Using the repertory is the most essential aspect of practicing homeopathy. Translating the language of patients into rubrics is a work of art and a homeopath has to be very skilful while doing so. A repertory is a storehouse of homeopathic data, an index which is compiled to include symptoms and conditions recorded in the materia medica.
Dr. Grimmer, a famous American homoeopath, states that “repertory prescribing makes for the greater accuracy and in the long run is a time saver and with its use one grows in the knowledge of materia medica.”
No matter which repertory we use, it does not give us the right remedy in a single shot. We must use the repertory from the perspective of a certain philosophy and principle, and never use it simply as a mechanical tool.
Zeroing on a rubric needs certain pre-requisites: taking the case well, understanding the patient to the core, analysing the patient based on observation without any prejudices, and applying the knowledge of repertory, differentiating between similar rubrics and then finally selecting one. Selecting a repertory is also very important. Whether you are using a complete repertory or Kent’s repertory or Phatak; knowing the background and philosophy of the repertory inches you closer towards solving cases.
Let us understand the Phatak repertory. It is based on the Boger’s synoptic key. Phatak repertory is best used when the Generals are prominent. It is also helpful when the mental characteristics may not be obtained very well.
Here are some classic examples of rubrics which one can find in Phatak repertory only.
- Patient complains of pain in the thighs or hands or even lower back while coughing indicating distant pains. Thus the rubric, ‘cough, causes distant pains’, there is only one remedy Capsicum.
- Phatak repertory is best used to generalize local symptoms. For example patient complains of pain in spot on the occiput or pain in the back in just one spot, or burning sensation in one spot etc. the rubric is ‘Spots, symptoms, sensations occur in general’
- There are also special mind rubrics like, ‘cheerful, pains during’, ‘express, cannot herself’, etc. and many more.
Here is a wonderful case solved using Phatak’s repertory. A case of an 80 year old suffering from Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PID), was bed ridden and had been on pain killers and steroids without any relief. His mental symptoms could not be obtained much; however a very characteristic symptom was noted. He had to constantly change his position to get relief; failing to do so would aggravate his pain. Here is the repertorization:
Nat Sulph 30 helped him dramatically and he was able to walk on his own within 4 months without having to take any pain killers.
Thus, knowledge of a repertory is absolutely essential while selecting the rubrics. A homeopath should be knowledgeable and unprejudiced while selecting a repertory, the rubrics and the remedy. Repertory is a tool that can fix the most difficult of your cases provided it is used artistically and skilfully.