Experienced of registered homoeopaths regarding clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction The theory of miasms as expressed by Hahnemann has separated views amongst homoeopaths and is still a topic which has not been fully explored, especially in today’s time (Mathur 2009:177). The Cancerinic miasm is focused around the disease of cancer. Cancer as a disease is the second leading cause of death globally and continues to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Homoeopathy looks at miasms from a holistic viewpoint, incorporating the mind, body and emotions. This study aims to link this clinical view of disease with the practice of miasmatic prescription in homoeopathy. The Cancerinic miasm is a very complex theory that needs to be explored in a fully descriptive way and this has not been done in a national context before. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the Cancerinic miasm and its clinical application in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) context using the experiences of registered homoeopaths that are currently practicing in KZN, South Africa. The study focused on gaining information from the participants based on the three main objectives: the knowledge of miasmatic prescribing; the knowledge of the Cancerinic miasm and the clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa. Methodology This study followed a qualitative methodology which was based on an exploratory and descriptive design. This study was conducted throughout KZN, where 12 homoeopathic practitioners were purposefully sampled through the expert purposive sampling method, according to their knowledge and experience on the topic. The participants were selected based on a set of inclusion criteria. A semi-structured interview was set up at their place of practice and was audio-recorded under confidential ethical standards. The data collected was analysed through the Thematic Analysis approach, to observe patterns and develop themes from the information. Results The results gathered produced three major themes, each having a number of subthemes attached. Considering Theme 1, the participants gave a rich understanding of miasmatic theory and saw it as valuable to use in practice. Theme 2 focused on the Cancerinic miasm where various themes, contributions and symptoms emerged and the prevalence of the miasm in South Africa was discussed. A few of the key areas of focus within the data was surrounding cancer, apartheid and gender roles. Theme 3 discussed the clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa. The participants viewed the miasm as being highly prevalent in their practices. There were dynamic methods used based on the experiences of the participants with regard to their case taking, prescription and treatment of patients. The participants gave detailed examples of Cancerinic cases in their private practices and discussed their treatment process and outcomes of these cases. Conclusion Overall, the study produced rich data regarding the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa, where unique viewpoints and clinical applications were discussed. Further studies like this are recommended by the researcher to be conducted throughout South Africa. This will broaden the understanding of the miasm and gain a holistic and uniquely South African viewpoint, which incorporates more diversity regarding age, race, gender and socioeconomic factors. These can then be compared and analysed with international studies to create a complete and rich data source of the Cancerinic miasm.