For every individual case the modalities are an important guide for the selection of remedy in homoeopathy.

Word meaning of modality

It is a particular mode in which something is experienced or expressed.

What are the modalities/disease modalities in homoeopathy?

In homoeopathy the word “Modality” is referred when disease symptoms of the patient get change due to any reason.

It can be increase or decrease of the suffering.

What are the causes of Modalities?

May be due to,

  • Natural circumstances
  • Intensity of the disease itself
  • Drug induced
  • While drug proving

Dr. Boericke says, “The modalities of a drug are the pathognomonic symptoms of the materia medica”.

Dr. Boenninghausen have given special importance to the completeness of the symptoms for which modalities are investigated as one of the most useful characteristics along with location, sensation and concomitants.

What are the aspects of the modalities?

Modalities have mainly two features

1. Aggravation

AGGRAVATION-modalities in homoeopathy

Synonyms: Worsening, intensify, increase, amplification, magnify etc.

When there is increase in the intensity /degree of pain or distress it is observed as the disease is aggravated.

it is denoted by using symbol “<”.

It is written in short forms as “agg”.

2. Amelioration

amelioration-modalities in homoeopathy

Synonyms: Improvement, betterment, boost, relief, healing, easing etc.

When there is relief in the intensity/degree of pain or distress it is observed as the disease is ameliorated.

It is denoted by using symbol “>”.

It is written in short form as “amel”.

Keep in mind that aggravating factors should be given more importance in compare to ameliorating factors.

What are the varieties of modalities?

Modalities can be of many types, here are the examples of some of them.

GENERAL MODALITIES

Factors affects the patient as a whole.

Examples:

  • All the complains gets worse by cold in general.
  • All the complains feels relieved by hot application.
  • Any complain gets aggravated by physical exertion.

PARTICULAR MODALITIES

Factors affect to a particular organ or system of the patient.

Examples:

  • Pain in prostate gland during urination.
  • Headache better by sun exposure.
  • Asthma gets worse by cold bathing.

POSITIONAL MODALITIES

The symptoms get modified with the change of bodily positions.

Examples:

  • Pain in knee joint gets aggravate by first motion.
  • Heaviness in upper limbs gets aggravated by playing piano.
  • Lying on painless side ameliorates.
  • Lying on abdomen ameliorates.
  • Lying on back aggravates. 

ENVIRONMENTAL MODALITIES

Any change in the atmospheric conditions, room or season can alter the modes of suffering of the patient.

Examples:

  • Exposure from cold room to warm room aggravates.
  • Heat to cold aggravation.
  • Full moon aggravation.
  • Thunderstorm aggravation.
  • Dry weather aggravation.

What is the importance of modalities?

Helps while selecting the most similar remedies.

Acts as an important deciding factor among many closely indicated medicines.

After administration of medicines modalities guides us to analyze the direction of cure.

READ THE CONCEPT OF CURE IN HOMOEOPATHY BY FOLLOWING THE LINK.