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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 -

20 comments:

  1. Very well written. Homeopathy treats not the disease but the cause of the disease. That is why they ask a lot of questions about your lifestyle.

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    1. Many do not understand why they are asked such questions. The course of treatment in Homeopathy is 'tailor made' to suit each individual.

      Thanks Asha. Hope to see you again.

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  2. MNCs are jealous because nowadays Homeopathy is becoming very popular among the common literate citizens.They are trying their level best in criticizing homeopathy even with the help of doctors & medical stores. Anyway nothing can destroy homeopathy which is harmless to Humans.

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    1. Very true. I fail to understand this antagonistic approach. It is at best silly.

      Thanks. Please visit again.

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  3. Homeopathy is a $1.2 billion industry in the US alone, used by an estimated 5 million adults and 1 million kids. It’s become such a staple of America’s wellness industry that leading brands such as Boiron and Hyland’s are readily available at high-end health-focused chains like Whole Foods and Sprouts, supermarkets like Ralphs, and superstores such as Walmart. Analysts project that the global homeopathic market will grow 12.5 percent by 2023. That's why there is so much opposition from other Pharmaceutical companies.

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    Replies
    1. An eye opening message, indicating increasing level of acceptance for Homeopathy!

      Thanks a lot. Do visit again.

      Delete
  4. Well written. Homeopathy is being recognised as a better medicine for nearly all diseases. More and more are placing their faith on its cure.

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    Replies
    1. My experience is too is the same. Covid-19 seems to have pushed many critics of Homeopathy go for Arsenic Alb!

      Thanks Venoo. Hope to see you again.

      Delete
  5. Very informative piece of writing.
    My experience is that the medical science itself is not yet fully developed. Moreover, in the rat race of grabbing the market & making money other branches are beating homeopathy.

    Thereby, reiterating Nietzsche's quote that we certainly like to be in the world of illusion (MAYA) than facing the real facts.
    Please keep waking us up from the slumbers so, we face the reality and accept the facts.

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    Replies
    1. As usual a pertinent response, Partha.
      Thanks. Keenly await such feedback in future.

      Delete
  6. Very good and informative article. Homeopathy truly cure root of disease and one of the important advantage over allopathy is that there is no side effects.

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    1. Covid-19 has woken up many pretentious people! Time they welcome this alternative therapy.
      Thanks Mandar. Do drop in again.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous2:55 pm

    I have nothing against Homeopathy,but I do not like the way it is practised. Why can't they give prescriptions with the names of the medicines clearly mentioned, as their counterparts in Allopathy do? Why keep it a secret? They are doctors, not pharmacists selling 'anonymous' medicines. The Central Council for Homeopathy must make it mandatory for all registered practitioners to follow a standard prescription format carrying the name of the patient, diagnosis, names and dosages of the medicines prescribed etc. If Homeopathy is a Science, stop acting secretive.

    This is a crucial point you missed in your blog post. Otherwise, it was worth reading.

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    1. Some points like the one you raised, may have been left out for the sake of brevity. (As you would have noticed, my posts are generally 300 to 400 words long).

      To my understanding, Homeopathy sees every patient, every disease, and every treatment as different. Hence, medicines are prepared "on the spot" immediately after the consultation. No outside pharmacist can be expected to ensure its accuracy, purity and potency as the practitioner. This may sound reasonable at the outset, but not universally acceptable. I leave it to an expert who reads this to respond appropriately.

      Thanks for this significant feedback. Hope you would visit again,

      Delete
  8. Thank you Rajan for your write up on a different subject.
    Allopathic medicines help in fighting the symptoms of disease whereby the natural defense mechanism of the body is affected.
    But in homeopathy, treatment is to remove the root cause of the illness.
    Homeopathy medicines usually are not tested like in allopathy. But,as you said, treatments and doses are different from person to person. To my knowledge, homeopathic medicines are effective for treatment of asthma, mental health conditions like depression, stress and anxiety. Also it's effective for treatment of certain allergies, dermatitis , high blood pressure, arthritis etc.
    Please do continue writing. You are blessed with a unique style.
    Regards,
    Johnson.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Johnson.

      Your response is enlightening, at the same time encouraging too.

      Please visit again.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous9:59 am

    My father used to practise homeopathy. Therefore growing up I had only homeopathic medicines if I had any illness. It was prescribed and administered by my father. He treated some problems which were considered incurable in Allopathic medicines.
    So I fave faith in homeopathy. I still have.

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  10. Thanks Philipose for the above WhatsApp message you sent on 17 Dec.

    For someone who has experienced the healing power of Homeopathy since childhood, I know you would still be having faith in it. I only wonder, if you are able to get Homeo medicines in Canada.

    Thanks a lot. Keep visiting please.

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  11. I have seen many families believing only in Homeopathy. Chronic cold ,all types of allergy, Aasthma and as preventive,Homeopathy has always stood high.During this Covid situation also,Arsenic alb has been taken by many.For this treatment, we require two things patience and time.Even the medicines are pocket-friendly with no side effects. One can always try..

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    1. True. ''One can always try', instead of harbouring baseless doubts about its efficacy. My doctor used to insist on three requisites - belief in its healing power, right approach in taking the medicines, and patience to complete the course. As one to experience and witness its curative potentials, I can say Homeopathy is indeed a wonder therapy.

      Thanks for your comments. Do visit again.

      Delete