Homoeopathy

Depression cuts us out of social life. It deprives us of opportunities to participate actively in anything we’re doing. Depression literally ties man to bed. Conventional treatment of Depression may lead to addiction to anti-depressants and tranquillizers. This essay is a very simple introduction to the use of homoeopathic medicine for psychological disorders and is written to show that there really is another choice than an addiction to anti-depressants and tranquillizers and a genuinely better way for people who want to avoid them. Homoeopathic Medicines successfully treat negative states of mind such as depression, fear, anxiety, shock, panic attacks, phobias and anticipatory anxiety.1This article is a review of literature of Natrum Muriaticum in relation to depressive states of the mind.

Muscular dystrophies are group of genetic diseases of muscles. The commonest is Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, prevalence been 1:3500 live male births. Disease manifests at approximately 4years of age with the symptoms like clumsy walking, difficulty in standing, and respiratory failure. Life expectancy is about 20years [1]. There is no specific treatment for curing this disease. Homoeopathy, however, provides a better response in such conditions; one such case report is been presented below. Patient attended outpatient department (OPD) chiefly for complaints of weakness of both the lower limbs, difficulty in walking & falling down frequently. Complaints had increased since last 1 year. Occasionally patient experienced pain in both lower limbs. Dissatisfied with the outcome after taking treatment with modern medicine, patient turned to homoeopathic treatment. After detailed case-taking and repertorization ,he recieved Cina 200 followed by Rhus Tox 200 and Rhus Tox 1M.Along with homoeopathic medicines patient continued with physiotherapy and naturopathy. Within two months of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in his symptoms and biochemical parameters.

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, leading to fatigue, reduced productivity, and negative health outcomes. Conventional management includes short-term hypnotics, psychological, and behavioral therapies, yet many cases remain untreated or self-managed with over-the-counter medications. Homoeopathy, with its individualized and holistic approach, has been explored as an alternative therapy. Historical accounts, such as Dr. Kent’s conversion to homoeopathy following his wife’s recovery from sleeplessness, highlight its perceived efficacy. Although literature documents various homoeopathic remedies—such as Aconite, Belladonna, Coffea cruda, Nux vomica, Opium, Avena sativa, Kali bromatum, and Passiflora incarnata—clinical trials remain limited. Remedies are prescribed based on specific etiologies including anxiety, stress, pain, cardiac or respiratory conditions, old age, substance use, and neurological disorders. Homoeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment, aiming to restore natural sleep without dependency. This review underscores the potential role of homoeopathy in insomnia management while noting the need for more rigorous clinical evidence.

The All India Homoeopathic Post Graduate Seminar 2022 was a major academic event held on 7 and 8 November 2022 at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, Kolkata. The seminar was organized by postgraduate scholars of Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College in association with postgraduate scholars from D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital and Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. The event was conducted with technical collaboration from the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), and National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH). The seminar aimed to promote academic exchange, research development, and clinical advancements in homoeopathy. The program included various scientific sessions delivered by eminent homoeopathic physicians and researchers on topics such as postgraduate education reforms, evidence-based research, translational research, management of advanced pathologies, repertory development, clinical cosmetology, and homoeopathic approaches in complex diseases. Case studies, research findings, and clinical experiences were shared through lectures, oral presentations, and poster presentations. Discussions also emphasized the importance of research, clinical verification, and evidence-based practice in strengthening homoeopathy as a scientific medical system. The seminar provided an important platform for postgraduate students, practitioners, and researchers to exchange knowledge, present innovative ideas, and enhance their understanding of homoeopathic philosophy and clinical practice.

A three-day seminar on Homoeopathy in the light of German New Medicine (GNM) was organized from 23 September to 25 September 2022 in the auditorium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The seminar was jointly organized by the IQAC, Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, and Department of Repertory. The program began with a traditional inauguration ceremony including prayer, lighting of the lamp, and garlanding of the portraits of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and Dr. Hamer in the presence of distinguished guests and faculty members. The seminar featured lectures by experts including Dr. F. F. Motiwala, Dr. G. B. Prasad, Dr. Ashar Shaikh, and Dr. Kamlesh Bagmar. The sessions covered important topics such as the introduction to German New Medicine, Dr. Hamer’s life and work, the five biological laws, embryological concepts, brain control mechanisms, and the relationship between conflicts and disease processes. Practical demonstrations of clinical cases, repertorial discussions, and applications of GNM concepts with the principles of Organon of Medicine were also presented. The seminar encouraged active participation through interactive question and answer sessions and case discussions. A total of 145 participants including practitioners, postgraduate, and graduate students attended the program from various regions. Participant feedback was collected through online forms, indicating positive engagement and learning outcomes from the seminar.

Low self-esteem among students is an important psychological concern that can negatively influence academic performance, emotional stability, and social development. Self-esteem refers to the degree of respect, value, and confidence individuals place on their own abilities and judgments. During the student phase of life, individuals experience rapid physical, cognitive, and social changes, which require them to develop independence and personal identity. When students lack confidence in their abilities or struggle with these developmental challenges, they may experience feelings of worthlessness, reduced motivation, and difficulty evaluating their own performance realistically. Previous studies indicate that factors such as academic stress, family environment, peer acceptance, socioeconomic status, and experiences of abuse may contribute to low self-esteem among students. Psychological theories, including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and cognitive theory of depression, highlight the role of self-esteem in personal growth and mental health. In homoeopathic literature, emotional disturbances such as anxiety, fear, and lack of confidence are considered significant in understanding the patient’s totality of symptoms. Repertorial and materia medica approaches describe remedies commonly associated with low self-confidence, including Anacardium orientale, Baryta carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum, and Silicea terra. Understanding the psychological basis and homoeopathic interpretation of low self-esteem can assist practitioners in identifying appropriate therapeutic strategies for improving students’ mental well-being.

The Kali group of remedies in homoeopathy represents a distinct constitutional pattern characterized by sensitivity, dependency, responsibility, and strong attachment to family and material security. Individuals belonging to the Kali constitution often exhibit emotional vulnerability, anxiety, and a strong need for affection and reassurance. During childhood, Kali individuals are usually oversensitive, demanding affection, and closely attached to family members. They may grow up in environments where both pampering and strict moral discipline shape their personality, resulting in individuals who are conscientious, responsible, yet somewhat timid and dependent. In adolescence, emotional sensitivity becomes more pronounced. Relationships and attachments play a significant role in their psychological development. Disappointments, especially in love or emotional bonds, can lead to anxiety, insecurity, repression of feelings, and sometimes neurotic tendencies. Kali individuals often prefer routine, conformity, and stability, avoiding risks and major challenges due to a weakness of will and fear of change. In adulthood, Kali personalities are generally responsible, family-oriented, and focused on providing security for their loved ones. They tend to be practical, morally conscious, and protective of their family members, though they may remain anxious and somewhat self-centered. In old age, dependency and vulnerability increase, often accompanied by anxiety and irritability when neglected or left alone. From a homoeopathic perspective, Kali remedies are often indicated in chronic conditions involving multiple vital organs and degenerative pathologies, especially when accompanied by states of weakness, anxiety, and fluid imbalance. Understanding the psychological and constitutional features of the Kali group helps homoeopathic physicians in selecting appropriate remedies for individualized treatment.

Case taking is a fundamental aspect of homoeopathic practice, as it enables the physician to understand the totality of symptoms and individual characteristics of the patient for accurate remedy selection. However, taking a chronic case often presents several challenges due to various patient-related, disease-related, and treatment-related factors. Many patients are influenced by modern medical systems that rely on diagnostic instruments and quick prescriptions, making them less accustomed to the detailed questioning required in homoeopathic case taking. Additionally, long-term use of allopathic medications may alter the original symptom picture by producing drug-induced symptoms, leading to complex disease conditions that make remedy selection difficult. Other difficulties include the progression of pathology where symptoms gradually diminish, incomplete patient history due to forgetfulness or modesty, exaggeration or suppression of symptoms, and patients becoming accustomed to long-standing complaints and therefore failing to report them. Periodic or alternating symptoms may also go unnoticed or unreported by patients, though they are often important in homoeopathic prescribing. Self-medication, use of complex homoeopathic formulations, and mixed miasmatic conditions further complicate case analysis. In certain chronic conditions, diseases may present with very few symptoms, referred to as one-sided diseases, making individualization difficult. Understanding these difficulties helps the homoeopathic physician to approach chronic case taking with greater patience, observation, and analytical skill, thereby improving the chances of accurate remedy selection and successful treatment.

Common health problems in geriatric age group adversely affect their Quality of life. This study was carried out with the objective to identify the commonest geriatric problems and the indicated Homoeopathic remedies. Material and Methods: Thirty cases of geriatric problems were selected based the questionnaire in four domains. I.e. physical, psychological, social, environmental. The improvement in Quality of Life (QoL), using WHO QoL-BREF scale was studied before and after the treatment. Result: Significant improvement in QoL after treatment was observed and verified using paired t test. Common health problems encountered in old age study group were generalized weakness11, joint pain24, constipation13, breathlessness, hypertention15. Commonly indicated Homoeopathic remedies were, Pulsatilla8, Nux Vomica3, Arsenicum album3 etc. Conclusion: The study has explored the potential of using Homoeopathic medicines in improving the quality of life in common health problems of geriatric age group.

Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disorder and a major cause of disability among elderly individuals. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, narrowing of joint space, formation of osteophytes, and sclerosis of the subchondral bone. Clinically, osteoarthritis presents with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, crepitus, and reduced mobility, commonly affecting joints of the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Various precipitating and maintaining factors contribute to the development and progression of the disease, including age, obesity, mechanical stress, joint injury, and genetic predisposition. Increased body mass index (BMI) is strongly associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and hand due to prolonged joint loading, highlighting the importance of weight management as part of non-pharmacological treatment. From the homoeopathic perspective, disease susceptibility is closely related to constitution, diathesis, and miasmatic background of the individual. Constitution represents the psychological, functional, and structural organization of the individual, determining the response to environmental factors. Diathesis indicates an inherited or acquired predisposition that increases susceptibility to disease. According to homoeopathic philosophy, miasmatic influences and constitutional weaknesses play a vital role in the development and persistence of chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis. Understanding these precipitating and maintaining factors from a homoeopathic viewpoint helps in individualizing treatment and addressing the underlying susceptibility of the patient rather than merely managing symptoms.