Recently the BC college of pharmacists has opened comments on it’s policy of allowing the sale of homeopathic remedies in pharmacies by regulate members. I made a comment on this topic, which is reproduced below. I hope you all enjoy it!

If you would like to comment yourself, please do so at: https://www.bcpharmacists.org/readlinks/registrar’s-message-homeopathic-products-pharmacies?fbclid=IwAR187hD0GtQpWSXbF5ZkHTCBPVfIzplXoWt5Jnl47t-ZaLgsPBM2PPz0S8I

The belief that Homeopathy has no evidence is not a belief founded in fact. When one objectively and nondeceptively examines the homeopathic literature, one discovers that the overall balance of evidence, when considered without bias, is positive, both in terms of clinical trial literature, and in terms of the in vitro data. I reviewed the clinical trial data here:

https://ndnr.com/…/greater-than-placebo-a-critical…/

I have also reviewed the in vitro data in this blog post:

http://www.drpaultheriault.com/…/homeopathy-has-in…/

There currently is movement to ignore these sets of evidence, and to use instead ostracism and social stigma against homeopathy because it is not understandable within the worldview of allopathic medicine has taken root, including an increasing movement to deny legal access to Homeopathic remedies, which are without doubt incredibly safe medical interventions.

This movement is illegitimate. Homeopathy is safe, and is an excellent intervention in a wide range of conditions, and deserves a legal place in pharmacies.

Hi Everyone. I just had a new article published. It actually started on this blog as an article on the meta-analyses of clinical trials of Homeopathy. I updated it, and NDNR was kind enough to publish it!

Anyway, here is the Article. I hope you enjoy it!

https://ndnr.com/pain-medicine/greater-than-placebo-a-critical-review-of-homeopathy-research/

Take care of yourselves!

Hi Everyone. I was recently reading when I came across the following research newspaper summary.

I was fascinated by it. This was criticism, from a non Naturopathic source, which articulated a Naturopathic criticism of the allopathic system of disease that has existed for at least a century, and which was held by our forbears for centuries prior to the formation of Naturopathic Medicine.

To remind ourselves the principles of Naturopathic medicine are

1. The body is a self regulating whole.
2. Disease as an attempt of the vitality to restore balance within it’s whole self.
3. Successful treatment of disease involves the stimulation of the bodies own self regulatory ability.

Allopathic medicine holds to different principles:

1. The body is a complex machine
2. Disease is a malfunction of the machine
3. Successful treatment of disease is the return of the body to statistically normal function

These basics, while simple, lead to some profound differences in practice and all other aspects of Medicine, diagnosis perhaps most of all.

Allopathic medicine’s ideas about health and illness tend to also produce the concept of the diagnosis, the idea that there are entities, which we term diseases, that afflict people. Naturopathic medicine, in contrast recognizes common physiological processes which can become disordered in individuals, but places much less emphasis on entities. In allopathic medicine diagnosis leads to a treatment to treat diseases and return it’s functioning to normal. Naturopathic diagnoses tend to focus on physiological functions that have been disrupted, and, using homeopathy, the curative therapy. Naturopath’s diagnose a phosphorus pneumonia, a rumex cough, a calc carb diarrhea, and so forth.

The above article that I mentioned pointed out the futility of the allopathic system of diagnosis and treatment in the area of psychiatry. Diagnoses are overlapping and arbitrary, and bear no relationship to therapy. Diagnoses also conceal a number of common processes, such as developmental trauma, and I would also argue, developmental plateau and nutrient deficiency, common processes which contribute to many pathologies.

Allopathic therapies, based on drugs, electroshock therapy, and some psychotherapy, do not address these processes, by and large. Some noble and notable MDs have indeed spoken about about this, such as Gabor Mate, and Megan Rodway, have spoken on this, but the vast majority of practicing psychiatrists have not absorbed these insights. At the moment, only those rare MDs, and Naturopathic Doctors, are thier best option.

Hi Everyone. I have a new book releasing!

This is the 6th paperback volume of my Table of Animals Project, detailing the Hemichordates, Echinoderms ( starfish), Lampreys, Sharks, and Bony Fish. It is a lovely work, and I hope you all enjoy it.

You can purchase the physical book here, and the ebook here.

It was also most lovely to travel accross Canada this week to begin presenting some of my ideas. I was in Saskatoon to present on ideas of immunity and vitality, and in Montreal to present briefly on the relationship of the butterflies and plants and Michal Yakir’s teaching. This was particularly wonderful, and Michal inspired my own work with animals. We got along wonderfully, had a lovely trituration after the seminar, and then agreed to do some collaborative work. HEre is a phot of us holding each other’s books!

Anyway, I hope you Enjoy the books! Please do read them, and tell me what you think!

Take care of yourselves!

I hope you all had an excellent Naturopathic Medicine week in 2019!

As always, I will conclude the week with a blog post detailing the research into Naturopathic Medicine. Each year seems to bring new advances, which I am immensely grateful for. To begin with, we should discuss Naturopathic regulation globally, something that the World Naturopathic Federation has done wonderfully in the following paper. One of my own teachers, Dr. Mike Prytula, ND, has also made a lovely introductory video on Naturopathic Medicine.

To begin with, two reviews of all clinical trials on Naturopathic medicine have been conducted. The first was done in 2015, and found clinical trials on 13 conditions, finding statistically significant results in 10 of them. A second review conducted in 2019 found 33 trials, with Naturopathic medicine being found effective in pain, cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, depression and anxiety.

A newer review was also performed, specifically in regard to side effects of Naturopathic medicine and surgical practice. The reviewers found a number of potential benefits naturopathic treatment could have in relation to surgery that demand further study, and no reports of serious side effects present.

Naturopathic care in Cardiovascular disease was recently examined in a clinical trial. 246 postal workers received Naturopathic care (207 completed the study) in addition to normal family medicine from their MD. Lab chemistry was taken before and after Naturopathic care,and their risk of a major cardiovascular even was computed using the Framingham Risk Score method of computing the likelihood of a Cardiovascular event,  and the Adult Risk Panel III to compute the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. One group in the study received Naturopathic care plus normal medical care, and another received only normal medical care. In this study a highly significantly reduced risk of a major cardiovascular event (risk reduction in control group of 10.81, risk in Naturopathic group of 7.74% for a reduction of 3.07%) and a reduction of metabolic syndrome (48.48% control group, 31.58% Naturopathic group for a reduction 16.9%).Naturopathic care in Cardiovascular disease was recently examined in a clinical trial. 246 postal workers received Naturopathic care (207 completed the study) in addition to normal family medicine from their MD. Lab chemistry was taken before and after Naturopathic care,and their risk of a major cardiovascular even was computed using the Framingham Risk Score method of computing the likelihood of a Cardiovascular event,  and the Adult Risk Panel III to compute the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. One group in the study received Naturopathic care plus normal medical care, and another received only normal medical care. In this study a highly significantly reduced risk of a major cardiovascular event (risk reduction in control group of 10.81, risk in Naturopathic group of 7.74% for a reduction of 3.07%) and a reduction of metabolic syndrome (48.48% control group, 31.58% Naturopathic group for a reduction 16.9%).

This data was further analyzed in another paper for the economic impact of Naturopathic treatment. The above trial resulted in (corresponding to a 3.3% decreased risk of a Cardiovascular event) in a savings of $1138 in costs to society and $1187 in employer costs per year of Naturopathic treatment. The cost savings of livelong Naturopathic care that could be speculated on based on this remain staggering.

In response to this trial, this MD in CMAJ endorsed the idea of delegating some aspects of Cardiovascular care from Medical to Naturopathic Doctors. Many MDs would oppose this, but a significant minority of our Allopathic cousins would gladly cooperate with us in patient management.

Another Clinical trial on the Naturopathic treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis was recently published. In it, a group of postal workers with diagnosed rotator cuff tendontis received either a standard set of physiotherapy exercises to do on their own (an approach not unlike that which many MDs in family practice will use before a physiotherapy referral) as well as a matched placebo. Pain was measured using Shoulder pain and disability index scores, visual analogue pain score, Short form 36, and MYMOP. 87% of participants completed 8 weeks of treatment, SPADI scores decreased by 54.5% (p<0.0001) in the Naturopathic care group and 18% (p<0.0241) in the Exercise group. All measures showed significant differences in favor of Naturopathic care, with SPADI showing a difference probability of <0.0001 and no major adverse outcomes reported.

In a similar trial 75 postal employees with back pain greater than 6 weeks duration were given either Naturopathic medicine or standardized exercises ( again similar to what they might recieve at an MD practice) for 12 weeks. Progress was measured using the Oswestry disability questionaire, as well as the SF-36, lower back range of motion, weight loss and BMI. 92% completed at least 8 weeks of treatment. Back pain reduced significantly in the Naturopathic group (-6.92 on Oswestry, p<0.0001) and all other measure improved significantly as well.

The above trial was analyzed for economic impact. In the analysis, employees experienced 9.4 more perfect health days and reduced societal ( read employer) costs of $1212 per participant over the course of the study. The intervention cost $154 per day, compared with lost productivity costs of $178 per day, representing a return on investment of7.9%. Individuals participating saved $1096 each. Again this was from a single course of treatment. Imagine the cost savings applied society wide, particularly in countries like Canada with socialized medicine.

Another small Indian study showed significant improvements in PEFR, VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV/FEC%, MVV< ESR and Absolute Eosinophil count in Asthma patients undergoing a Naturopathic and Yogic treatment regimen.

In another study, patient outcomes from Naturopathic and Allopathic medical practices were compared in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Consistent with other research, Naturopathic patients reported higher income, lower rates of smoking, higher rates of exercise, but interestingly, greater rates of fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes. Both patient groups resulted in improvements in anxiety, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and menstrual changes. Significantly better results were found in insomnia and fatigue.

One study was done on patients with Autism, 67 patients ranging from 3-58 years were given supplementation, with additional naturopathic treatments, such as enzymes, carnitine, epsom salts baths and a diet free of gluten, casein and soy. Lab results show a significant improvement of blood nutrient levels, and nonverbal IQ and autism symptoms also significantly improved.

Another study examines Polycystic ovarian syndrome patients who had undergone a Naturopathic and Yogic regimen for 12 weeks. 25 patients were given the intervention, while 25 others were placed on a wait list. Significant changes were observed in ovarian morphology and body measurements.

Recent Indian research has focused on a number of areas of integration of Naturopathic medicine and conventional care. This paper reviews the multiple ways many Naturopathic agents can aid in modulating cell signalling pathways in cancer. Another paper shows a similar conclusion, with Natural compounds showing great promise in decreasing resistance to one method of cell self destruction in cancers.

Much recent research has focused on the types of patients Naturopathic Doctors see. In one recent study a survey of 300483 visits to a Naturopathic teaching clinic was examined. It was found that Naturopathic clinics saw a similar range of problems to other primary care practices, that patients paid out of pocket more (unsurprisingly) and that Naturopathic clinics offered discounted care far more often.

Another recent study discussed characteristics of Pediatric patients coming to CCNM, a Naturopathic college in Toronto. Furthermore, a cross section of Naturopathic patients as a whole at CCNM was done, showing the incredibly wide variety of issues people come to Naturopathic Doctors with.

Another fascinating direction of research has emerged in the applications of Public health models of research to Naturopathic care, rather than more allopathic models a potential research enterprise with much potential. Another study measured the characteristics of rural Naturopathic practice in Australia, showing the important role played by naturopaths in the provision of underserved rural populations. Another study showed a high level of patient and staff satisfaction resulting from integration of Naturopathic medicine into an acute care hospital.

Perhaps most intriguingly in our survey of research is this paper, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics. India is in the slow process of constructing a healthcare system of Universal coverage (often jokingly termed Modicare after the Indian Prime Minister Narendera Modi). Unlike in Countries such as Canada which have  long traditions of public medicine that were built during the low point of Holistic medicine, in the 1960s, India likely will be including all systems of medicine in it’s public scheme, along with allopathic care. AYUSH is the term in India used for such systems, including Ayurveda, Therapeutic Yoga, Unani, Sidda, Homeopathy and Naturopathy. The above mentioned paper examined the AYUSH systems in light of a report on the Principles of Universal Care produced by the Planning Commission of India. In that paper, the authors conclude that not only does AYUSH meet the standards the India government wishes to see in it’s Universal system, they would actually further it’s goals more effectively in many cases than Allopathic care alone would be able to.

Finally, there is a free documentary showing Naturopathic medicine being practiced in India, to fully scope, in in-patient facilities. I encourage you to watch it. It is my hope that the example of India in medical equality and non discrimination will be followed by Canada and other Western countries, giving all citizens the potential for access to the benefits of Naturopathic Treatment.

Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week Everyone!

Hi Everyone. Apologies for not writing earlier. I am quite occupied by the writing of a new book on Blockages to healing, and a few other things.

But I did find time to write another article on the evidence behind Homeopathy is response to a particularly horrendous one published recently. It’s on my Publications page, and you can also find a link here.

Hope you all are doing well. I will again be doing my annual compilation of Naturopathic Research for Naturopathic Medicine week, which starts May 13th!

Hi Everyone.

So, in cooperation with the students of my alma mater, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and the filmmaker Ananda More of the film Magic Pills, as well as researcher and Homeopath David Brulé, I appeared on a film panel following a screening of Magic Pills during Vitalism Week at CCNM. This panel was recorded, and is available below. I would love to hear what you think about it.

Apparently I was funny.

You can access the panel video here.

Hi Everyone. I am just wishing you all a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year.

This song always filled me with Joy, and I hope you all get a bit out of it as well!

Hi Everyone. So a great deal of disscussion has been conducted online about the scientific evaluation of Homeopathy. Given the recent emphasis on Evidence based Medicine, and it’s methods of evaluation, much of the recent discussion has focused on Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials which have generally been accepted as the best methods to evaluate clinicl interventions (although I would refer readers to Harris Coulter’s publication on the subject for a more full view).

In short, a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial is an examination of the results of an intervention, performed on different, but theoretically identical, populations. The intervention should be indistinguishable, and the evaluation of the patients should be done in such a way that any human element, or analysis, is conducted without knowledge of which group of patients have received which intervention.

This type of study is designed very well for allopathic style interventions. It presumes that the intervention is singular, static, and does not require feedback after administered, ie., as many prescription drugs. Homeopathy is not well suited to this style of trial, without some significant adjustments, for a number of reasons.

1. Finding the remedy is difficult. The process of remedy selection is a challenging process, involving the consideration of multiple factors, etiology, the mental emotional state, and of course, the eventual success of administration. The only way to determine whether a remedy was Homeopathic to a case is the patient responding to the remedy, that is, feedback. Feedback and dose adjustment
2. Sensitivity to Homeopathic Remedies varies. Some individuals will aggravate from the lowest potencies of a remedy, others need higher potencies than normal. Many individuals fall somewhere in the middle of susceptibility to remedies. Finding a proper Homeopathic prescription involves finding not only the right remedy, but the right potency.
3. Potency changes as patient’s course unfolds. Almost universally, when a successful remedy and potency is found, over time the patient will respond progressively less to repeated doses of that potency, eventually failing to respond whatsoever. At this point, a higher, more potentised preparation of the same remedy is required.
4. Occasionally intercurrent remedies, or remedies addressing a specific issue or obstacle to cure, will become apparent. When this occurs, the case must be retaken, a new remedy or other intervention performed, and the older remedy stopped. Often the older remedy can be restarted after the particular inercurrent remedy has completed it’s work
5. Remedies change, oftentimes a person will completely resolve their symptom complex with a given remedy, and then will no longer requiring it, either needing no remedy, or another suited to whatever picture emerges.

These traits of Homeopathic care each require detailed feedback and adjustments to therapy. This kind of adjustment is impossible in a placebo controlled setting.

Despite these problems, a number of methodological refinements have been made to the process of clinical trials which do make this method of examination more suited to the examination of Homeopathy.

1. The first refinement is to have the Homeopathic practitioner select the remedy and do whatever process of feedback needed to settle on an effective remedy, then blind the patient as to whether or not they are receiving the remedy or placebo, and measure their condition under both placebo and verum. The best example of this style of trial is Heiner Frei’s excellent trial of ADHD. You can read this trial here. While this does not address remedies changing, intercurrents, or the need for increased potency, it is certainly an improvement.
2. The second refinement is to pre select for patients who will respond to a particular remedy. The premier example of this type of trial is Peter Fisher’s older trial where patients who would match the symptoms of Rhus Tox were screened from a population, and administered the remedy. You can read this trial here. While this method also does not account for individual sensitivity to remedies, need for increased potencies, intercurrent remedies or remedies changing, it still is a good method.
3. A third method is to use prescribers with high levels of accuracy, and have a big enough sample size that it becomes possible to demonstrate smaller improvements, which are the likely outcome with all of the methodological issues described above. Numerous example of these trials exist, but one can be found here.

Despite these issues, as Mathie has demonstrated in his famous 2014 paper, the overall picture of Clinical trial research into individualized Homeopathy as a whole is positive. Due to a lack of trials in Homeopathy, it is difficult to assess individual conditions with any great accuracy. However, a metanalysis has recently been performed with respect to Homeopathic treatment of depression. In it, the researchers found 18 studies, including two placebo controlled trials, both positive, and one with a low risk of bias. Overall the researchers concluded that while the evidence was promising, but that more high quality studies were needed, but that the safety profile was potentially excellent ( as compared with the Standard of care of antidepressants with thier numerous side effects and increased risk of suicide). As Homeopathy research increases in quantity and quality, these suggestions will be met, and numerous other conditions will be studied.

The common line of discussion against Homeopathy is that it lacks evidence. This is fundamentally untrue, and those who repeat it are either ignorant or being actively deceptive. As Mathie demonstrated, the overall trend of Individualized clinical trial data is positive, even if it requires higher quality studies to be absolutely definitive. Taking these methodological issues into consideration when designing clinical trials will result in trials more accurately reflecting Homeopathic practice, and will assist in us producing the good evidence which will likely not silence our critics, but will end any legitimate scientific debate about Homeopathy.