Science and homeopathy: an introduction
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine based on the principle of analogy and the use of infinitesimal doses of substances to treat ailments. Despite its popularity, homeopathy is not recognized by the scientific community as an effective or evidence-based practice. In this article, we will explore the reasons why homeopathy is not recognized by science, highlighting which scientific principles are being violated and the lack of evidence to support the practice.
Basic principles of homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on two basic principles: the law of similarity and infinitesimal dilution. The law of similarity states that a substance that causes symptoms similar to those of a disease can be used to treat the same disease. On the other hand, infinite dilution implies that a substance becomes more effective the more diluted it is.
violation of scientific principles
Homeopathy violates some well-established scientific principles. One such principle is the falsifiability principle, which states that a scientific theory must be formulated in such a way that it can be subject to an experiment that can disprove it. By contrast, homeopathy is based on principles that are difficult, if not impossible, to subordinate to a controlled experiment. Furthermore, micro-dilution of substances used in homeopathy violates the principle of dose-effectiveness, according to which the effect of a medicine depends on its dose.
The lack of scientific evidence
Although homeopathy has been the subject of many scientific studies, no scientific evidence has emerged to support its effectiveness. Systematic reviews conducted by independent, authoritative organizations, such as the Cochrane Collaboration, have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating any disease. In addition, many of the studies supporting the efficacy of homeopathy have been criticized for methodological issues, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups, and selection bias.
The placebo effect
An important factor to consider in a homeopathic analysis is the placebo effect. Homeopathy is often associated with improvements in patients’ health, but these improvements can be attributed to the placebo effect rather than any actual therapeutic efficacy. The placebo effect occurs when a patient experiences an improvement in symptoms after an inactive treatment, simply because they believe the treatment is effective. It is known that the placebo effect can be very powerful and can significantly affect the results of clinical trials.
scientific contamination
Another reason why homeopathy is not recognized by science is that there is an alternative scientific theory that can explain the purported benefits of homeopathy: the memory effect theory of water. According to this theory, water has the ability to “remember” the substances it has come into contact with, even after it has been diluted several times. However, the memory effect theory of water is highly controversial and has not found much support in the scientific community.
Conclusions about the relationship between wisdom and homeopathy
In conclusion, homeopathy is not recognized by science because it violates established scientific principles and has no scientific evidence to support it. Despite its popularity and the testimony of many individuals who support its benefits, the lack of rigorous scientific studies and the absence of a coherent scientific theory explaining its action make homeopathy an unacceptable practice by the scientific community. It is important that patients are informed about the limitations of homeopathy and turn to evidence-based medical practices for safe and effective treatments.
sources
- Ernst, E (2002). A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 54 (6), 577-582. links
- Shang, A., Huwiler-Müntener, K., Nartey, L., Jüni, P., Dörig, S., Sterne, JAC,… & Egger, M. (2005). Are the clinical implications of the effects of a homeopathic placebo? A comparative study of controlled trials of homeopathy and allopathy. The Lancet, 366 (9487), 726-732. links
- https://www.microbiologiaitalia.it/bacteriologia/relazione-mente-pancia-lbilmente-dei-probiotici/
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