Author: Hilary Fairclough
Published by: Winter Press, 2015
211 pages total
ISBN – 9781-874581-3
£12.99
Reviewer: Victoria Young, CCH, RSHom(NA)
This is a book describing homeopathic methodology.
The Triad Method of prescribing was developed by the author from a need of prescribing in
a simple way for complex cases, mainly for AIDS and HIV+ patients in Maun, Africa from 2005 to 2014. This is a practical method of prescribing which can be applied to all clinical cases where needed, not just in Africa or for outreach homeopathic projects. As the author explains in the introduction,
“The overall intention of the book is for it to be useful to the contemporary prescriber facing the day to day challenge of treating clients with entrenched chronic conditions and / or health circumstances such as medical suppression and ongoing trauma or stress.” P5
The book, like the method of prescribing is sectioned into three parts.
In Part One, the author describes her journey of discovery and development setting up clinic for patients in desperate need of care. The process of setting up the project, establishing strong relationships with the Maun people and government and the community itself is an important aspect of the book. The project quickly blossomed into a permanent presence and was managed by homeopathic volunteers. It seemed challenging with a lack of electricity, running water, home visits for the seriously ill and dying. The Triad Method was born to assist volunteer homeopaths using sometimes various opposing philosophies whilst working on the same long standing case, as a patient may see more than one practitioner within their treatment plan. The method has a classical core but does not rely on a single remedy approach.
Part Two explains what the Triad Method actually involves – its theoretical underpinnings, developments, structure, flexibility and applications. The AIDS miasm is explained along with the emotional picture of much shame, fear and guilt woven deeply into the culture. Throughout the cases three distinct layers were identified, the acute layer, the fundamental layer and the miasmatic level.
“The acute layer was evident as the most distressing set of presenting symptoms which were often life-threatening. These usually, but not exclusively manifested on the physical level. As the picture of HIV and AIDS became more chronic, this layer was expanded to include the lesional and iatrogenic symptoms. The fundamental layer was evident as the broadest presenting totality which incorporated the mental and emotional symptomology as well as general and physical affinities. The miasmatic layer acknowledged the multi-miasmatic nature of HIV and AIDS, and addressed the uppermost presenting miasm.” P54
Within this part of the book there are many case studies summarized, the prescriptions and the outcomes both in Africa and in the author’s clinic in UK illustrating The Triad Method as a universal methodology, not solely used for HIV and AIDS cases. Miasmatic disease is clearly identified; the psoric reflecting the poverty, struggle, survival beyond the subsistence. The sycotic is identified as addressing desires, both sexual and emotional reflected in secrecy and deception. In this culture there is a tendency for casual sex, multiple partners and sexual abuse. The syphilitic concerns breakdown, destruction and death and is largely manifested with alcohol abuse, sexual and domestic abuse and car accidents. The tubercular manifests in dis-located families who have to travel to find work and the additional physical manifestation of TB in conjunction with HIV and AIDS. Cancer miasm manifests as control and compliance with the widespread use of suppressive medicines along with the tendency to take on family responsibility at the expense of self. Finally the description of the AIDS miasm is about the dissolution of boundaries, lack of integrity such as using barrier contraceptive which would halt the progression of disease. “But perhaps the biggest and most important challenge to the AIDS miasm is to move from stigma to acceptance and from isolation to community, a process I see happening slowly but surely.” P90
Interestingly the AIDS miasm was rarely prescribed to these patients as the remedy reaction was disappointing. “Although the picture of the AIDS miasm is relevant there with particular reference to the breakdown of boundaries, the actual miasmatic manifestations have been better represented by the other nosodes” p91
In terms of dosage, the triad method uses single repeated doses rather than polypharmacy which refers to the use of combination remedies and / or different potencies being used in the same dose. In this method single doses are prescribed for the three layers over the same period so that the patient’s vital force is only required to respond to one stimulus at a time. Remedies are repeated usually on a weekly basis.
Part Three summarizes an independent evaluation of the Maun Homeopathy Project clinics carried out by Lancaster University in 2013. The author wanted feedback from the community she was serving, but felt it was important that an independent assessment was made. This was facilitated by Lancaster University, UK between June and December 2013. The evaluation was not to prove the efficacy of homeopathy but to assess the perceived effectiveness and experience of the service to the community. In this part a summary of the findings of the Maun project are given and the full evaluation is available on the Maun homeopathy Project’s full website.
Within the summary of findings many aspects of the care were considered, such as how the patients heard of the project, how they felt welcomed on arrival, the case taking process, how to take a homeopathic remedy, and most importantly perceived changes in health, including emotional health. There are many quotes from patients in the clinic of their personal journey of experience.
“They helped a lot to reduce the stress and that means the stress level is now down and even when people say things she can’t feel the pain that she used to have before. Even during consultations she can feel things in different perspective unlike before ….The medication has helped her a lot; like have reduced lots of pain and she feels much, much better. Now she is able to help the children at home, as in cleaning for them; cooking for them; doing everything. Even last time she was even alone with the small children but she was coping. She didn’t have any problem” (via interpreter) p158
At the very end of part three there are four full cases to demonstrate the use of the Triad Method over several consultations. “Each is a case of one or more pathologies complicated by various medical treatments and maintaining causes of ill health.” P179. Two of these cases are from Hilary’s UK clinic and two from the Maun Homeopathy Project graduates.
My Conclusion
This book is one of service to the earth, the people and communities around the world. Hilary set up a project with the help of other passionate homeopaths and she is an inspiration. This book is the document of a project of love, passion and ultimate service to relieve our suffering. Although the book is not a light read, why would it be, it is informative, sound in its structure and composition and very giving in its nature. Hilary is giving the homeopathic community a new and simple way of working, if it resonates, and in my opinion is well worth reading. Personally speaking, I always welcome another’s way of looking at complex cases and learning from that perspective. Thank you Hilary for your gift.