It has been about 214 years since homeopathy came into existence. The past years have not been a joyride for all of us; it has been a continuous strife for survival. In this process we have collected loads of ammunition for our protection in the form of documented studies- studies to show our contemporaries that homeopathy is a therapeutic science.

But this collection consists mostly of case studies published on the curative effects of homeopathic medicines. The first officially registered study of the effectiveness of homeopathy was conducted in the 19 th   century when an epidemic of cholera broke out in the 1850s. When the mortality from cholera in London hospitals was announced in the Parliament, information from homeopathic hospitals was not included. One of the members of Parliament insisted on obtaining information from homeopathic hospitals. Due to his intervention, information about the enormous benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of cholera was presented. According to data from the homeopathic hospital of London, the mortality rate of patients suffering from cholera was 16.4% while in all other hospitals it was 51.8%.

There is still need of more rigorous types of research in homeopathy to firmly establish its therapeutic value. Apart from efficacy, important questions concerning safety, mechanism of action, the value of different therapeutic strategies and costs have to be investigated in a systematic way. It is true that nobody knows exactly how homeopathy works. There are many theories, based on sub atomic vibration, the memory of water and so on, but these remain theories.

The word   research   is derived from the French word   recherche, from   rechercher, to search closely where "chercher" means "to look for or to search". In short it can be defined as a systematic investigation or search for knowledge. Research in the field of homeopathy has been much debated topic. Some fanatics consider homeopathy a well proven science and any question to prove it is considered unworthy of discussion while there are others who have resolved not to listen or be persuaded by any of the research proving the effectiveness of the science.

In April 2003, a two-day conference was held in London on the topic of clinical research. Dick Koster  reports: "Those who are opposed to homeopathy…base their conclusion on the last negative study…. Followers of homeopathy herald all positive news and complain about serious design flaws in negative studies…. Both sides claim their successes and failures as definitive while in reality, new research…would only add or subtract a small effect to or from the already existing evidence…of homeopathy being true." This being said, Koster goes on to say that "homeopaths look at their patient results and believe that no amount of negative research could topple their belief in homeopathy."  

Is it not why dear Hahnemann explained the need of UNPREJUDICED OBSERVER?

Though there have been numerous research works most c ritics of homeopathic research site flaws in the designs of the studies, weakness in reporting and measuring techniques, small numbers of study participants, and the difficulties in replicating results. Unfortunately though, the conclusions drawn from such research occasionally step well beyond the evidence and say that because  one theory  of how homeopathy might  work is flawed, homeopathy itself can't work at all. All it really proves is that the particular theory of how homeopathy might work is incorrect, it doesn't prove or disprove homeopathy at all.

Homeopathy works and the proof is in the countless cases cured by homeopathy. Because the science is based on one remedy for one person, it is difficult to construct studies and judge the results. Clinical results have noted homeopathic cures taking place around the globe for over 100 years. The miniscule doses are still immeasurable by today's science, but in the future, equipment will be designed that can adequately measure the healing effects of homeopathy.

Working in the same direction we present to you the February Issue of Homeopathic Horizon on RESEARCH AND HOMEOPATHY. We hope that this issue will share the views of different homeopaths regarding importance and need of research in homeopathy.

Happy to share this issue with all of you,

Enjoy Reading !

Dr.P.Singh
Editor: Homeorizon.com