The Magic of Acute Prescribing in Homeopathy
Most often, in practice, we are presented with chronic, multi-layered cases that require monitoring and the need for varying potency or dosing frequency changes to encourage constant healing in our patients. Cases that resolve quickly after a single remedy encourage us to continue and allow us to see the wonder in the art and science we practice. The following examples highlight the beauty of homeopathic healing in acute cases.
PATIENT M
A 69-year-old patient reported a sensation of plugged ears and sought my help after her doctor’s tests came back negative for any pathology. Eager to improve her hearing, she had been referred to an ENT specialist, but her appointment was set for 8 months later. The patient indicated that her symptoms started after a flight home from vacation, during which her ears didn’t adjust to the altitude changes. She had a mild sinus infection at the time, which had since resolved. She described her hearing as being "in a tunnel" and "like being underwater," without pain or vertigo. An examination showed no throat inflammation, tenderness or swelling of the sublingual lymph nodes, and the tympanic membrane appeared clear.
With no clear remedy indicated, she was prescribed Kali Mur tissue salt 6X, taking 2 tablets daily until her hearing was restored.
During her 4-week follow-up, she was ecstatic. She brought a bag of chocolates with a note that said, "IT WORKED, THANK YOU!" Eight days after starting the Kali Mur, she noticed a slow and steady improvement that continued until her hearing was completely restored.
PATIENT P
A 71-year-old woman presented with tailbone pain caused by a fall on the staircase twenty years prior, causing a coccyx fracture. Although it initially healed, the pain returned and worsened, making it difficult for her to sit, walk, or perform household tasks. The pain became constant, radiating up her back, and was accompanied by lumbar muscle spasms. For the past several years, she had been receiving IV pain relief at a pain clinic every six weeks.
We find a simple explanation of her symptoms in Boerickes Materia Medica:
Spinal concussion. Coccyx injury from fall, with pain radiating up spine and down limbs. Jerking and twitching of muscles.
She was prescribed Hypericum 200c, 1 dose for 5 days, then afterwards, only 1 dose as needed if she felt the pain increasing.
Her one-month follow-up revealed incredible progress. She said, “I have no pain! I want to hug you; it is such a miracle.” She was instructed to use the remedy only if her symptoms returned.
One month later, she returned with recurring pain after spending three hours mowing the lawn. She was prescribed Hypericum 1M, four doses. At her one-month follow-up, she was pain-free and delighted to return to gardening, walking, and a normal quality of life.
PATIENT A
A 46-year-old patient presented with a unique complaint: after washing her hair with a new shampoo, she experienced scalp pain described as feeling “like a thousand pins are being pricked into my head all at once.” This issue had persisted for 8 months, despite multiple visits to her dermatologist, who found no evidence of any underlying condition and did not prescribe any treatment.
My prescription was based on the sensation of the pain: like a thousand pins are being pricked in my head.
Nitricum Acid: selects for its special seat of action the outlets of the body where the mucous membrane and skin meet; these pain as from splinters. Sticking pains. Boericke.
Though the hair follicle itself is not considered a membrane, it contains membranous structures like the outer root sheath that contribute to its overall function. The remedy affinity – membranes – and the sensation – pricking pain – best matched Nitricum Acid. Four doses of 200c were given consecutively.
She was pain-free at her next 3-week follow-up.
IN CONCLUSION
In chronic cases, we will encounter challenges; adjustments in remedies, dosing frequency, and potency selection. Often, they test our experience and knowledge. It is the quick resolution of acute cases that inspire us, and remind us of the profound effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
The examples provided are a testament to the remarkable potential of homeopathy in facilitating rapid healing, showing us its unique ability to address acute conditions rapidly, and without harm. This is the beauty and magic of homeopathy!
