Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections

Evidence has shown unambiguously that, in certain contexts, vitamin C is effective against the common cold. However, in mainstream medicine, the views on vitamin C and infections have been determined by eminence-based medicine rather than evidence-based medicine. The rejection of the demonstrated benefits of vitamin C is largely explained by three papers published in 1975—two published in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine—all of which have been standard citations in textbooks of medicine and nutrition and in nutritional recommendations. Two of the papers were authored by Thomas Chalmers, an influential expert in clinical trials, and the third was authored by Paul Meier, a famous medical statistician. In this paper, we summarize several flaws in the three papers. In addition, we describe problems with two recent randomized trial reports published in JAMA which were presented in a way that misled readers. We also discuss shortcomings in three recent JAMA editorials on vitamin C. While most of our examples are from JAMA, it is not the only journal with apparent bias against vitamin C, but it illustrates the general views in mainstream medicine. We also consider potential explanations for the widespread bias against vitamin C.

Boundaries or bridges: what should Homeopathy's relationship be with mainstream medicine?

When Samuel Hahnemann devised homoeopathy he constructed multiple arguments that both vehemently supported his new system and criticized the conventional medical practice of his day. At the end of the 19th century when homeopathy had grown within Britain and America, homeopaths failed to make use of some of Hahnemann’s most successful arguments. Instead, homeopaths found themselves lose significant cognitive ground to their long time conventional rivals with the dawn of the 20th century, a ground they have not yet recovered. This paper uses the theoretical framework of Berger and Luckmann to analyse the dynamics of the arguments used against homeopathy and suggests that homeopaths failed to adopt a universalizing medical explanation that was available to them: the reverse action of drugs. Had they used this argument homoeopaths could have explained conventional medicine successes within their own universe of meaning and thus neutralized the impact of conventional on their practice. The implications of these conclusions for the future survival and success of homoeopathy are considered.

The importance of research on the Simile-Principle in different medical fields

Backround Observation of the Simile-Principle is attributed to Hippocrates and Paracelsus. With Hahnemann’s methodological observations Homeopathy became the only medical field so far, that applies the Simile-Principle deliberately. This application is currently disputed by mainstream medicine, claiming that there is no scientific rationale for the Simile-Principle. Aim To assess if and how the Simile Priciple can be observed in biomedical research inside and outside of homeopathy. Methods In conventional medicine, we surveyed different therapeutic methods for evidence of the Simile Principle at work. In Homeopathy, we used provings and analysis of our own records from 22 years of monitoring case-takings to discover congruence between a state of illness, a healing agent and longterm clinical outcomes. We also monitored which techniques of questioning and documentation yield a high quality in provings and symptom-collections along the Simile-Principle. Results Conventional-Medicine: We will present examples for therapeutic applications of the Simile–Principle on the chemical, organ and informational level, where Like is used to treat Alike: Allergy-therapies, Vaccinations, Organ-transplants, Psychotherapy. There is no awareness of this underlying principle in Medicine. Homeopathic provings: We will show how exactness of observation, adaquateness of wording and diligence in documentation can range from few trivial symptoms up to a precise image of of the remedy-source. Like in Hahnemann´s patient Klockenbring, this resonance can even evoke information about the source within the prover or the patient. Conclusion In Homeopathy the Simile-Principle is reflected not only in symptoms induced by ingestion. The Simile-Principle to a specific source is reflected both in physical disorders, as well as in the specific perception of illness, healing and in individual talent. Basic and clinical research is needed in Homeopathy and conventional medicine to better understand the Simile-Principle. Modern methods of pattern-recognition can enhance such scientific understanding.

COVID-19: A PROPHYLACTIC APPROACH THROUGH AYURVEDA AND YOGA

The entire world is facing the corona virus COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has become the global health crisis as well as unprecedented socio-economic crisis. Being a new form of virus, there is no proven vaccine for this. It has become the greatest challenge since World War 2. In cases of critical stage, when conventional mainstream medicine is at the forefront, it is necessary to look over its preventive aspect through alternative sciences and collaborate with other effective medical sciences. The modern science focuses on interventions based on disease causing agents and immunize against it. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge based on preventive care includes interventions which enhance the body’s natural defense system for maintaining optimum health. Our objective of this literature review is to understand the role of ayurvedic herbal medicines to combat this viral infection with their role in enhancing immunity, role of various Dincharya procedures in prophylaxis against this virus and role of Yoga, Pranayama and meditation in improving the pulmonary functions and in making the immune system strong. Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2, Dincharya, Ayurveda, Pandemic, Immunity, Pranayama.

The Importance of Maintaining the Momentum of Telemedicine after COVID-19

Telemedicine has been in existence for years with little traction for global mainstream medicine. COVID19 has exposed the importance of providing continued care for patients while minimizing the risk of exposure during pandemics. There has been robust growth in the use of telemedicine since the pandemic began rendering care possible while providing safety to patients and healthcare workers. Various digital applications are available to facilitate telehealth. Even in the absence of a pandemic, telemedicine allows the care of patients who may live in remote areas, or those who have issues with transportation or comorbidities prohibiting ambulation. This study is based on a questionnaire of providers who have been exposed to telemedicine during COVID19. A survey was shared in social media forums involving groups of physicians, and nurse practitioners who were willing to take the survey. Telemedicine is one of the best approaches to handling situations like pandemics or disease surges. In these circumstances, a virtual visit is beneficial for social distancing if a laptop, smartphone, or tablet is available, along with an internet or cellular coverage. Based on this survey conducted for healthcare workers from a variety of specialties, there was a considerable impetus for the continued benefit from telemedicine as an alternative to in-person visits for selected patients. Ongoing improvements in quality of applications/tools, education, and the cost are essential to maintain the benefits of telemedicine. There is also an ongoing necessity for vast improvements in healthcare policies and reimbursements.

Case Study of Using Ruqyah Complementary Therapy on a British Muslim Patient with Cluster Headache

A case study of a male British Muslim of Pakistani descend with severe cluster headache was presented. The patient only responded to morphine treatment but his condition continued to deteriorate. He resorted to ruqyah complementary therapy, which is based on incantations of the Quran, after seeking advice with a local imam (Islamic cleric). His condition improved significantly and continued to have weekly preventative ruqyah therapy. Since resorting to ruqyah, he has not any morphine treatment and the level and duration of pain have reduced significantly. Ruqyah is popular for the treatment of jinn possession but has also been found to have therapeutic effect on non-mental health problems. The case illustrates that complementing mainstream medicine with ruqyah can bring many benefits especially within the Muslim community. Cooperation between mainstream health service and faith healers is needed.

Socio-Medical Studies of Individuals Self-Treating with Helminths Suggest That Most Clinical Trials Assessing Helminth Therapy May Be Designed to Fail

The virtually complete loss of intestinal worms, known as helminths, from Western society has resulted in elimination of a range of helminth-induced morbidities. Unfortunately, that loss has also led to inflammation-associated deficiencies in immune function, ultimately contributing to widespread pandemics of allergies, autoimmunity, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Several socio-medical studies have examined the effects of intentional reworming, or self-treatment with helminths, on a variety of inflammation-related disorders. In this study, the latest results from ongoing socio-medical studies are described. The results point toward two important factors that appear to be overlooked in some if not most clinical trials. Specifically, (a) the method of preparation of the helminth can have a profound effect on its therapeutic efficacy, and (b) variation between individuals in the effective therapeutic dosage apparently covers a 10-fold range, regardless of the helminth used. These results highlight current limits in our understanding of the biology of both hosts and helminths, and suggest that information from self-treatment may be critical in moving the field forward into mainstream medicine.

SCOPE OF AYURVEDA IN PREVENTING COVID-19

The world is facing global pandemic coronavirus which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) infection mainly affecting the immune system of the body. In a very short span of time it has become a global concern due to its high R0.Many countries are still endeavoring to prevent the disease. Researches are still underway to develop effective vaccine or drugs for COVID 19 disease. Unfortunately, there is no definite preventive or curative medicine available for coronavirus in allopathic system of medicine. As no specific drugs are available in mainstream medicine for treating symptoms of COVID-19, prevention seems to be the best strategy.The traditional health care system can prove to be successful for prophylaxis.Ayurveda is a medical science with well-established scientific principles, practiced in India for several thousands of years. AcharyaCharak has explained the concept of Janpadodwansa which has a direct correlation with COVID pandemic. This article is an attempt to interpret direct correlation between pandemics and Janpadodwansa and provide viable options for COVID-19prevention byAyurvedic medicines like Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Chayavanprash, Suwarna prashan etc.andenhancing the immune system.

Theoretical Medicine vs. Practical Medicine

This chapter examines the differences between theoretical medicine, empirical medicine (or medicine as practiced), and folk medicine. A particular focus on midwives and traditional healers will be enhanced by examining folklore, herbals, and other diverse examples where we can find evidence of traditional medicine. Examples of contemporary debates between traditional healing and mainstream medicine may help us sort out the different medical traditions of the Middle Ages.