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What is
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What is Homeopathy? -- Continued
Case taking is a diagnostic tool unique to Homeopathy. The first consultation with a new patient, which generally takes from one and a half hours to two hours, is called case taking. Through this case taking process the Homeopathic Doctor gives the patient freedom to express his or her symptoms without disturbing the flow of information. Promptings at this point in the case taking will only be encouragements to say more and to ask what else is relevant. In this way, the patient identifies the problems for the doctor within his or her own frame of reference. This is extremely valuable information for the Homeopathic Doctor as prescribing a remedy is based on the unique symptoms as opposed to the common symptoms of illness. For example, a Homeopathic Doctor may see 12 patients with arthritis in a two-week period. It is very likely that each of those patients will receive different remedies. Although all the patients will have in common the typical symptoms of arthritis -- stiff and painful joints, reduced mobility in affected joints, etc. -- the prescribing of homeopathic remedies will be based on the unique symptoms of the illness. One patient may have arthritis in the small joints of the left digits, and her pain is worse on waking, and she feels better throughout the day with use. Another patient with arthritis in the left hip joint and affecting the knees and ankles, feels fine on waking but gets progressively worse throughout the day. A third patient has an arthritic right ankle joint, which buckles with extended use and feels better with hot compresses. Another patient may have developed arthritis shortly after the death of his wife. Homeopathic Doctors will use these unique symptoms, and many more, to gauge the appropriate remedy for each particular patient. The mental state of a patient is of critical importance for a homeopathic assessment. While these examples are simplistic, they do outline the general approach to prescribing and working with patients. Case taking, then becomes for the patients, a process of awareness and exploration of their own unique experiences. Homeopathic patients become partners with their Homeopathic Doctors in noting progress and identifying areas that need work. A Homeopathic Doctor must be an excellent listener and observer to effectively treat his or her patients. In the case taking process, once the patient has provided all the information in his or her own words, the Homeopathic Doctor will address the myriad of areas where information is required: medical, personal as well as family history, in the more traditional sense. In this way, the homeopathic assessment and diagnosis takes place. A powerful relationship develops between patient and doctor and much healing takes place within the context of this caring relationship.
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