[H] Hering's Law 1
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:24 pm
Dear Homeolist,
If one wishes to know the depth of a subject it is always helpful to
work backwards through the information until one uncovers its roots. There
is often insight in the way all things in nature and human knowledge
develop. In a way, this also relates to the subject being discussed, that
is, the direction of cure. The origin of the direction of cure in
Homoeopathy is found in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases and various passages
in the Introduction of the Organon. These observations were based on the
clinical application of Homeopathic remedies and the results they produce
in the clinic. There first clear rendition of the principles enshrined in
the direction of cure are found in Hahnemann's wittings. Vide The Chronic
Diseases.
"The latest symptoms that have been added to a chronic disease which
has been left to itself (and thus has not been aggravated by medical
mismanagement) are always the first to yield in an antipsoric treatment;
but the oldest ailments and those which have been most constant and
unchanged, among which are the constant local ailments, are the last to
give way; and this is only effected, when all the remaining disorders have
disappeared and the health has been to all other respects almost totally
restored."
The Chronic Diseases Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homœopathic Cure;
S. Hahnemann (Theoretical Part), Psora, page 230.
This is the first rendition of the direction of cure. In the Chronic
Diseases Hahnemann spoke of how many cases of chronic diseases ended with
the return of a eruption or skin lesion that proceeded the internal
symptoms. This was an integral part of the development of the psora
doctrine. The Founder’s original version of the reversal of the
developmental order of the symptoms contains several points and exceptions
that were not included in most rendition of the direction of cure. First of
all, suppressions and medical mismanagement may disrupt the natural order
of the reversal of symptoms. Secondly, he observes that certain old
protracted conditions and constant local ailments may be the last to be
removed regardless of the timeline of the disease state. These ailments
will only be relieved when the state of health and vitality offers
sufficient resources to remove these resistant pathologies.
This reversal of the chronological order of the symptoms and their
exceptions are all part of the original hypothesis. Therefore, one can see
that the direction of cure related to the reversal of symptoms does not
show itself in every case because of the above stated circumstances. This
neutralizes the augment that says "but it doesn't happen ALL the time".
Hahnemann never said it did but it does happen many times and that is what
is important and he pointed out the exceptions to the rules.
Constantine Hering was a keen student of Samuel Hahnemann who felt it
was his duty to clarify, and if possible, enhance the teachings of the
Founder. In his Preface to the 1845 American edition of The Chronic
Diseases, Hering reviews many important subjects raised by Hahnemann. This
includes a dissertation on the order symptoms are removed under the
influence of homœopathic remedies. One of the first topics Hering takes up
is the direction of healing and the role of skin eruptions in the cure of
acute as well as chronic diseases. Hering wrote:
"Although it matters little what opinions the respective disciples of
Hahnemann hold relatively to the theory of psora, I will, nevertheless,
communicate a short extract from my essay, “Guide to the Progressive
Development of Homœopathy.”
As acute diseases terminate in an eruption upon the skin, which
divides, dries up, and then passes off, so it is with many chronic
diseases. All diseases diminish in intensity, improve, and are cured by the
internal organism freeing itself from them little by little; the internal
disease approaches more and more to the external tissues, until it finally
arrives at the skin."
The Chronic Diseases; S. Hahnemann (Hering’s Preface to the 1845 American
edition translated by Hempel), page 7.
I do not have the time or energy to bring up every angle of this article
although I have done so in my coming textbooks on Homoeopathy. My role is
also not to argue for and against these ideas with any individual. My role
is only to bring up some original sources so individuals can study the
hypothesis for themselves and then observe these factors in the clinic over
a period of years. Then they can make up there minds for themselves. If one
wants to review Hering's original thesis on the subject of the direction of
cure they should refer to the his discourse in the 1845 American edition of
the Chronic Diseases. This is grand, insightful discussion of many
phenomena witnessed during the process of homeopathic cure. Hering
discusses a number of subjects related to the direction of cure that include:
1. Pains are removed from the human organism from above to below.
2. The symptoms of disease are relieved from within to without.
3. Ill health improves in the most important systems and organs first.
4. Symptoms are removed in the reverse order of their original development.
5. The symptoms are relieved in the important affected organs first
followed by the lesser afflicted parts and superficial regions.
6. The amelioration of the symptoms of the intellectual and emotional
spheres, and an improvement in the sense of well-being and vitality, are
signs that healing is taking
7. The symptoms of decline are the exact opposite of the signs associated
with the direction of cure.
Of these observations Hering wrote:
"Even the superficial observer will not fail in recognizing this law of
order."
The above seven factors are all interrelated and represent different
facets of one total phenomenon. It is not easy to say where one maxim ends
and another begins because they all find their source in the unity of the
vital force. Where one maxim is not totally applicable another maxim may
take its place. It is difficult to tell whether a patient is improving or
declining from one factor. To form a proper prognosis it must be supported
by several confirmatory symptoms. Perhaps one of the symptoms appears to be
moving downward but the others are moving inward toward the more important
organs while the mental state and the vitality are declining. This would
cast great doubt on the idea that the patient is getting better. It is the
totality of the symptoms that demonstrate whether or not healing is
actually taking place.
The practitioner must assess all the symptoms associated with the
direction of cure as a whole and follow the majority of the characteristic
signs. Nothing is absolute because everything is relative. One must also be
aware of the exceptions to the rules and their sources. Such a deep subject
as how Nature cures cannot be over simplified nor but in tight little,
rigid boxes. One must approach this information with clear sense, logical
deductions, and clinical experience. Simple, intellectual approval or
disapproval of a theory alone will never really provide any solid facts.
One must do the hard work in the clinic, which takes time and patience.
Then one will see that Hahnemann and Heirng were not fools!
Hahnemann and Hering was not the only early homeopaths before Kent to
discuss there observations. Adolph Lippe (1812-1888), a contemporary of
Hering, was quite aware of the importance of the direction of cure. He had
a great influence on James Kent and the following generation of
practitioners. In a homœopathic journal called The Organon Adolph offered
some clinical reflections on a thorny case history. Lippe wrote:
"We propose to relate here a case in which some of the strict rules
for proper application of our Law of cure were inadvertently violated, and
how the discovery of this mistake led to a stricter application of them,
with the usual good results which must necessarily follow the strictest
homeopathic practice. "
The Organon; A. Lippe (Volume I), Clinical Reflections, page 31.
In this document Lippe speaks of a case where he gave a remedy that
removed an external symptom of the foot (a bunion) and drove the symptoms
deeper into the upper internal organs of the body. This negative mutation
of the symptoms was fully reversed by the application of the correct remedy
which brought back \and then cured the suppressed external symptoms. This
case taught Lippe a great lesson about the direction cure. As it is said,
"seeing is believing" but one must have their eyes open! Lippe wrote:
"If the symptoms of the patient being on the extremities, and if they
improve, but symptoms appear in the internal organs, then it becomes
necessary to be guided by them in the prompt change of the remedy: If the
reverse occurs, no remedy should be administered. If the symptoms descend
we may safely wait and give no medicine, but if they ascend every progress
upward show us that we have not yet conquered the disorder and reminds us
of the necessity of re-examining the sick and choose the more similar
remedy. In the case related the symptoms left the internal organs, went to
the extremities and descended; it was therefore wrong to interfere with the
beneficial action of the former remedy."
The Organon; A. Lippe (Volume I), Clinical Reflections, page 31.
I have also seen similar things happen. These are important signs
related to the prognosis that should not be ignored because of hopes and
fears or likes and dislikes. ( Some persons have bitterly criticized Kent
for teaching what they call Hering's so-called Laws of Cure Some have even
gone to the point of saying they only existed in Kent's mind and no where
else. I believe the above quotes should remove these doubts from the
discussion. Kent was only following the lead of Hahnemann, Hering and Lippe
in investigating the direction of cure. He was not the first person to use
the word "law". This word seems to offend some so much they are blinded to
the deeper truths offered by these clinical observations.
Some try to use this material as more ammunition with which to "bash
Kent", which is very popular in some circles. They always try to use Kent
interest in Swedenborg's writings as proof that everything he said and did
is somehow perverted. Some even equate the "laws of cure" with Swedenborg
instead of Hahnemann and Hering. This is indeed, strange. Does putting down
great homeopaths somehow make them feel bigger? In truth, Kent was a great
homeopath who cure 10s of 1000s of people. That is why he was so famous! It
was not for his philosophical views that the crowds came to him! For some
reason, this does not seem to be important to those who think they can only
rise by tearing down others. In truth the use of the terms "law of order"
or the "law of cure" originated with Hering and Lippe NOT Kent!
In truth, Samuel Hahnemann is the Founder of the direction of cure,
Constantine Hering is the Codifier, and James Kent is the Dispenser.
Without Kent’s efforts Hahnemann’s, Hering’s and Lippe's observations may
not have reached the wider homeopathic community. The origins of the
direction of cure are found in the introduction and aphorisms of the
Organon and The Chronic Diseases. Hering collated Hahnemann’s observations
with the reports of experienced practitioners and included them in his
preface to the 1845 American edition of The Chronic Diseases. Kent
transmitted this information in his lectures and taught it to his students
in the clinic. In this manner these teachings were passed through
generations of homeopaths and continues to be a guiding light in the clinic
today.
I will place my experience on the side of the value of Hahnemann's
direction of cure as given by the Founder, collected by Hering, and spread
by Kent. Why? Because I have confirmed the reversal of symptoms many, many
times over the last three decades. For those of use who have seen the old
eruptions return, the old gonorrhea come back, even old chancre-like ulcers
reappear followed by the longer term restoration of health, this is not a
matter of belief or disbelief. To see the mind and vitality transform
before the physical healing starts, the inner vital systems improve before
the external regions and the old symptoms return with he complete cure
confirms several facets of the direction of cure as understood by
Hahnemann, Hering, Lippe and Kent.
Is what we know infallible and perfect? No. Do we completely
understand all of Nature's ways? No. Does that mean we should shy away from
what is known and has clearly been demonstrated in the clinic? NO! Let us
move forward with greater clarity. As far as Saine's article, some of this
information in his article is historically incorrect as the above quotes
show. That "Hering's Law" is not an absolute "law" with no exceptions -
well Hahnemann already made the exceptions quite clear in 1828! Actually it
was Sanie's beloved *Lippe* who first used the words "law of cure" NOT
Kent!!! It is silly to fight over one single word and forget the entire
field of clinical observations that are on offer! Let us forget the outer
shell and get to the essence, which is composed of observations that are
very helpful in the clinic!
To the automaton "nay sayers" I can only say the beauty is in the eyes
of the beholders who have witness this phenomena in the healthy
transformation of suffering patients over the years. The phenomena
associated with the direction of cure has been observed by several
generations of homeopaths over the last 176 years. The need to observe such
phenomena has been passed from Hahnemann to Hering to Lippe to Kent to
persons like yours truly! If you have never seen such things as the
reversal of symptoms, and the like, the time has come to ask YOURSELF
why???? Perhaps, one may be blinded by their own prejudice over simple
words like "law" or their own limited clinical vision and the lack of using
deeply curative remedies? If so, what you are resisting may be just what
the doctor ordered! No one, however, can tell those who have the documented
cases demonstrating the direction of cure that this phenomena simply does
not exist. The proof is found in the clinic!
Similia Minimus
Yours sincerely,
David Little
.
---------------
"It is the life-force which cures diseases because a dead man needs no more
medicines."
Samuel Hahnemann
Visit our website on Hahnemannian Homoeopathy and Cyberspace Homoeopathic
Academy at
http://www.simillimum.com
David Little © 2000
If one wishes to know the depth of a subject it is always helpful to
work backwards through the information until one uncovers its roots. There
is often insight in the way all things in nature and human knowledge
develop. In a way, this also relates to the subject being discussed, that
is, the direction of cure. The origin of the direction of cure in
Homoeopathy is found in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases and various passages
in the Introduction of the Organon. These observations were based on the
clinical application of Homeopathic remedies and the results they produce
in the clinic. There first clear rendition of the principles enshrined in
the direction of cure are found in Hahnemann's wittings. Vide The Chronic
Diseases.
"The latest symptoms that have been added to a chronic disease which
has been left to itself (and thus has not been aggravated by medical
mismanagement) are always the first to yield in an antipsoric treatment;
but the oldest ailments and those which have been most constant and
unchanged, among which are the constant local ailments, are the last to
give way; and this is only effected, when all the remaining disorders have
disappeared and the health has been to all other respects almost totally
restored."
The Chronic Diseases Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homœopathic Cure;
S. Hahnemann (Theoretical Part), Psora, page 230.
This is the first rendition of the direction of cure. In the Chronic
Diseases Hahnemann spoke of how many cases of chronic diseases ended with
the return of a eruption or skin lesion that proceeded the internal
symptoms. This was an integral part of the development of the psora
doctrine. The Founder’s original version of the reversal of the
developmental order of the symptoms contains several points and exceptions
that were not included in most rendition of the direction of cure. First of
all, suppressions and medical mismanagement may disrupt the natural order
of the reversal of symptoms. Secondly, he observes that certain old
protracted conditions and constant local ailments may be the last to be
removed regardless of the timeline of the disease state. These ailments
will only be relieved when the state of health and vitality offers
sufficient resources to remove these resistant pathologies.
This reversal of the chronological order of the symptoms and their
exceptions are all part of the original hypothesis. Therefore, one can see
that the direction of cure related to the reversal of symptoms does not
show itself in every case because of the above stated circumstances. This
neutralizes the augment that says "but it doesn't happen ALL the time".
Hahnemann never said it did but it does happen many times and that is what
is important and he pointed out the exceptions to the rules.
Constantine Hering was a keen student of Samuel Hahnemann who felt it
was his duty to clarify, and if possible, enhance the teachings of the
Founder. In his Preface to the 1845 American edition of The Chronic
Diseases, Hering reviews many important subjects raised by Hahnemann. This
includes a dissertation on the order symptoms are removed under the
influence of homœopathic remedies. One of the first topics Hering takes up
is the direction of healing and the role of skin eruptions in the cure of
acute as well as chronic diseases. Hering wrote:
"Although it matters little what opinions the respective disciples of
Hahnemann hold relatively to the theory of psora, I will, nevertheless,
communicate a short extract from my essay, “Guide to the Progressive
Development of Homœopathy.”
As acute diseases terminate in an eruption upon the skin, which
divides, dries up, and then passes off, so it is with many chronic
diseases. All diseases diminish in intensity, improve, and are cured by the
internal organism freeing itself from them little by little; the internal
disease approaches more and more to the external tissues, until it finally
arrives at the skin."
The Chronic Diseases; S. Hahnemann (Hering’s Preface to the 1845 American
edition translated by Hempel), page 7.
I do not have the time or energy to bring up every angle of this article
although I have done so in my coming textbooks on Homoeopathy. My role is
also not to argue for and against these ideas with any individual. My role
is only to bring up some original sources so individuals can study the
hypothesis for themselves and then observe these factors in the clinic over
a period of years. Then they can make up there minds for themselves. If one
wants to review Hering's original thesis on the subject of the direction of
cure they should refer to the his discourse in the 1845 American edition of
the Chronic Diseases. This is grand, insightful discussion of many
phenomena witnessed during the process of homeopathic cure. Hering
discusses a number of subjects related to the direction of cure that include:
1. Pains are removed from the human organism from above to below.
2. The symptoms of disease are relieved from within to without.
3. Ill health improves in the most important systems and organs first.
4. Symptoms are removed in the reverse order of their original development.
5. The symptoms are relieved in the important affected organs first
followed by the lesser afflicted parts and superficial regions.
6. The amelioration of the symptoms of the intellectual and emotional
spheres, and an improvement in the sense of well-being and vitality, are
signs that healing is taking
7. The symptoms of decline are the exact opposite of the signs associated
with the direction of cure.
Of these observations Hering wrote:
"Even the superficial observer will not fail in recognizing this law of
order."
The above seven factors are all interrelated and represent different
facets of one total phenomenon. It is not easy to say where one maxim ends
and another begins because they all find their source in the unity of the
vital force. Where one maxim is not totally applicable another maxim may
take its place. It is difficult to tell whether a patient is improving or
declining from one factor. To form a proper prognosis it must be supported
by several confirmatory symptoms. Perhaps one of the symptoms appears to be
moving downward but the others are moving inward toward the more important
organs while the mental state and the vitality are declining. This would
cast great doubt on the idea that the patient is getting better. It is the
totality of the symptoms that demonstrate whether or not healing is
actually taking place.
The practitioner must assess all the symptoms associated with the
direction of cure as a whole and follow the majority of the characteristic
signs. Nothing is absolute because everything is relative. One must also be
aware of the exceptions to the rules and their sources. Such a deep subject
as how Nature cures cannot be over simplified nor but in tight little,
rigid boxes. One must approach this information with clear sense, logical
deductions, and clinical experience. Simple, intellectual approval or
disapproval of a theory alone will never really provide any solid facts.
One must do the hard work in the clinic, which takes time and patience.
Then one will see that Hahnemann and Heirng were not fools!
Hahnemann and Hering was not the only early homeopaths before Kent to
discuss there observations. Adolph Lippe (1812-1888), a contemporary of
Hering, was quite aware of the importance of the direction of cure. He had
a great influence on James Kent and the following generation of
practitioners. In a homœopathic journal called The Organon Adolph offered
some clinical reflections on a thorny case history. Lippe wrote:
"We propose to relate here a case in which some of the strict rules
for proper application of our Law of cure were inadvertently violated, and
how the discovery of this mistake led to a stricter application of them,
with the usual good results which must necessarily follow the strictest
homeopathic practice. "
The Organon; A. Lippe (Volume I), Clinical Reflections, page 31.
In this document Lippe speaks of a case where he gave a remedy that
removed an external symptom of the foot (a bunion) and drove the symptoms
deeper into the upper internal organs of the body. This negative mutation
of the symptoms was fully reversed by the application of the correct remedy
which brought back \and then cured the suppressed external symptoms. This
case taught Lippe a great lesson about the direction cure. As it is said,
"seeing is believing" but one must have their eyes open! Lippe wrote:
"If the symptoms of the patient being on the extremities, and if they
improve, but symptoms appear in the internal organs, then it becomes
necessary to be guided by them in the prompt change of the remedy: If the
reverse occurs, no remedy should be administered. If the symptoms descend
we may safely wait and give no medicine, but if they ascend every progress
upward show us that we have not yet conquered the disorder and reminds us
of the necessity of re-examining the sick and choose the more similar
remedy. In the case related the symptoms left the internal organs, went to
the extremities and descended; it was therefore wrong to interfere with the
beneficial action of the former remedy."
The Organon; A. Lippe (Volume I), Clinical Reflections, page 31.
I have also seen similar things happen. These are important signs
related to the prognosis that should not be ignored because of hopes and
fears or likes and dislikes. ( Some persons have bitterly criticized Kent
for teaching what they call Hering's so-called Laws of Cure Some have even
gone to the point of saying they only existed in Kent's mind and no where
else. I believe the above quotes should remove these doubts from the
discussion. Kent was only following the lead of Hahnemann, Hering and Lippe
in investigating the direction of cure. He was not the first person to use
the word "law". This word seems to offend some so much they are blinded to
the deeper truths offered by these clinical observations.
Some try to use this material as more ammunition with which to "bash
Kent", which is very popular in some circles. They always try to use Kent
interest in Swedenborg's writings as proof that everything he said and did
is somehow perverted. Some even equate the "laws of cure" with Swedenborg
instead of Hahnemann and Hering. This is indeed, strange. Does putting down
great homeopaths somehow make them feel bigger? In truth, Kent was a great
homeopath who cure 10s of 1000s of people. That is why he was so famous! It
was not for his philosophical views that the crowds came to him! For some
reason, this does not seem to be important to those who think they can only
rise by tearing down others. In truth the use of the terms "law of order"
or the "law of cure" originated with Hering and Lippe NOT Kent!
In truth, Samuel Hahnemann is the Founder of the direction of cure,
Constantine Hering is the Codifier, and James Kent is the Dispenser.
Without Kent’s efforts Hahnemann’s, Hering’s and Lippe's observations may
not have reached the wider homeopathic community. The origins of the
direction of cure are found in the introduction and aphorisms of the
Organon and The Chronic Diseases. Hering collated Hahnemann’s observations
with the reports of experienced practitioners and included them in his
preface to the 1845 American edition of The Chronic Diseases. Kent
transmitted this information in his lectures and taught it to his students
in the clinic. In this manner these teachings were passed through
generations of homeopaths and continues to be a guiding light in the clinic
today.
I will place my experience on the side of the value of Hahnemann's
direction of cure as given by the Founder, collected by Hering, and spread
by Kent. Why? Because I have confirmed the reversal of symptoms many, many
times over the last three decades. For those of use who have seen the old
eruptions return, the old gonorrhea come back, even old chancre-like ulcers
reappear followed by the longer term restoration of health, this is not a
matter of belief or disbelief. To see the mind and vitality transform
before the physical healing starts, the inner vital systems improve before
the external regions and the old symptoms return with he complete cure
confirms several facets of the direction of cure as understood by
Hahnemann, Hering, Lippe and Kent.
Is what we know infallible and perfect? No. Do we completely
understand all of Nature's ways? No. Does that mean we should shy away from
what is known and has clearly been demonstrated in the clinic? NO! Let us
move forward with greater clarity. As far as Saine's article, some of this
information in his article is historically incorrect as the above quotes
show. That "Hering's Law" is not an absolute "law" with no exceptions -
well Hahnemann already made the exceptions quite clear in 1828! Actually it
was Sanie's beloved *Lippe* who first used the words "law of cure" NOT
Kent!!! It is silly to fight over one single word and forget the entire
field of clinical observations that are on offer! Let us forget the outer
shell and get to the essence, which is composed of observations that are
very helpful in the clinic!
To the automaton "nay sayers" I can only say the beauty is in the eyes
of the beholders who have witness this phenomena in the healthy
transformation of suffering patients over the years. The phenomena
associated with the direction of cure has been observed by several
generations of homeopaths over the last 176 years. The need to observe such
phenomena has been passed from Hahnemann to Hering to Lippe to Kent to
persons like yours truly! If you have never seen such things as the
reversal of symptoms, and the like, the time has come to ask YOURSELF
why???? Perhaps, one may be blinded by their own prejudice over simple
words like "law" or their own limited clinical vision and the lack of using
deeply curative remedies? If so, what you are resisting may be just what
the doctor ordered! No one, however, can tell those who have the documented
cases demonstrating the direction of cure that this phenomena simply does
not exist. The proof is found in the clinic!
Similia Minimus
Yours sincerely,
David Little
.
---------------
"It is the life-force which cures diseases because a dead man needs no more
medicines."
Samuel Hahnemann
Visit our website on Hahnemannian Homoeopathy and Cyberspace Homoeopathic
Academy at
http://www.simillimum.com
David Little © 2000