Positive Health Online

Abstract

BELL and co-workers, Department of Psychiatry, Mel and Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA, ibell@u.arizona.edu, report on a trial of individualized homeopathic remedies in fibromyalgia patients.

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of individualized classical homeopathy in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Methodology

In this double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial, 62 patients with confirmed diagnoses of fibromyalgia were treated in a homeopathic private practice. They received individualized homeopathic remedies or placebo prescribed by two experienced homeopaths. Assessment was conducted at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Tender point count and tender point pain, and self-rating scales on fibromyalgia-related quality of life, pain, mood and global health at baseline and 3 months were the clinical outcome measures.

Results

Participants on active remedies showed significantly greater improvements in tender point count, tender point pain, quality of life, global health and a trend towards less depression than participants on placebo.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that individualized homeopathy is significantly better than placebo in lessening tender point pain and improving the quality of life of persons with fibromyalgia.

References

Bell IR, Lewis DA, Brooks AJ, Schwartz GE, Lewis SE, Walsh BT, Baldwin CM. Improved clnical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology 43 (5): 577-582, May 2004.