dentist
Odontogenic infections are among the most common problems encountered in usual dental practice. The role and efficacy of complementary treatments such as individualized homeopathy are not well characterized.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled 60 patients with uncomplicated odontogenic infections. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either Individualized Homeopathy (IH, n=30) or Placebo (PL, n=30), in addition to non-medicinal management. Co-primary outcome measures included Visual Analog Scales for Pain (VAS-P) and Swelling (VAS-S). Secondary outcome measures comprised the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and time taken for complete symptom resolution (Ts). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3rd day, 7th day, and 14th day, except Ts, which was monitored daily until symptoms completely resolved within 14 days.
IH showed significant improvement over PL in VAS-P at day 7 (P = .005) and day 14 (P < .001), as well as in VAS-S at day 7 (P = .001) and day 14 (P < .001). OHIP-14 improvement post-treatment was notably higher in IH than PL (F=3.404, P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant difference in Ts (P = .015), with reduced hazard in the PL group (Hazard Ratio = 0.3024, 95% CI: 0.1087-0.8414). The most prescribed medicines in the IH group were Mercurius solubilis (16.6%) and Hypericum perfoliatum (13.3%), whereas in the PL group, the most indicated medicines were Mercurius solubilis (13.3%) and Staphysagria (13.3%).
The authors conclused that this study demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect of homeopathy over placebo in alleviating pain and swelling linked to odontogenic infections. Nevertheless, to firmly establish this finding, a large-scale replication trial employing a similar methodology is deemed necessary.
What are the possible explanations for this result? I can think of several:
- IH is effective. As there is no plausible reason to assume that IH is effective for odontogenic infections (or anything else), this seems unlikely.
- The finding is false positive due to methodological flaws such as the small sample size or deblinding of patients, etc.
- The finding is false positive due to an undetectable bias introduced by the wishful thinking of the authors who are affiliated to the Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India.; the Department of Pathology & Microbiology, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal; the Department of Dentistry, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India; the Ministry of Ayush (Government of India), New Delhi, India.
- Overt fraud, i.e. data manipulation.
As I have no access to the full paper, I cannot come closer to determining which of these explanations are the most likely. If you have access, please let me know what you think.
- the safety of oil pulling is assumed but has not actually been tested;
- the cost-effectiveness of oil pulling is assumed but has not actually been tested;
- efficiency means the quality of achieving the largest amount of useful work using as little energy as possible and is meaningless in this context. I suspect the authors meant “effectiveness” which is also wrong because it is not evidence-based.
In case you want an evidence-based text about oil pulling, I refer you to a previous post of mine which, in fact, refers to my book in which the treatement was discussed together with 201 further modalities:
So, what is oil pulling? It is the use of oil for swishing it around your mouth for alleged health benefits. Here are several short points that might explain it more fully:
- Oil pulling is said to have roots that reach back to ancient Hindu texts. Coconut or sesame oils are usually employed for this therapy.
- The mechanism of action (if there is one at all) is poorly understood, and several theories have been put forward:
Alkali hydrolysis of fat results in saponification or “soap making” process. Since the oils used for oil pulling contain fat, the alkali hydrolysis process emulsifies the fat into bicarbonate ions, normally found in the saliva. Soaps then blend in the oil, increase the surface area of the oil, and thus cleanse the teeth and gums.
A second theory suggests that the viscous nature of the oil inhibits plaque accumulation and adhesion of bacteria.
A third theory holds that the antioxidants present in the oil prevent lipid peroxidation, resulting in an antibiotic-like effect helping in the destruction of microorganisms.
- Oil pulling is recommended to be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. About 10 ml of oil is swished between the teeth for a duration of approximately 15-20 min and spat out. This ritual should be followed by rinsing and tooth brushing. The practice should be repeated regularly, even three times daily for acute diseases.
- To my surprise, oil pulling has been tested in clinical trials. Some of these investigations seem reasonably sound and suggest that coconut oil pulling reduces potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth.[1] This effect has been shown to lead to a reduction in dental plaque formation[2] , halitosis (bad breath) [3] and gingivitis. [4]
- The evidence for these oral effects is by no means strong, but I have not found studies that show negative results.
- Dentists – even the bizarre species of ‘holistic dentists‘ – do not seem to be balled over by oil pulling (some malicious minds might speculate that this is so because they cannot earn much money with it).
- The claimed benefits of oil pulling are, however, not limited to the oral cavity. It is advocated also for the prevention and treatment of conditions such as headaches, migraines, thrombosis, eczema, diabetes and asthma.[5] Some proponents also claim that oil pulling is a detox therapy. Unsurprisingly, none of these claims are supported by good evidence.
- As long as you don’t swallow the oil, there are no serious risks associated with oil pulling.
So, what is the conclusion? To me, the evidence looks promising as far as oral health is concerned. For all other indication, oil pulling is neither plausible nor evidence-based.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27891311
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18408265
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21911944
Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN published a comprehensive list of things the Trump admin did to harm public health. It is as impressive as it is frightening; allow me to show it to you:
Food Assistance & Nutrition Access
- Eliminated USDA’s local food program connecting farmers to schools.
- Eliminated USDA’s Farm-to-Food Bank program that helped food banks source fresh, local food.
- Cut funding for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program, which supported hands-on nutrition education and local food sourcing in schools.
- Proposed $1.3B cuts to WIC, slashing fruit and vegetable benefits for at-risk women, infants, and children.
- Proposed over $300 billion in SNAP cuts, which could result in 3.2 million individuals losing access to nutrition assistance.
- Halted USDA food deliveries to food banks, worsening supply during high demand.
- Defunded SNAP-Ed, reducing nutrition education for low-income families.
Food Safety & Regulation Rollbacks
- FDA budget cuts paired with plans to shift food inspections to state agencies, weakening oversight and consistency.
- Massive staff cuts at the FDA, including food safety scientists and inspectors — an estimated one-third of the food safety workforce has been let go.
- Cut food toxicologist staff at FDA responsible for evaluating chemical risks in the food supply.
- Jim Jones, former EPA official and head of FDA’s Human Foods Program, resigned in protest, stating he could no longer protect the food supply under the current conditions.
- Suspended the Food Emergency Response Network’s proficiency testing program, limiting early detection of foodborne threats.
- Paused milk quality testing during the bird flu outbreak, raising public safety concerns.
- Eliminated USDA food safety advisory committees, silencing key scientific voices on foodborne risks.
- Proposed permanent increases in meat processing line speeds, ignoring warnings from labor and food safety experts.
- Continued deregulatory mandates requiring agencies to eliminate ten existing regulations for every new one introduced, undermining long-term food safety infrastructure.
Scientific Research & Public Health Infrastructure
- Proposed $18B in NIH cuts; plan to consolidate 27 research centers.
- Froze new NIH grants and terminated 694 existing awards totaling $1.81 billion, disrupting research on cancer, HIV, ALS, and other critical health issues.
- Halted all federal grant funding via OMB memo (later withdrawn under court pressure).
- Barred NIH subawards to foreign institutions, cutting off international research partnerships.
- Removed 8,000+ public-facing federal health and science webpages, including datasets on youth risk behavior, reproductive health, and environmental hazards.
- Announced a major restructuring of HHS with a plan to eliminate 20,000 positions, weakening the workforce behind public health programs and research infrastructure.
- Eliminated CDC’s Division of Environmental Health Services and Practices, which included programs addressing childhood lead poisoning, asthma, safe water, radiation exposure, and climate-related health risks.
- Eliminated all NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) programs except for the World Trade Center and Black Lung Disease programs, gutting workplace safety and occupational health research.
- Proposed elimination of the Head Start program, disrupting early education, health screenings, and nutrition services for low-income families.
- Proposed elimination of the Healthy Start, a proven program that reduces maternal and infant mortality by employing women in low-income communities to provide health education and support for pregnant and postpartum families.
- Eliminated the CDC Division of Oral Health, ending federal support for preventing tooth decay and promoting dental health in underserved communities.
- Pushed back against community water fluoridation efforts, and initiated steps to end federal support for community water fluoridation.
- Eliminated the federal Newborn Screening Advisory Committee, disrupting evidence-based updates to newborn screening and risking delayed diagnoses.
- Targeted CDC’s Chronic Disease Division (NCCDPHP) for elimination, undermining programs focused on tobacco prevention, cancer screening, and school health.
- Terminated $11.4 billion from the CDC’s COVID Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant program, undermining state efforts to modernize public health data infrastructure, lab capacity, and disease surveillance systems.
- Terminated multiple HIV surveillance and prevention research programs, including the Adolescent HIV Prevention Network and NIH-funded provider training initiatives, weakening national data systems and care delivery pipelines.
- Closed CDC’s Division of STD Prevention and Viral Hepatitis laboratories, which previously served as global reference centers for tracking antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious threats.
- Eliminated the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), which addresses the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
- Withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization, severing access to global disease surveillance systems and pandemic coordination.
Communication Suppression & Scientific Censorship
- Imposed a communications freeze at CDC and other health agencies, delaying public health guidance and halting the MMWR.
- Required all federal health agency guidance to be reviewed by political appointees.
- Censored terms like “equity,” “diversity,” “nonbinary,” and “systemic racism” in federal research and agency communications.
- Censored federal scientists critical of administration narratives — including Kevin Hall, whose research on ultra-processed food was reportedly suppressed, and who subsequently resigned.
- Promoted misinformation about seed oils, infant formula, and CGMs as diet tools over evidence-based obesity treatment, fueling distrust in public health recommendations.
Vaccines & Immunization Policy
- Canceled key CDC and FDA vaccine advisory meetings, including sessions on flu strain selection and childhood immunization schedules, disrupting routine vaccine planning and oversight.
- Removed COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC’s routine immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, despite established benefits in preventing severe outcomes.
- Limited approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines to seniors and high-risk groups, requiring new clinical trials for broader use, potentially restricting access for millions of Americans.
- Terminated $258 million in HIV vaccine research funding, setting back global efforts to develop a viable HIV vaccine by an estimated decade.
- Canceled a $600 million contract with Moderna for avian flu vaccine development, raising concerns about pandemic preparedness and national health security.
Environmental Health & Deregulation
- EPA launched the “biggest deregulation day in U.S. history,” targeting environmental protections across multiple sectors.
- Rolled back environmental protections related to agriculture and industry, including expanded coal operations that increase mercury, arsenic, and lead in soil, water, and food.
- Rolled back PFAS drinking water protections, despite mounting evidence of harm.
- Slashed EPA staff and budget by $300 million, including deep cuts to enforcement and environmental justice teams.
- Cut clean energy programs on farms and in rural communities, reducing support for climate-smart agriculture.
- Defunded programs designed to protect disadvantaged communities facing disproportionate environmental harm.
- Proposed eliminating the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, potentially terminating up to 75% of its 1,540 staff members, including chemists, biologists, and toxicologists. This move has been criticized as undermining the agency’s scientific integrity and legislative mandates.
- Established an email system allowing industrial polluters to request presidential exemptions from Clean Air Act regulations, enabling companies to bypass rules on toxic emissions like mercury and arsenic
- CDC unable to assist with lead contamination crisis in Wisconsin due to understaffing and budget cuts.
Healthcare Access, Drug Costs, and Tobacco Policy
- Proposed deep cuts to Medicaid, including block grants and work requirements, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates would result in 8.6 million people losing health insurance.
- Shortened Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment periods, making it harder for people to sign up for insurance.
- Reversed Medicare drug negotiation policy, allowing pharmaceutical companies to raise prescription drug prices without limits.
- Rescinded Biden-era EMTALA guidance requiring emergency rooms to provide abortion care when a pregnant patient’s life is at risk
- Suspended J-1 visa processing, threatening to strand residency programs and worsen healthcare workforce shortages as the July 1 start date approaches.
- Proposed major cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including suicide prevention and community mental health grants, despite rising mental health needs.
- Reversed the planned menthol cigarette ban, despite overwhelming evidence it would save lives and reduce tobacco-related health disparities, particularly in Black communities.
Global Health and Foreign Aid
- Froze $43 billion in USAID funding without notice, halting vaccine distribution, disaster relief, and food aid programs.
- Announced plans to merge or eliminate USAID under a “government efficiency” strategy.
- Paused PEPFAR funding for global HIV/AIDS relief (later granted waiver but created confusion and service disruption).
- Estimated to have caused approximately 300,000 deaths globally, including over 200,000 children, due to abrupt cuts in aid programs combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, malnutrition, and providing clean water and food aid.
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I find it very hard to believe that:
- this is not based on a concerted strategy,
- it is merely caused by incompetence due to inept individuals in key positions,
- the list will not get longer as Trump procedes,
- by and large Americans accept this without much effective counter-action.
If you, my American friends, don’t do something very soon, it will be too late. This is no longer purely an American issue; health has long become international, and soon we will all suffer from Trump’s systematic demolition of healthcare and research.
PS
Thank you Jessica for this brave effort
Some papers on homeopathy are bad, others are very bad and others again create a new dimension of bad. Here is an example of the latter category (Research, Society and Development, v. 13, n. 7, e1413746050, 2024
(CC BY 4.0) | ISSN 2525-3409 | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v13i7.46050 ):
Objective: To research, through literature review, the use of homeopathy as an alternative treatment for many pathologies involved in dentistry field. Methodology: online searches using databases available at PUBMED Central and VHL/BIREME. Other platforms such as Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Academy. Results: Our search resulted in 25 articles. Conclusion: Despite the mysticism that surrounds it, the use of homeopathic medicines in dental treatments is, in fact, a scientifically proven alternative treatment, which helps in various pre and post surgical procedures, which has a low financial cost and great effectiveness, enabling a contribution to dental care. Scientific study in this area requires more research and clinical evidence, so that this practice is more widespread and used by dental surgeons, in addition to the application of homeopathy as a discipline in dentistry.
But that’s merely the abstract. Perhaps the article itself offers some convincing evidence. See for yourself; here is the only section of the paper that provides something akin to evidence:
In dentistry, homeopathic remedies have been proposed for a variety of conditions including oral ulcers, sialorrhea (excessive salivation), neuralgia, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), xerostomia (dry mouth), lichen planus, bruxism (teeth grinding), minor acute illnesses, chronic pathologies, atypical facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, postoperative osteitis, and anxiety related to dental treatment (Steinchler, 2015; Fischer, 2005). They are often used as adjuncts to conventional treatments, especially in cases where traditional approaches have failed or are contraindicated (Amaral, 2021).
Homeopathic medicines for these conditions come in various forms such as tablets, pills, drops, liquids, granules, and creams (Darby, 2011). Some are designed to dissolve on or under the tongue for quick absorption. The instructions typically advise placing the medicine directly in the mouth, where it can be sucked or chewed to facilitate absorption (Darby, 2011).
The use of homeopathic remedies in dentistry offers several potential benefits, including cost-effectiveness, versatility across different dental specialties (such as orthodontics, stomatology, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and surgery), relative efficacy, safety, and ease of use (Eleutério, 2011; Mendonça, 2022; Almeida et al., 2023). This makes them a valuable option in integrative dental care, where they can complement conventional treatments and provide additional therapeutic options for patients.
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As the Brazilian authors of the article fail to say it, allow me to do so:
The place of homeopathy in dentistry is nowhere! There is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for any of the conditions listed above.
PS
This paper is nonetheless notable: it is certainly amongst the worst I have seen for a very long time.
It has been reported that HomeoCare Laboratories Inc. is recalling two batches of Homeopathic StellaLife Oral Care Products citing microbial contamination. The recall involves Homeopathic Stella Life Vega Oral Care Spray Unflavored and Advanced Formula Peppermint Oral Care Rinse manufactured in 2024, which are marketed to promote oral health, hydrate oral cavities and support healthy gums. The recall is to be performed at the consumer level.
StellaLife VEGA Oral Care, Spray Unflavored comes with NDC 69685-121-01, lot no. 2552 and expiration date of 02-2026. StellaLife Advanced Formula Peppermint VEGA Oral Care Rinse comes with NDC 69685-143-16, lot no. 2550, and expiration date of 02- 2026.
The affected products were manufactured at HomeoCare Laboratories, shipped nationwide, and distributed through various dental practices. As per the FDA, higher than acceptable levels of TAMC was found in the Advanced Formula Peppermint Vega Oral Care Rinse, while Bacillus sp was found in the StellaLife Vega Oral Spray, Unflavored. Bacillus is a common species found in the environment and are generally non-pathogenic, while patients with oral disease, undergoing dental surgical procedures or with compromised immune systems hold potential risks. In the immunocompromised population, the impacted product may cause severe or life-threatening adverse events due to the introduction of bacteria to the disrupted oral mucosa, possibly leading to bacteremia and sepsis. However, the manufacturer of homeopathic products has not received any reports of adverse events related to these two recalled products so far.
Dental practices and consumers, who have the recalled products, are urged to return the impacted products to HomeoCare Laboratories or to the place of purchase or discard them. The company said it is implementing enhanced quality control measures to prevent recurrence.
On the manufacturer’s website, we find the following:
Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health. It is safe to use and has none of the side effects of many traditional medications, because it is made from the natural substances and is FDA regulated. Homeopathic medicines – known as “remedies” – are made from natural sources (e.g., plants, minerals), and are environmentally friendly and cruelty free.
Homeopathic remedies when used as directed, are completely safe for everyone. They are given in such small doses that they don’t cause side effects.* Homeopathy is not a general or “umbrella” term that describes a variety of different natural therapies. Although homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances, homeopathy should not be confused with herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, or other types of natural medicines. It is its own, unique therapeutic system.
The FDA’s present policy does not require homeopathic medicines to go through the FDA approval process. The homeopathic ingredients monographed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States have been reviewed for homeopathic efficacy, toxicology, adverse effects and clinical use. The historical safety record with the use of homeopathic drugs, some for close to 200 years. The FDA drug monitoring process does not reveal any significant instances of problems with homeopathic drug products, thus establishing a positive safety profile.
Homeopathy’s Basic Principle: The Law of Similars It is accepted knowledge that every plant, mineral, and chemical can cause in overdose its own unique set of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. It also is readily acknowledged that individuals, when ill, have their own idiosyncratic physical, emotional, and mental symptom patterns, even when people have the same disease. Homeopathic medicine is a natural pharmaceutical science in which a practitioner seeks to find a substance which would cause in overdose similar symptoms to those a sick person is experiencing. When the match is made, that substance then is given in very small, safe doses, often with dramatic effects.
Homeopaths define the underlying principle for this matching process as the “law of similars.” The “law” is not unknown to conventional medicine. Immunizations are based on the principle of similars. No less a person as Dr. Emil Adolph Von Behring, the “father of immunology,” directly pointed to the origins of immunizations when he asserted, “By what technical term could we more appropriately speak of this influence than by Hahnemann’s word “homeopathy.”
Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people worldwide. The holistic nature of homeopathy means each person is treated as a unique individual and their body, mind, spirit and emotions are all considered in the management and prevention of disease. Taking all these factors into account a homeopath will select the most appropriate medicine based on the individual’s specific symptoms and personal level of health to stimulate their own healing ability.
Homeopathic medicines are safe to use as they rarely cause side-effects. This means when used appropriately under the guidance of a qualified homeopath they can be taken by people of all ages*.
* Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated. Individual results may vary.
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I feel like congratulating the manufacturer: not only have they managed to produce normally harmless products in such a way that they are dangerous, but also they are promoting a plethora of untruth and misleading statements about homeopathy. A most remarkable effort!
Mercury is a highly toxic chemical that threatens the health of humans and the environment. When it is released into the environment, it enters the food chain where it accumulates, particularly in fish. Exposure to high levels of mercury can cause harm to the brain, lungs, kidneys and the immune system. For these reasons, dental amalgam fillings which contain mercury have long been criticized. This is particularly true in the realm of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) where, as discussed repeatedly, amalgam has long been a subject of both concern and misinformation, e.g.:
- Is removal of dental amalgam a good idea?
- Dental Amalgam
- Three Trends In “Alternative Dentistry” Part 3: Amalgam Removal and Avoidance
- Three Trends In “Alternative Dentistry” Part 1: The Concept of Projections—Of Meridians and Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)
- Holistic dentistry?
In the EU, dental amalgam might soon be merely of historical interest.
It has been announced that the EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional political agreement on the Commission’s proposal to address the remaining uses of mercury in products in the EU in line with commitments set out in the EU’s Zero Pollution Ambition.
In spite of viable mercury-free alternatives, around 40 tonnes of mercury are still used in the EU annually for dental amalgam as current rules only forbid the use of dental amalgam for treating teeth in children under 15 years old as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Negotiators agreed to phase out the use of dental amalgam in the EU by 1 January 2025 except if deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner based on the duly justified specific medical needs of the patient.
EU countries that have not yet adjusted their reimbursement system to cover alternatives, may postpone the phase-out up until 30 June 2026, to avoid negative repercussions for low-income individuals that would otherwise be socio-economically disproportionally affected by the phase-out.
The export of dental amalgam will also be prohibited from 1 January 2025, whereas the manufacturing and import into the EU will be banned from 1 July 2026.
After the agreement, rapporteur Marlene Mortler (EPP, Germany) said: “After an intensive week of negotiations, we were able to reach an agreement today to ban dental amalgam containing mercury. This is an important step towards a mercury-free future. I am very pleased with the result – because we have ensured that such dental amalgam may only be used in medically necessary cases. Some Member States have been granted an exemption in order to mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the amalgam phase-out. After all, the ban on dental amalgam must not mean that low-income EU citizens can no longer afford adequate dental treatment in these countries. Another key point of this agreement is the decision that lamps containing mercury may only be exported to countries outside the EU until 30 June 2026. This will ensure that products that are already banned in the EU are not sold to third countries and have environmentally harmful consequences there.”
The deal still has to be adopted by the EU Parliament and Council, after which the new law will be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force 20 days later.
We have discussed dental amalgam and its risks to human health before. Finally, there is new legislation in sight. The European Commission has revised the EU Mercury Regulation to protect EU citizens and the environment from toxic mercury. Among other things, this will completely ban the use of dental amalgam, for which 40 tons of mercury are currently consumed annually in the EU. The revised mercury ordinance provides for the following:
– No more use of dental amalgam from January 1, 2025; viable mercury-free alternatives are available.
– Ban on the manufacture and export of dental amalgam from the EU from January 1, 2025;
– Ban on the manufacture and export of six mercury-containing lamps from January 1, 2026 and January 1, 2028 (depending on lamp type).
The delegated act adopted under the Mercury Regulation transposes into EU law the decisions taken at the fourth Conference of the Parties (2022) to the Minamata Convention by introducing a ban on the production, import, and export of eight additional mercury-containing products, including mercury-containing lamps and non-electrical equipment.
The Minamata Convention is the main international legal framework for the protection of human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury to air, water, and soil. Like the Mercury Regulation, it addresses the entire life cycle of mercury, from primary mercury mining to mercury waste management.
The revised Mercury Regulation must now be approved by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure. The delegated act will be sent to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration.
Mercury is a highly toxic chemical that poses a threat to both human health and the environment. When released into the environment, it enters the food chain where it accumulates (mainly in fish). High mercury exposure can damage the brain, lungs, kidneys, and immune system.
Historically, mercury has been used in a wide range of applications, including gold mining, batteries, fluorescent tubes, thermometers, and barometers. Over the last twenty years, the EU has developed a comprehensive body of legislation, in particular the Mercury Regulation, which protects human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury, taking into account the entire life cycle of mercury from primary mercury mining to final disposal of mercury waste. It also includes measures on trade in mercury-containing products and mercury pollution.
The Minamata Convention entered into force on August 16, 2017, and has so far been ratified by the European Union and 143 countries, including all EU Member States. The fifth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 30 to November 3, 2023.
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I found this acupuncture study from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy. As this seems to be a respectable institution, I had a look. What I found was remarkable! Let me show you the abstract in its full beauty:
Background: Pain related to Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is severe, negatively affecting patients’ quality of life, and often resistant to conventional treatments. Abdominal Acupuncture (AA) is known to be particularly effective for pain, especially chronic and musculoskeletal pain, but it is still poorly studied and never investigated in TMD patients. Objectives: To analyze the efficacy of AA for the treatment of patients with subacute and chronic pain related to TMD and non-responding to previous conventional therapies (occlusal splint, medications, physical therapy).
Methods: Twenty-eight patients, 24 F and four M (mean age 49.36 years), were recruited from January 2019-February 2021. All patients underwent AA treatment: two sessions per week for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions. At the beginning of therapy (T0) and at the end of the cycle (T1) the following data were evaluated: maximum mouth opening (MMO); cranio-facial pain related to TMD (verbal numeric scale, VNS); pain interference with normal activities and quality of life of patients (Brief Pain Inventory, BPI); oral functioning (Oral Behavior Checklist, OBC); impression of treatment effectiveness (Patients’ Global Impression of Improvement, PGI-I Scale). Statistical comparison of data before and after the AA treatment was performed by Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test (significance level p < 0.05).
Results: The MMO values were significantly improved after one cycle of AA (p = 0.0002). In addition, TMD-related pain had a statistically significant decline following AA treatment (all p < 0.001). Patients’ general activity and quality of life (BPI) were described as improved following a course of AA, with statistically significant values for all aspects considered (all p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Abdominal acupuncture resulted in effective treatment of subacute/chronic resistant pain related to TMD, capable of improving mandibular function and facial pain, and reduced the interference of pain affecting patients’ quality of life.
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Shocked?
Me too!
This study did not include a control group. Such uncontrolled studies are not necessarily useless. In areas where there is no prior evidence, they can be a reasonable starting point for further research. In the case of TMD/acupuncture, however, this does not imply. Here we already have about a dozen controlled trials. This means an uncontrolled study cannot possibly contribute to our knowledge. This means that the present study is useless. And that, in turn, means it is unethical.
But even if we ignore all this, the study is very misleading. It concludes that acupuncture improved TMD. This, however, can be doubted!
- What about placebo?
- What about regression toward the mean?
- What about the natural history of the condition?
Bad science is regrettable and dangerous, as it
- wastes resources,
- misleads vulnerable patients,
- violates ethics,
- and undermines trust in science.
I fear that the Italian group has just provided us with a prime example of these points.
Third molar extraction is a painful treatment and thus is often used to investigate the effects of analgesics on pain. Hypnotherapy is said to help to reduce pain and to decrease the intake of postoperative systemic analgesics. Therefore, it seems reasonable to study the effects of hypnotherapy on the pain caused by third molar extraction.
In this study, the effectiveness of a brief hypnotic induction for patients undergoing third molar extractions was investigated. Data were collected from 33 patients with third molar extractions on the right and left sides. Patients received two different types of interventions in this monocentric randomized crossover trial. Third molar extraction was conducted on one side with reduced preoperative local anesthetics and an additional brief hypnotic induction (Dave Elman technique). The other side was conducted with regular preoperative local anesthetics without a brief hypnotic induction (standard care). Intake of postoperative systemic analgesics was allowed in both treatments.
Patients’ expectations about hypnosis were assessed at baseline. The primary outcome was the area under the curve with respect to ground of pain intensity after the treatment. Secondary outcomes were the amount of postoperative analgesics consumed and the preferred treatment.
There was no evidence that the area under the curve with respect to ground of pain differed between the two interventions (controlling for gender). There was, however, evidence to show that the patients’ expectations affected the effectiveness of the brief hypnotic induction. This means that patients with high expectations about hypnosis benefit more from treatment with reduced preoperative local anesthetics and additional brief hypnotic induction.
The authors concluded that, in this study, additional a brief hypnotic induction with reduced preoperative local anesthetic use did not generally reduce posttreatment pain after third molar extraction more than regular local anesthetics. The expectation of the patients about the effectiveness of hypnosis affected the effectiveness of the brief hypnotic induction so that patients with high expectations had a larger benefit from a brief hypnotic induction than patients with low expectations.
The most interesting findings here are, in my view, that:
- Hypnotherapy is not as effective as many enthusiasts claim.
- Expectation influences the outcome of hypnotherapy.
Expectation is, of course, a determinant of the size of the placebo response. Thus, this finding is interesting but far from unexpected. I would go as far as postulating that similar results would be obtained with most treatments regardless of whether they are alternative or conventional. The difference is that, in the case of alternative therapies, the expectation is a major (if not the only) determinant of the outcome, while it merely somewhat improves the outcome of an effective treatment. To put it differently, so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) relies entirely/mostly on expectation, while conventional medicine does not.
When I first saw this, I was expecting something like If Homeopathy Beats Science (Mitchell and Webb) – YouTube : videos (reddit.com). But no, “Acute Care Homeopathy for Medical Professionals” is not a masterpiece by gifted satirists. It is much better; it is for real! In fact, it is a collaboration between the “Academy of Homeopathy
Education” (AHE) and the American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH). Together, they published the following announcement:
AHE and AIH are pleased to present a customized educational program designed for busy medical professionals interested in enhancing their practice and expanding the treatment tools available with Homeopathy. Grounded in the original theory and philosophy of Homeopathy, AHE’s quality curriculum empowers practitioners and the material’s inspirational delivery encourages further study towards the mastery of Homeopathy for chronic care.
This course is open to all licensed healthcare providers— medical, osteopathic, naturopathic, dentists, chiropractors, veterinarians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacologists and pharmacists.
Acute-care homeopathy addresses the challenges of 21st-century medical practice.
Among many things, you’ll learn safe and effective ways to manage pain and mitigate antibiotic overuse with FDA-regulated and approved Homeopathic remedies. AHE delivers an integrated learning experience that combines online real-time classroom experiences culminating in a telehealth based clinical internship allowing participants to study from anywhere in the world.
AHE’s team of Homeopathy experts have taught thousands of students around the globe and are known for unparalleled academic rigor, comprehensive clinical training, and robust research initiatives. AHE ensures that every graduate develops the necessary critical thinking skills in homeopathy case taking, analysis, and prescribing to succeed in practice with confidence and competence.
- Smart and savvy tech support team helps to on-board and train even the most reticent digital participants
- Academic support professionals provide an educational safety-net
- Stellar faculty to inspire confidence and encourage students to achieve their best work
- “Fireside Chats,” forums, and social gatherings build community
- Tried and true administrative systems keep things running smoothly so you can focus on learning Homeopathy.
All AHE students receive Radar Opus, the leading software package used by professional homeopaths worldwide.
Upon completion of the didactic program, practitioners begin an Acute Care Internship through AHE and the Homeopathy Help Network’s Acute Care Telehealth Clinic “Homeopathy Help Now” (HHN) which sees thousands of cases each year. Upon successful completion of the internship, practitioners will be invited to participate in ongoing supervised practice through HHN.
AHE is part of a larger vision to shape the future of Homeopathy: HOHM Foundation and the Homeopathy Help NetworkAll clinical services are delivered in an education and research-driven model. HOHM’s Office of Research has multiple peer-reviewed publications focused on education, practice, and clinical outcomes. HOHM is committed to funding Homeopathy study and research at every level.
The Academy of Homeopathy Education (AHE) operates in conjunction with HOHM Foundation, a 501c3 initiative committed to education, advocacy, and access. The Homeopathy Help Network is a telehealth clinic providing fee-for-service chronic care as well as donation-based acute care through Homeopathy Help Now.
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I suspect you simply cannot wait to enroll. To learn more about “Acute Care Homeopathy for Medical Professionals” please fill out the form.
… and don’t forget to pay the fee of US$ 5 500.
No, it’s not expensive, if you think about it. After all, acute-care homeopathy addresses the challenges of 21st-century medical practice.
