HOMEOPATHIC AGGRAVATIONS EXPLAINED

Had you heard that with homeopathy it has to get worse before it gets better,
like the Victorian ethos 'good medicine tastes nasty'?

IT'S NOT TRUE!
Homeopathic aggravations do sometimes occur however.

What is it?
A homeopathic aggravation is the term used to describe a temporary intensification of symptoms before a condition improves.

Does it always happen?
NO, it does not usually happen. Aggravations are the exception, not the rule. However if you get an aggravation it is a sign that the remedy is working, a 'healing crisis' if you like as it indicates that the immune system is reacting, but you don't actually need an aggravation to know a remedy is working. An experienced prescriber will be able to avoid them where any intensification of symptoms would be life threatening (e.g. Asthma), this is why it is important to see a qualified homeopath.

Why does it happen?
It happens either because:
- symptoms move in the direction of cure (DOC) (an unsuppressing of a previously suppressed condition)
- the prescribed potency is higher than needed, repeated too often, or too soon,
- there is a block to cure
- the body has renewed energy and is returning to health with an immune system response (inflammation or a discharge)

What can be done about it?
If aggravations are too distressing they can be lessened by using frequent doses of the same remedy in lower potency, however as stated previously if they occur at all they are usually mild and simply an indication that the body is resolving the problem in a natural and healthy way. If anticipated they can be prevented with a different remedy taken concurrently with the main remedy (called support remedies) or by specialised prescribing in the first place. Aggravations are more common in chronic conditions and very rare in acute conditions. See more about aggravations in the STUDYING CLASSICAL HOMEOPATHY section

'Aggravation' should be not be confused with a 'proving' (where the patient is self prescribing and the wrong remedy taken persistantly over a period of time is producing its own symptoms)