The Exact Science and Art of Homeopathic Patient Examination
Release the Vital Force by Nikki Henriques is a thorough and reader-friendly look into the natural science and fundamental principles of homeopathy, as taught by the originator, Dr Samuel Hahnemann.
Nowadays, many people would prefer to treat their illnesses in a more natural way than with the sometimes toxic chemicals in pharmaceuticals. One of the best ways of treatment is homeopathy, a gentle, holistic system that treats symptoms of illness with small doses of drugs known to produce similar symptoms. This process, which stimulates the body's own defences, was originated 200 years ago by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, and now author Nikki Henriques reintroduces Hahnemann's work in Release the Vital Force-The Exact Science and Art of Homeopathic Patient Examination.
Clearly written in reader-friendly prose, Henriques argues against altering Hahnemann's original masterpiece of homeopathy. In Release the Vital Force, Henriques guides readers into the dos and don'ts of homeopathy even as it encourages deep reflection on the true goals and art of the homeopathic exam. Henriques promotes the effectiveness of homeopathy as taught by Hahnemann, and gives clear examples of the entire process. Readers will learn how homeopaths work, what to expect from a consultation, what the practitioner is searching for in order to select the correct remedy and dose, and why and how homeopathy can conquer illness.
Practitioners will find this a tremendous asset in helping them develop the appropriate personal qualities and professional practical skills, as well as understanding the essential roles patients play in their own healing. Patients will appreciate the easy-to-follow explanations of a subject that has as much relevance in today's world as it did 200 years ago. Thoughtful and inspiring Release the Vital Force? The Exact Science and Art of Homeopathic Patient Examination unfolds like a detective story to give a wise and helpful overview of this powerful healing process.
- Author: Nicola Henriques
- ISBN: 9781439212431
- 154 pages
- Paperback
- Printed in United States
Reprinted with the permission of The Society of Homeopaths, from 'The Homeopath' Journal, Autumn 2009 edition. Reviewed by Robert Bridge.
Release the Vital Force proclaims the cover title of Nikki Henriques' latest book; underneath, a man stands on a smouldering precipice, eyes lifted heavenwards, arms outstretched in a crucifixion pose, fluorescent and flaming rays in a spiral around him. For all the pitfalls of judging a book by its cover I think we can make a shrewd guess that this is going to be no cautious toe-dipping account of homeopathy and case-taking.
Indeed not. From the first words of the enthusiastic, if sometimes incomprehensible, preface and introduction it is quickly apparent that the British-born, American-based homeopath Nikki Henriques is a passionate evangelist of the classical canons of homeopathy: though there are brief forays into the early 20th century, through the works of Schmidt and Roberts, it is Hahnemann and Kent who dominate and indeed, through the inclusion of extended unmodified extracts, account at times for 80% or more of the written text. For the majority of the book Henriques settles into the role of providing skilful continuity between her quotations and here adopts a stylised impersonal language that, at times, makes it difficult to distinguish between her own writing and that of her sources. The effect of this is twofold: on one hand it gives the book an oddly scholastic and somewhat arid feel, reinforced by the choice of case examples which are exclusively drawn from Hahnemann and Kent; on the other hand there are times when putting Hahnemann and Kent into this context reminds us of how startlingly contemporary their writings can be.
In her sections on case analysis and potency it is clear that Henriques has no time for schools of thought that deviate from the Kentian constitutional model: her 'exact science' leaves no room for later heresy. So for students wanting a solid grounding in traditional case-gathering, and for practitioners befuddled by the multiplicity of contemporary approaches and eager for a back-to-basics approach, Henriques is unapologetically and reassuringly prescriptive.
For me the richness of this book lies in the moments when Henriques steps away from her didactic and rather remote voice, and speaks from her own experience: here her suggestions on enabling clients to safely discuss traumatic events, on the judicious use of 'silence', the reasons for resisting the temptation to intervene when a client becomes distressed. These observations in amongst other gems of clinical insight, shine through with a warmth and wisdom.
