HSCI 140 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Homeopathy
Document Summary
Alternative medical system developed in germany more than 200 years ago. Treatments are individualized or tailored to each person. Not uncommon for different people with the same condition to receive different treatments. There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any specific condition. Number of key concepts of homeopathy are inconsistent with fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics. Negative health effects from homeopathic products of this type have been reported. Replacing an effective conventional treatment with an ineffective homeopathic one can cause adverse effects, some of which may be serious. Lots of money is invested in homeopathy, which causes lots of speculation about the credibility of this type of medicine. Argument includes the option of spending this money elsewhere. Homeopathy is not effective enough to cure cancer. Homeopathy is not a disease specific cure as a placebo is. In the case of homeopathy there is lack of evidence, but there is not lack of effectiveness.