INTRODUCTION–
In Homoeopathy Dr Samuel Hahnemann explained the law of Similia as its basis and he further stated the law of ‘’SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR’’ which means let like be cured by likes. It is based on totality of symptom, drug individualization as well as patient disease individualization which is based on a thorough case taking (mental as well as physical make up both are recorded meticulously). In any case after a complete case taking and analysis, physician prescribes the remedy based on the totality of symptoms which is known as first prescription of any case which is followed by consequent follow up where various signs of improvement or change in symptom presented by the patient is observed by the physician ( unprejudiced observer ) who then prescribe based on the change of symptoms which leads to modification in dose and potency of the remedy selected on the basis of law of similia ,simplex and minimum (similar, simple, minimum dose theory ) which is known as second prescription in the case.
Physician must observe the confirmative signs of improvement in the patient, they are as follows-
1)Restoration of pre disease state of mind and body (comfort of the patient is most important factor ).
2)Existing symptoms starts disappearing without any signs of progression.
3)No addition of symptoms to existing set of symptoms (absence of unusual symptoms)
4)Symptoms do not worsen than their stage since first prescription.
Overview of aphorisms-
1)Aphorism 252-
In this aphorism it is explained about the presence of maintaining cause or exciting cause in a disease which prevents the prescribed remedy to show its action in a desirable way which means the signs of improvement is not observed in follow up even after a thorough case taking in a chronic case (psoric origin ), so it is very important to remove the cause to attain the ideals of cure.
2)Aphorism 253-
In this aphorism Dr. Samuel Hahnemann explains about the changes in the state of disease, it includes both signs of aggravation as well as amelioration after the medicine is prescribed on the basis of law of similia similibus curantur after a complete case taking and forming a totality of symptom.
3)Aphorism 254-
It explains about appearance of new symptoms along with already existing symptoms and disappearance of present symptoms after the administration of similimum which indicates that it is right or wrongly selected remedy in any case. It is the duty of physician to observe the symptoms when patient is unable to tell by themselves.
4)Aphorism 255-
It deals with recording of all symptoms in any case after administration of the remedy based on totality of symptoms, it includes appearance of new symptoms,state of symptoms already existing is worsen or improved in state of mind of body is observed or not. In such cases where no improvement is observed even after similimum indicates the presence of factors which causes hinderance in the cure on the part of patient which is to be observed and removed to attain the ideals of cure.
5)Aphorism 256-
In this it is explained about occurrence of new symptoms along with existing set of symptoms after a homoeopathic remedy is prescribed which indicates the possibility of wrong remedy selected in a case and it must be reviewed and fresh case taking and totality must be formed. Here change of remedy is indicated in the following case.
INFERENCE–
Even a well-selected remedy based on totality of symptom is not able to show signs of improvement in some chronic cases which indicated towards the existence of maintaining cause or exciting cause of the disease which is to be removed to achieve the aim of cure (Apho-252).
Secondly in case of acute disease sign of improvement (amelioration) as well as aggravation is shown by state of mind and patient behaviour as a whole (Apho-253), they are as follows-
a)Amelioration (No new symptom+decreased intensity of present symptom)-
It is indicated by increase state of calm and free mental state than before (comfort state). Dose in its minimum form is able to produce amelioration in both mental as well as physical state when a well selected remedy is prescribed but it is not the case when dose is in large form ,it can cause violent reaction in patient so it is recommended to follow the ‘law of Minimum’ in homoeopathic prescription (as explained in footnote of apho-253)
b)Aggravation (Appearance of new symptom+increased intensity of present symptom )-
It is indicated by a more pitiable and devasted state of mind and increased helplessness and constrained gesture, postures as well as no sign of physical state of relief in anyway.
So, either aggravation or amelioration both are observed by patient himself as well as attendants and physician but in any case, if signs are not observed by patient then it is the duty of physician to observe carefully (both mental as well as physical symptom changes) while follow up of the case (Apho-254&255).
In case of new symptoms,
it is an indication of wrong similimum and retaking of totality and patient must be able to wait as already prescribed medicine is of no curative value(Apho-256).
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann well established the fact that Laws of ‘Similia Similibus Curantur” is not an occasional or random law but has universal adaptability as a general law of permanent cure in field of medicine.
HAPPY LEARNING
Contributor- Dr. Apurva Varangi
