Homeopathic treatment effective in fibromyalgia

A study published in Rheumatology found that “individualized homeopathy is significantly better than placebo in lessening pain and improving the quality of life and global health of persons with fibromyalgia.”

The researchers report (here and here) the presence of brain wave pattern changes associated with homeopathic treatment that are not seen with placebo under double-blinded conditions. The researchers conclude, “These observations suggest … EEG … as an early biomarker of individualized homeopathic medicine effects in patients with fibromyalgia who later exhibit exceptional outcomes.”

In other words, now there’s a way to predict responders to homeopathy for a condition, where conventional medicine has no approved treatment.

Hmm.

OK, how does this square with the suggestion in one respected medical journal (discussed here) that “doctors need to be bold and honest with their patients about homeopathy’s lack of benefit?”

Illustration: TargetWoman

8/7/06 21:11 JR