By Dr. Pravin Jain

In his introduction he frankly reveals how he had feared treating pediatric cases for want of adequate methodology. And 40% of a homeopathic practise involves children. He says, “ shivers used to run down my spine, on seeing a mother accompanied by a child…” However, “ understanding the normal child dissipated my anxieties and concerns and I started reaching the simillimum with amazing speed and accuracy.” Dr. Pravin has clearly outlined in this book how he had achieved the confidence.

The book is divided into two parts. Part I consists of theory, and Part II Materia Medica. At the outset the author has outlined the requisites for being a successful homeopathic pediatrician. Then he proceeds to emphasize the importance of pediatric case taking. He has provided useful advice for the novice homeopath. How one should approach a child; the vital clues an accurate observation can provide; mother’s history during pregnancy; obstetric history; feeding history etc. The normal child development process is explained for background knowledge.

The most interesting part of the book deals with Dr.Pravin’s unique approach to pediatric mind. He draws inspiration from a longitudinal study done by Psychologists Thomas and Chess in 1970. They identified 9 basic behavioural temperamental patterns in children. Dr.Pravin has grouped these behavioral patterns to form a “Sociability-Activity-Destructibility” Axis.

The grouping is as follows:
SOCIABILITY:
Approach-withdrawal
Adaptability

ACTIVITY:
Level of Activity, Threshold of responsiveness, Intensity of reaction, Rhythmicity, Distractibility, Attention span and persistence

DESTRUCTIBILITY:
Destructive or Non destructive
The author has given a “Sociability-Activity-Destructibility” (SAD) Axis flow chart with the remedies for each of the above elements. For eg. If a child approaches the homeopath without any inhibitions remedies like COFFEA, hyos, lac-c, phos, sulph, may be indicated. He shortlists medicines if the child approaches and is also hyperactive. Further down in the flow chart : if the child is Approaching + hyperactive + destructive, then a narrow group of remedies are indicated. Then by identifying the age group he comes to know what is normal for a child of that age group. Then identifies the reaction to stimuli. Next step is to confirming the remedy by finding out the thermals, thirst and miasm. This approach, the author says, leads him to the correct remedy most of the times. Part II contains the Pediatric materia medica section with major remedies explained on the basis of his SAD axis. He has drawn extensively from past and present materia medicas to outline the state of each homeopathic medicine. Dr. Pravin has given case rickets to show how he had used in practise the concepts explained in the book. This is a novel approach and worth experimenting in our clinic. Any one not satisfied with his present pediatric practise can try this method.

this book is published by Srishti Publications
101, Gopal Krishna Bhavan,
Shrimad Rajchandra Lane,
Ghatkopar (E) Mumbai--400 077.

The book reviewed by Dr.V. Veera Balaji Kumar,Madurai