Crikey! You guys must have some very patient patients. And our materia medicas full of provings on acute states and nobody wants to use them!
My experience is that if I administer an acute remedy at the start of an acute flare-up I can shorten the 'bell-shape curve' time span of the episode. Then return to the fundamental or constitutional layer, (hooray for lower potencies and LMs where this is possible). If the acute state is well under way then it will be a different remedy picture to the beginning stage but some relief can still be given.
To me, not treating an acute is like saying to a patient, "Too bad, come back when you feel better". If the acute physical symptoms are the result of an emotional release then the counselling aspect of homeopathic treatment comes to the fore. My responsibility towards my patients is not to desert them when the going gets tough. Healing is not always about just giving a pill, but hey remember, even Hahnemann gave placebos sometimes.

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Chris Gillen
Member AHA (Australia)