7 Cardinal Principles Of Homeopathy

Similar to the 7 wonders of the world, homoeopathy encompasses 7 Cardinal Principles that serve as its guiding framework, elucidating the entirety of this field. Just as every scientific theory is governed by specific laws and principles, science strives to comprehend the governing principles of nature.

The proficiency in practicing any science hinges on one’s comprehension of these laws and the skillful application of them in everyday life. Homoeopathy is no exception, adhering strictly to certain laws and doctrines.

Stuart Close aptly describes homoeopathy as “a scientific system, made up of certain facts, laws, rules, and methods or processes, each of which is an integral part of the whole.” These laws are explicitly outlined in the “Organon of Medicine,” with the fundamental principles remaining unchanged despite the publication of six editions so far.

LIST OF 7 CARDINAL PRINCIPLES

1. LAW OF SIMILIA
2. LAW OF SIMPLEX
3. LAW OF MINIMUM DOSE
4. DOCTRINE OF DRUG PROVING
5. DOCTRINE OF DRUG DYNAMIZATION
6. DOCTRINE OF CHRONIC DISEASES
7. DOCTRINE OF VITAL FORCE

Certainly, let’s delve into each of the Cardinal Principles of homoeopathy:

1. Law of Similia: The foundational principle of homeopathy, the Law of Similia, stems from the Greek words “homeos” (similar) and “pathos” (suffering). Homeopathy, or the therapeutic application of symptom similarity, is reflected in the equation: HOMEOPATHY = HOMEOS [SIMILAR] + PATHOS [SUFFERING]. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians, Hippocrates, and Stahl were familiar with this law. H.A. Roberts notes its ancient origin, with Aristotle and Hippocrates recognizing and applying it. Hahnemann, the master of homeopathy, practically made this method universal, modifying “nature’s law” into “similia similibus curentur.”
2. Law of Simplex: Homeopathy strongly advocates monopharmacy—prescribing a single, simple remedy at a time. This is based on the construction of the homeopathic materia medica through healthy human drug proving. Each drug substance is proven individually, and the remedy is selected by comparing the patient’s picture with the most suitable drug picture. The “law of simplex” emphasizes the use of a single drug substance, avoiding confusion and potential complications from mixing remedies.
3. Law of Minimum Dose: The minimum dose in homeopathy is defined as the one that elicits a curative reaction in the vital force without causing harm to the body. Initially, Hahnemann used larger doses, but he later advocated for the smallest possible doses, aligning with the pharmacological Arndt-Schultz’s Physiological Law. The quantity of the drug required is believed to be in reverse ratio to the similarity between the patient’s symptoms and the drug symptoms.Advantages of the minimum dose include avoiding unwanted medicinal aggravation, preventing organic damage, protecting against drug addiction and side effects, and aligning with the principles of qualitative and quantitative actions of substances.
4. Doctrine of Drug Proving: Hahnemann, in his early practice, highlighted the careless administration of medicines in the 18th century. To ensure precision, only well-proven medicines, tested on healthy individuals of various demographics, are used in homeopathy. The process of proving drugs on humans is defined as observing, compiling, and recording their sick-making or sick-curing properties.Human drug proving is favored over animal drug proving due to the intellectual superiority of humans, the ability to express subjective and mental symptoms accurately, and the qualitative study of taste and smell. Proving drugs on sick individuals is discouraged to avoid neutralizing curative effects and producing mixed symptoms.
5. Doctrine of Drug Dynamization: Introduced in the 5th edition of Organon in 1833, the doctrine of drug dynamization involves the potentization processes of trituration for insoluble substances and succussion for soluble substances. Dynamization reduces the quantitative existence of medicine, brings out latent medicinal properties, and allows for a deeper, longer, and wider action. The process aligns with the dynamic nature of the vital force and makes the “law of minimum dose” practical.
6. Doctrine of Chronic Diseases: First introduced in the 4th edition of Organon in 1829, the theory of chronic diseases identifies miasms—Psora, Syphilis, and Sycosis—as the fundamental causes. Chronic diseases were explored in Hahnemann’s revolutionary work, “The Chronic Diseases.” Psora, considered the oldest and most fundamental miasm, is responsible for the majority of diseases. Dynamic homeopathic remedies are deemed necessary for curing chronic diseases.
7. Doctrine of Vital Force: Introduced in the 5th edition of Organon in 1833, the doctrine of vital force posits the existence of an animating life force called the “Vital Force.” Diseases result from the derangement of this dynamic force by disease-producing powers or miasms. The doctrine, along with the theory of chronic diseases, places homeopathy in holistic medicine. The equilibrium between the body and the vital force determines health and disease.