Homoeo Info

In the mid 18th century, British doctors were warning against "the faddish ... and dangerously Frenchified" practice of physical examination, regarding it as wildly inferior to the art of case history taking. Such conservatism is typical of medicine, but over the course of the next century, practitioners became seduced by an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the body's interior. The ascendancy of "biomedicine', as Bivins terms the western medical model, suited a populace under permanent threat of infectious disease. Move on another 100 years, though, and the patients' needs have changed. Chronic and degenerative conditions have risen inexorably as such terrors as smallpox, diphtheria and syphilis have been quelled or banished. Disenchantment with the perceived impersonality and ineffectuality of "industrial" medicine has set in, and patients have begun to seek out types of healing that take into account their subjective experience.
This is one of the many reasons Bivins gives for the current rise in popularity of alternative medicine. But alternative medicine is in itself a contentious term, as the question mark in the title suggests; 80% of the world's population are estimated to use non-western forms of medicine, yet the privileging of the biomedical model ensures that these often elegant and effective systems continue to be regarded as primitive and unscientific. The problem, as Bivins sees it, is that "biomedicine positions itself as possessing absolute knowledge - knowledge that is true for and of all bodies, everywhere, independent of culture." The only options available for other forms of medicine, from acupuncture to Aryuveda to homeopathy, are to set themselves in opposition, or to take up the subservient role implied by the term "complementary".
Though we tend to consider it a modern debate, this power-struggle is not new. Europeans have always had a taste for exotic forms of medicine, and Bivins is excellent at tracing these. In 1662, Hermann Busschof, a Dutch minister living in what is now Jakarta, reluctantly underwent moxabustion for his chronic gout. The technique, in which small cones of Artemisia vulgaris are burnt on the patient's body, will be familiar to anyone who has ever visited an acupuncturist. So efficacious was this remedy that Busschof published a pamphlet raging against "the carelessness and conceitedness of the Europeans".

The intolerance with which western medicine regards rival systems is rather more understandable in the case of mesmerism, invented in 1775, which resembled an act for the Victorian stage. The patient, typically a fashionable upper-class woman, grasped the handles of a large tub filled with water and metal bars. "These patients ... were fixed by the intense gaze, and sometimes stroked by the wand, of Dr Mesmer. If a "crisis" was produced, the individual might faint, cry out - perhaps with pleasure, perhaps in pain - or even fall into a fit."
It was the element of sexuality in Mesmer's showmanship that most troubled the medical professionals and the technique, despite its apparent efficacy as an alternative to anaesthesia, was eradicated. Since the 1960s, though, pushed by consumer demand, alternative medicine has been gaining in stature and legal status. Though the accusations of quackery have by no means subsided, Bivins finds evidence to suggest that biomedicine itself may not be immune to the lure of pluralism. A study of acupuncture-use in Norway revealed that 67% of doctors use at least one Chinese concept in explaining the technique to colleagues. The reduction in intellectual arrogance that this shift suggests is to be warmly welcomed.
- Guardian Unlimited BooksReview
Alternative Medicine? A History
by Roberta Bivins
238pp, Oxford, £14.99

Olivia Laing/Guardian Unlimited, UK Saturday October 27, 2007

Labels: UK

New Delhi: Inaugurating today the comprehensive Health Fair on Indian Systems of Medicine, AROGYA 2007, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said that with the changes in the lifestyle of people, it has become clear that chemical drugs alone cannot provide adequate solutions to lifestyle-related chronic and psychosomatic health problems. This is one of the main reasons why there is a global resurgence of demand for traditional medicines.
The following is the summary of the Health Minister’s speech:
On behalf of the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, I heartily welcome you all to the AROGYA- 2007. The Department of AYUSH have been organizing this comprehensive Fair and exhibition since 2001 showcasing developments in the AYUSH field and we have found a consistent rise in the public interest and attendance at the Fairs.
For the first time this year, an International Meet of Traditional Medicine Regulators and Industry is also being organized and many foreign regulators, technical experts and consultants are registered to participate in the event. Buyer-seller meets have also been organized to discuss the market development of AYUSH products in India and abroad. This time the exhibition has an international dimension and I would like to congratulate the organizers- the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Commerce, ITPO and Pharmexcil for having expanded the scope of the AROGYA Fair in this manner.
New developments in technology now enable scientists to explore possible solutions from traditional medical knowledge. India is fortunate to have a long history of practice of the codified traditional medical knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and Siddha. These systems, which are officially recognized in India, have immense scope to provide solutions for diverse health problems. Even though AYUSH systems are gaining popularity, there are still doubts in the minds of some people that they are not evidence based, and therefore, not safe and efficacious. We need to address these issues and to dispel these doubts through research.
There is increasing evidence of a global resurgence of interest in Indian systems of medicine all over the world. There is a great deal of demand for Ayurveda and Yoga in particular in many countries around the world, especially in the USA, Germany, Hungary, Italy, UK and Russia. During my tenure as Health Minister, a good number of foreign delegations have shown interest in bilateral cooperation in the area of Indian systems of medicine and have sought India’s support for conducting collaborative educational and research activities. We are very happy about such initiatives and will provide all possible support for them.
We are making all out efforts to push AYUSH products into the emerging global market for natural products and in order to achieve significant results, the Government of India is determined to make certain strategic interventions. To begin with, we have recently signed an agreement with the International Trade Centre (ITC) for a global market analysis for export promotion of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani products. Once the report of ITC is received, we will take the measures necessary to implement its recommendations.

It may be true that many aspects of AYUSH treatments and medicines cannot be tested with available scientific tools and technology. But it is also true that these systems have withstood the test of the time. However, there is no other option but to follow universally acceptable modes of evaluating safety and efficacy if we intend to certify the scientific basis of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani treatments and medicines. As a medical professional and the Health Minister of the country, I feel that there must be an overwhelming commitment to R&D from all concerned both in the public and private sectors in order to achieve credibility and global acceptance for the Indian systems of medicine.
The Department of AYUSH in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have initiated a Golder Triangle Project for scientific validation and development of R&D based Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines for a variety of disease conditions for which there is no satisfactory treatment in conventional medicine. Way back in 1960s Pharmacopoeia Committees were constituted for these systems for laying down Pharmacopoeial standards based on modern analytical parameters. The work of laying down Pharmacopoeial Standards of crude drugs is almost over and now the work of laying down now Pharmacopoeial standards for compound formulations is currently underway. First volume of Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia Compound Formulations has been published.
For technological upgradation of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drug industry it is proposed to develop common facilities for quality control, raw material standardization, sophisticated packing machines etc. in places where there is a cluster of 25-30 manufacturing units. Good manufacturing practices for these drugs has been made mandatory and financial assistance is being provided for establishment of in-house quality control laboratories by manufacturing units as also for upgradation of their facilities to WHO GMPs standards. Mandatory testing for heavy metals in purely herbal medicines for export has been introduced w.e.f. 1.1.2006 and an export inspection mechanism is also being put in place shortly to address safety and quality concerns. AYUSH and International Trade Centre, Geneva have signed a framework for cooperation for international market development for ASU&H drugs.
The Government of India have increased the 11th Plan outlay for this sector fourfold as compared to the 10th Plan which shows the commitment of Government of India for the fullest development of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy in an Evidence Base framework.
I hope the AROGYA Fair, the buyer-seller meets and the international meet of regulators and industry being organized here from 26th to 29th October 2007 would be informative and beneficial for visitors, intellectually stimulating for the regulators from abroad and profitable for the commercial interests. AROGYA Fairs continue to be important for awareness generation about the strengths, developments and future potential of the Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy systems of medicine. We will continue to organize and support such fairs and exhibitions in India and abroad. I compliment the Department of AYUSH for organizing the AROGYA in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, ITPO and Pharmexcil.
Press Information Bureau (press release), India, Oct 26, 2007

Labels: India

Madison: Sonic Foundry(R) Inc. , a leader in automated rich media communications technology, is working with the University of Connecticut Health Center to host the webcast, "A Debate: Homeopathy - Quackery or a Key to the Future of Medicine?" Sonic Foundry will host the live event using its high-capacity streaming infrastructure co-located with AT&T in Redwood City, CA.
The international forum is expected to attract up to 5,000 online attendees, including leaders from the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health and members of congress. A panel of six internationally renowned experts (Iris Bell, M.D., Ph.D.; Rustum Roy Ph.D.; Andre Saine N.D.; Donald Marcus M.D.; Steven Novella M.D. and Naduv Davidovitch M.D., Ph.D.) will examine both the basic science as well as clinical and epidemiological evidence of the efficacy of homeopathy, a 200-year-old system of medicine.
The webcast will be delivered through Sonic Foundry's expanded high-capacity streaming infrastructure at AT&T's Tier 4 data center in Redwood City, CA. The facility has the available bandwidth to webcast presentations to audiences of up to 25,000 concurrent viewers. The Tier 4 distinction means there are redundant systems for power and cooling, with multiple distribution paths that are active and fault tolerant. Additionally, the facility provides instant access to AT&T's global content distribution network allowing for Mediasite presentations to be viewed reliably around the world.
The debate will take place on Thursday, October 25 from 2:00 P.M. -- 4:00 P.M. It will be webcast live over the internet and available on-demand here.
CNNMoney.com, US - Oct 25, 2007

Labels: USA

The Queen is a fan, as is David Beckham, and people in Worcestershire are better placed than most to reap the benefits of the alternative medicine they swear by - homeopathy.
Last year, 22 per cent of people in the UK bought homeopathic remedies for a variety of ailments, and its supporters claim the number of people trying the therapy is growing by about 20 per cent a year.
There are almost 4,000 registered homeopaths in the UK, and Worcester is especially well-served by one of the few homeopathic pharmacies in the country, as well as a number of therapy centres and practising homeopaths.
Karen Runacres, a full-time homeopathic adviser at D L Ogle, in St John's, said: "The success of our pharmacy is demonstrated by the fact that many of our customers find when they move away they can't get the same level of care and choice of products which is avalable in Worcester. And that even goes for people who have moved abroad."
Homeopathy has been around for 200 years and at its heart is the idea that a condition can be treated with diluted doses of a substance which causes the symptoms. For example, coffee, which can cause sleep disturbance, can be used as a homeopathic remedy for insomnia.
It's even said to help household pets scared by fireworks. Karen said: "Nervous dogs fearful of fireworks can be settled with homeopathic granules shaken on the tongue."
Steve Husbands, who holds clinics at Worcester Natural Therapy Centre in the Tything, said: "People use homeopathy because they are looking for an alternative to drug therapies. I think people are more aware of the possible side effects of drugs and want something that helps their condition but avoids the side effects."
Critics, however, say that homeopathy has consistently failed to produce results in clinical tests which differ greatly from a placebo.
Supporters say homeopathy should not be compared directly with conventional medicine as its approach is completely different. It looks at symptoms of ill health as an expression of an underlying problem and suggests remedies to restore the balance so the symptoms will gradually subside.
It is often used with conventional medicine or as an alternative if other methods are not effective.
Karen said: "The question of how and why homeopathy works cannot be addressed sufficiently to satisfy some scientific minds. One reason for its popularity is that of patient choice. Patients want to be involved in their healthcare and many more are choosing holistic and natural treatments."
Steve said a homeopathic treatment always begins with a thorough consultation: "The first consultation is usually an hour or an hour-and-a-half and we go over how the symptoms are affecting them on every level. We try to get a broader picture then pick the remedies that suit them."
Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since 1948, and GPs in the area are increasingly willing to refer patients to registered homeopaths.
James Connell/Worcester News, UK - Oct 24, 2007

Labels: UK

Homeopathy is one of the most hotly debated areas of alternative medicine.
Yet its supporters point out the number of people turning to those homeopathic remedies is growing by 20 per cent a year and last year 22 per cent of UK people bought remedies for a range of ailments.
It's estimated around 30 million people in Europe visit homeopaths and in the UK the therapy has had high-profile supporters including the Queen, Sir Paul McCartney, Jude Law and David Beckham.
Homeopathic remedies differ from conventional drug-related treatments by using raw extracts from plants or animals, or powders of minerals and salts made into a 'tincture' and mixed with alcohol.
The theory is a minute quantity will stimulate the body's own healing powers without side effects.
But in the medical profession there are those who believe this theory flies in the face of science which follows the principle that the stronger the medicine - or the more concentrated a dissolved substance - the more powerful it will then become.
Homeopathy's outspoken critics include Professor Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at University College, London.
He says: "There's a lack of clinical evidence to support these alternative remedies. Medicine is based on evidence. If a drug or surgical treatment does not pass stringent trials, it's abandoned.
"The results of clinical trials are published whether favourable or not. With homeopathy, evidence is questionable."
Andy Kirk, chair of The Society of Homeopaths which is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe, points to its general acceptance within the National Health Service - available since its inception in 1948.
There are almost 3,900 registered homeopaths in the UK.
He says: "Around 70 per cent of GPs feel complementary medicine should be freely available. Savings could be made by introducing homeopathy into general practice."
Glasgow Daily Record, UK - Oct 22, 2007

Labels: UK

Homeopathy is one of the most hotly debated areas of alternative medicine.
Yet its supporters point out the number of people turning to those homeopathic remedies is growing by 20 per cent a year and last year 22 per cent of UK people bought remedies for a range of ailments.
It's estimated around 30 million people in Europe visit homeopaths and in the UK the therapy has had high-profile supporters including the Queen, Sir Paul McCartney, Jude Law and David Beckham.
Homeopathic remedies differ from conventional drug-related treatments by using raw extracts from plants or animals, or powders of minerals and salts made into a 'tincture' and mixed with alcohol.
The theory is a minute quantity will stimulate the body's own healing powers without side effects.
But in the medical profession there are those who believe this theory flies in the face of science which follows the principle that the stronger the medicine - or the more concentrated a dissolved substance - the more powerful it will then become.
Homeopathy's outspoken critics include Professor Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at University College, London.
He says: "There's a lack of clinical evidence to support these alternative remedies. Medicine is based on evidence. If a drug or surgical treatment does not pass stringent trials, it's abandoned.
"The results of clinical trials are published whether favourable or not. With homeopathy, evidence is questionable."
Andy Kirk, chair of The Society of Homeopaths which is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe, points to its general acceptance within the National Health Service - available since its inception in 1948.
There are almost 3,900 registered homeopaths in the UK.
He says: "Around 70 per cent of GPs feel complementary medicine should be freely available. Savings could be made by introducing homeopathy into general practice."
Glasgow Daily Record, UK - Oct 22, 2007

Labels: UK

Today India has the largest pool of homeopathic doctors in the world.
According to Dr S P Singh, advisor (homeopathy), ministry of health and family welfare, ‘‘There are over two lakh registered homeopaths in the country currently, with approximately 12,000 more being added every year. The size of the homeopathic drugs market is also expanding fast. Even though these medicines cost only a fraction of allopathic or even ayurvedic medicines, its market in India is already worth nearly Rs 400 crore.’’
So, what is fuelling the growth of homeopathy? After all, it’s been around in India for over 150 years. Most of us would have childhood memories of swallowing those little sugar-coated pills, and even sneakily having them. A number of reasons have contributed to its increasingly popularity, says Singh.
Primary, it is the regulation of standards of homeopathic education and registration of practitioners. Before Independence, homeopathy was practised largely by individuals, which included missionaries, officers of civil and military services and even retired people. All this is changing now. In 1973, the government recognised homeopathy as one of the national systems of medicine and set up the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH), to regulate its education and practice.
Another reason for homeopathy’s popularity has been the growing disillusionment with conventional allopathic medicine, which has, for many years, been the first line of treatment for most patients.
Also, with more educated people understanding homeopathy’s methodology, its credibility has increased. ‘‘Earlier, people used to be dismissive,’’ says Dr Anil Chandra Sarin, a practitioner whose family has been practising homeopathy for 70 years.
Many patients also feel that homeopathy is a more personalised treatment, with greater one-on-one interaction between the patient and the physician. Bineeta Modi, who swears by homeopathic medicines after she was cured of a severe case of eczema, says many patients already feel better after discussing their condition with a homeopath.
Not surprisingly, many celebrities are ardent champions of homeopathy. Prince Charles as well as his mother, the Queen, never travel without their box of homeopathic medicines. Yesteryear actor Ashok Kumar was also a successful homeopath. Mahatma Gandhi termed it the safest, economical and most complete medical science, apt for India. And now, with more and more Indians re-discovering homeopathy, the magic of the little white globules is all set to spread.
Atul Sethi/Times of India, India October 21, 2007

Labels: India