Journeys in the country of the blind: entanglement theory and the effects of blinding on trials of homeopathy and homeopathic provings

Information fields of written texts protect cells from oxidative damage and accelerate repair

OBJECTIVE

Written words demonstrated specific effects on biochemical measures and cell growth in cultured mammalian cells in previous study. We examined the protection and reparative effects of Chinese texts with positive meaning and the word "Buddha" on oxidative-damaged cells, with the goal of exploring the therapeutic effect of such characters.

METHODS

The human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T was utilized, with the oxidative- damaged cell model produced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Double-blind experiments were set up to ensure all operators involved in the experiments did not know the contents of the texts in envelopes. Petri-dishes (9 plates) containing oxidative-damaged cells were selected randomly for three controls, three treatments by texts with positive meaning, and another three treatment by the word "Buddha". Cells were sub-sampled at 3 h and 24 h to examine growth and mitochondrial functions. All data are expressed relative to the controls.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, mitochondrial functions were enhanced as evidenced by increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, accompanied by the significant improvement in cell growth rate for the groups treated by positive texts and the word "Buddha". Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were decreased significantly in positive texts treatment, which suggested that the antioxidant capacity of cells was also improved.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that certain texts can potentially offer protection and accelerate the cellular repair for oxidative-damaged cells.

Some Remarks on QBism and its Relevance to Metaphors for the Therapeutic Process Based on Conventional Quantum Theory

Background: Signs and symptoms of dis-ease are considered observable manifestations of an immaterial (i.e., not directly observable) Vital Force. Likewise, experimental results on quantum systems are thought to indicate the presence of something that does not show up. Consequently, the discourse of conventional quantum theory (CQT) - with its notions of non-locality and entanglement being objective (i.e., ontic) facets of reality – has been considered useful metaphor for the therapeutic process (TP) in homeopathy/CAMs. Thus, Patient-Practitioner-Remedy (PPR) entanglement, postulated an ontic non-local interaction between patient (Px), practitioner (Pr), and potentised medicine/curative procedure (Rx), resulting in the patient’s ‘journey to cure.’ Recently, a new epistemic interpretation of quantum theory has arisen called QBism. Rooted in the subjectivity of Bayesianism, QBism refutes the notion that the quantum state of a system is a separate ontic property of reality. In QBism therefore, non-locality and entanglement are not ontic but are considered ‘subjective degrees of belief’ of an agent, i.e., they are personally epistemic. Objective: To examine whether previous CQT-based entanglement metaphors for the therapeutic process need re-evaluation in the light of the subjective Bayesianism inherent in QBism. Method: Pr, Px and Rx quantum states/wavefunctions - Px, Rx, and Pr - are reinterpreted in QBist terms. Unlike CQT, this means each quantum state/wavefunction is postulated to have no ontic non-local existence in a presumed external reality. Instead, they are said to represent local subjective ‘degrees of belief’ of an agent who in this case, is the Pr. Results & Conclusion: Compared to earlier quantum entanglement metaphors based on CQT, QBism’s interpretation of the probabilities inherent in the Px, Rx, Pr quantum state/wavefunctions are Bayesian and subjective. Their resulting highly personal epistemology makes them more aligned with (and therefore potentially more useful to) how practitioners might experience the evolution of the TP. Also, because QBism predicts non-locality and entanglement can only be at best, subjective properties of a practitioner’s own beliefs, the overall significance of previous ontic non-local CQT-based entanglement metaphors for the TP is questioned.

'Unconventional' experiments in biology and medicine with optimized design based on quantum-like correlations

In previous articles, a description of 'unconventional' experiments (e.g. in vitro or clinical studies based on high dilutions, 'memory of water' or homeopathy) using quantum-like probability was proposed. Because the mathematical formulations of quantum logic are frequently an obstacle for physicians and biologists, a modified modeling that rests on classical probability is described in the present article. This modeling is inspired from a relational interpretation of quantum physics that applies not only to microscopic objects, but also to macroscopic structures, including experimental devices and observers. In this framework, any outcome of an experiment is not an absolute property of the observed system as usually considered but is expressed relatively to an observer. A team of interacting observers is thus described from an external view point based on two principles: the outcomes of experiments are expressed relatively to each observer and the observers agree on outcomes when they interact with each other. If probability fluctuations are also taken into account, correlations between 'expected' and observed outcomes emerge. Moreover, quantum-like correlations are predicted in experiments with local blind design but not with centralized blind design. No assumption on 'memory' or other physical modification of water is necessary in the present description although such hypotheses cannot be formally discarded. In conclusion, a simple modeling of 'unconventional' experiments based on classical probability is now available and its predictions can be tested. The underlying concepts are sufficiently intuitive to be spread into the homeopathy community and beyond. It is hoped that this modeling will encourage new studies with optimized designs for in vitro experiments and clinical trials.

Genus Epidemicus: Are Notions of Entanglement Relevant to the Homeopathic Understanding of Epidemic Disease?

BACKGROUND

Patient-practitioner-remedy (PPR) entanglement postulates non-local triadic interaction between patient (Px), practitioner (Pr) and potentised medicine (Rx), resulting in the patient's journey to cure; the in-depth homeopathic interview is considered a major contributing factor in this process. Also, by modelling entelechy, a quantised gyroscopic analogue of the Vital Force (Vf) has been developed.

OBJECTIVE

To discover whether entanglement notions explain the mode of action of homeopathy during the treatment of epidemic diseases, when the individualising in-depth homeopathic interview is neither possible nor necessary.

METHOD

The current Vf wave equation applies specifically to the in-depth patient/practitioner consultation in chronic dis-ease. A generalised form of the Vf wave equation, an earlier hypothesis based on quantum field theory (QFT) and PPR entanglement were all re-investigated.

RESULTS

The generalised Vf wave equation was found applicable in 3 main conditions: acute self-limiting, chronic and epidemic dis-ease. In the latter, a single, coherent Vf epidemic 'wave function' covering all susceptible beings could be identified, which, after practitioner intervention, disappears. Analogies were drawn between groups of atoms in a p-doped semiconductor and a collection of susceptible beings in an epidemic. Here, genus epidemicus is likened to an 'n-type dopant', which forms a 'p-n junction' with the dis-ease. Using the QFT hypothesis/metaphor, genus epidemicus acts as a 'gauge field' restoring 'global invariance' to the symmetry-broken, symptom-expressing Vf, i.e., restoring health.

CONCLUSION

Entanglement hypotheses/metaphors may have application in the homeopathic therapeutic process beyond the one-to-one in-depth interview, and so are relevant to describing the mode of action of homeopathy during treatment of epidemic disease.

First evidence of Beauvais' hypothesis in a plant model

INTRODUCTION

Beauvais presented the application of a so-called 'quantum-like model of homeopathy' by introducing the idea of a type of randomization/unblinding which he called 'in situ'. He predicted that randomized studies based on this type of randomization/unblinding lead to more pronounced effects in placebo controlled randomized homeopathic trials. We designed an experiment regarding wheat germination and stalk length to investigate Beauvais' idea of 'in situ randomization/unblinding' using a homeopathic dilution of sulphur (LM VI) as compared to placebo as well as to water.

AIM AND METHOD

The primary aim of this double-blind randomized controlled experiment was to investigate whether there are differences of 'in situ randomization/unblinding' vs 'central randomization/unblinding' with respect to the effect of a homeopathic substance compared to placebo. The secondary aim of our study was to examine possible differences between the sulphur and the placebo group in the 'in situ' arm regarding germination and/or stalk growth of wheat seedlings measured after a seven days exposure. Wheat was treated either with sulphur LM VI, placebo, or water. The wheat grains were placed on glass lids and treatment was performed following the 'in situ randomization/unblinding' as well as 'central randomization/unblinding' method. Germination was measured and classified into three categories.

RESULTS

Under 'in situ' randomization/unblinding the odds of a seed not to germinate is 40% lower if treated with sulphur compared to placebo (p=0.004). In contrast, these odds are practically equal in the 'central' meta-group (OR=1.01, p=0.954). Under 'in situ' randomization/unblinding the odds of a seed to germinate with a length ≥1mm is practically equal if treated with sulphur or with placebo (OR=0.96, p=0.717). In contrast, these odds are 21% higher under sulphur compared to placebo in the 'central' meta-group (OR=1.21, p=0.062). In summary, we found a sulphur effect that is significantly different between 'in situ' and 'central' randomization/unblinding relating to all three stages of germination.

Homeopathic Preparations of Quartz, Sulfur and Copper Sulfate Assessed by UV-Spectroscopy

Homeopathic preparations are used in homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine. Although there is evidence of effectiveness in several clinical studies, including double-blinded randomized controlled trials, their nature and mode of action could not be explained with current scientific approaches yet. Several physical methods have already been applied to investigate homeopathic preparations but it is yet unclear which methods are best suited to identify characteristic physicochemical properties of homeopathic preparations. The aim of this study was to investigate homeopathic preparations with UV-spectroscopy. In a blinded, randomized, controlled experiment homeopathic preparations of copper sulfate (CuSO₄; 11c–30c), quartz (SiO₂; 10c–30c, i.e., centesimal dilution steps) and sulfur (S; 11×–30×, i.e., decimal dilution steps) and controls (one-time succussed diluent) were investigated using UV-spectroscopy and tested for contamination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The UV transmission for homeopathic preparations of CuSO₄ preparations was significantly lower than in controls. The transmission seemed to be also lower for both SiO₂ and S, but not significant. The mean effect size (95% confidence interval) was similar for the homeopathic preparations: CuSO₄ (pooled data) 0.0544% (0.0260–0.0827%), SiO₂ 0.0323% (–0.0064% to 0.0710%) and S 0.0281% (–0.0520% to 0.1082%). UV transmission values of homeopathic preparations had a significantly higher variability compared to controls. In none of the samples the concentration of any element analyzed by ICP-MS exceeded 100 ppb. Lower transmission of UV light may indicate that homeopathic preparations are less structured or more dynamic than their succussed pure solvent.

Quasi-quantum phenomena: the key to understanding homeopathy

On the basis of the first- and second-order Gompertzian kinetics it has been proved that the crystallization and its reciprocal process of dissolution belong to the class of quasi-quantum non-local coherent phenomena. Hence, there exists a direct link to homeopathy: molecules of the remedy prepared in the process of dilution of the active substance are non-locally interconnected at-a-distance. The results obtained provide strong arguments justifying formulated ad hoc macroscopic versions of quantum non-locality, entanglement and coherence employed in interpretation of the homeopathic remedies activity and effectiveness. In particular they are consistent with the predictions of the weak quantum theory developed by Atmanspacher and coworkers.

A new geometrical description of entanglement and the curative homeopathic process

INTRODUCTION

The Memory of Water, a "local" explanation of homeopathy's efficacy, has been supplemented recently by complementary "nonlocal" hypotheses. One of these envisages "quantum macro-entanglement" among patient, practitioner, and remedy to form a "PPR" entangled state, from which the possibility of cure may manifest.

METHODS

Semiotic analysis affords a geometrical description of this entangled state as a patient-centered chiral tetrahedron. Its four corners depict three different types of symptoms (of the patient, the dis-ease, and the remedial substance) and the potentized remedy.

RESULTS

Reflecting this state in a practitioner-derived mirror-like "therapeutic state space" generates two notional patient-centered chiral tetrahedra: cure may be thought to arise from their patient-driven combination "through the looking glass" of the therapeutic state space, into one polyhedron called a stella octangula or stellated octahedron; in essence, a 3-dimensional Star of David.

CONCLUSIONS

The practitioner helps in forming these notional semiotic polyhedra, but the patient is at their epicenters (i.e., the practitioner facilitates but ultimately does not control the curative process).

Conspicuous by its absence: the Memory of Water, macro-entanglement, and the possibility of homeopathy

In order to fully comprehend its therapeutic mode of action, homeopathy might require both 'local' bio-molecular mechanisms, such as memory of water and 'non-local' macro-entanglement, such as patient-practitioner-remedy (PPR) descriptions.