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! - but homeopathic aggravations do sometimes occur.

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

Does it always happen?
NO, it does not normally happen. Aggravations are the exception, not the rule. It is said that if you get an aggravation it is good because it means that the remedy is working, a 'healing crisis' if you like; it does indicates that the immune system is reacting however you don't actually need an aggravation to show 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:
- it is a 'return of old symptoms' (ROS) (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, or the remedy is too *deep acting
- 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 compared with 'direction of cure' (in STUDYING CLASSICAL HOMEOPATHY section) where there is a healthy progression or change in symptoms, and not confused with a 'proving' (where the wrong remedy has been taken too often and is producing its own symptoms)

* depth of action discussed in forthcoming sections