Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1994 Dec; 83(51-52): 1439-47.

[Is homeopathy accessible to research?]

Walach H.

Psychologisches Institut, Universit�t Freiburg.

This paper critically examines the scientific status of homeopathy. Against the background of latest research and the theoretical presuppositions of homeopathy, it is discussed, whether and how, homeopathy is amenable to scientific research. At the outset, the principal notions of homeopathy: similarity, potentiation and understanding of chronic diseases, are explained. Then the question is posed whether in recent research these notions have found adequate expression in research protocols, design and measured parameters. Although there is quite a bulk of literature now, only few publications address the principal notions of homeopathy adequately. It can be concluded, therefore, that homeopathy has not, as yet, been properly investigated. The question is addressed, how the homeopathic notion of the individual remedy should be put into practice in clinical trials, and what kind of clinical trials are possible in homeopathy. The necessity for placebo-controlled, randomized trials is discussed and a modification of the classical design for long term studies is introduced. Other research options are also shown. Finally, theoretical models for the explanation of possible high-dilution effects are shortly introduced and examined. It is argued that homeopathy is amenable to scientific research, and the terms of such research are made explicit.