Ever wondered What’s the future of Homeopathy? Well this is probably the second most commonly asked question. First remains “How homeopathy works?”
- From an optimistic and philanthropic point of view – the answer is Yes, it’s promising.
- From a research point of view – it’s complicated, challenging and variable!
- From Clinical point of view – Bright yet challenging!
- From Political point of view – It depends!
So, there are many points of view, and each one of us contributes (knowingly or unknowingly) to a unique point of view of #homeopathy – be is Clinical, Research, Political or Networking!
Recently, I got the opportunity to attend the Faculty of Homeopathy’s 100 Congress in Edinburgh, 21 – 24 Nov 2024 on Homeopathy: Integrative Medicine for a Sustainable Future. What I know about sustainability and what I could learn from the congress is presented here, for your comments and inputs.
Integrative medicine, including homeopathy, is gaining popularity for its potential to offer holistic, patient-centered care while promoting sustainability.
We are standing on the shoulders of giants. As we look forward, there are several key trends and developments that are likely to shape the future of homeopathy within the broader framework of sustainable healthcare.
Individualized Holistic Health Care
- Homeopathy’s core philosophy aims at treating the whole person, taking into consideration the symptoms, the deviations, the sign of a particular diseased condition.
- This whole process aligns perfectly with the goals of sustainable holistic healthcare.
- We have been patient centric since inception and we know the core value of long term whole health.
- The aim of homeopathy is to offer healthy states and reduce dependence of non essential medications.
Add-on, Adjuvant, Integrated Medicine
- In the past few decades, the collaborative approach to integrate homeopathic treatments with conventional medicine has risen.
- Clearly, it is expected to lead to more comprehensive patient care and give the opportunity to broaden the applicability of homeopathy in many complex, critical and difficult conditions.
- Homeopathy can be used as Add-on, Adjuvant, Complementary medicine in many conditions (as practiced by many clinicians around the world)
- Research in this area aims at knowing the synergy that can enhance the effectiveness of treatments and improve patient outcomes.
- Thus homeopathy’s adaptability is the key to its sustainability.
Research is the key!
- Evidence-Based Practice has been stressed upon since the time Hahnemann discovered the homeopathic system of medicine.
- We are taught to be evidence-centric.
- However, we need to find a balance between the evidence and their actual recording and processing.
- Clinicians might see hundreds of patients but only keep records of few. Also, in many cases the subjective well-being is rarely documented on papers.
- We need to formulate and adapt to clinical assessments and scales and sensitise clinicians to learn the art of record keeping and processing.
- From a fundamental and basic research point of view, continued research with long term goals is important.
- A robust body of evidence from different angles is warranted to increase the acceptance of homeopathy within the medical community and also amongst patients.
- Research in the foundation of ensuring homeopathy’s place in future healthcare, thus a sustainable future of homeopathy.
Environmental friendly
- This area of discussion has been going on for a few years now
- Homeopathy is one such system which has no biological residues, therefore, it is environmentally friendly.
- It uses natural resources and in majority of the times the homeopathic remedies are derived in their natural form, and therefore, makes this science – nature friendly.
- The minimal use of natural resources, no residues, simpler preparation methods, and low environmental impact make homeopathy an inherently sustainable option.
- As we move toward greener practices, low carbon emissions, low carbon footprints, trying to preserve our environment and natural resources, homeopathy can lead by example in promoting environmentally friendly healthcare solutions.
Empowered Choices
- Homeopathy is not only a way of treating patients, it’s a way to preserve health and make our patients more educated about their diseased conditions.
- During a case taking process, it’s not only we gain knowledge about a patient but eventually a patient knows about his physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and the deviations present.
- In an era where we talk about sustainability – education and awareness are key to empowering patients to take an active role in their health.
- Homeopathy’s emphasis on individualized treatment plans encourages patients to be more engaged and informed about their healthcare choices.
Embracing technology
- Digital health, tele-medicine, online consultations, clinical softwares – the list goes on and we are venturing in each and every domain of technological advancement in relation to homeopathy, clinical practice and research.
- There is a boom in the use of digital health tools and telemedicine
- Yes, it can enhance access to homeopathic care, public health care and long term goals of perfect health which are in sync with WHO guidelines.
- The increase in virtual consultations and online resources is making homeopathy more accessible to a wider population, especially in the countries where popularity of homeopathy is rising.
- The technology is shortening the geographical barriers on use of homeopathy.
Knowledge exchange and Networking
- The future lies here.
- We need to have more networkings across the borders.
- There should be knowledge exchange of the latest advancements.
Homeopathy’s sustainable future is bright, challenging and adventurous. Let us contribute to make it work.
Together we can, and together we will!
Would like to have your valuable thoughts.
Dr. Saurav Arora is an internationally acclaimed medical homeopath, consultant, and independent researcher having 17+ years of experience as a clinician, researcher, and a teacher.
