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Succussion is a term used in Homoeopathy and in medicine, and is an important part of the Homoeopathic pharmacy.
Succussion in Homoeopathy
Succussion is a method of potentising soluble drug substances concieved by Hahnemann. The drug substances may be in water / alcohol / mixture of both. In general, the alcohol is used in most of the cases, except where drug is only soluble in water. In making liquid attenuations or dilutions, the shaking is necessary with definite proportions of water, alcohol or the mixture of the both, for a set number of times or minutes for preparation of the next higher potency. Hahnemann mentioned to make attenuations by hand process only. Hahnemann himself made the potencies up to 60 centisimal.
Process of succussion
The process of succussion is different from simple mixing and agitating. Hahnemann's succussion process was invented during the renaissance period of 18th century. At a dilution of 1 part in 1024, corresponding to potencies of 12 Centicimal or 24 Decimal, the Avagadro limit has been reached, beyond which there is on average less than one molecule of medicine per mole of dilutant. Thus some doses may have no molecules of the original substance.However, practically, clinically and experimentally it is demonstrable that the prepared potency is pharmacologically active, preserve the therapeutic properties of the original substances. For succussion Hahnemann uses 10 ten strokes with equal velocity with measured strength as a necessity, gripping the vial in one hand and striking on the other palm as vigourously as possible.
Succussion in Medicine
In medicine, succussion refers to an examination technique whereby the body is shaken during auscultation in order to elicit a splashing sound. This occurs when a cavity contains both gas and liquid.
See also
"Succussion"