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WHAT'S NEW
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Cure or con? Do you think homeopathy can heal?
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Find out why so many people are flocking to this alternative medicine and discover varying views on this natural form of health care.
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By Lesley Young
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Why is it popular? Does it work?
There is anecdotal evidence that homeopathy works, and there are 500 practitioners in Ontario alone. "Many people are drawn to homeopathy because they feel it is all-natural and has no side-effects," says Dr. Lloyd Oppel, a physician and professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver who specializes in analyzing the research on complementary medicines. According to Ontario's Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC), up to 20 per cent of Canadians seeking alternative remedies use homeopathic options. In the past 20 years, de Szegheo-Lang has seen cases of everything from colds to flu viruses to mental and emotional issues. Verspoor says he sees patients for everything from arthritis to depression.
However, research has yet to provide a conclusive answer supporting the effectiveness of homeopathy. While there are hundreds of studies that show homeopathy may successfully treat an array of ailments, there are as many studies that indicate the opposite is true, says Boon.
If it's safe, why regulate it?
Regardless of whether homeopathy works, HPRAC found there was enough public interest to warrant regulation. Debate on the dangers of homeopathy is mired in politics between associations pushing for and against regulation in Ontario (a landmark decision since other provinces will likely follow Ontario's lead). In order for a health practice to meet the criteria for regulation, there must be proof of risk of harm. And the Ontario Homeopathic Association (OHA), in its case for regulation, noted that there is a significant risk from homeopathy, chiefly the result of improperly prescribed remedies. Many individual practitioners, as well as NUPATH, the other large provincial association, vehemently disagree with the OHA's claims and do not want regulation. "Homeopathy is not harmful in any way. We believe this is a political issue," says Verspoor.
Nevertheless, after conducting a lot of research and hearings with industry stakeholders HPRAC recommended homeopathy be regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Health, in part because it poses direct and indirect risks of harm. Specifically, it found there is chance of adverse reactions, allergic reactions to low-potency preparations, and compounding (making someone more ill), as well as risk of misdiagnosis, preventing or delaying effective treatments or interference of remedies with conventional treatments. No one interviewed for this article could cite a case of death as a result of homeopathy in Canada, although the OHA gathered many anecdotal incidences of adverse reactions from published literature. All stakeholders, including GPs, agree that reactions are likely underreported in Canada.
HPRAC stated in its proposal to the ministry that it is generally agreed that if a remedy is properly prescribed by a well-trained homeopath, there is a low likelihood of side-effects. But without a recognized accrediting body, there is no assurance that all homeopaths are trained equally. And since there are no regulations for homeopaths in Canada, anyone could call her or himself a "doctor of homeopathy."
Another potential safety concern identified by HPRAC involves a group of homeopathic practitioners called Heilkunst. They contend that conventional vaccinations are risky because they can cause death and recommend homeopathic "vaccinations" instead, which are oral doses of homeopathic remedies. "The issue is not that we are against immunizations," says Verspoor, a Heilkunst-based practitioner. "There's no doubt they are a good idea. The big issue is what form of immunization you get."
Oppel says that if regulations are passed, homeopaths, like other medical practitioners, will establish their own governing body, effectively resulting in less protection for the public, who will perceive regulation as "a stamp of approval." Putting faith in ineffective therapies, such as homeopathy, he says, can cause people to: "waste money, turn down effective treatments or delay getting real help when such assistance truly is needed. It's the same thing we all do as parents when we comfort a child with a kiss. But there's a huge difference between temporary psychological comfort and actually fixing the problem."
While there was obviously some proof homeopathy works or HPRAC wouldn't have considered it for regulation, it didn't examine efficacy as part of the proposal. Homeopathy is one profession among several up for regulation in Bill 171, which is in its second reading and could be passed within the year. If passed, it would take several years for standards to be developed.
Can a homeopath replace my GP?
The short answer is no. A homeopath cannot refer you to a specialist, provide injections, conduct a Pap smear, take blood or prescribe pharmaceuticals. Regulation will not enable one to do these things either. Someday the OHA would like practitioners to be able to diagnose illnesses; however, they would need permission (it's a controlled act). If you choose to get treatment from a homeopath, let your GP know of the health problem and your plan to get advice from outside the medical field so he or she is aware of all the factors that may affect your health.
Should I try it?
"It can't work and it doesn't work," says Oppel. Boon agrees, but says if you try it, remedies labelled between 12C and 30C should not trigger allergies.
Start with an association to find a homeopath. Until regulations are in place, ask where the practitioner was trained (there are 17 facilities in Canada) and if she is a member of an organization. Investigate organizations' codes of ethics and standards of practice. At the end of the day, use your judgment -- you're ultimately in charge of your health.
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