by carmenteodora » Sun Aug 13, 2006 6:59 pm
lorryy22 poate vei intelege mai bine,iti trimit un articol:
Homeopathy
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
Background
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars, sometimes described as "like cures like." For example, a substance that causes vomiting when used full strength may be thought to prevent vomiting when used in a very low concentration. The German doctor Samuel Hahnemann developed the main theories of homeopathy in the early 1800s based on this idea and on related principles.
Homeopathic products may be made from plants such as aconite, arnica, dandelion or plantain; from minerals such as iron phosphate, arsenic oxide or sodium chloride; from the venom of poisonous snakes; from ink of the cuttlefish; or even from prescription drugs such as penicillin. These substances undergo a pharmacological process that homeopaths call "potentization," whereby a substance is sequentially diluted and vigorously shaken between each dilution. Preparations are often customized for patients, such that the chosen diluted constituent will be one in which overdose would yield symptoms similar to those associated with the condition to be treated.
For example, constituents may be mixed in alcohol to make a tincture. One drop of this tincture mixed with 99 drops of alcohol (ratio of 1:100) is then strongly shaken (this shaking process is known as succession). The final mixture is labeled as "1C." One drop of this 1C is then mixed with 100 drops of alcohol, and the process is repeated to make a 2C. By the time 3C is reached, the dilution is one part in 1 million. Small globules made from sugar are then saturated with the liquid dilution. These globules are a form of homeopathic medicine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacture and sale of homeopathic drugs differently from the way it regulates the manufacture and sale of prescription drugs. The Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States was written into federal law in 1938 under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, making the manufacture and sale of homeopathic drugs legal in the United States. Most homeopathic drugs are available without a prescription. Many states regulate the practice of homeopathy. Usually, homeopathy can be practiced legally by anyone with a medical degree that allows them to practice medicine in that state. This includes doctors of medicine (M.D.s), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.s), naturopathic doctors and dentists, for example. State laws permit some doctors of chiropractic to administer homeopathic remedies. In California and Minnesota, any individual may prescribe homeopathic remedies, as long as fraud is not committed (for example, practitioners cannot label themselves as "doctor" or make false claims about their training and professional experience).
Manufacturers of homeopathic drugs are not required to submit new drug applications to the FDA. Packaging for homeopathic drugs should identify the manufacturer, state that the drug is homeopathic, and list the active ingredients and dose strength (dilution). Homeopathic remedies are exempt from U.S. alcohol regulations and may contain high concentrations of alcohol. Homeopathic remedies are sold primarily over the counter (without a required prescription) in the United States, and manufacturers cannot claim that these treatments cure specific diseases (for example, diabetes or cancer). Treatments for certain conditions, such as headache, premenstrual syndrome, or osteoarthritis pain, may be sold over the counter.
There is some evidence that homeopathic treatments are more effective than placebo in certain conditions, although the quality of many studies has been low. In areas of promise, further trials are needed before a firm conclusion, based on scientific data, can be made.
Anyone can use homeopathic drugs for self care of acute ailments. People who keep a homeopathic kit for emergencies are free under the laws of most states to use them in such situations.
Theory
Homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to recover itself. For example, instead of trying to stop a cough by suppressing it, a homeopathic practitioner may give a remedy that could cause a cough in a healthy person. This is done according to the theory that "like cures like." It has been suggested that symptoms of illness represent defenses of the body, and that substances that cause similar symptoms may assist the body's healing process.
Evidence
Scientists have studied various homeopathic approaches for the following health problems:
Acute childhood diarrhea
There is evidence from several trials, including small randomized controlled trials and a re-analysis (meta-analysis) of the data, suggesting that individualized homeopathic treatment decreases the duration of acute childhood diarrhea episodes. Notably, the same main authors were involved in most of the better quality studies. Additional research, specifically an adequately large randomized controlled trial, is warranted to confirm these results. Children with persistent or severe diarrhea should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.
Upper respiratory tract symptoms
There is initial scientific research that suggests homeopathic approaches may be effective in reducing symptoms and duration of upper respiratory tract conditions such as rhinitis (runny nose), sinusitis, or viral syndromes (for example, associated with influenza infection). There is no specific evidence that these approaches have antibacterial or antiviral activity. Better quality research is needed to further develop the evidence in this area.
Fibromyalgia
Positive results have been reported from preliminary studies of homeopathic approaches in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. Although most studies have not been rigorously designed, additional research is needed to make a more definitive conclusion.
Menopausal symptoms, hot flashes
There is conflicting evidence for the use of homeopathy as a treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, for example, in breast cancer survivors. Preliminary work reports improved well-being among women who received individually chosen homeopathic remedies. Additional studies are necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.
Asthma
The scientific evidence for the use of homeopathy in children is inconclusive. There is preliminary positive evidence in adult asthma, although additional research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.
Bruises
Homeopathic approaches have been evaluated for the reduction of bruises, for example, after surgery. The evidence in this area is preliminary, and further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Pain
Homeopathic approaches have been evaluated for the reduction of pain, for example, in patients with arthritis or after dental or surgical procedures. The evidence in this area is preliminary, with some promising early results, although further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Migraine headache prevention
There is preliminary suggestive research in this area. Additional studies are necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.
Otitis media (ear infection)
There is preliminary research in this area, particularly evaluating the use of remedies that are individually chosen by a professional homeopath. This research has overall been positive, although better quality research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. Attention from a qualified health care professional should be sought for ear infections, particularly for recurrent infections.
Allergic disorders
There are multiple studies of the use of homeopathy in individuals with allergies. Overall, results have been positive, although the majority of studies have not been well designed enough to form a definitive conclusion. Better quality research is necessary.
Muscle soreness
There is evidence supporting the use of arnica for muscle soreness immediately after heavy physical exertion. Further research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Skin conditions
Homeopathy has been studied for several conditions, including hypersensitivity reactions such as contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Premenstrual syndrome
The research in this area is not conclusive.
Postoperative uses
Homeopathic approaches have been used after surgical procedures for the reduction of pain or bruising. Some studies have provided promising results, although the quality of available research is poor. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Preliminary research suggests potential benefits of a homeopathic approach to treat chronic fatigue. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
HIV/AIDS
There are limited reports that the use of homeopathic approaches as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy for HIV may be beneficial. However, this research was conducted prior to the advent of the current standard drug combinations, and the potential effects of adding to these current approaches are not known. Patients with HIV or AIDS should be under the care of a licensed medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Unproven Uses
Homeopathy has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially life-threatening. Consult with a health care provider before using homeopathy for any use.
Acne
Angina
Anxiety
Arthritis
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bladder infection
Breast inflammation (mastitis)
Burns
Bursitis
Cancer
Constipation
Cough
Dandruff
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Dystonia
Eczema
Energy
Estrogen withdrawal in breast cancer
Food poisoning
Fractures
Heartburn
Heart disease
Hot flashes
Infertility
Inflammatory bowel disease
Influenza virus
Intestinal conditions Irritable bowel syndrome
Jellyfish stings
Labor induction
Labor pain
Liver disorders
Lyme disease
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