International Hypnosis Research Institute - Homeopathic Medicine

A critical review of the possible benefits associated with homeopathic medicine

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:11:00 -0500

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the recent scientific research progress on homeopathy. METHODOLOGY: Homeopathy was evaluated in terms of its clinical research; in vitro research, and physical foundations. The Medline database was the main reference source for the present research, concerning data of approximately the last 10 years. Secondary references (not available in this database) were obtained by means of direct requests to authors listed in the primary references. RESULTS: Clinical studies and in vitro research indicate the inefficacy of homeopathy. Some few studies with positive results are questionable because of problems with the quality and lack of appropriate experimental controls in these studies. The most recent meta-analyses on the topic yielded negative results. One of the few previous meta-analyses with positive results had serious publication bias problems, and its results were later substantially reconsidered by the main authors. The sparse in vitro homeopathic research with positive results has not been replicated by independent researchers, had serious methodological flaws, or when replicated, did not confirm the initial positive results. A plausible mechanism for homeopathic action is still nonexistent, and its formulation, by now, seems highly unlikely. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the recent scientific research on homeopathy, it can be concluded that ample evidence exists to show that the homeopathic therapy is not scientifically justifiable. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo. 2003 Nov-Dec;58(6):324-31. Epub 2004 Jan 28. Almeida RM. Program of Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

The use of simplified constitutional indications for self-prescription of homeopathic medicine

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:09:00 -0500

OBJECTIVES: To develop simplified constitutional indications for homeopathic medicines so that parents of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) could choose homeopathic medicines for their children more "accurately", and to subsequently evaluate if these choices match the prescriptions of trained homeopaths. DESIGN AND SETTING: To initially select the most commonly used homeopathic medicines for URTI, data from a survey of 1097 patients visiting 80 different Norwegian homeopaths were used. A simplified constitutional indication was then developed for the three homeopathic medicines most frequently prescribed for recurrent URTI and otitis media. The constitutional indications were developed by a group of five homeopaths and were then sent to 20 homeopaths for further evaluation. To evaluate the parents' choice of homeopathic medicines compared to the prescription by trained homeopaths, a group of 11 randomly selected homeopaths were asked to participate. They recruited parents of 70 child patients. RESULT: By using simplified constitutional indications for the three most commonly prescribed remedies, Calcarea carb, Pulsatilla and Sulphur, parents were able to choose the same homeopathic medicine as homeopaths' prescribed for 55% (95% CI 43-67) of children with URTI. There was excellent agreement between parents' choice and homeopaths' prescription for the three medicines (Kappa of 0.77, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Simplified constitutional indications can be used to improve the quality of the choice of homeopathic medicines purchased over the counter (OTC) for self-treatment. Complement Ther Med. 2004 Jun-Sep;12(2-3):112-7. Steinsbekk A, Bentzen N, Fønnebø V, Lewith G. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway. aslak.steinsbekk@medisin.ntnu.no

The effects of a complex homeopathic medicine compared with acetaminophen...

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:08:00 -0500

Full Title: The effects of a complex homeopathic medicine compared with acetaminophen in the symptomatic treatment of acute febrile infections in children: an observational study CONTEXT: Children frequently suffer infections accompanied by fever, which is commonly treated with acetaminophen (paracetamol), a use not devoid of risk. OBJECTIVE: The effect of a complex homeopathic medicine (Viburcol, Heel Belgium, Gent, Belgium) was compared with that of acetaminophen in children with infectious fever. DESIGN: Non-randomized observational study. SETTING: Thirty-eight Belgian centers practicing homeopathy and conventional medicine. PATIENTS: Children <12 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Viburcol (drops) or acetaminophen (pills, capsules, or liquid form) for a maximum of 2 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fever, cramps, distress, disturbed sleep, crying, and difficulties with eating or drinking. Symptoms were graded by the practitioner on a scale from 0 to 3. Severity of infection was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 4. Data were captured on body temperature, subjective impression of health status, time to first improvement of symptoms, and global evaluation of treatment effects. Tolerability and compliance were monitored. RESULTS: Both treatment groups improved during the treatment period. Body temperature was reduced by 1.7 degrees C +/- 0.7 degrees C with Viburcol and by 1.9 degrees C +/- 0.9 degrees C with acetaminophen; fever score (scale from 0 to 3) from 1.7 +/- 0.6 to 0.1 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 1.9 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.5 with acetaminophen (all values mean +/-SD). The overall severity of infection (scale from 0 to 4) decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.5 to 0.0 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 2.2 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.6 with acetaminophen. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in time to symptomatic improvement. Viburcol was noninferior to acetaminophen on all variables evaluated. Both treatments were very well tolerated, but the Viburcol group had a significantly greater number of patients with the highest tolerability score. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient population, Viburcol was an effective alternative to acetaminophen treatment and significantly better tolerated. Explore (NY). 2005 Jan;1(1):33-9. Derasse M, Klein P, Weiser M. d.s.h Statistical Services GmbH, Rohrbach, Germany.

An exploratory study of the contextual effect of homeopathic care

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:06:00 -0500

Full Title: An exploratory study of the contextual effect of homeopathic care. A randomised controlled trial of homeopathic care vs. self-prescribed homeopathic medicine in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the contextual effect of homeopathic consultation by investigating the effect of homeopathic care compared to self-treatment with self prescribed homeopathic medicine in the prevention of childhood upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). METHODS: Randomised parallel group trial with 208 children below the age of 10. The children were randomly assigned to receive either homeopathic care (HC: individual homeopathic consultations with any homeopathic medicine in any potency being prescribed) or one of three self-prescribed homeopathic medicines (SPH) in C-30 administered twice weekly, for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical effects between SPH and HC for primary outcomes. Mean URTI scores over 12 weeks were 39.0 in the HC group and 43.9 in the SPH group (p=0.782, difference -5.0 points (95% C.I.; -20.5 to +10.5)). The mean number of days where the parents rated their child as 'ill with URTI' was 10.0 in the HC group and 13.7 in the SPH group (p=0.394). There was a trend in favour of HC for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this innovative and exploratory study, there was no evidence for a clinically relevant effect of homeopathic care vs. a homeopathic medicine given by the child's parents and based on a pre-agreed homeopathic treatment protocol. Prev Med. 2007 Oct;45(4):274-9; discussion 280-1. Epub 2007 Feb 9. Steinsbekk A, Lewith G, Fønnebø V, Bentzen N. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway. aslak.steinsbekk@ntnu.no

Individualized homeopathic treatment of dermatological complaints in a public outpatient clinic

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:47:00 -0500

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment on dermatological complaints in a public outpatient clinic. METHODS: Children and adults spontaneously seeking for homeopathic treatment for dermatological complaints were prescribed single individualized remedies and followed up for a minimum of 3 months; assessment was clinical and recorded graphically. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were positive (59%); no effect (4%); drop-out (37%), from which 6% was due to homeopathic aggravation. No manifestations of suppression were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome studies are useful to point out to the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in dermatological complaints. Outcomes suggest that actions focusing on pathological categories do not lead to homeopathic suppression. Homeopathy. 2009 Jul;98(3):149-53. Waisse-Priven S, Jurj G, Lima Thomaz LC, Tierno SA, Filho WL, Sos A, de Souza MF. Associação Paulista de Homeopatia, Outpatient Clinic, São Paulo, Brazil.

Homeopathic Individualized Q-potencies versus Fluoxetine for Moderate to Severe Depression

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:52:00 -0500

Full Title: Homeopathic Individualized Q-potencies versus Fluoxetine for Moderate to Severe Depression: Double-blind, Randomized Non-inferiority Trial Homeopathy is a complementary and integrative medicine used in depression, The aim of this study is to investigate the non-inferiority and tolerability of individualized homeopathic medicines [Quinquagintamillesmial (Q-potencies)] in acute depression, using fluoxetine as active control. Ninety-one outpatients with moderate to severe depression were assigned to receive an individualized homeopathic medicine or fluoxetine 20 mg day(-1) (up to 40 mg day(-1)) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind double-dummy 8-week, single-center trial. Primary efficacy measure was the analysis of the mean change in the Montgomery & Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) depression scores, using a non-inferiority test with margin of 1.45. Secondary efficacy outcomes were response and remission rates. Tolerability was assessed with the side effect rating scale of the Scandinavian Society of Psychopharmacology. Mean MADRS scores differences were not significant at the 4th (P = 0.654) and 8th weeks (P = 0.965) of treatment. Non-inferiority of homeopathy was indicated because the upper limit of the confidence interval (CI) for mean difference in MADRS change was less than the non-inferiority margin: mean differences (homeopathy-fluoxetine) were -3.04 (95% CI -6.95, 0.86) and -2.4 (95% CI -6.05, 0.77) at 4th and 8th week, respectively. There were no significant differences between the percentages of response or remission rates in both groups. Tolerability: there were no significant differences between the side effects rates, although a higher percentage of patients treated with fluoxetine reported troublesome side effects and there was a trend toward greater treatment interruption for adverse effects in the fluoxetine group. This study illustrates the feasibility of randomized controlled double-blind trials of homeopathy in depression and indicates the non-inferiority of individualized homeopathic Q-potencies as compared to fluoxetine in acute treatment of outpatients with moderate to severe depression. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Aug 17. Adler UC, Paiva NM, Cesar AT, Adler MS, Molina A, Padula AE, Calil HM. Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Napoleão de Barros, 925 São Paulo, SP 04024-002, Brazil. hmcalil@psicobio.epm.br.

Homeopathic treatment in resistant livedoid vasculopathy: case report

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:49:00 -0500

This paper describes the successful outcome of homeopathic treatment in a case of resistant livedoid vasculopathy (LV). LV is a rare disease characterized by chronic recurrent and painful ulceration of the lower limbs, frequently associated to atrophie blanche (AB), probably due to procoagulant conditions. Most literature reports single or very few cases; response to treatment is difficult, even resistant. This patient suffered LV for 7 years before seeking homeopathic treatment; ulcers recurred frequently, at intervals less than 3 months, in spite of continual use of pentoxyfilline. Configuration of signs and symptoms strongly pointed out to the prescription of homeopathic remedy Sepia succus that promptly elicited significant improvement of LV and the patient's overall state (non suppressive treatment). Considerations are made on the value of single case reports and the reliability of prescriptions grounded on consistent signs and coherence among the manifold features of individual disease. Homeopathy. 2009 Jul;98(3):165-8. Waisse-Priven S, Jurj G, Lima Thomaz LC, Tierno SA, Filho WL, Sos AB. Associação Paulista de Homeopatia, São Paulo, Brazil. silvia.priven@gmail.com

Homeopathy in the public health system: a seven-year observational study at Lucca Hospital (Italy)

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:45:00 -0500

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response to homeopathic treatment in a public homeopathic clinic of all patients attending between September 1998 until December 2005, and to analyze homeopathic practice. METHODS AND SETTING: Longitudinal observational study in a homeopathic clinic based in a public hospital in Lucca, Italy. Data relating to patient details, clinical diagnosis, remedy prescribed, potency of dosage, prescription strategy and identification of the case as acute-chronic-recurrent were analyzed. Clinical response was assessed by the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Score. RESULTS: Overall 74% of patients reported at least moderate improvement. Outcomes were better with longer treatment duration and younger age of patients. Respiratory, followed by dermatological and gastrointestinal pathologies responded best, psychological problems relatively poorly. CONCLUSIONS: Homeopathic therapy is associated with improvement in a range of chronic and recurring pathologies. Certain characteristics of patient and pathology influence the outcome. Homeopathy. 2009 Jul;98(3):142-8. Rossi E, Endrizzi C, Panozzo MA, Bianchi A, Da Frè M. Homeopathic Clinic, ASL 2 Lucca, Tuscany Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, Italy. omeopatia@usl2.toscana.it

Homeopathic pathogenetic trials produce specific symptoms different from placebo

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:39:00 -0500

Introduction: Homeopathy uses information gathered from healthy volunteers taking homeopathic substances (pathogenetic trials) for clinical treatment. It is controversial whether such studies produce symptoms different from those produced by placebo. Objective: To test whether homeopathic preparations produce different symptoms than placebo in healthy volunteers. Methods: Three armed, double-blind, placebo controlled randomised experimental pathogenetic study in 25 healthy volunteers who took either one of two homeopathic remedies, Natrum muriaticum and Arsenicum album in 30CH or identical placebo. Main outcome parameter was the number of remedy-specific symptoms per group. Results: On average, 6 symptoms typical for Arsenicum album were experienced by participants taking arsenicum album, 5 symptoms typical for Natrum muriaticum by those taking natrum muriaticum, and 11 non-specific symptoms by those in the placebo group. Differences were significant overall (Kruskall Wallis test, p = 0.0002,) and significantly different from placebo (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Homeopathic remedies produce different symptoms than placebo. Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel. Forsch Komplementmed. 2009 Apr;16(2):105-10. Epub 2009 Apr 9. Möllinger H, Schneider R, Walach H. Department of Human Sciences, University of Osnabrück, Germany.

Paediatric homoeopathy in Germany

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:37:00 -0500

Full Title: Paediatric homoeopathy in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) PURPOSE: Despite growing pressure against homoeopathy, an unexpected resurgence in the use of homoeopathy has been reported. It is of interest to examine the use of homoeopathy and user profiles among children in Germany. METHODS: Last-week homoeopathy use was recorded among 17,450 children aged 0-17 years who participated in the 2003-2006 German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). The complex sample method was used to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, homoeopathy use. RESULTS: Nine hundred and fifty-one homoeopathic preparations were used by 718 children (weighted prevalence 4.6%). Nearly half of the homoeopathic preparations were obtained by prescriptions from medical doctors or Heilpraktiker (non-medical practitioners) and used most often to treat certain self-limiting conditions. About 60% of homoeopathy users concomitantly received conventional medicines. Homoeopathy use was closely related to socioeconomic factors, with a significantly higher prevalence rate found in the 0-6 year age group [prevalence 6.2%, odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.7-2.9], among children residing in the former West Germany [5.1%, 2.2(1.5-3.2)] or the south of Germany [6.6%, 1.7(1.3-2.4)], among children with a poor health status [6.8%, 3.0(2.2-4.2)], with no immigration background [5.3%, 3.7(2.2-6.1)], who received breast-feeding >6 months [7.6%, 2.1(1.6-2.9)], were from upper social-class families [7.4%, 1.8(1.1-2.8)] and whose children's mothers were college educated [7.2%, 1.6(1.2-2.2)]. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric homoeopathy is quite popular in Germany, particularly among children from families with a higher socioeconomic status. The high level of paediatric homoeopathy use in Germany warrants a critical review to determine whether it is evidence based and cost-effective. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2009 May;18(5):370-9. Du Y, Knopf H. Department of Epidemiology and Health Reporting, Division of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. DuY@rki.de

Elements of effective communication-Rediscoveries from homeopathy

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30:00 -0500

OBJECTIVE: Patients are increasingly attracted to homeopathy despite the unproven effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. Clinical benefit of homeopathy may be due to communication. This review aims to identify and assess effective communication patterns in homeopathy. METHODS: Narrative review and synthesis of published communication patterns, patient narratives and the author's professional experience as a homeopathic practitioner. RESULTS: In the biomedical model, where the focus is on disease, communication is physician-centered with early redirection of patients' concerns, and associated with reduced compliance, increasing risk of malpractice claims and low professional fulfillment. The biopsychosocial and the developing integrative medicine models are based on biomedicine but aim to include the whole person. Patient-centeredness is a behavior that elicits, respects and incorporates patients' wishes, allows active patient participation and is related to improved outcomes. The homeopathic model is based on holism and comprehension of the totality of the patient and uses patient-centered communication with a high degree of physician co-operation, empathy, hopefulness, enablement and narrative competence, all of which can improve outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both biopsychosocial and homeopathic models rely on patient-centered communication. Regardless of conceptual differences, they overlap in their common respect for the totality and individuality of the patient. The study of the homeopathic model shows that respect for the whole person is a basic requirement to entrench patient-centeredness more firmly in medicine. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Medical education should include values such as individual coping strategies, the benefits of a sound and healthy life-style and the necessity of hope and enablement. Health care should be redesigned to honor physicians who practice these values. Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Apr 14. Hartog CS. Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747 Jena, Germany.

Homeopathic pathogenetic trials produce specific symptoms different from placebo

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:25:00 -0500

"In at the deep end": an intensive foundation training in homeopathy for medical students

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:23:00 -0500

UK medical students spend 25% of their curricular time on elective "Student Selected Components" (SSCs). We report one in homeopathic medicine run jointly by the University of Bristol and the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital. The SSC was an intensive four week course using a variety of learning methods, grounded in the Faculty of Homeopathy's Primary Health Care Examination (PHCE) Certificate syllabus. Students were exposed to specialist clinics and the prescribing methods used in them. They received tuition from a veterinarian, a psychiatrist, a medical historian, a professional homeopath and an expert in the evidence base of complementary medicine. Educational methods included interactive lectures, out-patient clinics, recorded video cases, live cases via video link, a "dream proving" and a reflective diary. At the end of the course students sat and passed the Faculty's PHC examination. Assessment also included an in-depth case report in which most students revealed understanding of the course. Though students were uncertain about the nature of the healing stimulus, many were affected by the healing responses they witnessed and the intellectual challenge of remedy selection. Some professed interest in further training and all wished to see the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital (BHH) develop as a centre for holistic care. For some the experience was "transformative learning". We conclude that this approach to a foundation training in homeopathy is feasible and effective. Homeopathy. 2009 Apr;98(2):107-13. Thompson TD, Thompson EA. Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol, Cotham House, Cotham Hill, Bristol BS66JL, UK. trevor.thompson@bris.ac.uk

Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:33:00 -0500

BACKGROUND: Homeopathic medicines are used by patients with cancer, often alongside conventional treatment. Cancer treatments can cause considerable morbidity and one of the reasons patients use homeopathic medicines is to help with adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicines used to prevent or treat adverse effects of cancer treatments. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following were searched up to November 2008: Cochrane PaPaS Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; BNI; CancerLIT; AMED; CISCOM; Hom-Inform; SIGLE; National Research Register; Zetoc; www.controlled-trials.com; http://clinicaltrials.gov; Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis (LMHI, Liga) conference proceedings; reference lists of relevant studies were checked; and homeopathic manufacturers, leading researchers and practitioners were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathic medicines in participants with a clinical or histological diagnosis of cancer where the intervention was aimed at preventing or treating symptoms associated with cancer treatments. All age groups, and all stages of disease were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and two review authors extracted data. Three review authors independently assessed trial quality using the Delphi List and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Where available, data were extracted for analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Eight controlled trials (seven placebo controlled and one trial against an active treatment) with a total of 664 participants met the inclusion criteria. Three studied adverse effects of radiotherapy, three studied adverse effects of chemotherapy and two studied menopausal symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment.Two studies with low risk of bias demonstrated benefit: one with 254 participants demonstrated superiority of topical calendula over trolamine (a topical agent not containing corticosteroids) for prevention of radiotherapy-induced dermatitis, and another with 32 participants demonstrated superiority of Traumeel S (a proprietary complex homeopathic medicine) over placebo as a mouthwash for chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. Two other studies reported positive results, although the risk of bias was unclear, and four further studies reported negative results.No serious adverse effects or interactions were reported attributable to the homeopathic medicines used. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found preliminary data in support of the efficacy of topical calendula for prophylaxis of acute dermatitis during radiotherapy and Traumeel S mouthwash in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. These trials need replicating. There is no convincing evidence for the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for other adverse effects of cancer treatments. Further research is required. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Apr 15;(2):CD004845. Kassab S, Cummings M, Berkovitz S, van Haselen R, Fisher P. Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, 60 Great Ormond Street, London, UK, WC1N 3HR. sosie.kassab@uclh.nhs.uk

Healthcare provided by a homeopath as an adjunct to usual care for Fibromyalgia (FMS)

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:20:00 -0500

Full Title: Healthcare provided by a homeopath as an adjunct to usual care for Fibromyalgia (FMS): results of a pilot Randomised Controlled Trial OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) design of usual care compared with usual care plus adjunctive care by a homeopath for patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: In a pragmatic parallel group RCT design, adults with a diagnosis of FMS (ACR criteria) were randomly allocated to usual care or usual care plus adjunctive care by a homeopath. Adjunctive care consisted of five in depth interviews and individualised homeopathic medicines. The primary outcome measure was the difference in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score at 22 weeks. RESULTS: 47 patients were recruited. Drop out rate in the usual care group was higher than the homeopath care group (8/24 vs 3/23). Adjusted for baseline, there was a significantly greater mean reduction in the FIQ total score (function) in the homeopath care group than the usual care group (-7.62 vs 3.63). There were significantly greater reductions in the homeopath care group in the McGill pain score, FIQ fatigue and tiredness upon waking scores. We found a small effect on pain score (0.21, 95% CI -1.42 to 1.84); but a large effect on function (0.81, 95% CI -8.17 to 9.79). There were no reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Given the acceptability of the treatment and the clinically relevant effect on function, there is a need for a definitive study to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of adjunctive healthcare by a homeopath for patients with FMS. Homeopathy. 2009 Apr;98(2):77-82. Relton C, Smith C, Raw J, Walters C, Adebajo AO, Thomas KJ, Young TA. School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. c.relton@sheffield.ac.uk