Miasms: A Simple Introduction
Authored by Bray Williamson MA Lic.BS Hom
Edited by Sarah Burnett BA (Hons)
Simply put, a Miasm is a chronic underlying disease state which causes a susceptibility to specific types of disease.
Samuel Hahnemann through his careful observation, advanced the idea that there were 3 Miasms; Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis.
Each of these Miasms affects the constitution, which causes an individual to be more susceptible to chronic diseases. They can also influence the symptoms a person develops in acute infections as well as how they react to environmental triggers, mental strain and emotional stressors.
The Psora Miasm is said to be the first of the Miasms, and is thought to have occurred at the time when humanity is believed to have moved from being hunter gatherers into a more settled existence. With the dawning of agriculture alongside the domestication of animals, humans started to contract the illnesses and parasites from their animals. This was often due to their close living conditions, which resulted in the emergence of ‘Scabies’ in humans.
The Psora Miasm is often called ‘The Itch Miasm’ and is believed to be the beginning of all chronic disease. People with the Psoric Miasm usually suffer from itchy skin conditions, allergies, slow digestion, anxiety, and can be hypersensitive. They may be restless and insecure, with a fear of poverty, as well as suffering from anxiety about the future. Physically the Psoric person may have eczema, asthma, allergies, and also digestive issues with constipation.
Remedies that fall under the sphere of the Psoric Miasm include Sulphur, Psorinum, Calc. Carb., and Lycopodium.
The Sycosis Miasm is also known as the ‘Gonorrheal Miasm’ and the ‘Miasm of Excess’. It is not known when this sexually transmitted disease first affected humanity, however the effects it has had over the generations have been pronounced. People affected by the Sycosis Miasm have a tendency to suffer from warts and tumours. There may be problems with obesity and fluid retention, as well as an excessive production of mucous.  There is also a tendency to contract infections such as urinary tract infections and ear, nose and throat infections. Arthritis is also a common complaint within this Miasm, along with fibroids, sinusitis and asthma. People with the Sycosis Miasm may be obsessive with a tendency to be secretive, driven by their compulsions, and hypersensitive to criticism.
Remedies that fall under the sphere of the Sycosis Miasm include Thuja, Medorrhinum, Nat. Sulph., and Pulsatilla.
The Syphilis Miasm is occasionally referred to as the 1492 Miasm due to the fact that this is the year Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered America, from where it is believed that this sexually transmitted disease arrived in Europe. It is also known as the ‘Miasm of Destruction’.
People who are affected by the Syphilis Miasm often suffer from autoimmune diseases. They may suffer from degenerative nervous system diseases, ulcers, gangrene and paralysis. There is often a tendency towards mental instability, with depression and suicidal thoughts. People affected by the Syphilis Miasm may also have self destructive tendencies, may be suspicious of others and are prone to violence.
Remedies that fall under the sphere of the Syphilis Miasm include Mercury, Syphilinum, Phosphorus and Aurum.
Since Samuel Hahnemann brought these three Miasms to the attention of the world, additional miasmatic disease has been thought to have been discovered.
The first of these is the Tubercular Miasm, which was discovered by James Compton Burnett. He found that people with a family history of tuberculosis who had not had the illness themselves, exhibited a similar pattern of chronic disease. His work was later expanded upon and developed by J.H. Clarke, J.H.Allen and Rajan Sankaran.
The Tubercular Miasm, also known as the ‘Miasm of Instability’, is often associated with asthma, a weakened immune system, and a tendency to suffer from colds more frequently than normal. There can also be skeletal issues, chronic fatigue and regular bouts of bronchitis. There may be a strong desire for change, with a deep seated desire for travel. People under influence of the Tubercular Miasm may be impulsive, restless, and have feelings of dissatisfaction.
Remedies that fall under the sphere of the Tubercular Miasm include Tuberculinum, Baryta Carb., Calc.Phos., and Phosphorus.
The second of these Miasms is the Cancer Miasm which was first brought to the attention of the world by J.H.Allen, and later refined by A. U. Ramakrishnan and Rajan Sankaran. This Miasm is often referred to as the ‘Miasm of Suppression’.
The Cancer Miasm is often associated with the many cancers that are afflicting the modern world. Those who are under the influence of the Cancer Miasm may suffer from autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, tumours, and conditions such as fibromyalgia. These people tend to be perfectionists. They may be emotionally repressed with a tendency to overwork.
The remedies that fall under the sphere of the Cancer Miasm include Carcinosin, Staphysagria, Nat. Mur. and Conium.
The third and most modern of the Miasms to be introduced to the world is the AIDS Miasm. This was first proposed by the British homoeopath Peter Fraser, and later expanded upon by Jeremy Sherr.
The AIDS Miasm is also referred to as ‘The Miasm of Collapse and Isolation’. Those who are believed to be under the influence of this Miasm tend to suffer from a weak immune system, chronic fatigue, and neurological issues. They are said to have feelings of despair and abandonment. They may feel isolated and disconnected from the world.
The remedies that fall under the sphere of the AIDS Miasm include AIDS nosode, Carcinosin and Phosphoric Acid.
In conclusion, it is my contention that neither the Cancer Miasm or AIDS Miasm are in fact Miasms at all. It is my opinion that both of these are the result of a far more powerful influence upon the human constitution. This influence that for generations has been suppressing any and all symptoms produced by the four true miasmatic influences. The results of the constant influence of brute force upon the human constitution are now with us generationally, and are affecting most of the world’s population. This darkest of miasmatic influences is Pharmacological drugs.
The Pharma Miasm, that I prefer to call ‘The Miasm of Darkness and Destruction’, is without a doubt the darkest and most destructive of miasmatic influences that has ever been perpetrated upon humanity. It sits proudly before us in plain sight, wielding a destructive force beyond all others.
As most of the population of the world is affected by this Miasm, it contains all symptoms of disease within it. Nothing is beyond this Miasms ability to cause harm, and as a result every remedy we have in our materia medica falls under the terrifyingly dark sphere of this most insidious of Miasms.
REFERENCES:
- ‘The Chronic Diseases’ by Samuel Hahnemann
- ‘The Chronic Miasms’ by J.H.Allen
- ‘Notes on the Miasms’ by Dr P.S.Ortasa
