Steps of Repertorization

Steps of Repertorization refer to the systematic process followed in homoeopathy to arrive at the simillimum using a repertory. It is a logical sequence starting from case taking to final prescription, ensuring accurate individualization of the patient.

1. Case Taking

• The outcome of Rx entirely depends upon the success of this first step.
• It is an unique art of getting into conversation, observation & collecting Information from pts as well as bystanders.

2. Recording & Interpretation

• For effective repertorization, precise recording is very crucial for proceeding further.
• It is a fine skill of the physician to transfer all the data in exactness as it is received from the pt to case record.
• A case should be taken to keep the meaning of Pt’s narration as natural as possible.
• Recording of signs should also indicate its intensity (in the patient).
• Case record finally remains a valuable document used for various purposes.

3. Classification & Evaluation of Symptoms

• After the case is fully taken & recorded well, physician receives a large no. of symp which need to be analysed in order to understand imp. of each symp.
• Classification of symptoms is an important part & analysis.
• All symp are either general or particulars.
• A general symptom is one that affects the patient as a whole.
• A particular symptom is one that affects a single part or organ.
• Further General & Particular symp are divided into uncommon & common symp.
• Evaluation of symptoms means giving value to the symptoms & arranging them according to their Hierarchy.
• The 3 standard methods of classification & evaluation are Boenninghausen, Kent & Boger method.
• Boenninghausen method – 7SMC
• Boger method – Pathological Generals & Causative modalities
• Kentian method – Mental Generals (will, intellect), Physical Generals, Characteristic Particulars

4. Defining The Problem

• Analysis makes the whole expression clear to the physician & helps to define the Problems at different levels.
• Hahnemann stated: “What is to be cured in a case”.
• To say in every individual case of disease “what is to be cured”.
• To define a problem means to define the individual who is facing a problem.
• The problem definition includes knowing the pt’s predisposition, disposition, diathesis & dse.
• Diagnosis of the dse, which is crucial & importance of life essentials, Peculiar Characteristic expressions from the common one.
• To understand the pt & his or her deviation from the original state of health, the study of the developmental history becomes imperative.
• This study is called Anamnesis.

5. Erecting A Totality

• Totality is not the sheer total of symp, it is a logical combination of the symp, & it characterizes the Person as well as individualize the Problem.
• From classification & Evaluation only hierarchy of symp is known, which symp among them is to be taken is yet to be finalized.
• Thus physician has to select few symp & can logically represent the whole picture.
• This logical arrangement follows a definite Principle

1. Kentian method
2. Boger method
3. Boenninghausen method

• Totality should be erected according to the facts collected in a case.

6. Selection of the Repertory & Repertorization Proper

• Selection of repertory as per the details obtained from the Patient.
• If case is full of generals – Kent repertory
• If Pathological Generals – Boger repertory
• If SMC (Complete symptoms) – Boenninghausen repertory
• Generals are prominent – Synthetic Rep., Synthesis Rep., Complete Rep., Homoeo Medical Rep.
• Once the repertory is selected, the next step is to rearrange the totality acc to the repertory selected.
• Rearrangement of totality in terms of repertory selected is called Repertorial Totality.
• What follows next is to convert the symptoms into rubrics.

7. Repertorial Result

• A group of close running medicines should be noted down according to the symptoms covered & marks obtained. Example: Lyc 18/7, Nat 16/7, Phos 15/7

8. Analysis of Repertorial Result & Prescription

• The remedy which gets the highest mark is not necessarily the final remedy in all the cases.
• Repertorial results should be finally referred to in the court of Materia Medica.
• Further the group of small remedies has to be compared to the Picture of the Patient & differentiated & help of MM.
• Thus, the final remedy is then found out.
• The remedy so selected must finally pass through certain materia medica criteria such as susceptibility, sensitivity, suppression, the level of similarity, Functional & structural changes, Vitality & reaction etc to arrive at the right potency & dose Schedule.

Additional Keypoints Added for Completeness

• The entire process is iterative; if the selected remedy fails, re-evaluate the case (new symptoms, miasm, etc.) and repeat steps.
• Conceptual image of the patient (portrait) guides totality erection and final differentiation.
• Repertorization is a tool to narrow down remedies; the simillimum is confirmed only by deep Materia Medica knowledge.