Treating the Torment of Teething with Homoeopathy

Seeing a dose or two of the homoeopathic remedy Chamomilla change a fractious child into a calm one is something not soon forgotten. Teething symptoms fade and the pain lessens in such a smooth, simple way that Chamomilla has earned a reputation worldwide. It is so often used successfully by parents and homoeopaths that we tend to think of it as a specific remedy for teething. Yet sometimes there are other teething remedies that may be more suitable. Parents can get the best out of using homoeopathy at home by carefully choosing a teething remedy according to an individual cluster of symptoms.

There are some questions parents may ask: When is the popular Chamomilla the most appropriate remedy? But first, what is homoeopathy? And what exactly is teething, anyway?



What is homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is a form of holistic medicine thats different from modern medicine because it works on the whole entanglement of symptoms and on the susceptibility to the problem. It does this by stimulating the bodys innate healing ability.

As a medicine, homoeopathy has stood the test of time. The remedies used in modern homoeopathic practice have survived for centuries without change in the way they are used or made. Chamomilla is one of the remedies first made 200 years ago.


What is a remedy?

A homoeopathic medicine is called a remedy. Remedies are made in homoeopathic pharmacies from a vast assortment of substances including herbs and minerals. Chamomilla is made from the herb chamomile, which has been used as a tea since the 1st century AD. Used as a remedy, the herb can treat the emotional, mental and physical symptoms of teething.

Some remedies, including Chamomilla, are used so often in the home situation that parents keep them in a first aid kit to use for immediate problems, especially in the middle of the night. Others, such as Saccharum, are available only after consultation with a professional homoeopath. Homoeopathic remedies can be used alongside basic practical measures to ease teething symptoms and bring the baby back to balance.

Another way remedies are available is in homoeopathic teething formulas that can be bought from healthfood shops and pharmacies. They contain a collection of teething remedies, always including Chamomilla. These formulas can be very effective and serve as a wonderful introduction to homoeopathy. They are designed for blanket coverage of teething problems and give temporary relief from the pain, discomfort and irritability caused by teething.

When a formula is sold over the counter, of course its not intended to have the same impact as an individually chosen remedy. The careful choice of one remedy gives more lasting results. It also provides the opportunity to learn about the remedies individually and is worth the effort in the long term.


What is teething?

Throughout human history, there have been references to teething causing a wide variety of childhood symptoms. Teething difficulties are mentioned as early as 1200BC in the Homeric hymns and also in 1000BC in the prayers of early Indian literature. Eighteenth and nineteenth century treatments for teething were varied and included doses of mercury salts, leeches, opium, lancing of the gums, purgatives and emetics. In 1839, there were 5016 deaths in England and Wales attributed to teething. With our modern understanding of health we can see its likely the babies died from dehydration and other problems associated with the harshness of the times.
Mrs. Winslows Soothing Syrup, first marketed in 1849, was an extremely popular teething mixture that contained a generous level of alcohol and morphine sulfate and could cause coma, addiction or death from overdose. It was removed from the market in the 1930s.

Understandably, there was a widespread fear of the role of teething in childhood illness, which has disappeared with increasing knowledge of medicine and disease.

Modern medical opinion varies about what teething entails, with some research finding that teething itself rarely causes symptoms. Bearing that in mind, its in the nature of homoeopathy to treat the whole child, so it works on the tooth pain at the same time as the other symptoms, regardless of whether teething exists. However, parents, grandparents and nurses clearly associate teething with symptoms, borne out by several studies. Other recent research has connected the possible presence of the herpes virus with teething symptoms.

Nowadays, teething is used to explain lots of problems in babies up to about two and a half years. Homoeopaths believe some babies find the experience painful and others go through it without an ordeal because each has a different susceptibility to teething problems. Any restless baby with red cheeks, a runny nose, lots of saliva, looseness of bowels, irritability and sleeplessness might be said to be suffering from teething. However, there isnt one typical symptom cluster that reliably predicts the imminent arrival of a tooth.

Some babies will have some of these symptoms every time they are teething without going on to produce an illness. However, such symptoms can also be part of the first stage of some health problems. Consequently, if your baby develops a fever, vomiting, convulsions, diarrhoea or loss of appetite its wise to have the baby checked by a health professional.


When is Chamomilla the right remedy?

The individual way a baby reacts during teething is the key to knowing which remedy to use. Most important is the way the child wants to be held; for example, a baby who needs Chamomilla demands to be carried around and will cry angrily, hit and kick if put down. If the baby is reacting in this way and the following symptoms are present, Chamomilla is the best choice of remedy:

* The baby quietens when the parents walk up and down but even after a while of walking and being held the baby may still start to cry, with the parents being worn out.

* The baby demands food, toys and drinks but when offered them throws them across the room.

* The baby seems to be abnormally sensitive to pain and doesnt like being looked at.

* During sleep the baby tosses and turns, and cries out loud, generally crying more at night, especially around 9pm to 10pm.

* The gums are sore so the baby keeps her mouth open. She dribbles and keeps her fingers in her mouth. While in this state she is prone to having loose, greenish stools and her face is flushed on one side.


Cina

Cina is a remedy that most resembles Chamomilla because the baby needing Cina is also irritable and capricious and wants to be held. However, the Cina baby will seem to want to be held, but when picked up is still unhappy. Caressing or hugging the baby will make her stiffen her body or throw her head backwards so you almost drop her. Despite the best efforts, quietening her seems out of the question. You cant seem to do anything to please the Cina baby, whereas the Chamomilla child will at least settle for a while when carried. The Cina child may have loose stools but not greenish as in Chamomilla. She may look paler during teething than she normally does.


Arsenicum

The baby needing Arsenicum will also want to be carried, but the difference is that they like being walked around briskly and will quieten down when you do it. Arsenicum babies are those whose parents soon figure out that a ride in the car at 1am may be the only thing that will put them back to sleep. They can be angry, just like Chamomilla and Cina, but are worse in the middle of the night between midnight and 2am. The baby who needs Arsenicum may have a loose stool, which is burning and gives them nappy rash. If they have a runny nose it will burn the skin around their nose.


Mag phos

If the symptoms are all jumbled together and youre not sure whether your baby has colic or is teething, the remedy needed is Mag phos. The crampy type of tummy pain will make him draw his legs up and the parent will discover the pains are greatly relieved by the warmth of a hand and the firm pressure of rubbing his belly. Arsenicum babies also like warmth but you can differentiate between the two remedies because Arsenicum is restless and Mag phos will seem too tired to move, other than to raise his legs up. The Mag phos baby may also have cracks in the corners of his mouth.


Mercurius

A baby who needs Mercurius is sweaty, smelly and very thirsty even though their mouth is moist. There will be redness of the gums, a constant inclination to swallow, flabby tongue, ulcers in the mouth, bad breath and such copious drooling of saliva that there will be a pool of saliva on the pillow. During teething they will be anxious, hurried, restless and have trouble sitting still. Becoming both easily chilled and easily overheated is a characteristic of Mercurius.


Nux vomica

Nux vomica will help a baby who is irritable, stroppy, quarrelsome and oversensitive, mentally and physically, to open air, cold air, drafts, being strapped into her car seat, tight elastic on pants, noise, smell and music. Some of them will even raise an objection if the adults are having a conversation; it seems to be too much noise for her and she certainly will object to having the radio on in the car. Because Nux vomica babies are impatient, headstrong and self-willed, they really seem to know what they want and they want it right now. They get the hiccups and burps during teething. An uninterrupted nap will do them the world of good if they could only stay asleep long enough. If your baby is one of those little ones who wakes too early then cant go back to sleep again, coupled with hypersensitivity, she will be sure to respond to Nux vomica.


Pulsatilla

The remedies Pulsatilla and Chamomilla are very different because a child needing Pulsatilla is gentler and will weep and whine easily rather than scream and will want to be carried slowly and gently. Changing, shifting symptoms and mood swings from one minute to the next will confuse the parents. The baby wants sympathy and attention, becoming clingy and weepy. After a cry, he will seem to freshen up and be in a better mood. If he has a runny nose it will be bland, thick, a dirty yellow or green and will not burn the skin. The time of day when this baby is at his worst is in the afternoon between 3pm and 5pm. These babies love to be carried outside in the fresh air. The Pulsatilla baby is not very thirsty, even though his mouth and lips are dry. He may have a bloated tummy and his stool will be changeable.


All the previous remedies can be given by parents at home and are found in homoeopathic first aid kits. As well as these, there are several indispensable teething remedies, which may be prescribed only after a consultation with a professional homoeopath. These include the following:


Calc carb

These babies get their teeth later than the average and then have much difficulty with them coming through. These babies gain weight easily and are normally contented, but while cutting teeth can be very stubborn. Calc carb babies quieten quickly when picked up. Parents will notice they seem to be happier to just sit in their pram than to have their feet on the ground. They sweat easily on the head, especially during sleep. Old textbooks of homoeopathy say that one-third of children require this remedy, though modern-day homoeopaths have noticed the need for the remedy is decreasing.


Kali carb

These babies also want to be carried and love to be rocked. They feel better when you carry them with their tummy over your shoulder. Their teething troubles are worse from 2am to 4am. The Kali carb babys face looks puffy and he seems to be weakened by the teething. The baby tends to be jumpy and easily startled by unexpected touch or noise, more than other babies.

Saccharum

As with Kali carb, the babies who need Saccharum love to be rocked. After sweets these babies are a handful and kick and hit. They demand food immediately on waking and the transformation after having something to eat is remarkable. Their Kali carb face looks pale like Cina. The babys first response when the parent tries to carry him will be to push away, but if the parent persists the baby will give in to the cuddle or rocking, which is what he really wants. Saccharum is a remedy needed more and more by children according to modern homoeopathy.


Practical points

* Parents naturally hesitate before giving their baby any treatment but can feel reassured to know that the exceedingly small doses used in homoeopathic medicine make them safe.

* A remedy can be given as a dose of two pills or five drops in a strength of 30c once every four hours. If you have given more than six doses and it hasnt helped, try a different remedy.

* A blissful and common response to a well-chosen remedy is that the child is finally able to give in to sleepiness and have a nap.

* If dribble is causing a rash, try using pawpaw ointment as a barrier on the chin.

* Massage your babys gums with your finger. Some enjoy the pressure in the same way they like to chew on things. Once the baby is old enough for chewing chunky food, you can try letting her gnaw on celery sticks, raw apple rings and dried bananas. The bananas taste great but make such a mess you will probably decide to use them just before bathtime or even while sitting in the bath.

* If you cant avoid going out when its cold and windy put a scarf and beanie on the baby.
l Both parents of a teething baby need time out. Ask for help.

* After using a teething formula or different individual remedies at home without success, consult a professional homoeopath. Your baby may need one of the less common remedies not available for home use.

* If you have a friend who says they have gone through bottles of Chamomilla, chances are they are overusing the remedy. Remind them its still a medicine. No matter how gentle homoeopathy is, there are still cautions that apply.

* Dont use chamomile tea at the same time as Chamomilla or a teething formula. Its a double dose. In homoeopathy less is better. If you find your baby responds to chamomile tea, just use the tea; theres no need to use a remedy as well.

* Local anaesthetic gel may be washed away too quickly by saliva.

* Any child with recurring teething problems will benefit from having a checkup with a chiropractor or ostoeopath.

How to Cure Hypertension? 7 secrets your Doctor wont tell you

Do you know how to cure high blood pressure with no medication? Most people would probably say to eat healthy (lower your salt-intake) and make sure you exercise. Unfortunately, most doctors tell you this and forget to tell you the other treatments you can be doing to lower your score and eventually be med-free.

The truth is that doctors are educated in medical schools were natural health and simple 'common sense' secrets are not taught. Unfortunately, medicine and antibiotics are only being taught because our medical industry is completely reliant upon pharmaceutical companies.

But new research is now showing the sometimes medicines are not the only treatment. In fact, some natural treatments are just as effective as their medicine counterpart.

Which is making some think, "Is there something doctors are NOT telling us?"

Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, Alpha Blockers, and Vasodilators) work because they lower your blood pressure. The problem is that they make it look that you are healthy but are your numbers showing the truth?

High Blood Pressure medications work because they synthetically alleviate the pressure of the arteries and blood. For instance, with diuretics the blood will become less salty (less thick) and your pressure with drop. Another example would be beta blockers which synthetically cause the heart to beat slower.

Though these medications look good on paper, they are NOT treating the disease known as the 'silent killer'. In fact, they could be prolonging your life but they will never fully treat the disease. And statistics show that users will eventually die from the high blood pressure.

But what if you could naturally treat high blood pressure.

7 Hypertension Tips Your Doctor Won't Share with You

So you want to know, 'how to cure high blood pressure'? First, you need to know how to prevent high blood pressure holistically. Because curing high blood pressure starts with a holistic treatment. Holistically treating hypertension simply means using the 'whole' body to cure the problem. This is completely different than taking a pill to synthetically thin out the blood.

1. Three Miracle Minerals- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, you should be supplementing your diet with 3 miracle minerals that lower high blood pressure. Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium have been shown to help lower blood pressure.

2. Garlic- Garlic has been shown to benefit the heart, lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure naturally. The compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to naturally lower high blood pressure. Find a quality supplement today.

3. Folic Acid- Vitamin B which is found in green leafy vegetables reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. This vitamin will lower the risk of heart disease and alleviate the pressure naturally.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Many or my customers have found success with apple cider vinegar which contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2 and B6, in addition to potassium, magnesium, and copper.

5. Relieve Stress- Do you know there are numerous ways to relieve stress? Breathing exercises, exercising, or reading a book are simple ways to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure. And there are even more than this!

6. Your Diet! You know the major Do's and Don'ts about high blood pressure dieting. Just remember to be eating your water-soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables). Fibers, especially water-soluble, will flush your system and plaque. Also, switch to whole grains! With less plaque in the arteries you will eventually be hypertension-free! Our HBP report goes into great detail about how you can treat hypertension with your diet.

7. Green Tea! It is loaded with antioxidants and research shows it lowers high blood pressure. Whether it is the 'relaxing' factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health!

Normalize your High Blood Pressure in 3 Weeks or Less

First Aid of Homoeopathic remedies

Introduction:
Welcome to information on the First Aid Homoeopathic Remedies. These medicines may safely be used by the school staff, teachers for school children, after brief study of the enclosed literature. It may be noted that the set of medicines need to be utilized only as a first aid, till the time the child is sent to the nearby doctor for further medical attention.

List of common First Aid Remedies:

1. Arnica Montana
2. Ledum Pal
3. Symphytum
4. Ruta Graveolens
5. Rhus Toxicodendron
6. Apis Mellifica
7. Cantharis
8. Hypericum Perforatum
9. Bellis Perennis
10. Belladonna
11. Arsenic Album
12. Gelsemium

13. Magnesium Phosphorica

Please study brief notes on the indications of the commonly used First Aid medicine

1. Arnica Montana:
Indications:
a. Any kind of injury, especially bruises, sprain, injury to muscles, head, limbs, fall, etc.
b. Arnica helps to relieve pain, control internal and external bleeding, help the state of shock, and enhance healing of the affected parts.
c. Blows and Contusions
d. In any form of injury, when not sure which medicine to administer, use Arnica!

Dose: Arnica 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

2. Ledum Pal:
Indications:
a. Any POINTED INJURIES, as caused by pencils, pen, compass, nails, or any such sharp and pointed instrument.
b. Injury to eyes or soft tissues around eyes
c. When eye ball is injured by any ball, fist or any blunt object forcefully.
d. Punctured wound: Stepping onto a nail

Dose: Ledum Pal 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

3. Symphytum:
Indications:
a. Injury to cartilages, ligaments, bones and soft tissues around joints.
b. Injury to bone and fractures
c. Heals fracture faster, even after surgery

Dose:
Symphytum 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

4. Ruta Graveolens:
Indications:
a. Injury to fibrous tissues around joints
b. Injury to wrist, ankle, shoulder, knee joints; while playing tennis, badminton, squash, cricket, foot ball, etc.
c. Injury to eyes (Similar to Ledum)
d. Bone injury and fracture (Similar to Symphytum)

Dose: Symphytum 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

5. Rhus Toxicodendron:
Indications:
a. Muscle sprain, injury to muscles
b. Sprain of ankle, shoulder, knee and any other joint while playing strenuous sports, or fall.
c. Muscle cramp
Dose:
Rhus Tox 200c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

6. Apis Mellifica:
Indications:
a. Insect bite, rat bite, stings by bee, wasp, jelly-fish, etc. where there is redness, swelling, burning and stinging pains.
b. Sudden allergic rash such as hives

Dose:
Apis Mel 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

7. Cantharis:
Indications:
a. Any form of burns: hot water, electrical, due to crackers, etc.
b. Burns due to handling of chemical in the school laboratory

Dose:
Cantharis 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

8. Hypericum:
Indications:
a. Injury to hypersensitive areas such as finger tips, toes.
b. Injury to back, such as fall on the back

Dose:
Hypericum 200c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

9. Bellis Perennis:
Indications:
a. Injury to abdomen as in blow with a fist or ball injury to abdomen
b. Injury to chest and breast in young girls

Dose:
Bellis Per 30c, 4 pills to be used every half an hour for about 4 hours. Further dose depends on the severity and extent of injury.

10. Belladonna:
Indications:
a. Sudden fever
b. Sudden pain in abdomen
c. Sudden and acute headache, toothache, earache

Dose:
Belladonna 200c to be given 4 pills every half an hour for about four hours.
Further dose depends on the severity, extent and the cause of problem.

11. Arsenic Album:
Indications:
a. Loose motions, diarrhea and / or vomiting
b. Food poisoning
c. Sudden attack of breathlessness (asthmatic breathing)

Dose:
Arsenic Album 200c to be given 4 pills every half an hour for about four hours. Further dose depends on the severity, extent and the cause of problem.

12. Gelsemium
Indications:
a. Fright, Shock, exam-phobia
b. Extreme nervousness in the examination hall or on the stage
c. Stage Fear
Dose:
Gelsemium 200, 4 pills to be taken every half an hour, thrice.

13.Magnesium Phosphorica:

Indications: For various painful conditions, to relieve pain temporarily.

a. Pain in abdomen during menses

b. Sudden pain in abdomen due to any known or unknown reasons such as colic, kidney stone, intestinal infections, etc.

Dose: Magnesium Phos 200, 4 pills to be given every 20 minutes for about 1 to 2 hours.

Note to teachers and parents:
Above first aid homoeopathic measures could be used safely and effectively, indicated for use till the time the child is taken to the nearby physician or hospital. The suggested medicines may not be considered as final line of treatment for any given conditions. Whenever in doubt, a homoeopathic doctor could be consulted for advice.

The above notes have been prepared for the use of teaching + non-teaching staff and caretakers. Further information could be obtained on request from the author of these notes:

Dr. Rupal Shah. M.D. and Dr. Rajesh Shah. M.D.
Life Force Center

415, Krushal Commercial Complex, Above Shopper's Stop, Chembur, Mumbai 4000 89. India


~: Quick Alphabetical Reference :~
1. Abdominal injury: Bellis per
2. Abdomen, pain : Belladonna
3. Asthmatic breathing: Ars Alb
4. Back injury: Arnica, Hypericum
5. Bites, insect: Apis
6. Black eye: Ledum
7. Bone injury: Ruta, Symphytum
8. Burns: Cantharis
9. Blow to abdomen: Bellis per
10. Breathlessness: Ars Alb
11. Chest injury: Bellis per
12. Diarrhea: Ars-Alb
13. Earache: Belladonna
14. Eye injury: Ledum, Arnica, Ruta
15. Fright: Gelsemium
16. Fracture: Ruta, Symphytum
17. Fall: Arnica
18. Fever: Belladonna
19. Food poisoning: Ars Alb
20. Head injury: Arnica
21. Hives: Apis
22. Injury, general: Arnica
23. Insect bite: Apis
24. Rash, allergic: Apis
25. Shock: Gelsemium
26. Sprain: Rhus tox
27. Stage Fright: Gelsemium
28. Menstrual pain: Magnesium Phos


Acute conditions:

It is interesting to note that homeopathy remedies can bring calm and comfort by alleviating intense fear or anguish to those who have just suffered from acute trauma. For instance, Aconite Napellus, a medicine prepared from the mountain plant, is known to comfort fright and fear of death. It can make one relax, relive fear and cope up with the fearful situation better. In my opinion, millions of people world would have felt better with some doses of Aconite on the 12th or 13th September, especially people in the US.

Cantharis, a medicine prepared from Spanish fly, is another remedy to be used in the hospitals or roadside camps for the cases of burns. Cantharis has stupendous powers to not only relive the excruciating burning pains of the victims but also to enhance the healing of the wounds. Cantharis also helps prevent infection. Cantharis 30c may be used safely as a first aid remedy in case of acute burns even without a medical supervision.

Insomnia or acute sleeplessness may be treated with Coffea or Opium or Kali Phosphoricum.

There is a wide range of homeopathic medicines for injuries of various kinds, used depending of the kind of trauma. For example, injury to bones may require Ruta Graveolens or Symphytum, severe injury to the eyes may need Ledum Palustre, general injury will call for Arnica Montana, while the patients with head injury are strongly recommended Arnica, Natrum sulphuricum to avoid long term bad effects of brain injury.

It may be noted with emphasis that homeopathic medicine are known to help patients who may be in coma after head injury, due to cerebral hemorrhage to concussion. Above medicines may safely be used in 30c or 200c potency as first aid measure.

Children who have seen the terrorism on the television and have heard the family discussing impending war are big victims of psychological trauma. It infuses fright and insecurity in them. Stramonium, prepared from Thorn-apple, is a child's friend in the time of frightful nights.

The victims or the relatives may be helped with some doses of Ignatia Amara, prepared from St. Ignatius's bean for severe form of acute depression and grief. Those who are in the state of shock would find amazing help with Ignatia.

Homoeopathy Boon for Children

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which aims to treat each particular individual be it a child or an adult. It represents real medical ecology based on natural scientific truths. It is non toxic and when properly administered with holistic approach does no harm to the body. It is also non invasive and works to help the body?s healing powers.
Children are most sensitive and purest gift of mankind. They require rapid, gentle and permanent cure for their small and big ailments.

Homeopathy uses medicines prepared from natural substances that are ?similar to the illness? unlike conventional medicines which treats and often suppresses the patient?s symptoms. Prescribed on its basic fundamental laws, Homeopathy is much safer and quicker than other modes of treatment.

The most common pediatric ailments which keep the parents sleepless / awake at nights, worrying about their children are:-

? Recurrent infections (Tonsillitis, Adenoids, Diarrhea etc)
? Delayed milestones
? Dentition problems
? Behavioral disorders
? Bed-wetting
? Stammering
? Skin diseases
? Worm infestations

Recurrent infections:
Includes fevers, Tonsillitis, Adenoiditis, Diarrhea, worms, respiratory allergies etc. All of these are due to low immune status of the child. Weak resistance of the child makes him prone to infections. Homeopathy can do wonders by enhancing the immunity level and make him more resistant to morbific agents.

Delayed Milestones and Growth retardation:
Includes late learning to walk, talk, general retardation of growth, learning disabilities etc. Barring genetic causes, there are various environmental factors like nutrition, recurrent infections, insecure family circumstances, lack of proper love etc can hamper the normal growth of a child.

Behavioral disorders:
Parental disharmony, lack of proper love and care, domination, over protection; neonatal insults may lead to hyper anxiety states; maladjustment at school, with parents and siblings; temper tantrums; attention deficit disorders; sleep and appetite disturbances, stammering and bedwetting in children.

By taking into account of the patient as a whole and not just the illness, Homeopathy simultaneously confronts the symptoms, the patient?s constitution and even his psychological and emotional reactions.
A carefully selected medicine based on this holistic approach cures all the above mentioned diseases of children and many more.

So crux is, if you were to compare a patient with a locked safe and medicine as a key, then a Homeopathic consultation is like finding the right key and opening the door.

Child Asthma

Asthma is the most common serious chronic childhood disease. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and airways ? the tubes that bring air to the lungs. If your baby has asthma, these airways are irritated and swollen, and produce more mucus which narrows these breathing tubes and can affect his ability to breathe and lead a normal, healthy life. He may breathe rapidly, cough, wheeze, or whistle as his breath is forced through the narrowed airways.

Exposure to allergens such as pollens, or animal dander can trigger or worsen symptoms in some children with asthma. This condition is referred to as allergic asthma. Other possible triggers include cold air, viral infections (such as the common cold), tobacco smoke, and other air pollutants. Some children only get attacks when they have a cold or other upper respiratory infection, while others have an attack after coming into contact with an allergen or with cigarette smoke.
If the child often coughs and wheezes after running or playing etc, he may have what's called exercise-induced asthma.

SYMPTOMS:

During an asthmatic attack, the child may breathe rapidly, cough, wheeze, or whistle .It can be noticed as child?s nostrils flare, the skin around his ribs suck in with each breath, or his skin start to turn blue. Serious symptoms of attack need immediate medical attention.
Other conditions like a viral respiratory infection can also cause wheezing or wheezing-like sounds. However, if the child coughs frequently and has allergies or eczema, and if there is a family history of asthma and allergies or eczema, there?s a good chance that your child can develop asthma. Children who were exposed just before or after birth to tobacco smoke are also more prone to asthma.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Some systems of medicine advocate Anti-histamines to cure the all forms of allergies. Homoeopathy believes that such drugs merely suppress or palliate the allergy and rarely cure it.
Homoeopathy is a science that does not depend only on the diagnosis of the diseases. For most of the other therapeutic sciences treatment depends only on diagnosis. In Homeopathy equal importance is given to the patient as well as his suffering. This means when other sciences aim at treating Disease in Man, Homoeopathic science at the very inception, has been devised to treat the Man in disease. In simple terms Homeopathy aims to treat the inner man that is his immune system thereby treating the root cause of his disease, which is a weak immune system. The system of homoeopathy works on the principle of taking every patient as a different entity with different medicine based on the symptoms therefore, a doctor should be consulted before taking medicines.

Children ?Allergies

An allergy is a basic hypersensitiveness, it is a reaction of the immune system to various environmental triggers like pollens, molds etc, which do not bother most other people.Children who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing.

If the child is having cold like symptoms ? runny nose, watery eyes, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing etc for more than a week to ten days , he is most likely suffering from allergy.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY

Nasal allergy (Allergic rhinitis):

Child always has stuffy or running nose.


Child is constantly rubbing, wiggling or wiping the nose

The mucus that drains from child?s nose is clear and thin (unlike yellow greenish and thick in common cold)

Child sneezes a lot

Eyes (Allergic conjunctivitis):

There is itching, redness and watering of the eyes..

The skin under the eyes may look dark, purple or blue.

Airways:

Child may suffer from dry cough, wheezing and difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea), and sometimes-outright attacks of asthma

Skin:

Allergic symptoms of skin presents as various rashes like eczema, hives( urticaria), irritation, itchy, broken red skin.

Head:

Headaches though uncommon but sometimes occur due to allergies.

CAUSES

As mentioned above an allergy is a reaction of the immune system to an environmental substance. When a child suffering from allergy comes into contact with these substances, known as an allergen ? either by touching, breathing, eating, or having it injected, it acts as a triggering agent, which excites the immune system to release histamines and other chemicals as a reaction. These chemicals irritate the body and cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, and coughing etc

Allergens: The most common allergens are: dust, woolens, molds, pollens, animal dander, perfumes, various foods like shellfish, peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat etc.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Some systems of medicine advocate Anti-histamines to cure the all forms of allergies. Homoeopathy believes that such drugs merely suppress or palliate the allergy and rarely cure it.
Homoeopathy is a science that does not depend only on the diagnosis of the diseases. For most of the other therapeutic sciences treatment depends only on diagnosis. In Homeopathy equal importance is given to the patient as well as his suffering. This means when other sciences aim at treating Disease in Man, Homoeopathic science at the very inception, has been devised to treat the Man in disease. In simple terms Homeopathy aims to treat the inner man that is his immune system thereby treating the root cause of his disease, which is a weak immune system. The system of homoeopathy works on the principle of taking every patient as a different entity with different medicine based on the symptoms therefore, a doctor should be consulted before taking medicines

Wonders of homoeopathy

A case of Migraine

This is the case of a lady aged 36 years with severe Migraine since 10 years.
She used to have severe Headache accompanied by vomiting. Headache ameliorated by pressing the root of nose.. Severe headaches would prevent her from all daily activities. Once triggered it would continue for days with no relief even by painkillers.

Along with this she also complained of:
Scanty menstruation

Past medical History:
Backache
Anal Fissure
Low blood pressure

Personality:
The lady was very extroverted, social person. She was a very emotional person having an intuitive nature. Her memory was very sharp. She couldn?t tolerate tight clothing. She couldn?t tolerate hot weather. Her headaches were aggravated by smell of coffee.

Medicine prescribed:
After a detailed analysis of her case she was prescribed a dose of a homeopathic remedy called LACHESIS 200 and she was called after 10 days for her follow up.

Follow ups:
First follow up after 10 days - She had her menses which were better regarding flow and intensity of her headaches was also better.
With each further follow ups, her frequency and intensity of headaches got reduced. There was transient recurrence of her old complaint of backache which passed away shortly.

Case of Arthritis

This is the case of a 46 years old lady (Patient reference no.L6956) who reported to us with complaints of pain in both the knee joints. She was a known case of Rheumatoid Arthritis since the past 2 to 3 years. Her pains used to extend anteriorly to the ankle joints and were aggravated by sitting down and bending her legs. Her pains occurred twice or thrice a week and lasted for one to two days.

Along with this she also complained of excessive bloated feeling in the abdomen almost daily since the last 3 to 4 years. She said that she felt very hungry at small intervals and had to eat something very frequently and yet had no satiety. Another thing that had started bothering her since the past one year was her hot flushes. This was due to her menopausal age that she would be so irritable at times. She was a known case of cervical spondylosis since the past 2 years along with uterine fibroids almost since 6 years.

She had an excess appetite with strong craving for sweets, milk and fruits. She perspired profusely especially on the face and was thermally a hot patient. Her menstrual cycles were irregular as she was reaching her menopause. She complained of disturbed sleep and used to get up frequently at night.

She was quite confident to talk with. She said that she had no major tensions or stress in life. But it was only on further enquiring it was found that she had a very disturbed family life. She had separated from her husband a few years after their marriage and had a teenaged son who stayed away from her with his father in the U.S. Her son was reluctant to keep any contacts with her and this was the most distressing part of her life. She was totally disappointed with her life and therefore had become very irritable and easily angered. She desired to be alone and weeped while narrating her complaints.

Amongst her family, her father suffered from diabetes and her mother too suffered from arthritis. She had stooped all her previous allopathic medications for arthritis as they were no longer helping her to control her pains.

Taking into consideration her entire complaints along with her mental state, a constitutional homoeopathic remedy Natrum Mur 200 was selected to be taken twice a day for 3 weeks. Next when she reported to us her knee joint pains were better up to 50%. Her excess hunger had slightly decreased but the abdominal bloating remained the same. She was continued the same remedy and potency for another four weeks. In the second follow up i.e. after another 4 weeks her knee joint pains were better up to 90% and her hunger and bloating showed improvement up to 50%. The frequency of her hot flushes had also reduced this time. Also, she specially mentioned to us that mentally she was feeling much relaxed than ever before for which she was really thankful to us and obviously to homoeopathy. She was asked to continue the medications for another few months until complete recovery.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in this case is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point of time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.




Case of Cancer Pains

This is the case of Mrs. A.S, a 41 years old female patient who reported to the clinic in January 2004. She was a known case of cancer of the uterus and she had undergone hysterectomy for the same. Later she had a relapse of the cancer in the vulva for which she had received radiotherapy. She reported to the clinic about 2 months after receiving radiotherapy. She had complaints of severe burning and cutting pain in the thighs since the last 6 months. She would have the burning constantly, everyday and it would get worse from exertion and at night.

She also had complaints of chronic constipation and acidity. The constipation would get better only with purgatives.
She had an average appetite with decreased thirst for water. She was fond of fish. Her sleep was sound but she would frequently get frightful dreams and dreams of her dead relatives.

She had marked anxiety about her health and had also become irritable since the past few months. She had marked fear of being alone; fear of ghosts and of darkness. She would also get frightened at the sight of dead bodies.
She did not have history of any other illness in the past except for the cancer of the uterus. Her mother had hypertension and there was no history of any other illness in the family.

Based on the above history the patient was prescribed a remedy called Capsicum annum in the 200th potency along with another remedy called Carcinosin which would target her tendency to develop cancerous affection. In the subsequent follow-ups the remedy Capsicum was prescribed in ascending potencies and within 6 months of treatment her pains had completely disappeared. She did extremely well with the treatment and was free from the pain which had not been relieved by any other kind of medication in the past.

This case illustrates how cancer pains can be efficiently tackled with homoeopathy, even in those cases where other forms of treatment have failed. Homoeopathy can even help to arrest the further progress of the illness by targeting the tendency to develop cancerous affections.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in this case is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point of time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.
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Cases of Hair loss


Case 1:


This is the case of Mr. A. G, a 17 years old male patient who reported to the clinic with complaints of excessive hair loss since 2 years. The complaints had increased since 6 months. His hair would fall from the root and he had developed a hairless patch (alopecia) on his vertex. The hair would get uprooted very easily and hence even an oil massage or combing would lead to much hair loss. He also had excessive dandruff causing much itching of the scalp.

He also had complaints of some reddish eruptions on the back and shoulders since 3 years. The eruptions would occasionally be pustular with itching. This was diagnosed as acne. The acne would get worse from heat and during change of weather.

He had marked craving for sweets, junk food and Chinese food. He had an aversion to fruits and certain vegetables. He had excessive thirst for cold water. Perspiration was profuse especially on the palms and soles and was offensive. Patient could not tolerate heat in any form and would prefer to be in the cold environment.

He had a very sensitive personality and was a responsible person. There was marked anticipatory anxiety and he would feel much tensed before and during exams. He would get so nervous that he would forget the points and this would adversely affect his performance. He would not be sure of what he has written in the exams. He was fond of company and would not like to stay alone. He loved music and dancing and liked to be with friends. He was very attached to his possessions and would not like to share these with others.

In the past he had suffered from recurrent colds and allergies. There was strong history of alopecia areata in the family and his father had complaints of renal calculi. His elder brother also suffered from frequent colds.

Based on this history, the patient was prescribed homoeopathic medicine named Lycopodium Clavatum. Within the first 2 months itself there was remarkable improvement in the hairloss. His anxiety had also improved significantly and he would no longer get as much tensed or worried about his exams as before. Within 8 months of treatment, he was absolutely normal and the alopecia patch also improved significantly. He was advised to discontinue the treatment after this since he no longer required any medication.



Case 2:


Mr. M. T (Patient Ref. No. 3893), a 29 years old male patient reported to us with complaints of hair loss since about 10 years. He would lose about 40 -80 hair daily and this had amounted to the development of male pattern baldness. His hairline was receding from both the temples. The texture of hair was normal and there was no other accompanying problem such as dandruff, dry or greasy hair, etc. there was no history of any infections of the scalp or any other illness in the past. His elder brother had similar problems of receding hairline with male pattern baldness at an early age.

He also had complaints of acne on the face although the eruptions were infrequent and the marks were more prominent.
The patient was a vegetarian with normal appetite and thirst. He did not have any particular likes or dislikes about food and drinks. He did not have any habits such as smoking, drinking, etc. His built was on the thinner side.
He was a software programmer by profession with a sensitive nature. He would get easily frustrated when things would not be under his control. Lately he had begun to feel quite anxious and would dwell on events that he had no control over. He was a confident person who would sometimes experience difficulty in focusing and getting started with work, but once he did start, he would complete it with full concentration. He was a reserved person and disliked being in public situations. Sometimes he would get frustrated and upset over little things but then he would recover from the anger soon enough and would not let it adversely affect his functioning. He would think positively and try and adapt to situations whenever he would feel sad, lonely, not appreciated, insulted, misunderstood, exploited, etc .He would always try and remain balanced, whether it was in happiness or in grief and would try not to get over-emotional.

He had undergone an arthroscopic knee surgery in the past for an injury during a football game. Apart from this there was no history of any other illness.
He had tried homoeopathic treatment in the past with good results but could not continue that for long due to certain reasons. He had also received Ayurvedic treatment with some results.

Based on this history, he was prescribed a remedy named Natrum Muriaticum in the 200th potency. After 4 months of treatment, the patient reported that there was significant improvement in the condition and his hair loss was under much control now. He would wash his hair daily and there was a sharp reduction in the amount of hair loss. He also stated that he felt much calmer after starting the treatment and was able to deal with stressful situations without getting frustrated. He said that the medicine had a very positive effect on him overall, on his hair loss as well on his psyche. After continuing the treatment for another 5-6 months his problem of hair loss was almost reduced to nil and the progressive balding was also arrested at that stage.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in these cases is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point of time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.


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Cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome



Case 1:


This is the case of Mr. K. D. N, a forty one years old male patient who reported to the clinic with complaints of habitual constipation since 15 years. The stools would be hard and requiring much straining to be passed. There would be sensation of incomplete evacuation after stools. Frequently he would have ineffectual urge to pass stools but there would be no bowel movement. He would experience much heaviness and bloating of the abdomen and flatulence. Eating bread would worsen his complaints and it would also get worse from traveling. Apart from this he also complained of cramps in the legs that would be worse after evening and continue till late in the night.

His appetite was normal and thirst for water was less. He did not have any other complaints apart from this. Patient was into furniture business and there was lot of stress on him due to certain problems in the family. His wife suffered from leukemia and had suffered a lot during her last few days. She had expired few years before the patient reported to us. He had married again but would not get along well with the second wife due to the age difference between them (she was much younger to him). There was lot of conflict in his life due to this and he said that he had no peace in life at all. He was a very hardworking person and very industrious by nature. He also suffered from a major loss in his business whereby he had lost everything that he had built up so far. He had to start his business from the scratch again. Thus he had been through lots of mental stress before he reported to us and was under stress even when he visited the clinic. He would not share his problems with others but usually would want to solve it all by himself. He was religious by nature and a god-fearing person.

We can see in this case that there is lot of suppression of his emotions and an inability to express his thoughts. Constant anxiety, especially on the family front, is an important aspect of his case. The psychological stress remains unattended and hence it expresses itself at the somatic (physical) level in the form of altered motility of the gastro-intestinal tract. Thus he started getting constipation-predominant IBS and other symptoms of IBS as well.

He was prescribed homoeopathic medicines based on this history with the understanding of the stress in the background. Sulphur and Nux Vomica were the two remedies that wonderfully took care of all his complaints. After starting the treatment, gradually his complaints started improving. He stools would not be hard as before and would not require much straining to be passed. The sensation of ineffectual urging and incomplete evacuation were much better now. The heaviness in his abdomen significantly improved. In between he did experience periods of worsening of the IBS when he would be under stress but then it would be taken care of with homoeopathic medicines. Overall he did very well with the treatment and continued to improve.



Case 2:


Mrs. L. S (Patient Ref. No. S-6014), a 27 years old female reported to the clinic with complaints of irritable bowel syndrome since 7 years. She would experience the urge to pass stools immediately after eating anything. She would take long time to pass stools, about 45 minutes to 1 hour on an average. She would have to strain a lot to pass stools and would have much pain n the abdomen before and during defecation. The frequency of stools would be at least 2-3 times in order to evacuate the bowels properly. There would be mucus with the stools and she even passed blood with stools on a few occasions. There would be lot of ineffectual urging to pass the stools and she said that daily she would have to spend at least one to one and a half hour in the toilet in the morning. This would also cause much fatigue and irritability lasting all day long. She would also get recurrent loose motions when she would pass stools that were watery with mucus and lot of rumbling in the abdomen. Her abdomen would feel bloated up most of the times and she would also have lot of burning in the abdomen and chest. Her complaints would be worse from certain foods like spinach, cucumber, certain pulses, watermelons, etc. she had lost weight of about 3 kilograms in a span of 7 months due to this illness.

She also had complaints of frequent headaches whereby she would get splitting pain in the head that would be relieved by passing stools.
She was a lean female with an average appetite. She was very fond of sweets and sour foods. She was a very chilly person and could not tolerate the slightest exposure to cold climate. Her sleep was sound except that sometimes she would have frequent waking from sleep.

She was working for a renowned company as their product manager and she was very industrious by nature. She said that she had recently become very irritable and would be outright expressive about her anger. She had a constant feeling of misfortune due to her ill health and she would constantly brood about it and feel sad. She was impulsive too and would react sharply to situations. She had also become forgetful in the past few months and would frequently forget things here and there. She had lost her alertness about self and her things. She also complained that her memory had become poor and she would not remember numbers and figures as easily as before.

There was no history of any major illness in the past. There was history of diabetes, hypertension and bronchial asthma in her family. She had seen more than half a dozen gastroenterologists for her complaints of IBS but she had not got any relief from any treatment so far.

Based on the above history she was prescribed a remedy called Ferrum metallicum along with another remedy called Pulsatilla in the 200th potency. At the end of about 8 months of treatment, her complaints were much better than before. Her urge to pass stools immediately after eating was lesser and she would not have to strain much to pass stools. There was no blood in the stools now and the mucus was lesser than before. The ineffectual urging for stools had also reduced and her bloating of abdomen was significantly less. She had to continue the treatment for another few months to get more relief. She would get mild relapse of her complaints in between but it could be tackled effectively with the medicines. Overall her quality of life was much better than before and she was able to lead a near normal life.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in these cases is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point of time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.



Case of Infertility

This is an interesting case of Mr. P. S. K, a 33 years old gentleman who reported to us with complaints of infertility. According to the recent semen analysis report which he brought to us, his sperm count was as low as 0.5 million/cumm. The couple was absolutely distressed about the condition and came to us just to give it a last trial with very little hope of any recovery. They had tried several other modes of treatment i.e. Ayurvedic, allopathic, etc. but in vain.

Along with this he also complained of hair loss since the past 10 to 12 years that had lead to receding of his frontal hairline and lots of graying. Since his teenage he suffered from pimples that used to be large in size and pus-filled which had left too many scars on his face. He also complained of slight pain and stiffness in the lower back every morning after waking since the past 10 years.

He had a marked craving for sweets, oily food and pastries and had an aversion to eggs. Thermally he was ambithermal and had no addictions at all. He had a lean and frail structure with an average appetite.

He was a software consultant by profession. Currently he had no major tensions in life but a few years back he had suffered from a financial crisis from which he had already recovered. He was reserved and quite sensitive by nature.

He did not suffer from any major disease in the past and had a family history of hypertension.

Based on the above history, a constitutional homoeopathic remedy Lycopodium 200 to be taken twice a day for a month was prescribed to him along with a single dose of Tuberculinum 1M. A month later when he reported to us, his hair fall had slightly reduced with no much noticeable difference in his back ache and pimples. After another 4 weeks when he visited us with his latest semen reports, the results were unbelievable. The sperm count which was initially just 0.5 millions/cumm had shooted to 39 millions/cumm within just 2 months of homoeopathic treatment. The couple was thrilled at the results that they had obtained after our treatment and had now regained all their hopes which were lost in past many years. This time his hair loss showed 40% improvement and his chronic backache and pimples were better up to 30%. He was asked to continue the treatment further for another few months until his sperm count reached the normal range of 40 ?120 that is required for fertility which he readily agreed to.
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Myths about Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy Drugs cause initial Aggravation

It is generally felt that homoeopathic drugs cause initial aggravation, which is not a correct picture. The fact is that homoeopathic drugs stimulate the immune reaction by way of creating an artificial similar symptomatology in subtle manner which if it all felt by the patient is of transitory nature, and hardly affect the quality of life. Patients with chronic diseases who had been taking palliative immuno-supppressive drugs (steroids), invariably report long drawn aggravation. Such aggravation is due to the withdrawal effect of the drugs. The safe course in all patients is to withdraw these drugs gradually and after getting some additional relief with homoeopathic drugs, aggravation can be minimised. Sometimes in chronic cases where there is lot of suppression of different symptoms for the last many years and the problems are of complex nature, old symptoms of the patient tend to appear during the phase of recovery, all such symptoms should be within tolerable limits and should give a simultaneous feeling of well being. So there is no need to have apprehension about the aggravations while taking homoeopathic treatment for any disease.


Homoeopathy treats only the Symptoms

Homoeopathy takes in to account symptoms of the disease; characteristics of the patients, his desires and aversions, his state of mind and prepares a portrait of sickness, which is used for selecting a suitable homoeopathic drug. This drug usually covers most of the symptoms and removes the disease by stimulating the immune system of the body permanently. Homoeopathic doctors also monitor all other laboratory parameters like testing of blood sugar, eye examination, and heart examination in a diabetic patient. All these parameters help the physicians in the management of the case and helps in deciding about the extent of recovery during the follow up of patients. Hence homoeopathy gives comprehensive health care to patients.

Homoeopathy Drugs are Slow to Act

It is a myth that homoeopathic drugs are slow to act. Patients respond to homoeopathic medicines instantaneously and the symptoms start improving quickly, even with single dose. Since homoeopathy usually deals with the chronic and lingering problems and such problems do take longer time to recover, this at times creates an impression that the drugs are slow in action. But the face remains that the problems, which were almost difficult to treat by the other systems of medicine do recover permanently with homoeopathy. It will be pertinent to add that the acute symptoms like migraine headache, diarrhoea, fever and colic recover with well - selected homoeopathic drugs instanteneously. So it can be said that the response with the homoeopathic drugs usually depends upon the duration and intensity of the problem and is not at all slow.

Homoeopathic Treatment requires Dietary Restriction

It is a fallacy that a lot of dietary restrictions are required while taking homoeopathic medicines. Dietary advices even in homoeopathy are primarily decided by the disease of the patient like salt restrictions in hypertension, sugar restriction in diabetes mellitus patients etc. It has been seen that homoeopathic medicines do act on person who are in that dietary restriction are preprequisite for taking homoeopathic are treatment. However, it will be wise to keep the mouth clean and fresh before taking the medicine. There are very few homoeopathic drugs where some dietary restrictions would be advisable to ensure better and lasting effect of the drugs.
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homoeopathy

1. What is Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is a healing art developed by Doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) who was born in Germany. He was an orthodox physician who became disillusioned with the practice of medicine in his day. The term Homoeopathy means "similar to the suffering", because it teaches the use of similars to cure similars. This is an ancient maxim used by Hippocrates but Samuel Hahnemann expanded the theorem into a complete system of checks and balances that make up a new medical system. The theory and practice of Homoeopathy are recorded in Samuel Hahnemann's works; the Organon of the Healing Art; The Chronic Diseases, Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure; and a collection of smaller articles called The Lesser Writings. Since Hahnemann's time there have been a number of good books written for both professional and lay persons. At this time, there are books available for the beginner, intermediate and advanced student that suits each individual's needs. These can be purchased from bookstores and internet distributors who sell such works. There are also computer programs available for serious students and practitioner.

2. What is the philosophy behind Homoeopathy?

The cardinal principles of Homoeopathy revolve around the doctrine of vitalism, similars cure similars, proven medicines, individualized treatment, the single remedy, the minimal dose and the potentized medicine. These are the major areas that must be studied by students as well as patients if they are to understand this healing art. Human life is based on an energetic vital force which harmonizes all natural processes and manifests as vitality. When this vital force is mistuned by pathogenic factors there is the appearance of the symptoms that are associated with disease. Homeopathic remedies are tested on healthy volunteers in clinical trials called provings. During a proving the healthy human volunteer takes a safe amount of a homoeopathic remedy until they experience the symptoms it produces. This gives us an exact picture of the symptoms that the remedy will cure in an ill patient. This information is collected in volumes of data called the materia medica, which is indexed by a work called the repertorium. When a homoeopath studies an ill patient they are searching for a remedy that produced similar symptoms during a proving, and has been clinically confirmed to remove those symptoms. In this way, the practitioner matches the symptoms of the patient with the symptoms of the similar remedy. The repertory and materia medica are the reference works used by the homoeopath to assess the symptoms of the individual patient. Many homoeopaths have these works on computers for easy referral.

3. How are homoeopathic remedies applied?

First of all there is the healing maxim, "Similars cure similars". After establishing this principle the practitioner must know how to apply the homoeopathic remedy. Although various individuals throughout history knew that similars cured similars, their methods of applying the medicines were rather crude, which made the process more dangerous than necessary. It is Hahnemann's system of checks and balances that make Homoeopathy a safe and effective medical system. Orthodox medicine thinks nothing of mixing many medicinal substances together or giving several single medicines at once in very large doses. Samuel Hahnemann realized that the best way to use similars in the art of curing was to use one single remedy at a time in a very small dose. The small amount of the remedy administered to the patient is an important aspect of this healing art. For this reason, the medium for homoeopathic remedies are very small pills that are often dissolved in water.

Homoeopathic remedies are potentized to bring out the pure remedial powers within a potential healing agent while removing all physical toxicity. This process is called dynamization. During the homoeopathic pharmaceutical process, the original substance is diluted in specific ratios that produce various degrees of potency. There are three ratios of potentization used in preparing homoeopathic remedies. These are the decimal or X dynamization, which uses a ratio of 1 to 10; the centesimal or C dynamization, which uses a ratio of 1 to 100; and the 50 Millesimal or LM potency, which uses a ratio of 1 to 50, 000. Each of these ratios has somewhat different medicinal powers. Samuel Hahnemann developed the centesimal and 50 Millesimal potency, while the decimal potency is a later creation. Most homoeopathic remedies are made from substances found in the mineral, plant and animal worlds, although there are some remedies made of forces like magnetism, electricity and solar radiation, etc.

Orthodox allopathic medicine is based mostly on opposites cure opposites, standardization, multiple remedies, massive doses and chemical controls. Homoeopathy is based on similars cure similars, individualization, single remedies, minimal doses, and vital response. The differences in the approach of these two systems of medicine could not be any more apparent. Although allopathic medicine is very advanced in emergency treatment, surgery and technology, it's medicines for acute and chronic diseases are often ineffectual. The side effects of chemical medicines are well documented. Homoeopathy is a system of natural healing that uses no chemical medicines. In ancient Greece there were two systems of medicine, i.e. the surgical school and the school of the materia medica. Allopathy is the offspring of the traditions of the surgical school while Homoeopathy is the successor of the school of materia medica. In truth both medical approaches are needed but allopathy is in need of serious reform, and Homoeopathy needs to be returned to its rightful place as a frontline medicine.


4. How do homoeopathic remedies work?

Homoeopathic remedies are dynamic medicines that affect the mind, energy and body. These remedies imitate the way in which Nature cures natural diseases with the aid of the human life force. All natural organisms demonstrate the power of action and reaction and have a certain degree of self healing power. Hippocrates called this natural remedial power "Physis". This natural power, however, is not always able to overcome the negative influences of disease, especially those illnesses which are chronic. The homoeopath seeks to match the symptoms of the patient with the most similar symptoms in the materia medica. The most similar remedy is then given in a proper small dose of the most effective degree of potency. The primary action of the homoeopathic remedy replaces the sensation of the natural disease registered by the vital force, which represents the autonomic activities of the human organism. In this way, the homoeopathic remedy replaces the natural disease with a temporary remedial potence that delusively mimics the original malady. The secondary curative action of the vital force then seeks to remove the homoeopathic remedy from within to without while retuning to the state of health with renewed vitality. In the process the natural disease is cured. This is called Hahnemann's action-reaction model. Homoeopathic remedies strengthen the resistance of the organism to stress, infection and disease. They have a powerful affect on the psychological and physiological causes of illness and improve the quality of life of the patient.


5. What is it like to see a homoeopath?

Placing oneself under the treatment of a homoeopath is quite different from seeing an orthodox medical doctor. First of all, the initial consultation is a complete interview that includes both a psychological and physiological examination. This process may take anywhere between 1 to 2 hours, although a very experienced practitioner may need less time. A homoeopath is interested in the patient's complete medical history, their mental make up, their social and domestic relationships, their overall lifestyle and habits, their sexuality, as well as their energetic and physical symptoms. This provides the homoeopath with what Samuel Hahnemann called the complete Gestalt of the disease state. On the basis of this complete interview the homoeopath seeks to find a remedy that is most similar to the individual's state and administer this medicine in the proper small dose and correct potency degree. Unlike chemical medicine, Homoeopathy does not administer dosages in a mechanical fashion. Each remedy is carefully tested to assess its reaction on each individual patient. Sometimes a patient only needs a single dose or infrequent repetitions of the remedy, while other patients may require taking the medicine more often. These factors are determined in the follow-up interviews, which usually take less time than the first consultation. Homoeopathy requires a close relationship between the healer and patient. What the patient is feeling is as important as what the practitioner is thinking! Homoeopaths and their patients work together to improve the health of the individual.


6. Does Homoeopathy have side effects?

Homoeopathy has no chemical side effects but this does not mean that the remedies will not cause problems if they are applied incorrectly. If a so-called homoeopath tells you that homoeopathic remedies are completely safe no matter how they are given, it would be best to find another practitioner. All medicinal models have their inherent dangers, but when Homoeopathy is administered correctly, it is an extremely safe and effective system. This is one of the reasons it is important to see persons that are well trained in traditional Homoeopathy. A properly trained homoeopath should undertake a complete personal interview, individualize the treatment to suit the patient, only use one single remedy at a time, only administer a small amount of the remedy, and be careful not to overmedicate the patient by repeating the dose in a mechanical manner.


7. Can?Homoeopathy be used in treatment and prevention of Infectious Dieases?

Within Homoeopathy there are methods that are reputed to be useful for preventing infectious diseases. This method of prophylaxis was introduced by Samuel Hahnemann, and it has been used by a number of great homoeopaths over the years. It is their clinical opinion that this method is quite effective, but this assertion has not been tested thoroughly by the methods of modern medical science. For this reason, the subject of the prevention of diseases by Homoeopathy has legal ramifications for the patient as well as homoeopath depending on the circumstances. There is a great debate between those who think universal vaccination is perfectly safe and effective and those that think such methods are dangerous and do not work. The truth may actually lie somewhere in the middle.

Those who are interested in this subject should study both sides of the argument for themselves, and come to a personal conclusion about how they want to approach this matter. There are risks versus benefits in every approach to healing that should be assessed in a mature manner by each individual. Such factors must be weighed by each person and discussed among their family. If the individual or family decides that they wish to use Homoeopathy for the prevention of diseases, they can seek out those homeopaths that provide this service. There are several levels of homoeo-prophylaxis that are applied depending on the time and circumstances. This includes constitutional treatment, the application of specific remedies for epidemics, and the use of remedies called nosodes. Nosodes are homoeopathic remedies that are made from the diseases that they are used to prevent. For more information speak to homoeopaths who have knowledge of this particular area of Homoeopathy.

Homoeopaths have pointed out since the mid 1800s that immunization has the potential to produce side affects. These side effects are called Vaccinosis by homoeopaths and various treatment scenarios have been developed for this disorder. Orthodox immunization is a method that utilizes the same substances treated in various manners to prevent diseases but the dosage and application is rather crude. There is a tendency to over-vaccinate children with several diseases at once, and to immunize against too many diseases too quickly during childhood. This massive dosing schedule may be responsible for some of the side effects witnessed because the immune system did not develop to handle so many potential infections at once or that quickly. Homoeopathy not only has methods reputed to prevent infectious disease, they also have remedies that are capable of treating side effects in those suffering from immunization-related disorders. This twin approach offers an alternative method that is not found in any other healing science.


8. What is an Homoeopathic aggravation?

Sometimes a homoeopathic remedy will cause an increase in the symptoms of the disease state for a short period. Samuel Hahnemann developed techniques that reduce the phenomena of aggravation completely or at least to a minimum. A homoeopathic aggravation is a sign that the correct remedy has been given and the remedy is acting very deeply on the disease state. If the dose and potency of the remedy has been given properly, this aggravation will pass off quickly, and be followed by noticeable improvement. If the aggravation is overly uncomfortable and prolonged, it is a sign that the patient is overmedicated. This situation should be reported to the homoeopath immediately so corrective measures can be applied when necessary. Normally, aggravations are not dangerous unless the person administering the medicine is not properly trained. Some practitioners think that they must aggravate the symptoms to cure the patient. They believe in the "no pain - no gain" philosophy. This is a sign that this person has not learned all the checks and balances that make Homoeopathy a gentle, safe and effective medical system. At times a homoeopathic remedy may bring out old latent disease states in the process of treatment. This is a natural healing crisis. Although such conditions may be uncomfortable for a short period, they are immediately followed by an increase in the sense of well-being and vitality. This condition should also be reported to the homoeopath so that they can manage the situation in the proper manner. If the classical teachings of Homoeopathy are well understood such manifestations are easily controlled and lead to better states of health.