Unicism
The term unicism refers to an interpretation of homeopathy in which only one remedy is used at a given time, that which, according to the law of similarity, addresses the totality or at least the majority of the symptoms. The objective is to obtain the "simillimum", that is , that remedy which is always able to cure any symptom that a patient might have.
No other medicine is ever given to the patient, neither of a symptomatic or detoxifying nature, because it might conceal or confuse details of the clinical picture. A careful and patient analysis of the subject's reactions to the prescribed remedy and any possible deterioration, allows the doctor to identify how often the remedy must be taken, perhaps at different dilutions or whether it must be changed.
This is the most fundamentalist and rigid interpretation of Hahnemann's theories. The times necessary for recovery are often quite long and it's extremely difficult for a doctor to choose the appropriate remedy, especially in the beginning when the he doesn't yet know the patient well. What's more, this approach often doesn't take into consideration the rhythm and needs of modern life and, by totally refusing to treat the symptoms or identify the causes, it results in an interpretation that is surely even more restricted than Hahnemann's own . As he stated, if a patient comes to you with a splinter in his eye, first take out the splinter and then cure the wounded eye.
Complexism
This type of homeopathic therapy was mostly developed in Germany and advocates the prescription of associations of several homeopathic remedies that are usually of low dilutions. Due to their action synergy, these substances have an effect on the symptoms as well as upon the diseased organs.
This homeopathic concept perhaps comes closest to that of traditional medicine. In this method, the action on the symptoms is coupled with a detoxifying effect on the organs and apparatuses that could be the cause of the disease.
This is surely a very useful technique at the onset of a disease, in acute forms, in cases where self-medication is used and for telephone recommendations, but only in rare instances can it solve chronic illnesses.
Pluralism
This is perhaps the most popular form of homeopathy and it is most widely practiced in France. As always, it calls for the search for the appropriate remedy for the single individual, that is a sort of ‘simillimum' suitable for that particular moment and clinical situation. The prescription often also includes low dosage (centesimal) symptomatic remedies that can help to facilitate and speed up the patient's recovery.
While respecting a person's individuality, this method doesn't refuse, but actually utilizes, the diagnosis of diseases in order to aid in re-establishing a patient's balance as well as curing the disease.
Doctors who use this approach often use other medicines along with natural remedies, like phyto-therapeutics, trace elements, etc. They are often able to integrate natural therapeutic methods with conventional therapies thus achieving a connection between the various cure methods that seems to be the most effective answer to today's medical needs.
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