Author:
Jeremy and Camilla Sherr
Book:
Interhomeopathy
Type:
Column
Chapter:
2012.12.10
Panorama: Letter from Africa Book review: Survival - The Reptiles by R. Sankaran and M. Shah
by Deborah Collins
These days, it is almost unthinkable to prescribe a homeopathic remedy without a firm understanding of its origins. Modern homeopathy indeed has made great strides in revealing the underlying patterns that bring the seemingly disparate symptoms into a coherent whole. What seemed ‘revolutionary’ some time ago, now seems purely logical: we should look to nature herself to show us the bigger picture, so that we are no longer working in the dark but can clearly recognise the pattern of illness in our patients. It is encouraging to see how, by using approaches based on a search for the source rather than on a collection of symptoms, it is possible for several homeopaths to reach the same conclusion regarding a remedy, as it is revealed before their eyes, and to see the astounding results of such accurate prescriptions. To this end, it has been necessary to have relevant information on the families of remedies concerned; in the case of animals, one needs to know their individual characteristics. As much as possible, one needs to know how it would be to be living in the skin (or the shell, as may be the case), of a particular creature, and to be able to perceive their world through their eyes. An excellent proving can bring out the most salient features related to that animal, and the task of a proving co-ordinator is to render these symptoms in such a way that they help us to deeply understand the ‘world’ of the substance that has been proved.
Rajan Sankaran’s newest books on materia medica, “Survival, the Reptiles” fulfill all of the above criteria. The bulk of the work has been done by Meghna Shah, who has spent three years researching the reptiles, including a stay in the Reptile Park in Chennai, where she observed them firsthand and consulted the park’s herpetologists. The depth of this preparatory work is evident throughout the two volumes.
This book is based on the concepts described in Sankaran’s previous books, on the sensation method, notably “The Sensation in Homeopathy”, “Sensation Refined” and “Homeopathy for Today's World”. For making best use of this material, it is crucial to first understand these underlying ideas. As the authors point out, it is not enough to hear “fear of snakes” or “dreams of crocodiles” to prescribe an animal remedy, let alone to prescribe either of these remedies. One must go beyond the delusion level to the constant level of inner experience of the patient, to that part in him that guides his actions and responses. Only if he holds to a reptilian pattern at this level, will he require a remedy from the reptile realm. Throughout the book, many of the possible pitfalls one can encounter in the sensation method are highlighted, and one is shown how to avoid them in order to delve deeper into that which needs to be healed.
First, a resume is given on how to recognise the “animal song” in a patient. Then, an explanation of the specific “reptile” aspect is offered. Finally, an overview of the various reptiles in homeopathy is proposed. Extensive descriptions of the animals concerned are given: their appearance, anatomy, habitat, behaviour and habits, including modes of attack and defence, as well as important proving information and possible expressions of the animal’s state in our human patients. The remedies are illustrated not only by stunning photographs, but also by convincing case histories drawn from a wide range of experienced homeopaths from around the world. The first volume presents creatures not commonly used in homeopathy until the advent of the sensation method, such as turtles, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, and iguanas. The second volume presents the snakes, as well as the dinosaurs and the tuatara. One is given a thorough insight into these much maligned creatures and their perspective on life; their various ways of dealing with feelings of abandonment (many reptiles have no family life) and maltreatment, and their ways of reacting to their circumstances. It is interesting to note the “hidden” element of the snakes, for instance, and to read that this aspect often lies hidden in our patients, exactly because of the fact that this element is often regarded with distaste, distrust or fear. Whereas a dog or a cat might be fairly easy to recognise, some people needing a snake remedy might have spent a considerable amount of time and effort (and often psychotherapy!) learning to disguise their darker traits. It would seem that we can prescribe heavy metals, such as Mercurius, to those patients who feel that “everyone is against them,” whereas on looking deeper, a snake might lie hiding in the grass. Patients who feel maligned and battered, whether in reality or not, might need a remedy from an animal which is mistrusted and badly treated.
This is such an extensive work, and so thoroughly researched, that one might be tempted to assume that it is all that one requires once one has settled on prescribing a reptile remedy to a patient. For me, it has indeed proved invaluable in gaining information and confirmation in cases, such as Dendroaspis (Black mamba), beyond the proving material alone. It is tempting to start looking around for crocodiles in my practice! On the other hand, in making a differentiation between some of the snakes, for instance, it has been necessary to supplement this information with other sources which tend to delve more deeply into the possible emotional expressions of the patient. The reptiles are, after all, so foreign to our more “acceptable” modes of expression that they do not give up their secrets easily.
As always, the cured cases themselves provide us with valuable insights into the remedies. Keeping this in mind, we can realise that no materia medica will ever be “complete”, and that we all need to work at building up a reliable data base of information. These two volumes go a long way in providing a foundation from which to work.
http://www.narayana-verlag.com/Survival-the-Reptile-Volume-1-and-2/Rajan-Sankaran/b9277
Keywords: Sankaran, reptiles, materia medica 2
by Jeremy and Camilla Sherr
Dear Friends
It has been a year since we last wrote. We are just about to complete our fourth year here, which is three years longer than we thought we would stay!
2012 has been a good year in terms of achievements, and we managed to notch more successes and to move forward in achieving our goals. These goals are:
- Treating as many HIV/AIDS patients as possible using classical homoeopathy
- Finding a genus epidemicus for AIDS in Africa
- Educating Africans in homoeopathy and helping to spread homoeopathy throughout Africa
- Creating a self sustainable project
- Showing the world the miracles that homoeopathy can achieve
In the first few years, we were occupied with opening clinics and seeing patients, and we have seen a lot of people! There are now 15 clinics running, over 2500 patients seen, and more people asking, even demanding, for us to open new clinics. We have just been approached by a large charity that is building a shelter for victims of domestic violence, as well as by a group of churches. The word about homeopathy is spreading. Our main restriction is human power – we need more medium and long term homeopaths. Fortunately, we have had volunteers like Vivien, Frances, Marina, Noam, and now Michelle, who have helped us expand and maintain the clinics.
The successes have been tremendous. We are getting excellent results with AIDS patients using classical homoeopathy. We see impressive results with symptom improvement, CD4, weight, energy gain, and reducing side effects of ARV treatment. We have narrowed down a group of remedies suitable for AIDS in Africa, and have published several articles and lectured on these, so that what we have learnt can be used by others. We also treat many non-HIV patients. This month Camilla saw a blind Maasai woman who recovered her sight, a little boy in hospital with third degree burns living in a bed-cage, who was discharged soon after the remedy, and a woman with an inoperable abdominal tumour pronounced clear. Really amazing! If you want to see an example of the kind of case we see many times a day, have a look here. I think you will like it[1].
Alongside the clinics, we have continued to sponsor schools in Maasai land, distribute food to the hungry (there were bad crop failures this year), give out second hand eyeglasses to patients, and microloans to AIDS widows to open small businesses.
This year, we have moved on to the second part of our mission: spreading homeopathy through Africa. And this is happening! The first great success was the Pan African Congress that we organised and sponsored together with Marie Maigre from the 4Kenia School of Homeopathy. Homeopaths from 16 countries: Swaziland and Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Germany, Israel, Holland, England, and the USA attended. Some drove 3000 miles to get there!
At the conference, we heard new students, old masters, midwives, hospital staff, and local dignitaries telling of their experience of homeopathy in Africa. Some of the 'projects' work alone, others in small groups, all struggling, all believing in the mission, all making slow painful progress, all getting there. One group of illiterate midwives working in the bush told us (in Swahili), how they learnt to use picture cards with the remedies on them, and to sing a song for each remedy (they were taught by Germany's Homeopathy Without Borders). On our part, we shared the findings of remedies that suit the African AIDS epidemic.
The atmosphere was wonderful and we all learnt a lot. The Kenyan and Swazi students demonstrated their considerable talent in African dance, and the food was top quality. We finished holding hands in a big circle on the shores of the Indian ocean. It was very touching, and we were very proud of organising this marvellous event! Take a moment to look at images from the conference[2].
We are now sponsoring three full time Tanzanian homeopathic students. The first, Irene, is in her final year doing internship in several hospitals. She has achieved 98% in the UK Faculty of Homeopathy exam! Simon is about to enter his second year, and Ruth is to beginning her first year of studies.
But best of all is the hospital. They have seen so many miracles that they demanded to have a course, and we have just delivered it. We sponsored two local graduates from our allies in 4Kenya School to teach a two week course to 21 doctors, nurses, and medical staff. We donated remedies and books. The aim was not to have any mzungu (pale face) teachers, and it succeeded big time. It was beautiful to hear them teach homeopathy in Swahili. They did not need us! And so, our local hospital has become the first to integrate homeopathy into its practice. They are very excited and love it! I know you will feel happy watching this[3]
Consequently, we have just had requests from a hospital in neighboring Malawi and from a church hospital for more teaching.
We know that alongside media, research is essential to show the world what can be done. We are working towards this in several ways, and hopefully the coming year will bring us some progress.
Of course, there have been challenges, but on the whole, progress is good. Our biggest restrictions are money, lack of homeopathic wo-man power and local bureaucracy. Every one of our achievements - the congress, sponsoring students, teaching hospitals, running clinics, food, and school projects, research, and translators - cost thousands of dollars. Your support is very much appreciated! http://www.homeopathyforhealthinafrica.org/donate.php
From Africa
Jeremy and Camilla
P.S. This is our second letter from Africa. If you want to know more about our project and daily life realities of practicing homoeopathy in Africa, you can read the first one here[4]
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5aA0ZFJV2o&feature=youtu.be
[2] http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/files/Congress%20reflections%20FINAL.pdf
[3] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnzhImZTHM&feature=youtu.be
[4] http://www.interhomeopathy.org/letter-from-africa
Categories: Columns
Keywords: Homeopathy for Health in Africa