Jacques Imberechts, MD, in memoriam

En nombre de todos los miembros de la Federación Española de Médicos Homeópatas (FEMH), a través de este sucinto y sencillo escrito, queremos rendir un pequeño homenaje a uno de los grandes pedestales -quizás el mayor- de la Homeopatía médica en España, y no sólo en España, sino en muchos otros países de casi todos los continentes.

Su llegada a España fue providencial, para avivar la chispa de la Homeopatía –mantenida casi en clandestinidad y en exclusiva por el Dr. Enric Peiró i Rando, de la Academia Mèdico Homeopàtica de Barcelona- en el corazón de unos inquietos estudiantes de Medicina, que buscaban más allá de las asignaturas impartidas en una de las dos facultades de Medicina de Barcelona que existían en aquella época.

De eso ya hace la friolera de más de 40 años. Así se fundó entonces el primer grupo español de Homoeopathia Europea (H.E.), el grupo Sepia, siguiendo la estela de algunos grupos que ya existían en Europa con nombres de remedios homeopáticos, y siendo liderado por el propio Jacques, que tenía su grupo en Bruselas, donde siempre residió.

Si algo lo caracterizaba de forma muy particular era su don de gentes y su facilidad por aprender idiomas diversos; gracias a lo cual colaboró activamente en cosechar el germen de la Homeopatía allá donde fuere, por muy yermo que fuera el terreno. Viajero incansable, era consciente de la utilidad imprescindible de conocer distintos pueblos, culturas diferentes, perspectivas diversas, para tener menos prejuicios y poder observar al paciente de manera más objetiva.

Su caballo de batalla fue, desde el principio, la investigación. Fundó Homoeopathia Europea, que más tarde se amplió a Homoeopathia Europea & Americana, con el objetivo único y primordial de investigar. Repitió hasta la saciedad que H.E. no era una escuela, sino grupos de investigación: grupos de médicos homeópatas que se reunían para homogeneizar su práctica homeopática, partiendo de unos criterios comunes de aplicación de la doctrina (o teoría) homeopática, con el fin de que los resultados prácticos fueran contrastables, y se pudieran sacar conclusiones válidas para el avance de la ciencia homeopática.

Fundó en 1990, durante el Congreso Internacional de la Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI) en Barcelona, en consenso con todos los vicepresidentes de la LMHI presentes, el Comité Europeo de Homeopatía (ECH – European Committee for Homoeopathy, por sus siglas en inglés), del que fue su presidente durante varios años, participando muy activamente, desde el principio, en fomentar sobre todo las comisiones de Research (Investigación) y de Provings (Experimentaciones puras), que para él eran la columna vertebral del gran edificio de la Homeopatía,  único camino para asegurar su progreso.

Le gustaba la metáfora de la vaca: investigar era para él la forma de nutrir a la “vaca” (a la Homeopatía), para que creciera y diera sus frutos, y no sólo ordeñarla, evitando así que enflaqueciera y muriera de inanición por sobreexplotación.

Por ello se mantuvo siempre independiente en sus criterios: era un librepensador, antiescolástico por naturaleza. No siguió escuela alguna, pero las aceptaba todas. Eso, a ojos de algunos podía parecer contradictorio o incoherente, cuando era precisamente todo lo contrario: extremadamente riguroso y coherente. Aceptaba todos los puntos de vista, siempre y cuando se le ofrecieran argumentos objetivos válidos. Insistía en la importancia crucial de los hechos, frente a la teoría, frente a las especulaciones. Resumiendo: era un hahnemanniano  estricto, pero no dogmático. Era de mente muy abierta.

Se interesó hasta el final de sus días en conocer diversos modos de aplicar la medicina homeopática. Le interesaban ante todo los resultados, pero no se contentaba con ello: quería saber también el proceso que había llevado a esos buenos resultados, para poderlos reproducir dadas circunstancias similares. Es decir, era un científico nato.

Fue gracias a su personalidad por lo que se codeó con toda la élite de la Homeopatía del siglo XX. Allí donde destacaba alguien, ahí estaba él para aprender algo nuevo. No se cansó de viajar y de aprender. Se consideró siempre un aprendiz de la Homeopatía, enmarcado en la tríada aprendiz-artesano-artista, en la búsqueda de otros aprendices, artesanos y artistas de quienes aprender. Nunca se autoproclamó artista, cuando los que lo conocimos sabíamos que lo era. Eso en él era la forma peculiar de manifestarse la humildad, humildad con dignidad, valentía y arrojo.

Una combinación explosiva cuando echaba mano de su hobby preferido (el gin tonic). Entonces podías descubrir quién había realmente detrás de su fachada aparentemente grandilocuente: era todo un caballero, de los que quedan pocos. Pero su fachada –su fuerte personalidad- generaba odios feroces o amores incondicionales, sin medias tintas. Y no tenía reparo alguno en exponer su criterio allí donde hiciera falta, sin reparar en la audiencia, fuera en petit comité –con su muy personal modo de liderar los grupos de trabajo, fuera en sus intervenciones públicas, vociferando desde el fondo de la sala. Ser un líder nato conlleva esas consecuencias.

Podríamos seguir nombrando otras características de su gran personalidad, pero no es el momento ni el lugar adecuados. Podríamos hablar de su sentido agudo del humor (“negro”), de su elegancia, de su impecable comportamiento, en especial con las mujeres, y así… no acabaríamos nunca.

Para terminar, queremos, desde la FEMH, desearle un caluroso viaje al más allá, sea donde sea. Y asegurarle que brindaremos en su honor por haber dejado un legado inapreciable, y una huella indeleble en nuestros corazones.

Nos quedamos con el compromiso de seguir alimentando a la vaca, para evitar que fenezca.

Allí donde estés Jacques, te mandamos un fuerte abrazo, agradeciéndote de corazón todo lo que has hecho por la Homeopatía, dentro y fuera de España.

Descansa en paz, Jacques, con la tranquilidad de que todos tus esfuerzos en pro de la Homeopatía no han caído en saco roto, que somos muchos los que te tomamos el relevo en la gran misión en este mundo de engordar a la vaca, o, al menos, de ordeñarla en la misma medida que la vayamos alimentando.

Flawed report on Homoeopathy by NHMRC, Australia

Sir

This refers to a news item on Homoeopathy published recently in your newspaper. I write to you as a representative of LMHI, an international body which strives to preserve and promote the homoeopathic science worldwide.

I am to mention that the scientists of the research committee of LMHI have carefully studied the report on which your news was based and found that the recent statement released on 11 March 2015 by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia is erroneous and unscientific. LMHI has prepared a press release to counter the report. I request you to publish the press release enclosed with this letter, along with a rejoinder conveying the sentiments of the homoeopathic community.

It is worthy to mention here that there is dire need to inform public that the NHMRC report is flawed in the following ways:

1. Inappropriate Methodology was adopted for review of a few selected studies on Homoeopathy, ignoring Randomised Control Trials with strongly positive results (evidence level 1 as per international standards).

2. Selective Research of limited database was carried out, with exclusion of many studies with encouraging to positive results, as well as the studies published in a language other than English. Many positive studies in favour of Homoeopathy, since they come from France or Spain, have, therefore, been ruled out.

3. Lack of Expertise was conspicuous with NHMRC not appointing a single homeopathic expert to the Review Panel, and its reviewers did not have even basic knowledge of Homoeopathy, let alone understanding the sensitivities while analysing the outcomes of research studies in Homoeopathy.

4. Weak evidence picked up for this review is another matter of concern. The review committee analysed only one set of reviews, ie, systematic reviews. In scientific terms, these reviews do not hold a high seat as per the concepts of Evidence-based science. One cannot expect a review based solely on weak evidence to lead to a reliable or strong outcome.

5. Ignoring opinion of experts who were consulted prior to publication of the report reflects the autocracy of NHMRC, breaching the standard protocol adopted for such reviews. Two out of three experts had expressed numerous concerns about the report, which seem to have been conveniently ignored.

Such flawed reports are highly misleading and negatively impact the users and professionals of Homoeopathy, who have been benefitted from Homoeopathy. It is best to investigate the viability of such a report before it is rolled out to masses. Homoeopathy is more than 200 years old science which has been effectively used for several clinical conditions, both sub-acute and chronic, ranging from respiratory, skin, gastric complaints to joint problems, psychological or behavioural problems and many childhood illnesses. Homoeopathy is safe and free from adverse drug effects or drug dependence, which is a common problem of many other kinds of treatment methods. It is increasingly becoming the most preferred system among alternative therapies.

In India, Homoeopathy has been practised since the advent of the 19th century. India produces finest quality of homoeopathic drugs and has well-qualified doctors who after a rigorous education and training of 5.5 years, are well verse with the concepts of biomedicine as well as with Homoeopathy.
These registered homoeopathic doctors, the count of which is over 300 thousand in India, are providing healthcare and benefitting the public with the gentle science of Homoeopathy. It is heartening to see how an average patient using Homoeopathy in India is able to save his money and still get cured in the most gentle and permanent manner at the same time. In fact, in India, unlike in the other developed parts of the world, where a substantial part of the budget is allocated only to health, the cost-effectiveness of Homoeopathy makes it an economically viable alternative therapy in healthcare delivery model.

Moreover, the body of evidence on Homoeopathy is building stronger by the day. Recent analyses by several international homoeopathic research bodies have provided adequate evidence that homeopathic medicines have beneficial clinical effects. Amid all this upward growth of Homoeopathy in the world, a biased and flawed review by a small group of non-homoeopaths has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Similar attempts to bring defame Homoeopathy have been made earlier, but to not much success. However, every time such a report or news is published, the users and advocates of Homeopathy feel disgusted, chiefly because of the lack of truth or evidence in such reports.

The magnitude of worldwide condemnation that has followed upon release of the NHMRC report itself explains the dubious nature of the report. The concerns and reactions of several scientific bodies representing the homoeopathic and/or the Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) community have followed this release (URLs mentioned below).

In the best interest of the public, I again request you to publish this rejoinder to the public statement by NHMRC on Homoeopathy, along with the press release of LMHI.


Responses to the NHMRC report:

HRI response
https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HRI-Response-to-Australian-NHMRC-Report-2014.pdf

CMA response
http://www.cmaustralia.org.au/Media-Releases/3246880

Australian Homoeopathic Association response 
http://www.homeopathyoz.org/images/news/Open_response_letter_by_AHA_to_NHMRC.pdf

British Homoeopathic Association response
http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-blog/response-nhmrcs-position-statement/

LMHI response
http://www.lmhi.org/home/article/bias-and-flawed-methodology-in-the-nhmrc-report-on-homeopathy


Author: Dr. SPS Bakshi, National Vice-President for India LMHI. March 16, 2015.
Source: LMHI documentation.  

Physics of homeopathic medicines

Introduction by Prof. Louis Rey†
(Abstract of a seminar in Rome 20-21 of October 2009:
Ethique et Spiritualité de la Santé – Médecines traditionnelles
et complémentaires. Recherches et orientations
nouvelles)
A persistent issue in the assessment of homeopathy by
classical academics, especially in the field of so-called
“hard sciences”, is the fact that, in high and ultra-high
dilutions, there are no more traces of any original chemical.
Hence, they claim that these different solutions are,
indeed, all the same and no more than the mere solvent
itself. This radical assumption proved to be wrong, at least
in the light of several centuries of careful clinical observations,
which did show evidence, that high dilutions were
not only active in therapeutics but that they also had
distinct personalities, both properties which could not be
found in the solvent used for their preparation. Quite obviously,
this problem has been a definite challenge for all
researchers in physics, chemistry and material sciences.
  

Different physical methods to assess
high dilutions
 
A/ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (RMN) by Izel Botha
This paper seeks to perform a meta-analysis of the findings
of these studies and to draw a conclusion on the
nature of homoeopathic dilutions as well as the validity
of performing this type of inquiry into the nature of homeopathically
prepared medicines.
From the studies presented, two conclusions can be
drawn, the first dealing with the evolution of the thinking
processes associated with the studies that needed to be
conducted. The initial studies, conducted by Ross (146)
and Power (147), investigated the nature of Q potencies.
These researchers acknowledged that the theories as
to the molecular organization in solutions existed, but
they refrained from conclusively interpreting the results
in terms of those theories. Their research lead to Cason
(148) investigating the influence of the frequency of the
NMR spectrometer on results obtained. Davies (149)
and Malan (150) investigated the role of dilution on the
physico-chemical structure of the homeopathic solutions,
showing that information storage does take place in the
solution, but that different dilution methods result in different
solutions, even when the theoretical dilution level
is equal. Malan’s (150) mention of dilution level and succussion
opened the door for investigation of the effect of
various potentization methods. Hofmeyr (151), Lyell (152)
and Botha (153) each investigated different variables that
may be introduced during the manufacturing process,
particularly looking at the number of succussions and
the effect of trituration. Erasmus (154) took this one step
further by investigating the mechanics of the succussion
process. These researchers interpreted their results
based on the theories of Resch and Gutmann (155) and
Anagnostatos (156).
This body of knowledge has inspired Allsopp (157) to
look into the effect of energy transfer into the solution
– whether it is imperative that the energy is imprinted
mechanically by hand production of the remedies, or if it
can equally be achieved through electromagnetic means.
In comparing the studies, it is evident that both trituration
and serial dilution change the physico-chemical properties
of the solvent to produce distinct medicines.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis supports the conclusion
that different potentization methods result in medicines
with different physico-chemical properties. One can also
conclude that NMR Spectroscopy is a valuable tool in
assessing the physico-chemical effect that potentization
methods have on the lactose and water/ethanol bases
utilized in the manufacture of homeopathic medicines.
It works well to study a single compound and it is not
adapted to the investigation of a complex mix of different
substances. NMR may be used for low potencies and
only with the best available instrument. Other references,
Weingärtner (158), Williams (159), Barnard (160), Young
(161), Sach (162), Bol (163), Aabel (164), Milgrom (165),
Anagnostatos (166), Bellavite (167), Smith (168), Antonchenko
(169), Shaw (170).

New publication in the same area:
Demangeat JL. NMR water proton relaxation in unheated
and heated ultrahigh aqueous dilutions of histamine: Evidence
for an air-dependent supramolecular organization
of water. Journal of Molecular Liquids 2009;144:32-39.

B/ A new Magnetic Resonance method by K. Lenger
The “homeopathic information” in high homeopathic
potencies on sugar globule could be considered as
photons with frequencies in the MHz-region by scientific
evidence. These photons in high homeopathic potencies
were detected by two magnetic resonance-methods (171,
172): firstly by the modified photomultiplier-method and
secondly by the Tesla-coil method. Both methods allowed
determination of physical properties of these photons:
holistic, coherent quantum behavior, damping of the
magnetic field by resonance effect, at least two resonance
frequencies in the MHz-region, frequency spectra after
being excited by one of their characteristic resonance
frequencies, measurability of the degree of potencies by
separation of the photons from their carrier substances
alcohol or sucrose by increasing the electromagnetic
fields of their resonance frequencies. A device for measuring
the degree of the potencies and their resonance
frequencies must be developed for quality control of
them in future. Further investigations about the stability
of the remedies in different media: water, alcohol, sugar,
are still necessary. A physical model must be developed
in which way matter substance could be converted into
energy, into photons by succussion in alcoholic dilutions
and in triturations.
For a patient, the pathological pathways (173, 174) can be
regulated by this treatment.

C/UV – Visible spectrometry
A promising approach was reached when the dilutions
were studied near the upper limit of their ultra-violet
absorption spectrum (200 to 400 nm). Rao, Roy, Bell
and Hoover (175) obtained some interesting recordings
for ultra-molecular solutions of 3 different products selected
in totally different kingdom (Natrium muriaticum,
Pulsatilla, Lachesis) and were able to discriminate them
at the 30C level. Similar results were equally obtained by
Pollack and Wexler working on Havit, Apis mellifica and
Histaminum. This method, however, proved to be highly
sensitive to rather unforeseen parameters, like the time
of the day. Reproducibility has not yet been possible.
In the same area Wolf U, Wolf M, Heusser P, Thyrneysen
A, Baumgartner S, presented at the 65th LMHI Congress
the following study: Homeopathic Preparations of Quartz,
Sulfur and Copper Sulfate assessed by U.V. Spectroscopy.

D/Raman spectroscopy
Different attempts have been done to see whether a
close investigation of the Raman shift could help in discriminating
the dilutions among themselves. Once more
the operating conditions proved to be determinant: the
position of the tube, recording done in a dark room and
the same instrument. Under those conditions Rao (175)
could demonstrate that the spectral peaks corresponding
to different potencies of the same strain or dilutions
of the same potency from different sources are different.
Even if those differences are small, they look reproducible.

E/Dynamic Electrophotonic Capture:
Gaz Discharge Visualization – EPC/GDV
The introduction of the so-called EPC/GDV technique in
the research on high dilutions is a somewhat accidental
and unforeseen event. It results from the pioneering work
of Konstantin Korotkov who developed a completely
new process to analyze “the energy fields” on multiple
targets thanks to the analysis of the electrophotonic glow
stimulated by a train of controlled pulses of a high-tension
electromagnetic field, a technique based upon the Kirlian
effect. Applied to ultra-molecular dilutions by Iris Bell
(176), very small drops of liquid (0,02cc) gave successive
glow images under electric discharge, which could be
further processed thanks to the elaborative software of K.
Korotkov. The triple analysis of their fractality (shape), size
and brightness did show different patterns which, under
well-selected conditions, could be species-specific, and Iris
Bell discovered that a high dilution of Natrium muriaticum
had definitely a different overall finger-print than its original
solvent (ethanol in that particular case). It is most likely
that this innovative technique might open perspectives in
dilution research.

F/Calorimetric and Electric Measurements
In a completely different field, Elia, et al., (177) were able to
show that when a high dilution was mixed with an acid or
a base, the heat release was much more important than
it should be for a standard reference. He claimed that this
was due to the fact that, in the case of high dilutions, an
excess of energy was basically needed to “rupture” intrinsic
structures (so-called dissipative structures) resulting to
their preparation.
Similar discrepancies were also observed by Elia (178)
when he measured the electric conductivity of high dilutions,
an observation which was shared by Zacharias (179)
and his group in Brazil when they compared succused high
dilutions of Vincristine sulfate an inert solvent.
Another interesting approach in the field of electric measurements
is provided by the use of Impedance spectroscopy.
In that particular technique the behavior of a dilution is
assessed as a dielectric medium in low frequencies and
some preliminary research (Monod – Cemagref) did show
that the loss angle (Tg delta) and the dielectric constant are
substantially different from one dilution to its original solvent.
Another team (180) published a paper on the “Effect of
dielectric dispersion on potentised homeopathic medicines”
and concluded that using this method it is possible
to identify each homeopathic remedy in a solution even
above Avogadro’s number. The same observation was
confirmed by another team in India (181).

G/Thermoluminescence
(abstract Prof. Louis Rey) (182, 183)
Low-temperature thermoluminescence is a very sensitive
investigation tool and, for instance, could discriminate very
easily different highly diluted alumina colloids that could
not be distinguished by classical chemical analysis. On
that base this method was used to study inter alia, potassium
dichromate, sodium chloride and lithium chloride
preparations made in D20. For potassium dichromate, the
experiments carried out with Ilse Muchitsch and Michael
Frass showed very clearly that their “finger prints” were
totally different from the one of the heavy water alone even
in dilutions above Avogadro’s number.

Conclusions:
This rapid survey of investigations performed on ultramolecular
dilutions by different physical methods confirms
that it is can be proven that, even beyond Avogadro’s
number, they are different from their pure solvent and
also specific to the precise chemicals dissolved at the
initial state of their preparation. Each dilution has its own
personality and can be identified by its own “finger-print.”
Complex fluids carry much more information than could be
expected and this provides a strong, positive background
for homeopathy.
To explain the clinical facts even in very high dilutions and
potentizations (remember that only 25 % of the daily
delivery of homeopathic medicines in a pharmacy – 75 %
being at molecular level), another scientific paradigm is
needed. For many years another scientific paradigm has
existed, the paradigm of body signifiers (184). With the
existence of such a scientific framework, the nature of
the homeopathic medicine begins to be understood and
even identified.





Editor: Dr Michel Van Wassenhoven, LMHI and ECH Secretary for Research.
Part of chapter VII of the document SCIENTIFIC FRAMEWORK OF HOMEOPATHY. Evidence Based Homeopathy 2012. Revised edition after 66th LMHI Congress, December 2011 (New Delhi, India).
Source: European Committee for Homeopathy web

That Spirit-Like Force: Homeopathy

The Physics of Water
Why is water so special?
(Outline of talk)

• The water molecule and hydrogen bonding
• Liquid water has many strange properties
• Water is not just H2O molecules
• What happens when you shake water
• How succussed water is different from ‘just’ H2O
• So. Does water have a memory?
• Conclusions

Author: Martin Chaplin. Emeritus Professor of Applied Science. BSc PhD CChem FRSC. London South Bank University. Curriculum & Selection of Recent Publications.
PowerPoint presentation at 66th LMHI Congress, New Delhi (India), December, 1-4, 2011.
Water Structure and Science by Martin Chaplin.
More about Water research by different authors.
The Memory of Water: an overview by Martin Chaplin, published in the journal Homeopathy, vol. 96, nº 3, p. 141-230, July 2007.
Discussion about Memory of Water between Martin Chaplin and skeptics.
Homeopathy—quackery or a key to the future of medicine? Edited transcript of a debate held at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA on 25 October 2007. Published in the journal Homeopathy, vol. 97, nº 1, p. 28-33, January 2008.

Response to UK Parliamentary Committee report against Homeopathy on February 2010

Response by the European Committee for Homeopathy ECH and

the International Homeopathic Medical League LMHI

to Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy by the House of Commons Science

and Technology Committee, published 22 February 2010

In a report published 22 February 2010, the Science and Technology Committee of the United Kingdom House of Commons concludes that homeopathy is not efficacious (that is, it does not work beyond the placebo effect), that explanations for why homeopathy would work are scientifically implausible and that further clinical trials of homeopathy could not be justified. Furthermore, it concludes that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy and that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) should no longer license homeopathic medicines.

Remarkably, just 4 of the 14 members of the Science and Technology Committee voted on this report: 3 for, one against. One of its three signatories has stridently campaigned against homeopathy and continued to do so even in the period between the hearings and the publication of the report.

The European Committee for Homeopathy ECH and the International Homeopathic Medical League LMHI find the conclusions and recommendations of the Science and Technology Committee completely unfounded. The report is highly tendentious and fundamentally flawed, consistently misrepresenting the scientific evidence to the detriment of homeopathy and making unfounded and pejorative allegations against those who advocate or practise homeopathy. The report omits or misrepresents any evidence which challenges the view that homeopathy is a placebo response.

The report ignores large areas of evidence which were mentioned in written submissions and oral evidence such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy for specific conditions and groups of conditions, and systematic reviews of biological models of homeopathic responses. The evidence suggests that homeopathy is effective in a number of specific conditions, and there are a number of reproducible biological models of homeopathy.

The European Committee for Homeopathy ECH and the International Homeopathic Medical League LMHI fully endorse the robust and comprehensive response by the British Homeopathic Association. Their rebuttals are accessible at their website http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/media_centre/press_releases/march_2010_prs.html

Authors:

International Homeopathic Medical League LMHI, secretariat, Am Hofgarten 5, 53113 Bonn, Germany, tel. +49-228-2425330, email: generalsecretary@lmhint.net, http://liga.iwmh.net/

European Committee for Homeopathy ECH, secretariat, Chaussée de Bruxelles 132, box 1, 1190 Brussels, Belgium, tel.+32-2-3453597, email: info@homeopathyeurope.org, http://www.homeopathyeurope.org/

Sources: http://liga.iwmh.net/index.php?menuid=49&reporeid=172

http://www.homeopathyeurope.org/news-and-press/news/ech-rebuffs-uk-parliamentary-committee-report

More info: http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/media_centre/press_releases/march_2010_prs.html

LMHI-Position Paper on H1N1 FLU 2009

Since the outbreak of H1N1, all national and international health organizations, governments and the worldwide population have been concerned about the progress of this disease. We all know that homeopathy offers a good alternative to the standard treatments by university medicine. The LMHI gathered the already documented experience of our Mexican colleagues in the treatment of H1N1 and wants to disseminate this information. In this way The LMHI fulfills its mission to participate actively in maintaining and improving the health of human beings. With this first bulletin on H1N1, LMHI wishes to contribute to the application of homeopathic medicines in this pandemic.

Dear homeopathic colleagues:

Since the outbreak of H1N1, all national and international health organizations, governments and the worldwide population have been concerned about the progress of this disease. We all know that homeopathy offers a good alternative to the standard treatments by university medicine. The LMHI gathered the already documented experience of our Mexican colleagues in the treatment of H1N1 and wants to disseminate this information. In this way The LMHI fulfills its mission to participate actively in maintaining and improving the health of human beings. With this first bulletin on H1N1, LMHI wishes to contribute to the application of homeopathic medicines in this pandemic.

Best wishes

Dr.Corrado Bruno, Past-President LMHI

Dr.José Matuk, Prime Vice President LMHI The H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection caused by a strain of influenza virus of the type A, which normally causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The disease affects pigs almost exclusively, however, a new strain of virus, derived, in part from the human influenza virus, and, in part, from the pig influenza virus, has been demonstrated to be transmissible to humans and, worse, from human being to human being. Another concern that has arisen is the serious form of disease and, because of the high mortality rate of this strain of virus and of its capacity to be transmitted between humans, there is the concern that the H1N1 flu could become a global pandemic.

The H1N1 flu epidemic has spread rapidly in the past weeks. The World Health Organization increased the level of global pandemic alert from level 4 to level 5, which means that, even if the majority of the countries has not been affected yet, there are strong signs that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to organize a contingency plan is short. The increase in alert level indicates that the probability of an emergence of a global H1N1 influenza pandemic has grown during the last weeks. It should be noted that there are reports of cases of influenza caused by other viruses which are not the H1N1. They must be distinguished from the epidemic of human influenza as they present different behaviors. The human influenza has a sudden appearance that evolves more quickly toward pneumonia, with severe attack on the general state of the patient. On a parallel level, there are many cases that do not correspond to human influenza, or to seasonal influenza. They represent rather common colds that have no connection with influenza. At present the homeopathic colleagues of Mexico have been able to identify indirectly, by the written reports of doctors in hospitals, the following symptoms:

●Fever ●Proceeded by 40% great chills ●Persistent fever between 38.5 °C (101.3°F) to 39.4 °C (102.9°F) accompanied by fresh diaphoresis on the back, face and neck ●Generalized weakness, adynamia without extreme prostration ●Profuse sweating during fever ●Sore throat ●Severe ●Pain by intake of solid initially and then even liquids ●Scarce cough ●Non painful ●Dry ●In attacks ●Constant arthralgias in the hands, elbows and shoulders at the febrile peak ●Cold Applications amel ●Retroocular headache or eyeballs pain ("My eyes hurt") ●With rest amel ●Occipital and neck headache aggravated by being raised on a pillow ●Some patients with occipital pain of throbbing type

Complications: ●Pneumonia with infiltrated interstitial or multiple pockets ●Productive cough with yellowish expectoration

Between 48 and 72 hours the medical situation has developed or has become complicated. The symptoms are vague and have limited clinic homeopathy application, but, as the symptoms were obtained directly from a significant number of H1N1 confirmed infected patients, homeopathic medicine can be used. Influenza ranks among the category of respiratory diseases, but, in reality, the whole body is disrupted when the person gets sick. In short, people affected are often very sick and are suffering from all or some of the symptoms:

●High fever. ●Headache. ●Clear nasal discharge. ●Sneezing. ●Cough, often becoming severe. ●Severe aches and pains. ●Fatigue for several weeks. ●Sometimes sore throat. ●Extreme exhaustion. ●Fever and pain throughout the body generally last from three to five days, but the cough and fatigue can last for two weeks or more. ●Mexican fever may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Diagnostic Guides Until now the guidelines that have been given to define a case of Mexican influenza (case definition / swine flu) by CDC (Influenza like/illness ILI) are as follows: ●A confirmed case of influenza A H1NI defines a person with an acute breathing illness with laboratory confirmation of the A H1N1 influenza virus through the following laboratory diagnosis:1. PCR/RT in real time2. Viral Culture ●A probable case of infection by influenza A H1NI defines a person with influenza type symptoms1. Positive for influenza A, but negative for H1 or H3 influenza by PCR/RT ●A suspected case of influenza A defines people who do not meet the criteria at the top and have H1NI negative tests:1. Healthy person, under the age of 65 years, hospitalized with symptoms similar to the influenza.2. Lives in a state (country) where no cases of influenza have been confirmed, but has traveled to a state (country) where there are one or more probable cases.3. Has been in contact in the last 7 days with a person with similar symptoms to the influenza (ILI).

Homeopathic Medicines Homeopathic medical treatment is individual, but in the face of an epidemic, we can obtain groups of drugs characterized by the peculiarities of the symptoms of the sick.

For this specific epidemic, we have obtained the following remedies for the symptoms found in different patients.

The symptoms listed above are the common symptoms of the disease that, for the homeopathic doctor, serve to show whether or not it is Influenza. However, they are not useful for the prescription of homeopathic medicines. The pattern and the individuality of the symptoms of each patient are what determine the prescription of a homeopathic remedy. We have listed the symptoms for which these remedies have been indicated, without determining an epidemic genius.

The drugs mostly indicated for this epidemic given by homeopathic Mexican doctors are the following:

Aconitum n. 1. Fear will die because of the disease

2. Red Throat

3. Onset of the symptoms after exposure to cold

4. Harsh beginning

5. The symptoms appeared suddenly

6. Red Congested face

7. Muscle aches and pains

Belladona a.

1. Red teary eyes

2. Red flushed face

4. High fever - greater than 39oC (102.2°F).

5. Acute inflammation of the throat

6. Throbbing Pain while coughing

7. Severe headache

8. Violent pulsations caused by the headache

9. Red face. Brilliant and Injected Eyes

10. Cannot stand the least light or noise

Bryonia Alba

1. Begins with sudden head pains

2. Worsened by body movement

3. Painful cough

4. Fever with chills.

5. Intense back and leg pain

6. Aggravated by the least movement, improved by rest

7. Extreme thirst for large amounts of liquid

8. Cold, red throat

9. Limb pain while walking

10. Dryness of mucous

Arsenicum Album

1. Begins with arduous throat pain

2. Improvement by consuming hot drinks

3. Widespread cold, feels cold

4. He covers himself too much

5. Feels prostrated, tired, exhausted

6. Violent vomiting, and has frequent, but scanty diarrhea

7. Thinks will die

8. Burning evacuation

9. Cough after drinking

10. Agitated and anxious

11. Does not want to be alone

Eupatorum Perfoliatum

1. Fever that starts with chills, shivering and shaking

2. Back pain

3. Continued fever, with intense and insatiable thirst

4. Bone pain, as if they had been beaten

5. Back pain, as if it were broken

6. Snoring

7. Painful cough, aggravates the chest when coughing

8. Great pain of muscles and bones

9. Feels as if the back were dislocated

10. Congested face during fever

11. The sweating improves all the symptoms, except the headache.

Mercurius Vivus

1. Begins with hoarseness and aphony

2. Catarrh, running nose, burning

3. Sore throat as if it were raw meat

4. Dry cough, spasmodic

5. Fever with night sweats that do not improve

6. Constant

7. Indented tongue

8. Halitosis

9. Very wary

10 Bone Pain

Gelsemium

1. Has a fever chill

2. Hand trembles

3. Abundant perspiration

4. Downcast

5. Intense muscle aches, with leg pain

6. Remains immobile in bed

7. Face congestion

8. Injected Eyes, sore throat

9. Dry cough, rapid pulse

10. Despite the fever, has no thirst

11. Depression and pain

Collaborators: Dra. Patricia Carballo Quiroz, Dr. Ana Maria Carballo Quiroz, Dra. Rosario Sanchez Caballero, Dra. A. Elena Rodriguez, Dr. Antonio Sanchez Caballero, Dr. Antonio Sanchez Carballo, Dr. Jaime Andrade, Dr. Fernando Dominguez Vello, Dr. Fernando Francois Flores, Dr. Corrado G. Bruno, Dr. José Matuk Kanan, Dr. Ulrich D. Fischer. Special thanks to Dra. Sandra M Chase, MD, DHT.

Source: http://liga.iwmh.net/index.php?menuid=49&reporeid=67

SPANISH ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LMHI INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL 2008

Summary: Firstly, we would like to mention the fruitful relationship established among the main Spanish Medical Homeopathic Societies: Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona (AMHB); Federación Española de Médicos Homeópatas (FEMH); Sociedad Española de Medicina Homeopática (SEMH) in the last few years, which join together more than 800 medical homeopaths. Below we have listed some of the activities in which the three societies have jointly participated. -The organization of the 3rd National Homeopathic Congress by the SEMH in collaboration with the AMHB and the FEMH held in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valladolid (2-4 May 2008). -The publication of a new homeopathic journal in collaboration with the three societies: (AMHB, FEMH, SEMH), that will published under the name of Revista Médica de Homeopatía. This new publication aims to normalise the situation of the homeopathic journals in the medical world, as well as increasing the diffusion and accuracy of the Spanish homeopathic articles. It will be published by Elsevier Doyma, the most important editorial in Spain to publish medical journals. -The joint opposition to the announced project of the Ministerial Decree for homeopathic medicines issued by the Ministry of Health. This decree signifies an exorbitant increase in the cost of registration of each homeopathic medicine as well as the correspondent dilutions, greatly multiplying the previous taxes and making the homeopathic pharmaceutical business in Spain unfeasible. This measure could also provoke a shortage of the homeopathic medicines. Dr. Valentín Romero, President of the National Assembly of Homeopathy represented the interests of the medical homeopaths in the meeting celebrated on April the 14th in the Ministry of Health, proposing together with the representative of the pharmaceutical industry a legislation similar to that in Germany and France. -Another threat to the development of homeopathy in Spain has been the decree to regulate the non-conventional therapies including homeopathy issued by the Health Department of the Catalan Government. On June 2007 the Supreme Court of Justice suspended the articles that were demanded by the Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona which received the support of the FEMH and the SEMH as well as the written of Dr Ulrich Fischer (President of the LMHI) and Dr Ton Nicolai (President of ECH) during the legal process. At present, the decree is pending a final decision. EDUCATION With reference to post-graduate training, we would like to point out the following: -The 2-year Master in Homeopathy. Organised by the FEMH. It complies with the ECH standards. -The 2-year Master in Homeopathic Medicine. Organised by the AMHB in collaboration with the University of Barcelona – IL3 Continuing Education Department. This Master was accredited by the ECH in 2007. -The 2-year Master on Homeopathy. Organised by the Depatment of Animal Production of the Faculty of Veterinary of the University of Murcia. -Training programme as Specialist in Homeopathy. Organised by the CEDH and the University of Murcia It does not comply with the ECH standards. -Medical Training in Homeopathy (two-year course) organised by the Foundation of the Medical College from Madrid for Healthy Education and training with the collaboration of the Fundación Instituto Homeopático y Hospital de San José. -Graduated Expert in Homeopathy (2-year training). Organised by the ·Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valladolid and the SEMH (pluralist homeopathic medical association, which does not belong to LMHI) with the collaboration of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and the Fundación Homeos of Buenos Aires. Homeopathy and pharmaceutical market finances Boiron Laboratories has provided the following information about the homeopathic market in Spain in the last year. Population: 42 millions of inhabitants. Physicians: 210,000 Homeopaths: 2,500 (maybe around 550 of them are unicists) Chemist’s shop: 20,200 Sales figures: 27.1 million EUR Number of Spanish LMHI associates Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona: 1 association Medical doctors 231 Pharmacists 11 Veterinarians 6 Total 238 Federación Española de Médicos Homeópatas: 11 associations Medical doctors 215 Pharmacists 8 Veterinarians 1 Total 224

Spanish Homeopathic Medical Associations LMHI institutional members -Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona (AMHB) Members: 238 C/ Aragó 186, 2n – 1a 08011 Barcelona Phone: 93 323 48 36 Fax: 93 451 34 04 Web: http://www.amhb.net/ E.mail: amhb@amhb.net President: Dr. Manel Mateu i Ratera -Federación Española de Médicos Homeópatas (FEMH) Members: 224 C/ Asturias, 8 – 3ºD 33004 Oviedo Phone: 98 527 11 28 Web: http://www.femh.org/ E- mail: mailto:yahoi50@telefonica.net President: Dra. Inmaculada González-Carbajal García --Sociedad Hahnemanniana Matritense. Instituto Homeopático y Hospital de San José Members: 38 C/ Eloy Gonzalo, 3 y 5 28010 Madrid Phone: 629 02 73 61 E-mail: torvio@teleline.es President: Dra. Ana María Viorreta Arabaolaza --Asociación de Médicos Homeópatas de Andalucía Members: 43 C/ Céfiro, 9 – 2º esc. 5ºC 41018 Sevilla Phone: 95 457 93 98 E-mail: vromerob@arrakis.es President: Dr. Valentín Romero Bonilla --Asociación Médico Homeopática de Santa Cruz de Tenerife Members: 19 C/ Mocán, 6 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (La Paz) Phone: 92 226 18 28 E-mail: drantoniomarques@auna.com President: Dr. Antonio Francisco Márquez Arpa

--Academia Médico-Homeopática Canaria Members: 11 C/ La Naval, 152 – 5º 35008 Las Palmas Phone: 92 846 96 54 E-mail: nievesrsg@yahoo.es President: Dra. Nieves Rodriguez San Ginés --Sociedad Científica de Homeopatía de Aragón Members: 16 C/ León XIII, 17 – 2º izda. 50008 Zaragoza Phone: 97 621 65 59 E-mail: juanmartin@comz.org President: Dr. Juan Martín-Ballestero Hernández --Asociación Vasco-Navarra de Médicos Homeópatas Members: 33 C/ Kondeko Aldapa, 9 20400 Tolosa – Guipúzcoa Phone: 94 367 04 95 E-mail: ajegon@terra.es President: Dra. Mª Jesús González Larrañeta --Associació Mèdico-Homeopàtica de Mallorca Members: 10 C/ Joan March , 8 - 5ª - 1ª 07004 Ciudad de Palma – Baleares Phone: 971 20 65 66 E-mail: islara@teleline.es President: Dr. Isidre Lara i Llobet --Sociedad Médico-Homeopática de la Comunidad Valenciana Members: 25 Apartado de Correos nº 63 03080 Alicante Phone: 96 380 69 14 E-mail: dyc@comv.es President: Dra. Deisy Cé Duarte do Amaral --Academia de Homeopatía de Asturias Members. 13 C/ Asturias, 8 - 3º D 33004 Oviedo Phone: 98 527 11 28 E-mail: yasoi50@telefonica.net President: Dra. Inmaculada González-Carbajal García --Asociación Andaluza Médico Homeopática “Similia” Members 11 Paseo de los Basilios, 5 bajos 18008 Granada Phone: 95 813 69 49 E-mail: mailto:teresaarraezl@hotmail.com President: Dra. María Teresa Arraez Salvago --Sociedad Gallega de Medicina Homeopática Members 5 C/ Fragoso, 6 - 4º C 36210 Vigo Phone: 98 62114 62 E-mail: aleiros@terra.es President: Dra. Mª José Gomez Segarra Non - LMHI members -Asociación Médica Española de Homeopatía y Bioterapia (AMEHB) http://www.amehb.com/ President: Jordi Forés i Colomer E-mail: drfores@foresperez.com -Sociedad Española de Medicina Homeopática (SEMH) http://www.semh.org/ E-mail: secretaria@semh.org President: Mª Dolores Tremiño San Emeterio E-mail: dtremiño@dvnet.es This society belongs to the Asamblea Nacional de Homeopatía together with the AMHB and the FEMH, and is playing an important role in the development of the homeopathy in Spain. Education Master in Homeopathy Organised by the FEMH. It complies with the ECH Standards. Master in Homeopathic Medicine. Organised by the AMHB in collaboration with the University of Barcelona/ IL3 –Department of Continuous Education. Master accredited by the ECH in 2007. Master on Homeopathy. Organised by the Department of Animal Production of the Faculty of Veterinary of the University of Murcia. Training programmes of Graduated Specialist in Homeopathy ·Department of Pharmacology. University of Murcia. Organized by CEDH. It does not comply with the ECH Standards. Graduated Expert in Homeopathy (2-year training). Organised by the ·Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valladolid and SEMH (pluralist homeopathic medical association) with the collaboration of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and the Fundación Homeos of Buenos Aires. Post-graduated training, given by homeopathic associations and the Official Colleges of Medical Doctors (OCMD) - Seminar about Theoretical basis and Advanced Clinic given by Dr Ernesto Giampietro. 1-4November 2007. Organised by the Academia de Homeopatía de Astúrias. -LM prescription. Seminar by Dr Inmaculada González-Carbajal García. May 2008. Organised by the Academia de Homeopatía de Astúrias. -Difficult and chronic cases in Homeopathy. Seminar given by Dr Ernesto Cámpora, on May 2007. Organised by the Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona. -Strategies to face acute and chronic difficult cases. Seminar given by Dr Oscar Minotti on Nov-Dec 2007. Organised by the Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona. -7th Meeting of Canary Islands Homeopathic Medical Doctors. November 2007. -Perception. Seminar given by Lourdes Tornos, following the ideas of Rajan Sankaran. November 2007. Organised by Sociedad Hahnemanniana Matritense. -The Post-graduate two-year course organised by the Foundation of the Medical College from Madrid for Healthy Education and training with the collaboration of the Fundación Instituto Homeopático Hospital San José y la Sociedad Hahnemanniana Matritense in the site of the Medical Council of Madrid. Conducted by Dr Marcos Mantero. -The 5th course of Basic training in homeopathy organised by the Sociedad Científica de Homeopatía de Aragón in the place of the Medical Council of Zaragoza. October 2007. -3rd Seminar with Rajan Sankaran in Argelès 26-31 May 2008 (South France) organised by the Société de Médecine Homéopathique Midi-Pyrénées of Toulose and the Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona. Pharmacy Asociación Española de Farmacéuticos Homeópatas (AEFH) C/ Villanueva nº 11 6ª planta 28001 Madrid Phone: 91 431 25 60 Web: http://www.aefhom.org/

Veterinary At the present there are plans to create the Sociedad Española de Homeopatía Veterinaria. Books published Medicina Homeopática, Carles Amengual. June 2007. Ed. Libros Cúpula Homeopatía Veterinaria, Coral Mateo y José R. Torre. Ed. Dilema S.I. La Magia de la Homeopatía, Emilio Morales. 2ª edición Ed. Mínima There are plans to publish a Spanish version of the book of Jan Scholten Homeopathy and the Elements in autumn 2008. Web pages redesigned In 2007 both associations FEMH and AMHB have redesigned and up-dated their webpages.

Homeopathic Magazines REVISTA HOMEOPÁTICA Published by the Academia Médico Homeopática de Barcelona http://www.amhb.net/ REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE HOMEOPATÍA Published by the Federación Española de Médicos Homeópatas http://www.femh.org/ HOMEPATÍA CLÍNICA Published by the Sociedad Española de Medicina Homeopática http://www.semh.org/ REVISTA MÉDICA DE HOMEOPATÍA (New) Journal published jointly by the AMHB, the FEMH and the SEMH. (Editorial Elsevier Doyma) 1st issue expected Summer 2008.

Author: Dr. Xavier Cabré, Spanish National Vice-President LMHI from 2006. Report presented to the LMHI International Council, Oostende (Belgium), May 2008.

INFORME SOBRE LA LIGA MÉDICA HOMEOPÁTICA INTERNACIONAL 2006

La LIGA MEDICORUM HOMOEOPATHICA INTERNATIONALIS (LMHI) es una sociedad médica homeopática internacional que fue fundada el 10 de septiembre de 1925 en Rotterdam por un grupo de 14 médicos homeópatas, entre ellos 2 españoles, los Drs. Augusto Vinyals y Juan Beltrán, y registrada legalmente según las Leyes Civiles Suizas. Ginebra fue designada como ciudad de registro, pero su sede de trabajo está en la ciudad de residencia del Secretario General. El objetivo de la LMHI es el desarrollo de la homeopatía en todo el mundo y la creación de vínculos entre los médicos, las sociedades y todas aquellas personas interesadas en la homeopatía. La LMHI es una sociedad filantrópica sin ánimos de lucro. Los fondos para el desarrollo de sus funciones provienen de las suscripciones de sus miembros y de las donaciones y legados que pueda recibir. La cuota anual de los miembros es fijada en la Asamblea General Trianual y actualmente es de 15 Francos Suizos. Los miembros de la LMHI pueden ser de tres tipos: activos, asociados y honorarios. Los miembros activos son médicos, veterinarios y dentistas, con formación universitaria en Medicina, Veterinaria u Odontología reconocida por el gobierno de su país o del país donde ejercen su profesión. Un médico, veterinario o dentista homeopático es una persona con formación universitaria reconocida por el gobierno de su país, que cursó los cursos de homeopatía, que tiene diplomas de formación homeopática reconocidos por la LMHI y que aplica la ley de similitud. Los miembros asociados son todas aquellas otras personas con cualificaciones reconocidas nacionalmente y que tienen cursos de homeopatía reconocidos por la LMHI, tales como farmacéuticos, estudiantes de medicina, matemáticos, físicos, químicos y todas aquellas personas capaces de contribuir con su trabajo al avance de la homeopatía. Estos miembros necesitan la aprobación y la garantía del Vicepresidente Nacional de su país. Los miembros honorarios son personas elegidas por el Consejo Internacional por haber prestado honores a la homeopatía o importantes servicios para la LMHI. Cualquier persona u organización que desee ser miembro de la LMHI debe contactar con el Vicepresidente Nacional de su país para formalizar su inscripción. Actualmente están afiliados a la LMHI 66 países de todo el mundo con más de 7.000 miembros a diciembre de 2004. Los países con mayor número de miembros son Alemania (2040), Italia (509), Argentina (468), España (436), Austria (414), Bélgica (406), México (394), Holanda (389), Reino Unido (316), Suiza (287), República Checa (135), Francia (134), USA (128), Ucrania (100), India (99) e Irán (97). Otros países como Portugal, Grecia, Brasil, Pakistán, Eslovenia, Letonia, Uruguay y Venezuela tienen alrededor de 50 miembros y finalmente Australia, Bangla Desh, Bulgaria, Canadá, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chipre, Dinamarca, Ecuador, Egipto, Ghana, Israel, Japón, Liechtenstein, Malasia, Marruecos, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Noruega, Perú, Serbia, República de Eslovenia, Sri Lanka, Suecia, Taiwán, Togo, Trinidad-Tobago tienen menos de 10 miembros. Los órganos oficiales de la LMHI son el Comité Ejecutivo, la Secretaría General, el Consejo Internacional y la Asamblea General. Los Vicepresidentes Nacionales de los diferentes países son el vínculo permanente entre el Consejo y las diferentes organizaciones homeopáticas nacionales. El Comité Ejecutivo está compuesto por el Presidente en ejercicio, el Presidente saliente, el Vicepresidente, el Secretario General y el Tesorero. Sus miembros deben residir en diferentes países y no deben ocupar cargos en otras asociaciones homeopáticas internacionales al mismo tiempo que pertenecen a este comité. La Secretaría General está formada por el Secretario General y otras ocho secretarías de organización que son las siguientes: 1) La Secretaría General para Investigación Homeopática que tiene las funciones de promover la investigación científica homeopática en el mundo, los programas de investigación y la evaluación de los resultados, los provings de nuevos remedios y la estandarización de nomenclaturas y vocabularios. Esta secretaría ha elegido la tortuga como su mascota por sus similitudes con la homeopatía. Las tortugas son capaces de escapar de sus depredadores cuando nacen, tienen una vida larga, son frágiles y lentas fuera de su entorno (lo mismo ocurre a la homeopatía cuando intenta actuar o explicarse a través de conceptos que no le son propios), pero son muy ágiles en su entorno. Sus caparazones tienen la forma de mosaicos que parecen iguales unos a otros, pero en realidad son sólo similares; su medio favorito es el agua, donde circulan como la información homeopática. El Comité de Investigación está manteniendo contactos regulares con el Dr. Zhang de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para preparar y desarrollar el informe de esta organización denominado “Revisión y Análisis de los Informes de Ensayos Clínicos Controlados” que está casi terminado. Este documento será editado por la OMS y distribuido por la LMHI. 2) La Secretaría General para Educación cuyo cometido es desarrollar y promover los programas de enseñanza básica estándar en homeopatía, adoptados por el Consejo Internacional en Córdoba, Argentina, en 1992. En los últimos años esta secretaría estuvo trabajando en la elaboración del documento denominado “Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Homeopathy”, que tras ser revisado, fue votado y aprobado en la reunión del Consejo Internacional de Berlín en 2005. Su objetivo es servir de orientación a las autoridades sanitarias en cuanto a los requisitos generales de formación en homeopatía para médicos y establecer las bases para la acreditación de los cursos de formación. 3) La Secretaría General para Relaciones Públicas se ocupa de promover las relaciones entre los distintos órganos de la LMHI así como con otras organizaciones. 4) La Secretaría General encargada de la Revista de la LMHI, The LigaLetter, que se editaba semestralmente hasta que desde 2005, por razones económicas, pasó a hacerlo anualmente. La revista se edita en inglés aunque sus últimos números también están siendo redactados en lengua castellana. 5) La Secretaría General encargada de los Archivos de la LMHI se ocupa del registro y archivo de las actas de las reuniones, los trabajos presentados en los congresos y las diferentes publicaciones relacionadas con la homeopatía. Actualmente está trabajando en la catalogación los procedings de todos los congresos internacionales de la Liga. Los archivos de la LMHI se encontraban en el Royal Homeopathic Hospital de Londres desde su fundación en 1991 pero fueron trasladados al Instituto de Historia de la Medicina de Stuttgart, Alemania, en 1999. Recientemente se ha creado la Fundación Biblioteca Homeopática Internacional Dr. Samuel Hahnemann en Córdoba, Argentina. Sus objetivos están definidos en diferentes áreas y actividades. Cuenta ya con un patrimonio bibliográfico que se encuentra a disposición de todos los miembros; para solicitarlo se deberán dirigir a los teléfonos o correo electrónico citados al pie del formulario, que debe ser rellenado para la donación de material (libros, revistas, obras digitales, etc.). Las Secretarías Generales para Farmacéuticos, Veterinarios y Dentistas tratan todos los asuntos concernientes a sus especialidades y el desarrollo de su profesión en relación a la homeopatía y deben presentar un informe anual en la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo. 6) La Secretaría de Farmacia estuvo trabajando en colaboración con Gudjons/Alemania en la elaboración de una “Guía para asegurar la calidad de fabricación de los remedios homeopáticos”. Esta guía contempla todos los aspectos de preparación de los remedios desde la calidad del origen y de la preparación del medicamento hasta la organización del personal, la infraestructura, el empaquetado y etiquetado, el proceso de control y la garantía de cualidad y la recepción de reclamaciones. La farmacéutica Amarilys de Toledo, de Brasil es la actual secretaria de farmacia y es la encargada de coordinar el trabajo de elaboración del Compendium Homeopático Internacional, trabajo surgido por iniciativa del Dr. Jacques Imberechts , cuyo objetivo es la recopilación de toda la información publicada sobre cada uno de los remedios homeopáticos. Algunos monográficos (16) ya están terminados, como por ejemplo, los de Ferum metallicum, Ipeca, Natrum muriaticum, Silicia, Aesculus hippocastanum, Allium cepa, Anacardium orientales y Barberis vulgaris, Digitales purpurea, Dulcamara, Hamamelis, Hypericum, Sambucus nigra, Opium, Lycopocium y Iris versicolor. 7) La Secretaría General para Dentistas está trabajando para el reconocimiento legal de la homeopatía en odontología, especialmente en Brasil, de donde es su secretaria, la Dra. Gloria Feighelstein, y recabando información del estado de la homeopatía en odontología en diversos países del mundo para el reconocimiento legal y estandarización la formación homeopática. Hechos importantes son la celebración del 7º Congreso Brasileño de Homeopatía en Odontología, en noviembre de 2005, en Petrópolis, Río de Janeiro y la edición del libro Materia Médica Homeopática – Síntomas y Signos Odontológicos, de la cirujanodentista homeópata Dra. Margarita Barbosa Argenta (http://www.tecmedd.com/ y editora@tecmedd.com). Es muy importante que los dentistas españoles que practiquen la homeopatía se pongan en contacto con el Vicepresidente Nacional. 8) La Secretaría General para Veterinarios es una secretaría que empezó a funcionar recientemente y solicita información sobre las actividades en veterinaria homeopática que se desarrollan en España. El Consejo Internacional está formado por los miembros del Comité Ejecutivo, los Secretarios Organizativos, los Vicepresidentes Nacionales y sus Adjuntos. Los Vicepresidentes Nacionales deben presentar anualmente un informe de las actividades y el desarrollo de la homeopatía en su país incluyendo los listados actualizados de los miembros y asociaciones homeopáticas; todos los cursos, congresos, publicaciones y cualquier otra actividad relacionada con la homeopatía que hayan desarrollado durante este año. En su informe también se incluye la situación actual de la homeopatía en el país, los datos estadísticos sobre el número de pacientes atendidos con homeopatía en diferentes entornos (hospitales, clínicas, dispensarios, etc.) y los resultados obtenidos con el tratamiento homeopático de los mismos. Tanto el Comité Ejecutivo como el Consejo Internacional se reúnen antes de la celebración de cada congreso anual de la LMHI en el mismo lugar donde este se celebra. La última reunión fue en Köthen, ciudad Sajona donde vivió Hahnemann durante 14 años. En Köthen tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar la casa donde vivió Hahnemann, actualmente restaurada y trasformada en un museo. Los Congresos de la LMHI son anuales y en cada uno se elige un tema central sobre el que giran todas las actividades del mismo: ponencias, comunicaciones orales o en póster, talleres monográficos, seminarios paralelos, sesiones clínicas, etc. En cada congreso los autores pueden presentar sus comunicaciones originales con información sobre doctrina, materia médica, investigación, práctica clínica homeopática, etc. siempre que no haya sido publicada anteriormente. El primer Congreso Internacional tuvo lugar en Barcelona en 1924 y desde entonces se vienen realizando anualmente excepto en la década de los años 40. El último congreso tuvo lugar en Berlín en mayo de 2005 y su lema fue “Tradition, Experience, Vision” y se centró en los siguientes temas: provings, miasmas, investigación y ciencia, tratamiento de ancianos y niños discapacitados, tratamiento del cáncer, casos terminales, epidemias, homeopatía basada en la evidencia, salud pública, países en desarrollo y estudios de coste-efectividad. El próximo congreso se realizará en Lucerna, Suiza, del 11 al 14 de octubre de 2006 y su lema será “Living experience”. Las inscripciones se pueden realizar hasta el 30 de mayo con descuento o hasta el 21 de septiembre con tarifa normal on line en http://www.swiss-homeopathy.ch/ o por correo postal rellenando el formulario de inscripción. Los rezagados también podrán registrarse in situ con un pequeño sobrecoste. Las sedes de los congresos futuros serán: México, del 6 al 10 de agosto 2007 Bélgica, del 20 al 25 de mayo de 2008; Cracovia, Polonia, 2009; Los Ángeles, USA, 2010; Riga, Letonia, 2011 y Japón, 2012. Y para finalizar me gustaría hacer un llamamiento a todos los homeópatas a acercarse a la Liga y a participar en sus actividades, porque necesitamos aunar nuestros esfuerzos ante el reto moral y científico del presente, pero sobretodo para colaborar en la construcción de un futuro sólido para la homeopatía en el seno de la comunidad médica europea e internacional.

Autora: Dra. Deisy Cé, Vicepresidenta Nacional para España de la LMHI (2000-2006). E.mail: dyc@comv.es Ponencia presentada en el II CONGRESO NACIONAL DE HOMEOPATÍA. Tenerife, del 28 de abril al 01 de mayo de 2006.