Homeopathic remedies as metaphors in family therapy. A narrative-based approach to homeopathy

To examine a metaphorical, narrative model to explain the outcome of an homeopathic, encounter involving the patient, practitioner and the homeopathic medicine.

The transcript of a videotaped doctor-patient interaction from a European doctor-patient communication study (EUROCOM) was analysed using qualitative methods.

Analysis demonstrates a narrative relationship between the protagonists in the therapeutic interaction, with the homeopathic medicine performing a metaphorical role.

The results justify further investigation of the narrative and metaphorical properties of the therapeutic encounter in homeopathy.