Integrating homeopathy and biomedicine: medical practice and knowledge production among German homeopathic physicians

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the ways in which homeopathic physicians deal with the conceptual tensions between homeopathy and biomedicine. The data-collection included twenty semi-structured interviews which were conducted with homeopathic physicians in Berlin. Three distinct patterns of homeopathic practice emerged from the data: a) segregating the patients into categories of homeopathic and biomedical patients; b) complementing a predominantly homeopathic practice with a few biomedical strategies for diagnostics; c) focusing on homeopathy and condemning biomedicine with the exception of emergency medicine and surgery. On the level of medical knowledge the physicians' perspectives on the efficacy of homeopathy and some of its controversial concepts (opposition to vaccinations, miasm, vital force) are examined. It also becomes evident that German homeopathic physicians do not sacrifice central aspects of homeopathic concepts in order to gain legitimacy.Finally, it is argued that complementary medicine and alternative medicine are both rather unfortunate terms for studying homeopathy in micro-sociological settings. Heterodox medicine is favoured.

Towards an ethnography of Indian homeopathy

“…No cracks have yet appeared in their faithfulness to Hahnemannian concepts -such as miasm, single-remedy prescription, vital forceand they appear to be more purist homeopaths than their German colleagues (Frank 2002a). However, Bengali homeopaths deviate from the homeopathic canon.…”

“…Therefore, an empirical analysis of homeopathic practice in contemporary India appears to be a more promising endeavour than speculating about the reasons for homeopathy's diffusion to India. In order to examine whether a specifically Indian version of homeopathy exists, we compare homeopathic practice in urban West Bengal with the homeopathic canon as well as with homeopathy in other countries (Frank 2002a). How strongly do Indian homeopaths feel indebted to classical ideas of homeopathy's founder Samuel Hahnemann (1757-1843), such as the vital force, miasm, and single-remedy prescription?…”

“…Miasmatic treatment is less significant for homeopathic practice in contemporary Germany (Frank 2002a). 8…”

Policy, People, and the New Professional : De-professionalisation and Re-professionalisation in Care and Welfare

“…In spite of the political correctness of the demand for patient emancipation, empirical studies as well as theoretical reflections show that there are 'good' reasons to maintain the hierarchical asymmetry between doctor and patient (or nurses) (see Charles et al 1999;Debe et al 1996;Guadagnoli & Ward 1998;Blanchard et al 1988;Frank 2002;Margalith & Shapiro 1997;Saake 2004: Strull et al 1984Verhaak et al 2000). This functional sociological argument does not contradict the finding that well-informed patients who understand and agree with their treatments seem to recover better than very compliant patients.…”

Medical doctors and complementary and alternative medicine: the context of holistic practice

“…Regular medical doctors are receiving training in CAM techniques and incorporating these practices into everyday practice (Frank, 2002), or establishing holistic medical clinics, often in collaboration with non-physician healers (Goldner, 2000;Weil, 2000;Shuval et al, 2002). As a new and fundamental shift in regular medical care, these extraordinary developments provide a fertile ground for looking anew at professions and reassessing, updating and clarifying our understanding of professional work.…”