Understanding PotencyUnderstanding the difference between the action of the various potencies and potency systems can be difficult. It is an intuitive kind of knowledge that grows with experience and time. In this article, I will try to describe a way to visualize the differences between the various types of dilution -- LM, X, C -- and levels of dilution -- e.g., 30c, 200c, etc. Please understand that this discussion reflects my own intuition and way of visualizing potencies, not any kind of homeopathic dogma or verified scientific understanding.
First, begin by thinking of a remedy as conveying a wave form -- an energetic oscillation. Any waveform has various different parameters that define it. These include:
Using these ideas, we can visualize the differences between the various potency systems. The unique qualities of a specific remedy is characterized by its pattern. Two different potencies of the same remedy might be very different in the shape of each of its waves and their amplitude, but the overall pattern will be the same. The potency system is characterized by wave shape. An X potency (lowest ratio of dilution per dilution step -- 1:10) has the most jagged pointy shape. A C potency (a ratio of 1:100) might be viewed as a slightly rounded square shape. An LM potency (a ratio of 1:50,000) has a very gentle curvy shape. The potency level (e.g., 12c vs. 200c) can be characterized by its amplitude. A low potency would have shallow oscillations and a high potency would have deep ones. The job of the homeopath is to find a remedy whose waveform most closely matches and "fills up" the patient's energy waveform. Younger healthier people with more vitality likely have waveforms of higher amplitude. Old or weak individuals have lower amplitude waveforms.The closer the match between remedy and patient, the greater and more positive the effect. If a remedy seems like an ideal match for a young vital person, then giving a high potency with waves of high amplitude is not too risky. The patterns will match up well. Older or weak individuals need lower potencies. If the homeopath isn't as certain of a remedy match, they can begin with a lower potency. Its shallow waves will likely "fit" within the waveform of a patient more easily and cause less aggravation. (For the same reason, low potencies are also more generally applicable to a wider range of people with different wave patterns). Once a good fit has been established by a positive remedy reaction, it is safe to move to higher potencies. On the same principle, people with great sensitivity and weak vitality will be less aggravated by the gentle waveform of LM potencies. In contrast, a more robust person will match up fine with the more jagged peaks of X and C potencies. |
