What Is the Totality of Symptoms in Homeopathy?
Understanding One of the Most Misunderstood Concepts in Homeopathy
(Based on Episode 81 of the Strange, Rare & Peculiar Podcast)
If you’ve studied homeopathy — or are exploring the idea of becoming a homeopath — you’ve likely heard the phrase “totality of symptoms.” But what does it really mean?
In this episode of Strange, Rare & Peculiar, Academy of Homeopathy Education (AHE) co-founders Denise Straigesand Alastair Gray revisit this essential principle — and unravel the confusion around it with insight, humor, and deep historical context.
“It’s not the totality of the person. It’s the totality of the disease. That’s what Hahnemann said — and it’s where many modern interpretations go off track.”
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
The true meaning of the totality of symptoms — as defined in Aphorisms 6 and 7 of the Organon of Medicine
Why this principle is not about treating a person’s entire life story — but about identifying what has changed since they were last healthy
How historical misunderstandings (thanks, Kent!) shifted homeopathy away from its original clarity
Why homeopathic education rooted in primary texts matters more than ever in an age of “quick-fix” courses and DIY prescribing
From Hahnemann to Modern Homeopathy
The episode also explores the historical evolution of homeopathic thinking — and why the concept of totality became distorted as homeopathy intersected with:
19th century medical science
The rise of pathology and germ theory
The influence of psycho-spiritual movements and American licensing laws
“We went from the totality of symptoms to the totality of the person. That shift was pragmatic… but it wasn’t homeopathic.”
Why This Matters for Students of Homeopathy
If you’re studying homeopathy — or thinking about attending a homeopathy school — this episode gives you a front-row seat to the kinds of philosophical depth and clinical clarity taught at AHE.
This is not just an abstract debate. It’s about how you take a case, how you choose a remedy, and how you think like a homeopath.
Want to learn more about studying homeopathy at AHE?
Explore our professional and introductory training pathways!
Listen Now:
Strange Rare Peculiar is a weekly podcast with Denise Straiges and Alastair Gray of the Academy of Homeopathy Education discussing everything you REALLY need to know about homeopathy. We’ll look at philosophy, practice, research,and education–all with a little bit of history. If you want to know why we still can’t get enough homeopathy after a combined 50+ years of study and practice, we invite you to join the conversation!
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