Lily pad

Based on ability to remember materia medica and the belief that this will guide to the correct remedy.

Usually starts out listening to patient until a remedy comes to mind and then the line of questioning shifts from listening dispassionately to comparative materia medica.

When enough symptoms have confirmed the remedy in the prescriber's mind, they stop. If symptoms don't confirm then they head to the repertory for more possibilities or bounce around in the materia medica for more choices. When that doesn't work or books aren't available they ask more questions usually in the generals category. A response there usually leads to hopping around to more new remedies to check for a possible match.

Pros

  • Quickly guides to a set of remedies that will have an effect.
  • Impressive demonstration of materia medica knowledge.

Cons

  • Leads patient to answers because line of questioning uses yes and no responses.
  • Forces patient into remedy cubbyhole.
  • Reinforces peculiar symptoms and tends to favor small remedy use.

Example:

Patient:I have this pain in my back.

Homeopath:Are you restless? (Rhus tox)

P: Not really, just when I have the pain.

H: I see, so you move around a lot?

P: Not really, only when it hurts.

H: So, you have pain and you have extreme restlessness?

P: Well, I have to move.

H: OK. What about milk? Do you desire milk?

P: Well, I like milk.

H: Good. And do you get drowsy after you eat?

P: After a big meal I like to lay down, yes.

 

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