A dynamic network model of the similia principle

Abstract

The use of drugs in high dilutions and the principle of similarity (or "similia") are two basic tenets of homeopathy. However, the plausibility of both is a subject of debate. Although several models have been proposed to explain the similia principle, it can be best understood and appreciated in the framework of complexity science and dynamic systems theory. This work applies a five-node Boolean network to show how self-organization and adaptation are relevant to rationalizing this traditional medical principle. Simulating the trajectories and attractors of the network system in the energy state-space provides a rudimentary and qualitative illustration of how targeted external perturbations can have pathological effects, leading to permanent, self-sustaining alterations. Similarly, changes that conversely enable the system to find its way back to the original state can induce therapeutic effects, by causing specific shifts in attractors when suitable conditions are satisfied. Extrapolating these mechanisms to homeopathy, we can envisage how major changes in the evolution of homeodynamic systems (and, eventually, healing of the entire body) can be achieved through carefully selected remedies that reproduce the whole symptom pattern of the ill state.

Cell sensitivity, non-linearity and inverse effects

“…181 Common types of ultrasensitive regulation in intracellular molecular networks are positive cooperative binding, protein multimerization, multistep signalling, positive feedback and stochastic resonance. 15 The importance for homeopathy of this kind of signal amplification e typical of biological networks characterized by nonlinear dynamics, adaptation and oscillation at the edge of chaos e has previously been suggested by us 180,182 and by others. 16 f. The classic homeopathic method of drug discovery was originally based on careful observation of symptoms because at that time there was no knowledge of the 'intimate nature' of disease processes and of pharmacodynamic actions.…”

“…A change of attractor (in this case from pathologic to physiologic) requires the overcoming of an energy barrier, and this may require an increase of energy expenditure for a certain time, until the new attractor basin is reached. 180 However, the barrier dividing the two attractors may be very small and even small, subtle changes can make a difference. d. In homeopathy, drugs are composed of natural substances which are never 'pure', i.e.…”

The Complexity of the Homeopathic Healing Response Part 1: The Role of the Body as a Complex Adaptive System in Simillimum-Initiated Recovery from Disease

“…Emergent properties, that is, altered system behaviors (e.g., symptom patterns [system behavior]), are one feature of any complex adaptive system. [1][2][3]15,17,18 The parts of a living system are in continuous interaction with one another and with the emergent global whole over time. 32 Another relevant fact is that the medicine sources in classical homeopathy are typically natural plants (e.g., herbal), animals, and/or mineral materials.…”

“…This two-part paper focuses on the integrative model for the complex, self-organizing nature of both (1) recipient living systems [1][2][3][4] and (2) homeopathic medicines [5][6][7][8][9][10] as the basis for homeopathic healing. In Part 1, we review how complex systems science applies to homeopathic clinical concepts and the non-linear, system-wide healing response that simillimum treatment initiates.…”

“…In fact, clinical practice theory steers research thinking toward the modern science of complex systems (complexity). [1][2][3]12,[15][16][17][18][19][20] Complexity science involves the study of systems that comprise many separate but inter-connected, inter-dependent, and interactive parts.…”