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.
References
1.
HansenGP.Dowsing: a review of experimental research.J Soc Psychical Res1982; 51: 343–67
2.
EastwoodNB.Some observations on dowsing and the human magnetic sense.Lancet1987; ii: 676–7
3.
ReynerJH.Psionic Medicine3rd edn. CW Daniels (in press) Saffron Walden
HarvalikZV.Anatomical localization of human detection of weak electromagnetic radiation: experiments with dowsers.Physiol Chem Physics1978; 10: 525–34
6.
EnrightJT.Water dowsing: the Scheunen experiments.Naturwissens-chajten1995; 82: 360–9
7.
CraigeJE.Dowsing for diagnosis and treatment.J Am Vet Med Assoc1983; 183: 388–9
8.
ElliotM.Cushing's disease: a new approach to therapy in equine and canine patients.Br Homeopathic J2001; 90: 33–6
9.
VickersA., McCarneyR., FisherP., van HaselenR.Can homeopaths detect homeopathic medicines? A pilot study for a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled investigation of the proving hypothesis.Br Homeopathic J2001; 90: 126–30
