The Concept of Mind and Treatment of Mental Diseases in Homoeopathy

Abstract

Homeopathy treats the patient as a whole in mental and physical plane together based on symptom similarity. Homoeopathy rejects mind-body duality. According to Homoeopathic principles, mind and body are dynamically interconnected. Mental diseases are not separate from so called physical diseases. The classical texts of Homoeopathy have given detailed description of importance of mental symptoms in prescribing suitable similar medicine as well as case taking of mentally ill patients; and classification and treatment of mental diseases. According to Homoeopathic principles- all chronic diseases, if studied carefully, will show decided and characteristic mental symptoms long before physical changes can be discovered in the body by any laboratory test now known. The symptoms of mind including patient’s subjective feelings, emotions, thought, sensations and reactions to various life stressors reflect the deepest aspect of the patient. These symptoms are considered characteristic symptom of the patient as they reflect the deepest aspect of the patient. Thus, in Homoeopathic prescribing, the symptoms of mind take precedence over general and local symptoms and help in individualization of the case. When these “symptoms of mind” are correctly selected and matched according to the principles of Homoeopathy, they can lead to a right selection of Homoeopathic medicine, the “similimum” and lasting cure.