Research in Homoeopathy - Organon Says IT All - Dr Deeksha Garg, Dr Ishita Ganjoo

Research in Homoeopathy – Organon Says IT All

Homoeopathy

Abstract

This article proves sufficiently that the Organon of medicine has explained all the steps needed to pursue research in a proper way. The data present in Organon of medicine is itself an outcome of formulating a hypothesis, strategy making to prove that hypothesis, idea about the subject selection, ethics, individual data collection followed by data processing on the basis of totality of symptoms in aphorismatic pattern. So before accepting the criticism towards our science, one should be aware and thorough about the writing in Organon of medicine so as to save our wonderful science by giving evidence based logic and not mere explanations. Dr Hahnemann clearly stated, “dare to be wise.”

Keywords – research, homoeopathy, ethical consideration, Organon of medicine, strategy, sampling, analysis, evaluation, hypothesis, aphorism

Introduction

There is always debate on the material existence of homoeopathy. It has always suffered for proof, recognition and modus operandi. The history shows that there is a constant criticism on the law of homoeopathy and many people questions its existence whether it is the branch of Medical Science or mere a placebo therapy. As a homoeopathic fraternity we all retaliate criticism at our own level where as need of the hour is to prove through research oriented studies that ‘Yes’ it is one of the most effective, miraculous, scientific, harmless and resourceful science ever discovered by medical sciences1. The Aphorism 25 clearly mentions the word “in the careful trials, pure experience” which itself is a proof that this science is purely based on scientific approach which has already been adopted by prover2.

It is heartfelt need  to strengthen our science upto the level of modern scientific methods applied universally because of constant attacks from various agencies time to time has made up more sensitive to prove present are science on research oriented backgrounds. The research is the first basic thing for a science to root and grow. Dr Hahnemann who himself researched the history to prove the theory discovered. The trend of data keeping searching and analysing has been adopted much before we had internet and computers helping us. It would be appropriate here to take an example of Dr Hahnemann’s discovery of this wonder pathy1. Hahnemann came across with Cullen’s remarks on the curative power of cinchona bark in marsh ague and struck upon the idea of testing its positive effects on himself. He was surprised to note the similarity of symptoms of ague with that produced by the cinchona bark. He formed a tentative hypothesis in his mind that the specific curative power of a drug lies in its power of producing similar symptoms in the healthy individual. This experiment clearly shows the basis of homoeopathy in scientific research3.

Aim to create awareness of scientific base

Hahnemann’s ‘Organon’ is the high water – mark of medical philosophy. As we all know homoeopathy is a product of inductive logic applied to the subject of medicine. Based on his repeated clinical trials and vast search about hidden facts and their effectiveness, the master by logical thinking put his thoughts in a well organised manner in aphoristic style in the form of a book which is a continuity and logical sequence of the scientific base of all laws of homoeopathy. This book is ‘Organon of Medicine’3.

S.NO. RESEARCH PROTOCOL INCLUDES4 GUIDELINES OF RESEARCH PROTOCOL IN ORGANON OF MEDICINE2,3
1 PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING  In this we plan our research as to what information already available on topic through books, journals, scientific reports, dissertations, press clippings and unpublished material. For achieving a goal which is specific achievable measurable and realistic. We form a hypothesis which are logically deducted statements which explain cause and effect. We formulate a planning strategy, guidelines and framework for action. Programming is overall step to step outline of action in sequence towards a goal. It is a scheme for monitoring and evaluating the subsequent events in a exact time period or schedule time. Aphorism no. 3 and 4 ‘If the physician ………….. healing art’ ‘He is ……………… in health’ Explanation It is mentioned in the above aphorisms a physician should clearly perceive knowledge of disease indications, knowledge of medicinal powers, how to choose a well indicated remedy and its proper dosage in order to treat judiciously and rationally. As per research protocol, planning and programming is incomplete without the above said steps mentioned Aphorism 138 “all the sufferings……………..by the medicine There should be a scheduled time for experiment so that experiments can clearly observe the effect of medicine and the change in symptoms produced by the medicine.
2 STRATEGY AND SAMPLING Strategy include selection of method and type of a study. Study is conducted to study the efficacy of medicines for a particular disease, symptom syndrome or a pathological entity. Sampling is selection of subjects to be evaluated in research in such a way that it provides a homogenous patient collection. Recruitment of study subjects on the basis of prevalent cases in the target population. Aphorism no. 120 ‘Therefore medicines ……… permanently restored.’   Dr Hahnemann talked about strategy based on pure experiments on the healthy body for the purpose of ascertaining their real effects to obtain accurate knowledge so as to avoid any mistake and provide rapid and permanent restoration of health. This strategy forms a base for any study on homoeopathy. Aphorism no. 126 ‘The person …….. accurate terms.’ Characteristics of a subject (part of study sample) are clearly mentioned in this aphorism. Aphorism no. 127 For sampling both males and females should be included in order to reveal the alternations of the health. It can vary as per need of sample.    
3 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION As per ethics, subject consent is mandatory for any research study.   Aphorism no. 1 and F.N. of Aphorism 1 clearly mentions ethics of a physician – ‘The Physician high and only mission is to restore the sick to health, to cure, as it is termed.’ This is imbibed deeply in every Homoeopathic Physician thoroughly. Aphorism 126 and 137 The subjects included in the study are well informed that during this period mental and physical stress, disturbing passion should be avoided which are worth knowing.
4 DATA COLLECTION  It is the detailed study on the subject in a systematic, planned, stepwise pattern. Case taking should be done at a scheduled time interval according to a standard format.   Aphorism no. 83 This individualising………..speaker say. The general directions for examination of a case of disease is given and the practitioner should apply it as per need of the individual case. The complete process of data collection in systematic manner including physical complaints, mental complaints, cause, character of menstruation and discharges, etc is clearly mentioned in Aphorism 83 to 102  
5 DATA PROCESSING Analysis and evaluation of collected data according to the principles of Sciences.   Aphorism 147 Whichever of these…………..case of disease. The medicine which is specific for our study is based on totality of symptoms and is the most suitable remedy found after data processing. Aphorism 18 The totality of the symptoms is the only indication, the only guide to the selection of a remedy.
6 RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION Research analysis Analysis is done in three stages Data analysis Outcome analysis and Drug analysis It is done by descriptive and inferential statistics. Interpretation In clinical research interpretation of therapeutic efficacy or success is done in terms of measurement of clinical outcome variable by assessment of their clinical response and verification of their adequacy. Aphorism no. 71 ‘As it is now …….. natural disease.’ The three points necessary for curing: The investigation of the diseaseThe investigation of the effects of the medicinesTheir appropriate employment Aphorism 78  to 99   These aphorisms clearly mention that chronic diseases arise from chronic miasms, i.e. psora, sycosis and syphilis. The selection of remedy for each chronic individual case is done on the concept based on these aphorisms. Everyone interprets the analysis and interpretation based on their knowledge and experience. Whereas the systematic statistics are not mentioned.    
7 CONCLUSION Analysis of results which should be unbiased because bias is a systemic deviation from the truth and that study produces an incorrect conclusion.   Aphorism no.6 ‘The unprejudiced observer …….. the disease.’ Unprejudiced itself clearly means unbiased. A physician perceives changes in symptoms from health to disease which are felt by the patient and observed by the unbiased physician.

Conclusion

Master Hahnemann discovered homoeopathy and began with a scientific footing. Mostly, his work remained up to case study method which required standardization. It does not have any experimental studies and bio statistical application. Today’s medicine is an evidence based science besides the subjective improvement other parameters needs to be evolved so as to measure quantitatively and qualitatively what the homoeopathy physician seeks to achieve. This can only be done while devising a suitable protocol for conducting research.

Dr Hahnemann was clairvoyant and he said in footnote of aphorism 145 ‘The healing art will then come near the mathematical sciences in certainty’. 

References

  1. ResearchGate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230774217_scientific_research_in_homeopathy_an_overview_requisites_current_scenario_challenges_and_future.Arora_Saurav. Jan 2012.
  2. Hahnemann S. Organon of Medicine. Sixth Edition. New Delhi. B. Jain Publisher Pvt Ltd.2004.
  3. Sarkar B.K. Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine. 18th edition. Delhi. Birla Publication Pvt Ltd.2020-2021.
  4. Chauhan V.K., Gupta M. Preliminary guidelines for research in Homoeopathy. First edition. New Delhi. Indian books and Periodicals Publishers.2000.

About Author:

Dr Ishita Ganjoo
BHMS, M.D.(Practice of Medicine),Gold Medalist
MBA (Hospital Administration)
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
HMC&H, Chandigarh

Dr Deeksha Garg
BHMS,M.D.(organon of medicine)
MBA (Hospital Administration)
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Surgery
HMC&H, Chandigarh

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Homeopathy360 Team