- Local
applications are external treatments like creams, ointments, or drops applied directly
to the part showing symptoms.
- In homoeopathy,
such treatments are discouraged, because they may suppress
symptoms rather than cure the disease from within.
- The
chapter focuses on how external treatment can disturb internal healing.
1. What Are Local Applications?
- Medicines
used externally (not through internal administration) to remove
local symptoms like:
- Skin
eruptions
- Pain
- Discharges
- Inflammation
Examples: ointments, lotions, eye drops, antiseptic washes, sprays,
balms
Mnemonic: L-O-T-I-O-N
- Local
- Ointments
- Topical
- Interfering
- Over
- Natural
symptoms
2. Why Local Applications Are
Discouraged in Homoeopathy
- They give temporary
relief but do not cure.
- They often
cause suppression — the real disease is pushed inward.
- They
disturb the action of the internal remedy.
- They
confuse the vital force, delaying true healing.
Homoeopathy aims to cure from within, not by hiding symptoms on the
surface.
3. Examples of Harm from Local
Applications
|
Condition Treated Locally |
Effect of Suppression |
|
Eczema with steroid cream |
Leads to asthma or arthritis |
|
Gonorrhea treated externally |
Causes rheumatism, heart issues |
|
Chronic eye discharge |
Can cause internal headaches |
|
Piles treated with ointments |
Can result in internal ulcers |
4. Homoeopathic View on Local
Symptoms
- Local
symptoms are part of the totality.
- Even
though they appear on the surface, they reflect internal disorder.
- Treating
them externally removes the warning signal of the body.
Local symptoms must be treated through the general constitutional
remedy, not locally.
5. When Can Local Applications Be
Allowed?
- Only in emergencies
where immediate relief is needed:
- Burns
- Injuries
- Accidents
- Bleeding
wounds
Even then, local treatment should be gentle and non-medicinal,
like plain water or calendula lotion.
Chart: Homoeopathic vs Allopathic
View of Local Treatment
|
Feature |
Homoeopathic View |
Allopathic View |
|
Use of local treatment |
Rare, discouraged |
Commonly used for quick relief |
|
Focus |
Internal cause |
External symptom |
|
Risk |
Suppression, deeper disease |
Temporary relief, frequent recurrence |
|
Method |
Internal similimum remedy |
Creams, ointments, external solutions |
Word Meanings
|
Word / Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Local Applications |
Medicines applied externally to remove symptoms |
|
Suppression |
Hiding or forcing away symptoms without curing the cause |
|
Vital Force |
The dynamic life energy controlling health and harmony |
|
Totality of Symptoms |
Complete set of all physical, mental, emotional symptoms |
|
Similimum |
Remedy most similar to the patient’s full symptom picture |
|
Disease per se |
The real inner disease, not just its visible signs |
|
Unprejudiced Observer |
Doctor who watches without bias or personal opinion |
Conclusion:
In homoeopathy, local applications are avoided because they suppress symptoms and interfere with true healing. The goal is to cure the whole person from within using a well-selected internal remedy, not by removing local symptoms. Only in emergency cases may non-suppressive local treatment be given for comfort, without blocking the healing process
