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When I get time, I listen to music, or read books. If any is left, I blog!

Sunday 13 December 2020

Real Science With A Rational Philosophy*

When I was a school kid, while eating fish one night, a thorn got stuck in my throat.  Nothing could dislodge it.  Panic-stricken, I ran to my grandfather who said: “Take this medicine and go to sleep. By morning, you will be alright.”  I was.  That was my first experience of Homeopathy.

Years later, I underwent a minor surgery for a sebaceous cyst.  It reappeared, and had to be operated again.  The persistent cyst returned.  Once again, ''sugar coated pills'' came to my help.  On hearing this, the surgeon commented: “Nothing but placebo.''  I quipped: “If that's so doctor, next time, give me a bottle of placebo!”

One reason for discounting Homeopathy, lies in the perception that its micro-diluted medicines are too weak to heal.  Another, is the practice of treating the same disease with different medicines of different strengths.  The lack of documented therapeutic proof is yet another reason for flak.

Homeopathy propounds that more dilute a medicine, stronger is its healing power.  The 'individualised' treatment takes into account not only the patient's physical condition, but also emotional status, lifestyle and food habits.  This holistic approach triggers the body's inherent ability to heal.  Help at hand is available in the huge collection of medicines totalling 8661, of which 6107 are widely prescribed.

Homeopathy has been known in India for over 200 years.  The Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College was established in 1881.  By 1976, 'Central Council for Research in Indian Homeopathy' began to coordinate research activities, and publish the findings in 'Indian Journal for Research in Homeopathy' for international scrutiny.  Today, 194 government approved colleges offer Diploma, Graduate and PG level education in Homeopathy.

Despite these, if some countries wish to ban Homeopathy, it is only because of the apathy of big business houses.  Unlike Modern medicine, Homeopathy demands no expensive equipment or complex synthetic formulations.  Naturally, investment opportunities are scarce.

The question uppermost in mind is, why does the world view Homeopathy as a competitor to Modern medicine?  When this gentle and affordable therapy has the competence to support and strengthen other systems of medical practices, why aren't we welcoming it, particularly its unique potential to eliminate root causes of a disease without side effects?

*Homeopathy, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore once said is "not merely a collection of a few medicines but a real science with a rational philosophy at its base".

 “Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth
because they don't want their illusions destroyed.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche -