Inside Story: A To Z German New Medicine Explained
German New Medicine (GNM), developed by the late Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, proposes a radical departure from conventional medical understanding. It posits that disease originates from specific, unexpected emotional shocks and their impact on the brain, which then manifest in corresponding organs. This article delves into the core principles of GNM, examining its controversial theories, its potential benefits, and the significant criticisms it faces from the established medical community. While not a replacement for conventional medical care, understanding the tenets of GNM offers a unique perspective on the mind-body connection and its potential role in health and illness.
Table of Contents
- The Five Biological Laws: The Foundation of GNM
- The Brain's Role: Conflict Shocks and Relay Stations
- The Two Phases of Disease: Conflict-Active and Healing
- Controversies and Criticisms: A Medical Divide
- GNM in Practice: Approaches and Considerations
The Five Biological Laws: The Foundation of GNM
At the heart of German New Medicine lie five "Biological Laws," which Dr. Hamer claimed govern the onset and progression of all diseases. These laws are not "laws" in the scientific sense, but rather observations and interpretations based on Dr. Hamer's clinical experiences. Understanding these laws is crucial to grasping the GNM paradigm.
The First Biological Law: The Iron Rule of Cancer
The first law, often referred to as the "Iron Rule of Cancer," states that every disease originates from a "Dirk Hamer Syndrome" (DHS) – a sudden, unexpected, and isolating emotional shock. This shock is not just any stressful event, but a highly specific and deeply felt experience that catches the individual completely off guard. The nature of the shock determines which area of the brain is affected, and consequently, which organ will manifest the disease.
Dr. Hamer believed that the DHS creates a visible "Hamer Focus" (HH) in the brain, which can be observed on a brain CT scan. This HH corresponds to a specific conflict theme and organ. For example, a "territorial anger" conflict might manifest as prostate cancer in a man, while a "separation conflict" might lead to skin problems.
The Second Biological Law: The Two-Phases of Diseases
According to GNM, diseases progress in two distinct phases, provided the individual resolves the initial emotional conflict. The first phase, the "conflict-active" phase, begins with the DHS. During this phase, the individual is typically stressed, anxious, and has difficulty sleeping. The corresponding organ exhibits specific changes, depending on the conflict.
The second phase, the "healing" or "conflict-resolved" phase, begins when the individual successfully resolves the emotional conflict. During this phase, the body attempts to repair the organ changes that occurred during the conflict-active phase. This phase is often characterized by fatigue, inflammation, pain, and fever. Dr. Hamer believed that conventional medicine often misinterprets these healing symptoms as new or worsening diseases.
The Third Biological Law: The Ontogenetic System of Tumors
This law describes how different types of tissues respond to conflicts based on their embryological origin. Dr. Hamer categorized tissues into three groups: those controlled by the old brain (brainstem and cerebellum), and those controlled by the new brain (cerebrum). The old brain tissues tend to grow tumors during the conflict-active phase and break them down during the healing phase, while the new brain tissues tend to ulcerate or atrophy during the conflict-active phase and repair themselves during the healing phase.
The Fourth Biological Law: The Ontogenetic System of Microbes
GNM views microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as helpful assistants in the healing process, rather than as enemies that cause disease. Dr. Hamer believed that these microbes are activated by the brain during the healing phase to help break down tumors or repair damaged tissues. According to GNM, microbes are not the cause of disease, but rather the result of the brain's healing program.
The Fifth Biological Law: The Essence of All Disease
The fifth law, also known as the "Quintessence," states that all diseases are part of a meaningful biological program of nature designed to help the individual survive a difficult situation. From this perspective, diseases are not random malfunctions, but rather purposeful adaptations that serve a specific biological function. Dr. Hamer believed that understanding the underlying conflict and supporting the body's natural healing process is the key to recovery.
The Brain's Role: Conflict Shocks and Relay Stations
GNM places immense emphasis on the brain as the central control system for all bodily functions and the mediator of disease processes. Dr. Hamer argued that each emotional conflict affects a specific area of the brain, which in turn controls a specific organ or tissue.
Hamer Focus and the Brain CT Scan
The "Hamer Focus" (HH), as mentioned earlier, is a key concept in GNM. Dr. Hamer claimed that the HH appears as a set of concentric rings on a brain CT scan, and its location corresponds to the specific conflict and affected organ. GNM practitioners use brain CT scans to identify the HH and determine the underlying conflict. However, it's crucial to note that the interpretation of brain CT scans in GNM differs significantly from conventional radiology. Mainstream medicine does not recognize the HH as a valid diagnostic marker.
The Brain as a Relay Station
According to GNM, the brain acts as a relay station, receiving the emotional shock and transmitting the corresponding signal to the affected organ. This signal triggers specific changes in the organ, depending on the nature of the conflict and the type of tissue involved. For instance, a conflict related to self-devaluation might affect the bones, while a conflict related to identity might affect the kidneys.
The Role of Emotions
Emotions play a pivotal role in GNM. Dr. Hamer believed that repressed or unresolved emotions are the primary drivers of disease. By identifying and resolving the underlying emotional conflicts, individuals can potentially activate the healing phase and restore their health.
The Two Phases of Disease: Conflict-Active and Healing
The cyclical nature of disease, as described by GNM, is a cornerstone of its understanding. The transition between the conflict-active and healing phases is crucial.
The Conflict-Active Phase
During the conflict-active phase, the individual experiences chronic stress, anxiety, and a lack of sleep. The body is in a state of heightened alert, and the corresponding organ exhibits specific changes. For example, in the case of a "territorial loss" conflict, the coronary arteries might ulcerate.
The Healing Phase
The healing phase begins when the individual resolves the emotional conflict. This phase is often characterized by fatigue, inflammation, pain, and fever. The body attempts to repair the organ changes that occurred during the conflict-active phase. In the case of the coronary artery ulceration, the arteries would begin to swell and heal. This swelling, according to GNM, is often misinterpreted as a heart attack by conventional medicine.
The Epileptoid Crisis
The "epileptoid crisis" is a critical point in the healing phase, according to GNM. It is a brief period of intense stress that occurs during the peak of the healing phase. Dr. Hamer believed that the epileptoid crisis serves to push the individual back into the conflict-active phase momentarily, allowing the brain to reset and complete the healing process. The symptoms of the epileptoid crisis vary depending on the conflict and the affected organ.
Controversies and Criticisms: A Medical Divide
German New Medicine is highly controversial and faces significant criticism from the established medical community. Its core principles contradict well-established scientific understanding of disease, and its claims have not been validated by rigorous scientific research.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
One of the main criticisms of GNM is the lack of scientific evidence to support its claims. Dr. Hamer's theories are based primarily on his own clinical observations, which are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as controlled scientific studies. Mainstream medicine relies on evidence-based practices, which require rigorous testing and validation of medical theories.
Potential Harm to Patients
Critics argue that GNM can potentially harm patients by discouraging them from seeking conventional medical treatment. Dr. Hamer often advised patients to reject conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which he considered harmful and unnecessary. This can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment of serious medical conditions.
Ethical Concerns
The promotion of GNM raises ethical concerns, particularly when it comes to vulnerable patients who may be desperate for alternative treatments. Critics argue that GNM practitioners exploit patients' fears and anxieties, offering false hope and potentially jeopardizing their health.
Absence of Peer Review
Dr. Hamer's work has not been subjected to rigorous peer review, which is a crucial process for ensuring the validity and reliability of scientific research. The absence of peer review raises concerns about the quality and credibility of GNM.
“German New Medicine is based on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, not on verifiable scientific data,†states Dr. David Gorski, a surgical oncologist and prominent critic of alternative medicine. “It is dangerous to promote such unproven and potentially harmful therapies to patients.â€
GNM in Practice: Approaches and Considerations
Despite the controversies, some individuals have sought out GNM practitioners for guidance and support. It's crucial to approach GNM with caution and to be aware of its limitations.
Identifying and Resolving Conflicts
GNM practitioners typically focus on helping individuals identify and resolve the underlying emotional conflicts that are believed to be the root cause of their illness. This may involve exploring past traumas, identifying recurring patterns of stress, and developing coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions.
Supporting the Healing Process
GNM practitioners also emphasize the importance of supporting the body's natural healing process. This may involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of natural remedies. However, it's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your medical treatment plan.
Integration with Conventional Medicine
Some individuals may choose to integrate GNM principles with conventional medical treatment. This approach involves working with both conventional healthcare providers and GNM practitioners to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. However, it's essential to communicate openly with all healthcare providers and to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of each approach.
A Word of Caution
It is vital to reiterate that German New Medicine is not a substitute for conventional medical care. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. While exploring alternative approaches to health and healing can be empowering, it's crucial to prioritize evidence-based medicine and to make informed decisions based on the best available scientific information.
In conclusion, German New Medicine presents a unique and controversial perspective on the nature of disease, emphasizing the role of emotional conflicts and the body's natural healing abilities. While its principles are not supported by mainstream science, understanding GNM can offer a new lens through which to view the mind-body connection and its potential impact on health. However, it is crucial to approach GNM with caution and to prioritize evidence-based medical care.
