A.S. How would you characterize your current style or method of practice?
SA: That could be descried with the acronym SIRE
S-STABLE FOUNDATION
I-INNOVATION
R-REVERSE ENGINEERING
E-EMPOWER
One could break it down into these four basic categories:
Stable Foundation
It is without doubt that any science does require a certain amount of structure in the form of a strict set of protocols that define its elemental principles as instructed by its founder’s philosophies.
One needs to align with the Organon in every case. One needs to refer to the Materia Medica and reliable proving’s before deciding on the final prescription. Such a methodical approach would ensure minimum pitfalls.
Innovation
Allow me to elaborate. Homeopathy was discovered due to innovative clinical experiments in the first place. Substances are constantly titrated and potentized until their efficacy has been proven to provide quick and safe restoration to health, in all kinds of situations and pathological conditions- acute as well as chronic.
It’s but natural that such a system of medicine embraces any method extension which aims at a higher accuracy in successful prescribing. This is the way that the science appeals to youngsters and helps make it a sustainable income profession. The bottom line is positive results in the form of cures and satisfied customers.
For this to happen in surgical precision, we need to expand our paradigms to remedy selection. That’s why I would like to refer to my proposed method as being innovative as well as flexible. You need to be able to think out of the box in order to get a better overview. At the same time the base always needs to be solid and steadfast.
The need of the hour is to sharpen and broaden our lenses. Like an eagle in flight, looking down at the landscape and zooming into its prey, after precise adaptation and adjustments have been put into place.
One swoops in and comes in close proximity to the object in question, and either latches on to elements perceived or has the wisdom to navigate out of the target, if the judgement seems erroneous, and waits for the next reliable and opportune moment.
Even successful corporations require to adapt to market conditions and consumer needs. It’s important for them as well to innovate because firms must be able to adapt to changes that are sometimes unpredictable as per customer’s expectations.
We as homeopaths can take cues from such marketing strategies. There is a mention of this in my book- The accuracy of 10 W’s in prescribing under a sample case pertaining to corporate wellness.
Flexibility also applies to quick case alignment when a patient’s symptoms have escalated in spite of a seemingly well selected remedy. One of the W’s may direct us to a characteristic symptom that was either not paid enough attention to earlier, or has just surfaced in the heat of the moment. That specific symptom becomes an entry point which needs to be given due notice, while keeping the earlier overview in place.
To cite an example – a marked bluish hue of an existing wound once paid attention to, could combine with the phenomena of sudden rage alternating with quick repentance, and point out the remedy Lyssinum to us. Subjective signs and symptoms (under the essential W of Watch out ) are of paramount importance during a case investigation.
Reverse engineering
The other important component of my proposed method refers to the well known term in industrial manufacturing called reverse engineering or sometimes called back engineering.
It is fundamentally a process in which software, machines, aircraft, architectural structures and other products are deconstructed to extract design information from them. Often, reverse engineering involves deconstructing individual components of larger products.
In homeopathic case taking if we can agree that the success of a remedy selection largely depends on the level or depth of prescribing, we can approach it in reverse – akin to reverse engineering.
For example, this case of a pre-verbal toddler with Coeliac’s disease highlights the significance of the same:
This delightful and energetic toddler was all over the place during the interview and was encouraged to stay and perform in full bloom, as how we would present under normal circumstances in familiar settings.
There were several characteristic features to the case, which were also confirmed via the mother’s intense state during pregnancy. But the main observation all through the 90 minute interview which led to the rubric, found under the generalities section of the repertory was – Circle, inclination to turn in: Carbo-oxygenisatum (single remedy ).
He was persistently moving around in circles on the table, the carpet and even on the lap of the intern who was recording the session on video.
A patterned behavior in the form of a consistent observation leads to the appropriate rubric and this in turn, leads to further investigation which then finally leads to remedy confirmation in all parameters noted in the case taking.
Empower through awareness
Personally, for me this has proven most satisfying- for both physician and client. The scope of this is natural especially in holistic medicine such as homeopathy, but sadly not tapped into enough.
While Hahnemann was a brilliant scientist and path breaking physician of his times and so rightly respected and emulated by homeopaths and doctors from all over the world, how many of us are even aware of his letter to his tailor?
And even if we are, how many have felt the deep significance of such a tool for empowerment via a hand written personal note?! The physician heals along with the client if there is mutual respect for each other along with an openness to continue one’s learning curve.
The case analysis with remedy selection and reasons for the same can be a very powerful tool leading to deeper and more sustained awareness and healing.
Creating awareness of the mechanisms of homeopathic remedies and what to expect during follow up sessions, while knowing one’s individual remedy is a very useful tool for both homeopath and patient to track progress and reasonable outcomes.
As you can see that the benefits of such an integrated method of case taking is multifold such as:
- Accuracy
- Time efficiency
- Applicable in all age groups
- Right side brain stimulated activities which enhance cognitive functions
The only difficulty encountered if any, are being free from early prejudices and keynote prescribing and finding being a silent witness cumbersome. Stillness with alertness is the key.
A.S. Many people are over medicated with allopathic drugs that have numerous side effects. How do you separate drug side effects from genuine symptoms?
S.A. If the homeopath has a sound grasp of the following, it’s easier to differentiate genuine symptoms from prescribed drug side effects.
Knowledge of pharmacology
Knowledge of remedies/source
Proving’s
Tautopathy use: In cases with advanced pathology where the patient is already under prescribed drugs, homeopathic remedies prepared from such toxic drugs should be used as intercurrent remedies when there are clear indications for the same.
This is mentioned under the W, Why (Qur) – which emphasizes the causative factors in chronic disease, and include morbific agents such as adverse reactions of prescribed medications.
A.S. What has been your experience with people who are vaccine damaged?
Vaccines are one such known inimical agent, and hence a homeopath needs to know how to clear such blocks when the symptoms and sequence of events, indicate the same.
In my several years of practice, I have been witness to both short term and long term adverse reactions. While the short term damage effects are easier to spot and address, it’s the long term ones that are more cumbersome and complicated to reverse.
Some are even irreversible depending on the organs damaged. However, the results are very satisfactory if the remedies are selected accurately and the case monitored and tracked diligently.
Let me provide a general overview to consider and use when the situation demands an action on our part as homeopaths.
While the adverse effects of vaccines can be generalized to the general population and be discerned by an alert homeopath, it’s the kids on the autism spectrum where the damage is mostly established with dire consequences. So let’s limit ourselves to just such a segment in this article.
In autism the adverse impact usually manifests uniquely depending on which vaccine the patient is most sensitive to, and according to the local conditions at the time of the vaccine. For example, if a cold or fever is present at the time of administration, then consider the birth weight, genetic inheritance, what the delivery was like (natural or highly interventional), how many ultrasounds were conducted, etc.
A strong family history of cancer and / or diabetes, is also frequently encountered in cases with developmental delays. A history of gestational diabetes along with ancestral diabetes mellitus, makes children even more susceptible towards an autism spectrum.
So when dealing with such a history, remedies like Carcinosinum, Insulinum and Saccharum Officinalis are often indicated. Hence, careful monitoring and homeopathic management of such pregnant mothers is a vital preventive measure as well.
When it comes to vaccines, MMR and DTaP top the list of those strongly associated with autism. It is important to recognize the picture for MMR and for DTaP vaccine remedy- related autism.
MMR linked autism looks different than DTaP linked autism. At the center there are autism-like symptoms, but the time-line for each and the actual center points of physiological damage that each different vaccine produces varies slightly.
MMR vaccine does cause seizures and regressions, but the center of gravity is about 60% gut, and 40% neurological. There is a specific timeline that is almost always present with MMR vaccine damage.
MMR vaccine reactions almost always emerge slowly, and insidiously. They generally begin where there is first a slow diminishment of babbling, eventually tapering to none. Simultaneously we see that social interest of the child slowly disappears and eye-contact and response to name gradually fades to nil.
A very adverse reaction to the MMR vaccine is retching and an inability to hold anything in, and so MMR as a remedy is also indicated for GERD.
If there is diarrhoea, bloating and yeast over load, all at once, the remedy Gaertner is more suited. This important pediatric bowel nosode is a must in every clinic and is further indicated when there is stunted growth due to poor assimilation.
One characteristic indication of this remedy is excess of giggling along with hyperactivity, soon after eating, which again indicates excess of yeast build-up in the gut.
Usually the above symptoms, in the form of persistent diarrhoea in infants, is mistaken for an allergy to formula milk. The pediatrician will usually start the child on soy milk, and this will further complicate the case.
The presence of inexpensive palm oil, as one of the chief ingredients in such alternative formula milk, is heavy to digest for the already weakened system. A few doses of Gaertner, heals the gut lesions and by balancing the pH eliminates excess yeast accumulation.
It can take about 6 months for all the symptoms to emerge after an MMR vaccine. A fever can arise, but usually will be mild and if the child is given some anti-pyretic, that can push the damage deeper.
On the other hand, DTaP vaccines cause reactions immediately, sometimes in the doctor’s office, or within a few hours, certainly within 24 hours you will see a strong effect on the brain and the neurological system. In DTaP the ratio of impact is 70% brain and 30% gut.
DPT (also DTP and DTwP) refers to a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases in humans : Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus. The vaccine components include diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and killed whole cells of the organism that causes pertussis (wP).
DTaP refers to a similar combination of vaccines in which the component (with lower case ‘a’ ) is acellular. This vaccine is known to create more adverse brain related damage, even more than DPT, in those who are susceptible to it.
For this reason, it is important for a homeopath to know if a child has received DPT or DTaP. Then the counter corresponding vaccine nosode can be administered as a homeopathic measure. As the latter is more injurious, we will be referring to the same in one of the cases that follows.
Cuprum Metallicum helps after DTaP injury and is more often indicated with DTaP vaccine, than after MMR vaccine injury. In DTaP the reaction is more sudden and violent.
Seizures along with an inability for head-holding is an important feature, along with banging of the head. The sweat glands also get impaired, resulting in an inability to perspire, even during fever. This indicates very deep damage.
A.S. What sort of mistakes do students of homeopathy make when attempting to apply the newer methods?
S.A. Firstly, I would like to rephrase this question to difficulties rather than mistakes. Homeopathy is a very generous science that allows practitioners a lot of allowances as it considers it a part of one’s learning curve in their individual journey as healers.
And why only students? Even a master such as Baron Boenninghausen has shared a case from his own practice in his Lesser Writings in which he faced failure after prescribing Pulsatilla for a woman with an acute toothache associated with involuntary weeping and heavy menstrual flow.
It was only after re-taking the case based on his concept of the hexameter, that he finally prescribed Platina which cured the case. He emphasized the dangers of prejudice while prescribing on keynotes and partial impressions, while quoting Aphorism 6 as not just one isolated characteristic symptom but a totality or a conglomerate of consistent patterns of symptoms is seen in a case.
So even a seasoned prescriber can make an error if the case isn’t taken in its totality. The important thing is to recognize one’s error and realign the case with due diligence. As the Baron did.
I was actually sitting in a pub and reflecting on this matter over a weekend. And the background score playing was ‘ Let it be’ from the Beatles!
“And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree, There will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see,
There will be an answer, let it be…”
So, let’s take a cue from this amazing track and let people be! We can prod them to do better but let’s not condemn them. We have a Spartan army of 300, implying strong force but small numbers.
In such a scenario especially when needing to counter powerful forces such as the pharmaceutical industry, a better strategy is to inspire and lead by example, rather than break their spirits. And put them on the fence or even force them to become deserters.
The merit is not of gaining insights at a pub! It’s in fact to convey an essential message that when we are mindful and sincere, inspirational insights get triggered irrespective of the settings.
However, are there difficulties that a neophyte practitioner needs to overcome? Yes of-course. Young homeopaths who are impressionable, and lack solid foundations in the basic tenets of homeopathic principles tend to succumb to the concept of ‘image hunting’.
A patient only has to casually use the expression of referring about herself as a social butterfly and the prescriber will decide on the same source as the remedy.
Rigidity of kingdom application without sufficient confirmations….where some would prefer to use a map and prescribe directly without bothering to confirm all concerned parameters….as in rigid maps of sensations. The teacher has not advocated that. It’s our laziness and excitement to seek short cuts which is the error.
Then there are seminar impressions, where they have attended a recent seminar on Lanthanides, and then the participants see every case as a Lanthanide case.
If the seminar is on psychedelic remedies, they get intoxicated into the belief that every person walking into their clinic is a magic mushroom.
How can we safeguard such imagery impressions? The answer is thorough case taking, deep grasp of the Organon and intelligent use of the repertory.
Reading more reliable literature, participating in well conducted provings – which include C4 triturations conducted by experienced healers and finally joining or creating a group of buddies that exchange ideas and discuss difficulties in practice.
Let’s refer to a case from my practice related to the need to avoid being hypnotized from early impressions:
Case of recurrent bowel intussusception in a male adult
He is very well built and enters with cautious, slow steps as his sutures from the recent surgery (two earlier ones) haven’t yet healed and are still tender.
He’s dressed in military fatigue and when enquired into shares that he loves the military and all kinds of weapons. He used to go hunting with his critical father and was an excellent shot, though never acknowledged by the parent.
He’s very protective of his family and was into mixed martial arts. The acute escalations start with severe cramping which is agonizing along with acute nausea.
With this description, it may be very prematurely suggestive for us to prescribe Cuprum Met.
Row 4 themes of attack and defense
Military fascination
Cramping affections
Intussusception
However, on closer probing he divulges that on 2 occasions of acute escalation he has vomited fecal matter. And the last episode was particularly severe. He had felt as if all his insides were being squeezed outside and upwards forcefully.
When probed into the nausea he says that he’s very sensitive to all kinds of strong and foul odors. Talking about his critical stepfather, who is a high priest by profession and respected in society, he describes him as a narcissistic personality. He always disproved whatever choices the patient made and was very hard to please.
In spite of such behavior, the patient felt it was his duty to stay and help his elderly parents. However, during the last confrontation, the father drove him out of the house while spitting on his face and cursing him with a wretched life.
The patient was mortified with his father’s rude behavior and being a religious person himself, felt anxious of having been condemned by a holy person who also happened to be his dad.
He is the manager of a hospice which requires him to attend to the critically ill at odd hours at night. But he is very passionate about his work and his client’s respect and love him.
Now if one had not taken the case thoroughly and especially left the following rubric unexplored:
“vomiting, of feces”
the case would have taken a wrong direction due to image hunting, premature prejudice and eager prescribing from preconceived notions.
However, when we have taken a detailed case and examined each and every detail the remedy picture of Colchicum becomes absolutely clear.
The remedy in a 200 potency 3 times a day for 2 weeks followed by LM3 bought about relief. A month later he was back to rock climbing and cycling outdoors which were his passions.
He started to put stricter boundaries on family members and the feeling of having sinned and being condemned also resolved itself. This is a common theme seen and clinically confirmed in the lily group of families, such as Lilium Tigrinum.
AS: Thank you for sharing with us today Dr. Anand!
