Selecting the right homeopathic remedy is key for effectiveness, as it helps the body activate its natural healing response.

Remedies are chosen based on a match between the individuals symptoms and the remedy’s symptom profile. If the remedy closely matches, it can trigger a rapid and effective response. A poorly matched remedy may do little or nothing at all.

HOME PRESCRIBING – TAKING AN ACUTE CASE

Selecting a remedy requires an understanding of the individual’s unique symptom picture – the individual’s current state of health. Relying on a single symptom is insufficient due to the vast number of remedies available, for example there are 100’s of remedies indicated for a sore throat. To facilitate a more accurate remedy selection, it’s essential to gather further information. In homeopathy, the CLAMS framework is a valuable tool for conducting acute consultations, ensuring a thorough understanding of the patient’s condition. Each letter in the acronym represents a key aspect to explore. While not all categories may apply, obtaining as much relevant information as possible increases the accuracy of the remedy prescription.

CLAMS: Concomitants, Location, Aetiology, Modalities, Sensation

CONCOMITANT: Identify any accompanying symptoms that occur alongside the main complaint, even if they seem unrelated.

For example: a nosebleed accompanied by a headache / a sore throat along with a cough / diarrhea with nervousness / redness and swelling after a bite

LOCATION: Determine the specific area of the body affected by the symptom and note if it radiates or extends to other regions. 

For example: pain in forehead extending over left eye / started on the left, radiating to the right side of throat / itchy eyes that run and burn the nose and lips / digestive complaints with diarrhea

AETIOLOGY: Investigate potential causes or triggers of the condition, such as exposure to certain weather conditions, emotional stress, or physical trauma. 

For example: from over exertion or study/ from exposure to cold winds / from exposure to pollen / digestive issues after certain foods / apprehension anxiety before social engagements

MODALITIES: Examine factors that alleviate or worsen the symptoms, including environmental conditions, activities, or positions. 

For example: better when outdoors / worse in stuffy room / better with pressure / worse from noise / worse from light / better with warmth / worse for company / better or worse for motion or movement

Sensation: Understand the specific nature of the discomfort or pain, described in the patient’s own words, such as burning, throbbing, or stabbing sensations, with upset or anger.

For example: like a tight band / pinching sensation / stitching pain / hot / cold / dull ache / sharp pain / stinging / itchy / with spasms / in shock / with grief