| Homeopathic medicine (Homeopathy) is an independent medical system well known in Europe, North America and partical area in Asia. It is categorized as a form of complementary and alternative medicine in the Europe and North America healthcare system.Although homeopathic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) belong to different medical system and are rooted from the different culture backgrounds, they share similar philosophical and holistic view on human health and diseases.Research method:A qualitative research was conducted based on the review of articles and literatures published between the years 1989 and 2010 on the development and research status of homeopathic medicine. Analytical and inductive methods were used to systematically card and analyze the diagnostic approach, treatment method, and characteristics of homeopathic medicine. A horizontal comparison was then made between the homeopathic medicine and TCM based on diagnostic approach, treatment principles, and treatment mechanism and methods.Research objective:This is the first research paper of its kind. The study seeks to (1) stimulate the learning of unique diagnostic approach and treatment method of homeopathic medicine; (2) apply those insights to inspire and advance the theory and clinical application of TCM.Research results:Homeopathic medicine is characterized by its similarity, integrity, dynamicity, individuality and geniality. It applies a comprehensive treatment which focuses on the root of a condition. It is viewed as a process that uses a combination of qualitative arrangement and quantitative classification to evaluate and analyze signs and symptoms, and search for medicines for the treatment.Homeopathic medicine pays more attention to human's biological and social dual natures; it believes that "mind/spirit" is the first principle of diagnosis and treatment, and with emphasis on the consideration of psychological and mental disorders during the entire treatment. In homeopathy, substances are diluted in a stepwise fashion and shaken vigorously between each dilution. This "potentization" process is believed to transmit some form of information or energy from the original substance to the final diluted remedy. Homeopathic remedies are very popular due to its small dosages, ease of ingestion, and low side effects.Medicine is constantly evolving, and the traditional biomedical model has now been replaced by the modern biopsychosocial medical model. There are many elements from homeopathic medicine that TCM could learn and adapt from to help TCM keep up with the pace of modern medicine. Through the analysis and comparison, it is believed that the following issues are worthy of deeper study and further exploration:(1) The nature of homeopathic syndrome from the TCM syndrome's perspective. The indication of homeopathic remedies is characterized by the syndrome that is determined by the characteristics of homeopathic "similarity". Homeopathic medicine and TCM share similar connotation regarding syndrome. The characteristics of homeopathic syndrome also reflect the attributes and nature of TCM syndrome. This reasonable cognation is based on the understanding of TCM syndrome, not symptoms. This exploration may offer insights to the nature of TCM syndrome, provide clues on the correlation between homeopathic remedies and TCM syndrome, and provide theoretical basis on extending clinical treatment methods.(2) The inspiration of using homeopathic remedies to establish TCM syndrome on animal models. The study of TCM on animal models has historically been slow due to shortcomings in the research and implementation. Currently there are two basic methods to establish this on animal models:one based on TCM theory of pathogenesis, the other based on pharmacology from Chinese herbal medicine and Western medicine. Using homeopathic remedies to establish TCM syndrome in animal models/animal models of TCM syndrome might be a better and more viable option. This method may allow better focus on the syndrome, greater predictability, higher controllability, lower side effects, and induce wider range of syndromes.(3) The learning from homeopathic software to enhance TCM diagnostic software. Even though computers and software have been studied in TCM for over 30 years, its use in TCM diagnosis is still in the artificial simulation phase, and cannot replace doctors in making medical diagnosis on a variety of complex diseases. The application of homeopathic diagnostic software on the other hand is very popular in Europe, North America and some areas of Asia due to its accuracy, noninvasiveness, objectivity, and fewer side effects. Learning the approach and logic behind homeopathic software and studying from multidisciplinary field may help TCM develop better diagnostic software that meets the standards of TCM diagnosis.(4) The use of qualitative arrangement and quantitative classification in homeopathy to facilitate the standardization of TCM diagnosis. The standardization of TCM diagnosis has been well researched in literature reviews, clinical trials, and experimental studies for over 50 years. However, there still lacks a generally accepted, standardized TCM diagnosis and treatment evaluation system that can be used in everyday practice. Homeopathic medicine is characterized by its idealist metaphysics and metaphysical materialist world view. Thus it uses a mixed mode of qualitative arrangement and quantitative classification, and semi-quantitative methods to evaluate diseased conditions and reveal the nature of a disease. Homeopathy and TCM share similarities on the nature of clinical data. They are both characterized by non-specific, multidimensional and subjective qualities. Learning from homeopathic diagnostic mode may help remedy imperfects in TCM diagnosis standardization research.(5) The inspiration of the Law of Minimum Dose from Homeopathy to refine the form of Chinese herbal products. Homeopathic remedies are very popular due to its small dosages, colorless and tasteless form, ease of ingestion and low side effects. These characteristics are rooted in its unique pharmacological mechanism, strict production standards, and standard processing techniques. Chinese herbal products on the other hand are also effective and contain low side effects, but its main form as an oral decoction has had difficulties in getting patient compliance due to its large dosages and poor tastes. In addition, studying the efficacy and quality of Chinese herbs has been challenging, and to date they have not met the international requirements for drugs. There is still an insufficient amount of knowledge on the stability, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of new herbal products, as well as its correlation between chemical composition and efficacy. Re-applying the pharmacological mechanism and production methods of homeopathic medicine will overcome the quality and efficacy barriers of Chinese herbal products.Exploring these areas and resolving relevant issues may have value in speeding up modernization of TCM, and strengthening the competitiveness of Chinese herbal products in the international stage.
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