Before delving into the utilization of external applications and their impact on localized ailments, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of local maladies. Local maladies, also referred to as local diseases, manifest as one-sided afflictions, wherein alterations and afflictions emerge on the external surfaces of the body. While categorized as local, these maladies involve participation from other bodily regions in the progression of the ailment. The interconnectedness of all bodily components underscores that symptoms do not arise independently in isolation.
Any disruption in one area can trigger changes elsewhere in the body, emphasizing the holistic reaction of the organism to illness. Consequently, local diseases, despite their apparent localization, possess broader systemic implications. They can originate from either external or internal factors. Allopathic practitioners typically perceive local maladies as isolated issues and attempt to alleviate them through the application of corrosive or desiccative external treatments.
However, this approach often exacerbates the condition rather than resolving it. By solely addressing the external symptoms, the underlying cause remains unaddressed, rendering the identification of internal distress challenging. The elimination of external symptoms masks the true extent of the ailment, complicating the assessment of recovery.
In instances where external symptoms are alleviated through ointments or similar remedies, discerning whether genuine healing has occurred becomes arduous, as the outward manifestations are merely suppressed. The vital force, responsible for manifesting local symptoms, utilizes them as indicators of deeper miasmatic diseases.
While the presence of skin-related symptoms may provide a temporary shield for internal organs, the vital force lacks inherent capability to eradicate miasmatic diseases without intervention from homeopathic remedies. Consequently, the ailment progresses internally despite superficial alleviation of external manifestations.
The traditional physicians, often referred to as allopathic physicians, employed harsh techniques such as issues and setons to continually drain material discharges from external ailments, purportedly in accordance with natural processes. They staunchly adhered to the concept of materia peccans, believing in the necessity of expelling harmful substances. However, such practices seldom resulted in true healing.
Instead, the prolonged application of aggressive methods like issues and setons would progressively weaken the patient (§ 201-202). When these physicians sought to eradicate local symptoms through forceful means, nature countered by exacerbating the internal disease. Actions such as applying ointments to psoric eruptions, cauterizing chancres, or surgically removing condylomata inadvertently exacerbated internal miasmatic diseases. These procedures are considered primary contributors to numerous chronic diseases prevalent today (§ 203).
According to Master Hahnemann, external applications are generally prohibited in homeopathy, except under specific circumstances outlined in the 6th edition of the ‘Organon of Medicine,’ from Section 284 to Section 285.
§284: Aside from the tongue, mouth, and stomach, which are commonly affected by orally administered medicines, the nose and respiratory organs can also absorb the action of medicinal fluids through olfaction and inhalation. Additionally, the entire skin, covered with epidermis, is receptive to medicinal solutions, particularly when coupled with concurrent internal administration.
§285: Under certain conditions, the physician may promote the healing of a longstanding ailment by applying externally, and rubbing into the back, arms, and extremities, the same medicine administered internally that has demonstrated curative effects. However, care must be taken to avoid areas prone to pain, spasms, or skin eruptions.
