Harnessing the un-mined data rich resources of homeopathic provings: an overview of replicated provings, creating a common language and a method forward.

Generally conducted by homeopathy practitioners and advocates, rather than scientists, the emphasis of provings has always focused on determining accurate symptom profiles. These are then applied homeopathically in clinical practice – according to the law of similars. But significant questions arise as to their quality, and the inconsistencies in approach and method remains at issue for 19^th, 20^th and 21^st century provings. For the vast majority of these experiments the fundamental hypothesis has been, ‘what symptoms and conditions might this substance be useful for’? But what about re-provings? Comparative evaluation of the data extracted from old and modern provings can reveal significant similarities. This paper explores a model of comparing subjective symptoms from provings which if robust enough challenges the idea that homeopathic responses are placebo. For example, a significant overlap of symptoms from a proving of Culex was noted compared to a previous one. Conducted in 2004 with sound design and method, the data is compared to a proving of Culex conducted in the 1800’s, more than 100 years apart. Repeated improved provings with better design, ethics approval and method have subsequently been conducted on substances from Chamomilla, Tuberculinum, Blatta orientalis to Kangaroos Milk. This paper explores four different points.

1. The findings of these trials are examined and analyzed discussing the implications for homeopathy as a whole. How is it possible that a homeopathic preparation, often dismissed as placebo, creates a statistically significant mirror of symptoms, especially conducted after such a passage of time? Further, how can placebo create clear affinities with clusters of symptoms in specific locations?

2. In addition, it explores the inherent difficulties in comparing symptoms between trials. How can accurate comparisons be made when a symptom is not a simple objective number per se, but rather a description of an experience by a healthy person involved in the trial? It can involve objective and subject perspectives, involve different parts of the body and above all is descriptive. This paper suggests a method and design around these challenges as we move forward.

3. It examines the challenges confronting scientists faced with poor proving prototols from the body of homeopathic literature and proposes a new model of conducting provings to directly address the contention that homeopathy a placebo response.

4. Further, it outlines the direction for further studies to be conducted to ensure reliable data. In terms of design – there are a number of variables at play, the quality of the trial, ethics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, randomisation, control, information on the relative health of provers and the method of extraction of reliable symptoms to ensure that provings meet the expectations of clinicians, academics and scientists.