Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
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218 <strong>Alternative</strong> <strong>Cardiovascular</strong> <strong>Medicine</strong><br />
Formal training programs exist in Europe for physicians in homeopathy<br />
affiliated with conventional medical curricula, but they do not yet<br />
exist in the United States. Currently, there are also no CME courses and<br />
only cursory mention of homeopathy at most medical schools that offer<br />
instruction in integrative medicine in the United States. Some of the current<br />
independent training centers, such as the National Center for Homeopathy,<br />
continue to play a leadership role in quality courses, but currently<br />
there is no recognized formal medical certification. However, homeopathy<br />
is part of the formal curricula at most accredited American colleges of<br />
naturopathy, conferring a professional degree (ND) that is currently<br />
licensed in 13 states for primary patient care.<br />
Homeopathy is a recognized practice with certification for professionals<br />
by three states: Arizona, Nevada, and Connecticut. The lay practice of<br />
homeopathy varies from state to state and remains unregulated, except in<br />
Minnesota, where unregulated practices by lay practitioners are allowed<br />
by the state under specific conditions.<br />
SUBSTANCE REGULATION<br />
Although homeopathy is not generally an accepted practice, homeopathic<br />
remedies have always been a part of the US pharmacopeia, officially<br />
recognized and regulated (with regular updates to the Homeopathic<br />
Pharmacopeia) as over-the-counter drugs. They were included in this<br />
federal compendium when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<br />
was first established in 1938, under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act<br />
(FDCA), 21 USC, paragraphs 321 (g-1A), and 351b, e.g., and still remain.<br />
Many homeopathic substances are derived from common toxins, although<br />
they have been diluted to infinitesimal amounts. Quality control<br />
is certainly essential. The largest US homeopathic companies have pharmaceutical-standard<br />
manufacturing. As with all supplements (and unfortunately<br />
occasionally some pharmaceuticals), there is a potential for<br />
substandard manufacture. The FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)<br />
are spread too thin to effectively monitor all companies’ products. Having<br />
experienced providers who know the quality of the products they recommend<br />
is of utmost importance with all health care products, including<br />
homeopathy.<br />
Practice<br />
The heart and soul of homeopathic practice is based on the history. Few<br />
patients have ever had a conventional history taken that approaches the<br />
detail of that provided in a session with a homeopath. Classical homeopathy,<br />
done for the greatest impact for health transformation, is comprehensive<br />
in nature, with the totality of one’s influences considered. There are<br />
some “cookbook” remedies that can be applied for specific use, such as<br />
arnica for bruises, but even this is not simple. The key is that for homeopathy<br />
to be maximally effective, it must be individualized.