Positive Health Online

Abstract

TEIXEIRA, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, has studied the principle of similitude in iatrogenic events.

Abstract: Samuel Hahnemann attributed fundamental importance to the principle of similitude. Observing that enantiopathic or allopathic treatment produced enduring aggravation of the disease symptoms after a brief and transitory initial relief, he systematised homeopathic treatment, prescribing substances that provoke similar symptoms in healthy individuals. Based on clinical and experimental observations, he anticipated the concept of homeostasis, dividing the effects of substances into primary action of the medicine followed by secondary action or reaction of the organism. This reaction, known as the rebound effect or paradoxical action in modern pharmacology, which is used to awake the curative response of the body when the principle of similitude is applied, is responsible for several iatrogenic diseases when used on the basis of the principle of contraries. This study discusses the role of this paradoxical reaction of the organism in the fatal side effects of four important drugs, used according to the model of allopathic treatment of the symptoms. The author presents evidence relating to Aspirin, rofecoxib, antidepressants and long-acting bronchodilators. The consequences of the allopathic treatment could be decreased if health professionals valued homeostasis, minimising the rebound effect of the organism by gradual termination of drug treatments.

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References

Teixeira MZ. Evidence of the principle of similitude in modern fatal iatrogenic events.  Homeopathy: the Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy 95 (4): 229-236, Oct 2006.