Suppression is the act of preventing something from being seen or expressed, often by force. In other words, suppression is ending or hiding something. Synonyms include: blocking, concealing, covering, disguising, stifling. Throughout the ages, different kinds of suppression have been a universal phenomenon right up to the present time. In some circumstances, suppression is accepted individually and collectively without question. So what does suppression have to do with homeopathy?
From a medical standpoint, suppression is ceasing, stopping or reducing a physiological process like an eruption, discharge, or secretion. From a homeopathic perspective, suppression is not beneficial or conducive to good health. In homeopathy, disease is seen as a dynamic imbalance, a mistunement of the delicate balance that is instinctively maintained by a person’s Vital Force. Disease symptoms are expressions of an inner dis-ease, not the disease itself. In an effort to correct the dynamic imbalance and restore homeostasis, if it can’t eradicate the disease, the body will initially try to alleviate the disease on the least destructive level, the exterior of the body, on the skin, through an eruption or discharge. Rashes, warts, acne, eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, impetigo, etc. are disease expressions that are regulated to the skin in order to protect more vital organs.
When natural outlets are blocked, suppression can take place on three levels – physical, emotional, and mental.
The skin is the most peripheral of all the systems in the body. Every 27 days, the skin is regenerated. This outermost layer is the first depository for symptoms of disease. It is also the most visible. A strong Vital Force will throw symptoms onto the surface, which manifest in the skin. Next, when symptoms move inward, inflammation occurs in the joints, in the muscles, and in the organs. Disease symptoms on this level include asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, fibromyalgia, bronchitis, cystitis, arthritis, gout, etc. Deeper still are neurological symptoms: multiple sclerosis, seizures, vertigo, strokes, Parkinson’s, etc. A myriad of conventional medications are used to suppress physical symptoms, but the inner imbalance is not removed.
For example, the standard treatment for skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis is corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines. This is for the management of these skin conditions and is not a cure. A common scenario is that after many years of treatment, the psoriasis might disappear, but then the person develops asthma. We see that the suppression of the skin symptoms prevented the external avenue of protection, so the dis-ease stays deeper, and the lungs become the next outlet for the imbalance to express itself. Remember that the definition of suppression is the act of preventing something from being seen or expressed, often by force. Conventional medication is a strong force that will prevent the external expression of the disease symptoms. Instead, the dis-ease becomes more entrenched, and the stronger latent symptoms of the imbalance are aroused.
Symptoms can be also expressed on the emotional level, which is a deeper layer than the physical level. Common symptoms of dis-ease on the emotional level include behavioral disorders like OCD and ADHD, phobias and fears, depression, suicidal or homicidal impulses, etc. When emotional symptoms predominate, there may be little or no physical symptoms because the Vital Force is unable to move the disease to the less dangerous outer layer. For example, a person with childhood eczema that was treated with corticosteroid cream, develops asthma in the teen years. The asthma is also managed with steroids, and the person begins to have problems with obsessive-compulsive behavior or mood swings. Medications for these symptoms are taken, as well as for the numerous side effects of these strong medicines. The result is more suppression, a further weakened Vital Force, and decreased health. Medications are often an obstacle to cure.
The deepest level of suppression occurs on the mental level. Symptoms include forgetfulness, lack of concentration, confusion, disorientation, mental dullness, delusions, paranoia, mania, delirium, mental illness, schizophrenia, disassociation, senility, dementia. It is on this level that a person’s very identity is threatened, because chaos has disrupted and overwhelmed the Vital Force to an alarming degree. Clarity of thought, rationality, and coherence are lost. What a tragic state! In the attempt to remove suffering at the physical level, the end result is actually greater suffering for the individual because the body’s normal functioning was repeatedly suppressed.
Strong medications are not the only suppressive forces that disrupt homeostasis. Mental and emotional shock or trauma can weaken the Vital Force and cause dis-ease. Death of a loved one, a car accident, natural disasters, abuse, disappointment, embarrassment, anger, anticipation anxiety, these strong influences and more can have a profound affect on the overall health of an individual when the Vital Force is in a weakened state. When the Vital Force is strong, it is not deeply affected by these types of external influences and can usually overcome their potentially negative impact.
A better understanding of suppression and its affect on an individual’s Vital Force is necessary when considering different options for the treatment of disease symptoms. Homeopathy can often reduce the effects of suppression and strengthen the body’s innate healing response. Instead of blocking, hiding, and covering the symptoms, the body is free to express and ultimately remove the inner imbalance. Suppression gives way to freedom.
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.