Introduction:
- The term susceptibility
means the ability of a person to react to external influences, such
as disease or medicine.
- In
homoeopathy, it is a vital concept for selecting the correct remedy,
potency, and dose.
- Every
individual has a different level of sensitivity, based on their vital
force and constitution.
1. What is Susceptibility?
- It is the capacity
of the vital force to be affected or influenced.
- Determines
how a person will:
- Fall sick
- Show
symptoms
- React to
medicines
Mnemonic: R-A-R
- Response to
disease
- Action of
remedy
- Representation
of sensitivity
2. Role of Susceptibility in
Disease
- Disease
only affects those who are susceptible to it.
- Example:
In a group exposed to a virus, only some people fall ill — because of
different susceptibility.
- The type
and severity of symptoms also depend on susceptibility.
Disease ≠ Germs alone. Vital response matters more.
3. Role of Susceptibility in Remedy
Selection
- Determines:
- Potency of
medicine (High or Low)
- Frequency of
repetition
- Type of
remedy (deep or superficial)
|
Susceptibility |
Remedy Choice |
|
High |
High potency, fewer doses |
|
Medium |
Moderate potency |
|
Low |
Low potency, repeated |
4. Factors That Affect
Susceptibility
- Age –
Children and young adults = generally high susceptibility
- Vitality – Strong
vitality = better response to remedy
- Environment – Poor
hygiene or climate may lower susceptibility
- Emotions
& Mind – Emotional shocks or stress reduce or alter response
- Previous
medications – Suppression by drugs may block susceptibility
Mnemonic: A-V-E-M-P
- Age
- Vitality
- Environment
- Mind
- Past
medication
5. Importance in Practice
- Helps
decide whether to wait, repeat, or change the remedy.
- Prevents overdosing
or underdosing.
- Helps in
understanding remedy reaction, especially aggravations or failures.
If a patient doesn’t respond, ask: Is the susceptibility suppressed?
Chart: Susceptibility &
Remedy Planning
|
Patient Condition |
Susceptibility |
Potency/Dose Suggestion |
|
Young, energetic, acute illness |
High |
High potency, single dose |
|
Elderly, chronic complaints |
Low |
Low potency, repeated carefully |
|
Emotionally disturbed case |
Altered |
Moderate potency, observe first |
Word Meanings
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
Susceptibility |
Ability to respond/react to disease or medicine |
|
Vital Force |
The dynamic life energy controlling health and reaction |
|
Potency |
Strength of the homoeopathic remedy (e.g., 6C, 30C, 200C) |
|
Suppression |
Forcing symptoms to disappear without real cure |
|
Aggravation |
Temporary increase in symptoms after remedy (may indicate good
reaction) |
|
Unprejudiced Observer |
A physician who observes without personal bias or expectation |
|
Disease per se |
The actual disease in its own form, not just the external symptoms |
Conclusion:
Susceptibility is the foundation of homoeopathic case management. It helps us understand how a person will react to both disease and remedy. By carefully assessing susceptibility, a homoeopath can choose the right remedy, potency, and timing, ensuring true cure without unnecessary aggravation or suppression.
