The document discusses nonverbal communication and body language, and how it can be useful in homeopathic practice. It describes various body language cues like facial expressions, gestures, posture, clothing, and how they reveal emotions, temperament, and mental state. Specific remedies are mentioned for different expressions, like pouting lips indicating anger requiring Strammonium. The study of a patient's body language can enrich the case understanding and aid accurate prescription.
2. The world is a giddy
montage of vivid
gestures – the rivers,
trees, mountains,
traffic police,
teachers, schools,
children, shops…
Without gestures, our
world would be static
and colorless.
Nonverbal world
3. Nonverbal world
Nonverbal world is a
landscape without
language, billboards, or
signposts, a realm
without writing or
symbols of any kind.
It is a place where
information consists
of colors, shapes,
aromas and sounds
untouched by
narration.
4. “ We are not still ”
“Our bodies are rarely still. Our feet, hands, eyes, and heads are
moving all the time. Our expressions change. We pull faces, rub
our nose, run our hands through our hair & do all sorts of things
which, when taken in isolation, seem very odd…..”
5. Kinesics :The study of body motions
Actions speak louder (and more accurately)
than words.
Every body movement has a meaning and
that no movement is accidental.
Nonverbal signs, signals, and cues evolve
separately as information / apart from the
evolution of matter or energy; they are not the
secondary products of verbal communication.
6. The wealth of meaning resides in
nonverbal behavior & is controlled by
nonverbal brain. “Your words tell me
the story but your body tells me the
whole story”.
Body language is a peep-hole into
patient’s hidden feelings and conflicts.
Kinesics :The study of body motions
7. How much we miss ?
“To study language by
listening only to
utterances is to miss
as much as 75% of
the meaning”.
8. “ It is the disease of not listening, the
malady of not marking, that I am troubled
withal”.
- Shakespeare
TREES
IN THE
THE
FOREST
Observation
9. What we do….
When we encounter people, we usually look first at their face
to see if their expression reflects what they are saying.
10. What we do….
Then we listen to the tone of the voice to check if
there are any indications of the emotions involved.
Finally, we listen to the actual spoken words.
11. Inter- action of two human beings
Homoeopathic interview
PhysicianPatient
12. Imagine conducting an interview with a
patient behind a two-way mirror.
We wouldn’t have the benefit of
responding to their facial expressions
and would feel quite unnerved by the
experience.
We will feel there is no life or soul in the
interview.
Homoeopathic interview
15. One-sided diseases.
Psychiatric difficulties.
Semantic difficulties.
Utility of Body Language
Pediatrics cases.
Contradictory / ill-defined data.
Deaf, dumb, imbecile cases.
16. Understanding ‘inner’ personality in a
better way.
Evaluating mental expressions,
dispositions and mental state.
Giving gradation to mental symptoms
by appreciating the associated body
language.
Utility of Body Language
17. Enriching and simplifying the intricate
study of Materia Medica and Repertory.
Explaining the rubrics with the help of
body language.
Living Materia Medica - adding ‘life’ in the
drugs will be possible with body
language.
Utility of Body Language
18. Body language serve to act as a facilitator
in conversation.
Body language may unlock the issue
under exploration and may unlock, thus,
the entire case too.
Saves the valuable time.
Utility of Body Language
20. UP DOWN
Domineering Submissive
Superior Yielding
Authoritarian Inferior
Confident Withdrawing
Self-righteous Meekness / Shyness
Patient in clinic
Focus on the position of head, eyes, hands, palms, legs etc.
21. Artisans are born for action, particularly for artful
action -- making free, spontaneous manoeuvres
that get quick, effective results.
Temperament and Body Language
Materia Medica : Ferrum, Lachesis, Calc-fluor.,
Lyco., Stram., Anac., Staph.
22. Home and family are the foundation of Guardian
life, and they undertake journeys and
adventures cautiously, and always with careful
preparation. Guardians are sensible, down-to-
earth people
Temperament and Body Language
Materia Medica : Calcareas, Kalis, Sil., Pulsa., Phos.,
Lyco., Carc.
23. Idealists can and do get this upset about harming
an insect, but they care even more deeply about
being kind to their fellow men and helping them
along life's journey.
Temperament and Body Language
Materia Medica : Carc., Caust., Kali’s., Sil., Ign., Nat-
mur., Plat.,
24. The idea of building a device -- like a raft -- to solve
a problem and continue toward your goal is typical
of Rationals, who might best be thought of as the
technology temperament.
Temperament and Body Language
Materia Medica : Lach., Lyco., Phos., Carc., Tarn., Tub.,
Nux-v., Bry., Aur., Calc-flur., Choc., hydro., Merc.
26. Everyone is concerned
about making a good
first impression.
Personal appearance
Clothing render
masculine,feminine,
dominant or
submissive messages.
Clothing help a man to
express his identity.
Clothes
27. Masculine clothing in women- Fluor-ac.,Lach.,Nux-v.,Sep.
Feminine clothing in men- Calc.,Lyc.,Plat.,Puls.,Sil.
Clothing, colorful desires- Lach.,Phos.,Plat.,Tarent.
Desires purple colored clothing- Nat-m.
Desires yellow and brown, to wear- Choc.
Desires white clothing- Ambra.,Calc.,Caust.,Lyco.,Sil.
Desires black clothes- Acid-nit.,Hyos.,Lach.,Tarent.
Clothed himself differently every day- Hyos.
Spruce, dress neatly- Ars.,Carc.,Lyco.,Nux-v.,Nat-m.,kali-c
Personal appearance
Clothes - Materia medica
28. A liking for
footwear of a
special type has
a meaning.
Footwear Footwear is
categorized into :-
Children style
Masculine style
Feminine style
Personal appearance
30. Like our face, our hair
style is non-verbal
‘signature display’
representing who, what
and even why we are.
Clean hair is a sign of
status, good health, and
careful grooming.
Hair style
Personal appearance
Materia Medica : Plat., Puls., Tarn., Tub., Murx.,
Phos.
31.
32.
33. Ornaments
Wearing ornaments is
related to pleasure seeking
attitude. They add dignity to
personality and are often
used as weapons to show
the power.
They are used as defenses
to hide the weaknesses or
negative emotions.
Ornaments have a
great deal of “say”.
Personal appearance
Ornaments, likes to wear- Cann-i., Ign.,Lyc.,Plat.,Sul.
34. Facial expressions
Our face is exquisitely
expressive.
It defines our identity.
It speaks for itself.’
Emotionally, face is
mightier than word.
Truly, the “mirror of life”.
Bufo, Calc., Lach., Lyco., Nat-m.,Phos.,Puls., Thuja, Tub.
Materia medicaMateria medica
38. Stranger anxiety
Emotion: An innate
anxiety, mistrust, or
wariness of unknown
persons.
Usage: Children
manifest this sign often.
Useful to a Homoeopathic
physician.
Facial expressions
39.
40.
41.
42.
43. Blank faceSign :- A neutral relaxed,
‘expressionless’ face;
with eyes open and lips
closed.
Usage :- Strong emotional
message
Do not disturb
Indifference
Depression
Schizophrenia
Parkinsonism
Facial expressions
44.
45. Emotion Cue :-
Becoming red or rosy
in the face from
physical exercise,
embarrassment,
shyness, anger or
shame.
Facial flushingFacial flushing
Facial expressions
48. Jaws tensed to a biting
position
Cut off and head jerk cues
Frowning and tense mouth
expressions
Contracted brows
Anger is expressed through….
Anger
Facial expressions
52. Yawning
Sign :- A sudden, deep
inhalation of air accompanied
by an open mouth, tightened
cheek muscles, eye closure
and tearing.
Usage :- Usually a sign of
drowsiness; also of mild
anxiety,disagreement, or
uncertainty.
Facial expressions
54. Tongue-show
Usage : A universal
mood sign of unspoken
disagreement,
disbelief, disliking,
displeasure, or
uncertainty; also
emotion cue for disgust.
A momentary protrusion of
the tongue between the lips.
Facial expressions
Materia Medica :
Apis., Crot-h., Ferr., Lach.,
Merc., Mygal.,Vip.
55. Eye is an extension of the brain and a
window of the soul. Eyes reveal a great deal
about our emotions, convictions and
moods.
The eyes with sharply contracted pupils are
termed as ‘snake-eyes’
or ‘beady-little eyes’.
56. Eye contact
Gazing at another’s
eyes arouses
strong emotions.
An old saying goes
‘Look a person in
the eye when you
want to talk to him.’
Romantic encounters
take place in dim light
as that causes the
pupils to dilate.
Facial expressions
59. An involuntary and
dramatic widening of
the eyes, performed
in situations of
intense emotion,
such as anger,
surprise and fear.
Facial expressions
Flashbulb eyes
Frightened, easily – Aco., Arg-n., Ars., Bell., Calc-
c., Camph., Carb-v., Caust., Ign., Kali-c., Lach., Lyc.,
Nat-ars., Opium ., Phos., Stram.
60. 1. To lift the arch of short
hair above the eye, as in
uncertainty, disbelief,
surprise or exasperation.
2. To elevate eyebrow by
contracting the occipito-
frontalis muscle.
Facial expressions
Eye-brow raise
61. Usage :-
1. Adds intensity to a facial
expression.Strengthens a
dominant stare,exaggerate
a submissive pout, or boost
the energy of a smile.
Facial expressions
Eye-brow raise
2. In tandem with head-tilt-back,
It suggests disdain,
haughtiness, or pride.
Materia medica – Acid-fl.,Calc-fl., Hyos., Ip., Lach
Lyc., Nux-v., Pall Plat., Staph.,Sul.,Verat.
64. Lips are incredibly gifted communicators and
the most emotionally expressive parts of our
body. They are moved
a) to express emotions,
b) pronounce words,
c) to kiss.
Lip touch is one of our most common self
touch cue and makes a non-verbal probing
point.
Facial expressions
Lips
65. Lip-purseTo evert , pucker , and
round the lips in a
look of disagreement,
scheming, or calculated
thought. It reflects
formation of an
alternative verbal reply
in the brain’s primary
speech center, Broca’s
area.
Facial expressions
Materia medica- Ars., Bry.,
Calc-fl., Con., Graph., Lach., Lyc.,
Merc., Nat-m., Nux-v. Sul.
66. Lip-pout
To push the lower lip
against the upper in a
protruded look of
disappointment,
displeasure, sadness or
uncertainty.
Children and adults as
well pout. The lip-pout is
often a component of the
shoulder-shrug-display.
Facial expressions
67.
68. Lip-compression
A usually negative cue
produced by pressing
the lips together into a
thin line.
A sudden lip compression
may signal the onset of
anger, disliking, grief,
sadness, or uncertainty.
Facial expressions
Materia medica :-
Aco., Anac., Ars., Bell.,Caust.,Graph., Hep., Hyos., Lyc.,
Nux-v., Plat.,Psor., Stram., Syph.
70. A boy, aged 6 years, ailing from acute
asthmatic bronchitis with fever - 1030
F.
Cough - spasmodic < night, on lying
down; the boy was restless, extremely
irritable & had thirst for large quantities.
The child came in the clinic on second
day.
Body language through cases
72. The first remedy that came to the mind
was Bry. But Body language of the child
rendered additional points.
The child is biting everyone with this state
of irritability and there are two lip gestures
- lip pout and lip compression indicative of
magnitude of anger. In addition, mother
gave one more characteristic : picking of
bed cloths.
Body language through cases
73. 1. Intense heat
2. Thirst, heat during
3. Thirst, large quantities, for
4. Gestures, picks of bed clothes
5. Biting
6. Face expression, pouting
Rubrics of the case
74. Stram. came through and with few
doses of Stram. 200, 3 hourly the
child responded nicely.
Final selection
75. Head gestures
“The most obvious body language is
when someone shakes his head back
or forth or up & down. It points yes,
no or neutral.”
76. Lifting the chin and
leaning the
head backward.
Usage :
a) Superiority
b) Arrogance
c) Disdain
Head-tilt back
Head gestures
Materia medica- Agar., Anac., Arn., Aur., Calc., Lyc.,
Lach., Pall., Plat., Sil.,Staph., Stram., Sul., Verat.
77. Head –shake1) Rotating the head
horizontally-
disagreement,
misunderstanding
2) Rhythmic side to side
rotation to express
disbelief, sympathy, or
grief.
Usage : To demonstrate
a) Cognitive dissonance
b) Emotional empathy
Head gestures
78. Head- nod
1) A vertical up and
down movement to
show agreement
2) A flexed forward,
lowering motion of the
skull to emphasize
Usage : a) Affirmative cue
b) Conviction
c) Rage
Head gestures
Materia medica-
Cocc.,Bar-c., Calc-sil., Carc.,Ign., Lyc., Nat-m.,
Nux., Ph-ac., phos., Puls., Sil.
79.
80. A self-comforting, self - stimulating posture
unconsciously used to alleviate anxiety and
social stress. A defensive barrier sign.
Arm gestures
Arm-cross
81. The standard arm-
cross gesture but with
the fists tightly clenched.
Signifies a hostile or an
offensive attitude.
The person is about
to attack verbally,
at least.
Arm gestures
Arm-cross
Materia medica- Apis., Ars.,Cham.,Lach., Lyc.,
Nux., Pall., Plat.,Sul., Verat.
82. This gesture is resorted to when inner conflict
is experienced. He may clench his fist and
hold the wrist of the clenched hand, or restrain
the entire arm by locking it behind his back.
this happens when the person is standing, but
the gripping of the wrist can happen while
either standing or sitting.
Arms behind back
85. Hand gestures
1. The terminal end organs
below the forearms,
used to grasp and
gesture.
2. The most expressive
parts of the human
body.
3. The restless organs.
86. Usage : Hands have more to
say even than faces.
Anatomy : Hands are the
tactile antennae we throw
out to assay our material
world and palpate its
moods. Watching a hand
move is rather like peering
into the brain itself.
Hand gestures
Tactile antennae
87. Hand-behind-head Usage : A potential sign
Of uncertainty, conflict,
disagreement, frustration,
anger or disliking.
Culture : “This display
reveals that someone
feels no need to show
eagerness or attention”
(Morris 1994:142).
Hand gestures
Materia Medica : Calcareas, Kalis, Sil., Pulsa., Phos.,
Lyco., Carc.
88. Hands on hips
An akimbo position,
in which the palms
rest on the hips with
the elbows flexed
outward, bowed away
from the body.
Hand gestures
89. Usage : Hands-on-hips
shows that the body is
prepared to “take steps”
a. to perform,
b. to take part,in or
c. to take charge of an event,
activity, or work assignment.
Hands on hips
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Agar., Bell., Cann-I., Hyos., Lach.,
90. Clenched hands
resting on the desk
Eagerness.
‘I will have to think’.
Neutral, negative
gesture.
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Anac., Alum., Cham., Hep-s., Lach.,
Lyc., Kali-c., Merc., Nux-v., Sep., Sulph., Tarent., Thuj.
91. Chin -
stroking
A universal gesture of
decision-making or
evaluation process, or
when a person is in deep
reflection.
Siddons (1822) stated that :
“This gesture signifies the
wise man making a
judgement.”
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Acon., Bella., Hell., Magnesium.,
92. Putting fingers-in-the-
mouth
A gesture of stressful
moments.
People under immense
stress put some objects
like pen, pencil or the
like in the mouth which
is simply a variation of
putting fingers-in-the mouth.
Hand gestures
93.
94. Materia medica :-
Ars., Lyc.,Bar-c.,Ambra., Arg-n., Calc., Carc., Caust.,Hura.,
Lyss., Med., Nat-m.
Hand gestures
Nail biting
Nail bitting is a tactile intra-
psychic-communication and
is a neurotic trait.
95. Paying great attention
A listener’s closed
hand is resting on his
cheek and his index
finger is pointing
upwards.
Actual invest lasts till
the hand is on the
cheek.
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Coff., Hydrog., Lyc., Nat-m.,
Nux-v., Olnd., Op., Ox-ac., Phos., Staph., Sulph.,Syph.
96. When will you
shut-up
The listener makes use of
his hand to support his
head. The degree of
boredom is related to the
extent to which his hand
and arm are supporting
his head.
Hand gestures
Materia medica-
Merc., Alum., Hydrog., Lyc.,Nat-c., Nux., Ambra., Ars.,
Aur., Ferr., Graph.,Kali-bi., Kali-i.,Lach., Nat-m., Phos.
97. Degree of boredom
The ultimate
boredom occurs
when the person
falls asleep on the
chair itself.
Hand gestures
Materia medica - Hydrog., Lyc., Med., Merc., Sulph.,
Tub., Plb., Con., Alum., Nat-c., Nux-v., Spig.
98. Pointing index
finger
Gesture
A stabbing motion of the
index finger, as given in ‘anger’.
Usage
We point with the second digit
to turn another person’s
attention to something we
ourselves see, hear, or smell.
We become more specific in
expressing emotions like anger.
Hand gestures
Materia medica - Carc., Caust.,
Kali- carb., Kali-I., Lach., Lyc., Sil., Staph., Nux-v.
99. Submissive palm positionSubmissive palm position
The palm facing up = non-threatening
gesture. Reminiscent of the pleading
gesture of a street beggar.
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Lyc.,Puls., Bar-c., calc-sil.,Carc.,
Ign., Phos., Sil.
100. Aggressive palm position
A stabbing motion
of the index finger.
Stiffening a forefinger.
The palm is closed
into a fist and the
pointed finger becomes
A symbolic club.
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Anac., Apis.,Aur.,Bell., Graph.,
Hyos.,Lach., Lyc.,Merc.,Nit-ac.,Nux-v., Staph., Tarent.
101. Dominant palm position
The palm is turned to
face downwards =
authority, giving an
order to others.
A guiding gesture for a
homoeopath.
Hand gestures
102.
103. Openness
I welcome you with
frankness, openness and
from the bottom of my
heart.
Open palms is associated
with truth, honesty,
allegiance and
submission.
Hand gestures
Materia medica- Med., Bell., Calc., Canth.,Caust.,Fl-ac.,
Hyos., Lyc., Nux-v., Phos-ac., Phos., Plat., Staph., Stram.,
Sul., Verat.
108. Crossed leg position
In an interaction
between two people if
one or both have their
legs in the figure - 4
position, it means that
they have taken a highly
argumentative or
competitive attitude in
the discussion.
Materia medica- Anac., Apis.,Lach., Ars., Lyc.,Nux-v.,
Ferr.,Ruta.,Plat.,Staph.
109. Straddling
Straddling the chair is a
show of dominance or
aggression, although to all
outward appearances it
gives the impression that
one is only being informal
and cooperative.
Materia medica- Anac., Ars-alb., Camph., Chin., Cupr.,
Ferr., Nux-v., Lyc., Lach. Merc., Plat., Sulph., Verat.
110. Crossed leg position
Often, to strengthen his
attitude, the person using
the figure - 4 position may
place one hand or both
hands on the crossed leg to
‘clamp’ it.
It means the individual is
stubborn, and it will take
some effort and skill to
break his resistance.
Materia medica- Arg-n., Bell.,Calc-c.,
Cham.,Nux., Tarent.,Cina., Lyc.,Pall., Sil.
111. Flexion Withdrawal
Sign: Reflective body
movement . An automatic
escape motion designed to
remove a body part or parts
from danger.
Usage : Flexion withdrawal
underlines many negative
and submissive nonverbal
signs.
Materia medica- Lyc., Puls., Cocc., Bar-c., Calc-sil.,Carc.,
Ign., Phos., Nat-m., Sil., Staph.
112. Know- it –all
Both hands behind
head. Leg-lock-
position shows that
the person not only
feels superior but also
likely to argue.
“May be someday you’ll
be as smart as I am.”
113.
114. Tone of voice reflects psychological
arousal.
Speech is an indispensable means for
sharing feelings, ideas, observations
and for conversing about the past and
future.
A significant number of voice qualities
are universal across all human
cultures.
Vocal cues can predict deception.
Voice
118. The ultimate gesture
• Absolutely universal.
• Rarely, misunderstood.
• Primitive tribes and World leaders alike
know and use it.
• Scientists believe it actually releases
chemicals- endorphins into the system that
create a feeling of mild euphoria.
119.
120. The smile
By analyzing the movements
of over 80 facial muscles
involved in smiling,
researchers can tell when
the smile is true.
The smiles may be
authentic, friendly,
mischieving, horrifying,
tragic,apologetic or
confusing.
There are 50 or more different types of smiles.
122. Laugh
Human laughter varies greatly in form,
duration and loudness. One can ‘read’
laughter from the sounds that ensue.
‘Ha-Ha’ is laughter that is genuine,
coming straight from the heart. It
expresses pure joy and self-fulfillment.
Materia medica – Cann-i., Coff., Hyos., lach.,Nat-c.,
Op., Carbn-s.,Lyc., Phos., Plat., Stram.,Tarent.,Zinc.
123. ‘Hee-Hee’ suggests a secret giggle or a
snigger that is emitted when a person is
being cynical or spiteful.
Remedies – Anac., Ars-alb., Bor., Cham., Cupr., Hep.,
Hyos., Kali-i., Lach., Nat-m., Nit-ac., Nux-v., Stram., Tuber.
‘Ho-Ho’ communicates surprise, even
disbelief, by a person who is critical,
protesting, or challenging.
Remedies – Chin., Coff., Merc., Op., Phos., Verat.
Laugh
124. Laugh
‘Hee-Hee’ is mocking laugh, usually issuing from a
condescending remark or a joke about a person.
126. Smt. ABP, aged 46 years, had vasomotor
rhinitis of 8 years standing. She had
treatment of all faculties including
homeopathy without much avail. 40-50
sneezing bouts, < morning with suffocative
feeling. She had with this, spasmodic
cough as if coming from the chest, with
scraping sensation.
Body language through cases
127. What interested the observers and
interviewer was her typical laughing which
was there throughout the interview. Even
while telling about her husbands death,
she told it in a laughing tone. It gave an
impression as if she is in her exhilarated
stage.
Body language through cases
128. Rubrics
1. Exhilaration
2. Laughing, immoderate
3. Laughing, involuntary
4. Laughing, constant
5. Laughing, serious matters over
6. Laughing, trifles at
With Cann-ind. 1M given intermittently, the
patient responded remarkably.
Body language through cases
129. One swallow doesn’t make a summer and
one body language signal doesn’t
necessarily convey a message.
Body Language is full of ambiguities.
To have clarity, one must focus on the
cluster of signals.
Dual dialogue
130. “The mind and body are inseparably one. The unity that is
‘me’ separates into the streams of experience. I experience
the subjective stream as thoughts, feelings, and desires. I
experience the objective stream as my body. At a deep level,
however, the two streams meet at a single creative source. It
is from this source that we are meant to live.”
- Deepak
Two streams meet…
131. “Each of us inhabits a
reality lying beyond all
change. Deep inside us,
unknown to the five senses,
is an innermost core of
being a field of non-change
that creates personality,
ego, and body. This being is
our essential state. It is who
we really are.”
- Deepak Chopra
The Core of Being