Este estudo demonstra a Homeopatia como Racionalidade Médica, com seu paradigma vitalista, e como isto foi vivenciado/experimentado, em um ambulatório de Homeopatia no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que analisa os resultados de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas a partir de um roteiro baseado em um instrumento de avaliação da atenção primária elaborado pela Universidade de Edimburgo, Escócia. Tem como objeto o tratamento homeopático de 10 sujeitos atendidos nesse ambulatório, no período entre 2007 a 2014 e, por objetivo, o entendimento dos sujeitos sobre esse tratamento e possíveis influências em suas vidas e em seu viver. O que entendeu, vivenciou, experenciou o sujeito em um tratamento homeopático? Houve influências desse tratamento em sua vida? Se sim, quais? Dos 10 sujeitos, oito eram mulheres e dois, homens, cujas idades variaram entre 32 e 73 anos. A análise baseia-se nos discursos de usuários sobre a vivência que tiveram dessa realidade de cuidado e mostra o quanto essa Racionalidade Médica é capaz de influenciar o processo saúde/doença do indivíduo O estudo seguiu os preceitos éticos submetidos e aprovados pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Porto Alegre e pela Plataforma Brasil. Como resultado deste estudo, aparecem como temas centrais da análise das entrevistas, a busca por um tratamento integral, a noção de saúde como equilíbrio, a confiança na terapêutica, a procura por um tratamento para problemas emocionais, o fato do sujeito não querer usar tratamento alopático e a cura natural (suave) e a longo prazo (duradoura) da Homeopatia. Como recomendações, os sujeitos sugerem que esse tratamento esteja mais disponível, com mais divulgação e acesso, pois “geraria mais economia aos cofres públicos” e provocaria uma “mudança de paradigma, onde o foco não está na doença, mas no desequilíbrio e a pessoa em tratamento pode ser sujeito do seu reequilíbrio ou estado saudável e ser corresponsável por mantê-lo”. Por fim, entende-se que a implantação da Política das Práticas Integrativas no SUS é um desafio e, especialmente em Porto Alegre, no que tange à Homeopatia, necessita de apoio e de pressão política organizada por parte de usuários, profissionais especializados e gestores para ser efetivada. / This study presents Homeopathy as a Medical Rationality based on its vitalist paradigm and the way it has been lived/experienced, in a Homeopathy Clinic in the Unified Health National System (SUS) in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This is a qualitative study that analyzes the results of semi-structured interviews made according to a script created through a primary care assessment instrument developed by the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. It aims at the homeopathic treatment of ten subjects attended in this clinic between 2007 and 2014 and by objective, the subjects' understanding of this treatment and possible influences on their lives and their way of life: what does a person understand, experience under homeopathic treatment? Were there any influences from this treatment in his/her life? If so, which ones? Among the individuals, eight were women and two men, whose ages ranged from 32 to 73 years. The analysis is based on the users' discourses about the experience they had of this reality of care, and also shows how much this Medical Rationality is able to influence the health / illness process of the individual The study followed the ethical precepts submitted and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Municipal Health Department of Porto Alegre and by Brazil Platform. The results of this study indicate as central themes of the interview analysis: the search for an integral treatment, the notion of health as an equilibrium, confidence in the treatment, the search for a treatment for emotional problems, the fact that the subject does not want to use treatment allopathic, and the natural (mild) and long-term (lasting) cure of Homeopathy. As recommendations, the individuals suggest that this treatment should be more available, with more disclosure and access, because "it would generate more savings to the public coffers" and would provoke a "paradigm shift, in which the focus is not on the disease, but on the imbalance, and the person in treatment can act on his/her rebalancing or healthy state and be co-responsible for maintaining it". Finally, it is understood that the implementation of the Policy of Integrative Practices in the SUS is a challenge and, especially in Porto Alegre, in relation to Homeopathy, needs support and organized political pressure from users, specialized professionals and managers to be effective.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropratic)- Dept.of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006 xvii, 148 leaves / Chiropractors and homeopaths belong to the same paradigm i.e. the biopsychosocial. Due to this fact, there has been a perception that there will automatically be a good referral relationship between these two. This was therefore assumed to be true in the South African context; however until now there has never been any quantifiable evidence as to what the interprofessional ties are between these two professions in this context. This study looked into the current status quo of the factors affecting referrals between chiropractors and homeopaths practicing in the greater Durban Metro area and looks towards future studies which may enhance the interprofessional relationship.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. xi, 238 leaves / The first objective of this study was to determine the symptomatology that the plant remedy Peucedanum galbanum 30CH, produced in healthy individuals, so that it could be prescribed according to the Law of Similars, as required by homoeopathy. The second objective was to analyse this symptomatology in relation to the doctrine of signatures. It was hypothesised that Peucedanum galbanum 30CH would produce symptomatology in healthy individuals which would correlate to the doctrine of signatures of the plant.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xvii, 87 leaves / Homoeopathy is a scientific, reliable and natural system of medicinal therapy, which has been in existence for over 200 years. Recent years have shown a profound shift in health and medicine, increasing numbers of the public are opting for complementary and alternative(CAM) therapies. In South Africa the situation for CAM and homoeopathy in particular looks more favorable. The government, in the form of the department of health, has drawn up specific guidelines for the regulation of homoeopathy and other CAM therapies. Much closer liaison should exist between the Allied health professions council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and the Health professions council of S.A (HPCSA) with the aim of uniting strengths to the advantage of the South African public to achieve an integrated, holistic care (Prinsloo, 2005). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to provide demographic data on the perceptions and interactions of Medical specialists in the greater Durban area toward homoeopathy. Their general knowledge of homoeopathy and their views and communication with homoeopathy have been assessed. iv METHODOLOGY A survey method in the form of a questionnaire was employed to investigate the perceptions and interaction of Medical specialists towards homoeopathy. The sample of Medical specialists was drawn from the medical pages of the Durban Telephone Directory. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics using frequency tables and bar charts. The Pearson’s Chi-square Test was used on selected data. RESULTS One hundred and fifty completed questionnaires were returned for analysis out of the 344 sent out. This gives a response rate of 43.60%. CONCLUSION From this study one can conclude that Medical specialists know very little about homoeopathy, and it can be assumed that this lack of knowledge is a possible reason for the poor communication that currently exists between these practitioners and homoeopaths

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008 / Introduction This dissertation entails a homoeopathic proving of ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) 30CH with a subsequent comparison to Lac Loxodonta africana. Objectives The primary objective of this proving was to determine the effects of homoeopathically prepared ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in a 30CH dilution and was achieved by administering the remedy to a group of healthy individuals (provers) who will document all symptoms that arise as a result of taking the remedy. These symptoms will be used to identify the therapeutic indications of homoeopathic ivory. With these specific indications being documented the remedy can then be utilized in the sick individual, that present with similar symptoms, to induce a cure. A further objective of this proving is to report any variation that may exist in the comparison of two remedies, namely Lac Loxodonta africana (milk derived from the African elephant) and the remedy used in this proving, ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Methodology The substance was triturated up until the 3CH and subsequently converted into a liquid potency to be potentised up until the 30CH. Granules were then impregnated with the 30CH liquid potency. Ten impregnated granules were then placed in each individual ii lactose powder sachets. A total of six powders were dispensed to the proving participants. The proving was conducted as a double blind placebo controlled study with a total of twenty-six (26) provers that met the inclusion criteria (Appendix A). The group was made up of both homoeopathic students as well as the general public of varying ages, race and gender. The total group was randomly divided into two groups, twenty (20) of which received the homoeopathic remedy, the remainder (6) received placebo. A full case history of each prover was taken before commencing the proving as well as on completion of the study. Each individual prover kept a journal, starting a week before the proving, which was continued while taking the remedy and ceased when all symptoms had abated. Once all provers had completed the proving, the information received from the provers through the journals from both groups was collated, assessed and analyzed. A comparison was then made between this proving and Lac Loxodonta africana to assess whether any similarities or differences were evident. The comparison was made on symptom similarities and rubric analysis. Results The proving of ivory from the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) revealed a variety of symptoms. A total of 32 systems were affected in the twenty provers who received the remedy. 716 symptoms were recorded, 83 of which were new symptoms. The systems that were predominately affected were the mind, head and extremities. Many symptoms were confirmed to be similar to those identified in the proving of Lac Loxodonta africana, though differences were also acknowledged.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of parents towards homeopathy. Parents with children below 5 years, who attended a registered Crèche or Educare within the central Durban area (Appendix H – ‘Register’ and Appendix I ‘Map’) were approached. Objective The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and parent’s experience with paediatric health care provision towards homeopathy. The awareness of parents with regard to the benefits of homeopathic treatment for children as a possible alternative was also determined. Methodology A survey method in the form of a questionnaire was employed to investigate the perceptions of parents towards homeopathy in the treatment of their children. The target population for this survey was parents, whose children were below 5 years of age and attended a registered Crèche or Educare in the central Durban, Berea, Musgrave and Morningside areas (Appendix I – ‘Map’). The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS version 17.1. Results A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 140 (46.6%) questionnaires were returned. With regards to legitimacy of homeopathy most parents (72.1%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of medicine. 70.92% of all respondents were aware that homeopathy has a scientific basis. It was encouraging to note that 10.64% of the sample consults with a homeopath when their child is ill or indisposed. The majority of respondents (77.14%) indicated that homeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. Only 3.57% felt that it should not be incorporated in hospitals and clinics. This indicates that most respondents perceive that integrated medicine is needed in a hospital setting. The majority of respondents (90.71%) felt that there should be more awareness of homeopathy. Despite the lack of knowledge, a large number of respondents indicated that homeopathy should be available for most medical conditions. Conclusion This study reveals that most respondents had a positive view of homeopathy in general and were enthusiastic to learn more about homeopathy. Although people are aware that homeopathy exists, a lack of knowledge and understanding of its methods and principles prevents them from seeking homeopathic treatment. A need to provide basic homeopathic education to the public exists. Education initiatives should aim to differentiate homeopathy from other alternative therapies, to dispel the confusion and to eliminate misconceptions about homeopathy. This study indicates that by educating the public on paediatric homeopathy, more individuals would be likely to seek homeopathic treatment for their children.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Introduction This study investigated the effectiveness of homoeopathic dilutions of abscisic acid (ABA), molybdenum and allopurinol on inhibiting or promoting the germination of barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare cv. Stirling, ex Caledon, Western Cape, South Africa, 1998 harvest). Recent research involving ABA and seed germination has shown mixed results, with Bruni (2001), finding there to be statistically significant biological effects, but Couchman (2001) not. Objective/Aim/Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathic dilutions of ABA, molybdenum and allopurinol (two substances which have an effect on ABA metabolism), especially those above the 10-23 level (Avogadro’s dilution limit), on germination, in light of recent findings. Abscisic acid, a plant hormone and molybdenum, a trace element, both play an essential role in inducing dormancy of the seed. Allopurinol, a therapeutic drug, has also been shown to affect ABA metabolism and therefore seed germination. The study used all three substances individually and in combination, in homoeopathic dilutions ranging from 4CH to 200CH potency. Methodology There were 7 treatments with 5 potencies per treatment (4CH, 9CH, 15CH, 30CH and 200CH). Each potency level for each treatment had a control, which meant there were 5 controls per treatment. The seeds (distally cut) were placed in 9cm Petri dishes (20 seeds in each), with 5 repetitions, 100 seeds per dilution level with one control of 20 seeds. There were thus 600 (120 x 5) seeds per treatment and 4200 seeds in total (600 x 7 treatments). Seeds were germinated in the dark at a constant temperature. Counts were done every 24 hours for 3 days and the data recorded. The criterion for germination was radical emergence. Results The data was analysed statistically using Univariate Analysis of Variance (STATISTICA version 6). The results showed statistically significant interaction between treatments and potencies and a One-Way Anova was then used to analyse each treatment to determine the effectiveness of each potency. Statistically significant differences were noted between potencies for each treatment. From the results it was clear that the most effective treatment for stimulating germination was the treatment utilizing homoeopathic dilutions of allopurinol. The most effective treatment for inhibiting germination was the treatment utilizing ABA in homoeopathic dilutions. The 30CH (10-60) showed a statistically significant effect on the stimulation of germination across almost all treatments, whereas the 15CH (10-30) showed a statistically significant effect in inhibiting germination in most treatments. Conclusion It is evident from the results of this study that all the treatments produced distinct biological effects, whether it be stimulating germination or inhibiting germination in homoeopathic dilution.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic potential of Curcuma longa 30CH when administered to healthy individuals, thus revealing the materia medica of the substance. It was also the aim of this study to compare the existing therapeutic indications of the substance to the proving symptomatology. Methodology The proving took the form of a double-blind placebo controlled study and was conducted by two Master’s in Technology: Homoeopathy students using 30 healthy subjects. Twenty four provers were given the active medication and six provers were given the placebo. The remedy was manufactured according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia in 30CH potency. The proving ran for a period of six weeks. Results The symptoms extracted from the proving were placed in different sections according to the repertory and was compared to the Ayurvedic and Phytotherapeutic indications of Curcuma longa. There were 202 symptoms produced as a result of the remedy, 141 rubrics were formulated using these symptoms. The largest number of rubrics i ii was allocated to the mind, head and dreams section of the repertory, other smaller sections of prominence included the eye, ear, nose and throat sections. A wealth of information was gained once the comparison was made between Curcuma longa 30CH and the Phytotherapeutic and Ayurvedic indications of use. Similarities between the materia medica of Curcuma longa and the Phytotherapeutic indications of use were found to exist with respect to sections such as eye, nose, face, stomach, stool, respiration, back, extremities, skin and generals. Conclusion The administration of Curcuma longa 30C to healthy provers according to the methodological protocol of this study resulted in the production of a variety of defined proving symptoms which comprise the materia medica thereof (first objective of the study). The subsequent comparison of the proving symptoms with the existing indications of Turmeric as an Ayurvedic and Phytotherapeutic medicine (second objective of the study) revealed clear correlations in a variety of defined areas.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy in the Department of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / The aim of this study was to determine the effect that Curcuma longa 30CH would have on healthy individuals, and record the particular signs and symptoms produced. These signs and symptoms determine the therapeutic indications of this remedy, so that it may be prescribed according to the homoeopathic Law of Similars. The second aim of this study was to analyse the symptomatology of Curcuma longa 30CH in relation to a Doctrine of Signatures analysis of the Curcuma longa plant, in order to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the materia medica of this substance. Design The homoeopathic proving of Curcuma longa in 30CH potency took the form of a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Thirty healthy provers were selected on the basis of them meeting with the necessary inclusion criteria (Appendix A). The provers were randomly divided into 2 groups, of which 20% (6 of the 30 provers) formed the placebo group and received non-medicated powders, and the remaining 80% (24 of the 30 provers) received medicated powders (verum). The 2 groups were not aware of the nature of the substance that they were proving or the potency used. The provers recorded their mental, physical and emotional states over a period of a week prior to taking the remedy in order to establish a baseline for comparison after the administration of the remedy. Both verum and placebo were dispensed in the form of 6 powders. Each powder was taken sublingually 3 times daily for 2 days or until the prover experienced the onset of any symptoms. Each prover kept a journal and recorded their proving signs and symptoms daily after administration of the remedy or the placebo. The data was collected and extracted from these journals and then assessed by the researcher for suitability to be included in the materia medica of Curcuma longa. All data gathered from the case histories (Appendix C), physical examinations and group discussions were also considered for inclusion. Results A variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms were produced and included in the materia medica of Curcuma longa. There were a total number of 202 symptoms that were produced as a result of the remedy, which resulted in the formulation of 141 rubrics. The main mental and emotional symptoms that surfaced during the proving were depression, a deep sadness, changeability of moods, courage/confidence, relaxed/ calm and less anger, agility, increased concentration, and vivid dreams. The physical symptoms noted were diarrhea, change in energy levels (too much or too little energy), burning sensations, headaches, heart palpitations and increased breathing rates. The symptoms that came about during the proving clearly showed correlation and association with the nature and description of the Turmeric plant, this is in keeping with findings of previous provings (Pistorius, 2006; Webster, 2002; Speckmeier, 2008 & Pather, 2009), furthermore as suggested by Richardson-Boedler (1999:173) the Doctrine of Signatures analysis of the Turmeric plant facilitated in the interpretation of the proving symptoms and thus the materia medica of the remedy.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses in the Ethekwini Municipality District regarding the inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Nurses working in Primary Health Care facilities were approached to conduct this study. The objectives of this study was to make nurses and their patients alike aware of an alternative to conventional medicine, and to the fact that homoeopaths are medically trained practitioners. The survey method used was a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses towards homoeopathy. The study population was nurses with a minimum of 3 years of general nursing experience, working in Primary Health Care in the Ethekwini Municipality District. The data was collected and analysed statistically using SPSS version 19. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 108 (52.68%) questionnaires were returned with 100 correctly completed and then analysed. The results reflected that 74% of participants felt that homoeopathy should be made available at hospitals and clinics. 69% of participants agreed (strongly agreed or agreed) that homoeopathy should play an active role in the Primary Health Care system in South Africa. The target group’s attitudes were positive as 58% of participants said they would personally use homoeopathy as a source of Primary Health Care. The majority of the participants (71%) felt that homoeopathy should be available as a treatment for most conditions. The study demonstrated an otherwise positive trend of support of those Primary Health Care nurses surveyed toward the possible inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Further research into the nature of such integration and the potential contribution of homoeopathy and homoeopathic practitioners is warranted. This study has established a perceived requirement for Primary Health Care nurses to be exposed to education programs which may introduce the concepts of CAM, homoeopathy and its regulations in South Africa. These nurses may then reliably guide their patients that have a historical use or future need of such services. Generalisation of results and conclusions regarding the perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses regarding homoeopathy can be tentative.