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CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH DINESH CHAUHAN (INDIA, MARCH 2007)

BY FOTINI BABALETAKIS, SOUTH AFRICA

I have just returned from India where I attended a 10 day seminar by Rajan Sankaran and Jayesh Shah in Goa. Following the seminar I spent 7 days observing in the clinic of Dr Dinesh Chauhan.

I must comment that the seminar was very inspirational but the clinical observation experience was the highlight of my trip. It was incredible to sit in with an experienced homoeopath who could explain step by step the elements of case taking and approach to a patient.

In particular Dr Chauhan is an excellent teacher. He encourages questioning and free thought. His interests in various fields like philosophy and physics permeates his teachings which help to create a deeper understanding of homoeopathy in a broad context. The focus of his teaching is on understanding the centre of the patient, and then applying homeopathic philosophy and method to find the similimum. He is well aware of the pit falls of the homeopathic process and methodically teaches techniques to avoid them. He focused on my areas of difficulty and interest and as a result I feel that I have gained a deeper understanding of miasmatic theory and being the unprejudiced observer. More importantly through this process I have seen how they are applicable in a practical way.

Dr Chauhan made every effort to me feel comfortable and went to great lengths to organize English speaking patients for the time that I was observing in his clinic. When this was not possible one of his assistants would sit next to me and exhaustively write down every word the patient was saying in English so I was able to read and observe at the same time. The environment was set up in such a way that I was able to take full advantage of the learning opportunity. Once a week Dr Chauhan would show video cases that were previously recorded with follow ups and sit and explain step by step each aspect of the case.

Dr Chauhan is a dedicated healer and teacher. On one particular Sunday which happened to be an Indian, festival he traveled all the way from his home to teach only me. He spent the day with me watching video cases and answering my questions when he could have been with his family.

Though he is a well accomplished homoeopath he is approachable, non judgmental and able to meet you at your level of understanding, which makes the learning experience effortless and fun, he also has a great sense of humour.

Fotini Babaletakis
Cape-town, South Africa