Curious Claims
A mysterious concoction. Source: Flicker, uploaded by Marcho Verch
A recent investigation by the CBC found that some B.C. homeopaths are advertising “an unapproved treatment called homeoprophylaxis” as an alternative to vaccinations for smallpox, polio and other diseases. These homeopaths contend that through homeoprophylaxis, a treatment in which a solution is ingested that contains the “energetic memory” of some disease-causing germ, immunity for that disease can be developed.
Regrettably, the claim has no scientific merit and as a whole, homeopathy is dismissed by the scientific community as quackery. This is unsurprising, given that a basic tenant of homeopathy is that lowering the dose of a substance increases its effectiveness for treating illness. This principle results in most homeopathic products being so dilute that the only thing they can accurately be described as is water.
An explanation of homeopathic principles. Source: Youtube, uploaded by Kurzesagt – In a Nutshell
However, homeopathy is still a popular alternative to scientifically informed medicine, with a reported six million Americans having used homeopathic treatments in 2011.
Naturally Nothing
So why are people paying extraordinary prices for tiny bottles filled with over-hyped water? Researchers pose that the placebo effect is to blame.
A women examines homeopathic offerings. Source: Flicker, uploaded by caseywest
The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which symptom improvement occurs due to factors other than biologically active medications. Specifically, the placebo effect is the impact of any part of a therapeutic encounter, whether that be speaking with someone in a white doctor’s coat or (unknowingly) taking sugar pills, on symptom improvement. The placebo effect has been shown to induce neurological changes that result in subjective symptom reductions in a manner similar to pharmacological medications. Experiencing a placebo effect following the use of a homeopathic treatment could be the reason why some people insist on homeopathy.
Spilled sugar pills. Source: Flicker, uploaded by Marco Verch
Dangerous Delusions
However, not matter what symptom relief homeopathy offers via the placebo effect, it should be noted that no study suggests that the placebo effect can cure or prevent diseases, and for this reason homeopathic claims should be considered with caution. Moreover, when considering a homeopathic treatment it must be remembered that while some costs, like the consumption of over-priced water, are benign, others including missed vaccinations, are certainly not.
Contributor: Hayley Carolan
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