Dr. Hans Leuenberger

Abstract:

Interestingly, there are many unresolved mysteries. Thus, if the result of a pharmacological effect cannot be explained, it is most convenient to declare this fact as a “placebo effect”! In Germany a comprehensive Acupuncture study showed to be effective [1], however, skeptical scientists [2] pretend that these Acupuncture results have fallen under the “placebo effect”. This statement is irrelevant to those that have been healed. It is important to strengthen the “Placebo Effect” instead of using opioids [3]! The focus of this contribution is to develop different hypotheses to explain the mystery of the placebo effect! Is the placebo effect a physical resonance effect of the human body with the drug substance if both systems can be described by an Einstein - Debye model of harmonic oscillators? Is the cause of the Placebo effect the human propensity of self-healing which can be triggered by methods such as Tai Chi, the Nishino Breathing Method, by Qi Gong and by other methods such pleasant music, vibrations, pleasant figures, shapes, pleasant environment such as healthy power spots at sacred sites i.e. places of worship such as monasteries, temples etc. Interestingly, such power spots can be detected by experienced and talented dowsers. In this context, dowsing and the search for water, applied kinesiology [4] also is considered as pseudoscience, and part of alternative medicine. However, it is difficult to explain why sensitive dowsers and practitioners in kinesiology using “muscle testing” instead of a “pendulum” as instrument for dowsing usually agree in testing the positive effect of supplements, drugs or food. Hahnemann realized that the more he diluted a substance dissolved in water the pharmacological effect became more pronounced, even in the case that due to the continuous dilution statistically no molecule of the active ingredient is present. This incredible phenomenon leads to the conclusion that homoeopathy [5] is a pseudoscientific system. However, five reasons are mentioned, why homeopathic preparations were reported to be successful: 1)  placebo effect; The therapeutic effect of consultation; Unassisted natural healing [5]; Unrecognized treatments; Regression towards the mean [5]. This long list leads to the tentative conclusion that homeopathy seems to be effective.  Modern advocates of homeopathy have proposed the concept of “water memory”, according to which water "remembers" the substances mixed and transmits the effect when consumed. In 1988, Jacques Benveniste published a paper in the journal Nature while working at INSERM supporting the idea of Hahnemann. However, he was forced to withdraw his paper against his will. Interestingly, Nobel Laureate Luc Montagnier, who was credited with identifying the AIDS virus, subsequently took up Benveniste's work on water memory.  He and several other scientists claimed to have successfully replicated Benveniste's experiments. Thus, additional research is needed so that Hahnemann’s work is officially recognized. Hypnotic medicine describes the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy. Unfortunately, the efficacy of hypnotherapy is not well supported by scientific evidence. Hypnotherapy was used to sedate a patient before surgery. Interestingly, there is evidence of hypnosis in ancient cultures. Galenic Pharmacy was originally describing Pharmaceutical Technology according to Galen (born in 131, in Pergamon, Greece. Galen was a physician, pharmacist, natural scientist, nutritional scientist and philosopher. The remedies of Galen did not consist of a single substance but of a combination of different herbs and other products like the contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The efficacy of the Galen recipes included remedies against human poisons since the emperors were interested in their chance of surviving poisoning. TCM also is considered as alternative medicine. Humanity needs to realize that there is a close correlation between a healthy and a peaceful society. Nations at war lead to a sick society and to collateral damage. The World Health Organization, WHO, takes care of a sustainable global/planetary health system. In this context, it makes sense that WHO also takes care of a sustainable peaceful world. Ideally such a peace initiative should be proposed by the 2024 SIPS summit and supported by Nobel Laureates attending this SIPS summit in Crete. Will computational science and Artificial Intelligence close the gap between the exact natural sciences, the technological sciences and the humanities/social sciences and lead us to appreciate the knowledge of ancient cultures? Can we stimulate open mindedness, transdisciplinary sciences, love for peace and tolerance under the umbrella of a strict ethical Codex?