Karma is neither a theoretical concept nor a belief system – it is a descriptor of an experiential reality. While you can describe the polarization of light in solution of sugar with a theoretical construct, the property of sweetness is an experiential reality. Sadly, some present day followers of science have divorced themselves completely from subjective reality and chosen instead to embrace a partial and incomplete grayscale picture of the world. Rather than finding a “meaning” for Karma, one must get the experiential feel. The polarization of light, the chemical formula, the density and crystalline shape of sugar do not capture the essence of sweetness. Sugar is sweet, but so is honey, as are romantic memories and so also the sweet smell of success.   A true healer’s duty is alleviating the suffering of a patient rather than ridiculing an established form of medicine as quackery. If homeopathy is quackery in the opinion of one esteemed forum member, so be it – but please note it is not 21 st century quackery – it’s been around for over 200 years. Homeopathy has produced better results in containing many an epidemic and resolving chronic cases given up by other forms of medical practice in its two century long tradition.   I am a practicing, Registered Homeopath and a Certified Yoga Teacher, but I am quite open to accepting the limitations of both systems when it comes to the welfare of a patient. The wisdom lies in choosing the correct methodology. One must know when to get off the high horse and walk. Thanks to people like Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School, meditation and other mind-body-spirit techniques, have found a permanent place in modern medicine.    Regarding clinical outcomes when dealing with people having “faith” in Karma, we must understand that results will largely depend upon how far the individual has progressed in the practice and his/her experiential understanding of Karma. A terminally ill patient is indeed struggling with pain, but what the caregivers often miss is that the patient is also struggling with some other fundamental issues. Typically these issues are of acceptance – accepting one’s past without bitterness, accepting one’s own death and accepting that the world will go on without them. Unfortunately, neither healthcare professionals nor religious ministers are fully capable of helping. That is why one must prepare for death earlier on, when the person is in a healthier state of mind and body. Understanding the workings of Karma is one such step.    
Posted by homeopathyogi

In Response to Re: Have you ever had a patient who expressed a belief in Karma? : Brix Refractometry is used to 'measure' sweetness, while direct measurment of sweetness is not possible?  Not so. See: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2814067/ This was so easy to find, yogi, that I fear you should do more reading of properly scientific journals, before you make such sweeping statements. John
Posted by John D

I suppose the interesting question is whether these beliefs really do impact upon the patient's choice of treatment. For instance, if a patient does believe their medical condition/disability is due to karma and it is a natural sequence, then would they want medical intervention?
Posted by ClaireLouise