Modalities??…What are those??
Have you ever heard a Homoeopath ask - what are the modalities??
Or maybe they’ve asked - what makes your condition feel better / worse??
The symptoms that make a patient feel BETTER or WORSE are also what we refer to as “The Modalities”. They make up some of the key symptoms that, as Homoeopaths, we use to differentiate between remedies.
This week I’ve come down with Sinusitis and as I was standing in the shower with hot water rushing over my face and the pain disappeared, it reminded me of how important and helpful modalities can be when choosing a remedy. So I decided it was time to write another blog! They don’t necessarily have to be symptoms that make the pain disappear, but maybe either lessen the pain, intensify the pain, increase your energy level, just have some effect on you in some way - either good or bad.
Let’s take a look at one of our amazing remedies, Arsenicum, so you can see what I mean:
ARSENICUM
BETTER: Hot, dry applications; from company; warm drinks & food; walking about; lying with head elevated
WORSE: Periodically; by the seashore; wet weather; cold, damp; cold air; cold drinks & food; exertion; around midnight
So you can see, from the Arsenicum example, that it can be all sorts of things that make the patient feel better or worse. It could be hot/cold applications, hot/cold food or drinks, lying down, movement, being inside/outside, warm air inside/fresh air outside, being wrapped up/covers off etc. Mentally & emotionally - are they better/worse for company, motion, talking etc…..the list goes on! It can be whatever the patient is experiencing at the time - no matter how crazy it might seem.
In my experience with Homoeopathy over the years, even before I was a qualified Homoeopath, this medicine has taught me to be so observant in how things affect me physically, as well as mentally & emotionally. Its also taught me to then observe this in others as well. Homoeopathy makes you become more in-tune with your body and what it’s trying to tell you is not quite right at that point in time.
Remember, when choosing a remedy we’re always trying to match the symptom picture of the patient to the symptom picture of the remedy. The closer we can get to a match, the better result we’re going to see.
Here’s some more of the common remedies and their modalities for you to get a better idea of things to look out for:
ACONITE
BETTER: In open air; from rest; warm sweat; sitting still
WORSE: From fright, shock; from being chilled by cold winds; dry weather; at night; pressure, touch; dentition; light; tobacco smoke
BRYONIA
BETTER: Lying on painful side; from pressure; rest, being quiet; from cold things; cool open air
WORSE: Least motion; raising up, stooping; coughing, deep breathing; exertion; touch; from anger
CHINA
BETTER: From hard pressure; bending double; open air; warmth; loose clothes
WORSE: Slightest touch; loss of vital fluids; after eating; impure water, spoiled meat; periodically; cold winds, drafts
PULSATILLA
BETTER: From cool, fresh, open air; continued, gentle motion; uncovering; cold applications; cold food & drinks (although not thirsty); lying with head high
WORSE: Warmth of air, stuffy rooms; at twilight, sunset; puberty, before menses, during pregnancy; rich foods, pastry, fats, ice-cream, pork
RHUS TOX
BETTER: From heat; stretching limbs; continued motion; warm, dry weather; hot bath; warm wrapping; warm applications
WORSE: From cold, dampness, wet, rainy weather; before storms; exposure to wet, cold; beginning of motion; rest; overexertion, lifting
Next time you or your family members have an Acute condition appear and you’re trying to work out which remedy to choose - think of the modalities and this will help guide you through.
Of course, if you need some extra support in choosing the right remedy, I’m always here to help!
