by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD
This write-up was written by Dr Shah for a Facebook post, in response to some discussion on the myths. Many homeopaths appreciated it; so it is reproduced. Homeopaths across the world have different myths about homeopathy.
The myths about homeopathy are many; affecting not only the patients or laypeople but also many homeopaths! While interacting with homeopaths, students as well as teachers in many countries, I have observed some common myths. Some of them have been described here. Myths about any scientific faculty are simply suggestive of a lack of development and research.
Each of the myths can be discussed in detail and can help throw light on the corrective thinking required at various levels. It is likely that some of the myths might be considered as ‘rules’ or ‘basic understanding’ in homeopathy by some... It is normal to think that way! Readers are welcome to discuss and explore learning. The purpose of this write-up is only to stimulate the grey cells of the professional homeopaths.
Following are some of the most prevalent myths:
01. All diseases are curable by homeopathy if symptoms agree.
02. Homeopathy has no limitations, only homeopaths have.
03. Constitutional medicine if correctly chosen, can cure ‘any’ disease at any stage.
04. All diseases are caused by my emotions or mental attributes.
05. If the remedy matches the mental symptoms of the patient, it does not need to match the physical (disease) symptoms.
06. If the remedy is repeated after getting some improvement, it will aggravate the disease.
07. If the remedy is repeated, it will lead to suppression.
08. The medicine is correct only if the disease is cured ‘permanently’.
09. Anything, which is not written in Organon, does not exist.
10. Anything that is written in Organon is final and binding, and cannot be challenged.
11. If the remedy is right, it will always aggravate the disease in the beginning.
12. If there is an aggravation after giving homeopathic medicine, it means the medicine is correct.
13. The use of conventional medicine (so-called allopathy) is always wrong.
14. Homeopathy and allopathy are against each other.
15. Homeopathy can cure ‘all’ acute diseases.
16. Homeopathy can cure ‘all’ chronic diseases.
17. If mental symptoms are improving (enhanced sense of well-being) and physical pathology deteriorating; the remedy is right and a cure would follow.
18. Nosodes (Tuberculinum, Carcinosin, Psorinum, Medorrhinum) should not be and cannot be repeated.
19. Homeopathy is a religion and not a profession.
20. Homeopathic medicines are spiritual tools; homeopathy is spirituality and not a science.
21. Homeopathy is ultimate and there is no need for any research.
22. Homeopathy can cure cataracts, hernia, cancer, hydrocele, paralysis, tumors, lipoma, etc. because these diseases are listed in the repertory.
23. Homeopathy is against surgery.
24. Surgery will always suppress the disease.
25. Homeopathic nosodes and some medicines can be used as prophylactic against Malaria, Measles, Tuberculosis; and can work as a substitute for vaccines.
26. All vaccines are very bad and should not be used.
27. All the major symptoms described in materia medica (such as by Kent, Boericke, Hering) have been ‘proved’ in drug proving.
28. More rubrics the repertory has, the better is the repertory.
29. The doctrine of Signature is a universal law and it stringently applies to homeopathy.
30. The use of vitamins, intravenous saline, hormone supplements is against homeopathy.
31. If you are a good homeopath, you should use the single remedy, single-dose, and should not think of changing the remedy even if the patient is not better.
32. Classical homeopathy means single remedy, single dose; regardless of the criticality of the situation and experience of the prescriber.
33. Homeopathy can "cure" mental retardation, Down syndrome, paralysis, cerebral palsy, coma, and many hopeless conditions.
34. Homeopathy can professionally be practiced without knowledge of medicine or medical training.