==

===The early studies===

===The early studies===

In Hahnemann's lifetime already, his teachings were controversial and caused lively discussions, and the first tests of homeopathics proceeded negatively. Repetitions of Hahnemann's original "medicine tests" could not confirm his specifications. The famous cinchona experiment the teachings are based on was a misapprehension: Although cinchona reduces the body temperature, Hahnemann felt feverish after ingesting it. Possibly this was due to an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations", which do not exclude a possible placebo effect by facilitating a comparison to a fake medication, are not acceptable scientifically, either.

In Hahnemann's lifetime already, his teachings were controversial and caused lively discussions, and the first tests of homeopathics proceeded negatively. Repetitions of Hahnemann's original "medicine tests" could not confirm his specifications. The famous cinchona experiment the teachings are based on was a misapprehension: Although cinchona reduces the body temperature, Hahnemann felt feverish after ingesting it. Possibly this was due to an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations", which do not exclude a possible placebo effect by facilitating a comparison to a fake medication, are not acceptable scientifically, either.

In 1835, the first double-blind drug study took place. The same year, Georg Löhner, a theologian and editor, published test results which he had obtained in cooperation with physicians, pharmacists, and further dignitaries in the town of Nuremberg. They examined 55 volunteers and did not establish any effect of homoeopathic dilution. This publication was met with fierce and polemic resistance by homoeopathic magazines of that time, e.g. by "Hygea - central organ for the homoeopathic or specific art of healing".

In 1835, the first double-blind drug study took place. The same year, Georg Löhner, a theologian and editor, published test results which he had obtained in cooperation with physicians, pharmacists, and further dignitaries in the town of Nuremberg. They examined 55 volunteers and did not establish any effect of homoeopathic dilution. This publication was met with fierce and polemic resistance by homoeopathic magazines of that time, e.g. by "Hygea - central organ for the homoeopathic or specific art of healing".

===Homoeopathy studies in the time of National Socialism===

===Homeopathy studies in the time of National Socialism===

Further studies of homoeopathy took place in the times of National Socialism. The regime intended a reorientation of public health care, the "new German medicine". Additionally, National Socialist circles voiced increasing criticisms of what they perceived as "Jewish medicine". Drug studies were done at different homoeopathic hospitals by the state health office (Reichsgesundheitsamt - RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. They aimed at investigating the reliability of previous drug studies, and also the valence of "pharmacologic images" based on them. Members of this study group were homoeopath Hanns Rabe (1890-1959), internal specialist Werner Siebert (1897-1951), and professors of pharmacology Gustav Kuschinsky (1904-1992) and Richard Bonsmann. Also significantly involved in these test was doctor and homoeopath Fritz Donner (1896-1979), then working in Berlin at the homoeopathic ward of Rudolf-Virchow-Hospital. Donner's voluminous records of RGA investigations became known as Donner Report on Homoeopathy, and the original copy is available at the "Homoeopathic Archives" of the Institute of Medical History of Robert Bosch Foundations in Stuttgart today.

Further studies of homeopathy took place in the times of National Socialism. The regime intended a reorientation of public health care, the "new German medicine". Additionally, National Socialist circles voiced increasing criticisms of what they perceived as "Jewish medicine". Drug studies were done at different homoeopathic hospitals by the state health office (Reichsgesundheitsamt - RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. They aimed at investigating the reliability of previous drug studies, and also the valence of "pharmacologic images" based on them. Members of this study group were homoeopath Hanns Rabe (1890-1959), internal specialist Werner Siebert (1897-1951), and professors of pharmacology Gustav Kuschinsky (1904-1992) and Richard Bonsmann. Also significantly involved in these test was doctor and homoeopath Fritz Donner (1896-1979), then working in Berlin at the homoeopathic ward of Rudolf-Virchow-Hospital. Donner's voluminous records of RGA investigations became known as Donner Report on Homeopathy, and the original copy is available at the "Homoeopathic Archives" of the Institute of Medical History of Robert Bosch Foundations in Stuttgart today.

These goverment-sponsored studies, however, had no positive results for homoeopathy. As one example, double-blinded experiments were carried out regarding Silicea C30. Their results: Verum and placebo caused exactly the same number of symptoms. The homoeopaths participating were not able to distinguish verum from placebo.

These goverment-sponsored studies, however, had no positive results for homeopathy. As one example, double-blinded experiments were carried out regarding Silicea C30. Their results: Verum and placebo caused exactly the same number of symptoms. The homoeopaths participating were not able to distinguish verum from placebo.

More clinical studies were effected in Robert-Koch-Hospital in Berlin in 1938/39, again presenting negative results. Rabe, a homoeopath, reacted to them assuming that [...] homoeopathy [is] no pharmaco-therapeutic method as has been contended as of yet, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. In a protocol, Fritz Donner wrote: One would have to reply truthfully that nothing came out of the drug studies, and that, during the clinical studies, there was no single case in which a patient showed a respective reaction whatsoever indicating a therapeutic effect of the remedies applied.  

More clinical studies were effected in Robert-Koch-Hospital in Berlin in 1938/39, again presenting negative results. Rabe, a homoeopath, reacted to them assuming that [...] homeopathy [is] no pharmaco-therapeutic method as has been contended as of yet, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. In a protocol, Fritz Donner wrote: One would have to reply truthfully that nothing came out of the drug studies, and that, during the clinical studies, there was no single case in which a patient showed a respective reaction whatsoever indicating a therapeutic effect of the remedies applied.  

Nevertheless, the official announcement disclosed that certain difficulties had manifested so that it was necessary to restart. Further research, however, was prevent by the war. Donner was far more outspoken later on during the 1960ies: He called the study a complete fiasco for homoeopathy.

Nevertheless, the official announcement disclosed that certain difficulties had manifested so that it was necessary to restart. Further research, however, was prevent by the war. Donner was far more outspoken later on during the 1960ies: He called the study a complete fiasco for homeopathy.

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[[category:Homoeopathy]]

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