A group analysis evaluation of existing avian (bird) homoeopathic remedies in terms of known materia medica

Abstract

Until recently homoeopathic remedies have been studied and understood by considering each remedy in isolation (Scholten, 1993). In the last few years a new method of understanding homoeopathic remedies, called group analysis, has emerged (Sankaran, 2002). This method involves an understanding of remedies in terms of characteristics common to a group of related remedies (Leisegang, 2007). Remedies are grouped according to natural classifications. Using the information available in computer repertories, searches are systematically performed to identify rubrics which are common within the group. This type of data analysis yields common characteristics which can be applied to lesser understood groups of remedies. This study was an investigation of the common characteristics of the remedies from the Class Aves, using the method according to Sankaran. The investigation was carried out by applying the group analysis method to the available data. Remedies from the Class Aves are relatively new additions to the materia medica, with the first of these proved in 1995. There is relatively little information available about this group and thus group analysis would be a valuable method of understanding these remedies (Fraser, 2009). A search was performed to determine which bird remedies were best represented in the repertory program iv Radar 10. Based on these results the sample group was selected. The rubrics of these remedies were then analysed to determine common sensations within the group. These sensations were then defined and synonyms were determined. These common sensations were then confirmed by searching for the keywords and synonyms in the available data. Second and third order analyses were performed based on the results. The resultant sensations were also compared with those proposed by Shore (2004) and Fraser (2009), to determine whether these theories on bird characteristics are consistent. Pathological tendencies of the Class Aves were found to involve the throat, female reproductive area, eyes and vision, skin, musculoskeletal system and mental disorders. Clinically there was strong indication for these remedies in cases of depression and anxiety, acne and dermatitis, dysmenorrhoea and disorders of vision such as blurred vision and eyestrain. The results of this study appeared to confirm the validity of theories on group analysis according to Sankaran (2002). The results further confirmed many of the characteristics attributed to the bird remedy group by Shore (2004) and Fraser (2009). Several new common characteristics of remedies from the Class Aves were deduced from the results of the analysis. The study also produced a proposed vital sensation and showed evidence linking several sensations in the process of reaction to the vital sensation.