| Comment on Rudi Verspoor’s Contribution
I appreciate Rudi Verspoor’s response in the continuing HP discussion.
He makes an interesting differentiation between homoprophylaxis
(using the nosode), and homeoprophylaxis (using the genus
epidemicus). I think it will be a difficult job gaining acceptance
of the different terms, given that homoeopathy/homeopathy
is spelt differently according to one’s training and place of residence.
However Rudi’s differentiation is valid.
Regarding the mechanism of action of HP, I have a feeling that
our ideas are very close, despite coming from different philosophical
backgrounds. And this is, of course, as it should be. If something
is well founded upon Natural Law, then any philosophical systems
which are based on truth should provide similar explanations of
the one phenomenon, despite employing different language.
I don’t feel it is appropriate to take the discussion regarding
the mechanism of action of HP any further at this point, given that
it would enter a somewhat speculative and definitely esoteric realm.
This might detract from the hard data which we have regarding HP.
The results of HP are not speculative or esoteric. I believe that
Rudi and I totally agree on this point.
Hopefully, a discussion regarding what is happening energetically
with homoeopathic medicines, both with treatment and prevention,
might emerge elsewhere in the journal one day.
Comment on George Vithoulkas’ Contribution
I had hoped that George Vithoulkas (GV) would have continued with
our discussion regarding HP, instead of simply sending in his video
lecture which basically restated what he had said previously. I
would like to respond to points in his lecture regarding HP and
vaccination.
1. GV cites Hahnemann discussing prophylaxis, saying it was a misunderstanding.
Was Boenninghausen also incorrect; was Kent also incorrect, etc,
etc? GV ignores our history, and he has an obligation to say why
our old masters were wrong and he is right. For example:
Boenninghausen: “thousands of men have through the use of
these homoeopathic prophylactics escaped cholera”, [From the essay,
Brief Instructions for Non-Physicians Concerning the Prophylaxis
and Treatment of Asiatic Cholera].
Kent: "We must look to homoeopathy for our protection
as well as for our cure."
"Now you will find that for prophylaxis there is required
a less degree of similitude than is necessary for curing. [Lectures
on Homoeopathic Philosophy. Jain, 5th Edition, 1954, p. 229].
2. GV says we should wait until 6 or 9 people fall ill, then we
can work out a genus epidemicus and provide early treatment for
other people. I reply – why wait until a disease we want to prevent
has claimed some victims, when we can provide substantial protection
before the epidemic hits? Why does GV continue to ignore the empirical
research that we do have supporting HP, such as Mroninski’s huge
study, and my 20 years of data?
3. GV is very worried about the damaging effect on homoeopathy
of an article in the Times about HP. The article was a very negative
one, and I understand his general concerns. Firstly, practitioners
who are not experienced in HP, and who cannot immediately quote
the evidential data that we do have, should not speak about HP to
journalists. Secondly, I looked at some other articles by the same
journalist, and they were of the same negative and scurrilous tone
as his article on homoeopathy. Such articles will always happen.
Would GV stop practicing homoeopathic treatment simply because an
esteemed professor in a respected medical journal rubbishes homoeopathy
(much less an undistinguished journalist)? Of course he would not.
Vaccination
GV was correct in saying that vaccination has done damage. He was
not correct to say that vaccination got rid of polio, smallpox etc.
He needs to examine the statistical evidence showing long term disease
trends (reproduced in my Vaccination & Homoeoprophylaxis?
6th ed).
GV was correct in saying that vaccination brings down the level
of the recipient’s health. I don’t know whether he was correct in
saying that this is the only way it works, and that the stimulation
of antibodies has no effect – others can debate this with GV.
GV talks about discovering which children can be safely vaccinated.
What a shame, when the perfect option to vaccination is already
in his own medicine cabinet.
GV refers to supporters of HP, and therefore me, as “crazy”. I
feel it would be more appropriate if such a distinguished member
of our community actually addressed the issue with facts, and with
a complete historical perspective, rather than apparently avoiding
a direct discussion of “inconvenient truths” about data showing
the safety and efficacy of HP, as well as its historical use.
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