Why homeopaths ask so many questions?

The idea of today’s blog emerged from the mail of one of my new patients. As the routine procedure of online consultation, I had mailed Mr. XYZ the big questionnaire that I send to my patients for filling up in details. Weary about his trouble, Mr. XYZ mailed me the next day—“Dear Doctor, I am suffering from hemorrhoids chronically. I can understand if you ask me details about my bowel habit but felt little weird when you asked me about my emotional disposition. Do you think doctor that being a little reserved kind of person that I am, affects my bowels and that’s why I am suffering from hemorrhoids?”

Well, good question indeed! Actually his remedy lies in the question that he asked me here. Anyway, why really homeopaths ask so many questions? Are they really necessary? Many people however know that history taking is one of the most important steps to reach correct homeopathic remedy. But why is the question. So let’s see-

(1) History of physical, mental, and emotional health of the patient decides the patient’s constitution. The constitution of the patient is the sole way to reach to correct remedy in homeopathy. The reason is as below:

· Homeopathy is an individualistic science and it is this characteristic that gives upper edge to homeopathy. What is individualization? It is the method by which every person is segregated from the other as far as his constitution is concerned. It means that if two people are suffering from piles, the remedy for both may not be the same. It will be decided depending upon the symptoms of hemorrhoids of both patients and their mental and emotional quotients.

· However, in homeopathic philosophy, it has been stressed that direct questions pointing to the answers should be avoided while taking history of the patient. This may dilute the crux of the case. But in day to day practice, certain direct questions are asked by some homeopaths in an attempt to find exact simillimum. And unless this simillimum is found, it is impossible to impart perfect cure to the patient.

(2) Homeopathy is definitely not an easy science. The artistic expression of homeopathy is the most tedious job homeopathic physicians need to do. We all know that many diseases are psychosomatic. It means that they emerge due to psychological, mental and/or emotional disharmony. They are seen on physical plane but their cause lies solely on mental plane. This is the time when merely treating the physical expression of the disease will not suffice. One has to find the exact root cause and then treat it accordingly. And unless the patient describes his mental and/or emotional history, it is not possible to reach to correct remedy.

But if you think asking too many questions bores the patient, it is not true in almost all cases. It is always desire of a man or woman to speak about self. Everyone wants a good listening ear. And therefore a homeopath serves as the most needed listening ear to the patients. Also speaking out about self suffering, positivities and negativities of life is a great catharsis for most patients. There are patients of mine who while on treatment just come to meet me to tell something fascinating or saddening story that happened to them. Well, that is certainly not boring to me but I call it EEE (Extremely Educating Experience). In short, history taking is good for doctor as well as patient, as through this history, homeopath can perceive the essence of his patient and can give him perfect treatment that he deserves!