Definition:
- Constitution refers to the individual's structural, functional, and metabolic makeup, influenced by physical, mental, and environmental factors.
- Grauvogl classified constitutions based on excess or deficiency of certain elements like Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen.
TYPES OF CONSTITUTION
1. Hydrogenoid Constitution – “Water Lovers”
- Excess of Hydrogen and Water in tissues.
- Corresponds to Sycosis (Hahnemann).
- Aggravated by cold, damp, rain, fish, mushrooms, sour milk.
- Affected by electric disturbances.
- Periodic diseases.
- Remedy: Thuja, Natrum sulph.
2. Oxygenoid Constitution – “Burn Fast”
- Excess of Oxygen → Fast oxidation & tissue destruction.
- Corresponds to Syphilis (Hahnemann).
- Seen in consumption, anemia, atrophy, rickets.
- Nervous, active individuals.
- Aggravated by cold, dry winds, sea-air, fog, electric storms.
- Better during rain/snow (restores electric balance).
- Remedies: Kali iod., Graphites, Petroleum, Kreosote, Citric acid.
3. Carbo-nitrogenoid Constitution – “Slow Burners”
- Excess of Carbon & Nitrogen, lack of Oxygen.
- Corresponds to Psora (Hahnemann).
- Diseases of retarded nutrition – obesity → thinness, rickets, pseudo-albuminuria.
- Symptoms: Dullness, fatigue, gouty swellings, vertigo, eczema, urticaria.
- Aggravated by confined air, overfeeding, blood loss, sedentary lifestyle.
- Treatment: Ozonated water (oxygen supplementation).
MNEMONIC:
"Hi COw" (Hydrogenoid – Carbo-nitrogenoid – Oxygenoid)
To remember the three constitutions:
- Hi = Hydrogenoid → Water excess
- C = Carbo-nitrogenoid → Carbon/Nitrogen excess
- Ow = Oxygenoid → Oxygen excess
Or use:
"Hot COW"
- H = Hydrogenoid
- O = Oxygenoid
- T = Thuja (main remedy for Hydrogenoid)
- C = Carbo-nitrogenoid
- O = Ozone (remedy for Carbo-nitrogenoid)
- W = Wind/Weather (affects all)
Exam Tip:
Explain each constitution with:
- Elemental excess/deficiency
- Associated miasm
- Main symptoms
- Aggravations
- Remedies
Tags
ORGANON OF MEDICINE