International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Silence and non-verbal communication are central yet often underestimated aspects of homoeopathic case taking and healing. While spoken words convey the conscious account of illness, silence and non-verbal cues reveal subconscious experiences, emotional states, and individual characteristics. Hahnemann, in the Organon of Medicine (Aphorisms 6–7, 84–104), emphasized that the physician must attend to both spoken symptoms and what is “observable to the senses.” Silence fosters free expression, prevents physician bias, and creates therapeutic space. Non-verbal communication—including facial expressions, posture, gestures, tone, and involuntary reactions—offers insight into the totality of symptoms and strengthens rapport. Modern methods, such as the Sensation Approach, further highlight the importance of observing non-verbal expressions to access the patient’s vital sensation. Together, silence and non-verbal communication enhance holistic perception, enabling the most individualized prescription.