The Essence of Alternative Medicine
November 1998
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This article presents 12 theses distinguishing alternative and regular medicine in Germany, reporting no new clinical results; the authors argue that the current integration of alternative methods in universities is misguided.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In 1998, Rudolf Happle, MD, critiqued the integration of alternative medicine into the German healthcare system, arguing that it is characterized by irrational thinking and lacks evidence-based support. He pointed out that alternative practices such as acupuncture and homeopathy are not economically viable or necessarily safe, and their popularity may be attributed to romanticism. Happle presented examples of both falsifiable and unfalsifiable concepts within alternative medicine, noting that controlled studies have shown certain practices to be ineffective. He emphasized that alternative medicine relies on the placebo effect and is not subject to scientific falsification, making it mutually exclusive from evidence-based medicine. Despite his criticisms, Happle recognized the enduring presence of alternative medicine, which had become part of medical education and healthcare in Germany.
