COGNITIVE  HOMEOPATHY

A novel combination of homeopathy and psychology

by

Dr. Georgios Loukas
                                                                                 

“It is probably true quite generally that in the history of human thinking the most fruitful developments frequently take place at those points where two different lines of thought meet. These lines may have their roots in quite different parts of human culture, in different times or different cultural environments or different religious traditions: hence if they actually meet, that is, if they are at least so much related to each other that a real interaction can take place, then one may hope that new and interesting developments may follow.”

Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976)

 

The history of homeopathy begins with the search for the definition of the symptom. Recognising symptoms as part of the defence mechanism and as the body’s means of restoring its balance (homeostasis) is the foundation of the therapeutic system of homeopathy. Consequently, the first homeopaths began with the study of the symptoms.

Homeopathy makes a distinction between three categories of symptoms: psychological, general and physical. Within this context different ways of treating an individual’s symptoms were developed accordingly. The Kent school of thought set the symptoms in order of hierarchy as follows: Mental/emotional – General – Physical, whereas Boenninghausen’s hierarchy is defined as General – Mental/emotional – Physical and Boger’s as General – Physical – Mental/emotional.

Homeopathy has been practiced based on this methodology for many decades, mainly in the context of pathology and general medicine. During that time, a large number of provings of homeopathic remedies was conducted and a great deal of information on new medicines was acquired, though mainly on physical and general symptoms. Despite homeopaths’ efforts, knowledge on most remedies is limited. However, a wealth of information is available on a number of multi-purpose remedies, and it is on this information that homeopaths based their homeopathic practice until recently.

In recent years however, a veritable revolution in the field of homeopathy has taken place. Therapists that were mainly into psychoanalysis began to venture into homeopathy. The theory that dreams provide direct access to the unconscious led the provings to new directions. Currently, during provings, the study of dreams is a fundamental procedure. In this way, a great deal of information on the character of remedies is collected.

 

Various teams from around the world began to study homeopathy in a different light. One of the most well-known teams is that of Rajan Sankaran, who introduced a novel approach in the study of the psychological symptom of delusion, which is found in every Repertory by homeopaths. He believed that delusions are not exclusive to schizophrenics, but that each one of us has a personal illusion of reality; each one of us perceives reality from their very own point of view.

 

According to this approach, the therapist seeks the particular way in which each patient perceives reality. When taking the patient history, the therapist does not only record the patient’s symptoms, but looks for the underlying distinct way with which he or she experiences reality. Sankaran’s teaching method of the homeopathic materia medica is consistent with the above principles. He describes remedies in terms of different ways of perceiving reality.

My study alongside Rajan Sankaran as well as my specialization in psychiatry helped me adopt the above viewpoint, and thus I changed the way in which I recorded a patient’s history. Rather than simply registering the symptoms, I tried to investigate further by looking at the patient’s relationship with him/herself and the environment.

For this new methodology I used the term “Cognitive Homeopathy”. According to Cognitive Homeopathy, each individual has his or her own hierarchy of ideals-values in life. For example, some rate money above everything else, others family, love relationships, fame, aspirations, etc.

 

An individual’s various distortions of ideas (delusions) are formed depending on the environment. For example, some believe that they are not loved in a relationship, others that they are not appreciated by their friends, or that they will be abandoned by their relatives, that they will be abused, etc.

 

The above approach brought on radical changes to my daily practice of homeopathy because my primary focus shifted towards understanding each individual patient rather than simply classifying them according to the existing multi-purpose remedies. There were frequently cases of patients that could not be classified in a known class of remedies, but for whom it was obvious that a remedy that took into account their particular system of beliefs would be much more appropriate.

Slowly-slowly I started to understand an increasing number of remedies and their core in depth. The biggest part of my work concerned the study of the periodic table of elements. The use of synthetic thought lead me to create many new triple salts, which are coordination compounds that contain three chemical elements in their composition with the exception of hydrogen and oxygen.

At this stage, the help of pharmacists Ioannis Efstathiou, a man with international distinctions in the field of alternative medicine (homeopathy, herbalk medicine, etc.) and his daughter Christiana Efstathiou proved valuable. They undertook the task of preparing hundreds of new homeopathic remedies. The most significant of these are new coordination compounds made of three chemical elements, apart from hydrogen and oxygen. These compounds were named triple salts.

 

These new remedies produced spectacular results. The main reason was the precise individualisation of the patient, and consequently the more comprehensive inclusion of the symptoms. As a result, patients that previously only displayed minor improvements after years of homeopathic treatment, began to experience remarkable results following the administration of some new triple salt. The academic recognition followed shortly afterwards when in November 2000 the Russian Academy of Sciences awarded the Pavlov prize for the clinical applications of those new remedies.

 

Some main ideals-values concerning these homeopathic remedies will be presented below. In these descriptions many of you may recognise certain aspects of yourselves that may be exaggerated, thus causing you problems. These observations are essential for you to help your homeopath prescribe an appropriate remedy, especially if he or she practices Cognitive Homeopathy. On the other hand, if you cannot find something that clearly applies to you, do not worry. There is countless more data which is recorded in Repertory Organon 2001 and much more that is being taught in Cognitive Homeopathy seminars. These are already being coded and classified in order to be included in the next edition of ORGANON 2001, to be released in 2008-2009, which surely cannot be expanded on further in this summary update.

Achievement and carbon compounds

A very important factor in life is the fulfilment of our endeavours. The stress we might feel stimulates us to intensify our efforts thus achieving the desirable goal. There are individuals that are insecure about their capacity for achievement, and as a result their stress is increased. These individuals need carbon compounds (carbonicum).

Love and phosphorus compounds

Individuals that place love very high in their ideals are usually outgoing, open-hearted, affectionate and cheerful. They are likely to tell you that they want to feel loved and that they would do anything to achieve it. They often feel that they are not loved as much as they would like. Caresses, as a way of expression, are related to the idea of love. Phosphoric compounds are recommended for all those individuals that care so much about being loved.

Appreciation and sulphur compounds

Individuals that place appreciation by others very high in their ideals are usually serious and they earn the respect and recognition of those around them. They are individuals that often receive praise. If you ask them, they will tell you that appreciation by others is very important to them and that they try very hard to receive it. They often feel that they are not appreciated by others. Sulphur compounds are recommended for all those individuals that are particularly keen on being appreciated by others.

Abandonment and iodine compounds

Iodine compounds are recommended for those who fear abandonment. These individuals perceive any distancing from another as abandonment, and for this reason they want to constantly keep their loved ones in close proximity. Hence, if some parents describe their child as wanting to constantly be with them and that he or she will not let them go out without him/her, the child’s deeper insecurity is the fear of being abandoned by the parents. As a matter of fact, abandonment is a popular theme in children’s fairy tales.

Abuse and bromine compounds

Bromine compounds are recommended for individuals that have been abused during childhood or who fear that they will be abused. These individuals are very frightened. They are constantly afraid that they will be abused by others. Sometimes their fear of abuse drives them to reproduce violence. It is very common for abused children to grow into violent adults that abuse others.

The need for trust and arsenic compounds

There are individuals that consider relationships based on trust as very important. They are likely to tell you that it is very important for them to have honest relationships with others and for this reason they are very formal in their behaviour towards other people. They are often wary about being deceived by others and consequently they are particularly sceptic and find it difficult to trust others.

The need for immediate fulfilment of needs and fluorine compounds

Fluorine compounds (fluoricum) are recommended for dissatisfied, insatiable individuals, with increased needs and incessant demands for immediate satisfaction of their needs. They often feel that there is nothing that could satisfy them. When frustrated they can become aggressive.

The sense of danger and nitrogen compounds

There are individuals who often fantasise about external threats. They are always alert and they cannot relax. They are constantly considering the necessary measures in case of danger. Nitrogen compounds (nitric, nitrous, nitricum) are suitable for these individuals.

Easy disappointment and chlorine compounds

Chlorine compounds are suitable for individuals that are easily disappointed or that fear they might be disappointed in their relationships with others. Their fear of disappointment makes them introverted.

Easy emotional wounding and chromium compounds

Chromium compounds are recommended for individuals that are hypersensitive and easily wounded. Because they are afraid of being hurt, they are particularly introverted and cautious in their behaviour.

Disability and boron salts

There are individuals that feel different and inferior to others. Such are individuals that grow up with a disability. They are usually very introverted and have difficulty in expressing their feelings. Borium compounds will be helpful in treating the problem of these individuals as well as in their smooth social integration.

Relationships between men and women and sodium salts (natrium)

An important aspect of life is the mating of the sexes. Through this process nature provides the necessary conditions for the procreation of humankind. Through this relationship children will be born. With the birth of children a family is created to provide them with the necessary protection until they grow up and become self-sufficient.

Sodium salts are suitable for individuals that place great importance in relationships and companionship. In other words, they are recommended for those that either consume a great deal of energy to this end or for those whose insecurities lie in this area. Therefore, sodium salts are recommended for those individuals whose insecurities revolve around their relationships.

Information on some sodium salts is given below:

 

 The remedy Borax is a combination of boron and sodium. This remedy meets the needs of those who feel different and inferior to others whilst at the same time they have difficulty in forming a relationship.

The need to belong and potassium salts (kalium)

Potassium salts are suitable for individuals who place great importance in belonging to a group. The first group we belong to after birth is our family. Later, through social contacts, we form a group of friends. Therefore, potassium salts are recommended for individuals whose insecurities relate to their family or friends.

Information about some major potassium salts is given below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The need for a secure environment and the group of calcium (calcarea)

As previously said, the family provides the necessary safety and protection for children to grow up in. When individuals reach adulthood, they do not need this safety and protection any more. However, certain individuals despite being adults still need to be provided with safety and protection and seem to be clinging to their childhood. For these individuals calcium salts are particularly suitable.

 

Information about some major calcium salts is given below.  

The sense of orphan hood and magnesium salts

Magnesium salts are related to orphan hood. They are useful for people that grow up as orphans. After one of my lectures in Novosibirsk, Siberia, doctor Natalia Titjeva decided to apply the knowledge on magnesium salts in the city’s orphanage. She then observed that almost all the children’s problems were alleviated using magnesium salts.

 

Apart from genuine orphan hood there is also imaginary orphan hood. The individuals, even if they have parents, feel alone in the world. At times they might believe that their parents are not the real ones. Such individuals believe that their parents did not bring them up the way they should. In other cases the sense of orphan hood may develop after a period in a boarding school.

 

Information on some major magnesium salts is given below.  

Self-reliance and barium salts

The element that prevails in the barium group is the difficulty to achieve self-reliance. The individuals do not feel self-sufficient, but dependent on their family. The barium group individuals feel constantly like the lowest in the rank. They feel inadequate in relation to others and that they will be the worst in anything they do, which is why they believe that others are constantly laughing at them. As a result, they are often timid and reserved. They rarely form new friendships.

Consistency and the salts of silver (argentum)

We often hear people describe themselves as extremely consistent. These people suffer from the inconsistency of others. Especially in Greece, things are even worse for them. A few years ago, when a patient reported excessive consistency as their feature, I would consider it normal and difficult to change through homeopathy. This was until I went into cognitive homeopathy and deeply comprehended the argentum compounds. It must be stressed though that if you take an argentum salt, it does not mean that you will become inconsistent. You will simply become more flexible. You will be less strict with yourself and with others. And if it so happens that you diverge slightly from your schedule, it will not be the end of world. Everything can be fixed. In any case, if you are habitually late in your appointments without getting stressed, then the argentum salts are not suitable for you.

 

Let us look at certain argentum salts in some more detail:  

Argentum individuals are particularly rational. Reason controls all their emotions. However, consistency has no place in the world of emotions. Therefore, in the Argentum individuals emotions are controlled, there is no impulsive expression, and the control of reason prevails. Their suppressed ability for communication finds its way out through conversation, singing, acting or writing. Their desire for conversation and their cheerfulness makes these individuals sociable. But even though they are very articulate, they find it difficult to express their emotions. Their difficulty in expressing their emotions makes others view them as cold. When it comes to sexuality where the ability for communication is essential, Argentum individuals are generally controlled during the sexual act and they lack passion and spontaneity.

 

Another pronounced feature that results from consistency is hurriedness. Argentum individuals are constantly rushed as if they have to be somewhere on time.

 

We described above the psychological type of Argentum before the individual shows signs of a clinical disorder. The clinical symptoms of this type involve various neuroses. Argentum Metallicum types often show symptoms of anxiety or hypochondriac neuroses. In these types, there is aversion to talking, aversion or fear of appearing and speaking in public, difficulty or aversion to any thought-related process. It is also recommended in cases where hyperactive thinking and increased control prevent other functions, such as in psycho-sexual disorders or in infertility problems.  

In phobic disorders such as claustrophobia, agoraphobia or ‘underperformance’ phobia, Argentum Nitricum is often recommended. It has been found that in agoraphobia there exists a fear of exposure to sexual temptation one might succumb to. Underperformance phobia refers to the fear of poor response to high expectations. Both disorders may reasonably be associated with consistency. Such cases frequently show symptoms of panic attacks, typical of the nitric group. This pattern is associated with intense anxiety and fear accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms. There is often fear of insanity, death or of uncontrollable behaviour. Argentum Nitricum is also advisable for stage fright in individuals who feel a sense of danger about how they might express themselves, namely whether they will perform or act their role appropriately.  

Argentum Nitricum is also advisable for hypochondriac behaviour. The individuals believe that they are afflicted by an incurable disease. They visit physicians frequently. They are easily consoled, but as soon as they hear that someone is ill they start thinking that they too will be afflicted. They are constantly seeking support from their family for their condition. Sometimes, they reduce their professional activities considerably because they believe that work is harmful to them.  

 

Obsessive-compulsive disorders might also occur in Argentum Nitricum types. The individuals are overwhelmed by impulsions and are afraid they will come true. For example, someone may be overcome by the idea of pushing a friend over the cliff or of sticking their hand in a socket or a fan. Consequently, they put their hand close to the source of danger and obsess over the impulsion “should I do this… should I not…” They might also demonstrate symptoms of depression with suicidal tendency.

 

Argentum nitricum may also be suitable in cases of sexual dysfunctions in young adolescents that have difficulties in having sex for the first time or that are worried about their performance in the imminent sexual act. Even though they have an erection, they lose it once they try to penetrate. Similarly, girls might experience vaginal dryness. They might also be afraid of being neglected by their partner or feel that they might not satisfy him or that having sex is against their principles.

 

It is also advisable for adults that are excessively preoccupied with their professional obligations so that they are unable to relax even when they are with their lover, because they are assailed by work-related thoughts and thus lose their erection. Argentum Nitricum, when recommended, helps the individuals to express themselves sexually, reducing excessive self-control and the sense of danger.

 

Finally, there might be symptoms of general nervous breakdown. The individuals are worn-out and disinclined to work. They demonstrate mental fatigue and laziness. They cannot concentrate and are unable to study.

 

·        The Argentum Sulphuricum types have a tendency to be consistent coupled with an intense need to be appreciated. However, in this type, the tendency for consistency is excessive.

 

Argentum Sulphuricum is the most reliable remedy in the homeopathic materia medica. It is suitable for the so called “nerds” who are criticised by others for this attitude. For example, students who never miss a lecture, are diligent and take detailed notes, whilst on the other hand tend to rationalise excessively, they often focus on details and are unable to conceive the big picture. They are excessively rational with limited power of imagination. They study incessantly; they are absorbed by their studies and make sure they are always punctual in their appointments. They always take care to be on time and do everything possible to arrive early to their lectures.

Once, I saw a child who was suffering from insomnia due to his anxiety of not waking up on time for school. Every night he would set two alarm clocks but he was still worried they might not ring so that he would not wake up and would eventually be late at school. He also had another feature, which I have encountered before in Argentum Sulphuricum types. He talked so fast that it was almost impossible for someone to understand what he was saying.

An adult suffering from obsessive-compulsive neurosis, who improved greatly after taking this remedy, in trying to explain why he was talking so fast, told me that he talks like that so that he can fit all that he has to say, as if there was a time limit that would prevent him from completing what he had to say. Naturally, after taking this remedy his style of talking improved along with the rest of his symptoms.

The need for creativity and the salts of gold (aurum)

The Midas touch is often used to describe someone that is so creative as to metaphorically turn everything they touch into gold. The underlying scientific truth of this expression is particularly relevant to the aurum salts in homeopathy. The aurum salts are associated with creativity. They are recommended for particularly skilled people. These are visionaries, creative, workaholics. They are happiest when they are creative. They are the winners in the track of noble competition. That is the reason why the gold medal is awarded to those who come first. (Those who come second are awarded the silver medal. This means that society values creativity above consistency).

 

However, when this element exists in excess, the individuals begin to suffer from the “gold disease”. They are unable to enjoy the simple things in life and they are at risk of being afflicted by melancholy. They are like Midas who turned everything he touched into gold, but was unhappy because he could not enjoy the things that ordinary people had.

 

At this point it is important to note that often people under homeopathic treatment report that after some time they notice an increased creativity and new ideas. This is something natural and expected. Creativity, as a concept, is of superior importance in the universe. Creativity is very important to human beings. The better our mental state the higher our ability to create.

 

 

As a result these individuals wish to be at the top, to be the best and try very hard for that. They work from morning till night in order to achieve it. Aurum individuals are particularly hard-working. They work untiringly and systematically. They possess an inner drive towards the realisation of their visions. But if they come second they consider it as a major failure. Aurum individuals cannot tolerate defeat. When they lose they fall ill because they want to always win.

 

The Aurum individual is serious, tight-lipped, very responsible and touchy. They cannot tolerate being doubted. Their general behaviour does not allow that anyway. They are consistent and hasty as well. They want their work to be done quickly and properly.

 

They possess an inner strength that is obvious to others as well. Consequently, they easily become the leader of a group or a family. Everybody relies on them. They provide others with the stability of a rock and the safety of a shelter, like a harbour. They always give to others, work for them but not without personal gain. Although they give to others they also need them on their side. Consequently, they feel easily abandoned, neglected, and as if they are loosing the affection of others, something that makes them very angry.

These individuals, despite the inner strength they possess and exude, are particularly sensitive. They get easily hurt or disappointed, they easily feel humiliated, neglected or unappreciated, or they might get easily angry. Their anger can be violent. In such moments they are nothing like their usual self. However, their anger is usually not expressed.

 

 The insecurity of being abandoned makes them give themselves to others, albeit in a cumbersome manner. Because the behaviour of others is often perceived as abandonment, these individuals become irritable.  

They are introverted and do not express their complaints to others. They do not tolerate contradiction and they demand obedience. When this does not happen they get angry with others.

These individuals are very particular in their choice of partners because they are afraid of being disappointed. In other cases, they only form casual relationships and avoid getting involved seriously. It is an excellent remedy for those who are undecided about getting married. At the same time, they tend to be visionaries with all the associated features of Aurum. The Aurum Muriaticum Natronatum individuals often feel they should have the upper hand in their relationship so as not to get disappointed. This can often occur during puberty which is a particularly turbulent period and where the subject of relationships is particularly pertinent. Aurum Muriaticum Natronatum is a very useful remedy for depression due to disappointments at this age. There may exist suicidal tendency or even attempted suicide. However, previous disappointment in love is not required for someone to be given this remedy. It can be suitable for suicidal tendency at any age and for whatever reason. In these cases however, there exists a chronic disappointment in the love life of the individual.  

The Aurum Arsenicosum types, besides the features of Aurum, demonstrate the features of Arsenicum; namely lack of trust, intense suspicion of being deceived or robbed. As a result, they can be ambivalent; on the one hand they are the pillar and the leader of the group, and on the other hand they cannot trust the very people they support and guide. This makes them very controlling. They want to control everyone and everything. They also demonstrate a tendency for order and diligence. They want to be good in everything they do and they agonise as to whether they have done what they should, or whether what they did is right and not wrong.

 

The Aurum Bromatum types believe that they will be abused, either because they are at the top, or because of their visions and what they have achieved in general. The sense that they will be abused if they are not at the top also pertains to the psychopathology of this remedy.

Fear of punishment and the salts of zinc

The main feature of the zinc group is a severe fear of punishment. Zincum Metallicum individuals are exceptionally consistent, but their consistency is due to their fear of being punished. They are very careful in their behaviour because they have the fear of being arrested by the police for breaking the law.  

 

       We described above some of the clinical patterns of homeopathic remedies, as well as various life stories. By comparing the description of these remedies with the descriptions of earlier homeopathic materia medica, we conclude that the current descriptions are more comprehensive and substantive because the individual is described in more depth. It is therefore understandable that this way of thinking is believed to be the future of homeopathy.  

 

There is also an additional advantage. The selection process of a homeopathic remedy with this method is not influenced by other medicines. This is because, whilst the physical parameters are influenced by pharmaceutical substances, the fundamental beliefs and principles of the individual remain constant and unchanged. This makes homeopathy an important complementary therapeutic method and opens new horizons in the treatment of disease.

 

Cognitive Homeopathy is a new field of homeopathy which has been developing rapidly in recent years. It is already being taught officially, since 1995, as a fundamental methodology in the People’s Friendship University of Moscow. As a methodology it is absolutely indispensable to those who want to improve their mental state.

 

Unfortunately however, not all homeopaths are informed about this methodology and few are in a position to apply it. For this reason, if you wish to follow this type of homeopathy, it is advisable to ascertain that your homeopath has been trained in cognitive homeopathy.

 

Source:   www.georgeloukas.info