Brief discussion on concepts of observer in homoepathy

1. Case receiving and
concepts of observer
Moderator :- Dr.Sucharitha
Asst proffessor
Department of repertory and Casetaking
Presentor :-
Dr.Hinduja NARSINGOJU
Pg part -1
Department of Repertory and Casetaking

2. Case taking is an unique art of getting into
conversation, observation and collecting information
from patient as well as from bystanders to define the
patient as a person and the disease

3. Objectives of Casetaking
Collection of data is the primary object of taking a case
Collection of data in homoeopathic practice has developed into highly specialised technic
calling for considerable skill on the part of physician for that Homoeopath should have
few things in consideration
They Are
● Accurate unprejudiced observation
● Cross-sectional study of patient
● Longitudinals section study of Patient
● Diagnosis of disease
● Diagnosis of patient diagnosis of homoeopathic remedy

4. Accurate unprejudiced observation
● Prejudice is an emotional state that influences how we perceive a situation
● Awareness of one’s biases can be difficult to achieve without help
● Our expectations and attitudes shape what we observe and these are
influenced by our training and beliefs about reality
● New discoveries and progress occurs when someone breaks free from
conventional thinking and interpret facts differently

5. Cross-sectional study
● When studying a plant stem, taking a cross-section helps us see its current
structure, but it does not reveal how it evolved from the root . To understand
the evolution, we need to examine it lengthwise. Similarly, when a patient
comes with complains analysing their current conditions in terms of physical,
emotional and intellectual aspects provides insights into their present illness.
● However, it does not explain how this illness developed
● To create an effective treatment plan. We must also explore the patients part
as it influences both their current state and future health.

6. Longitudinals section study of Patient
● Studying a person's, personal history, family history and social and cultural
connections, helps us understand how their personality developed
● This understanding is a crucial for a doctor to grasp why Patient became ill in
a particular way
● This knowledge helps doctors make better predictions about a patient’s
condition. What is even more important is that effective medical care relies on
knowing the patient as a whole
● Examining a patient’s part also helps a doctor identify their inherent
tendencies and any environmental factors that may contribute to their health
issues
● This information is vital when choosing the right treatment for Long term
illnesses

7. Diagnosis of disease
● It helps in understanding the pathogenesis, functional disturbances and
structural changes
● Diagnosis of disease helps in classification and evaluation of symptoms and
this helps in selection of remedy, besides selection of potential and repetition
of dose.

8. Diagnosis of Patient
Studying the patient as a person enables us to understand or answer the following
questions. What kind of person is he? What has he met? What had happened?
This enables physician to answer the final question. Why has he fallen ill?

9. Diagnosis of homeopathic remedy
Homoeopathic position should be conversant with principles, tools (homoeopathic,
materia, Medica and Posology) and technique of application of principles to
practise(case, taking, case analysis and case synthesis) will be obvious
Thus Homoeopathy physician know what to look, for where to look for and how to
look for.

10. According to Dr Kasim Chimthana Wala
In his book, homeopathic is taking and management He describe data collection
under four methods they are
1. Classical method,
2. conversational method,
3. sectoral method.
4. Miasmatic case taking

11. Classical method
Master Hahnemann professed this method and is being taught to us
In this method, the role of Patient is active and physician is passive
Here, Patient is asked to report his or her complaints in his or her language, as
much as details, possible, especially causation, sensation, modality, progression,
et cetera
Physician only monitors the entire meet except to bring back Patient on track
Here, history of patient is recorded in his own words later analysed and set of
uncommon symptoms are enlisted

12. Conversational methods
● In the present times, majority of the patients are sensitive and harbour sycotic
stigma, as a result of which they do not speak open and in detail (sycosis is
an introvert and does not speak).
● Hence we have to extract the symptoms by putting questions.
● In this type of exercise, both, the patient as well as the physician plays active
roles. Both converse with each other on the sick state of the disposition,
diseases suffering, medicines taking etc, before the actual writing of the
symptoms starts. The physician put such questions which help the patient to
explain the details of the sickness.

13. Sectoral method
This method is used in case of incurable cases where a troublesome disease or
trouble. Some symptoms are considered which constitutes the pathological totality
on which a palliative remedy is prescribed.

14. Miasmatic case taking
This matter is taken in cases of one-sided diseases which requires detailed history
of the members of the family diseases suffered or suffering, treatment taken or
taking a detail past history. Based on this inherent Mars Matic complex at the time
of birth is identified and after how it evolved And expressed in the form of
tendencies, diathesis and diseases.
The effect of suppression and miasmatic evolution is also derived

15. Points which Physician has to observe in the patient:
Hahnemann writes,"he then makes a note of what he himself observes in the
patient and ascertains how much of that was peculiar to the patient in his healthy
state." (26, Para. 90).
Right conclusions and effective treatment often depend more upon the physician's
own observations and directions, than upon anything that others and even the
patient are able to tell them'

16. Art of observation lies In patience.
You have to use eyes and other senses.
Observation is an experience of an object or phenomenon
through the medium of the senses by application of mind
to it.

17. A human being communicates through verbal and non-verbal language. Exchange through
words refers to verbal communication while non-verbal communication refers to all external
stimuli other than spoken or written words. The elements which are visually perceived and which
perform a role in communication are collectively termed as ‘visible code’ and they are :
1. Personal appearance
2. Gestures
3. Postures
4. Facial expressions
5. Eye expressions
6. Space and distancing
7. Voice and intonation
8. Haptics or touch

18. Personal appearance
A physician has to understand how his patient reacts to him: positively, negatively or neutrally. Outward
appearance of a person may incite resistance, hostility or a receptive mood in the concerned person. The
patient’s appearance and clothing need careful observation. A dirty look and crumpled clothes suggest
alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, etc. Maniac patients may wear bright
colours, incongruous styles of dress or appear poorly groomed.
Six components are considered in personal appearance:
a. Clothes
b. Footwear
c. Hairstyle
d. Ornaments
e. Make-up
f. Aromas

19. Gestures
Gestures, both verbal and non-verbal body movements, are essential for effective
communication. They serve as signs or cues, adding depth to spoken language by
expressing ideas, emotions, and intentions. In fact, it's nearly impossible to speak
without using gestures. These non-verbal cues enhance the impact of
communication

20. Posture
Refers to the way one stands, sits and walks. The movement of the body, the
position of hands and legs and other parts of the body reveal an individual’s
personality – whether he is vibrant, lively and dynamic, nervous and jittery,
confident and self-assured. The posture of sitting may reflect optimism or
despondency or may indicate a sense of failure or inattentiveness. Walking
posture may indicate whether a person is confident, energetic, withdrawn, diffident
or nervous.

21. Facial Expressions
‘The face is the mirror of life.’
Our face defines our identity, expresses our attitudes, opinions and moods and
shows how we relate to others.
Face is our visual trademark and is therefore the most photographed part of the
human body.
Emotionally, the face is mightier than a word. So closely are the emotions
related to facial expressions that it is hard to imagine one without the other.
Our face is exquisitely expressive. Its features are incredibly vivid and florid,
more so than any other primate. A smile (friendliness), a frown (discontent),
raising the eyebrows (disbelief) or tightening the jaw muscles (antagonism)
add real essence to the meanings conveyed by the spoken words.

22. A wooden facial expression can negatively influence observers and may also be
indicative of medical conditions like Parkinsonism, schizophrenia, or depression.
Ineffective communication can result from habits such as lip-biting, frequent
blinking, or eyebrow-raising. Anxiety often manifests as forehead creases, raised
eyebrows, wider eye openings, and dilated pupils in patients, further impacting
their non-verbal communication

23. Eye contact
The eyes are powerful communicators of emotions, convictions, and moods, as
noted by Hess (1975) and Whiteside (1975). They are considered the most
revealing and accurate signals in human communication because they are the
focal point of the body and can convey fleeting feelings and changes. Emerson
describes the eyes as capable of threatening, insulting, or bringing joy,
emphasizing their significant role in conveying emotions and thoughts

24. The eyes can be steely, knowing, mocking, piercing, shifting..... They can level a
‘burning’ glance or a ‘cold’ glance or ‘hurt’ glance or again, they can be wise,
knowing, inviting, scary, disinterested, and so on.

25. Space and distancing
The study of proxemics, which focuses on the use and perception of personal
space, is a captivating aspect of non-verbal body language.
Each individual has their own personal space, which they typically protect from
intrusion.
Cultural and individual differences influence people's preferences for personal
space, and the amount of space a person requires is closely tied to their
personality.

26. It is important to observe the way a patient sits in the chair. A puffy,
egoistic person having lust for power is not happy with one chair.
He may occupy more space by extending his arms. On the other
hand, a shy and reserved patient occupies himself in less space.

27. Voice
1. Speaking loudly and rapidly = Anger or lack of interest in the other’s view. The
speaker has run out of logical support for his view
2. Clear, controlled, steady voice = Confidence
3. Lively, bouncy, well modulated speech = Enthusiasm / Politeness

28. Touch
Touch is a powerful non-verbal communication which is beyond words and actually
indicates the pattern of action. If used properly, it can create a more direct
message than dozens of words; used improperly it can build barriers and cause
mistrust. Tactile communication offers a direct impact over the others and even the
memory of it can last long as compared to the memory created by the words.
Touching behaviour ranges from kissing, embracing, caressing and holding hands
to pinching and hitting. It results from body movement and implies that there is
very little distance between the interactants.
Touch represents every emotion and it is powerful enough to invade someone’s
space and torture him and it could be a risky proposition.

29. Studying body language in homeopathy is essential for several reasons:
1. Homeopathy is a holistic science that considers the interconnectedness of the
body, mind, and spirit, making it important to study these aspects in
integration.
2. "Case taking" in homeopathy involves not only clinical diagnosis but also
understanding the individual as a whole.
3. Individualization is a core principle in homeopathic prescribing, recognizing
that each person's health and disease are unique.
4. Skillful data elicitation during case taking is crucial for success.
5. Non-verbal cues and body language provide valuable information, as actions
often convey more than words.

30. ● body language aids in understanding one-sided diseases and complements
verbal data, making remedy selection easier.
● In psychiatric illnesses, where patients may struggle to express themselves
verbally, body language is paramount.
● Body language can help unlock challenging cases when verbal data alone is
insufficient.
● Each homeopathic remedy has its unique verbal and non-verbal
communication, making body language exploration beneficial in clinical
practice.
● In today's fast-paced world, non-verbal cues become more important when
patients may not have time to express themselves verbally.
● Understanding body language enhances the rationality and practicality of
homeopathic practice, enriching the study of materia medica and repertory

31. Many physicians are exceedingly unobservant in noting objective symptoms. Possibly this is due
to the stressing of laboratory findings in modern practice. The five senses and the sixth sense which is
common sense are marvellous instruments of precision.
They should be employed more effectively and more painstakingly than is customary with most medical
men of the present day. In the sick room the objective symptoms are not necessarily all to be found by
gazing at the patient.
Look around the room,notice the dish of cracked ice on thes s t a n d beside the patient's bed. It makes
vou think of Medorrhinum and Phosphorus.
Why are all the windows open on such a cold night? Who wants the fresh air, the patient, nurse or
attendants?Open windows on a hot night might have little significance, but on a cold night in winter, this
objective symptom means something. Perhaps it is Pulsatilla? Why is the fan lying on the chair beside the
bed? Why does the patient want to be fanned. Is it because he feels too warm or because he wants the
air moving so that he can breathe better? If the latter, iti s strongly suggestive of Carbo. Veg.
Why such a dim shaded light? Why do the members of the family tiptoe so softly around the room? Is this
patient hypersensitive to light and noise and thus easily aggravated and irritated?

33. Thankyou