Gone were the days when Homeopathy use to be a hobby; it’s a full-fledged profession now. From using homeopathy at home and reading books, it has now developed as a system of medicine with medical acumen. With each passing day, researchers explore and experiment with the finer shades of homoeopathy. The teaching methodology has changed over decades. Despite significant changes in the system in terms of educational material, establishments, and delivery of content, there still exists a gap between choosing a remedy and using a remedy. This gap is one of the reasons why people have different opinions and prescriptions for the same case.
Many practising homeopaths are not teachers, and most teachers do not actively practise homeopathy. Thus, a scenario arises (especially for a budding homeopath) – how to use a remedy. We usually apply the best of the techniques in our medical colleges to choose a remedy for a patient (or a given set of symptoms), but when it comes to the application of the art part of homeopathy, we miserably fail. Yes, it is one side of the coin. The other side of the story is something different.
For many of our crucial years as learners (or beginners) in homeopathy, we spend too much time reading. Reading is good, but reading irrelevant literature at the wrong time or in the wrong manner is detrimental Whether knowingly or unknowingly, we create our favourite remedies. We are compelled (or motivated) to follow one or more authors wholeheartedly. So, just to flow with the wind, we try to follow legends of homeopathy and in this race of having a “successful book”, “successful author”, “shortcuts of success”, or “quick way to be a legendary homeopath ourselves”, we overlook the part called “using a remedy”.
Following a school of thought is not bad, but without knowing the basics about Homeopathy, will not let anyone to be on a sure path of success. Before standing on the shoulders of giants, we need to climb up to their shoulders!
The other challenge is the subjective opinions and experiences that become facts within a few years of practice in a homeopath’s life. Yes, unknowingly, it is true. Sharing experience is good, but impounding it as a fact is not beneficial Therefore, in a passive way it affects our prescription, i.e., using a remedy. We try to fit the read remedies to every diagnosis we encounter, to every symptom we hear or are told about when offered.
Hahnemann discussed this aspect in the form of Theoretical medicine.
Now, we have a problem statement. what is the way out?
Let me simplify and impound my thoughts
- More clinical exposure – As a rule, our teaching faculty should be encouraged to engage in clinical practice. Successful clinicians should be invited more often to clinical discussions at every level of teaching and practice.
- Promote Evidence based Homeopathy – Rather than anecdotal experiences and citations, homeopathy practice should include the evidence-based SoPs (standard operating procedures) and standard formats of reporting outcomes. (Art part still suggested to be purely homeopathic).
- Potency and Dosage – Rather than running around the 100-year-old bush, let us be a part of the evolution. Discuss openly potency and dosage to be used in clinical practice.
- Right habit of choosing tools – relying only on materia medica, or repertory or any school of thought is not sufficient; it must be the right habit of choosing a tool needed to work out a case.
Things may seem easier to read and write but need a few more decades to strengthen the balance of Choosing and Using a Remedy.
I would love to read your views. Please be a part of the discussion. Leave your comment now.
- What do you think about the two aspects of the same coin: choosing a remedy and using a remedy?
- How can we bridge the gap between choosing a remedy well and using it clinically?
- How to eliminate theoretical medicines in homeopathy practice?
- How to choose potency and repetition well after selecting a remedy?