ADVANCED HOMEOPATHIC WORKSHOP WITH DR AJIT KULKARNI, INDIA

10-18 SEPTEMBER, 2024

Review by Guy Tydor, RCHom, Head of Remedy College for Classical Homeopathy, Israel

In early September, students from Remedy College-including Ronen Levy, RC Hom, a senior and esteemed teacher and myself-set out for Satara and Pune, Maharashtra, India to attend the long-awaited advanced homeopathy workshop led by the renowned Dr Ajit Kulkarni.

The workshop was split into two parts. The first half took place in Satara, where we spent four intensive days practicing homeopathy under Dr Kulkarni’s expert guidance. Each day consisted of 10 to 12 hours of focused study and practical application. Afterwards, we moved on to Pune for the second half of the workshop, which followed the same rigorous schedule: another four days of almost 10 hours of training per day.

Dr Kulkarni is known for his Hahnemannian approach, blending science with spirituality. His teachings explore not only the physical and psychological aspects of homeopathy but also the deeper, spiritual dimensions. Throughout the workshop, participants were immersed in this unique combination of art and science, embodying the spirit of homeopathy as envisioned by Dr Hahnemann. This experience reinforced the idea of homeopathy as both a medical science and an expression of the powerful forces of Mother Nature.

HOW IT WENT?

The workshop was structured into two sessions each day. Mornings were spent in the well-equipped halls of local hotels, while the evenings were dedicated to hands-on training at Dr Kulkarni’s private clinics.

During the morning sessions, we primarily worked with chronic cases, including both new and follow-up patients. In the evening sessions, the focus shifted to acute cases. After each case, Dr Kulkarni provided his insightful differential diagnosis (DD) of remedies, offering detailed, rational explanations behind his selections. His in-depth insights into each case greatly enriched our understanding and application of homeopathic principles.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

Organizing a workshop for Israeli students in the heart of magnificent, far-off India was no small feat-it was a bold, even crazy idea. Our country is currently going through turbulent times and frequent flight cancellations made the journey long and exhausting. Yet, as the head of Remedy College, which represents the most Hahnemannian school of homeopathy in Israel, I felt a deep obligation to persevere. After all, Dr Ajit Kulkarni, a homeopath I’ve been long associated with, is the most revered Hahnemannian classical homeopath of our time.

Throughout the workshop, Dr Kulkarni applied a classical and synthetic approach to every case. He stressed the importance of what he calls “A2”- accurate and adequate data-as the cornerstone of structured analysis and interactive group discussions. It was fascinating to observe how the participants engaged in the process and how Dr Kulkarni skillfully guided them toward the final diagnosis, never straying from the foundational principles of Homeopathy. The principle of “totality of symptoms,” the most mentioned one in the “Organon of Medicine”, a cornerstone of homeopathy’s pure holism, was central to every case discussion. Dr Kulkarni made it clear that preserving this holistic understanding is essential and warned against falling into the trap of becoming one-sided homeopathic practitioners. His emphasis on this balance was a critical takeaway for all of us.

MIASMS

In each case, Dr Kulkarni analyzed the patient’s miasmatic state and stage. He utilized his detailed “Miasms chart,” which is published in his work “Harmony in Totality Vol. I”. This chart provided a clear framework for examining the different aspects and modes of action of remedies and how they correspond to the patients’ conditions.

The true value of this chart became especially evident during our discussions of both acute and chronic cases. Dr Kulkarni’s systematic categorization of miasms, based on factors such as evolution, pattern, pace, and pathology, was a profound lesson for all participants. This approach offered a deeper understanding of the miasmatic foundations of each case, enhancing our ability to tailor treatments accordingly.

TWENTY POINTS

Dr Kulkarni’s masterful approach to case analysis, encapsulated in his “20 Points Recipe,” offers a comprehensive view of every case. This well-structured framework ensures that all relevant aspects are addressed, reinforcing the holistic perspective so essential in homeopathic holistic thinking. During the workshop, we relied on this document to analyze various cases-chronic, acute and miasmatic alike. It is, in my opinion, one of the most effective methods to truly understand the natural manifestation of a patient as a whole phenomenon.

I enumerate here the twenty points which Ajit offers – 1. Nature of disease 2. Phase of the Disease 3. Affinity 4. Type of Pathology 5. State of pathology 6. Pattern of response 7. Pace of disease 8. Expressions 9. Miasmatic diagnosis 10. Sensitivity 11. Susceptibility 12. Suppression 13. General vitality 14. Monogram 15. Dispositions 16. Body language 17. Defense mechanisms 18. Themes, if any 19. Repertorization 20. Management.

In Dr Kulkarni’s methodology, mental symptoms play a significant role, but he also cautions us not to fall into this “min(d)field.” His clear instructions guide us to view the case as it is and not to subjugate the case to our personal, colourful and vivid views. This discipline of seeing the case objectively is key to effective homeopathic practice, and Dr Kulkarni’s detailed explanations helped us maintain this focus throughout.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Dr Kulkarni’s Absolute Materia Medica is an invaluable resource for differential diagnosis (DD). After gathering data through a skillful interview process and analyzing it using his 20 Points document, Dr Kulkarni engages the participants in selecting the appropriate remedy. Several repertorizations are conducted, displayed on the screen and then comes the crucial DD.

As a holistic physician deeply rooted in the teachings of Hahnemann, Immanuel Kant, and David Hume, Dr Kulkarni constantly reminds homeopaths to step back and consider the broader picture. The first repertorization filter is only the tip of the iceberg. A homeopath must now dive deeper, examining every remedy in the Materia Medica and matching it to the patient’s condition. Dr Kulkarni emphasizes that the essential search to define in every case is: “What is the true sickness of the patient?”

Dr Kulkarni’s expertise in remedy differentiation is remarkable, and he urges us to make it a central practice. He refers to this as “Remedy Relations” (RR), drawing upon the classical teachings of Boenninghausen, Farrington, and Boger. He instructed us to carefully explore the relationships between remedies, including Trios, Complementaries, Analogues, Cycles, Intercurrents, Counterparts, etc.

These recognizable patterns are essential tools that Dr Kulkarni guided us through, broadening our understanding of the intricate connections within homeopathic remedies.

CONCLUSION

This workshop was, by far, the most comprehensive and enriching experience I’ve had in my 25 years of clinical practice and experience of attending several national and international seminars. Dr Ajit Kulkarni and his son, Dr Nikhil Kulkarni, meticulously crafted the program with precision and care. As the head of Remedy College, I couldn’t recommend a better learning experience. The depth of discussions, the case analyses, exploration of both common and rare remedies, rubric studies and more made this workshop exceptional.

Even two weeks later, my students remain deeply enthusiastic and inspired by the content. Ronen Levy did an outstanding job of translating, ensuring a seamless and receptive atmosphere, allowing everyone to grasp the complex and profound concepts presented.

This seminar has already become a ‘big talk’ within Israel’s homeopathic community and I truly believe every homeopath should attend this workshop multiple times throughout his career. Without question, we will make this an annual tradition at Remedy College.

Guy Tydor, RCHom, Israel