What’s the news?

• In a recent development, the ICMR and the Ministry of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research related to integrated medicine.

Central idea

• The recent push to integrate AYUSH medicinal systems into mainstream health care to achieve universal health coverage and decolonize medicine is a commendable pluralistic approach. However, this endeavor must prioritize safety and efficacy standards for every participating system. Unfortunately, Homeopathy falls short of meeting these essential criteria.

What is an integrated system of medicine?

• An integrated system of medicine refers to an approach that combines elements from different healthcare systems or modalities, such as conventional medicine and traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine, with the goal of providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.

What Is Homeopathy?

• Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded in the late 18th century by Samuel Heinemann, a German physician.
• Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process.
• This is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy individual can stimulate the body’s natural healing response to overcome similar symptoms in an ill person.

Key principles of Homeopathy

• The Law of Similar: Homeopathy follows the principle that a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
• Minimum Dose: Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of dilution and potentization, which involves repeatedly diluting the original substance and shaking it vigorously. The belief is that this process enhances the remedy’s healing properties while minimizing any potential toxicity.
• Individualization: Homeopathy treats each person as a unique individual and tailors the treatment to address their specific symptoms and overall constitution.
• Totality of Symptoms: Rather than focusing solely on a specific disease or isolated symptoms, homeopathy takes into account the totality of a person’s physical, mental, and emotional symptoms to find an appropriate remedy.

Concerns over the efficacy and safety of Homeopathy

• Weak Evidence: The evidence supporting the efficacy of homeopathy is considered weak. The Nuremberg Salt Test (1835), a well-conducted double-blind randomized controlled trial, discredited homeopathy, attributing its claimed effects to imagination, self-deception, or potential fraud.
• Inconsistent Systematic Reviews: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that homeopathic treatments lack clinically significant effects across various ailments, population groups, study types, and treatment regimes.
• Unregistered Trials: Researchers found that more than half of the 193 homeopathic trials conducted in the last two decades were not registered. Surprisingly, unregistered trials showed some evidence of efficacy, while registered trials did not, casting doubt on the validity and reliability of the evidence.
• Lack of confidence: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings against using homeopathy for serious conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and infant flu and diarrhea. This indicates a lack of confidence in its effectiveness in treating such illnesses.
• Ineffectiveness for Serious Conditions: Evidence suggests that homeopathy may not work effectively in treating cancers and may not help reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatments.
• Potential Delay in Effective Treatment: One of the safety concerns related to homeopathy is its potential to delay the application of evidence-based clinical care for serious or life-threatening conditions. This delay can have detrimental effects on patients’ health outcomes.

Arguments in favor of Homeopathy

• Historical Usage: Supporters of homeopathy often highlight its long historical usage and widespread popularity, arguing that its effectiveness is demonstrated by its continued use over the centuries.
• Individualization of Treatment: Homeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment, tailoring remedies to address a person’s unique symptoms and overall constitution. This personalized approach is believed to be beneficial for patients who may not respond well to standardized treatments.
• Minimal Side Effects: Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, which proponents claim minimizes side effects and makes them safe for use, even in sensitive patient populations.
• Holistic Approach: Advocates assert that homeopathy takes a holistic view of health, considering not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being.
• Anecdotal Testimonials: Supporters of homeopathy often provide anecdotal testimonials from patients who claim to have experienced positive outcomes from using homeopathic remedies. Supporters of homeopathy often cite testimonials from famous figures like Gandhi and Tagore to bolster its credibility.

Way forward: Key areas that India needs to focus on regarding Homeopathy

• Evidence-Based Medicine: India needs to prioritize evidence-based medicine across all healthcare systems, including homeopathy. Rigorous research, clinical trials, and systematic reviews should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of homoeopathic treatments.
• Integration and Pluralism: India should adopt a balanced approach to healthcare by integrating various medicinal systems, including allopatry and AYUSH, while ensuring that only evidence-based and effective practices are incorporated into mainstream healthcare.
• Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen regulatory bodies to oversee the practice of homeopathy and ensure adherence to quality standards and ethical guidelines. This will help maintain patient safety and foster trust in the healthcare system.
• Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the strengths and limitations of homeopathy. Informed decision-making and patient choice should be encouraged based on scientific evidence.
• Holistic Health Approach: Emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare that considers not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. This approach should be integrated into all medical systems, including homeopathy.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and update the integration of homeopathy and other medical systems based on emerging evidence and changing healthcare needs. This iterative approach will lead to a more responsive and effective healthcare system.

Conclusion

• For India’s path towards universal health care, an evidence-based and ethics-driven medicine approach should be embraced, ensuring that only safe and effective treatments are integrated into mainstream healthcare practices.

Also read:

World Ayurveda Congress: Aligning traditional medicine with modern medicines

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