Enigma in the Science of Homoeopathy

Enigma in the Science of Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy Professional,Teachers and Students must read …
We always inform the students that Homeopathy is a science and Art of medicine without bifurcating as to what is the science and as to what is the art. The science is the part that everyone should follow and investigate to enlarge the system. The artistic aspect is the one physicians uses based on their information, knowledge and experience. This write up is an attempt to give clarity on this. At least we need to open a healthy discussion.

Prof (Dr).Eswara Das  

Dr Hahnemann developed Homoeopathy as a complete health system with a strong base on curative care in relation with the principle of Similia, Genus Epidemicus on preventive care and constitutional and anti miasmatic principles on promotive health. His main concerns while codifying Homoeopathy were on safety of the medicines and on the efficacy of remedies. He largely succeeded in evolving a medical system that is easily comprehensible, safe, effective and affordable to the public. Homoeopathy is now considered as one of the most rational medical arts.

The central theme of the system  is the Similia concept that was made known to the world of medicine  from antiquity. Within the time and resources available at his disposal, Hahnemann fortified this theme with the  core principles of  drug dynamization, drug proving and individualization. It was further reinforced with supportive principles such as chronic diseases, vital force, minimum dose and miasams.  Thus, he laid down a sound theoretical foundation with practical explanations   to his new founded medical discipline. Thus, now Homoeopathy is the most sought after comprehensive holistic health care option   to the public. 

If one critically examines the theories postulated by Hahnemann to consolidate Homoeopathy as an independent medical system, we could see that he was fretful on developing a more rational therapeutics, rather than finding the technical basis to its principles. This is evident from the way he explained extensively the concepts, principles and theories revolving around the Similia. When he started diluting the original drug substances to reduce their toxicity or potentising the inert substances to enhance their pharmaco- dynamic properties, Hahnemann well explained the process to be adopted to obtain the resultsin potentisation, drug proving and individualization. But he did not give a plausible explanation on why, how and what happens in the process.  Thus, we know well on the method to potentise a medicine on different scales, number of strokes to be applied, quantity of vehicle to be used etc. The same is the case of drug proving. He laid down the criteria of selecting the provers, method of introducing the medicine, eliciting the symptom and evolving the drug picture.   Hahnemann and his cohorts gave us the process of perceiving the case, analysis of the symptom to erect the totality and individualize the patient. 

We are, therefore, well informed about the process of potentisation, but very less is known on what, why and how the dynamic changes happen to the remedies. Similarly, we are well trained on individualization but less is taught on its  co-relation with human genomics, gene expressions or the basis of bio genetic characterization of the individual.  We are also extensively skilled on the process of drug proving, but not knowledgeable on how the symptoms evolve on a prover.  Thus, we have one of the most refined medical systems with distinct principles whose procedures are established but the science behind them is less known. 

Hahnemann was  one of the most well read  scientists of his time with an analytical mind being   considered to be the father of experimental pharmacology. The limitations of the science prevailed at the time could be  one  viable reason why some concepts and principles remained more at a philosophical domain rather than a realistic realm. It is the time now to understand why the edifice of homoeopathy that spread like wildefire across the globe two centuries ago gets the threat of annihilation. Is there a possibility of disintegration of the principles of homoeopathy before the expanding world of science?

The irrefutable clinical evidence in conditions for which there are fewer treatment options in bio medicine is a big surprise to the world of medicine. The scepticism on the scientific basis of Homoeopathy that prevailed few decades ago is less aggressive now. Curiosity to understand the principle in Homoeopathy that defies the edifice of science is creating an openness to investigate the truthfulness. There is pragmatism to understand the system more closely than any time before. 

The tools of scientific investigation available now are enviably enormous. It is for us to facilitate inquisitiveness to investigate plausibility of the principles of Homoeopathy. There is a need to create more space for integrating Homoeopathy with the world of science. This is possible when a common language or a common algorithm is evolved for better communication. The common language is the language of research. Research questions motivate scientific minds to investigate.   Methodologies and tools are plentiful. The designs are to be directed by well informed scientists. Luckily, in India there are few fair mindednesses. Recently the CCRH has signed an MOU with Govt of Israel, one of the countries   that promote unbiased investigation on abstract principles through the dominion of science. A collaborative investigation on some principles, may be theory of Individuation, could give dividends.

Research methodology promotes observation on sequential events that pave way for formulation of questions. Based on the information hypothesis could be prepared that are put for series of testing to see whether the results are reproducible. Once the results are reproducible, the hypothesis would get validation or put for more rigorous testing for acceptance or rejection. There have been questions whether Homoeopathy is a science and at the same time there exist irrefutable evidences observed through sequential events on the core principles of Homoeopathy. The process on the principles taught by Hahnemann speaks about it practical application, but for a solid theoretical foundation we need to  ask questions such as why, what and how it happens. 

We shall get answers to these questions through validated methodologies. With the massive army of practitioners, researchers, teachers and students of Homoeopathy, we need to make it possible with the enlightened Mentors. The enigma around Homoeopathy should go. 

Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya.

We can make it if we come out of the comfort and contentment that Homoeopathy gives to us.

Prof (Dr). ESWARA DAS MD (Hom), PhD, MBA (Health Care)
Senior Consultant (Homeopathy)
Project Coordinator, National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health
Visiting Professor (Case Taking & Repertory)
Chairman, Global Homeopathy Foundation
Former Specialist Validator (Homeopathy), Center for Health Informatics
Former Director, National Institute of Homeopathy, Government of India
Mob: +91 9868989725
eswaradas@gmail.com