VITAL FORCE
§9 to §17
By Dr. Hahnemann
Dr Hahnemann the founder of homeopathy introduced the world
this VITAL FORCE in 5th edition of organon published in 1833.
In 6th edition of organon "vital force " changed to "vital
principle."
Aphorism related to vital force: -
Hahnemann has described the concept of vital force in § 9 to § 17 of Organon of Medicine.
§9: DEFINITION OF VITAL FORCE.
§10: What happens when vital force is absent.
Aphorisms 9 and 10 role of VITAL FORCE in health.
Aphorism 11 to 15 role of vital force in disease.
Aphorism 16 and 17 role of vital force in cure.
THEORY OF VITAL FORCE
VITAL FORCE :
The simplest definition of vital force can be Life Force.
Vital force is what constitutes you and me. Above the material existence, every human being is
capable of higher functions untraceable by existing scientific parameters.
Vital force is the entity that makes it happen.
It is THE difference between living and dead animals.
It is the combination of physical, mental, and spiritual existence of living beings.
DEFINITION OF VITAL FORCE : (Aphorism 9)
It is the unintelligible, dynamic, spiritual, and instinctive force that animates the material body.
In the 9th aphorism of Organon of Medicine, Hahnemann says,
In the healthy condition of man, the spiritual vital force (autocracy), the dynamis that animates
the material body (organism), rules with unbounded sway and retains all the parts of the
organism in admirable, harmonious, vital operations, as regards both sensations and functions, so
that our indwelling, reason-gifted mind can freely employ this living, healthy instrument for the
higher purposes of our existence.
Thus, to maintain the harmony of life, we must have a healthy vitality.
It enables the reason-gifted mind to perceive all the things clearly and utilize them for better
purposes.
Why Hahnemann changed ‘vital force’ to ‘vital principle’ in
the 6th edition?
'Force' was frequently used in physical and chemical sciences to denote ‘power’.
•The term 'vital force' explains the existence of animating invisible energy in the universe, whereas
'vital principle' is a special kind of power possessed by the material body.
•According to Dr. Hahnemann, the term "vital force" was introduced for the first time in the 5th
edition of Organon of Medicine and replaced by "vital principle" in the 6th edition.
•Vital force allows the material body to survive, grow, and reproduce. Without it, the body cannot
perform functions or protect itself from decay. It is a dynamic spirit-like energy responsible for
keeping the body animated during health and disease.
•Dr. B. K. Sarkar says, "The vital force is an abstract term, while life principle is a concrete term.
QUALITY OF VITAL FORCE
•Autocratic: It means self-power. No tissue or organ influences the vital force. It operates
independently and does not derive power from any body part.
•Autonomic/Automatic: The vital force acts on its own and controls the body without external
influence. It is uniformly present and moves the body as needed in response to stimuli.
•Spirit-like force: The vital force has no shape, volume, or mass, but its effects can be observed. It
works through the physical body as an invisible, immaterial force.
•Unintelligent: The vital force does not use intellect or reason but follows natural laws and
impulses, promoting bodily functions even during disease.
•Dynamic: The exact workings of vital force are unknown, but its effects—such as animating cells
—are observable, even if the reasons behind them are unclear.
•Instinctive: The vital force operates on natural impulses, without being influenced by knowledge,
and continues performing life functions according to nature’s laws.
•Life-preserving power: As long as the vital force is present in the body, the organism is alive.
When the vital force leaves, the body dies, demonstrating its role in life preservation.
Dr. Hahnemann called vital force “a never resting preservating
force”which maintains the state of health.
VITAL FORCE IN HEALTH
APHORISM 9 AND 10 ROLE OF VITAL FORCE IN HEALTH
• Health is a state of ease and comfort where man has no complaints about his environment and can adjust to
minor changes.
• The body performs numerous functions, such as the heartbeat, breathing, and blood filtration, without our
conscious awareness, allowing people to focus on higher social and welfare activities.
• The vital force harmonizes all body functions, similar to how gravitational force controls planetary
movement. In healthy conditions, vital force governs the body’s operations.
• This coordination is so perfect that none of them can act without the consent of the other.
• The vital force constantly protects the body from various disease causing agents (like bacteria, viruses or
other disease causing factors), to which it is continuously exposed.
ROLE OF VITAL FORCE IN DISEASE
(Aphorism 11 to 15, role of vital force in disease)
• Our body with the help of the vital force is constantly fighting against disease producing
influences, but whenever the exposure to these influences is prolonged or because of greater
strength of disease forces the vital force gets deranged resulting in loss of harmony between the
mind and body.
• As a result the person begins to feel the existence of an organ and its working through abnormal
sensations and functions (signs and symptoms).
• These altered sensations and functions are nothing but the external manifestation of the
internally deranged vital force.
ROLE OF VITAL FORCE IN CURE
(Aphorism 16 and 17 Role of Vital force in Cure)
• In order to bring about cure the harmonious flow of vital force has to be restored back.
• This is done by the administration of a homeopathic medicine.
• Once the vital force is restored to normal the abnormal sensations and functions (signs and
symptoms) disappear, a balance is restored between mind and body and a healthy state results.
• In homeopathy cure means removal of symptoms and not their suppression.
THANK YOU.
