Accolades to Homeopathy through Harmony and Totality Volumes from Dr. R. N. Wahi, New Delhi, India
The Volumes as I Perceive them…
INTRODUCTION
Writing a foreword for the major writings of Dr Ajit Kulkarni is a true honour for me, considering our association for nearly 28 years. The depth of knowledge and insights gained through this longstanding connection adds a special significance to this privilege.
The chapters in the books span across a broad array of subjects. To put it simply, it’s like reaching the rooftop by climbing a flight of stairs. The arrangement of the chapters in the volumes serves as a reminder of the evolution from classroom learning to real-life patient treatment. These volumes are disparate in the sense that they showcase the author’s original and creative work, which is deeply rooted in his actual professional experiences.
I can’t stop myself from sharing my comments over all four volumes although I am supposed to write on Vol IV.
VOLUME I
Integration
When discussing integration, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of its true meaning. The concept of holism must encompass the consideration of the totality of the subject at hand.
This principle of holism finds a perfect embodiment in Sanatan thought.
ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Meaning of the above stanza:
May all sentient beings be at peace, May no one suffer from illness, May all see what is auspicious, May no one suffer.
Om peace, peace, peace.
The essence of the holistic approach lies in its recognition and integration of the Mind, Body and Soul, encompassing all aspects of human well-being. Hahnemann’s profound insight, particularly in § 9 of the Organon, shed unparalleled light on the state of health and must be upheld in its true form to treat the real sickness of the individual.
Integration should not be misconstrued as the way it might be influenced by a powerful pharmaceutical lobby, wherein multiple medicines are mixed. Integration, in this context, refers to comprehending the complete personality profile of an individual by amalgamating various elements such as Psychology, Philosophy, Life style, Genetics and the surrounding Environment (both societal and familial). The subsequent treatment is then tailored based on the principle of individualization, taking into account the unique characteristics and needs of a person.
Within this context, the narrative of Dr Ajit Kulkarni, an esteemed academician, gains tremendous significance. It undoubtedly contributes to the broader understanding and application of holistic principles in the pursuit of genuine health and wellness.
The crucial place of Homeopathy
Dr Ajit eloquently emphasizes that homeopathy holds a crucial place within the medical system and advocates for its inclusion in the public health framework. He aims to enlighten readers about the interconnectedness of various medical disciplines, highlighting the significance of holism, concepts of health, disease and cure, as well as physiological, pathological and clinical correlations and the curative principle of the Law of Similars.
Furthermore, Dr Ajit talks on Yoga, Ayurveda and Homeopathy and underscores the theme of integration, displaying the interconnectedness and complementary nature of these medical faculties.
Dr James Krauss’s assertion, “The era of scientific medical experimentation begins with Hahnemann and nobody else,” quoted in volume I, may indeed appear exuberant at first glance, but it serves to emphasize the unparalleled and revolutionary impact of Hahnemann’s contributions to the medical field. It is true that Hahnemann’s method of drug proving on healthy human beings laid the foundation for a new era in scientific medical research and practice.
The author references Dr Pulford’s views on surgery, which brings to mind the comment of my teacher, Dr P. Sharma, an orthopaedic surgeon, “Surgery is the failure of medicine.” It is unfortunate to observe the overuse and abuse of surgical interventions, which ideally should be considered as a last resort when other medical treatments have proven insufficient.
In the chapter “Homeopathy Ahead,” the author confronts the challenges posed by the powerful pharmaceutical lobbies that orchestrate various assaults on homeopathy due to its growing popularity. These lobbies often have vested interests in promoting conventional medicine and may perceive homeopathy as a competitor or threat to their market dominance.
‘Perceiving life processes… through the holistic lens of homoeopathy’, is an important chapter, as it integrates several concepts from modalities of holism. In the study of ‘Dispositions’, Dr Kulkarni has elaborated on various examples of patient’s verbal language, representing the dispositions and the related rubrics. Indeed, the study of personality as elucidated in this chapter will prove to be of immense practical value for homeopathic practitioners.
The chapter on ‘Mind and Above’ gives a scientific explanation of the effect of emotional stress on the body in different functions. The chapter on ‘Study of Emotions’, is a true gem as it accomplishes the unprecedented task of adding new rubrics to the vast and unimplored world of emotions. The author’s exploration of additional emotions in future volumes will undoubtedly be warmly welcomed by the readers.
The author puts forth a hands-on approach to understanding Miasms, through the tabular form, which explains the progress of the disease and this chart helps in perceiving the evolutionary process under the miasmatic influence.
In the process of case taking, the exploration of ‘Interpersonal relationship’ emerges as an indispensable technique, offering a deep understanding of the patient’s individuality and the intricacies of miasmatic influence. This chapter stands as a treasure trove of essential circumspection.
VOLUME II
Prescribing Methods
Dr Ajit Kulkarni’s chapter on ‘Objective Analysis: Twenty Points of Data Processing, A Blue Print to Use Homoeopathic Philosophy and Organon into Clinical Practice’ stands as a significant scientific contribution. In a medical landscape where evidence-based medicine is emphasized both in mainstream and homeopathic research, this work bridges the gap and presents a blueprint for integrating homeopathic philosophy and Organon into clinical practice systematically and objectively. Evidence-based medicine is a crucial aspect of medicine, but Dr B. M. Hegde’s book, ‘What Doctors Don’t Get to Study in Medical Schools,’ intriguingly highlights the challenges and limitations of solely relying on evidence in medical practice. Dr Hegde coins the term “Evidence-Burdened Medicine,” drawing attention to the complexities of clinical decision-making and the need to consider a broader perspective that incorporates patient values, individualized treatments and philosophical underpinnings.
The author’s contribution of four modules for ‘Acute Prescribing’ serves as a guiding light for every homeopath to enable him to navigate through challenging situations in dealing with acute cases. The learned author has provided several clinical tips when the patients are already on regular allopathic medications.
The second volume features a practical chapter authored by Dr Alexander Martiushev, which deals with the ‘Tool of defence mechanisms’ for data processing. This chapter offers valuable insights that can significantly aid in the psychoanalysis of patients from a homeopathic standpoint. A homeopath can gain a deeper comprehension of the patient’s mental and emotional state and Dr Martiushev’s contribution undoubtedly enhances the integration of psychoanalysis with homeopathy, making this volume an indispensable resource for homeopaths seeking holistic and personalized care to his patients.
Tool of Materia medica
Dr Ajit Kulkarni, as the co-author of ‘Absolute Materia Medica,’ and his knowledge and expertise in this area enable him to offer creative insights into the remedies’ nature and therapeutic potential. Dr Ajit’s contributions extend beyond a mere listing of symptoms, as he explores the essence of remedies, considering their broader implications and interactions with patients.
Dr Ajit provides his insights of ‘Group study of Materia medica’ and ‘Individual remedies’, presenting a valuable source that merits earnest consideration and implementation. Overall, Dr Ajit’s pioneering work in Materia medica exemplifies the continuous evolution and refinement of homeopathic practice, paving the way for more profound and effective healing methodologies.
Indeed, exploring the chapters on the ‘Keynote system of prescribing’ and the ‘Monogram’ from the second volume, along with the ‘Multi- dimensional study of mental rubrics’ from the third volume, exemplifies how Dr Ajit has significantly broadened the concept of homeopathic practice. The chapter ‘Monogram: From multitude to access’, is an important contribution to understanding the core of the remedy. The monogram connects the essentials, delineates the portrait of a remedy in a synthetic manner and makes the study of a remedy comprehensive.
The topic of ‘Drug Relationship’ is indeed often overlooked and the available literature on this subject is relatively short. Dr Ajit sheds light on this important subject through a mighty article, ‘How to study relations in Absolute MM’, where he introduces numerous new terms and thoroughly explains their implications. By doing so, he provides valuable insights into understanding and studying the relationships between different remedies in the second volume. The write-up serves as a thorough guide for homeopaths to study intricacies of remedy relationships, enabling them to make more informed and precise prescribing decisions.
VOLUME III AND IV
The third and fourth volume of the book focusses on ‘Repertory’ and ‘Therapeutics’ ‘Bedside cases’ and ‘Interaction’. The chapters on Repertory deal with pillars such as Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis and Prescribing Totality. The Repertories by Bonninghausen, Boger and Kent are basic and all other repertories are extensions of them. The author has explained the philosophy behind the basic repertories.
‘Multi-dimensional study of mental rubrics’ from the third volume reflects Dr Ajit’s innovative thinking and progressive approach. By examining mental symptoms from diverse perspectives and exploring the intricacies of personality traits and behaviours, he enhances the homeopathic comprehension of mental rubrics, adding depth and subtlety to our understanding. This enriching work elevates the practice of homeopathy to new heights and serves as an invaluable resource for practitioners and students alike. A separate book on ‘Mental rubrics’ from Dr Ajit will be a welcome step.
Dr Ajit raises valid points about the classification systems used in psychiatry, such as DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision). These classification systems can indeed be complex and, at times, may lead to confusion, especially when attempting to establish evidence-based cures for psychiatric conditions. The finer diagnostic nomenclature in these systems can be a matter of contention and there is often a challenge in distinguishing between a fully developed psychiatric condition and the stage preceding it. This ambiguity can make it difficult for practitioners to provide targeted and effective treatments, as early intervention is crucial to managing mental health conditions. Indeed, the homeopathic approach can potentially be beneficial for individuals at various stages of mental health concerns, including the stage that precedes a fully developed psychiatric condition and the actual psychiatric condition itself. Furthermore, a remedy is not given merely on the label of the disease. A similar homoeopathic approach is also relevant for neurological disorders, nay, for any illness.
Dr Ajit’s contribution to three chapters on the ‘Management of Cancer’ is truly commendable and his miasmatic assessment of cancer adds a unique and valuable dimension to the understanding of the complex disease. Homeopaths will undoubtedly benefit significantly from these chapters, as they provide essential insights and guidance in the management of cancer cases.
In ‘Paediatric prescribing’, Dr Ajit has explained many types of cries and how they help understand the cause and manage the problem. He has also explained the stressful events experienced by the mother during pregnancy, how one finds consequences in a child and how the mother’s state during pregnancy can be used to find an appropriate homeopathic remedy. The developmental milestone chart is a good reference to assess the progress.
Dr Ajit’s illuminating chapters on Cardiology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Neurology and more, offer a wealth of valuable material to support homeopaths in their clinical practice, be it simple or complex cases. What makes it even more intriguing is the author’s inclusion of illustrative cases that effectively reinforce his points, making the learning experience engaging and practical. These chapters serve as a reliable and wide- ranging resource, empowering homeopaths to approach diverse medical scenarios.
The two ‘Interviews’ with the learned author, along with his insightful ‘Answers to Questions,’ vividly portray his resolute dedication and passion towards homeopathic science. The author’s commitment goes beyond mere knowledge and extends to a genuine desire to advance and promote the principles of homeopathy.
Appeal
Certainly, these volumes serve as a testament to the author’s visionary approach to amalgamating various crucial elements to empower homeopaths and enrich their practice. By seamlessly integrating reflective thinking, clinical co-relation and drawing upon the vast literature and clinical experience, the author provides a unique resource that is indispensable for every homeopath. The integration of extensive literature in these volumes ensures that homeopaths have access to a wealth of knowledge, enabling them to make well-informed decisions in their practice.
These volumes offer immense value not only to BHMS students, interns and MD students but also to the entire profession, serving as standard homeopathic literature. Beyond revisiting homeopathic philosophy, they provide direct guidance from fundamental principles to their practical application in clinical practice.
As an ardent advocate for the advancement of homeopathy, I sincerely appeal to the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) to recognize Dr Ajit Kulkarni’s contributions to the field and take proactive steps to incorporate his writings into the curriculum. I am confident that by acknowledging and incorporating his work, we can propel homeopathy to new heights, benefiting countless patients and enriching the overall healthcare landscape.
In writing this foreword at my 82 years, I appeal that these writings inspire future generations to embrace a holistic and personalized approach to homeopathic treatment, ushering in an era of profound transformation and well-being for all.
Dr R.N. Wahi
Senior homeopathic physician Chairman, Organizing Committee, South Delhi Homeopathic Association, New Delhi