Can homeopaths detect homeopathic medicines by dowsing? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Author: McCarney R//Fisher P//Spink F//Flint G////
Affiliation:
Academic Unit, Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, London WC1N 3HR, UK
Conference/Journal: J R Soc Med
Date published: 2002
Other: Volume ID: 95 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 189-91 , Special Notes: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial , Word Count: 100


Dowsing is a method of problem-solving that uses a motor automatism, amplified through a pendulum or similar device. In a homeopathic context, it is used as an aid to prescribing and as a tool to identify miasm or toxin load. A randomized double-blind trial was conducted to determine whether six dowsing homeopaths were able to distinguish between Bryonia in a 12c potency and placebo by use of dowsing alone. The homeopathic medicine Bryonia was correctly identified in 48.1% of bottle pairs (n=156; 95% confidence interval 40.2%, 56.0%; P=0.689). These results, wholly negative, add to doubts whether dowsing in this context can yield objective information.

BACK