Informed consent in Alternative Treatments:
Definitions:
alternative
medicine
noun
noun: alternative medicine
1.
any of a range of medical therapies that are
not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism,
naturopathy, and crystal healing.
WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINES?
The term Alternative Medicine means any form of medicine that is outside the
mainstream of western medicine or conventional medicine as practiced a majority
of doctors today. This term is loosely used to over all forms of medicine
except allopathy. In 1973, the Medical Faculty of the University of Rome convened
the first World Congress of Alternative Medicines and the provisional program
contained no less than 135 therapies.
Alternative medicine exists in all cultures to some degree and terms such as
traditional medicine, indigenous medicine or folk medicine etc. are used to
describe such practices. These medicines date back hundred or even thousands of
years depending on the country and culture concerned.
There are more than 100 systems of alternative medicines still in practice all
over the world. Every country, region or area has its own traditional
system of health and medical cares such as for the Chinese it is acupuncture,
for the French, magnetic healing; for the Germans, Heilpraxis; for the English,
Herbalism; for India, Ayurveda with Siddha being widely practice in the
southern part of the country; for Japan, Shiatsu etc.
The most popular forms of alternative medicine are Ayurveda, Homeopathy,
Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Shiatsu,
Herbalism, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Chromo therapy, Diet
therapy, Hydropathy and Reiki.
Alternative Therapies
The following is a guide to
some alternative therapies
Acupressure
Similar to acupuncture, but using finger pressure rather than fine needles on
specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress,
aches and pains, menstrual cramps, arthritis.
Acupuncture
Fine needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and
regulate the flow of vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance. In
addition to pain relief, acupuncture is also used to improve wellbeing and
treat acute, chronic, and degenerative conditions in children and adults.
Aromatherapy
Using "essential oils" distilled from plants; aromatherapy treats
emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other
ailments. Oils are massaged into the skin in diluted form, inhaled, or
placed in baths. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage
therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic, and other holistic
treatments.
Astrology
Astrology is a humanistic attempt at trying to understand the cycles that we
share with the forces in the Universe. The planets have corresponding ruler
ship to certain vitamins, minerals, cell salts, herbs, metals, colours and parts
of the body. Through the chart, one can look to see what natal health
conditions exist. Through these precepts, we can then look at the present and
into the future to see what areas of our lives are being affected and
potentially how we can head off ill health and promote wellness.
Atlas Orthogonal
Atlas Orthogonal is a chiropractic program to evaluate and correct
subluxation based on scientific and biomechanical procedures. By incorporating
the latest advancements in scientific technology, chiropractors can calculate,
in precise detail, the vectors specific to an individual subluxation pattern,
and program their instrument with the specific correction vectors to deliver
the adjustment without any manipulation at all.
Ayurvedic
Medicine
Practiced in India for more than 5,000 years; ayurvedic tradition holds
that illness is a state of imbalance among the body's systems that can be
detected through such diagnostic procedures as reading the pulse and observing
the tongue. Nutrition counselling, massage, natural medications, meditation,
and other modalities are used to address a broad spectrum of ailments.
Auricular Therapy
Ancient Egyptian writings state that pain can be relieved by stimulating
certain points on the ear. In the 1800's, several publications indicated that
there were several techniques of cauterization and manipulation of the ears to
aid certain disorders. Many benefits can be achieved by massaging and palpating
specific points on the ear.
Alexander Technique
the Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits in
our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease
and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The technique
teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity,
giving you more energy for all your activities. It is not a series of
treatments or exercises, but rather a re-education of the mind and body.
Autogenic Training
It is a century-old European method for achieving relaxation based upon passive
concentration and body awareness of specific sensations. Its effectiveness has
been shown in relieving many stress-related disorders including anxiety,
tension, insomnia, and examination stress. Persons with chronic medical conditions
ranging from migraine, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, high blood
pressure, to thyroid disease and many other conditions have also been shown to
benefit from the practice of autogenic training.
Anthroposophical Medicine
Anthroposophical Medicine involves an internationally organized group of people
who think that Rudolf Steiner (an Austrian physician, 1861-1925) found the
ultimate truth - the anthroposophy. Steiner said: By anthroposophy, I mean a
scientific investigation of the spiritual world which will bring to light the weaknesses
and half-truths not only of science but also of modern mysticism. It is a
method which, before attempting to investigate the spiritual worlds, first
develops psychic powers not normally used in daily life or in current
scientific research.
Auto-Urine Therapy
This practice comes from Yoga and is the use of one's own urine as food,
medicine, restorative, transforming agent and immune system booster. It is
sometimes called 'Your Own Doctor'.
Holotropic Breathwork
It is a simple yet powerful technique for self-exploration and healing,
based on combined insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology
and perennial spiritual practices. The method activates non-ordinary states of
consciousness which mobilize the spontaneous healing potential of the psyche.
Sustained effective breathing, evocative music, focussed energy work and
mandala drawing are components of this subjective journey. 'Holotropic'
literally means 'moving towards wholeness'.
Biofeedback
A method of monitoring minute metabolic changes in one's own body with the aid
of sensitive machines. The technique is used especially for stress-related
conditions such as asthma, migraines, insomnia, and high
blood pressure. Clients learn to make subtle adjustments to move toward a more
balanced internal state by consciously visualizing, relaxing, or imagining
while observing light, sound, or metered feedback.
Bach Flower Remedies
A system of herbal remedies devised by Edward Bach; these floral
remedies can supposedly alter the disharmonies of personality and emotional
state that trouble us all from time to time. These remedies are mostly aimed at
curing emotional states rather than physical ones.
Cellular Therapy
Cellular therapy also called live cell therapy, cellular suspensions, glandular
therapy, fresh cell therapy, siccacell therapy, embryonic cell therapy, and
organotherapy -- refers to various procedures in which processed tissue from
animal embryos, foetuses or organs, is injected or taken orally. Products are
obtained from specific organs or tissues said to correspond with the unhealthy
organs or tissues of the recipient. Proponents claim that the recipient's body
automatically transports the injected cells to the target organs, where they
supposedly strengthen them and regenerate their structure. The organs and
glands used in cell treatment include brain, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals,
thymus, liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, ovary, testis, and parotid.
Several different types of cell or cell extract can be given simultaneously --
some practitioners routinely give up to 20 or more at once.
Chromotherapay or Colour Therapy
The use of colour (usually in the form of coloured light) to produce
beneficial or healing effects.
Colon Therapy
The therapeutic goals of colon therapy are to balance body chemistry,
eliminate waste, and restore proper tissue and organ function. Colon therapy
releases toxins, cleans the blood, stimulates the immune system, and aids in
restoring the pH balance in the body. Colon Therapy, also known as colonics, is
believed to relieve a wide range of symptoms related to colon dysfunction.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is a series of intravenous injections of the synthetic
amino acid EDTA, designed to detoxify the body. It is also often used to treat
arteriosclerosis. Most frequently, this is administered in an osteopathic or
medical doctor's office.
Chinese (Oriental) Medicine
Oriental medical practitioners are trained to use a variety of ancient and
modern therapeutic methods - including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage,
heat therapy, and nutritional and lifestyle counselling - to treat a
broad range of both chronic and acute illnesses.
Chiropractic
The chiropractic views the spine as the backbone of human health: misalignments
of the vertebrae caused by poor posture or trauma cause pressure on the spinal
nerve roots, leading to diminished function and illness. Through manipulation
or adjustment of the spine, treatment seeks to analyse and correct these
misalignments.
Colonics
A colonic is colon irrigation, the irrigation of the large intestine with
sanitized, filtered water under gentle pressure to wash out or detoxify it of
stagnated faecal material; it is a full intestinal enema.
Counseling/Psychotherapy
This broad category covers a range of practitioners, from career counsellors to
psychotherapies who treat depression, stress, addiction, and emotional issues.
Formats can vary from individual counselling to group therapy. Some
therapists may also incorporate bodywork, ritual, energy healing, and other
alternative modalities as part of their practice.
Cupping
It is a traditional Chinese medical technique which applies suction to diseased
parts of the body using ceramic glass or bamboo cups in order to increase the
regional circulation and thereby promote healing. In very ancient times the horns
of animals were used for this purpose.
Craniosacral Therapy
This is a manual therapeutic procedure for remedying distortions in the
structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism - the brain and spinal
cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum, and interconnected membranes. It
is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, TMJ, and a range of other
conditions.
Dance/Movement Therapies
Dance and/or movement therapy uses expressive movement as a therapeutic tool
for both personal expression and psychological or emotional healing.
Practitioners work with people with physical disabilities, addition issues,
sexual abuse histories, eating disorders, and other concerns.
Dentistry, Holistic
Holistic dentists are licensed dentists who bring an interdisciplinary approach
to their practice. They may incorporate such methods as homeopathy, nutrition
and acupuncture into their treatment plans. Most holistic dentists emphasize
wellness and preventive care while avoiding silver-mercury fillings.
Dowsing
Dowsing is an ancient art of searching for hidden things (water, precious
metals, etc) using one of the senses that many of us are not even aware of
possessing; reportedly 80% of people have this special gift - an ability to
sense things not perceptible to others. Some of these people do not need any
extra tools to do that - they just KNOW where the best place to dig a well is
or where the gold treasure is hidden.
Ear Candling
primarily used for wax build up and related hearing problems; ear candling is
also used for ear infections and sinus infections. Treatment involves placing
the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entry of the ear
canal, while the opposite end is lit.
Electropathy
Electropathy is a specialised system of therapeutics which involves the use of
various forms of electric currents for medicinal purposes.
Fasting Therapy
Therapeutic fasting or fasting for health is a purifying and rejuvenating
process by which toxic waste matters of the body are eliminated and
regeneration of diseased tissues occurs.
Feng Shui
Ancient Chinese practice of arranging the home or work environment to promote
health, happiness, and prosperity. Consultants may recommend changes in the
surroundings - from colour selection to furniture placement - in order to
promote a health flow of chi, or vital energy.
Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method is a systematic approach to neuromuscular relearning.
The method is suited to healthy people who want to increase the flexibility of
their bodies and thinking, people with neurological and movement disorders, and
those who want to achieve excellence in the arts, sports, or any endeavour.
Flower Essences
a method of alleviating negative emotional states that may contribute to
illness or hinder personal growth. Drops of a solution infused with the captured
“essence" of a flower are placed under the tongue or in a beverage. The
practitioner helps the client choose appropriate essences, focusing on the
client's emotional state rather than on a particular physical condition.
Gem Therapy
A relatively recent discovery in the field of alternative medicines, it
involves the use of specific gems to treat specific ailments.
Herbalism
an ancient form of healing still widely used in much of the world, herbalism
uses natural plants or plant-based substances to treat a range of illnesses and
to enhance the functioning of the body's systems. Though herbalism is not a
licensed professional modality in the United States, herbs are
"prescribed" by a range of practitioners.
Heliotherapy
Heliotherapy is the science conducted on the positive effects of the sun and is
an effective tool in boosting the body's immune system.
Holistic Medicine
A descriptive term for a healing philosophy that views a patient as a whole
person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms. In the course of
treatment, holistic medical practitioners may address a client's emotional and
spiritual dimensions as well as the nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle
factors that may contribute to an illness. Many holistic medical practitioners
combine conventional forms of treatment with natural or alternative
treatments.
Homoeopathy
A medical system that uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances -
called remedies - to stimulate a person's immune and defence system. A remedy
is individually chosen for a sick person based on its capacity to cause, if
given in overdose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those a
patient is experiencing. Common conditions homeopathy addresses are infant and
childhood diseases, infections, fatigue, allergies, and chronic illnesses such
as arthritis.
Hypnotherapy
a means of bypassing the conscious mind and accessing the subconscious, where
suppressed memories, repressed emotions, and forgotten events may remain
recorded. Hypnosis may facilitate behavioural, emotional, or attitudinal change
such as weight loss, or smoking cessation. It is also used to treat phobias,
stress, and as an adjunct in the treatment of illness.
Hydrotherapy
It is defined as the scientific application of water for therapeutic purposes.
Water may be used at various temperatures, in different modes and in different
forms.
Iridology
the diagnostic system based on the premise that every organ has a corresponding
location within the iris of the eye, which can serve as an indicator of the
individual organ's health or disease. Iridology is used by naturopaths and
other practitioners, particularly when diagnosis achieved through standard
methods is unclear.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of the human body during movement. There are many
disciplines within Kinesiology including anatomy, biomechanics, exercise
physiology, motor control, motor learning, neuromuscular physiology, sports
psychology, and philosophy. Kinesiology graduates enter a variety of careers
and graduate programs related to the understanding of how the body works
including medical school, physical and occupational therapy schools, athletic
training, and other health professions, public school teaching, sport and
exercise related fields, the military, business, and law.
Lymph Drainage Therapy
Therapy to drain and improve the lymphatic vessels, a system of tubes or canals
through which lymph is carried from different parts of the body.
Massage Therapeutic
a general term for a range of therapeutic approaches with roots in both Eastern
and Western cultures. It involves the practice of manipulating a person's
muscles and other soft tissue with the intent of improving a person's
well-being or health, and may include, but not be limited to, effleurage, deep
tissue, percussion, vibration, and joint movement.
Magnetotherapy
The art of healing by the application of natural and artificial magnets to the
diseased parts of the human body. It is a clinical system by which human
ailments are treated and cured through the application of magnets to the body
of the patients.
Midwifery/Childbirth Support
Midwives provide education and support during pregnancy, assist the mother
during labour and delivery, and provide follow-up care. Practitioners of
childbirth support include childbirth educators, assistants, and doulas (women labour
coaches who also provide postpartum home care).
Native American Herbology
Native American healers and spiritual leaders seldom travel far from their
homes and even more infrequently publicize their work - it is not the way.
However, there is a body of knowledge about the herbal treatments used by
various Native People. Much of the information has been tested and incorporated
into our present herbal therapies.
Natural Products
Products composed of organically grown plants and containing no chemicals.
These products may be used cosmetically as well as for health and
nutrition.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support the body's own healing
abilities using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine,
homeopathic medicine, and orient medicine. A primary health-care system which
emphasizes the curative power of nature, treating both acute and chronic
illnesses in all age groups.
Network Chiropractic
this refers to a network of independent chiropractic offices that use Network
Spinal Analysis, a method characterized by the sequential application of a
number of gentle, specific adjusting techniques. Care progresses through a
series of levels that parallel spinal and quality-of-life changes.
Ohashiatsu
A system of physical techniques, exercise and meditation used to relieve
tension and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The practitioner
first assesses a person's state by feeling the hara, the area below the navel.
Then, using continuous and flowing movements, the practitioner presses and
stretches the body's energy channels, working in unison with the person's
breathing.
Oriental Diagnosis
it is a diagnostic procedure by which the patient's pulse is examined to detect
disease according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care, including preventive
medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals.
In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones,
muscles, and nerves and are specially trained in osteopathic manipulative
treatment - using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Physiotherapy
It is a wonderful manipulative technique by which the deformities of an
individual are modified in order to notify the body and the vital organs in
accordance with the principles of naturopathy.
Pyramid Healing
A potential healing method using pyramidal structures.
Radiesthesia
The use of of dowsing or divining to diagnose disease and select remedies. It
can be used to diagnose any condition according to leading practitioners.
Basically, it is simply a method of arriving at a diagnosis and treatment using
the human being as the diagnostic instrument.
Radionics
A therapy that has grown up around the ability of the human being to use
radiesthesia together with simple instruments to help in the diagnosis of
disease in animals, plants and humans and then to treat this disease at a
distance without the presence of the patient.
Reconstructive Therapy/Prolotherapy
Reconstructive therapy uses injections of natural substances such as dextrose,
glycerin, and phenol in order to stimulate the growth of connective tissue and
this strengthens weak or damaged joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
This therapy is used to treat degenerative arthritis, lower back pain, torn
ligaments and cartilage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions.
Reflexology
this modality is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands
correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. With fingers and
thumbs, the practitioner applies pressure to these points to treat a
wide range of stress-related illnesses.
Reiki
Practitioners of this ancient Tibetan healing system use light hand placements
to channel healing energies to the recipient. While practitioners may vary
widely in technique and philosophy, Reiki is commonly used to treat
emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems,
and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.
Rolfing
A massage technique using deep manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue)
to restore the body's natural alignment, which may have become rigid through
injury, emotional trauma, and inefficient movement habits. The
process involves ten sessions, each focusing on a different part of the
body.
Shiatsu
The most widely known form of acupressure, shiatsu has been used in Japan for
more than 1,000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health
maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger
pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or the vital
energy.
Sound Therapy
The use of sound waves to heal.
Tibetan Medicine
Evolved as a synthesis of Tibetan, Chinese and Persian Medicine, and even
Ayurveda. These remedies include indigenous herbs, fruits, flowers, metallic
powders and minerals given in tablets, and are especially effected in
treating rheumatism, asthma, gastritis, diabetes and many neurological
disorders.
Unani
Involves the use of plants and herbs, these remedies are known to provide cures
for diseases such as sinusitis, leucoderma, rheumatism, jaundice and
elephantiasis.
Vision Therapies
Through exercise and relaxation techniques, vision may actually be improved to
the point that glasses may no longer be needed. Therapies are typically offered
by licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Vitamin Therapy
a complementary therapy of vitamin usage combined with other treatments to
address a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning of the body's
systems. Assists the immune system in combating diseases such as Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome and HIV/AIDS.
Wellness Restoration
A comprehensive program designed to increase muscle mass by using adequate
nutrition, supplementation, anabolic steroid therapy and resistance weight
training to prevent/reverse wasting in HIV disease.
Yoga Therapy
The use of yoga to address mental and physical problems while integrating body
and mind.
The main
purpose behind enumerating the long list of CAM treatments is too portrait to
the reader the exhaustive nature of alternative treatments available to the
society, every nook and corner of the cities or interiors there is presence of
the variety of treatments available .Also many of the above enumerated maybe
completely out of practise or extremely rare yet they are present. It is very
important for us to know the nature of each of it as we may face them sometime
in future!
SUPERSTITION:
superstition
ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃ(ə)n,ˌsjuː-/
noun
noun: superstition
1. excessively
credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural.
o a widely held
but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good
or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief.
plural noun: superstitions
The
antonym for superstition is SCIENCE!!!
Thus it
goes without saying that science has always had its battle with superstitions
and INFORMED CONSENT, in case of superstitions will hold a back seat, as I have
pointed earlier also SOUL CONSENT,
Universal
Consent,
Healing
consent.
These
methods are used in many of the above pathies.
HOMOEOPATHY
AND INFORMED CONSENT: An example of the CONSENT FORM used By Homoeopathy Practitioners.
Name
and location of practitioner:
Lisa Amerine, N.D. Dee
Warner, F.N.P
Purehomeopathy pureprimary
care
600
W. Emma St 600
W. Emma St
Lafayette,
CO 80026 Lafayette,
CO 80026
Licenses
Dr.
Amerine holds a current licenses issued by the State of Arizona Naturopathic
Physicians Board of Medical Examiners.
Dee Warner, F.N.P. holds a current license in Nursing with the State of
Colorado. License numbers are on file.
Naturopathic
Doctors are not licensed as primary care physicians in the state of Colorado.
There are certain services that our doctors cannot provide, such as writing
prescriptions and performing routine screening exams. Nurse Practitioners are
licensed in the state of Colorado and can provide prescriptions and any diagnoses
needed. Naturopathic medicine and
Homeopathy are not a substitute for conventional medical care. It is
recommended that you continue services with your primary care physician.
Experience
and Training
All
of the doctors at purehomeopathy hold N.D. degrees from the Southwest College
of Naturopathic Medicine. Their training includes:
Four
years of post-graduate medical instruction
Studies
in basic sciences, conventional diagnosis, pharmacology, and natural therapies
including homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition and hydrotherapy
1200
hours of clinical training
Medical
degree accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools.
Two-step
licensing exams, including basic science and clinical boards, administered
nationally by NPLEX
Payment
and fees
The doctors at purehomeopathy are not contracted
with insurance providers. We do accept payment from Health Savings Accounts
(HSA) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSA). Payment to purehomeopathy is expected
at the time of service, via cash, check, or visa/mastercard/discover/amex. See
attached schedule of fees and services
Appointments can be changed or cancelled up to 24
hours before the scheduled time. Missed appointments are subject to a $50
missed appointment fee.
You
will be notified if there are any changes of services or charges.
Product
Sales
Homeopathic medicines and nutritional supplements
are available to purchase through purehomeopathy. This is a service that is
available for your convenience. You are not required to purchase items
recommended by your doctor from purehomeopathy. You are free to purchase these
or similar products at the retailer of your choice.
SIGNATURES:_________________
In this paper I would
like to show how I , tackle Informed consent in my daily practise and also try
to answer some questions that may arise in this process.
So what information
should we as Homeopaths give to patients to ensure they are able to give their
'informed consent'.
How homeopaths tackle
the tricky issue of informed consent?
Do we set out some of the controversial
aspects of homeopathy, the current lack of understanding of how homeopathy
might work, and so on?
Do we allow patients to
make their own informed decisions on the back of this information, or do we
make that decision for them?
Homoeopathy is a very
complex science based on the laws and thus I as a homoeopath will get furious
in case homeopathy was called PSUEDOSCIENCE,
Not getting into the
bureaucracy of medicine here’s is a SCIENTIFIC UNDERSSTANDING OF EVIDENCE BASED
HOMOEPATHY
Homoeopathy is based on the
natural or Fundamental laws. These laws are in accordance with the established
scientific laws of the universe. The same laws apply and hold good in
homoeopathy, hence it is called the scientific system of medicine. The laws of
nature cannot be changed or cannot change. They remain for ever and so does the
homoeopathic laws.. The fundamental laws of homoeopathy are as follows,
1. Law of Cure:
a. Similia
Similibus Curentur.This is the law
underlying the cure and its knowledge to the mankind was known since ancient
period. It is recorded in the manuscript of ancient hindu religion.It was known
by Aristotle and was appplied by Hippocrates in treating some cases.
b. Cure
takes place from above downward, from within outward, from the more important
to the less important organ, and in the reverse order of the onset of the
symptoms.
Cure doesn't simply mean the disappearance of
symptoms. Their disappearance must be as per the anove law. Every true cure
that has taken place has followed this law of direction and will follow the
same in the future.
2. Law of Action:
Action and reaction are equal and opposite.
3. Law of Quantity and Dose:
The quantity of action necessary to effect any change
in nature is the least possible; the decisive amount is always a minimum, an
infinitesimal.
4. Law of Quantity:
The quantity of drug required is in inverse ration to
the similarity.
This means in patients where there is greater
similarity between the indicated drug and disease symptoms, then the less
quantity of drug is required.
5. Law of Quality:
The quality of the action of a homoeopathic remedy is
determined by its quantity, in inverse ratio.
6. Law of Biological development:
Function creates and develops the organ.
7. Law of Disease Development:
Functional symptoms are produced by the vital force in
exact proportion to the profundity of the disturbance. The functional symptoms
precede structural changes.
8. Law of Use governing the homoeopathic remedy:
The dose and quantity that will thoroughly permeate
the organism and make its essential impress upon the vital force is that which
will affect the functional sphere of the individual.
9. Law of Repetition(for Proving):
Never repeat the dose while symptoms are manifest from
the dose already taken.
The above law guides the physician while proving
the drugs in healthy human beings to discover the symptomatology of the drug.
The symptoms are developed in natural cycles during proving.
10. Law of Repetition(for Cure):
Never repeat your remedy so long as it continues to
act.
11. Laws of Proving:
These laws deal with various types of substances
for proving. These laws are in accordance with the above laws of action, law of
quantity and dose, law of quantity and law of quality.
i. Any drug
which in its natural state affects the vital energy but little will develop a
proving only in a high potency.
ii. Any
drug which in its natural state disturbs the vital energy to functional
manifestations only may be proven in a crude form.
iii. Any
drug which in its natural state disturbs the vital energy to destructive
manifestations should be proven only in a potentiated form.
Homoeopathy
has a rich Historical value also where Dr.Hahnemann who was actually an
allopathic physician has worked tirelessly for years and proved every drug.
Eventually formed the science of cure
that is known as Homoeopathy.
Every new Homeopathy patients who enters my clinic fit into one of two categories.
1.)Some arrive at an early stage of their
illness because they have already decided that they do not want to go through
the Modern medicine route of drug-based treatment.
2.) second have gone through the modern
medicine route, some for many years, and found that their health has not
improved, or has gradually declined.
In both the scenarios I don’t not take for
granted that the patient knows enough about their illness, and its treatment by
Homeopathy, to ensure that they can make an 'informed choice' about it. I sit
with them spending enough time and explaining various aspects I always start
with the question; HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW REGARDING HOMOEPATHY? Maximum times its
to my relief I have found that potential patients have already done
considerable research into Homeopathy, and/or have heard about it from former
patients who have been treated successfully. But nevertheless the question
remains important. What patients say in response to it will determine what the
Homeopath needs to say to enable them to make an 'informed choice' about
proceeding with Homeopathy. Like for example after the news of MMR vaccines
causing autism in children, many parents met me with the queries of making
HOMOEOPATHIC PROPHYAXIS an option for the new born, with the onset of such
queries it became important for me to understand the rules laid down for
newborns, diseases like TUBERCULOSIS
POLIO
MUMPS
MEASELS
SMALLPOX
Are very dangerous and I hold a very important
responsibility of giving prophylaxis to my young patients.
Here the Consent was very important for my
safety because though homoeopathy only deals with PROVED DRUGS which are then
USED AS MEDICINES, it can be difficult and tricky.
Before giving any prophylaxis to my patients it
was made sure that a complete understanding was given to the parents.
A 5years prophylaxis course was designed for
the children from birth to 5years of age, and a safe method was proposed and
very stringent protocol is observed.
Homoeopathic
Prophylaxis (HP)(
Homoeopathic Disease prevention without needles)
Happy
Homoeopathy Clinic is now Bringing Homoeopathic Vaccination (no Needles!!) to you
In
association with Kate Birch.
A
complete program from birth till 5 years of age
Homoeopathic
Prophylaxis (HP)
System for your child.
This
will have raised many questions in your mind
This
service will be available at
Saifee
Hospital- every Thursday between 8.30AM till 11.30AM with
HAPPY
HOMOEOPATHY CLINICS
Dr.Fatema
Palgharwala—09762688352.
For
crisp information kindly read on, for more kindly meet the Doctor at the above
time.
How can
we stimulate immunity without killing the person?
How can
we mimic natural responses diseases to disease with artificial means?
HP works to stimulate your child’s immune system
in a natural and gentle way so as to stimulate immunity to specific diseases
without damaging the immune system. HP is the introduction to disease agents in
the attenuated form of a homeopathic dilution. No disease is present, no toxic
adjuvants included. Some immune system response such as mild temporary fever or
discharge is the expected outcome, of stimulating the immune system in this
way. The result is a healthy immune system, with learned immunity to a variety
of infectious agents without side effects.
The
Problem with Vaccination
Disease
is injected straight into the blood
Bypassing
general immune system receptors
Delayed
febrile response if at all
Period
of agitation prior to cellular response
Cellular
activity is delayed as general immune system is not activated
Viral
particles remain in body
Immune
system confusion from all the stimulating and suppressing action of the
adjuvants
Resultant
Symptom Picture
Recurrent
fevers
Sicknesses
that don’t resolve
Repetitive
ear infections
Allergies,
asthma
Behavioral
changes
Pervasive
Developmental delays
Food
sensitivities
ADD,
ADHD
Disturbances
in brain function
Autism
Similarities
between Vaccination and Homeoprophylaxis
Aim to
prevent disease
Introduction
of a disease agent into the body to stimulate immunity prior to exposure to
disease
Differences
Vaccination
Material
dose
Adjuvants
Germ
injected directly into the blood stream
Multiple
diseases given at once
Homeoprophylaxis
Energetic
dose
No
adjuvants
Imprint
of the germ and discharge in response to the germ
Administered
orally
Single
disease at a time
My patients should know how does homeopathy work?
Usually I have
experienced it is not important! Indeed, it is probably not important for
patients who seek help from any medical discipline. Patients know that they are
ill, and that they want to get better. And it is not my experience that
patients want to sit through a long, philosophical lecture on the working
mechanism of any particular medical therapy!
So I usually
keep the explanation (or answer) to this question quite brief, mentioning the
homeopathic principle of 'treating like with like', and briefly describing
'remedy pictures', and 'symptoms of illness', and the importance in Homeopathy
of matching the two together. If patients want to ask further questions about
this (and most don't) I will try to provide them with answers, based on my
understanding.
However, one
important point should be made in response to this question. This concerns the
nature of the healing process, and how this will be driven by the body, and not
by the homeopathic remedy. All the remedy does is to seek to assist the body to
do so - it will not do so in its own right. Remedies are not 'wonder cures',
all they do is to 'nudge' the body towards its self-healing task.
In addition,
every patient should be told that Homeopathy works best when it is used as part
of a 'holistic' strategy, which stresses the importance of good diet, exercise,
and other life-style factors.
Another Important question put forward by patients. Is homeopathy an
effective treatment for their condition or illness? And how safe is it?
Safety.
I usually begin with
the latter - safety. I tell them that homeopathy is safe, and will not cause
'side-effects', 'adverse reactions', or indeed, cause disease or death. To
support this, I will give a brief description of how remedies are made - by
serial dilution and succussion. I will then affirm that if, together, we arrive
at the wrong remedy it will do absolutely no good whatsoever - but likewise it
will do no harm!
Thus showing my patients
that homoeopathy is completely safe and never cause a side effect in medical
dosage.
Talking about safety of homeopathy medicines
in this case
Citing the case of a homeopathy
overdose
Juggankhan v State of Madhya Pradesh (1965)1 SCR
14]
Date of Decision: 10.08.1964
The appellant, a registered Homoeopathic medical practitioner under the Madhya
Pradesh Homoeopathic and Bio-chemic Practitioners Act, 1951, issued a pamphlet
advertising that he inter alia treated Naru (guinea worm). Believing
this, Smt. Deobi, aged about 20 year visited the appellant's clinic. along with
some member: of her family, for treatment. The appellant administered 24 drop.
of mother tincture stramonium and a leaf of dhatura. However, soon after taking
the medicine, Deobi felt restless and ill and despite administration of
antidotes, she died the same evening. In the trial for murder under section 302
of the IPC, the appellant was convicted. When the matter reached the Apex
Court, the Court considered whether. in view of the nature of the appellant'
offence he was rightly convicted under s 302 of the IPC. The Court agreed with
the lower Courts that Deobi' death resulted from poisoning. However. after
considering the material, the Court found it could not be established that the
administered dose was fatal or that the appellant had administered stramonium
drops and dhatura leaf with the knowledge that it was likely to cause death.
But the court observed that stramonium and dhatura leaf were poisonous and in
Homoeopathy dhatura leaf was never administered as such. In fact. in no system
of medicine, except perhaps Ayurvedic, was: dhatura leaf given as a cure for
guinea worms and that the appellant prescribed the medicine without thoroughly
studying the effect of giving 24 drops of stramonium and a leaf of dhatura. The
court held that it was a rash and negligent act to prescribe poisonous
medicines without studying their probable effect. The Court also held that
though it was true,as ruled in , John Oni v King [AIR (1943) 30 PC 72], that
care should be taken before imputing criminal negligence to a professional man
acting in the course of his profession, even then it was clear that the
appellant was guilty of a rash and negligent act and hence liable for
conviction under s. 304A, IPC.
Effectiveness of my Homoeopathy treatment and
medicines
It is then
quite easy to move on to discuss effectiveness. I have always felt it important
to tell patients that in order to be effective, a correct or 'similar' remedy
has to be found. If such a remedy is found there will be some measure of
improvement in the condition or illness. If it is not there will be no
improvement. At this stage I always feel that it is important to manage
expectations. There are no guarantees. This is especially important, perhaps,
when a patient has arrived after homeopathy has cured or successfully treated a
friend or relative (the source of most new referrals). My hair loss patients
always come looking for more hair on their head and always refer automatically
and yet as a physician I cannot claim that every bald head will get hair,
reasons will be based on age, body dynamics, diagnosis. Etc.
A classic
case of Hydrocephalus which I came across in March 2013 was a rare occurrence
and this one case which fetched me the whole village as my client.
Homoeopathy
case-taking is a very exhaustive process and often makes patients nervous and
tired, yet it’s the most important part of treatment with us, I make my
patient aware about homeopathy,
that the treatment process needs to be a partnership, and that it is not an
'expert-client' relationship. Although
the Homeopath may have all the training and knowledge needed to determine a
remedy that is 'similar', he/she can only arrive at this if the patient is able
to openly, honestly and with insight, explain and describe their
symptoms.
Understanding
the concept of sign and symptoms is very VITAL in Homoeopathy practice
Definition of Sign
1: one of a set of gestures used to represent
language
Definition of
symptom
: subjective evidence of disease or
physical disturbance observed by the patient <headache is a symptom of many diseases> <visual disturbances
may be a symptom
of retinal arteriosclerosis>; broadly : something that indicates the presence
of a physical disorder
This means that the patient
is a vital part of the process. Even the most skilled and experienced Homeopath
has to depend on the patient for the treatment to be effective.
Normally I will also tell
patients that I am likely to ask some strange, and sometime intimate questions,
and that these questions will often appear to have little relationship to the
illness or disease being treated (at least, not in conventional terms).
In my experience,
Homeopathy works best when it is conducted within a professional relationship
that is open, honest and transparent. And I know of no reason why the
homeopath-patient relationship should be based on anything else!
Homoeopathy prescription:
After the above methods and arrangement for the same is made the patient
is now aware about the methods to be used, I follow the method of APPOINTMNET
AND MEETING THE CLIENT on the given time, this makes it easy for me and client
to understand and work together,
The diagnostic reports,
surgical reports and earlier prescriptions have to be submitted for scrutiny
before the consultation, a fee structure is explained and payment options
given.
Complete case taking is performed and followed
by required diagnostic tests are prescribed,
A complete
physical examination is then commenced and all notes taken.
Homoeopaths like
me have become modern and we prefer video case taking instead of sitting and
writing out every point, and this is a very IMPORTANT AREA for INFORMED CONSENT
IN HOMOEPATHY PRACTISE,
The Patient is
made completely aware that I am making a VIDEO RECORDING, during the consultation,
patients generally consent for this method and ask questions about privacy and
it is made sure that it is followed.
The video
recording of surgical processes is also made by many hospitals and surgeons
which is made it important for Doctor-Patient safety.
Thus a complete
holistic approach is achieved here,
After completion
of case taking and examinations and diagnostics, a Homoeopathic Prescription is
made, which states the
HOMOEPATHIC
PRESCRIPTION:
DATE.
NAMES.
REMEDY NAMES.
DOSAGE .
TIME OF DOSAGE.
PERIOD OF DOSAGE.
FOLLOW UP CRITERIA.
DIET REGIMEN.
DIET RESTRICTIONS.
EXERCISE REGIMEN.
EXERCISE
RESTRICTIONS.
The general
understanding in India is that Homoeopaths make their own medicine and supply
to the patient, yet this is a MYTH and not always correct,
A proper
prescription and the client will decide where the homoeopathy medicines can be
bought from.
A proper address
of the pharmacy is always supplied for ease to the patient. And a proper
invoice for medicine bought is supplied.
Thus in practice
it is observed that every aspect of healthcare and CONSENT TAKING proper
communication is achieved.
In my observation
homoeopathy is no different than any other pathies and the ETHICS will never
change and rather should never change.
Looking at the
opposite factor which is also possible and is an invitation for trouble
For CAM practitioners
is
The alternative
medicine world is faced by a theory which says that these pseudoscience’s are
NOT EVIDENCE BASED SCIENCES there is not enough research and evidence that a
particular organic substance will cause cure, while Homoeopathy and Ayurveda
have little acceptance in the Modern Medicine in India the case is complete No
in US UK OR Canada where these science hold No status, reason being that the
science according to them is NOT EVIDENCE BASED,
The area of
Informed Consent is jeopardized by CAM because,
The intrusion into “conventional”
medicine of implausible and unproven treatments by supporters of CAM, and those
who will benefit from their support, does not alter the ethical and legal
obligations of physicians to be truthful with their patients. Medical ethics
demand that such treatments not be offered. If they are recommended, ethically the
physician has, at the very least, a duty to disclose implausibility and lack of
evidence of effectiveness. Legally, physicians offer such treatments at the
risk of being sued for battery based on the claim that patient consent is
nullified by misrepresentation if implausibility and lack of effectiveness are
not disclosed. Alternatively, if the CAM treatment results in harm, physicians
risk suit under a negligence theory. It should be easy enough to prove by
expert testimony, under the physician standard of disclosure that implausible
and ineffective treatments would not be offered by a reasonably prudent
physician. Under the patient standard, a jury would be hard pressed to conclude
that a reasonable patient would find it immaterial to that the proffered
treatment lacked scientific plausibility and evidence of effectiveness.
Ethical Duty of Informed Consent and CAM
I understand that certain
treatments should not be offered to patients, even if the physician believes
they are unlikely to result in harm to the patient. Which would include any
treatment which:
a. is implausible on a
priori grounds (because its implied mechanisms or putative effects contradict
well-established laws, principles, or empirical findings in physics, chemistry
or biology),
b. lacks a scientifically
acceptable rationale of its own,
c. has insufficient
supporting evidence derived from adequately controlled outcome research, or
d. has failed in
well-controlled studies done by impartial evaluators and has been unable to
rule out competing explanations for why it might seem to work in uncontrolled
settings.
Such treatments are called “quackery” and beyond doubt it is unequivocal
that “doctors should not truck with quackery” and that “physicians should not
offer or accede to patient demands for unproven treatments.”
For example When a patient
enters a homoeopathy clinic and presents a case of Classical Gall-Stones
requiring surgery and intervention, it is my duty as a clinician to explain the
same to my patient and not simply take the case and handle is medically and
give homoeopathic drugs and wait for the gall-stones to melt, which is seldom possible,
although in my theory books it is possible, there has to be a discretion in me
that includes modern medicine and its helpful areas. The same is expected from
the modern medicine practitioners; while we physicians understand this point or
view it is very important for the law also to understand this, when a modern
medicine practitioner would refer a case to a CAM practitioner and vice versa
the patients consent is considered to be understood as trust, it will be
difficult if patients were allowed to sue us on meager basis.
Patients have a range of
expectations of their physicians, with different patients looking for different
things, which may include hope, compassion and comfort. However, patients
universally seek effective and safe treatment; they want to be cured.
Consequently, the legal and ethical systems that establish the parameters
within which physicians practice must demand at the very least that physicians
utilize their skills and knowledge to offer patients treatment which they
reasonably believe will actually treat the condition from which they suffer.
This minimum requirement precludes physicians form offering as medicine
something that is not – even if it will, in a psychological or emotional sense,
make the patient ‘feel better.’ To do otherwise misleads the patient about what
ultimately matters — that she is receiving treatment for her condition. . . .
The very fact that it is a physician who prescribes the therapy will endow the
treatment with a false sense of legitimacy. . . . Patients do not expect physicians
to succumb to fads or illegitimate pressure to provide treatment that has no
reasonable chance of helping the patient. In medicine, that hope is inspired by
scientific proof, whether or not the treatment is conventional or alternative.
If offering CAM to patients
is ethically contraindicated, and the basis of that conclusion is, in part, a
physician’s fiduciary obligation to be truthful with their patients, and the
corresponding desire of patients for treatments that are actually beneficial,
then, a fortiori, a physician offering implausible and unproven CAM
treatments would have an ethical obligation to tell patients about that very
implausibility and lack of efficacy.
MEDICAL LAWYER AND ETHICS CONSULTANT http://www.healthlibrary.com/helptalks.php?action=list&speaker_id=739
