swine flue and homoeopathy

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine).
Swine flu(H1N1) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people, identified in April 2009 in the United States of America. It has been believed that Swine flu had similarities with that of an influenza virus causing disease in pigs. But recent studies reveal that it is different from that virus of pigs. The swine influenza outbreak of 1976 in the United States, caused by an A/H1N1 virus antigenically similar to the virus that circulated in 1918-1919
Actually it is a mutated strain of virus means different strains of virus meet and formed the new strain. H and N antigens of influenza A virus to undergo periodic antigenic variation. Major antigenic variations are referred to as antigenic shifts, which may be associated with pandemics and are restricted to influenza A viruses. Minor variations are called antigenic drifts. These antigenic changes may involve the hemagglutinin alone or both the hemagglutinin and the neuraminidase. In human infections, three major antigenic subtypes of hemagglutinins
(H1, H2, and H3) and two of neuraminidases (N1 and N2) have been recognized.

Transmission
Transmission of novel influenza A (H1N1) is being studied as part of the ongoing outbreak investigation, but limited data available indicate that this virus is transmitted in ways similar to other influenza viruses.
Seasonal human influenza viruses are thought to spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Transmission via large-particle droplets requires close contact between source and recipient persons because droplets do not remain suspended in the air and generally travel only a short distance (< 6 feet). Contact with contaminated surfaces is another possible source of transmission and transmission via droplet nuclei (also called ?airborne? transmission). Because data on the transmission of novel H1N1 viruses are limited, the potential for ocular, conjunctival, or gastrointestinal infection is unknown. Since this is a novel influenza A virus in humans, transmission from infected persons to close contacts might be common. All respiratory secretions and bodily fluids (diarrheal stool) of novel influenza A (H1N1) cases should be considered potentially infectious. Incubation periodThe estimated incubation period is unknown and could range from 1-7 days, and more likely 1-4 days.

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, chills, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath), myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea. In the past, sever illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.


Infectious period
The duration of shedding with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Therefore, until data are available, the estimated duration of viral shedding is based upon seasonal influenza virus infection.. Infected persons are assumed to be shedding virus from one day prior to illness onset until resolution of symptoms. In general, persons with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially infectious from one day before to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might be infectious for up to 10 days.

Complication The most common complication of influenza is pneumonia: "primary" influenza viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, or mixed viral and bacterial pneumonia
Other pulmonary complications associated with influenza include worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and asthma. In children, influenza infection may present as croup.


Mortality and Morbidity The morbidity and mortality caused by influenza outbreaks continue to be substantial. Most individuals who die in this setting have underlying diseases that place them at high risk for complications of influenza. The most prominent high-risk conditions are chronic cardiac and pulmonary diseases as well as old age. Mortality among individuals with chronic metabolic, renal, and certain immunosuppressive diseases has also been elevated.

Laboratory findings and Diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis is accomplished during acute influenza by isolation of the virus from throat swabs, nasopharyngeal washes, or sputum. Virus is usually detected in tissue culture.

Vaccination Influenza vaccines has never been promising results as influenza virus has a property to mutate itself as is the case with Swine Flu.

Homoeopathic Prophylaxis Some homoeopaths recommend Influenzinum nosode or Occilococcinum but before the prodrome has even begun.



Homoeopathic approach

Influenza was a pandemic health problem. In 1918 pandemic nearly 20 million peoples died of this disease. At that time many homoeopaths has done wonderful works with Homoeopathic remedies including Dr. H. A. Robert, Dr. W.A. Dewey, W. A. Pearson of Philadelphia who had demonstrated clinical cases to world. At that time Gelsemium has acted as genus Epidemicus.
W. F. Edmundson, MD, Pittsburgh has quoted ?One physician in a Pittsburgh hospital asked a nurse if she knew anything better than what he was doing, because he was losing many cases. ?Yes, Doctor, stop aspirin and go down to a homeopathic pharmacy, and get homeopathic remedies." The Doctor replied: "But that is homeopathy." "I know it, but the homeopathic doctors for whom I have nursed have not lost a
single case. At that time Salicylate and Aspirin and Quinine were ineffective and infact Aspirins causing deaths in children cases.
Influenza vaccines has never been promising results as influenza virus has a property to mutate itself as is the case with Swine Flu.
The most important part relating clinical significance is early and prompt diagnosis and differential diagnosis. As you know cases should be studied in detail according to characteristic symptoms.
Following are few rubrics in Synthesis 9.0 repertory with their corresponding medicines.
MIND - CONFUSION of mind - influenza; after
scut.
MIND - HEAVINESS; sensation of - influenza; after
gels.
MIND - INDIFFERENCE - influenza - after
Cadm-m.
MIND - PROSTRATION of mind - influenza - after
Cypr lyc.
MIND - PROSTRATION of mind - influenza - during
bapt.
MIND - WEARISOME - influenza; after
lyc.
HEAD - PAIN - influenza; during
influ. lob-p
HEAD - PAIN - Occiput - influenza; during
Gels, rad-br
HEAD - PAIN - bursting - influenza, during
naja
HEAD - PAIN - neuralgic - influenza; after
sul-ac.
EYE - PAIN - sore - influenza, during
Bry, eup-per,gels. tub.
EAR - CARIES, threatened - Mastoid process - influenza; from
bapt
MOUTH - APHTHAE - influenza
Ant-t., nat-m.
STOMACH - VOMITING - influenza, during
bapt.t,sarcol-ac.
KIDNEYS - INFLAMMATION - influenza, from
eucal.
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - ABORTION - influenza, during
camph. Gels
COUGH - INFLUENZA - after
am-c , atro.bry.t coch. Erio. sang.stict.
CHEST - PAIN - Pleura - accompanied by - influenza
asc-t. cimic
EXTREMITIES - PAIN - influenza - after - pain remaining
lycpr
EXTREMITIES - PAIN - influenza - during
Acon. BRY.Caust Chel. EUP-PER.Euph.Gels.gink-b. naja
EXTREMITIES - PAIN - Lower limbs - sciatica - influenza after
iris
SLEEP - SLEEPINESS - influenza, in
bapt.t Gels, Sabad.
SLEEP - SLEEPLESSNESS - influenza, after
Aven
GENERALS - CONVALESCENCE; ailments during - influenza; after
abrot. cadm-met, carc chin.chinin-ar.Con. gels. influ. kali-p.lath. mand. merc-k-i. nat-sal. okou.l phyt.psor.scut. sul-ac.sulfonam.j sulph.tub.
GENERALS - INFLUENZA
Acon, all-c., ant-t., apis, arn., ars-i.,ars-s-r.,ars., arum-d., asc-c., asc-t., aven, bamb-a., bapt.Bell bry. calc ,camph-br camph. canch. capp-crc carb-ac. carb-v card-m. caust. cent cham. chel. chin. cimic.cupr des-ac. dioxi diph-pert-t diphtox dulc. erio ery-a. Eucal eug. Eup-per euph. euphr ferr-p. Gels germ-met Graph haff influ. ip. kali-i lach. lob-p lob-s. lyc. Lycpr menth. merc-c. merc-k-i. merc Nat-n nat-s. Nux-v oci-sa, oscilloc ozone, oxyg, phel, phos, phyt Psor ,puls, pyrog rad-br Rhus-t ribo.sabad. salin. salol. Sang sangin-n sanic sarcol-ac sarr seneg. Sil spig. squil stict., stry-xyz still stram sul-i. sulo-ac Sulph Thymul trios tub-a. Tub vario. verat-v. Verat, wye, yers ,ziz.
GENERALS - MEDICINE - allopathic - oversensitive to - influenza; medicine against
am-c, carb-v lach. op. GENERALS - WEAKNESS - influenza - after
abrot carc chin con cypr. irid-met. kali-p. lath. NAT-SAL. sal-ac.
GENERALS - WEAKNESS - influenza - during
caust., gels, Sarcol-ac

Besides these rubrics some general rubrics of cough, pain, fever and particular rubrics of organs must be considered to treat influenza case.

We are seeing that Gels , Baptesia, Bryonia and Eup per are the most common remedies.

Gelsemium The picture presented is one of loss of muscle tone associated with great lassitude and listlessness, and a not surprising aversion to making any kind of effort. The symptoms in fever are of the influenza type- slow onset, vague aches and pains, chills up and down the spine, great weariness in body and limbs, head heavy and dull, muscles sore and feeling bruised. The regions especially involved are the shoulders and the lower extremities. Thirstlessness with the fever; agg. at night. Gelsemium influenzas always include a very unpleasant, severe headache.

Baptisia tinctoria In contrast to Gelsemium patients, Baptisia patients are definitely more dusky. They give you the impression that their faces are a little puffy and swollen; their eyes are heavy, but with a congested, besotted look rather than the drooping lids of Gelsemium; and lip congestion, present in Gelsemium, makes Baptisia lips rather blue.
Mentally, Baptisia patients are more toxic than Gelsemium patients. In contrast with Gelsemium, Baptisia patients are always thirsty. Baptisia patients always have intense aching pains all over. Any part they press is painful and tender

Bryonia Alba The typical Bryonia influenza develops, like the Gelsemium case, over a period of six to twelve hours. And the appearance of Bryonia patients is not unlike that of Gelsemium patients. They give the impression of being rather dull, heavy, slightly congested, with a rather puffy face. -Although they are definitely heavy-looking, they do not have the sleepy appearance that you find in Gelsemium, nor yet the besotted look of the Baptisia patient - something between the two. -Mentally, Bryonia patients are also definitely dull and do not want to be disturbed - but if they are disturbed they are irritable. They do not want to speak, and do not want to be spoken to. They are always thirsty, and their desire is for cold drinks - large quantities of cold water. There is a very typical Bryonia tongue. It is usually a thickly-coated white tongue. There is nearly always troublesome constipation, and a definite lack of appetite

Eupatorium perfoliatum The outstanding point which leads to the consideration of Eupatorium is the degree of pain which the patients have. There are very intense pains all over - of an aching character - which seem to involve all the bones of the skeleton, arms, legs, shoulders, back, hips and, particularly, the shin bones.
As a rule, Eupatorium influenzas develop rather more quickly than others, and the pains develop very rapidly. The patients say it feels as if the various joints were being dislocated.

In Eupatorium influenzas - a useful differentiation, point - the sweat is very scanty. Other drugs which have a very similar degree of bone aching all tend to sweat.
Eupatorium patients are always chilly.

Rhus toxicodendron The onset of a Rhus tox. influenza is usually gradual and without a very high temperature; it is a slowly progressing feverish attack, which is accompanied by very violent generalized aching.
The aching in Rhus tox. is very typical indeed. The patients are extremely restless; their only relief lies in constant movement, constant change of position. If they lie still for any length of time, their muscles feel stiff and painful.
The typical Rhus tox. tongue is very characteristic. It has a bright red tip and a coated root, the coating varying from white to dark brown. Instead of the typical triangular red tip, some patients have a generalized dry, red tongue which tends to crack, is burning hot and very painful.

Dulcamara One of the best remedies in acute form. Eyes suffused, throat sore;vcough hurts due to muscular soreness, brought on by wet or change to cold weather.



Article Published in HomeoBuzz June2009 issue Published by B.Jain Publisher New Delhi

Diabetes and its Homoeopathic management

Homoeopathy and Psychic causes of illness

WHAT IS HOMOEOPATHY
Homoeopathy is a system of medicine founded by the celebrated physician Dr.
Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) of Germany. It is based on the principle that
"like cures like". In practice, this means that a medicine capable of
producing certain effects when taken by a healthy human being is capable of
curing any illness that displays similar effects.
.
LIKE CURES LIKES
For example, if a healthy person takes a dose of Arsenic, he will develop
vomiting, diarrhoea of rice-water stools, a rapid pulse and prostration. His
skin will become cold and his expression anxious. In smaller doses or when
taken for a longer time, he will develop a running nose, heavy head, cough
and bronchial catarrh. Even later there will be specific disturbances of skin
and nerves. He will have burning all over which is relieved by warmth,
frequent thirst for sips of water, fear of death, restlessness and a
worsening of symptoms at noon and midnight.
According to the homeopathic law that "like cures like", countless patients
displaying such symptoms have been cured by Arsenicum, irrespective of the
name of the disease (cholera, colds, eczema, asthma, etc.). This principle
has also been mentioned by the ancient Indian poet Kavi-Kalidasa:.
Shruyate hi pura loke, vishaya visham aushadam.
Translated, this read: "It has been said of old time in the world that poison
is the remedy for poison." Hippocrates postulated this principle in the
words: "Similia similibus curentur" (likes are cured by likes).

THE HEALER WITHIN
The practice of Homoeopathy convinces the physician to regard the body as
more than a sum of its parts. Unlike a machine, it develops, carries on its
function and repairs itself independently. In this sense, everyone carries
within himself his own doctor. Ancient physicians were familiar with is
natural power of the organism to control disease and they invented for it a
beautiful expression: "Vis medicatrix naturae" (healing power of nature).
This healing power is a function of the life force itself. Hahnemann called
it the vital force. Disease is a disturbance of this force. Out of ten people
who get wet in the rain, only one gets pneumonia. Most bacteria can affect us
only when our own healing power or resistance is low. By removing the
bacteria (by antibiotics, etc.) we are doing nothing to correct this lack of
resistance. Homoeopathic medicine aims at correcting the disturbed vital
force and thus enhances the power of the body to heal itself. It does not aim
at removing the symptoms of the parts affected, but treats the cause and
restores health. According to Homoeopathy, symptoms are a reflection of the
disturbed vital force.


PSYCOSOMATIC CAUSES OF ILLNESS & THEIR BACH FLOWER TREATMENT
Physical health, closely bound up with psychological health, is greatest in
those having reached a high degree of maturity and realization of potentials,
a state also referred to as self-actualization. In his study of
psychologically healthy people, the psychologist Abraham Maslow determined
ten basic shared aspects that were characteristic of these people. These
aspects crystallize those attributes of the personality that signify
psychological health and represent a fully self-actualized personality.
These aspects are:
1. Being-motivation and being-values
2. Awareness of inner nature
3. Acceptance of self and resolution of dichotomies
4. Self-expression and creativeness
5. Identification with human species and democratic character structure
6. Improved interpersonal relations
7. Heightened perception and experience of reality and the environment
8. Detachment and autonomy
9. Self-transcendence
10. Imperfections
These aspects can be grouped under Bach's seven groups of mental/ emotional
imbalances.
The remedies appearing in the different groups are then recognized as leading
to one or several aspects of psychological health. The aspects of
being-values and being-motivation, though most fittingly grouped under Bach's
group of UNCERTAINTY, underlie all major aspect of psychological health and
weave through all of Bach's groups. Being-values represent the true values of
existence in an ethical, experiential, and spiritual sense, while
being-motivation is the call to destiny, however humble, and is expressed in
the heartfelt motivation to enrich the world and its people. Maslow contrasts
being-values and being-motivation with deficiency-values and
deficiency-motivation. The disharmonious personality, seeking for
satisfaction of the self and neglecting devotion toward others, is motivated
by deficiencies and hence less engaged in activating deeper values,
aspirations, and inner potentials.
The aspect of imperfections points to the necessary imperfections we all
share, since a perfectly and continually well-balanced personality is hardly
encountered. Yet, self-actualized people were found to be aware of their
imperfections and able to rise above them, whereas deficiency-motivated
people were more prone to be subjected to them. Bach remedies further growth
in awareness and wholesome mastery of imperfections, while increasing
aspiration toward values and instilling motivation and devotion to service in
the world.
Specifically, Bach's seven groups of remedies heal the respective
mental/emotional imbalances that, when cleared, enable the self to grow
toward psychological health and the experience of the characteristic aspects
of self-actualization. The following list shows the aspects of
self-actualization that can unfold as the imbalances inherent in the seven
groups clear.




$$I1BACH'S GROUPS: - Aspects Of Self-Acutalization:$$B0

1. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FEAR: - Self-transcendence.

2. FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER UNCERTAINTY: - Awareness of inner nature;
self-expression and creativeness; being-values and being-motivation.

3. NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES: - Heightened perception and experience of reality.

4. LONELINESS: - Improved interpersonal relations; identification with human
species and democratic character structure.

5. OVERSENSITIVITE TO INFLUENCES AND IDEAS: - Detachment and autonomy.

6. FOR DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR: - Acceptance of self and resolution of
dichotomies.

7. OVERCARE FOR WELFARE OF OTHERS: - Improved interpersonal relations;
identification with human species and democratic character structure.

The different angles of imbalance within each one of Bach's groups, and how
each respective remedy paves the way to the aspired aspect of
self-actualization, are described as follows:

For Those Who Have Fear
Rock Rose helps to transcend terror and panic and overcomes nervous
sensitivity.
Mimulus treats everyday fears of concrete or known content and helps to
transcend shyness.
Cherry Plum raises the mind above dreaded impulses and compulsive thoughts
that threaten to overtake reason and inner calm.
Aspen transcends vague fears of unknown origin and heals a tendency to
superstitions and forebodings.
Red Chestnut transcends fears for another and helps to release the other to
destiny.

For Those Who Suffer Uncertainty
Cerato instills recognition of higher wisdom and values, furthers
self-assurance and awareness of one's inner nature, and empowers
the selfinto creative self-expression.
Scleranthus relieves a tendency to indecisiveness and vacillation between
options, while calming a mind overstimulated with details and impressions.
Gentian counteracts discouragement, gives faith in one's abilities, grants
perseverance and the grounding of creativity into actualized form.
Gorse removes hopelessness and uncertainty and reestablishes contact with
one's inner resources of incentive and creativity.
Hornbeam helps in lassitude and mental fatigue when the patient experiences
diminished strength and a lack of incentive to rise to the daily challenges.
Wild Oat helps to discover aspirational values and one's potentials,
stimulating movement into fully motivated and fulfilled self-expression.

Not Sufficient Interest In Present Circumstances
Clematis is for those dreaming of a bright, fulfilled future, while the
present is empty of incentive or joy.
Honeysuckle heals the tendency to dwell wistfully on former happiness, while
the present and future is believed to be barren of such joys.
Wild Rose helps to rise above apathy and helplessness so that one's happiness
can be forged again.
Olive renews strength in those persons deeply exhausted in mind, emotions,
and body. It restores the power of living fully in the present.
White Chestnut relieves a mind preoccupied and buried in worrisome thought
and removed from the reality of the present moment.
Mustard heals depression and withdrawal from reality and rekindles incentive
and joy.
Chestnut Bud helps a mind prone to impulsiveness and inattentiveness to gain
in focus and concentration on the present moment.

Loneliness
Water Violet is indicated for the proud, reserved individual who sets himself
above others and is reluctant to spontaneously mix with others.
Impatiens helps to be more patient and understanding of the individual pace
of others and be less tense and driven.
Heather heals the urge to overly engage in conversation about one's personal
problems, while disregarding the other's need to share.

Oversensitive To Influences And Ideas
Agrimony heals heightened sensitivity to outside disturbances and
interruptions in peace. It releases the tendency to suppress and deny
conflicts for the sake of peace, those conflicts occurring in one's
environment or within oneself.
Centaury helps those overly seeking to serve and please others, while
neglecting their personal path in life.
Walnut lessens heightened impressionability of the mind to outside influences
such as trends or fads, and it safeguards authentic self-expression.
Holly shields from heightened sensitivity to vexation and easily aroused
emotional vehemence, especially in regard to hatred, envy, jealousy, or
suspicion.

For Despondency Or Despair
Larch overcomes the tendency to feel inferior to others and hampered in
self-esteem and capacity.
Pine heals excessive self-reproach and feelings of guilt.
Elm heals feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to master one's tasks.
Sweet Chestnut restores faith and a sense of meaning and purpose in a self
given to nihilistic despair.
Star of Bethlehem helps to integrate grief and trauma to a point of
resolution and new joy.
Willow helps to accept one's unfortunate fate, overcomes resentment and
blame, and instills forgiveness.
Oak helps those overly adhering to self-discipline, while being unable to
accept personal weakness, even in face of hardship.
Crab Apple is indicated in feelings of shame and self-disgust when one's self
cannot be accepted fully and one cannot rise above the despairing condition.