Walach H
Psychologisches Institut, Universität Freiburg.
Praxis (Bern 1994). 1994 Dec 20;83(51-52):1439-47.
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.
本文批判性地审视了顺势疗法的科学地位。结合最新研究背景和顺势疗法的理论前提，探讨了顺势疗法是否以及如何经得起科学研究的检验。文章开篇解释了顺势疗法的主要概念：相似性、增效作用以及对慢性病的理解。接着提出问题，在近期研究中，这些概念在研究方案、设计和测量参数中是否得到了充分体现。尽管目前已有大量文献，但只有少数出版物充分探讨了顺势疗法的主要概念。因此，可以得出结论，顺势疗法尚未得到恰当的研究。文中探讨了如何在临床试验中实践顺势疗法针对个体用药的理念，以及顺势疗法可能开展何种类型的临床试验。讨论了安慰剂对照随机试验的必要性，并介绍了对长期研究经典设计的一种改进。还展示了其他研究选项。最后简要介绍并审视了解释可能的高稀释效应的理论模型。文章认为顺势疗法经得起科学研究的检验，并明确了此类研究的条件。
