How to assess the patient’s symptoms to get the right remedy
In homeopathy, the terms Concomitant, Location, Aetiology, Modalities, and Sensations (sometimes abbreviated as CLAMS) are used to systematically evaluate and describe a patient’s symptoms to select the most appropriate remedy. Here’s how each term is applied:
1. Concomitant
• Refers to associated or accompanying symptoms that occur alongside the main complaint but are not directly related to it.
• These symptoms help individualize a case.
• Example: A patient with a migraine may also report nausea or cold hands as concomitant symptoms.
2. Location
• Describes the specific area of the body affected by the symptoms.
• Precise details are essential to narrow down remedy selection.
• Example: Pain in the left temple or a rash confined to the right arm.
3. Aetiology
• Refers to the cause or triggering factor of the condition.
• Identifying whether the issue arose from an emotional event, physical trauma, or exposure to environmental factors helps choose the right remedy.
• Example: Headache caused by grief, or joint pain after exposure to cold weather.
4. Modalities
• These are the factors that improve or worsen symptoms, such as time of day, temperature, activity, or specific postures.
• Homeopaths carefully note both aggravating and ameliorating modalities.
• Example: Pain worsens in damp weather but improves with warmth.
5. Sensations
• Describes the nature or quality of the symptoms as experienced by the patient.
• Patients are encouraged to articulate their sensations as clearly as possible, often using metaphors or analogies.
• Example: A burning, stabbing, or throbbing sensation.
These five components form a framework for case analysis and help individualize treatment by capturing the unique expression of a patient’s symptoms.
Here’s how the framework of Concomitant, Location, Aetiology, Modalities, and Sensations (CLAMS) applies to Arsenicum Album, a widely used homeopathic remedy:
1. Concomitant
Symptoms that often accompany the primary complaint in Arsenicum Album cases include:
• Restlessness: Constantly moving or shifting due to discomfort.
• Anxiety: Fear of death, or worry about health and financial security.
• Chilliness: Feeling cold, often needing warmth.
2. Location
Common locations of symptoms include:
• Digestive system: Burning pain in the stomach, diarrhea, or nausea.
• Respiratory system: Asthma, wheezing, or burning chest pain.
• Skin: Eruptions or ulcers with burning sensations.
3. Aetiology
Typical triggers or causes for conditions treated with Arsenicum Album include:
• Food poisoning: Vomiting and diarrhea after consuming spoiled or tainted food.
• Exposure to cold or damp: Aggravation from getting chilled or wet.
• Emotional stress: Anxiety or fear leading to physical symptoms.
4. Modalities
Aggravation (Worse from):
• Cold, damp weather or surroundings.
• Midnight or early hours of the morning (1–3 AM).
• Eating or drinking cold food or beverages.
Amelioration (Better from):
• Warmth: Heat or hot applications relieve burning pains.
• Being indoors or in warm environments.
• Small sips of warm water.
5. Sensations
The sensations associated with Arsenicum Album symptoms are often described as:
• Burning: Despite the burning sensation, the patient desires warmth for relief.
• Weakness: A profound sense of exhaustion and debility.
• Constriction: Feeling tightness, especially in the chest or throat.
This detailed application of CLAMS highlights the distinct symptom profile of Arsenicum Album, making it easier to identify cases where this remedy might be effective.
