Homoeopathy students often find Aphorisms 56–60 of the Organon of Medicine extremely important for university examinations. In these aphorisms, Samuel Hahnemann explains and strongly criticizes the antipathic (palliative) method of treatment.
Let us understand this concept clearly and systematically.
What is Antipathy?
Antipathy, also called Enantiopathy or Palliative Treatment, is a mode of treatment based on the principle:
Contraria Contrariis Curentur
(Let opposites be cured by opposites)
In this method, a medicine is prescribed to produce the exact opposite effect of a particular symptom.
- Anti = Opposite
- Pathos = Suffering
Thus, antipathy means treating suffering by producing an opposite state.
For example:
- Pain → Give a painkiller
- Sleeplessness → Give a sedative
- Constipation → Give a purgative
At first glance, this seems logical. But Hahnemann proves why it ultimately fails.
Who Introduced Antipathy?
The antipathic method was introduced by the Roman physician Galen.
His teachings dominated medicine for nearly 17 centuries, forming the basis of traditional allopathic practice.
Why Did Hahnemann Oppose Antipathy?
Hahnemann criticized antipathy because it focuses only on one single symptom, ignoring the totality of the disease.
According to him, every drug has:
- Primary Action – The direct effect of the medicine on the body.
- Secondary Action – The reaction of the vital force against the drug.
Antipathic treatment works only in the primary stage. After that, the secondary action leads to aggravation of the same symptom, often worse than before.
Examples of Antipathic treatment (Aphorisms 56–60)
Hahnemann provides practical examples to prove his point:
1. Opium for Sleeplessness
- Primary action → Produces heavy sleep.
- Secondary action → More intense sleeplessness.
2. Opium for Diarrhea
- Primary action → Stops diarrhea.
- Secondary action → Diarrhea returns worse.
3. Cold Water for Burns
- Immediate relief from burning pain.
- Later → Burning increases.
4. Warm Bath for Chilliness
- Immediate warmth.
- Later → Increased chilliness.
5. Coffee for Daytime Sleepiness
- Temporary alertness.
- Later → Increased drowsiness.
6. Purgatives for Chronic Constipation
- Temporary evacuation.
- Later → More obstinate constipation.
7. Digitalis for Rapid Pulse
- Pulse slows temporarily.
- Later → Pulse becomes more rapid.
In every case, relief is short-lived and followed by aggravation.
Effects of Antipathic Treatment
According to Hahnemann:
- Relief is always temporary.
- Symptoms return with greater intensity.
- Stronger doses become necessary.
- Drug dependence develops.
- New medicinal diseases may arise.
- It never produces true cure.
Thus, antipathy suppresses — it does not cure.
Broussais’ Method – A Special Mention
Hahnemann also criticized the French physician François-Joseph-Victor Broussais.
Broussais believed that most diseases were due to excess blood. His treatment included:
- Venesection (bloodletting)
- Cupping
- Leeches
- Hunger diet
Patients appeared calm and quiet, but this was due to depletion of vital force — not real cure.
Is Antipathy Ever Justified?
Interestingly, in the 6th edition of the Organon (Footnote to Aphorism 67), Hahnemann made a small exception.
In cases of suspended animation, temporary palliative stimulation may be justified.
Examples:
- Gentle electrical shocks
- Strong coffee
- Gradual heat application
- Antidotes in sudden poisoning
Why?
Because in such cases, there is no disease — only temporary suppression of vital force. Once stimulated, normal function returns.
Antipathy vs Homoeopathy
| Antipathy | Homoeopathy |
|---|---|
| Opposites cure opposites | Similars cure similars |
| Treats single symptom | Treats totality |
| Temporary relief | Permanent cure |
| Suppression | Restoration of health |
| Aggravation follows | Gentle and lasting cure |
In Aphorisms 56–60 of the Organon, Hahnemann clearly establishes that:
Opposites suppress temporarily.
Similars cure permanently.
Antipathy may provide immediate relief, but it inevitably leads to aggravation. Only the homoeopathic method, based on the Law of Similars, can produce true and lasting cure.