Homeopathy Past, Present and Future. Cheryl Wisener. Trinity School of Natural Health. June 4, 2018

Transcription

1 Homeopathy Past, Present and Future Cheryl Wisener Trinity School of Natural Health June 4, 2018

2 ii Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Chapter 1 History & Proving of Remedies... 2 Chapter 2 Whole Body Connection... 5 Chapter 3 Water Memory & Potentizing... 8 Chapter 4 Law of Similars & Repertorising Chapter 5 Law of Infinitesimal Dose Chapter 6 Drainage verses Detoxification Chapter 7 Chronic Disease - Constitution & Miasm Chapter 8 Taking the Case, Choosing the Remedy and Observing the Cure Chapter 9 Modern & New Homeopathy Chapter 10 Energy Medicine Summary Appendix A Hippocratic Oath Traditional & Modern Versions Hippocratic Oath: Classical Version Hippocratic Oath: Modern Version Appendix B 15 Key Constitutional Types Appendix C Case Taking Questionnaire Appendix D - Gemmotherapy Appendix E Bach Remedies Appendix F Schuessler s Cell Salts Appendix G Homeopathic prescribing for Mother Bibliography... 52

3 1 Introduction The word homeopathy has become recognized all around the world; however, because it has become mistakenly interchangeable with other words such as naturopathy, alternative health, natural health, energy medicine, etc.; it is not recognized as what it truly is meant to be. When I introduce myself as a homeopath, I usually get a positive reaction; however, by the response I receive, I usually know that the other person has no idea what homeopathy involves. Some of the responses I hear are, I use herbs too, I love using essential oils, and we eat organic food all the time. Homeopathy was established during the late 1700 s as a recognized science with a standardized Homeopathic Pharmacopeia by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Europe with its basic principle stated as similia similibus or let likes be treated with likes. This new practice came in direct opposition to the practices of the general medical system or the allopathic community. Allopathy was another term coined by Hahnemann which was derived from the Greek word allo meaning other. The allopathic practices insisted that treatment should be introduced in the form of contraria contrariis or opposites, not as likes cure likes (Hahnemann 2-5). This mentality still influences the main medical practices of today. Hahnemann s philosophy of healing, as captured in the Organon, the bible of homeopathy, published in 1810 and originally written in German states, The physician s highest and only calling is to make sick healthy, to cure, as it is called. The highest ideal of cure is the rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health; that is, the lifting and annihilation of the disease in its entire extent in the shortest, most reliable, and least disadvantageous way, according to clearly realizable [in-seeable] principles. (Hahnemann 60) The words of the

4 2 original Hippocratic Oath (appendix A) stated this same basic understanding; however, obviously it had been ignored since physicians of this time entering the medical field pledged to uphold these truths but then began practicing in a contradictory way. Today there still seems to be the same problem with many barbaric practices being utilized. Even when safe and harmless practices are an option, many people are ignorant of their existence or choose the opposite. The modern Hippocratic Oath (appendix A) that is used with physicians entering the medical field today has been changed to fit more with the philosophy and practices that are accepted within this allopathic community. In the following chapters, we will examine the practices of classical homeopathy as established by Samuel Hahnemann and his followers and then proceed forward by looking at some additional practices of homeopaths that have come after their time. Finally, we will consider newer modalities that follow a similar philosophy of frequency medicine and body resonance. We will look at where they have come from and how they are changing even the practice of purely classical homeopathy today. Chapter 1 History & Proving of Remedies Even though the philosophy behind Homeopathy probably began back during the time of Hippocrates ( B.C.), and stated By similar things a disease is produced and through the application of the like, it is cured, it was not established as a science until the later 1700 s by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (British Institute lesson 1 p. 2). The word Homeopathy appeared for the first time in an article by Samuel Hahnemann published in Hufeland s Journal in 1807, entitled Homeopathic Employment of Medicines in Ordinary Practice. Hahnemann coined the word

5 3 Homeopathy from two Greek words: Homoios meaning similar or like and Pathos - meaning suffering (British Institute lesson 4 p. 4). When drastic measures were being used by the conventional system such as bloodletting, emetics, leeches and laxatives to rid the body of the supposed toxins or disease-causing agents, Hahnemann, a prominent doctor of this time, rejected these practices as barbaric and left the medical establishment. He began using his highly developed intelligence and language skills in translating medical journals. It was during this work that he came across some enlightening information. He realized from the works he was translating that some of the remedies being used to cure disease also created the same symptoms if given to a healthy person. One of the first remedies he used to establish his like cures likes theory was the Cinchona plant which was being used with malaria patients. He began taking doses of the plant himself and wrote down the symptoms that were produced. These symptoms became known as the proving symptoms and were recorded in his Materia Medica. After experimenting with the effects of this remedy, Hahnemann began proving other remedies that came from the natural world. He examined possibilities from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms and found as many as two hundred possible remedies. Hahnemann used the Latin name of these remedies in his new science instead of using the common name that was often used in the study of herbal remedies. Some common herbals that are used in their mother tincture form to produce homeopathic remedies are not recognized today because the Latin name is still utilized. One of these homeopathic remedies is Hypericum, which is commonly known as St. John s Wort by herbalists. Another common herbal remedy is Wild Hops which is also referred to as Bryonia from its Latin name in homeopathic practice.

6 4 Even though these remedies created symptoms that would disappear once the drug was stopped, Hahnemann realized that in the whole mother tincture form, they could produce a crisis, so he began experimenting to find a better way of dosing these remedies. After much experimentation, he finally concluded that by diluting these remedies and energizing them by a process known as succussing, which is shaking with impact, he could capture and utilize the medicinal effect without causing undue aggravation. He eventually theorized that at the higher dilutions, there seemed to be a more dramatic effect than at the lower ones, even though according to science, there was no physical substance of the original remedy left. Hahnemann established his new science with the following Principles of Homeopathy: Law of Similars Let likes be cured with likes Simillimum, proving symptoms, suppression of symptoms with allopathics Law of the Infinitesimal Dose (minimum) less is better Treatment of the whole person: Holistic modern treatment drug > symptoms homeopathy - person >< drug >< symptom (British Institute lesson 5 p. 1-5). He recorded his new science and their principles in the Organon of 1810, and even though adjustments have been made since that time, the Organon is still referred to as the guide of Classical Homeopathy even today. In the following chapters, we will expand on these concepts. During the 1800 s, Homeopathy became known around the world and flourished alongside the practices of the allopathic world even in America. In some countries such as India, it even took on a more integrated place within the mainstream of society. However, first because of dissensions within the homeopathic community, especially between America and the European continent, and then also with the formation of the American Medical Association and the popularization of pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathic colleges in America drop down to only

7 5 two during the 1920 s and 1930 s. Because of this situation, homeopathic practitioners as well as public awareness and confidence in the practice dropped to almost nothing. Only with the revival of natural health practices, the poor practices associated with allopathic medicine and the harsh effects of pharmaceuticals drugs, Homeopathy became more popular again in the 1970 s and advances even more today. But as discussed earlier, true Homeopathy is still confusing to some who lump it in with other modalities such as Naturopathy, herbal medicine and essential oils. Chapter 2 Whole Body Connection The first Principle of Homeopathy we want to look at is the treatment of the whole person or what is referred to as the Holistic approach. Before expounding on this foundational aspect of Homeopathy, we need to look at how Homeopathy as well as other energetic practices act differently on the body than allopathic medicine where only the physical body is the focused. As we refer to the following illustration that I have created over the past twenty years of study and the Bible verses found with it, we can discern that even the Word of God has established that healing must incorporate the whole person and not just the physical body. God has given us a clear definition in His Word of what we are as human beings as part of His creation. In I Thessalonians 5:23, it states, And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV). This verse establishes the parameters of a human being as Body, Soul and Spirit. Jehovah God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - has created us in His image as stated in Genesis 1: 26, And God said, let us make man in Our own image, after our likeness. (KJV) This gives us an even clearer indication of the truth as to God s Trinity character as revealed in

8 6 His Word which I personally believe correlates to His creating us with three parts. In the world of Homeopathy and Energetic Medicine, as well as other modalities such as Acupuncture, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, emotional work, we must understand that even though there are physical effects, the more accurate place of effecting change is in the energetic layer that lays more in the soul layer incorporating the mind, emotions, will, character and even the life blood which is spoken of in Leviticus 17:11, The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I

9 7 have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (KJV) and is usually associated with the physical red stuff in our bodies. Even though because of original sin and the curse that was placed on all creation at the time of the fall with Adam and Eve, complete health can no longer be accomplished in this world, but without effecting change in the energetic layer, better and lasting health is not truly even possible. This energetic layer, that is referred to as the soul layer on the preceding illustration, is not isolated from the body or spirit layer, yet is better understood to be overlapping both of the other two layers. Depending on which direction the energies are moving, it can affect either layer as also the spirit layer can affect the body layer and the body layer can affect the spirit layer. This does not mean that the body layer takes on an unimportant place in determining the needs of the whole because if the nutritional needs of the physical body are left out of the mix, this will create detrimental effects on the over-all health of the whole being. The inner most layer that is indicated as the Spirit, can only be made alive when a personal relationship has been gifted by Jehovah God and accepted by an individual through the salvation found only in Jesus Christ and revealed to us in Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. and Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) Full realization of complete healing will only be manifested through glorification for those born again when we are in the presence of our Lord in heaven.

10 8 Chapter 3 Water Memory & Potentizing Seventy-one percent of the Earth's surface is covered with water. We start out as ninetynine percent water in the embryonic fluid. Sixty percent of the human adult body is water. It is safe to say when considering these facts, God must have had a very important purpose for water in His creation. Water has been found to have some amazing properties and effects on our body, not just in the physical sense but an even greater effect can be observed in the energetic sense. We can recognize that water has many anomalies unlike other elements in nature. One unusual characteristic is that when water is made into its solid form, ice, it floats in its liquid form unlike any other elements which do the opposite, they sink. Water has the ability to hold information for long periods of time. This information or frequencies become imprinted onto the molecules and are not easily canceled. Marsaro Emoto is one person who has spent many years examining and documenting water properties and the effects of frequency imprinted on it. He has traveled the world examining the energetic properties of water. In his experiments, he has created crystals from water that was taken from many different sources, he then photographed them to see what type of structure these crystals form. He has also influenced water by playing music or speaking certain words into it, then again created crystals that could be observed. The photographs of these crystals came out as pleasant looking symmetrical snowflake-like crystals when the influence had been of a more positive type, but the crystals that were formed after a negative influence was focused on the water formed sharp angular unpleasant looking ones. The source of water also influenced the type of crystals that were seen. Water taken from polluted sources

11 9 consistently show as the unpleasant looking crystals whereas water taken from clean healthy sources create pleasant looking crystals. I have the pleasure and privilege of knowing Ralph Suddath, who spent several months working with Marsaro Emoto. He helped Ralph validate his work of using crystal beads imprinted with frequency. These crystal beads were then placed into a device that when water was run through it, the frequency imprinted into the crystal beads both negated the memory in the water that carried negative effects to the body and also added new frequency to the water that would have positive effects on the body when that water was drank or even bathed in. His work not only has been used on water running into homes, but much of his work has been used in the agricultural field. It has been shown to increase agricultural growth and production as much as twenty-five percent as well as keeping the need of herbicides and pesticides to almost nothing. During the 1980 s, Jack Benveniste began experiments trying to disprove that water could hold memory when no physical substance was left after diluting it; however, instead of disproving it, he became convinced that just the opposite was true. After many trials using digital homeopathic signals, he submitted a paper to the journal of Nature introducing his findings. He was met with much scrutiny and opposition and eventually was dubbed as a complete quack. However, Luc Montagnier, Nobel prize winner for discovering HIV in 2008, picked up his work and continues to experiment with water memory even today among much opposition from the medical community. He too is convinced through his experiments that water does hold information even when no physical substance is left. As we continue examining these properties as found in the Principles of Homeopathy, we can use Samuel Hahnemann s own findings to show what amazing effects have been found through his experiments and provings. Hahnemann used a system of diluting and potentizing to

12 10 produce his remedies. Potency means power or strength. First a mother tincture was made by taking the original substance and extracting its medicinal properties. This was done by soaking the original substance in an alcohol and water solution for a specific amount of time, usually at least one month, and then the concentrated medicinal liquid of the solution was drained off. This was then called the mother tincture. Hahnemann continued his dilution process by taking one drop of the mother tincture and nine drops of a 20% to 30% alcohol to water mixture. He gave this solution the name of a 1X dilution. He then used one drop from this new bottle and added it to nine drops of the 20% to 30% alcohol to water solution and called this a 2X dilution. He continued by creating each successive dilution of 3X, 4X, 5X and so on. To add to his experiments, Hahnemann gave these dilutions to a healthy person and then recorded how they acted differently from the undiluted mother tincture solution of his earlier provings. Hahnemann also experimented with one drop of the mother tincture added to ninety-nine drops of the water and alcohol solution which he called a 1C dilution. He then produced a second dilution with one drop from this new bottle and ninety-nine drops of 20% to 30% alcohol to water solution which he called a 2C dilution and so on. To add to this process, Hahnemann also used another step to this process. He referred to this new step as succussing or energizing by shaking with impact. This was accomplished by hitting each new dilution on a hard surface such as a book one hundred times. This caused the energetic information of the solution to be imprinted into the water. Today, this process has become automated to produce more product at a faster rate, but there are still many around the world that use Hahnemann s slow tedious process in making remedies. Maybe making these remedies by hand allows for the addition of the maker s own positive influence into the remedy.

13 11 Other potency denotations such as 1M, 10M, and CM are also used, but these are just a continuance of the dilution process using X and C labeling. A 1000C would be the same as a 1M. These potentized remedies are usually sprayed on sugar tablets that can be easily dissolved under the tongue. Taken in this way allows for the quick absorption of the medicinal effect. Other forms of homeopathic medicine can be found as tablets, powders, liquids, suppositories, injectable, and creams and ointments for topical use. Hahnemann used a different dilution process when producing his LM potencies. This process produced a 50,000 dilution but it was not successed every time making it gentler. Because of the higher dilution produced with much less energy, it usually did not create a Herxhiemer s reaction or a healing crisis at the higher dilutions as sometimes seen by a high X or C dilution, yet it still allowed for the deeper healing. When an original substance would not allow for the extraction to be completed because of its inability to dissolve in the alcohol and water solution to produce a mother tincture, a process known as trituration was utilized. This process is completed by combining one part of the original substance in its whole form with ninety-nine parts of lactose powder, then grinding this mixture with a mortar and pestle. This became known as a 1C potency. This process was continued using one part of the 1C mixture and ninety-nine parts of the lactose powder and was denoted as a 2C dilution. At a time when this process produces a soluble substance, the liquid dilution process was picked up using the alcohol and water solution instead of the lactose powder and then was continued as with the regular dilutions as explained above. The experimentation of producing these dilutions and the observations when Hahnemann began proving them were very important, because it showed the potential of water being able to hold memory. The information seemed to be copied and memorized in the water. As Hahnemann

14 12 continued these processes, he found that even diluting these substances to a point where no physical material of the original substance was left, which is referred to as Avogadro s Number, a dilution equal to 24X or 12C, the effects on the body were still observed and even became more powerful at the higher dilutions and even more deeper acting within the systems. This is also possibly why the blood is referred to as Life Blood in Leviticus 17:11 The life of the flesh is in the blood: (KJV) since the blood is mainly water and that water is carrying the information needed by the body to remain healthy or promote healing. Chapter 4 Law of Similars & Repertorising The next Law of Homeopathy we want to examine is the Law of Similars and we will also look at how the Repertory is built. As mentioned earlier, remedies were procured from plant, animal and mineral sources and later even from biological sources. When using plants as the source, Hahnemann as well as those coming after him had found that different parts of the plant could show different proving symptoms. Sometimes the whole plant would be used but at other times just the flower, root or stem. The same is seen when using animal sources. At times the whole animal or insect is used but at other times, the remedy may be extracted from the poison or venom of the animal or insect such as a bee, snake or spider. This is also similar when a plant like Rhus Toxicodendron commonly known as poison ivy is used as a homeophatic remedy. It would never be used in its herbal form because of its negative effects, but it is very useful when diluted and succussed to form a homeopathic remedy. The possibilities are endless as more remedies are being considered from new sources even today.

15 13 First, using Hahnemann s dilution process as described earlier in making a remedy by producing the mother tincture through the process of soaking the original source in a water and alcohol solution for up to a month and maybe using the moon cycles as a guide as to timing, symptoms were determined when the specific remedy was given to a healthy individual. These trials were not done on just one healthy person but many different people who produced different symptoms. All the symptoms were documented and organized. The symptoms that were produced by mostly everyone that was given the specific remedy would be recorded in bold letters distinguishing it as a high priority remedy for those given symptoms since it would probably match most everyone that was showing these symptoms. Secondly, symptoms that were observed maybe in half the provers were shown in regular lettering giving the remedy less priority. Lastly, symptoms that were only seen in one or a few of the provers were shown in italicized lettering giving the remedy a much lower priority. This information was used in two different books. A Materia Medica which is an alphabetical list of remedies followed by their symptoms and a Repertory which is a list of symptoms followed by their remedies. This seems that they are the same; however, the information is presented in an opposite way and depending on how a homeopath chooses to work would determine which book would be chosen. All the remedies for any symptom seen were still included in the book known as the Repertory even if it only showed up in one of the provers. These obscure symptoms at times are the deciding factor for a complicated case where several remedies are being considered. The proving symptoms were listed alphabetically and grouped together under the following headings starting from the top of the body and moving downward: Mind, Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat, Stomach, Abdomen, Stool, Urine, Male, Female, Respiratory, Heart, Back, Extremities (arms,

16 14 hands, legs, feet). Sleep, Fever, and Skin were also used, but they referred to the whole body. Reading the complete remedy s description from the Materica Medica was done once several remedies were chosen from the work done in the Repertory. This was used after a choice was made from the symptom picture and a more complete analysis of a specific remedy was to be made. This helped in the matching of a person s complete characteristic and temperament picture and not just on the presenting symptoms. Another characteristic added to the Repertory that also helped in deciding between two closely matched remedies was its modalities. These are influences that show as an aggravation, makes worse or amelioration, makes better. These modalities came under several descriptions such as: Physical touch, rest, exertion, exercise, position of body, movement; Temperature cold, warmth, climate; Time day, night, hour of day, evening, season of year; Dietary food, drink, alcohol; Localized right sided symptoms, left sided symptoms, right side moving to left, left side moving to right, spreading in all directions; and Miscellaneous worse for music, better for pressure. An arrow following a modality pointing upwards designated makes better and an arrow point downwards designated makes worst. These two different lists were then used to determine which remedy matched the symptoms of the client the best, first, by determining the best remedy from the Repertory and secondly, by reading the complete description of the remedy in the Materia Medica. Even though any one remedy did not match the client completely, the affects were still found to be amazing as compared to the allopathic practices of Hahnemann s time. There were some remedies that produce many symptoms that became known as polycrests. These remedies are often used today even by those who are not well educated in selecting a homeopathic remedy or do not have access to many remedies. As a person gets more

17 15 adept with homeopathy, they will become more knowledgeable of more remedies as well as adding more remedies to their homeopathic kit. Some of these remedies that would be considered polycrests are Graphites, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Natrum Muraticum, Calcarea Carbonica, and Pulsatila. These remedies also are known to be some of the best constitutional remedies for which we will talk more about in Chapter 7. Many more remedies and symptom pictures are represented in the more modern repertories as many more possibilities have been proven since Hahnemann s days. Another interesting phenomenon that was observed over time was that the body can only manifest one complex disease at any one time. This was supported by the fact that the artificial disease produced by a similar remedy was able to displace the original disease of the body. This phenomenon was seen on the European continent during a time when two epidemics were passing through an area at the same time such as small pox and whooping cough. If an individual had contracted small pox and then was exposed to the stronger disease of whooping cough, the small pox would be displaced or suppressed while the whooping cough showed its symptoms, but once the whooping cough was cured, the small pox would present itself again. Of course, if the small pox action on the body was stronger than the whooping cough, the person would not ever get or show the symptoms of the whooping cough unless exposed after the cure of the small pox. I have personally seen this expressed during a bad outbreak of influenza. When an autistic client contracted the influenza, all their presenting autistic symptoms disappeared, but unfortunately once the influenza was cured, the symptoms of the Autism came back to the disappointment of the client and their parents. If more details pertaining to these remedies is desired, I would suggest finding a good Materia Medica with a Repertory included and begin reading some of the entries. I would

18 16 recommend William Boericke s Materia Medica with Repertory, Ninth Edition. It is compact and lists the remedies alphabetically as to their Latin names but also includes their common names, making it understandable for those that would be more informed as to the herbal names. Chapter 5 Law of Infinitesimal Dose When choosing a dose and frequency, many get confused as to what benefits the body the best. Referring to the information in Chapter 3 of the process of making potencies, a basic rule is to use low potencies which would include 6X, 12X, 24X, 6C, 12C, 30C at a frequency such as daily, hourly or even during crisis, every fifteen minutes for clearly acute issues. This can be further altered by putting a few pellets in a water solution, so that it can be succussed each time before dosing. This affords that the information is being changed just a bit during close repeated doses. Remember these homeopathic remedies are not chemical in nature which means adding something to the chemistry of the body, but informational which involves communicating something to help the body effect change within itself. Even these tiny doses can stimulate the immune system, but not as a chemical reaction but communicating to the body what it needs to do to adjust to a healthier state. The higher dilutions such as 1M, 10M and even 50M are used much less frequently. It is often said to give the client one dose and watch and wait. This waiting could be a week, a month or even longer, which is not uncommon. This higher dosing is more common with chronic or constitutional cases which we will examine in Chapter 7. When a remedy is too strong or was not a good chosen match for the disease, an aggravation can be produced by the remedy. This is usually seen when the symptomology of the

19 17 remedy is created in the client even when these symptoms were not present with the disease itself. This is not often a longstanding problem as these new symptoms will usually go away in a short amount of time with low potencies remedies, but when a high potency is used, it could take more time for these aggravations to subside. This will not be acceptable to the client, so care must be taken in the choice of a remedy especially in higher potencies. This is a good reason why only a trained professional should have access to these higher potencies. Another aspect of dosing is when two remedies are given at the same time. In true classical homeopathy, this is not done. Sometimes in acute cases, alternating two remedies may be suggested but they shouldn t be mixed together in the same bottle. Dosing homeopathic remedies is done by placing the pellet, powder or water remedy under the tongue and letting it dissolve. Eating or drinking anything afterwards should be avoided for at least ten to fifteen minutes as not to affect the effect of the remedy. Strong substances such as coffee or mint toothpaste should be avoided even longer. Chapter 6 Drainage verses Detoxification There is much confusion with terminology regarding detoxification. I prefer using the term detoxification when referring to the release of toxins from specific areas of the body such as organs and glands, and drainage to the getting it out of the body through the emunctories; urinary system, respiratory system, integumentary system and digestive system. Many practices cause detoxification but if drainage is not realized then little positive effect is accomplished, and even more stress can be placed on the body. When toxins are moving around the body as opposed to being settled in one certain place more damage can be produced. Regarding drainage, it is most

20 18 often disregarded in other common modalities, but homeopathy and energy medicine can be very affective for drainage when utilized properly. Other positive modalities used for drainage are saunas, ionic footbaths, soak paths, hydrotherapy; however, even the best drainage work is not effective when the body is just not ready to let go of its toxins. Chapter 7 Chronic Disease - Constitution & Miasm As we begin the subject of chronic disease, we must first distinguish the difference between acute and chronic disease. Basically, an acute disease has a sudden onset of distinguishable symptoms and a relatively short duration. It comes on quickly but also can see a cure rather quickly within a few days or at the most a few weeks. It usually effects many people at the same time with similar symptom and shows with a contagious character. It can be of epidemic proportions, such as in the case of a viral infection such as the common cold, influenza or even something like chicken pox. These diseases don t usually leave any lasting effects on the body: however, even though influenza should be considered an acute disease, it often gets stuck in the system and becomes chronic. The Repertory has an entry that is never been well since and the flu comes under this category and is often referenced as a chronic disease by homeopaths when this takes place. When something affects the vitality or as Samuel Hahnemann named it, the Vital Force, the equilibrium of the body is affected. This causes things to start deteriorating or moving towards a chronic condition and only if the vitality is strong enough can this situation be

21 19 resolved. Most often this is not the case and the strength of the vital force will determine how drastic things will become. Diseases such as Lyme s disease, heart disease and diabetes would be considered chronic diseases and can affect the body in such a way that the vitality or vital force starts a long lasting or even never-ending break down that usually can only be kept in check by using well-chosen homeopathic remedies. Even these treatments don t usually bring about a cure but can bring on a suppression or palliation that only allows for a more quality of life than would be expected without these treatments or with the normal allopathic. These are not really diseases but diagnoses that have been labeled as such. Instead there is really an underlying disease that brings on symptoms that have been labeled as a certain disease. This situation can be very disheartening when one realizes that the disease might rear its head at any time when exposure to a toxin that opens up a new round of symptoms. The person never completely seems well again. Some chronic diseases are even brought on a person through the treatment with allopathic methods. These were common in Hahnemann s day through aggressive treatments such as blood-letting, emetics, laxatives, etc. and today through drugs, surgeries and other harsh treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. When dealing with chronic diseases, homeopathy utilizing a protocol with a constitutional perspective. This involves using remedies that have a distinction for the individual s make up instead of just looking at the symptom picture. Character, personality, temperament, physical make-up, and modalities would be considered at a higher priority than symptoms in the choice of a constitutional remedy. This remedy if chosen correctly should never change and could be utilized in bringing balance back to an individual after other treatments for specific symptom pictures. This means that different remedies would have more of an impact

22 20 than others for the same disease picture on different people. This concept was also used to strengthen an individual as to his or her general health. Constitutional treatment seems to have taken on different meanings depending on the background and training of the practitioner; however, the motivation for true constitutional or chronic disease healing should consider the dis-ease or imbalance of the whole person at the energetic level. A true constitutional remedy will be the remedy that consistently brings the client back into balance on all levels after a physical or emotional trauma. There are fifteen main constitutional or polycrest remedies considered by many homeopath practitioners of today. It is needful at times to use other remedies first to promote healing in a certain direction of symptoms, but then that one specific remedy that matches not only the physical symptoms but also the temperament, personality, physical attributes and likes and dislikes of the client will be determined and utilized. The fifteen remedies often used include Argentum Nitricum, Arsenicum Album, Calcarea Carbonica, Graphites, Ignatia, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Mercurrius Solubilis, Natrum Muriaticum, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silica, and Sulphur. (appendix B) Another idea relating to chronic diseases is called miasm. To describe miasm, we must consider such ideas as inheritances, genetics or predispositions. Hahnemann came up with the first miasm which he called Psora. This was a predisposition by all humans to have disease as a basic condition. He felt that because of original sin that first affected a man s spiritual condition and then the soul/mind part and finally his physical/chemical body, no one was completely healthy. The miasm of Psora put all of us in a place to be at risk for disease. Hahnemann and other homeopaths expounded on this idea and came up with other miasms that describe deeper diseases. Sycosis and Syphilis which were very prominent in

23 21 Hahnemann s day, did not just explain and incorporate the physical symptoms of the disease but the underlying mental state of the person. As time went on, the Tuberculosis and Cancer miasms were added and thought to be combinations of the other three. Certain remedies were determined to have more of an affinity to each of these miasms so the list of possibilities to be considered became shorter. The actual nosodes of these diseases, which was made from the actual tissues where the disease was found, were used but many other remedies that were found helpful came from the list of polycrests as discussed earlier. This was decided because they covered many more symptoms than the more obscure remedies. This in turn shortened the list of effective remedies and made it easier to determine the best choice. When treating chronic illness, dosing at a higher potency such as 200C, 1M or even 10M when indicated, at less frequent times is much more positive. Remember this type of treatment affects change at a deeper level and can cause aggravations or healing crisis if not used with caution. This is where it is pertinent to work with and under the supervision of a trained homeopath. According to Herring s Law postulated by Dr. Constantine Herring, a contemporary of Hahnemann s in America, healing takes place from the inside out, top to bottom and from the present to the past (British Institute lesson 1 p. 13). Some refer to this also as pealing an onion, layer by layer or spiraling back out of the depths of disease. In this type of healing, there are things that will be dealt with in a positive way that the client is not even aware of. One thing that should be described to the client is that old issues whether physical or emotional, may be brought to the surface and cause some discomfort. When the client understands this direction of healing, they are much more prepared to handle things that arise. It should also be made aware of that when these old issues surface, they should be short lived even when these symptoms were first

24 22 experienced for much more time in the past. For example, a skin issues that was present for many months or even years could clear in a matter of days if it presents itself during healing. Chapter 8 Taking the Case, Choosing the Remedy and Observing the Cure The success of homeopathy is determined by the practitioner s ability in taking the case accurately and then determining the best remedy fit. This is a process that is not accomplished in a short amount of time. The typical first session usually lasts no less than two hours and a follow-up session can take an hour or more. Even after taking the case, the choice of a remedy can add more time needed for an individual case in even the simplest cases. During this phase the practitioner will determine from the rubrics of the Materia Medica, the best remedies that fit the case, then through a process of elimination, by reading the complete characteristics of each remedy, the practitioner will come to the best choice. Modern computer programs and questionnaires have made this process a bit faster but taking a good case still requires the individual contact and questioning with the client or family members. The interview usually begins with the observation of the client since the choice of the remedy will include characteristics such as body build, hair color, eye color, skin condition, and even if the client is calm and sitting quietly or moving around. Prior to the interview a family history and a patient history may be taken in the form of a questionnaire. This will shorten the interview a bit even though the practitioner will want to go over these questions during the actual interview. Mental and emotional characteristics will be covered since these usually bring clarity to the remedy choice. The rest of the interview will involve asking questions about symptoms involving each body system, such as eyes, nose, teeth, urinary, skin, lung, etc. as well as

25 23 functions including thirst, digestion, female issues, temperature and more. Modalities will be covered as these can define the final choice when two or three remedies seem close, making a final choice difficult. Appendix C shows an actual questionnaire used in case taking. Even though a questionnaire can be useful, a good practitioner will not let this over rule the interview. Allowing the client to talk and explain their thoughts will reveal what is truly going on as well as reveal the true character of the client allowing for the best choice of a remedy on all levels. Each aspect of the case taking process employs the three principles of homeopathy as described by Hahnemann and expounded in the preceding chapters: The Law of Similars Chapter 4, Law of Infinitesimal or Minimum Dose Chapter 5, and The Treatment of the Whole Person Chapter 2. Feel free at this point to go back to the corresponding chapter if more details are need from any of these categories. The final aspect of the case taking process is prescribing the remedy. It is never a good idea to assume that one remedy will clear the case. Explaining the process of cure is always important because in this modern world, clients have been wooed into thinking that taking a pill will cure or clear their symptoms or at least affect a significant change whereas they will be able to get back to life as normal in the shortest amount of time. Homeopathy doesn t work that way. In fact, sometimes the client will feel worse as the remedy begins altering the vital force to bring about the change that must take place to turn the body around to a healthier position. This is where many lose confidence in Homeopathy and go on to try something else. Many never get to experience the amazing possibilities that can only be seen when true Homeopathy is allowed to bring about these changes that are needed for lasting and even permanent results.

26 24 Chapter 9 Modern & New Homeopathy Using the experience and knowledge of many classical homeopaths of the past as well as the present, many motivated practitioners are being challenged to seek out new and better ways to utilize the potential or options found especially in nature and creation. This mentality should not be taken as a getting rid of what was of the past, but a moving forward with even better ways into the future. Even what is being used successfully today will probably be challenged and changed to incorporate an even better way in the future. Because of the limitations of our times and the toxic environment that we live in, the true classical approach to homeopathy is not as sought out as in the past. Also, classic homeopathy, because of its slow action is not sought after when clients are looking for the quick fix that has been promoted by the allopathic community. Because of this dilemma, many homeopaths using the homeopathic philosophy that they learned have moved to the realm of energetic medicine and new modalities that seem to work better and faster on the body. There are those such as the four generations of Banerjis in India that have used their many years of homeopathic experience to find a more standardized way of using homeopathic remedies by treating clients following a more generalized symptomology. They use standard scientific methods of diagnosis and then prescribe homeopathic remedies for specific diseases in fixed dosages. This eliminates the guesswork for those beginning the process of learning to practice homeopathy. Probably the best situation offered through the Banerji protocol is that it allows hundreds of clients to be seen on a daily basis instead of the ten or even twenty that could be seen if using the slow case taking practices of true classic homeopathy. Using the Banerji s protocol not only can a homeopath show success with their prescribing of homeopathic remedies, but they can treat more clients and keep their costs

27 25 reasonable while still making a decent living at the same time. Standardization is also produced allowing for homeopathy in general to receive validation in the scientific community and then also acceptance in the general public. Even though there are many classical homeopaths that condemn this way of practicing homeopathy, there is no arguing that the Dr. Banerjis are accomplishing much good without having to use the allopathic medicines that often cause more problems than good. Other changes in the homeopathic community involve redefining the homeopathic pharmacology that was established by Hahnemann. Using remedies called sarcodes involves using healthy tissue from a human or even an animal in some cases and potentizing it usually at a low potency. The theory behind this is that this remedy can promote the organ or gland of the user to regenerate or begin working better. Organotherapy is a specific form of sarcode therapy that is dosed at three levels Low 4C or 5C stimulants, Medium 7C regulatory, High 9C, 12C, 30C depressant (British Institute lesson 20 p. 1-2) A nosode is made from a diseased organ or gland and is used to promote healing of that particular issue in the body. This is used to expel the particular toxin found in these areas, eventually allowing the diseased organ or gland to experience healing. Gemmotherapy utilizes the bud or young shoot of a plant which contains the embryo or growth factors and is dosed at only the 2X potencies. This was introduced by the French School of Homeopathy. In France it is not legally permitted to use potencies above 30C, so new protocols have been experimented with that only utilize lower potencies but still effect great changes and healing powers in the body. This protocol is specifically used to promote drainage from the body. Different remedies have an affinity to drain certain organs and glands (Rozencwajg). Appendix D gives a list of Gemmotherapy remedies and their descriptions.

28 26 Edward Bach ( ) felt that the cares of the soul and spirit opened the way for illnesses of the body and should have the attention of the practitioner first. Employing the essence of flowers that did not have any poisonous qualities, he prepared remedies that worked toward relieving the client of his emotional issues that in turn could also relieve him of his physical symptoms. Even though Bach was considered a homeopath in his day, he did not use the traditional preparation of the homeopathic pharmacopeia in preparing his remedies. As he arrived at the flowers that would be used which eventually number thirty-eight, he would take the flower head and float it in a bowl with pure water for three hours in direct sunlight. Woody plants were boiled in pure water for half an hour. The energized water was mixed with an equal amount of brandy, which then became known as the mother tincture. The stock bottles are then made by placing two drops of mother tincture with 30 ml of brandy. (Bach) Bach later cataloged the emotional and physical healing that was accomplished by using each remedy. There is a listing of his thirty-eight remedies and their specific characteristics in Appendix E. There was an additional remedy that became know as Rescue Remedy and was made by combining Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem. This remedy combination had the effect as a shock or trauma remedy. A German homeopathic doctor from the nineteenth century, Dr. Whilhelm Heinrich Schuessler, formulated that the cells of the body were often deficient of mineral salts and would not uptake these minerals from its food sources or even supplements. He determined by taking these same mineral salts in a homeopathic potency that the cell would more effectively take up the mineral salts from its food and supplements. He used twelve minerals that were mandatory for good health in the body. They included Calcium Fluoride, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulphate, Iron Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate,

29 27 Potassium Sulphate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Sulphate, and Silica. He began by using these cell salts in 6X and 12X potencies and sometimes even 3X. By giving just one or two pellets, dissolved under the tongue, three to six times a day, he found that his patients began up-taking these minerals found in their foods and supplements better, thus seeing the deficiencies go away as well as the diseases that matched each deficiency. In the years following Schueller s work, others began using similar mineral salts adding to his original list of twelve. Others also experimented with giving large quantities of cell salts to supplement for mineral salt deficiencies; however, this doesn t practically make sense along the homeopathic philosophy being that there is no material in these potentized remedies to add minerals to the body. (schuessler-cell-salts) Appendix F gives a list of Schuessler s original 12 cell salts as well as other cell salts that have been added since his time. Homeopathic combination remedies have become very popular these days when time or inexperience selecting the siliminum is present. These combination remedies are made from several individual remedies where the symptomology is similar as such in the symptom picture of fever or cough. In the Repertory under fever, remedies such as Aconite, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Ferrum Phos, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla and Sulphur would be listed for individual use, but a combination remedy would take all these remedies usually in low potencies such as 12X, 30X or 30C because of the acute nature of use and put them all together. The theory behind this type of prescribing is that the body, knowing what it needs will select out the one remedy that best matches the symptoms. One must realize that choosing the one best remedy is the best way to use homeopathy but using this type of remedy does seem to work when a single remedy is not available for some reason. This works especially well for inexperienced mothers, but it is always recommended that mothers become more knowledgeable with using a single remedy