Homeopathy Homeopathic

Homeopathic, Natural and Not-So-Natural Teething Remedies

2008-01-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

Many parents know all to well the signs of teething in their baby but many feel powerless to help their child's teething problems. However, there is a range of teething remedies for all stages of your baby's teething. Knowing the remedy available and how and when to apply it is the key.

Homeopathic teething remedies are a great way to ease the discomfort of baby teething. Homeopathic remedies have been used for many years and can be highly effective, but you should only use a homeopathic teething remedy in conjunction with expert advice and guidance.

Apis mellifica is used to ease swollen gums before and after the eruption of teeth. Apis mellifica means 'whole honeybee' and was first discovered by the Rev. Brauns, in Thuringia, Germany, in 1853.

Calcarea carbonica: Some babies are late to teeth and the experience can be very distressing for late developers. Babies who need this remedy are usually chubby, slow to learn to crawl or walk and their heads often sweat during naps or sleep at night.

Essential oil of cloves has long been known as a natural local anesthetic. You administer the clove oil by adding one drop in one or two tablespoons of organic sunflower oil.

Kreosotum: This remedy can ease a child's stress when she has irritating saliva and severe discomfort during teething. Kreosotum is very beneficial if a baby's teeth succumb to decay soon after erupting from the gums.

Pulsatilla: especially good for teething babies who are clingy, nervous or tearful.

Sulphur: good if your baby has a reddish irritation or rash on the chin or diaper area during teething episodes. Diarrhea (often whitish) is not caused irectly by teething but because of stress from teething. The baby is irritable and anxious, feeling worse from being warm.

Other Natural Homeopathic teething remedies include a stick of licorice and chamomilla. As stated above, any parent contemplating using a homeopathic remedy for teething should do so only in conjunction with expert medical advice.

Natural teething remedies are becoming more popular as many parents want to avoid the use of any drugs or medicines on their baby. Many natural teething remedies have been around for thousands of years; there effectiveness depends on the child.

Bread, in various forms has been used for thousand of years, more recently the bagel has been used by parents in both Europe and America; the bagel being the right consistency - as is doesn't break apart too easily - and it's also a very easy shape for young child to grab hold of. Teething biscuits are also very popular. In the recent past many parents began to avoid buying teething biscuits as the biscuits often contained large amounts of sugar, salt and other ingredient not good for babies. But, things have changed and many manufacturers make teething biscuits free of these bad ingredients.

Vegetables are also commonly used to ease the pain of baby teething. Vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers make ideal soothers because of their texture - you can also put them in the fridge beforehand, as the coolness will also numb teeth and gums.

Some of the more dubious natural teething remedies include the wearing of coral as a necklace. The ancient Egyptians recorded this practice. Also amber necklaces have, and are still used, as natural teething remedies, as are silver spoons.

For those parents who don't care whether a teething remedy is natural or not the following can be tried.

The first recorded use of teething rings has been found on Sumerian sandstone tablets, around 3000 years ago. Perhaps teething rings could be considered natural but many were made of plastic using diisononyl phthalate - a chemical which can be cancer causing. The chemical is used as a softening agent during the manufacturing process and most teething toys contain about 10 to 20 percent phthalate. Many manufacturers have now stopped using this chemical but not all!

Other no-so-natural teething remedies include teething gels. Many teething gels contain a mild analgesic that act as a painkiller and also contain mild antiseptics that kill a variety of bacteria and fungi that might infect sore or broken skin in the mouth. Experts caution against the excessive use of teething gels as they contain benzocaine. There is a risk of allergic reaction. In addition, benzocaine can cause numbing of the throat and could lead to choking. Consult your doctor if you want to help relieve your child's pain with benzocaine.

Teething tablets are designed to melt quickly in the child's mouth and, in so doing, help alleviate the pain of teething. The active ingredients are usually Chamomilla (see homeopathic remedies above), which helps reduce irritability, and Belladonna, which helps reduce inflammation. Consult your doctor before using teething tablets.

The above are just some of the options available to parents to help ease a child's teething pains but there are many more teething remedies. Perhaps the best teething remedy for your baby is just good old fashioned patience, distraction and, above all, lots of cuddles.

Robin O'Brien is founder of a website dedicated to baby teething. There, you can learn everything from teething symptoms to natural teething remedies.

Homeopathic Remedy For Snoring

2008-01-13T22:44:00.001-08:00

Snorers don?t really have the affinity for ?Z?s?, no matter how often these come out of their mouths. The funny thing about snorers is they don?t know that they snore, unless they have partners who leave them bruise marks to prove it.

Some people are unmindful of the consequences of snoring. For them, it?s nothing but a bedtime issue, and mostly, not theirs but their partners?, who they keep up all night. However, snoring, regardless of the extent, can actually result to serious problems. It can affect you and your family socially. You, and those you sleep with, will eventually develop erratic sleeping patterns. This also means that you?ll all be prone to having restless days and irritable moods.

There are a lot of snore cures available. All of these insist that they can put an end to your sleeping woes. However, if a particular cure works for your next-door neighbor, it might not be as effective to you. To play safe, choose the homeopathic remedy for snoring. Like all others, this is not a guarantee that your snoring will be gone forever. But what could be safer than the all-natural cures?

The market shelves have anti snoring pills that claim to be an effective homeopathic remedy for snoring. Examples would be SnorEase, Snore MD, Snore RX, Snore Stop, and Dr. Harris? Original Snore Formula. These pills are made from herbs and natural enzymes from plants that work by allowing the body to absorb back secretions such as mucous so that nasal congestion may be reduced. This type of homeopathic remedy for snoring is also believed to provide more room for air to flow through by preventing enlargement of the nose and throat tissues.

Homeopathic remedy for snoring is not restricted to the pills. Other products that fall under this category include nasal sprays as well as nose drops. Such products are SnoreControl Oral Spray, Homeo-S Nasal Spray, Sinus Buster Nasal Spray, SnoreStop Oral Spray, and YSnore Spray and Nose Drops.

The homeopathic remedy for snoring is found to be the most popular snore cures among snorers and their sleeping partners. The most important fact about this type of snore medication is that these do not have any known side effects.

The other products and devices in the market may look promising, but we?ll never know if they?re as effective and safe as the homeopathic remedy for snoring is. Mouth gadgets and wrist devices may sound very innovative, but are we sure these won?t just leave us with an aching mouth and a painful wrist? Or worse, surgery anyone?

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Snoring and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Snoring web site. For more articles and resources on Snoring related topics, Snoring Causes and Treatments, Natural Snoring Remedies and much more visit his site at:http://snoring.need-to-know.net/

Let Nature Work For You - Homeopathic Remedy for Snoring

2008-01-13T22:43:00.001-08:00

There are hundreds of cures for snoring. In milder cases, a person may be relieved from snoring by trying different sleeping positions in such a way that the air passage is not constricted to avoid obstructions, losing weight, or avoiding certain substances that triggers snoring. For chronic snoring, doctors might recommend anti snoring devices or even surgery to relieve a person from snoring.

However, prior to having a surgery performed on you (which could cost you hundreds of dollars and might leave you with a scar and a cut jaw bone) you might want to try homeopathic remedy for snoring. Homeopathic medicines are derived from nature and use your body's natural defenses. Since it's made from natural ingredients, there are minimal side effects or none at all compared to artificial products that work by suppressing symptoms.

The homeopathic remedy for snoring study

A team of physicians in Portland, Oregon, conducted a study to compare the efficacy of homeopathic remedy for snoring (as a pill) versus a placebo in reducing the intensity or incidence of snoring. 90 patients were recruited and divided into two groups ? those receiving the homeopathic remedy for snoring and the placebo group. After the 10-day study period of taking the two distinct pills, 61.4 percent of the patients who received the homeopathic remedy for snoring reported improvements ranging from moderate to excellent compared to 21.7 percent from the placebo group.

There are hundreds of anti-snoring pills and any can be a homeopathic remedy for snoring. These pills contain natural extracts from plants and herbs that work by breaking down body secretions and mucus, the leading causes of congestion. The herbs used in these pills are known to prevent the swelling of the throat and nose tissues. The snoring sound is primarily produced a by the vibrations of the soft tissues in the air passage and having them opened or widened lessens the occurrence of snoring.

Not a pill alone

A homeopathic remedy for snoring is not just a pill. A range of products like nasal sprays or nose drops, which applies similar natural formulations, also work by clearing the air passages to take out any obstructions. SnoreControl and Zapnea are examples of nasal sprays homeopathic products.

These inexpensive homeopathic remedies for snoring may be your first option to chronic snoring. The advantage is that they have no known side effects and homeopathic remedies are the first line of natural products that were approved by the FDA a "drug product".

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Snoring and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Snoring web site. For more articles and resources on Snoring related topics, Snoring Causes and Treaments, Natural Snoring Remedies and much more visit his site at:http://snoring.need-to-know.net/

Alternative Homeopathic Medicine

2008-01-11T21:50:00.001-08:00

What are the various types of alternative medicines?

The first classification of alternative medical system is based on complete systems of both practice and theory. These systems may have either evolved separately or earlier than their conventional medical counterparts.

Examples of these alternative medical practices that developed in Western cultures include naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Medical systems that originated in cultures outside the Western world include Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

The second type of alternative medicine is called mind-body intervention. This makes use of various techniques to improve the capacity of the mind to affect various functions of the body. Some techniques that used to be considered as alternative now have become conventional. They include cognitive and behavior therapy as well as patient support groups.

Nowadays, even spiritual practices are being considered as a valid form of therapy. These include prayer, meditation, mental healing and therapies that make use of creative outlets such as music, dance and art.

The third classification of alternative medicine involves therapies based on biology and makes use of natural products such as herbs and vitamins. Examples of this type include herbal products and dietary supplements. They also include natural yet scientifically unproven methods such as making use of shark cartilage as a cancer cure.

Another type is called body-based manipulative methods, which are centered on moving parts of the body. Examples of this are osteopathic manipulation and massage.

The last category is termed energy therapy. It makes use of the body?s energy fields. There are two types. Biofield therapies intend to affect energy fields that surround the body by applying pressure and manipulation. Examples of this are Qi Gong, therapeutic touch and Reiki. On the other hand, Bioelectromagnetic?based therapies involve the use of magnetic and pulsed fields.

Before trying out anything, be sure to consult your doctor for advice.

Alternative Medicine provides detailed information on Alternative Medicine, Alternative Herbal Medicine, Alternative Medicine Schools, History of Alternative Medicine and more. Alternative Medicine is affiliated with Chiropractic Clinics.

Top 5 Homeopathic Cures for Morning Sickness

2008-01-11T21:49:00.001-08:00

What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a series of nausea fits associated with the early stages of pregnancy. Some pregnant mothers complain of having this sickness throughout the pregnancy, but typically this something that occurs early on. It is not too uncommon to avoid such activities as long car rides, sailing, amusement park rides and other jarring activities that will only upset the symptoms of this. Most mothers who experience this complain of similar symptoms of ailments such as stomach viruses or eating bad food. The experience is most unsettling and makes the pregnancy more grueling than what it is.

Common Homeopathic Cures For Morning Sickness Relief

Although a doctor can prescribe something for the symptoms, most mothers find this to be superfluous. And indeed for the most part, it is. There are some natural treatments for this condition that will avoid the use of a doctor and will ultimately help calm the symptoms. Some of these include, cut out excessively fatty and spicy foods. Avoid strong odors such as coffee and garlic. Eat several small meals instead of three large ones. Try acupressure; wear sea bands three quarter of an inch down your wrist in between tendons. Infuse bathwater with grapefruit, orange, mandarin or lime aromatherapy oils. Try ginger. If you don't like the taste of it raw, try ginger tea or invest in some all-natural ginger ale at your local health food store. Take 10-20 g of vitamin B6. Try taking homeopathic remedies such as Nux Vomica 30C, Sepia 30C or Ipecuana 30c three times daily for five days. Try supplementing with two slippery elm tablets during each meal, which help soothe the digestive track.

Herbal vs. Non-Herbal Remedies

For the health conscious mother, herbal remedies, some of which are mentioned above, can be induced as opposed to some of the non-herbal types. These can be very helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms without utilizing chemically enhanced prescriptions. Whatever your decision, there are many home remedies available that should do something for the symptoms you are experiencing. Of course, wearing maternity clothes that fit propertly (such as mimi maternity clothes) also helps. This should take the stress of worrying about your own sickness and get on with the excitement of having a baby.

Article By Michelle O'Connor, Kids Toy Boxes

Symptoms of Allergies and Homeopathic Remedies

2008-01-10T22:54:00.001-08:00

Symptoms of Allergies:

? Sneezing, itching and irritation of nose, ears, throat, skin.

? Stuffy, runny or tingling nose.

? Burning, watering, itchy or red eyes.

? Cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.

? Flu-like symptoms

? Skin rashes?Eczema, Hives, etc.

? Feeling of sinus pressure in and around the nose and cheeks.

? Ear fullness and popping

? Difficulty swallowing, throat hoarseness with soreness

? Headaches and/or heart palpitations

? Fatigue, Joint aches, Muscle pains.

? Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

? Swelling especially in the lips, other parts of the mouth and throat, eyelids, genitals, hands and feet (angioedema)

? Anaphylactic Shock is a serious allergic reaction, which requires immediate attention.

Homeopathic Remedies:

Allergies signal a defective or depleted immune system and are considered in Homeopathic parlance?the body?s communication that something is not right. Homeopathic doctrine believes that the allergen is just the trigger to the problem and not the underlying cause. Homeopathic remedies can remove the underlying cause for the allergic tendency and eliminate it completely.

A Homeopathic practitioner does not treat the disease itself, but looks at the entire individual and how the whole body reacts. An appropriately selected Homeopathic remedy that is individually chosen to the totality of symptoms that the person is experiencing, not just the allergy symptoms, stimulates the body?s vital force and immune system so that the body can heal itself. However, Homeopathic remedies can also be used to treat the acute phase of the allergic reaction.

Homeopathic treatment is safe and gentle, without any side-effects. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the basis of physical, emotional and genetic make up of the person. Therefore, unlike pharmaceutical or OTC medications?one pill doesn?t fit all.

Homeopathy is very effective in managing all the symptoms of Allergies and also plays an important role in preventing relapse of the condition and improving the general health of the person. Another important aspect of Homeopathic remedies is that people on multiple remedies for other issues can safely take additional remedies without concerns regarding negative interactions. All Homeopathic remedies are natural substances that work with the body and not against another remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are non-habit forming; no addictive characteristics and have a proven 200 year safety record with the FDA. Since Homeopathy treats the body in totality, it leads to a permanent long-lasting cure, unlike the temporary suppression of symptoms created through pharmaceutical or OTC medications.

Homeopathic remedies are best used under the supervision of an experienced Homeopath. It is not advisable to resort to self-diagnosis for any body symptom?albeit something as common as allergies could signal something more serious than merely an allergic reaction.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, international speaker specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Homeopathic HGH

2008-01-10T22:53:00.001-08:00

The term homeopathic HGH is often used to refer to products that claim to either contain human growth hormone and replace it in the body, or stimulate the human pituitary gland to produce more of the hormone. These are not homeopathic remedies in the classic sense. The controversial practice of homeopathy relies on the idea that symptoms can be alleviated by administering very minute amounts of natural substances (usually herbs) that will cause the same symptoms (like cures like). Thus, if you have a sore throat, homeopathy dictates that you take a dilute solution of an herb that causes sore throat in order to get rid of the symptom.

So called homeopathic natural HGH supplements for anti aging are not based on this idea - if they were, they would contain a miniscule amount of an ingredient that causes symptoms of aging, not a hormone that allegedly restores youth! If you understand this concept, you will understand why, rather than trying to produce homeopathic HGH, homeopaths will usually direct treatment at a specific symptom, such as joint pain, or lack of energy.

Having said that, products marketed as homeopathic HGH do exist. They don't really contain real human growth hormone and if they did it would not be beneficial because the hormone must be injected to have any effect. These natural HGH supplements either aim to stimulate production of HGH by the pituitary, or they aim to replace the hormone by providing amino acids necessary to bestow the same effects on metabolism and health. Because true human growth hormone must obtained by prescription and injected at regular intervals - usually at tremendous expense - the natural HGH supplements are popular among middle aged and elderly consumers seeking to protect or regain the energy and good health of youth.

The idea behind HGH injections, homeopathic HGH and all the other approaches is that human growth hormone, which decreases in the body over a lifetime, can prevent or reverse physical aging if youthful levels can be restored. A few studies have noted positive changes in seniors treated with injected growth hormone (increased strength, bone mass, decreased fat storage, younger looking skin), however, it is misleading to draw conclusions from these results: the numbers of people tested were too few, the studies did not continue for long enough, and the side effects were not assessed over the long term. Moreover, it is a long way from HGH injections in a senior to natural HGH supplements in a middle aged baby boomer.

The bottom line is that the homeopathic HGH industry is a booming anti aging market, catering to the masses of baby boomers who seek to prolong their quality of life late into their senior years. Bit it is based on too little information. Let's hope that more rigorous scientific research is carried out to answer the questions about efficacy and safety of natural HGH supplements, and produce an affordable product that we can have confidence in

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. You can learn more about HGH on the AntiAging Information site.

Understanding Homeopathic Remedies For PMS Helps Women Make Better Treatment Choices

2008-01-10T00:04:00.001-08:00

Women find a number of different recommendations for relieving the symptoms associated with PMS, including homeopathic remedies for PMS, herbal remedies, the best diet, PMS exercise plans and prescription medications. Here we look at some of these options and the theories on which they are based.

Based upon the theories of Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), traditional homeopathic remedies for PMS would involve evaluating a woman?s symptom or symptoms and finding a substance that, when given to a healthy person, would cause that same symptom or symptoms. For example, if a woman was feeling bloated; then a homeopathic healer might recommend bovista, a type of mushroom. If Hahnemann, himself came up with this remedy, he ate the mushroom, observed that it caused his hands or feet to swell and made a note of it. (He did this with hundreds of different herbs and plants.) Then, when someone came to him for treatment of a condition, he found the plant or herb that caused those symptoms when he ingested it. In a greatly diluted form, he would give it to the patient. He called this treating ?like with like?.

Chemically speaking, it has been found that homeopathic compounds are so heavily diluted that nothing of the original material remains. But, homeopaths believe that some ?essential property? of the substance remains and that the more it is diluted; the more potent is the remedy. None of this has any basis in scientific fact, but sometimes, when people believe in a treatment it can work. In a small double blind, placebo controlled study; women receiving personalized homeopathic remedies for PMS experienced significantly fewer symptoms over a period of three months.

Not many scientific studies have been conducted concerning homeopathic remedies for PMS. Homeopathy is not a scientific form of treatment. It is belief-based. Numerous studies have been conducted concerning choosing the best diet, PMS relieving foods and vitamins. Studies do not always return consistent results, but the majority of evidence indicates that the best diet, PMS-wise, is one that is high in complex carbohydrates; fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, there is evidence that soy isoflavones, which have an estrogen like effect on the body, are helpful.

Several theories have been used to develop the best diet, PMS relieving foods and vitamins. One is that eating carbohydrates increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that transmits signals between nerves in the brain and body. It is important in mood regulation, appetite and sleep cycles. In one study, women with PMS symptoms like depression and irritability were given either dietary supplementation of carbohydrates or an antidepressant. Both were found to relieve symptoms effectively.

Plant estrogens, like soy isoflavones, are sometimes suggested for inclusion in the best diet, PMS-wise, because of the theory that low levels of estrogen during the two weeks preceding menstruation cause most of the symptoms associated with PMS. This is the reason that some doctors prescribe birth control pills and other hormone containing medications for women with PMS, even though they are not approved by the FDA for this use.

Modern herbal remedies are based on treatments used by traditional healers from different cultures around the world for thousands of years. Ancient healers used ?tests? similar to those used by Hahnemann, except that they looked for herbs and plants that ?relieved? symptoms, rather than those that ?caused? symptoms. Many of the first effective medications were found in this way. Today, scientists study the chemical composition of plants, test them in laboratory settings, typically first on cell lines, then on animals and finally in clinical settings on humans for safety and effectiveness. There is really no question that traditional homeopathic remedies for PMS are safe, when used as directed. Whether or not they are effective can not be proven scientifically. As previously mentioned, there is no chemical compound to test.

Modern homeopaths have changed their view of treatment, to a certain extent. Some now recommend black cohosh for PMS relief. Black cohosh was used traditionally by Native American healers for a number of reasons. It was used to correct hormonal imbalance, was an effective diuretic and a mild sedative. It is now widely recommended by herbalists for PMS relief. However, homeopathic remedies for PMS that contain black cohosh may be heavily diluted and therefore ineffective.

The FDA has not approved any prescription medications for typical PMS, but because some medications are approved for treating a severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, doctors sometimes prescribe them. Like herbal remedies, the best diet, PMS vitamins, etc. but unlike homeopathic remedies for PMS, prescription medications are based on theories relating to the cause of the syndrome. Either hormonal changes, changes in brain chemicals, the effects that hormones have on brain chemicals or hypersensitivity to any of these changes are the suspected causes. No one knows for sure.

Many people do not understand how homeopathic remedies for PMS or any other condition are supposed to work. Designing traditional homeopathic remedies for PMS is unlike designing the best diet, PMS herbal remedies or supplements. Nor is it similar to the holistic approach which would typically involve lifestyle changes, meditation and stress management techniques. Traditional homeopathy bears no resemblance to acupuncture, biofeedback or any other form of alternative or conventional medicine. This informational article was not intended to be critical of traditional homeopathic healers, nor those who believe in them. It was only written to help women searching for answers to better understand different treatment options.

If you are interested in learning more about natural remedies for PMS, please visit our website at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles related to women's health. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com

Homeopathic Schools

2008-01-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Seeking an alternative health education? Perhaps one of many homeopathic schools may be a unique option for you. Homeopathic schools offer training and education in homeopathy at learning institutions, and via home study or distance learning programs.

Generally, teaching the history and philosophy of homeopathy, homeopathic schools provide educational courses based on the principles of homeopathy and teach students how to evaluate and assess conditions in patients; how to use and prepare remedies; to understand guidelines of potency and client sensitivity; and how to facilitate common business management practices.

Homeopathic school curriculums may require mandatory study materials including but not limited to books on homeopathic remedies and relevant material (e.g. Materia Medica of Homeopathic Remedies, Science of Homeopathy, Dictionary of Homeopathic Terms, etc.) Additional coursework may provide training and education in various forms of homeopathy, including constitutional, classical, combination and complex. Overall, homeopathic school students are taught how to treat acute and chronic health issues (depending on laws governing the practice of medicine); how to prevent disease; and how to promote wellbeing.

Homeopathic school programs may vary in length and cost, and tuition may run between two hundred dollars ($200) and over seven thousand dollars ($7,000) depending on nature of courses.

Students who successfully graduate from a homeopathic school or homeopathic distance education program may take an exam offered by the Council for Homeopathic Certification to become certified in homeopathy.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd is the Public Relations' Director for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Homeopathic Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

What Is Homeopathic Medicine?

2008-01-08T21:31:00.001-08:00

Homeopathy is a safe, natural form of medicine, based on the practice of treating like with like. Homeopathy is derived from the Greek words homios, meaning like or similar, and italios, meaning suffering.

Homeopathy is concerned with treating the whole person rather than the illness alone. The homeopath will consider the patient as a whole, both physically and psychologically, taking into account the patient's physical appearance, their likes, dislikes and their temperament. It is there fore a highly personalized form of treatment, so patients who apparently suffer from the same ill ness may be given advice for different medicines.

Homeopathy is a well established form of healing. Today many of the leading pharmaceutical companies are researching and mass-producing homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathic medicines look very much like conventional medicines, are taken in the same way, but the way they work is entirely different.

The medicines are not synthetic and are derived from natural sources. Over 60% of homeopathic remedies are prepared from vegetable or plant materials. Other remedies are prepared from naturally occurring mineral substances, including metals, non-metallic substances, and mineral salts. Animal sources of homeopathic remedies include: Cuttlefish (the ink or juice provides sepia) and Honeybee.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared by obtaining the remedy in its most concentrated form, and then, through a long process of dilution, by preparing a medicine whose potency is sufficient to effect a treatment. The potency describes the measure of the dilution of the remedy and is denoted by the number which follows the name of the medicine itself. The higher the number, the greater the dilution (up to one part remedy to one trillion parts dilutant).

Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathic medicines, commonly referred to as remedies, may come from the plant, mineral, or animal kingdom. Some common remedies include: arnica montana, from the Leopard's bane plant; belladonna, from the deadly nightshade plant; calcarea, calcium carbonate from oyster shells; sepia, from cuttlefish ink; and the element, sulphur.

Homeopathic remedies today are produced using the same dilution principles as in Hahnemann's day. In a common dilution of 1:100, one drop of the homeopathic substance is added to 99 drops of water and/or alcohol. The mixture is then potentized by a process called "succussion" - repeated tapping on a hard surface for a specific length of time. Remedies may be diluted up to 1000 times, leaving only an infinitesimal trace of the substance. Remedies are typically diluted 10, 100, or 1,000 times, which translate into potencies that are marked with the Roman numerals X, C, and M. Homeopathic remedies range from 6X as the lowest potency to 1M or more as the highest potency.

Remedies can be taken orally in pill, powder, or drop form, rubbed topically, or injected. There are usually no side effects from homeopathic treatments, but a patient can experience what is called a "healing aggravation," a temporary accentuation of symptoms. This is seen as a positive sign that the remedy is working. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a homeopath may choose an antidote, which produces the opposite effect of the remedy. The antidote may be another homeopathic remedy, or a strong substance, such as perfume, camphor, or coffee, which are known to block the effects of a remedy.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized homeopathic medicines as drugs since 1938, working with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention to produce and update their reference book of homeopathic medicines. Over the years, the FDA has classified homeopathic medicines as either prescription or more commonly as non-prescription (over-the-counter), depending on their strength. In the United Kingdom, homeopathic medicine has been part of the National Health Service (NHS) since it began in 1948. There are currently 5 homeopathic hospitals in the NHS. Homeopathic medicines are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Safety of Homeopathic Medicines

Because of the very, very small doses used in homeopathic treatment, the medicines are completely safe, non-addictive and have no unwanted side effects. The curative properties of the remedies are released even in extremely high dilution?and render the medicine completely safe for the treatment of both children and babies.

Always consult a practitioner before buying homeopathic remedies, and make sure that they are kept safe and out of the reach of all children.

Where dosing instructions have been followed, no case of toxic action has ever been reported in association with homeopathic medicines.

Receiving Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic treatment is practiced by fully qualified Health Practitioners who understand the philosophy of homeopathic medicine's well as patients' emotional and daily situations.

While some homeopathic medicines are readily available in both regular pharmacies and health stores, you MUST consult your homeopathic practitioner before attempting treatment for any serious ailment or illness.

If you are currently on medication for a serious medical or psychological condition, you should NOT stop taking your medication in order to start homeopathic treatment. Your practitioner will advise you on the best course of treatment, often working with your internist or therapist.
Rene Graeber graduated from the University of Munic in Educational and Sports Science and from the Paracelsus School of Medicine in Hamburg from Naturopathic Medicine and Homoeopathie.

Arnica Gel is homeopathic anti-inflammatory relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis

2008-01-07T22:12:00.000-08:00

Arnica Gel New research into the efficacy of Arnica Gel for osteoarthritis of the fingers has demonstrated excellent results and has been submitted for publication. Arthritis affects over 8 million people with the fingers being the third most common area affected, after knee and hip.

This is the first study of multiple osteosrthritis of the fingers to be performed according to the latest international guidelines. It compared the effectiveness of Boiron Arnica Gel with one of the leading synthetics, ibuprofen gel. A number of secondary targets were set and again, Arnica Gel achieved the same value as ibuprofen gel. The number of painful joints decreased equally in both groups, mornign joint stiffness diminished equally in both groups, and the duration of morning joint stiffness decreased from about 10 minutes to 5 minutes in both groups.

Arnica Gel has also been clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of ostearthritis of the knee, with 76 per cent of patients willing to use the treatment again. The mulitcentre trial was published in Advances in Therapy.

Boiron Arnica Gel is made from freshly harvested, organically cultivated Arnica flower tincture. Arnica is known for its homeopatheic use for bumps and bruises but its herbal use as an anti-inflammatory was nto widely known. Now research is proving that arnica is a very effective anti-infalmmaroty when applied topically. It helps with painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, stiff or sore joints. For More Info

Lose Weight Fast with a Homeopathic Patch

2008-01-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy, frequently confused with naturopathy, is a 200-year old system of medicine that is widely accepted and practiced in Europe (even by mainstream doctors). In North America, it is poorly understood, however, and is still on the fringe of what is deemed acceptable by mainstream medicine. The public is becoming more and more interested in Homeopathy, however, and as a result it's becoming increasingly available.

Homeopathy works on the principle of 'like cures like'. In other words, proponents of homeopathy believe that, if a substance would produce certain symptoms in a healthy person, a very small amount of that same substance can cure those symptoms in someone who is already experiencing them. For example, the poison arsenic, when taken in significant doses, can produce symptoms that include stomach cramps and vomiting. But if you already have stomach cramps and vomiting (from a virus or food poisoning, or another cause) and your symptoms are similar to those that a larger dose of arsenic would produce, then arsenicum, a homeopathic remedy made from very, very tiny doses of arsenic, will cure your symptoms.

To the uninitiated - those who aren't familiar with homeopathy - this can sound alarming. Are homeopaths really suggesting that you take arsenic as a remedy? Yes ... and no. The homeopathic doses of these remedies are so extremely tiny that, most of the time, there is no measurable amount of the physical substance left. For example, a homeopathic remedy might be made by adding a tiny part of the substance to a gallon of water, than diluting the water even more. In purely physical terms, nothing is left but water. But the substance leaves its vibrational energy behind, and that's what effects the homeopathic healing. It's virtually impossible to 'overdose' on homeopathy, therefore; these remedies are very, very safe.

The other thing that you should know about homeopathy is that the cause of the symptoms is not important. The remedy is based on the symptoms themselves. To use our previous example, it makes no difference whether stomach cramps and vomiting are caused by a virus or by food poisoning. The symptoms themselves, however, are very important indeed. A homeopath will ask you for a very detailed account of your precise symptoms. It is possible, with homeopathy, for two different people with the 'same' virus to require quite different remedies.

And homeopathy can help you lose weight. A homeopathic remedy, fucus vesiculosus, controls the appetite and allows weight loss to occur. A new form of the remedy is available as transdermal patch - that is, a patch that is applied to the skin. Like other homeopathic remedies, the dosage of this remedy is very low, but the patch allows it to enter your body on a continuous basis. Thus, your appetite is curbed and you end up losing weight, over time.

This remedy is effective whether or not you have psychological reasons behind your weight gain - except, of course, if these are so compelling that you are subconsciously determined to shortcut any weight loss effort, as some of us are. Barring that, however, all the evidence suggests that this weight loss remedy works. As with other homeopathic remedies, the reasons behind the weight gain are not important at all. The important thing is your symptoms, and if they are appropriate, this system can 'cure' them. You can, therefore, lose weight without necessarily delving into the reasons why you gained it in the first place.

Homeopathy is too controversial, as yet, to have universal acceptance in North America. In fact, it seems to defy science, as the remedies used are like 'magic', in a way - too small to have a measurable physical effect. To make matters worse, in a way, the smaller the dose, the 'stronger' it is according to the principles of homeopathy! There are thousands of people, however, who swear by this method of dealing with various symptoms - in the end, it works for the, and that's enough. Hundreds - even thousands - of people have found this to be true, and if they end up being cured, isn't that proof enough? To be sure, it may not be - scientists talk about the 'placebo effect' and such. However, you can't argue with results, and homeopathy offers them. Look for fucus vesiculosus at health food stores or natural pharmacies.Michael Bens. For more great information on weight loss, diets, nutrition, and living a great healthy life style visit Gabae Weight Loss

Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold

2008-01-06T22:10:00.001-08:00

Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold

Oscillococcinum (o-sill-o-cox-see-num), Oscillo is safe, natural and easy to take. Oscillococcinum was discovered by a French physician named Joseph Roy (1891-1978). It is for temporary relief of symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and pains. The flu (influenza) is a highly infectious viral disease. Homoeopathic preparations, such as oscillococcinum or similar products, are often prescribed by homoeopaths for the prevention and treatment of the fluOscillo is used by millions of people and recommended by doctors around the world. It can be used by the whole family to help relieve the worst symptoms of the winter season.

How does Oscillococcinum work?

Oscillococcinum is thought to stimulate your body's own defenses. It works best at the onset of symptoms, when your body has more resources to react. In recent medical studies, 63% of patients treated with Oscillococcinum showed clear improvement in 48 hours. Oscillo works best when it is taken at the first sign of flu. So make sure you have some on hand to fend off your flu symptoms at their onset.

What is special about Oscillococcinum?

Oscillococcinum (Oscillo) is free from side effects and drug interactions. As a pharmaceutical company, Boiron complies with FDA regulations and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) requirements for the manufacturing of homeopathic medicines. All products marketed in the U.S. are made according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. Oscillococcinum (oh-sill-oh-coke-see-num) a homeopathic remedy that is a mouth full to say, but must be taken as soon as you feel the flu symptom if it is going to be effective, just one dose should do the trick.

Advantages of Oscillococcinum (Oscillo)

Oscillococcinum will not mask symptoms of an underlying serious condition. Oscillococcinum is NOT contraindicated if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, kidney disorders or asthma and cannot use antihistamine or decongestant medications. Because of its safety, Oscillo is an excellent choice for children. Under the supervision of a physician, pregnant women and infants can also use Oscillo. Oscillococcinum is the #1 over the counter (OTC) flu medicine in France. Oscillococcinum is the #1 homeopathic flu medicine in the U.S.

Oscillococcinum Cautions

Do not use if the tray seal is broken. Consult your doctor before use in children under 2 years of age.

Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen.

Consult your doctor before using this product, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Written by Chris Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold

For more details or any query go to: http://www.herbsmd.com/sp/xq/asp/store.OSC/qx/default.htm

Homeopathy Courses - Enlightening Natural Health Education

2008-01-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

Find Homeopathy Courses in the United States and Canada. Homeopathy courses are excellent for students who desire to gain an education in natural and alternative medicines. Once you've chosen to pursue this academic path, you can anticipate an enlightening and revealing education in how homeopathy works and its long-standing history.

Depending in which one of several homeopathy courses students opt to enroll, one can safely assume that s/he will acquire a great deal of training in repertory, homeopathic terminology, case analyses, therapeutics, material medica, philosophy, and much more. While a number of homeopathy courses are designed for basic instruction in homeotherapeutics, other homeopathy courses are more comprehensive and will lead to certification in classical homeopathy.

Students enrolled in homeopathy courses will learn about the Laws of Similars, and how to use a patient?s own natural healing response with homeopathic remedies derived from animals, plants, chemicals and minerals. More serious candidates may elect to participate in advanced, in-depth homeopathy courses that provide both clinical experience and hands-on training. For the most part, students must have already attained a minimal of 500 classroom hours to advance to more comprehensive homeopathy courses. In advanced homeopathy courses, students will acquire additional instruction about various pathologies and homeopathic treatments thereof; they will also learn about case analyses, homeopathy remedy, dosage and potency.

In some cases, certified homeopathic practitioners may wish to take supplementary homeopathy courses as part of their continuing education to stay abreast of innovative skills and techniques that can help maintain a professional practice.

Overall, homeopathy courses teach individuals how to use common remedies to help the body heal itself. Through careful analyses, adequate prescription and dosage, future practitioners can become an essential part of the growing, alternative medicine community.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding homeopathy courses, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Homeopathy Courses, Homeopathy Education, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Homeopathy Diploma Programs available Today

2008-01-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Find Homeopathy Diploma Programs in the United States and Canada. Aspiring students who would like to pursue an education in homeopathy can earn a homeopathy diploma through one of several healing arts and natural health schools.

A homeopathy diploma can be earned over a course of time usually involving anywhere from two to four year programs; encompassing the philosophy and principles of homeopathy, anatomy and physiology, material medica (animal, plant, chemical and mineral substances), homeopathic repertory (symptom index), case analyses and management, homeotherapeutics, clinical pathology, nutrition and many other related subjects of study.

Students wanting to achieve a homeopathy diploma must also realize that before they can successfully attain one, that they must dedicate a reasonable amount of studies both in the classroom setting and at home. Yes, earning a homeopathy diploma means that individuals will have a fair share of homework studies to complete to fully comprehend this holistic health modality. In most cases, earning a homeopathy diploma requires a minimum of 500 classroom hours, in addition to clinical training. Depending on the state or country in which you reside, a homeopathy diploma course may parallel a homeopathy degree program.

Students who have earned their homeopathy diploma can go onto becoming homeopathic practitioners, or may desire to further education and earn a homeopathy degree or naturopathic degree to further complement skills and knowledge in this natural healing system. A fine example of how a homeopathy diploma can benefit one?s profession is clearly demonstrated in the fact that there are homeopathic courses available to professional medical providers, such as Veterinarians, MDs and nurses, who wish to integrate homeopathy as a complementary health care tool.

As with any alternative medicine school, it is always a good idea to carefully evaluate the homeopathy diploma program to determine if it?s been accredited, curriculum content, tuition costs, prerequisites, and other associated conditions prior to enrollment.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding homeopathy diploma programs, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Homeopathy Diploma(s), Homeopathy Education, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Homeopathy College- Studies in America

2008-01-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

Find Homeopathy College programs in the United States and Canada. If you're interested in alternative medicine and would like to pursue a natural healthcare education, then enrolling in a homeopathy college might be a good choice for you.

At a homeopathy college, students will learn a broad spectrum of natural healing modalities including comprehensive coursework in the history and philosophy of homeopathy. Classes will often encompass studies in the origins of homeopathy, Law of Similars, remedies (including material medica: plant, mineral and animal substances), case receiving and analysis, pharmacy, potency and dosage guidelines, and practice management. In addition, students at a homeopathy college will engage in clinical training where they will gain a better understanding in how to effectively analyze and apply homeopathic remedies in a practical setting.

Other subject matter provided through a homeopathy college will commonly include studies in biotherapies, human anatomy and physiology, and natural health. Students who successfully graduate from a homeopathy college can work toward attaining certification and/or licensure. To become certified, graduates will have to take a certification exam that contains theoretical, practical, case submission and oral interview parts.* (According to the Council for Homeopathic Certification) Furthermore, certification exam candidates must have acquired at least 500 hours of formal training through a homeopathy college or school, in addition to being current in CPR certification, as well as college level education in anatomy and physiology. While licensure is not always necessary, some states do require practicing homeopaths to be licensed by a state board.

Professional physicians, such as MDs, Dos, and other primary health care providers may opt to enroll in a homeopathy college where they can take a homeopathy course designed for the professional practitioner in mind. These courses are generally geared toward homeopathic remedies that lessen the need for doctors to use traditional medicines and antibiotics.

Doctors of Homeopathy and homeopathic practitioners who have completed all required coursework and practical training through a homeopathy college will have gained the ability to use non-toxic, natural medicines to help support and enhance natural healing processes. Common conditions that can be helped with homeopathy include acute and chronic health problems such as eczema, digestive disorders, insomnia, allergies and many other health issues.

With the growing demand for natural health alternatives, students who opt to enroll in a homeopathy college can gain the skills and education necessary to become part of an ever-expanding field of the medical industry.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding a homeopathy college, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! ">Explore career school programs near you.

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Homeopathy College(s), Homeopathy Education, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Homeopathy Degree- Is it Possible to Earn One?

2008-01-03T22:00:00.001-08:00

Find Homeopathy Degree Programs in the United States and Canada. Individuals who would like to pursue a homeopathy degree can now earn a Doctor of Homeopathy (D.Hom.) and Master of Science in Natural Health (MS) in Homeopathy through select natural health colleges and universities.

The Doctor of Homeopathy degree program is course intensive and encompasses advanced-level academics and training in anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, homeopathic philosophy, varying degrees of homeopathy, homeopathic animal remedies, complementary and alternative medicine, dietary/nutrition remedies, homeopathic treatments for various health conditions, drug/herb/vitamin interactions, ethics and legal aspects.

A Master of Science in natural health, homeopathy degree program encompasses coursework in biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, clinical ecology, iridology, varying levels of homeopathy, naturopathy, and related subject matter.

While not all alternative medicine colleges promote homeopathy degree programs, the ones that do, offer comprehensive training and education in this ancient healing art. In addition to abovementioned homeopathy degree programs, students can opt to pursue a Ph.D. homeopathy degree. In this program, serious students will learn about homeopathy, bio-energetic medicine and biophysics, Western nutrition principles, personality theories, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, homeopathic first aid and prescriptions, material medica (mineral, chemical, plant and animal derivations), homeotherapeutics, case analyses and management, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis - among other related topics of study.

Students interested in attaining a homeopathy degree must understand that most homeopathic schools and natural health colleges often require prerequisite education, including but not limited to bachelor degrees or bachelor degree-level education from an accredited university or school. It is always wise to carefully review homeopathy degree program curriculums and course requirements prior to applying to any alternative medicine college or school. Overall, it is very possible to earn your homeopathy degree; but you must be dedicated to your professional pursuit.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding homeopathy degree programs, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction, in association with CollegeSurfing - Educational Resources for Homeopathy Degree(s), Homeopathy Education, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Blood Pressure: Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy and Acupuncture

2008-01-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

The temptation with herbal medicines is to think that because they are natural substances they must therefore be safe. It is easy to forget that plants can do harm. Some herbal remedies may raise blood pressure or may interfere with the effect of conventional drugs. Liquorice and other herbal remedies used as diuretics promote sodium and water retention and thus raise blood pressure. Lily of the valley resembles digitalis - too high a dose can cause heart failure. Horse chestnut taken together with anticoagulant drugs may cause bleeding. As well as often unidentifiable plant alkaloids, traditional oriental herbal remedies often contain heavy metal salts, which may be very dangerous when taken over long periods.

Obviously, no reputable herbalist is going to offer you treatments which they know will do you harm, but the risks can be considerable if you consult someone who is inadequately trained or if you try to treat yourself after gleaning some basic information from a book. You should remember that the drug industry is extremely efficient at exploiting any active substances found inn plants and in synthesizing and testing them for use as drugs. As with other alternative therapies, there is little published scientific evidence proving that herbal treatments are effective. If you have borderline high blood pressure, where the need for active medication is arguable either way, some of the simpler herbal infusions (drinks made in a similar way to ordinary tea, but probably not tasting as pleasant) suggested by herbalists will probably not do you any harm (although if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure lowering agents for you, you should continue to take them). Herbs which can be used in this way include hawthorn, guilder rose, linden and yarrow.

Two other famous aspect of alternative medicine are homeopathy and acupuncture, which are both reputed to help in high blood pressure.

Homeopathy is completely safe, because the remedies are so dilute. It is based on the principle that 'like can be cured by like'. The word homeopathy comes from two Greek words that mean 'similar' and 'suffering'. The remedies contain very dilute amounts of a substance, which in larger quantities would produce similar symptoms of the illness being treated. The problem here is that no scientific explanation for what is going on. There is no specific homeopathic remedies recommended for high blood pressure - the treatments a practitioner would suggest would simply be those thought to have general strengthening effect on your constitution. Homeopathic doctors are all trained in orthodox medicine and so usually reserve their alternative treatments for minor, self-limiting, or emotional illnesses.

Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into the skin at particular sites on the body, has been a standard form of medical treatment in China for 5000 years. In the past 20 years it has become more widely used in the United States, usually for conditions such as a painful back where orthodox medicine often fails to help. We should know fairly soon whether or not it is effective as a treatment for high blood pressure, as a properly controlled trial is currently being carried out and the results are due to be published anytime soon. In the meantime, a course of acupuncture treatments will certainly do you no harm and you may find it helpful to aid relaxation.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Blood Pressure

Homeopathy-What If The Remedy Isn't Actually The Remedy?

2008-01-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

No area of natural medicine is more controversial than homeopathy. From it's reliance on an unseen "life force" to the extreme dilutions used in homeopathic remedies, homeopathy offers a lot of fodder for critics. Now, a study from the U.K. adds more fuel to the fire by asking one simple question. "What are the active ingredients?"

Normally, homeopathic research has focused primarily on comparing homeopathic remedies to placebos, often with impressive results. But researchers Trevor Thompson and Marjorie Weiss theorize that the very act of receiving homeopathic treatments is far more effective than the actual remedy itself. How can that be?

When you go to a mainstream physician for the first time, you're given a multi-page form to fill out. You typically sit alone in the waiting room and try to condense your entire medical history into two or three pages. When you finally get in to see the doctor, you typically spend only a few minutes face-to-face with the person who will ultimately become your primary healthcare provider.

By contrast, when you see a homeopathic doctor, you may spend more than an hour in a verbal exchange being asked questions focusing on every aspect of your life. Typically, you don't even fill out the form yourself; the homeopath takes notes throughout your discussion while you relax and just talk. Anyone who has ever "talked out" a problem understands the therapeutic value of talking about your problems. Perhaps it's the supportive environment that makes homeopathy so effective--not the strange-sounding remedy you'll be given at the end of the interview.

Does this mean that homeopathy doesn't work? Researchers aren't saying that. But they are suggesting that the "non-specific" aspects of homeopathy and the complex intervention that it offers be studied more thoroughly.

REFERENCE:

Thompson, T., Weiss, M. (2006) Homeopathy ? what are the active ingredients? An exploratory study using the UK Medical Research Council's framework for the evaluation of complex interventions Retrieved February 13, 2007 from http://http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/6/37 .

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. To learn more about Ms. Barger's belief in "Empowerment through Education" or to take a free online natural health class see her website, http://www.LisaBarger.com

Herbs, Homeopathy, and Hemorrhoids

2007-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, condition which is caused by the swelling and inflammation of blood vessels and veins in your anus and rectum. There are two primary types of hemorrhoids: Internal and external.

Internal hemorrhoids often cause no pain or discomfort, however they can cause bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids however, tend to be uncomfortable at best, and sometimes can be quite painful or itchy.

One major cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. If your body is not able to easily pass waste, you?ll end up straining when using the bathroom. This straining action serves to damage the blood vessels in and around your rectum, creating hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods of time is also a known cause of hemorrhoids, because sitting reduces the flow of blood to the rectum and anus. For these reasons, don?t keep reading material in the bathroom. Sitting for long periods of time and straining only aggravates the situation.

Drinking plenty of water is one way to prevent hemorrhoids from occurring. When your body doesn?t have enough water, the stools you pass end up being quite hard. This causes damage to the rectum and anus, which in turn can cause hemorrhoids to develop or flare up.

Another contributing factor is not getting enough fiber in your diet. Without adequate fiber, there isn?t enough bulk in the colon to help the stool expel naturally. Your body should produce a solid, easily expelled bowel movement at least once or twice each day. When you don?t get enough fiber, the stool can harden and get backed up in your system.

Additional fiber can easily be added to your daily regimen by simply eating more fresh vegetables and grains. You can also get additional fiber with certain herbs. Chlorophyll and Alfalfa are an excellent for helping to regulate your bowel movements. Slippery Elm is an excellent herb to use for cleansing the digestive tract, colon and bowels.

Getting plenty of exercise is another natural way to help prevent or reduce hemorrhoids--especially if you?re sedentary or you have a job which keeps you sitting most of the day.

While all the methods I?ve mentioned are excellent ways to reduce, eliminate and prevent hemorrhoids, many people already have them and are desperate for some relief from the itching and burning sensations that usually accompany hemorrhoids. So, here?s my favorite herbal home remedy for hemorrhoids:

1 Gel cap of Golden Seal

1 Gel cap of White Willow

Pure Aloe Vera juice or gel

Open the capsules and pour the powdered herb onto a dish. Mix in enough Aloe vera juice to make a paste. Now, apply this to the hemorrhoids. In just a few hours the problem should be drastically reduced, if not completely gone. If you apply the mixture before going to bed, you can wake up to complete relief in the morning.

The same recipe can be used for internal hemorrhoids. You?ll need to insert a small amount of the mixture into your anus so that it can reach the hemorrhoids hiding inside.

Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and nothing here should be considered as professional medical advice. Mind-Mart.com offers holistic and alternative products as well as information from around the Internet to strengthen mind-body health.

Homeopathy and Warts

2007-12-27T22:00:00.001-08:00

Homeopathy can be great to treat warts, especially when, for whatever reason, you cannot go to see a doctor. Maybe you just do not want to go to any doctor to treat your ailments. This can usually be avoided with some ailments that do not affect your overall health, and do not get worse with or without your home treatments.

Warts can be annoying, unsightly, embarrassing, and even painful. If you have had them before, you know what warts look like and you know how it feels to have a wart. If you have not had a wart before at all, you should research online to see what a typical wart looks like and does so you know for sure that it is an actual wart before proceeding with homeopathy.

You do not have to go to a store or a doctor to seek treatment for a wart. Homeopathy can treat warts and get rid of them for good. It will be less invasive, less embarrassing, less expensive, and more enjoyable for you to treat your warts with homeopathy than seeking outside treatment. Do not be shy, you can do this yourself.

What Is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is also known as Homeopathics, or a classification of medicine that always has three philosophies. These philosophies break down the entire homeopathics:

1. Cures -- When your symptoms are related to that of another ailment, you would treat your illness with that particular ailment's cause.

2. Dosage -- Your dosages will be kept very small compared to those dosages of traditional treatments and medications.

3. Remedies -- Instead of taking an array of medications for your ailment, you would only be taking one specific remedy.

Homeopathy has actually been increasing in popularity in the United States, and has been for decades. More and more traditional doctors, hospitals and other practices are using the three philosophies of the homeopathics remedies rather than using traditional medications and treatments.

Homeopathy has many wonderful benefits:

? It is safe to use, even through pregnancy and for babies and children

? It is highly effective -- you will see results faster and more permanently than with traditional methods

? Less risk of side effect worries -- with homeopathy you do not have to worry about any side effects if you are taking other medications

? Traditional medications work against your immune system, but with homeopathy the remedies actually work with your immune system allowing it to get stronger and maintain its health

? There is no risk of addiction -- homeopathic treatments are not addictive, unlike many prescriptions and over the counter traditional medications

How Does Homeopathy Work?

Homeopathy works more effectively than traditional treatments. There are so many prescriptions and over the counter medications out there, and it seems like more and more are being created every day.

With homeopathy you do not have to keep up with the medical trends of medications being created and what is being recalled when and for what reasons. You do not have to worry about becoming addicted to any remedies. Homeopathy is completely safe for nearly everyone, even pregnant women, babies and children.

Would it not be nice to be able to treat your children with safe, effective and non addictive remedies? Also, using homeopathic remedies works faster than traditional medications. You can be back on your feet in no time, and so can your children. You will have less sick days being and feeling miserable, and have more productive, healthy days to work, care for your children, clean, play, have fun, and more.

Plus, your children will miss less school days because of their homeopathic remedies. Instead of taking several remedies for your one ailment, you will only be taking one remedy that is more focused on the cause of your ailment than on your symptoms. What really needs to be treated is the cause, not your symptoms.

Homeopathy works by targeting the cause of your ailment, not affecting your immune system poorly, getting you healthy again faster, and so much more.

Natural Treatments For Warts:

Even though homeopathy does not focus on the symptoms when pertaining to the remedy you should take, your symptoms will help you find the specific remedy for your particular ailment. This is because not all of us experience the same symptoms when we have the same ailment. We are different and one remedy may not work for another person with the same ailment.

Warts can show up nearly anywhere on your body, such as your face, throat, back, arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. Some might be a certain color, some might bleed, some might be dry, some might be flat, some might be painful, some might have a burning sensation, and so on. Since homeopathic remedies are found by your personal symptoms they will be different for each person.

For more information and resources on nutritional supplements for warts visit http://www.supplementsforwarts.com

What Is Asthma Homeopathy?

2007-12-26T22:03:00.001-08:00

Asthma homeopathy is an alternative asthma treatment method. It aim to use natural and non-invasive methods to cure asthma. That means no use of drugs such as aspirin for asthma attacks.

Asthma is quite a common problem that affects both young and old. It is caused by the inflammation of the airways which will restrict the flow of oxygen into the lungs thus causing an asthma attack. To date, there is no known cure for asthma but various drugs and medications have been developed to lower the chances of someone developing an asthma attack.

The main purpose of asthma homeopathy is to identify the root cause of asthma attacks. Drugs and medications only stop or reduce the symptoms of asthma attacks and do not completely tackle the real cause of the problem.

It should be noted asthma homeopathy is a long term solution to asthma problems and will take some time before the effects will be felt. Asthma homeopathy aims to strengthen the person?s immune system by taking natural supplements and holistic therapy. Once the immune system is strengthened, it can then fight asthma on its own as it is our body?s ?defensive? system.

The type of asthma homeopathy treatment will vary from person to person. Some factors which will need to be taken into consideration are the frequency of asthma attacks and allergens etc.

There have been clinical studies that shows people who undergo asthma homeopathy develop a stronger immune system and body resistance. As a result, their asthma attacks have reduced and they are not reliable on any drugs or medication to curb asthma attacks.

Since asthma homeopathy is 100 percent natural and non-invasive with no side effects, it is suitable for people of all age groups.

Ricky highly recommend using asthma homeopathy if you or your family members have asthma. Visit his website at http://www.asthmahomeopathy.net for more information.

Using Homeopathy for Detoxification

2007-12-25T22:29:00.001-08:00

From the perspective of a patient, I got pretty good results from homeopathy for detoxification purposes. Although the results achieved are not instant and took some time, it is my experience that homeopathy does work to help me cleanse my body of certain toxins.

Homeopathy for detoxification is a method that your homeopathic practitioner prescribes you (the sick) diluted agents that, in undiluted doses, produce similar symptoms in the healthy person. It is an approach that is holistic and uses doses of natural substances that are absent harmful side effects. Homeopathic medicine has to be prescribed according to your particular needs. Your homeopathic doctor needs to examine you for a personalized diagnosis.

Healing is gentle and in a step-by-step fashion. What happens is that your practitioner will ask you to try a certain homeopathic remedy for a period after examining you and then help you to track the results that you are supposed to achieve. Your remedy may then be adjusted if needed after this period. This goes on until you are completely treated.

Homeopathy can help to detoxify against both internal and external toxins. It is useful for cleansing pollutants such as harmful heavy metals, parasites and can even remove toxins from stress, mental imbalances and chemical changes.

We all know it is important to have a clean and detoxified body in order to generate long term health and well being. A body that is well is balanced body, mind and spirit. Toxins can upset this balance. They are intruders that can cause illness and depression, among other things, and need to be eliminated before any health can be restored. Toxins can be internal or external.

First, internal toxins. Internal toxins are the product of a poorly functioning digestive tract; which is initially a result of external toxins. A compromised digestive system will result in poor digestion, which leads to poor assimilation within the body, and ultimately in poor elimination of wastes. If wastes are not being eliminated quickly enough, or if there is an overload within the body, toxins will remain behind and are often stored in fat cells, causing internal toxicity.

Next, external toxins. External toxins include pollutants that are ingested through food additives, inhalation of chemicals that are airborne, drug residue, minerals, and any other free floating radical that is captured in the air. Just think about chemicals used to reduce weeds, in paints and auto fumes. There is also the noise pollution, stress polluters and electromagnetic toxins from your cell phone, with city living. All of the above can cause changes within your body and weaken your immune system through loading you up on toxins.

In homeopathy for detoxification, there is no sense in trying to cure any current ailment or prevent any illness until you have undergone treatment to remove the toxins. It would be counterproductive if you do not eliminate the source of your problem in the first place.

My homeopathic practitioner comes from the U.K. This is not surprising as homeopathy for detoxification is popularly in Europe and in India, but much less so in the States. The number of patients using homeopathic remedies steadily increases in Europe, with the British market rising by about 20% per year. Germany and Portugal in particular are recording even higher rates of growth for this form of medicine. Perhaps as more are made known about the benefits of homeopathy, the Americans will be the next ones to hit this wave.

Toxins can upset the balance of your body, mind and spirit. Sign up to free research and special reports by Sandra Kim Leong on detox cleansing here at http://www.Detox-Cleansing-Diet.com

Role of Homeopathy in Autism

2007-12-23T21:53:00.001-08:00

Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because symptoms and severity vary from individual to individual. Autistic children express differently from each other.

Autism is characterized by failure of the child to develop communicative language or form proper social communication. But they show motor and other skills far beyond that of a mentally retarded child.

Some of them are obsessively pre occupied with inanimate objects such as lights, running water or spinning objects. Some of them gradually develop extreme talents such as in mathematics and these are retained mostly throughout the life.

Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development

Now we come to the point of what homeopathy has to offer to the child so that we can help the child to lead a better life. One of the important facts is that in homeopathy we have these symptoms covered by different remedies and can use the symptoms expressed by the behavior of the child for the selection of the medicine.

It is very important to get a proper history of the patient and the importance of observation comes into play even the minutest detail can help in deciding the remedy. Peculiar symptoms are required so the parents should observe the Childs behavior in details and note them down in a book.

Here I would like to illustrate a case of autism which we treated

A young girl of seven years was brought to us, with the following complaints:

The child would sit in a corner, for hours and days together. She had no interest in food, play or studies. This attitude was there from childhood. When I first saw her in the clinic, I observed that her face was flat & showed no expressions. This child would not mix or play with anybody and always wanted to stay alone. She would sit alone, as if she was in her own world and had nothing to do with the worldly affairs.

She took no interest in her studies. [There was no problem of intelligence, because the IQ was 80 +] She would not emote to anything, there was no reaction from her even if she was scolded, explained or persuaded.

Physical complaints:
Constipation; could not pass stools for 6-8 days. Stools - hard with lot of pain and discomfort. Severe diarrhea when forced to eat. Perspiration offensive 3+, staining the clothes. Sleep disturbed, would get up a number of times, occasional weeping & talking during sleep.

On further detailed study, it was revealed that this child was adopted by the couple, as they did not have any children, after 10 yrs of marriage. The child was bought from an orphanage, and no details were available about her parents or about her background.

Diagnosis : Autism
Based on ?Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? ?Fourth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, we can classify each of the cases in the following way: A total Of 6 or more items of the following with at least 2 from [1], and one each from [2] and [3] are satisfied by the patient:
[1] Qualitative impairment in social interaction:
? Marked impairment in facial expression.
? Failure to develop peer relationships.
? A lack of spontaneity in sharing interests.
? Lack of social or emotional reciprocity.
[2] Qualitative impairment in communication:
? Marked inability to initiate or sustain conversation with others.
[3] Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior.
? Encompassing preoccupation with one stereotyped and restricted pattern.

The remedy was selected on the basis of the history that the child was an orphan and this remedy is very useful in cases where there is a feeling of orphaned. Also the other important symptoms that are covered by this remedy were Perspiration staining the linen, Severe constipation and hard stools based on these symptoms the remedy was prescribed.

Prescription
Remedy Magnesium-C (Mag-c), 200 one dose

Follow up
1st week Sleep >> Stools twice during the week and not very hard.
4 weeks Mother reported that the child was more playful would come on the table and would have food with everybody.
10 weeks Child started playing with other children, started laughing, crying and expressing her emotions.
12 weeks The complaints of constipation & irritability relapsed back. Mag-c, 200 3 doses were repeated. Few doses of Mag carb cured the case. The child opened up like a bud opening into a flower.

We treat the cases on the individual basis, keeping in mind the various expressions that are manifested by the child.

Lets us understand how the Magnesium carb personality is:

Magnesium plays an important role in the development of an individual right from conception. Naturally, any disturbance during the developmental phase creates deep and long lasting constitutional effects. If the life is rejected during the development phase in the womb, the effects remain forever. These rejected and unwanted children or orphans may reject the world in the same way as they were rejected

Mag-c has a feeling that he is not appreciated. He might think that parents are quarreling because of him as he is aggressive and troublemaking. He might also feel that the parents think that he is not worth anything so they will leave him.

Mag-c personalities are very aggressive. They have a need to be recognized and accepted if this doesn?t happen in the natural way; they will make their presence felt by their aggressive behavior. They will force you to respect them.

There is also a strong forsaken feeling. The magnesium personalities are much closed and will not let their emotions to be known easily.

Some of the striking features are amelioration from motion desire for open air, yet sensitive to very cold air, He has a desire to be covered in all the stages of fever daily fever in the evening, symptoms return every 21 days. There is also marked constipation.

Magnesium as a group has these marked symptoms and expressions.

- Rejection right from conception
- Children whose mothers have gone through lots of stress or strain of life during pregnancy.
- Unwanted children
- Anxieties
- Rejects the world as a reaction to rejection that he was subjected to.
- Tremendous desire to prove himself
- Occupied with purpose
- Attracting attention of others by doing something unusual.
- Desire to achieve many things in life.

This is a brief explanation of a remedy.
Recently we had a case where the child was a Autistic kid and was very destructive used to get immense pleasure after breaking things. This was wonderfully covered by a remedy known as Tarentula.H which was given after careful analysis and evaluation. After this the child is showing marked improvement. A view of the remedy from the materia medica.

If we know the correct details about the child?s behavior the characteristic expressions the physical complaints we can select the right remedy from the Homeopathic materia medica. This similar remedy should be able to bring about the necessary change required.

We have been treating few cases of Autism spectrum disorder which have been steadily improving .Along with the medication the children also go to special school that helps them to be independent and teach then the things that will help them in the future.

Key measures to be followed
o A correct History of the Child including the Behavior
o Noting down the expressions of the patient
o Physical complaints conditions of aggravation & Amelioration
o Education in special school to make them self efficient
o Approach to the patient based on individuality
o Selection of the remedy after analysis and evaluation
o To consider the response and the likely line of treatment.
o Maintaining a Note book and noting the changes that occur to evaluate the case.

Conclusion
o We can definitely help the autistic children
o Clear detailed history is required
o Differentiate closely related medicines
o Give the medicines till the patient is better
o Get the patient evaluated by a Psychiatrist and Psychologists.

Dr.Santosh Joshi
Homeopathic consultant
Visit us at: www.hhomeopathy.com

The remedies prescribed in the cases should not be taken in any case without the advice of a registered Homeopathic doctor.

Dr Santosh Joshi graduated from the University of Pune India in the year 1999-2000. With a firm grounding in classical homeopathy and the experience achieved by working with senior Homeopaths today he is handling 3 clinics in Mumbai India at Kala ghoda, Mulund and Chembur. He was an active participant in the seminars organized in pune during his college years.He has also given case presentation on Homeopathy.

For more details visit us at: http://www.hhomeopathy.com

Natural Treatment For Acne With Homeopathy

2007-12-21T21:14:00.001-08:00

Acne is a very common disorder of the skin. It makes the face appear unattractive while it lasts, and often leaves scars that go much deeper than the upper layer of the skin, when it recedes. Acne not only affects the skin, but an individual?s self image as well. Thus acne can create further complications of the psychological kind, if not treated in time. Homeopathy is a natural mode of medical practice that makes use of natural substances like herbs, minerals and even venomous materials to formulate remedies for various types of diseases. Acne, in both adults and teenagers, can be effectively overcome by the employment of the homeopathic mode of treatment.

Homeopathy does not look at the external outgrowth of acne only. The homeopathy practitioners take into account the overall health picture of the affected individual to reveal the root cause of acne. They assess the person?s emotional and mental aspects as well as the disease symptoms like the nature of the acne. They ask about the patient?s likes and dislikes, hobbies, sleeping habits, food preferences and all that. They evaluate in detail the sufferer?s physique, skin tone and resilience, and also their psychological features such as a predisposition towards being nervous or irritable. Pointers such as the patient?s personal state of affairs are also deemed significant. Thus only after considering all these features the homeopathy practitioner arrives at a remedy that would suit that particular individual only.

Homeopathy thus considers acne to be a symptom of some other deep-seated problem. Unlike conventional treatment procedures, it does not focus on healing just the surface of the skin by the use of topical gels, creams or ointments on acne. Homeopathy understands that the external eruptions that are visible to the eye are only the signs of some internal disorder of the human system. Homeopathic medicines actually catalyze the activation of the body?s inherent self-healing power so that the system heals itself on its own. The self-defense mechanism of the body, when revitalized, will eliminate the cause of the disease by its own efforts, and homeopathy aims at aiding that process only. Thus, homeopaths concentrate on the complete medical history of an individual and provide a holistic cure of the patient, and not just the disease. So it is immensely beneficial to take recourse to this natural method of acne treatment, rather than using harsh chemicals on the skin that may actually further aggravate the problem.

Homeopathy treatment will provide effective natural remedies that will dry up the acne causing reduction in number of existing pimples. The initial phase of the treatment may bring about a temporary outburst of the eruptions. This is not a cause of worry, this is actually the indication that the medicines are working properly. Within a short period of time, encouraging signs of improvement will be visible. Associated symptoms like itchiness of the affected area and pain will also be eradicated. The treatment method is so gentle that no scars will be left behind. Instead, and overall improvement of the skin texture will be noticeable. And to add to that, further recurrence of the disease will also be thwarted.

Want to learn more about Acne Natural Solution?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.acne-land.info/Articles/Acne_Cures.php

Why Homeopathy Crohns Treatments Work

2007-12-20T23:20:00.001-08:00

Most people who have severe cases of Crohn?s disease are always on the lookout for new treatments that can help them feel better, for example homeopathy crohns treatments. Though there are medications and diets you can try, they certainly don?t work well for everyone. Then there?s those that don?t like to take prescriptions because the side effects can often be worse than the problem they are meant to clear up. Others want to try alternative options such as homeopathy Crohns treatments, but have no idea what it entails or what it might do for them.

Though these treatments don?t work for everyone, it might not hurt to talk to your doctor about trying some of the alternative methods available to you.Should you decide to see someone about homeopathy for Crohn?s, you should be ready to give a detailed description of your health, your symptoms, and what treatments you are currently following with your therapist. You will have to list all of your medications, give details about your diet, and talk about your lifestyle. You also have to talk about your symptoms in a way that you might find embarrassing, but you should remember that they need all of this information to come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you.

Homeopathy will not be a cure for Crohn?s, but rather is another way to try to deal with your symptoms. The methods used will concentrate on your most debilitating problems first, and that is why you have to be very detailed about what is going on with your body.

This type of treatment will zero in on your problems, but will also focus on treating your whole self. That means that homeopathy Crohns treatments will deal with the physical, mental, and emotional dynamics of your life to give a more complete result. The belief is that emotions and thoughts can contribute to your physical state, and they should not be ignored during treatment.

Your treatment will consist of natural plants that are meant to help boost your immune system and deal with your symptoms. Many of these plants will not be things you will be familiar with, and remember that it is okay to ask what they are and what they are meant to do. You should always ask when you are not sure about something, as stress and uncertainty are not good for you when you are battling this condition. Your therapist should be more than willing to tell you what you need to know.

When you embark on homeopathy Crohns treatments, it is important that you let your doctor know what you are doing and what you are taking. There can be reactions between the plants and the medications that you are already taking, and that can be very problematic for you.

You should never abandon your medical doctor to try something else, and you should always be very open and honest about what you are going to do and what you might want to try. Your doctor might express concern about following a homeopathy crohns treatment, and might even try to talk you out of it, but they should be willing to work with you if it is something that is very important to you.

Grab your free copy of Sharon Dobson?s brand new Crohn?s Disease Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about homeopathy crohns treatment options, plus information on crohns signs and symptoms.

Alternative Treatment - Homeopathy And Ayurveda For Blood Pressure

2007-12-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy has recently gained much demand and popularity in the field of alternative treatment for lowering down blood pressure. A homeopathic treatment predominantly involves the use of certain extracts from the plants and herbs. These extracts are generally in the form of minerals that plants carry.

A good homeopathy session starts with the examination of all the symptoms present in a patient?s body. Unless a good diagnosis is not performed, the patient is not recommended any of the homeopathic medicine. These medicines are available in a formulated tincture. These tinctures should not be taken without the recommendation of a good homeopathic doctor, as large dosage can lead to reverse side effects. Some of the commonly used tinctures for lowering blood pressure are Argentum nitricum, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Sanguinaria, to name a few.

Besides this, another effective alternate treatment for lowering blood pressure is the use of Ayurvedic medicines. This is one of the most ancient of all the treatments. This treatment works keeping in mind certain principles. It separates the symptoms of high blood pressure into three categories that are termed as Doshas. Thus the different types of Doshas are treated with the help of a combination of several herbs.

For instance, Ayurveda has categorized a type of blood pressure as Pita. This type of high blood pressure can be treated effectively with the help of the drugs Aloe and Gotu Kola. Another type of high blood pressure, Vata can be cured with the help of garlic extracts and the herb Valerian.

Besides, the administration of herbal medicines, an Ayurvedic treatment includes two more things. They are: a regular and effective exercising regime coupled with a good diet plan.

But there is a note of caution here. You should always administer to an Ayurvedic treatment under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only. The reason being that high dosage of any Ayurvedic medicine can be harmful for your body and produce unnecessary harmful effects. Besides there are certain drugs that despite lowering blood pressure, can give you visible side effects. For instance, Licorice induces water retention in the body parts if not administered properly. Other herbs like rosemary and ephedra, in spite of reducing blood pressure, increases it. Therefore, care should be taken while keeping your hand on any one particular drug.

To know more about high blood pressure treatment and low blood pressure treatment visit http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/magazine/edition/Blood-Pressure-Diet.htm

Alternative Treatment: Homeopathy And Ayurveda For Blood Pressure

2007-12-18T21:54:00.001-08:00

As people are becoming aware about the side effects that could be caused due to allopathic treatment, they are increasingly shifting their focus to the field of alternative medication. Many of the alternative treatments from Homeopathy and Ayurveda have become popular with patients as well as medical practitioners.

Homeopathy has recently gained much demand and popularity in the field of alternative treatment for lowering down blood pressure. A homeopathic treatment predominantly involves the use of certain extracts from the plants and herbs. These extracts are generally in the form of minerals that plants carry.

A good homeopathy session starts with the examination of all the symptoms present in a patient?s body. Unless a good diagnosis is not performed, the patient is not recommended any of the homeopathic medicine. These medicines are available in a formulated tincture. These tinctures should not be taken without the recommendation of a good homeopathic doctor, as large dosage can lead to reverse side effects. Some of the commonly used tinctures for lowering blood pressure are Argentum nitricum, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Sanguinaria, to name a few.

Besides this, another effective alternate treatment for lowering blood pressure is the use of Ayurvedic medicines. This is one of the most ancient of all the treatments. This treatment works keeping in mind certain principles. It separates the symptoms of high blood pressure into three categories that are termed as Doshas. Thus the different types of Doshas are treated with the help of a combination of several herbs.

For instance, Ayurveda has categorized a type of blood pressure as Pita. This type of high blood pressure can be treated effectively with the help of the drugs Aloe and Gotu Kola. Another type of high blood pressure, Vata can be cured with the help of garlic extracts and the herb Valerian.

Besides, the administration of herbal medicines, an Ayurvedic treatment includes two more things. They are: a regular and effective exercising regime coupled with a good diet plan.

But there is a note of caution here. You should always administer to an Ayurvedic treatment under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only. The reason being that high dosage of any Ayurvedic medicine can be harmful for your body and produce unnecessary harmful effects. Besides there are certain drugs that despite lowering blood pressure, can give you visible side effects. For instance, Licorice induces water retention in the body parts if not administered properly. Other herbs like rosemary and ephedra, in spite of reducing blood pressure, increases it. Therefore, care should be taken while keeping your hand on any one particular drug.

To get more information visit http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/magazine/edition/High-Blood-Pressure.htm, http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/magazine/edition/Low-Blood-Pressure.htm and http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/magazine/edition/Blood-Pressure-Diet.htm

Sinusitis And Bronchitis - Most Common Winter Diseases, Treatable With Homeopathy

2007-12-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

During the winter period, bronchitis and sinusitis are the most common conditions especially in areas with cold climates. Patients which accuse symptoms like headaches, fever, nasal discharge, difficult breathing and cough are usually diagnosed with sinusitis or bronchitis.

These respiratory conditions can frequently heal by using homeopathic remedies, annulling the necessity of antibiotics administration. Both sinusitis and bronchitis can appear in acute forms which are temporary and in chronic forms requiring a permanent care. In acute stages they can be treated by temporary herbal medication until symptoms disappear; in chronic forms however they necessity further investigations in order to be benefic deled with.

Causes of sinusitis and bronchitis might be bacteria, viruses or fungal organisms or even different types of allergens operating in acute or chronic timing.

Sinusitis is mainly characterized by fluid or mucous nasal discharge, obstruction of the nasal passages and feeling of pressure inside the sinus cavities. Disturbing headaches and facial pains around the frontal or maxillary area are important signs in differential diagnosis with common colds or flu.

Acute sinusitis can develop high fever and chills; left untreated it can lead to the apparition of bronchitis or pneumonia as the bacterial infection spreads to the other respiratory areas.

The homeopath physician must know if the condition is acute or chronic to be able to prescribe the most efficient treatments. Major importance has the way the disease has occurred and under the influence of which environmental factors. Such factors can be stress, allergens, diets or even contact to possible contagious cases.

Actual symptoms, the order of appearance and the way they affect the patient?s life are important to establish a certain homeopathic medication. In sinusitis determinant are the localization of the pains and the aspect and smell of the discharge. Homeopathic remedies base more on the symptoms than on the cause of infection because there is no real efficient treatment for sinusitis.

If the patient?s complaints are connected to high pressure inside the sinuses, yellow to green coloration of the mucus and localization of the pains in point areas, the sinusitis can be treated successfully by homeopathic remedies. The most common herbal medication for sinusitis is Kali bichromicum.

Sinusitis with more fluid nasal discharge slipping down the posterior side of the throat causes cough and requires clearing of the throat. Sometimes patients accuse bad breathe, sweating and a metallic taste in the mouth, they might present a thick coat on the tongue and quick sessions of cold or hot feelings. If also fever is absent the best homeopathic remedy seems to be Mercurius solubilis. Patients suffering from irritability usually use Hepar sulphuricum or Nux vomica to treat sinusitis and develop some side-effects. Milder sinusitis improves with Pulsatilla Nigricans.

Persons treated with Hepar sulphuricum complain more about the symptoms and are more irritable when they are cold. They sneeze more and the respiration through the nose is stopped by dry wind or cold air.

More informations about bronchitis treatment or bronchitis can be found by visiting http://www.bronchitis-guide.com/

Homeopathy A Good Companion To Chiropractic? Naturally!

2007-12-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a natural treatment alternative and a boost to your practice, homeopathy may be the answer. At least, so says Dr. Gill Gilly. The 83-year-old naturopath says he studied homeopathy in Europe after his "retirement" as a minister because he'd seen a little of what the natural healing method could accomplish.

?I?d seen great, fantastic results, and I wanted to know more about it,? shares Dr. Gilly.

Gilly, who was born in a small town in Oklahoma, says their only town doctor was a homeopath who also did manipulations?thus introducing Dr. Gilly to natural medicine and chiropractic at an early age. That and other encounters throughout his life eventually led him to a new career in homeopathy. Because of his exposure to both homeopathy and chiropractic, he quickly saw how the two could fit together.

?The average patient today is always looking for the magic pill. They?re used to taking medicine,? explains Gilly. ?The people who actually try chiropractic realize the adjustments and the treatments maintain their health, but they like to feel they?re doing something, too.?

Gilly says many chiropractors are aware of homeopathy?s effectiveness, but don?t realize how it can benefit their practice. That?s why he sometimes comes out of retirement to conduct seminars that show DCs exactly what homeopathy can do for them.

?A lot of doctors have heard of homeopathy, they realize what it can do, but I try to give not just the background, but a really strong, working knowledge,? says Dr. Gilly. One example, he says, is his workshop at the International Chiropractic Appreciation Mega Event (ICAME) in Las Vegas in January. ?My workshop will help doctors understand how and why it works with them.?

Another reason Gilly says homeopathy is such a good fit for chiropractors is that it isn?t time-consuming or difficult?or dangerous.

?The average doctor today, whether a medical doctor, chiropractor, naturopath or dentist, concentrates on a specialty,? he says. ?That?s why homeopathy is so good, because it can do no harm. It?s never going to have a side-effect.?

Dr. Gilly also says that, while chiropractic care can be effective for many conditions, homeopathy can bridge the gaps, such as joint pain from arthritis.

?People who have discomfort can get relief from the discomfort. Homeopathy can help a patient respond quicker to your adjustments. And, of course, that builds your reputation as a healer.?

And, Gilly says, boosting your reputation as a healer can boost your practice to almost unheard-of levels.

?With homeopathy, you can support the treatment you?re giving, and you can do it harmlessly and effectively. In fact, it usually surpasses the expected results of both the patient and the doctor. The doctor that uses homeopathy sees his practice go right through the roof,? he says.

?When someone who has been to ten other doctors comes to your practice and starts getting results, they can?t wait to tell all their friends and relatives. Within a very short time, it builds?

Anyone in the chiropractic industry can download Dr. Patrick Porter?s free chiropractic podcasts through iTunes or by visiting http://www.ParkerVegas.com. View his chiropractic support program at www.newreality.com.

The Practice of Homeopathy

2007-12-13T21:49:00.001-08:00

Homeopathy, a health practice that is holistic, has been around for over 200 years. It treats the whole person, not just the part that is injured or in pain. It is based on a system of treating like with like.

Conventional medicine sees health as the absence of disease. If someone is not sick, then there is nothing wrong with the person. To someone who practices homeopathy (a homeopath), health is significantly more encompassing than that.

In homeopathy, a healthy person is someone who is free on all levels, physical, emotional, and mental. If you suffer a broken bone, you are not free physically. If you suffer from depression, you are not free emotionally. If you suffer from memory loss, you are not free mentally. A homeopath will attempt to restore freedom on all of these levels.

Homeopathy is a system that attempts to stimulate the body to heal itself. Whatever your ailment may be, a homeopath will use a remedy that stimulates the body to move in the direction it is already going. In that process, the ailment will be eliminated.

All symptoms of an ailment, no matter how uncomfortable or miserable, actually represent the body's attempt to restore itself to health. Instead of looking upon those symptoms as something wrong with the body, which is what conventional medicine does, the practice of homeopathy sees those symptoms as signs of the way the body is trying to heal itself.

Instead of trying to stop or suppress whatever the ailment is, a homeopath will try a remedy that causes the ailment in the person, thus encouraging the body to heal itself. Conventional medicine will try to suppress the ailment.

Homeopathy is a system that looks at the individual, not at the disease. We all suffer from an ailment in a unique way. However, conventional medicine assumes that the ailment is the same for all of us and prescribes the same drug for all.

Homeopathy, however, searches for the one substance that will cure each individual case. Since each person expresses the ailment differently, each person needs a different remedy. Homeopathy is safe, gentle and extremely effective.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT REMEDY

Since homeopathy relies on prescribing one remedy, all of your symptoms should be included in the determining process. Aside from the obvious nature of your ailment, there are many things that should be noticed and many questions that should be asked:

*When did the symptoms first appear?

*Where exactly is the problem located?

*What makes the symptom feel worse?

*What makes the symptom feel better?

*What is the person?s state of mind? Are there factors that could be causing the symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or fear?

*What is the person sensitive to? (This can be physical, mental or emotional.)

*What is the person?s sleep pattern?

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES

Homeopathic medicines are substances made from plants, minerals, and animals. They are diluted carefully until little of the original substance remains.

For example, one drop of the substance is mixed with one hundred drops of alcohol (a ratio of 1:100). The mixture is then shaken and labeled as 1C. One drop of this mixture is then mixed with another 100 drops of alcohol and the process is repeated to make a 2C and so on.

Very small globules made from sugar are then soaked with the liquid dilution. These globules make up the homeopathic remedy. These infinitesimal doses not only work, they are extremely effective, working on humans and animals.

Choosing a homeopathic remedy is based on the totality of symptoms present. Any remedy can be used for any condition if the symptoms that are generated by the remedy match the symptoms that are being experienced by the person.

ADVANTAGES OF USING HOMEOPATHY

*Homeopathy is natural, gentle, and safe and based on natural ingredients.

*When the correct remedy is taken, results are complete and permanent.

*There are no dangers to homeopathy. Remedies can be taken in conjunction with any other medicines without any side effects.

*Unlike conventional medicines that can suppress the immune system, homeopathy works in harmony with the body?s immune system.

*Homeopathy is holistic in nature. All symptoms are treated as one.

Homeopathy requires more time and patience in determining what the correct remedy is. However, once you discover what the correct remedy is, the result will be a cure of the cause, not just a treatment of the symptoms. The right remedy can permanently cure what is ailing you.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business

Chiropractic is Responsible for the Rebirth of Homeopathy in America

2007-12-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

The history of homeopathy begins with the discoveries of its founder Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German physician. Hahnemann's first comments about the general applicability of the law of similars came in 1789.

Maybe the most prevalent reason that allopaths disliked homeopaths and homeopathy was expressed at a 1903 AMA (American Medical Association) meeting by a distinguished orthodox physician. "We must," he said, "admit that we never fought the homeopath on matters of principle; we fought him because he came into the community and got the business." Most physicians, even now, will not admit that economic factors play a chief role in what is practiced and what is allowed to be practiced. It only makes sense then that Hahnemann's principles constituted a philosophical, clinical, and economic threat to orthodox medicine. The growing popularity of homeopathy in the United States started shortly after Hans Gram, a Danish homeopath, emigrated in the US in 1825.

The first homeopathic school in the US, the North American Academy of the Homoeopathic Healing Art, was founded in Allentown, PA, 1836 , by Dr. W. Wesselhoeft (1794-1858) .

Dr. von Lippe emigrating to the United States in 1839. He presented himself to the sole school of the homeopathic practice in this country - the old Allentown Academy of the Homoeopathic Healing Art. After assiduous application he was granted his diploma from

Dr. Constantine Hering (1800-1880), as President of the institution, on July 27, 1841. Dr. von Lippe filled the chair of materia medica in the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania from 1863 to 1868 .

In 1844 they organized the American Institute of Homeopathy, which became America's first national medical society. In response to the growth of homeopaths, in 1846 an opposing medical group formed, which then vowed to slow the development of homeopathy. This organization called itself the AMA or American Medical Association. Shortly after the formation of the AMA it was decided to eliminate all the local medical societies of physicians who were homeopaths.

In 1848, the Homeopathic College of Pennsylvania was established by Constantine Hering, Jacob Jeanes and Walter Williamson, to provide training in what was then an emerging system of medicine called homeopathy. In 1869, the Homeopathic College was renamed in honor of Samuel Hahnemann, one of the pioneers of homeopathic medicine, as Hahnemann Medical College. In 1982, Hahnemann Medical College gained university status as Hahnemann University. In 2002, the Drexel University board of trustees voted unanimously in favor of merging Hahnemann University into Drexel .

In 1849, the AMA established a board to analyze quack remedies and nostrums and to enlighten the public about the nature and dangers of such remedies.

In 1855, the AMA put into effect a "consultation clause" in their code of ethics which spelled out that orthodox physicians would lose their membership in the AMA if they even only consulted with a homeopath or any other "unorthodox" practitioner. This of course meant that if a physician lost membership in the AMA, that in some states he no longer had a license to practice medicine. The AMA did everything possible to eradicate homeopaths from the practice of medicine, and the effects of these actions are still felt today.

1875 marked the year Michigan legislature voted to give money to a new hospital as long two homeopathic professors were allowed to teach at the University of Michigan.

In a 1890 Harpers Magazine article Mark Twain mentioned the great value of homeopathy: "The introduction of homeopathy forced the old school doctor to stir around and learn something of a rational nature about his business. Good old Mark also proclaimed "that you may honestly feel grateful that the homeopath survived attempts of the allopathists to destroy it." By the early 1900s, there were 22 homeopathic medical schools, more than 100 homeopathic hospitals, over 60 orphan asylums and old people's homes and more than 1,000 homeopathic pharmacies in the United States.

In 1910, the Carnegie Foundation issued the infamous Flexner Report, an evaluation of American medical schools headed by Mr. Abraham Flexner and of course in cooperation with leading members of the AMA. While pretending to at least be somewhat objective, Flexner in his report established guidelines to endorse orthodox medical schools and condemn homeopathic ones. The report gave the most credits to medical schools with a full time teaching faculty and institutions that taught a pathological and physiochemical analysis of the human body. Homeopathic colleges did not get as high credits because there preference of employing professors who were not only teachers or researchers but also in clinical practice. Even though homeopathic schools included many basic science courses, they offered courses in pharmacology, which the Flexner report found to be a waist of time.

By 1906, the AMA?s Council on Medical Education had created a list of unacceptable schools that in 1910, and closed hundreds of private medical and homeopathic schools and named Johns Hopkins as the model school. As you might have guessed, homeopathic colleges, in general, were given poorer ratings by Mr. Flexner's report. One of the implications of the report was that only graduates of schools that received a high rating were permitted to take the medical licensing exams. In 1900 there were 22 homeopathic colleges, by 1923 only two remained.

Between 1930 and 1975 it seemed that the AMA's oppression of homeopathy was complete. By 1950 all homeopathic colleges in the U.S were either closed or ceased to teach homeopathy. There were only 50 to 150 practicing homeopaths in the country, and most of them were over 50 years old.

A chiropractor, Dr. John Bartholomew Bastyr, N.D., D.C (1912-1995), was a third-generation homeopath from Dr. Adolph von Lippe. His teacher was Dr. C. P. Bryant (who had been, in 1939, president of the International Hahnemannian Association). C. P. Bryant had been taught by Walter Bushrod James who had been one of Lippe?s closest students. He received doctorate degrees in naturopathy and chiropractic from Northwest Drugless Institute and Seattle Chiropractic College, respectively. He became licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in 1936. He is also credited with being the Father of Modern Naturopathic Medicine. Because of Bastyr?s influence naturopaths have been at the forefront of the rebirth of homeopathy in this country. He made sure that homeopathy shared equal emphasis with nutrition, hydrotherapy and botanical medicine in naturopathic education. Dr. Bastyr considered manipulation the most important therapy in his practice.

"Bastyr's conversion to homeopathy was an important move for the modern naturopathic profession. Homeopathy had been part of naturopathic medicine for decades, but its role had been much more peripheral. The majority of practitioners had not received such intensive, classical instruction as Bastyr. In the 1950's when Bastyr became involved in establishing and teaching a naturopathic curriculum at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, his balanced emphasis of homeopathy as a therapeutic modality coequal with nutrition, hydrotherapy and botanical medicine assured its place in the ongoing development of naturopathic science." -Kirshfeld and Boyle, Nature Doctors, Buckeye Naturopathic Press, 1994

Naturopathy, which combined nature cure with homeopathy, massage, spinal manipulation, and therapeutic electricity, was developed in America largely through the work of Benedict Lust (pronounced loost; 1872-1945). From 1900-1938, naturopathic medicine flourished in America. Interest then declined, due to the emergence of ?miracle medicine,? surgical advances during WWII, and the growing political sophistication of the American Medical Association (AMA). Chiropractic and naturopathy were taught together until about 1955 when the National Chiropractic Association stopped granting accreditation to schools that also taught naturopathy. In 1956, doctors founded the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in an attempt to keep the profession alive. Dr. John Bastyr served as executive director. A chiropractor, naturopath and obstetrician, he began his practice in Seattle in the depths of the Great Depression; Bastyr was so revered as a physician and teacher that the Naturopathic College in Seattle was named in his honor. The key to Bastyr?s legendary clinical successes lay in his basic philosophy. In a 1985 interview, asked to distinguish between naturopathy and conventional medicine, he said, ?The basic difference is that in naturopathy it?s not the doctor who does the curing, it?s the patient.?

In 1978, after twenty years with only one legitimate college graduating naturopathic physicians (National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR), the first new naturopathic medical school, Bastyr University, was opened in Seattle, WA. In 1987, Bastyr University became the first naturopathic college to become accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, which is the federally recognized accrediting agency for naturopathic medical colleges. There are four recognized naturopathic medical colleges in the United States today: Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, and University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. There is also one in Canada, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic medical training begins with a conventional premedical education. The student progresses to a four-year, scientificallybased medical school program. The first two years concentrate on standard medical school sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, etc. The second two years are oriented toward the clinical sciences, diagnosis and treatment. Standard medical techniques are taught along with mainstay naturopathic medical therapies. The end product of a naturopathic medical school program is a well-rounded family care physician that specializes in such therapies as: nutrition, botanical medicines, and homeopathy.

The Council on Homeopathic Education is the only organization that accredits training programs in classical homeopathy. To date, it has accredited five institutions: Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences in Seattle; College of Naturopathic Medicine in Canada, Hahnemann Medical Clinic in Albany, California; the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, and the International Foundation for Homeopathy, also in Seattle. Notice that three of those are actually naturopathic schools fonded by chiropractors.

Brian Inglis (1916-1993), a distinguished British historian, commentator, and author of a two-volume work, The History Of Medicine, has declared: ?the rise of Chiropractic?has been one of the most remarkable social phenomena in American History?yet it has gone virtually unexplored? (Inglis, THE CASE FOR UNORTHODOX MEDICINE, 1965). He was, at the time, unaware of the profound influence chiropractic would have on modern alternative medicine (CAM) as we know today.

Not only did chiropractic saved both the naturopathic and homeopathic professions from extinction in the United States, but it also brougth solid academic grounds for their development towards well recognized health sciences.

Dr. Sylvain Desforges is a doctor of chiropractic, osteopathy and naturopathy.

http://www.drdesforges.com

Homeopathy: May The Force Be Within You

2007-12-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine, which was founded in 1789 by German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It was very popular at this time, but with the dawn of modern medicine, its popularity declined. However, the 1980's produced its revival. It is now the second most widely used medicine in the world.

Homeopathic remedies are popular due to a variety of reasons. First of all, they are considered safe and contain natural ingredients. They are not addictive and work in harmony with your immune system. The remedies treat all the symptoms as one. Many believe it is a very effective form of treatment.

Practitioners of homeopathic medicine think that a disease can be cured by a medicine that produces the same symptoms in a healthy person that the sick patient is experiencing. For example, Ipeca is known to induce vomiting, but in a diluted version it controls nausea and vomiting. Homeopathic remedy believers advocate a single remedy, in minimal doses, for all symptoms.

The downside to this medicine is the interview process that a practitioner must do with the patient. It is very lengthy, as the symptoms need to be established. The patient will be asked many questions. The remedies are selected based on the whole person, including symptoms, lifestyle, and mental and emotional state. Prescribing remedies is a slow and tedious process that requires time and patience.

Critics of this medicine believe most of its remedies are so diluted, that they couldn't possibly have any effect on ailments. They liken it to a placebo effect. The homeopathic community believes the more diluted the medicine, the more effective it will be. They refer to the phenomenon of hormesis, where diluted substances have quantifiable and intense effects. They think the remedies work more on a spiritual plane than a physical one. They believe it is the energy from the remedy that stimulates the healing process, and think that people have a "vital force" or self-healing response within themselves. Health problems occur when this power is disrupted. The idea is to activate the body's own healing forces. These remedies are known to stimulate the body's natural defenses.

Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, animal, or mineral extracts and are named from the ingredients from which they are derived. The patient gets the remedy and dilutes it in water by shaking it forcefully. It is believed the person will experience relief not only from temporary disorders, but will also experience a long term healing effect on their whole body.

Research studies on homeopathic remedies have proved to be contradictory. There is no scientific verification explaining how these remedies might work. According to the FDA, these remedies must meet certain legal standards. Practitioners must list the indications for the medicine's use as well as the ingredients, dilutions, and instructions for safe use. However, these medicines are not required to undergo the vigorous testing and review of the FDA, as are new prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Remedy Articles at http://Remedy-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years.

Chiropractic is responsable for the rebirth of homeopathy in America

2007-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

The first homeopathic school in the US, the North American Academy of the Homoeopathic Healing Art, was founded in Allentown, PA, 1836 , by Dr. W. Wesselhoeft (1794-1858) .

Dr. Constantine Hering (1800-1880), as President of the institution, on July 27, 1841. Dr. von Lippe filled the chair of materia medica in the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania from 1863 to 1868 .

In 1849, the AMA established a board to analyze quack remedies and nostrums and to enlighten the public about the nature and dangers of such remedies.

1875 marked the year Michigan legislature voted to give money to a new hospital as long two homeopathic professors were allowed to teach at the University of Michigan.

By 1906, the AMA's Council on Medical Education had created a list of unacceptable schools that in 1910, and closed hundreds of private medical and homeopathic schools and named Johns Hopkins as the model school. As you might have guessed, homeopathic colleges, in general, were given poorer ratings by Mr. Flexner's report. One of the implications of the report was that only graduates of schools that received a high rating were permitted to take the medical licensing exams. In 1900 there were 22 homeopathic colleges, by 1923 only two remained.

A chiropractor, Dr. John Bartholomew Bastyr, N.D., D.C (1912-1995), was a third-generation homeopath from Dr. Adolph von Lippe. His teacher was Dr. C. P. Bryant (who had been, in 1939, president of the International Hahnemannian Association). C. P. Bryant had been taught by Walter Bushrod James who had been one of Lippe's closest students. He received doctorate degrees in naturopathy and chiropractic from Northwest Drugless Institute and Seattle Chiropractic College, respectively. He became licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in 1936. He is also credited with being the Father of Modern Naturopathic Medicine. Because of Bastyr's influence naturopaths have been at the forefront of the rebirth of homeopathy in this country. He made sure that homeopathy shared equal emphasis with nutrition, hydrotherapy and botanical medicine in naturopathic education. Dr. Bastyr considered manipulation the most important therapy in his practice.

Naturopathy, which combined nature cure with homeopathy, massage, spinal manipulation, and therapeutic electricity, was developed in America largely through the work of Benedict Lust (pronounced loost; 1872-1945). From 1900-1938, naturopathic medicine flourished in America. Interest then declined, due to the emergence of "miracle medicine," surgical advances during WWII, and the growing political sophistication of the American Medical Association (AMA). Chiropractic and naturopathy were taught together until about 1955 when the National Chiropractic Association stopped granting accreditation to schools that also taught naturopathy. In 1956, doctors founded the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in an attempt to keep the profession alive. Dr. John Bastyr served as executive director. A chiropractor, naturopath and obstetrician, he began his practice in Seattle in the depths of the Great Depression; Bastyr was so revered as a physician and teacher that the Naturopathic College in Seattle was named in his honor. The key to Bastyr's legendary clinical successes lay in his basic philosophy. In a 1985 interview, asked to distinguish between naturopathy and conventional medicine, he said, "The basic difference is that in naturopathy it's not the doctor who does the curing, it's the patient."

Brian Inglis (1916-1993), a distinguished British historian, commentator, and author of a two-volume work, The History Of Medicine, has declared: "the rise of Chiropractic...has been one of the most remarkable social phenomena in American History...yet it has gone virtually unexplored" (Inglis, THE CASE FOR UNORTHODOX MEDICINE, 1965). He was, at the time, unaware of the profound influence chiropractic would have on modern alternative medicine (CAM) as we know today.

Dr Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.C., D.O., N.D. : http://www.drdesforges.com

Dr. Sylvain Desforges is a doctor of chiropractic, osteopathy and naturopathy

Homeopathy

2007-12-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

The word homeopathy comes from the Greek words for "suffering" and "similar." Homeopathy is the practice of treating diseases and conditions with the substance or circumstance that caused them. The best example of the basic concept of homeopathy in regular use is allergy injections which use small amounts of the allergen to immunize the patient against later exposure to the allergen.

A homeopathic remedy is created by mixing minute amounts of substances with insoluble substances like oyster shell or quartz. The theory is that the medicine created by this process will trigger the body's natural immune system to fight the condition being treated. Scientists note that the amounts are often so minute that the statistical likelihood of the compound containing any of the original substance is minute.

Homeopathy was one of the earliest techniques of modern medicine. Homeopathic remedies have been used to treat such diseases as cholera, smallpox, scarlet fever and syphilis. Early physicians, for example, noticed the similarity of the symptoms of mercury poisoning to those of syphilis and treated patients with tiny doses of mercury. Doctors in the early 1800s used a homeopathic remedy including tiny amounts of the plant sarracenia to successfully treat smallpox. Homeopathy reached its peak in the United States in the mid-1800s but fell out of favor due to advances in modern medicine.

Many people have the misconception that homeopathic remedies are only comprised of plant ingredients. However, homeopathic medicines can use many different types of ingredients including salts, animal products and substances of human origin like scrapings from skin or hair clippings.

In the United States, homeopathic remedies are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Companies producing homeopathic remedies are not required to provide proof that they work, nor do they have to provide information on their active ingredients since they are made up almost entirely out of inactive ingredients. Remedies for ordinary complaints such as headache, stomach problems or colds are sold over the counter, However, homeopathic remedies for serious diseases are sold only by prescription.

Homeopathy is more widely practiced than other forms of alternative medicine, but it is still controversial. Scientists say there is no scientific basis for the efficacy of homeopathic remedies. They ascribe any benefit received from homeopathy to the placebo effect. The main concern among scientists and doctors is that patients with serious conditions will rely on homeopathy instead of seeking more traditional treatments.
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Alternative Health, Relationship, and Beauty

The Use of Homeopathy in Pediatric Medicine

2007-12-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy and pediatrics is a combination that many are not accustomed to thinking about explicitly. In fact, homeopathy is regularly used to treat children throughout many parts of the developed world. Although most know very little about homeopathic medicine, following Chinese medicine, homeopathy is the second most prevalent branch of medicine on the planet.

Homeopathy is used to treat diseases in children ranging from semi-serious illnesses to the common cold. Although homeopathy works in a number of ways, its most basic function is to help strengthen and focus a child's immune system when they are sick based on the symptoms and root cause of the ailment. Once their own immune systems become stronger, they are able to fight off diseases more effectively.

What makes homeopathy particularly suited to pediatrics is that the medicine is often sweet and appealing, and has little to no side effects. The pleasant taste combined with the low incidence of side effects such as nausea or drowsiness, ensures that the child will be more likely to take the medication on a regular basis.

Typical Applications of Homeopathy in Pediatrics

Homeopathic treatment usually falls into two categories; either acute or chronic conditions. Acute conditions refer to a sick child that is suffering from such illnesses as colds, sore throats, or the stomach flu. Chronic conditions refer to ailments such as allergies, asthma or any number of skin diseases.

Whether dealing with acute or chronic conditions in children, homeopathy has proven to be quite effective. In the case of acute conditions, parents often can treat the child at home with homeopathy. However, in the case of chronic conditions, meeting with a well-trained homeopathic professional may be necessary to treat the child.

Over the Counter Products

Parents who choose to treat children with an acute condition at home may consider a home prescription kit with homeopathic remedies in 12c or 30c concentrations. Home prescription kits containing homeopathic remedies can be brought online or at stores and range from $60 to $100 dollars. Many homeopathic products are available as over the counter medicines.

Parents can also purchase manuals and books on homeopathy for under $30.

Homeopathic medicines are free of artificial colors and chemicals and are usually considered safe for infants and children.

Homeopathic medicines come in pills and liquid form. The medicine that is prescribed depends on three things: the type of medicine that is being given, its strength, and the condition of the patient.

Some Other Interesting Facts about Homeopathy

? Homeopathy is based on clinical and experimental data.

? The founding father of homeopathy was Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German physician, who developed the basic principles of homeopathy in the late 1700s.

? Homeopathy is recognized by medical professionals and government agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA), and is regulated as medicine.

? Sugar pills are commonly used as a binding agent in homeopathic medicine and as carriers for the medicine.

? Homeopathy uses the principles of dilutions to achieve extremely low concentrations of high potency herbal and other remedies.

? Homeopathic medicine can work fairly fast in acute cases. In chronic cases, the medication works at a slower pace.

? When a person is uses homeopathic treatments they should abstain from certain foods like tea, coffee and alcohol.

? Homeopathic medicines are based on naturally occurring remedies, are usually not patented and are therefore cheaper then other types of conventional medicines.

? Homeopathic medicines usually do not have any side effects.Jacqueline Courtiol is a teacher, mother and the co-developer of a homeopathic formula for relieving infant gas and colic. Jacqueline has authored numerous articles on various aspects of parenting, baby's health and child development. Her website is Gripe Water for Infant Colic.

Using Homeopathy to Control Asthma

2007-12-03T21:49:00.001-08:00

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people all over the world. Studies show that 1 in 7 children, and 1 in 12 adults, suffer from asthma. Thought the severity of the attacks can vary--it can be mild and easily treated, or lead to weeks of hospitalization--anyone who suffers from the condition can testify to how it can impair their quality of life.

In an asthma attack, our ability to breathe in air is hampered, due to the tightening of muscles in the air passage, swelling, and thick mucus. The attacks are triggered by pollen, smoke, even food allergies (each person has its own set of asthma triggers) and are characterized by wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Many asthma sufferers have found relief in herbs and other homeopathic treatments. For example, khella (also called Bishop's Weed) helps prevent the tightening of the air passages, and there are cases of it actually opening the airways. However, dosages have to be controlled by a homeopathic expert, especially for children. The herb is best used over a short period of time, since overextended intake can lead to loss of appetite, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

Another asthma treatment makes use of the ancient Chinese herb, Ma Huang (also called Desert Herb). While not recommended for those who have heart disease and high blood pressure, it has been known to reduce the bronchospasms that cause difficulty in breathing. Because of the risks associated with his herb, it should be taken only with the directions of a homeopathic expert, and the approval and co-management of your regular physician or respiratory specialist. This is because Ma Huang has some contraindications, and interactions with other prescribed drugs can be dangerous. However, with the proper monitoring and in the right doses, it can help with the most severe forms of asthma attacks.

Like with many asthma medications, people who take Ma Huang can experience side effects like palpitations and restlessness, or mild nausea to actual vomiting. This is, unfortunately, a function of how medicines (whether traditional antibiotics or herbal) must contain some amount of ephredine or a similar drug that can counter or protect the body's loss of oxygen.

Another herb that can control asthma is the Pleurisy root, a liquid extract of the plant Asclepias Tuberosa. It is an expectorant and can help decongest the patient and ease the difficulty in breathing. Doses must be closely monitored, however, because it can lead to vomiting if not properly prescribed. It is also not recommended for those who have heart problems.

Homeopathic experts can also help asthma sufferers examine diet and lifestyle for any asthma triggers, or sometimes they will prescribe vitamins and herbs, or recommend a particular diet, that can help strengthen the lungs. In other words, their approach is holistic, and does not only cure the symptoms but prevents the attacks from occurring. Many asthma sufferers can lead perfectly normal lives as long as they can create a lifestyle or routine that minimizes their risks for attacks.

Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including health and fitness

A "Magic Pill" for Hayfever and Other Acute Allergies. Homeopathy is Surprisingly Effective

2007-12-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

Seasonal allergies (a.k.a. "hay fever") are enormously common, affecting at least 35.9 million people in the United States alone. In fact, approximately 16.7 million office visits to U.S. health care providers each year are attributed to allergic rhinitis. Interestingly, homeopaths pioneered both the research on allergies and allergy treatment. In 1871, British homeopath C.H. Blackely suggested that seasonal sneezing and nasal discharge were the result of exposure to pollen. Later, American homeopath James Tyler Kent defined the practical principles of treating allergies with homeopathy. If someone develops an acute reaction to pollen (or another allergen), such as a running nose or itching, watery eyes, during the allergy season, this reaction is addressed first. After all, there is no need for anyone to suffer discomfort. Then, during the symptom-free season, a homeopath aims to find a so-called constitutional remedy that solves the problem on every level of a person's being. It can take a while for the full affects of a remedy like this to be felt. But in the end, many other complaints and conditions usually drop away along with the symptoms of allergy. Today conventional allergists use a desensitization process that resembles the homeopathic practice of "using like to cure like." They give their patients a bit of the allergen (for example, tree pollen) to stimulate a reaction that the body overcomes, thus making the body stronger. However, their injections do not feature homeopathically prepared solutions. It's a little known fact that a homeopath, Grant L. Selfridge, M.D., was the first president of the organization that is now called the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. How do you take homeopathic remedies? These specially prepared remedies are sold in health food stores and come in the form of small sweet pills. Buy remedies in concentration 30C. Place 5 pills under the tongue and let them dissolve. Repeat the dose in 15 minutes. If there is no improvement of symptoms at all in about 30 minutes after the second dose stop taking the remedy. Go see a doctor or go to the emergency room. My book Easy Homeopathy describes many highly effective solutions for acute allergies. Here are six that you can start using today.

Allium cepa (made from red onion): Take Allium if you see the following signs. (Always compare these signs with the signs indicating a need for Euphrasia.) * Irritating, caustic discharge from the nose that irritates the nose and the upper lip (opposite of Euphrasia) * Bland discharge from the eyes (opposite of Euphrasia) * Discharge from the nose and eyes in large amounts * Nose eventually gets completely obstructed * Frequently there is heaviness in the middle of the forehead and/or a headache that gets better when the nose drains freely * Frequently the symptoms begin on the left side * You feel worse: in the late afternoon and evening, and from being in a warm room * You feel better: from open air, cold air

Apis mellifica (made from honeybee): More times than not this is the correct remedy to take for allergic reactions to beestings. Be prepared to give it on the way to the emergency room. Use it to relieve any severe allergic reaction that involves the following combination of key symptoms. * Very significant swelling of the eyes. Sometimes eyes are literally bloodshot from swelling * Heat and burning sensation of the face and the eyes * Craves cold applications and is much improved by them

Arsenicum album (made from oxide of arsenic): * Irritating watery discharge from the nose * Dripping from the nose, which is completely obstructed * Burning (eyes, nose, throat) that is better from hot drinks or hot applications * Right side is mainly affected * You feel better: from being in a warm room, warm drinks, and warm applications (compare to Allium cepa) * You feel worse: from anything cold

Euphrasia officinalis (made from eyebright): (Always compare to Allium cepa.) * Eyes feel irritated, burning and itching * Tears are abundant and irritating, nasal discharge is bland (exactly opposite to Allium cepa) * Worse: in the morning and from warm wind * Better: upon lying down in bed at night

Sabadilla (made from cevadilla seed): * Remarkable fits of sneezing. Some people sound like an automatic weapon * Every fit of sneezing provokes tears * Constant itching inside of the nose and/or the palate * Worse: from cold and open air * Better: from heat, being in a warm room, and warm drinks

Urtica urens (made from stinging nettle): This remedy is specifically used for allergic reactions to shellfish and stings by jellyfish. Look for: * Itching hives with a prickling, burning sensation * Hives that look like red, raised blotches with white centers

Now you are equipped with powerful weapons.

Edward Shalts, MD, DHt, author of Easy Homeopathy and The American Institute of Homeopathy Handbook for Parents is a vice-president of the National Center for Homeopathy and a second vice-president of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Board certified in homeopathy, psychiatry, and alternative medicine, he has been working in the field of homeopathy for 20-plus years. He can be reached at http://www.EasyHomeopathyHome.com.

Homeopathy 101

2007-12-02T22:00:00.001-08:00

Homeopathy: What It Is

Treating illness with homeopathy is not a new practice. In fact, in many European countries it is no longer considered "alternative" medicine. In France, for example, over 30% of general practitioners prescribe homeopathic remedies. In Britain, the number is well over 40%. Although homeopathy is not as common in America, it continues to gain increasing respect within the medical community and has offered many Americans an alternative form of self-care.

What Are The Benefits?

Quite simply, homeopathic remedies offer a natural approach to healthcare. Its healing method places its emphasis on the ability of one's own body to heal itself. Homeopathic medicines are natural, effective, inexpensive and are without side effects.

What Are The Basics Of The Homeopathic Philosophy?

The philosophy of classical homeopathy is over 200 years old. Historically, classical homeopathy has become known as a medical system used for a variety of acute and chronic healthcare problems. It works by administering natural "remedies" which reinforce the body's natural defense system.

This therapeutic method was created by a German physician and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann, at the end of the 18th century. Homeopathy works by using what Hahnemann called "the law of similars." This law as he defined it, states: "any substance that can cause symptoms when given to healthy people can help to heal those who are experiencing similar symptoms." We see the truth in this statement very often in our own Western practice. Immunization involves small doses of an agent of illness used to immunize patients against the disease.

Hahnermann took his approach one step further. He recommended giving "medicinal drugs" to "healthy" individuals, then documenting their physiological properties. These tests or "provings" created a baseline of physical, emotional and mental symptoms unique to each "remedy" and the correct dosage (usually very small) which both caused the symptoms and were used to treat the symptom. He catalogued his findings in what is now known as the homeopathic manual: the materia medica.

The Individualized Approach To Treating With Homeopathy

The difference between homeopathic treatment and Western medical treatment, then, lies in its individualistic approach. Instead of isolating and treating just one or two symptoms, homeopathy is individualized by taking into consideration the total physical and psychological characteristics of the whole being.

If we are to return the body to a state of balance from a state of illness, homeopathy rationalizes, we must discover the keys to the language of the body. In homeopathy it is believed, disease comes about as a result of a personal imbalance. Said differently, the physical body, in homeopathic terms, is thought to manifest illnesses from of the subconscious mind.

Treating a patient with homeopathy or what we would consider "constitutional homeopathy," involves a detailed diagnostic process. It aims to use symptoms as a means to discover cause for the underlying disease. Homeopaths believe that symptoms do not exist in a vacuum. Therefore, symptoms are thought to evolve from a single "constitutional" weaknesses which can then be remedied.

The Process Of Finding The Correct Remedy

Unlike Western medicine, one prescription is not given for each unique symptom i.e. headache, depression, stomach ache. Instead homeopathy uses one single medicine at a time. Some variations do exist and mixtures of homeopathic remedies are created in a "combination" formula. Most often there is a only a small single dose given of any particular "remedy." The goal here: to stimulate the body to heal itself without overmedication. In homeopathic terms, the medication is "potenizied" or administered in the least possible dose that can illicit a response.

To Further Your Research Of Homeopathy and Homeopathic Medicines, read and review these excellent sources (all were consulted for the research of this article) or visit a practitioner near you!

Cummings, Stephen, M.D., Ullman, Dana, M.P.H. Everybody's Guide To Homeopathic Medicines. New York: Penguin Putnam, 1997.

Grandgeorge, Didier, M.D. The Spirit of Homeopathic Medicines. California: North Atlantic Books, 1998.

Bailey, Philip, M.D. Homeopathic Psychology. California: North Atlantic Books, 1995.

Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!" and check out her latest book: Spiritual Fitness!

Homeopathy And Flu Epidemics

2007-11-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 killed more people than the Great War, known today as World War I (WWI), at somewhere between 20 and 40 million people. It has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history. More people died of influenza in a single year than in four-years of the Black Death Bubonic Plague from 1347 to 1351. Known as "Spanish Flu" or "La Grippe" the influenza of 1918-1919 was a global disaster. Influenza constitutes the most widespread and significant respiratory infectious disease in the world, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and economic loss each epidemic year. Pandemic influenza is a worldwide epidemic usually caused by a new virus variant to which the majority of the population has no immunity.

A pandemic virus may infect 30 to 50% of the world?s population and kill 1 to 2% of those infected. Pandemic control must be a concerted and co-ordinate world strategy and under the auspices of the World Health Organization. Pandemic preparedness plans have been formulated, including: intensified surveillance for more rapid identification of new reassortant viruses with potential human virulence and infectivity, laboratory characterization of the new viruses so that vaccine may be prepared, development of techniques for more rapid vaccine production and the manufacture and stock piling of antiviral drugs. Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918.

The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%. This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.

The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data. They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, "All recovered.

The following substances are some of most often prescribed by Homeopaths:

Gelsemium, Zincum Gluconicum, Zincum Metallicum, Aconitum napelus, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Asclepias vincetoxicum, Influenzinum,Anas barbariae hepatis and cordis extractum.

The above named substances are manufactured in FDA approved facility under Good Manufacturing Practice, as Homeopathy is more regulated than herbal supplements.

Next to the name of the substance is a number followed by an X or by CH. For example Sulphur 1X indicates that the mineral has been diluted at 1 part per ten. A 2X has been diluted at 1 part per 10 then re diluted at one part per ten.

CH indicates a dilution at one part per 100. 1 CH = 1/100, 2 CH the 1CH has been re diluted a second time (CH stand for centesimal Hahnemanien by the name of the inventor of Homeopathy Samuel Hahnemann).

While the scientific evidence is open to discussion millions of users worldwide have used homeopathy during flu epidemics without side effects.

Facing the risk of a pandemic, emerging new viral strain with resistance to antiviral medications it is urgent to evaluate the medical and economical benefit of Homeopathy as an adjunct to established Flu treatments.

Many formulas exist on the market, which combine several homeopathic substances realizing a Homeopathic antiviral cocktail, they do not require a prescription and are affordable.

I created such a formula in 2000 based on my 17 years experience in Homeopathy the formula is called Flu Terminator?.

? Gelsemium 3X (a dilution of Yellow Jasmine) Influenza, fever, chills

? Zincum Gluconicum 3X (a dilution of Zinc Gluconicum) Flu, fever

? Zincum Metallicum 3X (a dilution of Zinc Metallicum) Flu, fever

? Aconitum napelus 4X (a dilution of Monkshood) Influenza, fever, inflammation

? Eupatorium perfoliatum 4X (a dilution of Thoroughwort) Influenza, coryza, fever

? Sulphur 4X (Dilution of the mineral Sulfur) Fever, Cold

? Phosphorus 5X (Dilution of Phosphorus) Fever, Cold, Chills

? Asclepias vincetoxicum 6X (Dilution of vincetoxicum) Antiviral

? Influenzinum 12X (a safe dilution of the inactivated and sterilized virus of influenza) Fever, Flu, Viral infection

? Anas barbariae hepatis and cordis extractum 200 K (The ingredient of OscollicocinumTM the leading product of the Boiron Laboratories) indicated for flu and fever

Our feedback has been extremely positive among patients and physicians, however a study is necessary to confirm the impression.

Richard Clement is a French Medical Doctor with more than 20 years of practice worldwide he teaches Homeopathy and Pharmacology at the ATOM school of Acupuncture in Fort Lauderdale Florida and has developed his own line of homeopathics and nutritional products http://www.web-outpatients.com

How to loose weight with Homeopathy and the .4 C's?

2007-11-30T03:28:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy is a therapeutic modality practiced worldwide.

It was founded by Dr. Samuel Christian Hahnemann; in 1755 in Germany. Homeopathy uses many substances including herbals, minerals and animal substances.

At the begining of Homeopathy only one substance was selected according to the patient symptoms (classical Homeopathy), nowadays many Homeopaths and manufacturers use more than one substance together.

In Classical Homeopathy, the selection of "The remedy" is based on a lengthy interview which takes in consideration, physical and mental symptoms; while we can give Tylenol to 100 persons suffering from Headache in Homeopathy the type of the headache, the localization front, temples, occiput will correspond to different substances, as well as the triggering factor, trauma, change of weather and emotional disturbances will influence the selection of a remedy.

A consultation with a classical Homeopath is lengthy and may cost several hundred dollars.

Homeopathy is extremely difficult as it takes in consideration much more data than standard medical therapies, it is also highly individualized.

Innovative physicians have mixed several substances together at the great rage of the classical homeopaths and cal them combination remedy for example a combination of substances for frontal headaches, lateral headaches and occipital headache (back of the head) could be called headache and supposed to cure headaches whatever their localization.

While that assumption is not always verified, combination have greatly contributed to the democratization of homeopathy by allowing patients with modest financial resources to experience Homeopathy.

Many combinations have demonstrated clinical results while some others are ineffective because of their inappropriate arrangement.

Homeopathy uses dilutions of substances and some dilutions are more effective than others and it takes experience and dedication to harmonize a good formula, as some substances antagonize each other or are not compatible.

Some homeopathic medicine are made of poisons and their dilution and level is strictly regulated , for example in Homeopathy small doses of snake venoms, arsenic or bee venom among thousand of other substances are used.

Regarding weight management: The risks of overweight may soon cause as much disease and death as cigarette smoking.25% of the population in the United States is obese and many other countries are following the trend. An overweight or obese adult is determined by body mass index (BMI), defined as follows: Weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters or as weight in pounds multiplied by 705 and then divided twice by height in inches. A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 indicates that an individual is overweight, whereas an obese adult has a BMI of 30 or higher. Multiple pharmacological solutions are available however many of them have side effects and are costly; the side effects of synthetic drugs are the fifth cause of death in the USA.

Several substances have been described in the Homeopathic literature to be of value:

- Fucus vesiculosus Sea kelp which is known to be rich in iodine has been suggested for the management of overweight it is also helpful for constipation. - Phytolacca an herbaceous plant which young shoots can be eaten boiled wild pigeons and other birds which eats the berries lose their fat - Thuja occidentalis Arbor Vitae is proposed by the homeopaths for fat deposition as well as many conditions when the body seems to be producing excessive tissues (warts, fibroma, lipoma) - Graphites A dilution of black lead it is a good medication according to Homeopathy for skin infection and patients which gain weight easily - It is used in very small dose similar to trace-elements. Sulphur A mineral which in Homeopathic dilution stimulates the metabolism and helps thermogenesis and weight loss

Several other Homeopathic substances have been showed to have a potential for weight management.

I include an homeopathic formula to my weight management with the 4 C's

Change Control Cleanse Caloric reduction

Change: Use smaller plates, eat with the non dominant hand, do not read or watch TV while eating, chew every bite twenty time, consult an hypnotherapist if necessary.

Control: With the right Homeopathic remedy or a good combination

Cleanse: Drink water, exercise, use sauna, massages, colonics and some herbal remedies promoting liver and renal elimination. All the above can mobilize the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.

Caloric Reduction: Green leafy vegetables and Fruits with high ORAC value and low calories and sugar content.

While results vary and clinical studies should be done to scientifically demonstrate anecdotal results such a protocol has tremendous potential and no therapeutic risks.

There is always time to explore affordable and gentle therapies it is my opinion that they should be considered before costly and risky surgical procedures.

What is Homeopathy?

2007-11-28T21:24:00.001-08:00

What is Homeopathy?

by: Cori Young

Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine used to treat a wide variety of health concerns.

It is based on the Law of Similars and potentization. Basically, the Law of Similars is the premise that because exposure to a given substance can cause specific symptoms in someone who is healthy, then that substance given as a homeopathic remedy will stimulate the bodys own curative powers to overcome similar symptoms during illness.

A common example used to describe this effect is that of the person chopping an onion ~ When a healthy person chops an onion they usually get watery eyes, and a a runny nose. They may even experience sneezing or coughing, from exposure to the active substances in the onion.

The homeopathic remedy, Allium cepa, made of potentized red onion, can help the body overcome a cold or allergy attack in which the person has similar symptoms (watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing.)

Even though the symptoms were not caused by exposure to an onion, the remedy made from the onion can help the body overcome them, because the symptoms are similar.

Is Homeopathy Effective?

Millions of people have used homeopathic remedies to treat every conceivable type of ailment and symptom. Despite misconceptions, homeopathy is just as scientific as allopathic medicine.

Homeopathy does not base its effectiveness on animal experiments which have little relevance to humans, and prescribing is not based on empirical, or accidental discovery of effects, but on a rational, systematic observation of the effects of remedies on healthy and sick people.

What are the Advantages of Homeopathy?

SAFETY

Homeopathy enjoys an excellent reputation in part because it is given in such minute doses that it can be safely used to treat anyone. Pregnant women, new born babies, children and weak or elderly people may all use the appropriate dosages of homeopathic remedies without dangerous side effects. Homeopthic doses of certain herbs are appropriate for certain individuals (like colicky babes,) when a standard herbal dosage would be too strong.

NON-TOXIC ~ NON-SYNTHETIC

Homeopathy does not use synthetic substances, but relies on the healing properties inherent in plants, minerals, and animal substances. These substances are used in their whole, natural state, not as isolated chemicals.

CONSISTENCY

Homeopathy is not based on 'fad' research. Homeopathic remedies do not go in and out of fashion because they are based on indications for specific symptoms rather than on 'opposites'.

Easy to Take

Most homeopathic remedies have a very mild, sweet taste and are meant to disolve under the tongue.

Even very small children can take them, which is very handy.

They come in small bottles that can be easily carried with you.

Understanding Potencies

Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization. Potentization involves a series of systematic dilutions and successions (a forceful shaking action).

Potentization removes all risk of chemical toxicity while activating a remedy substance and enabling it to affect the body therapeutically.

The more dilutions and succussions a substance undergoes, the higher the potency will be. Higher potencies of homeopathic remedies (anything higher than 12C) have been diluted past the point that molecules of the original substance would be measurable in the solution.

Homeopathic potencies are designated by the combination of a number and a letter (for example, 6X or 30C).

The number refers to the number of dilutions the tincture has undergone within a series to prepare that remedy.

The letter refers to the proportions used in each dilution of the series (the Roman numeral X means 10, and the Roman numeral C means 100), as well as the number of succussions the vial of solution undergoes in each successive stage.

Choosing the Appropriate Remedy

A key element in treating successfully with homeopathy is selecting the right remedy.

It is best to farmiliarize yourself with homeopathic remedies before you need them so you can have a vague idea in mind of what remedy may be called for.

Get yourself a good book like, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: A Guide to Everyday Health Care, by Miranda Castro to have on hand.

Basically, when looking for a remedy you want to consider both physical and psychological symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

Homeopathic remedies promote a return to normal body function, and can be of help in almost any physical symptom or condition. Though they their work on a subtle level, they ultimately affect the chemical, cellular, and structural health of the organism.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological states are a crucial piece of the symptom-puzzle. Even when treating a purely physical ailment,homeopathy considers the emotional response of the individual to be of prime importance. Improvement of an emotional state is one way to monitor the effectiveness of a remedy.

added to articlecity9/17

Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally

by Cori Young

ADHD / ADD Smptoms, Causes & Alternative Treatment

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a dysfunction of the Central Nervous System (CNS), most specifically the reticular activating system.The most well known form of ADD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects an estimated 5% of school aged children in North America. It is the most common neurological disorder among children in this country.

SYMPTOMS AND CHARACHTERISTICS

This condition is marked by learning disabilities, frequent forgetfullness, impaired judgement, excessive talking/interupting, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, and orginization problems.

WHAT CAUSES ADHD and ADD?

Research shows the common factor in all forms of ADD and ADHD to be a coordination failure in the reticular activating system of the brain. This area of the brain helps coordinate external stimulus. A brain chemical, norepinephrine, carries information between different regions of the brain which allows certain areas to be activated while others are inhibited, allowing one to focus on selected external information, while excluding others.

In the case of ADD / ADHD this neural coordination is impaired, causing competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources -too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc. When the limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out," or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation. The results can be irritation, aggression and anxiety.

OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

SUGAR CONSUMPTION blunts the brain's ability to respond to norepinephrine, thus impairing brain coordination.

ALLERGIES Up to 90% of all children with ADD or ADHD are allergic to red, yellow, and blue dyes found in food products. Other common food allergens include, cow's milk, peanuts, citrus, and tomatoes.

FAMILY HISTORY

OXYGEN DEPRIVATION AT BIRTH

LEAD POISONING

DIETARY DEFICIENCIES

SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY

HOW CAN ADD/ADHD BE TREATED?

CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

Conventional treatment of ADD / ADHD most often includes the use of psychostimulant or antidepressant drugs. Over time, however these drugs often become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and depression.

ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Fortunately there are effective alternatives to medications.

A combination of herbs and nutritional support can often balance the brain chemistry naturally without the side effects of medications. There are formulas available that are designed specifically to provide the essential framework of lipids and fatty acids, natural hormones, as well as neural growth and synchronization factors quintessential for neural and glial cell generation in order to meet the demands of increased neural "traffic" through the reticular activating system.

Many herbs have been shown to provide relief from ADD/ADHD symptoms without the side effects of prescription drugs. However, not all herbs are suitable for small children. They are best used synergistically in a reputable formula designed specifically for the treatment of ADD/ADHD.

CONSIDERATIONS

AVOID SUGAR Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless behaviour.

IDENTIFY ALLERGIES Try to identify and avoid food allergens and neurotoxins such as artificial sweetners and food dyes.

AVOID SOFT DRINKS Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.

GET PLENTY OF SUNLIGHT Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly in northern latitudes during the winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.

REFERENCES:

Prescription For Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

12 Effective Ways to Help Your Add/Adhd Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for Attention-Deficit Disorders by Laura J. Stevens

THE LCP SOLUTION: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia by Malcolm J. Nicholl

Transforming the Difficult Child; The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser Cori Young is an herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest.For more information on healing with herbs, visit her website,
Herbal Remedies Info (http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com)cori@herbalremediesinfo.com

Homeopathy and Sex

2007-11-25T22:16:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy:
It is a wonderful thing to have the Joy of Learning and to make a career that you find is related to your studies. There are so many ways to get a Doctor label and thus claim expertise in the many fields and disciplines which we have broken knowledge into. Some of this is counter to real expertise and much of it just sets people apart from knowledge and each other. But people are also being segmented into classes within the hierarchy of government backed by and for elites in all so many ways. Medicine has been one of their more dastardly tools alongside religion. This next little factoid reminds me of how Edward Gibbon almost died because the British Medical system would not approve vaccinations through use of scabs as had been done by the likes of Paracelsus or others in antiquity and which was approved in the France of his era.

When the Cholera epidemic reached England, it provided another opportunity to compare homeopathic treatment with the conventional methods of the day. Regular allopathic medicine yielded a mortality rate of 59 percent compared to only 16 percent for the Homeopaths. (1) When these statistics were collected, the information was so startling that a medical commission was sent to the London Homeopathic Hospital to check the records. Though the data were duly verified, it was decided not to make them public, and the facts were not released until a hundred years later. (2)

The formation of the American Medical Association is a major issue against alternative healing or real care for people. In the late 19th Century as these issues were becoming apparent there were many who knew that the allopaths or medical doctors selling laudanum and the like were actually the Killing-trade. There are signs that stress management (dont fret sweat or exercise) and the connectiveness to the all around us are again making a play to be considered in health maintenance. Vitamins and supplements are able to prove to even the most duped person receiving medical care that they work and yet some doctors groups and the governments that back them still disqualify doctors who advise their usage.

Academics are subject to a Knowledge Filter (Berkeley Law Professor Johnson) or Literary Theory (UBC English Professor Graham Good) and the outright suppression of creative or thoughtful and meaningful potentials. (3) The concept of Bucky Fuller called 'the observer of the observed' and his more detailed 'creative realization' is part of what operates as we project upon reality. For example the things we see are actually a mixture of fields of energy from the dross and less excited to the highly excited or vibrational energy inside the atomic structures. One way of visualizing this includes an aura, which is the field of energy not usually visible but associated with the solar body and integrative centers called chakras. Perhaps we could contemplate a time when all people had the ability to see or sense auras. In our socially normed 'projections' that include telling our children certain things do not exist, we have lost the conscious integration or incorporation of these fields of reality.

Psychic surgeons in the Philippines and Brazil have had their energy measured during operations at the same vibration rate of 7.8 cycles. It started me thinking about how we can alter our state and how others might perceive us in these altered states. Clearly if anyone could see all the spaces between our electrons and the nuclei or between the different atoms and molecules we wouldn't seem solid by a long shot. Thus these surgeons who use no utensils would be able to energize the infected or diseased body part or tumor to remove it at an altered vibration level. There have been solid documentaries with such credible support as X-rays before a San Francisco businessman had such a tumor removed and X-rays a year later showing it hadn't returned. In the end you must decide who has the most to gain from the arguments and whether or not you want to actualize your own potential. Once you do a few things the debunkers say are impossible - then a smile will come to your face; and the intellectual conflict loses all import.

String Theory knows about the harmonic forces that are less than solid which somehow combine to make what we perceive as a solid. The astrophysicists now have told us that 95% of the universe is 'Dark Matter' or Dark Energy - so get with it before you are invisible and don't know it! Just kidding! We fear that which we cannot fully comprehend and our experts or priests and doctors include many enablers of our fears. We even allow fear to pre-empt love; which is ironic because at the end of our lives its not the fears or the differences that matter the most but whether we loved and allowed ourselves to be loved as much as possible.

Every new perception of knowledge is always based either directly or indirectly on older knowledge. InteliTapping allows us to connect with the oldest, yet most complete source of knowledge. (4)

Nature produced a show on the origins of music and the biological and archetypal impact it has had on our evolution and emotional wherewithal. Along with reed instruments from as long ago as 60,000 years that obviously show sophisticated development of technology, they had the cave operas of those who rubbed and drummed on stalactites. They posited that the tree-swinging hominid that like the Sumatran Gibbon co-ordinates community for protection through territorial chants, is not so much less aware as most of our great Lockean influenced academics seem to be. These animals also learned what plants are dangerous and what plants alter your spiritual consciousness. You can see it when your puppy goes outside for the first time and chews on some grass to settle its tummy. Our genes contain a lot of information or the ability to tap-in to much knowledge. The buzz you get from weed is the buzz coming from your Thalami and Third Eye or Pineal gland that has a crystal radio receiver and grains or crystalline structures. Crystalline structures like quartz were known to be useful in the Lost Chord of the Druids and more ancient shamans. There are magnificent quartz caves in Central America and other places that would have been used by early hominids for a certainty.
The Best Body Language Sex:

Long before Tantra or Bhakti Yoga there were many things ancients probably learned from intercourse, even more than most people do today. Today we have drugs like Viagra to enhance the longevity of the sexual encounter. The Mayans have natural drug for this. There are so many things which keep us busy or deflect us from spiritual insight as is noted in many Eastern systems which refer to the busy-mind or samsara and the illusion of Maya.

Second degree Wiccan students who have advanced through a rigorous training in esoteric knowledge begin a quest that many would regard as perverse pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification. The partners are often involved in other committed relationships. When a man and a woman who are interested in spiritual growth combine to experience the Tantric or Bhakti (Yoga) or ritualistic growth potential to free more than just their personal self or ego to reach the heights of spiritual or psychic possibilities; who can say what is real and what is imagined. This effort to commune with spirit is termed working partners and the allies or guides is who they really seek to merge or work with. The imagination is undoubtedly a part of the dynamic. It isn't necessary for them to care for each other in the way lovers do. I have not done this work.

Many people talk about 'soulmates' or 'dual flames' and the words become mere shadows of the real potential. At the same time sex is a dirty 'word', and act, in much of society.

What can a writer say to convey the essence of all these things?

If I absolve myself from the challenge of integrating these concepts, rituals and soulful realities I would simply say trust your soul and know that wherever you may go you will find something more than whatever you thought was real to begin with.

If I talk about 'la petite mort' or empathic attunements with the soul of the partner that allows the self to disintegrate and become part of something larger than one person; and almost dissolve in the vastness of spirit - it will only seem like prose and poetry. The phrase la petite mort or the little death can in fact lead to a Kundalini type experience which can cause death.

Of course, one can wax eloquent and carry on at length about any of their hopes and desires. The essence of a great working partner most probably has little to do with these aspirations and more to do with the way the soul interpenetrates all people. The glimpses of insight gained through empathy and love with those who shared my needs are special to me and will forever stay in the part of my soul (if there is such a part) that cherishes all we were and hungers for what we could have been.

To deprecate the witch who 'draws down the moon' into their partner on the path to worship of things no one can fully know is the stuff of fearful and insecure people. That kind of bigotry without actual experience is rampant in all areas of society. It is truly just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when one contemplates all the ways mankind has developed to separate himself from what we are collectively and what god truly wishes for us to realize. No amount of constant seeking or obsession with these pursuits will ever get a man any closer to his soul than what he was while in his mother's womb.

The joy and creativity of the challenge to know is as great a gift as our maker can give us - except perhaps the acquiescence to the soul within the loved one you are blessed to have the chance to know and share your life with. In the moment of creation each day as we grow and learn to be, we are forever drawn by some force that seeks greater harmony and purpose for all energy.

Many (if not most) people think the 24 hour orgasm is like alien abductions but the EEG and other ways of measuring physical responses would convince them otherwise. A similar number of people find the misuse of Tantric Yoga by the likes of Crowley and Hubbard is tantamount to whatever is evil in man. I say they are right, but that is not the fault of Tantric Yoga. These techniques are very seductive and in some ways the participants would choose to have the experience even if they knew a great deal about it because it is a sad truism that Masters and Johnson or Kinsey are right. They say a full third of women never have an orgasm through intercourse.

Many people seldom enjoy sex and some significant number of the rest of us are in varying stages of poor to decent ability and openness to what great learning sex can provide. It could be said that our sexual relations are a good barometer of the state of society. I favour sex education and all the opportunities and responsibilities that go with the natural and soulful functions of the act. It is easy to understand why some people are hesitant to have strangers teach their loved ones about sex. But Father Leo Booth is right when he notes that parents who repress their children or foist suppressive behavior upon them are just as guilty of abuse.

1) Rudolph Ballentine, M. D., Radical Healing, Harmony Books, New York, 1999, pgs. 75-6, we have Dorothy Shepherd, The Action of the Minimum Dose, pg. 13.
2) Ibid.
3) http://www.suppressedscience.net/physics.html
4) Bob Gottfried Ph. D., Shortcut to Spirituality: mastering the art of Inner Peace, Deeper Dimension Publishing, North York, Ontario, 2004, pgs. 53-4.

Columnist in The ES Press Magazine
Diverse Druids
Guest 'expert' at www.World-Mysteries.com

Homeopathy For People & Pets

2007-11-23T23:06:00.000-08:00

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.

Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.

Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388

Homeopathy Five Things to Know before You Go There

2007-11-23T23:00:00.001-08:00

With natural health care so popular, an area that has shown incredible growth is that of homeopathic medicine. But, although you can find homeopathic remedies on health food store shelves, are you really clear on what a homeopathic specialist is and what these medicines can do? This article will address five things to know before you choose a homeopathic specialist or buy those homeopathic medicines off the shelf.

What are they?

Homeopathic remedies are medicines made by homeopathic pharmacies in accordance with the processes described in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States and are regulated by the FDA. These are not considered supplements. The remedies could be made from plants, minerals, animals or even from chemical drugs, such as penicillin or streptomycin. These substances are then carefully diluted, called potentization, until very little of the original substance remains. Because these are very dilute, small doses of medications, and they are available over the counter, many people feel they are safe. However, for serious health problems, a person should seek the advice of a knowledgeable healthcare professional. If they choose, it could be from one familiar with homeopathic medicine.

Are they effective?

The fact that very little of the original substance remains, the question comes up how can they even be effective. According to homeopaths, this is based on similarities. When a similarity exists, a person is thought to have a hypersensitivity to that substance. Thus, while the remedy contains very little, in the practical sense, of the original material, it still contains the essence of the substance, or its energy. Its thought to work by creating a resonance within the body that catalyzes it to begin a healing process.

How this works and if its effective is very controversial among traditional medical practitioners. To determine if a particular homeopathic drug is effective, experiments, called drug provings, are conducted. In these experiments, researchers administer continual doses of the substance to a healthy individual until a reaction to the substance is achieved. Once it is known what symptoms a substance causes, then its known what symptoms and illnesses it will cure. There have been several systematic reviews of placebo-controlled trails on homeopathy that have reported that its effects seem to be more than just placebo. One observational study found that patients were very satisfied with homeopathic treatments and that both they and their physicians noticed significant improvement. There is also evidence from randomized, controlled trials that homeopathy may be effective for treatment of otitis media in children, muscle soreness after running, and attention deficit hyperactivit!

y disorder. Again, though, I would like to emphasize that it would be wise to consult with a specialist before self-medicating, especially when it comes to children.

Who practices homeopathy?

The practice of homeopathy is incorporated into medical care by a broad range of healthcare practitioners. Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) may elect to study homeopathy as a post-graduate specialty. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) study homeopathy as part of their naturopathic school training. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession of primary healthcare that emphasizes prevention and the promotion of optimal health. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all natural medicine modalities, including homeopathic medicine.

Where did it come from?

Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician who earned his doctorate of medicine degree in 1779 is recognized as the founder of homeopathy. Through experiments on himself, and later with his patients, he developed a system of rules and laws of medicine that he codified into a treatise called the Organon of rational therapeutics, first published in 1810. The sixth edition, published in 1921, is still used today as a basic homeopathy text. It was brought to the US in 1825 by several doctors who had studied in Europe. Although at one time there were 22 homeopathic medical colleges in the US, and one out of five doctors used homeopathy, by the 1940s there were no homeopathic schools in the US.

Do your homework!

Naturopathic physicians are licensed as healthcare providers in 13 states with legal provisions allowing the practice of naturopathic medicine in several other states. To qualify for a license, the applicant must pass the licensing exam and satisfy all licensing requirements, such as have attended a resident course of 4 years and 4,100 hours of study from a college or university recognized by the state examining board. There are special certifications for various healthcare professionals. For MDs and DOs, there is the Diplomat in Homeotherapeutics (DHt). For NDs, the certification is the DHANP (Diplomat of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians), and for homeopaths of all professions, there is the CCH (Certified in Classical Homeopathy). What is important to know is that in states without licensure requirements for homeopathy, anyone can claim to be practicing homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic medicine could be a great alternative to traditional medicine. Its important to look into the background and training of anyone practicing homeopathic medicine, however, as many people promote themselves as an expert without the proper education. The National Center for Homoeopathy (http:///www.homeopathy.org) serves as a resource and training center for the practice of homeopathy. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (http://www.naturopathic.org) provides information on licensing and education requirements for those promoting themselves as a doctor of naturopathy. For a good overview of the art and science of homeopathy and its basic tenets, suggested reading is The Emerging Science of Homeopathy: Complexity, Biodynamics and Nanopharmacology, 2nd edition, by Bellavite P. Signorini.

Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjories goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. To learn more about her incredible 30-Day Fitness Focus program for nutrition and fitness analysis and coaching, go to her website at www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.

A "Magic Pill" for Hayfever and Other Acute Allergies: Homeopathy is Surprisingly Effective

2007-11-20T22:29:00.001-08:00

Seasonal allergies (a.k.a. “hay fever”) are enormously common, affecting at least 35.9 million people in the United States alone. In fact, approximately 16.7 million office visits to U.S. health care providers each year are attributed to allergic rhinitis.

Interestingly, homeopaths pioneered both the research on allergies and allergy treatment. In 1871, British homeopath C.H. Blackely suggested that seasonal sneezing and nasal discharge were the result of exposure to pollen. Later, American homeopath James Tyler Kent defined the practical principles of treating allergies with homeopathy. If someone develops an acute reaction to pollen (or another allergen), such as a running nose or itching, watery eyes, during the allergy season, this reaction is addressed first. After all, there is no need for anyone to suffer discomfort. Then, during the symptom-free season, a homeopath aims to find a so-called constitutional remedy that solves the problem on every level of a person's being. It can take a while for the full affects of a remedy like this to be felt. But in the end, many other complaints and conditions usually drop away along with the symptoms of allergy.

Today conventional allergists use a desensitization process that resembles the homeopathic practice of "using like to cure like." They give their patients a bit of the allergen (for example, tree pollen) to stimulate a reaction that the body overcomes, thus making the body stronger. However, their injections do not feature homeopathically prepared solutions. It's a little known fact that a homeopath, Grant L. Selfridge, M.D., was the first president of the organization that is now called the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

How do you take homeopathic remedies? These specially prepared remedies are sold in health food stores and come in the form of small sweet pills. Buy remedies in concentration 30C. Place 5 pills under the tongue and let them dissolve. Repeat the dose in 15 minutes. If there is no improvement of symptoms at all in about 30 minutes after the second dose stop taking the remedy. Go see a doctor or go to the emergency room.

My book Easy Homeopathy describes many highly effective solutions for acute allergies. Here are six that you can start using today.

Allium cepa (made from red onion): Take Allium if you see the following signs. (Always compare these signs with the signs indicating a need for Euphrasia.)

• Irritating, caustic discharge from the nose that irritates the nose and the upper lip (opposite of Euphrasia)

• Bland discharge from the eyes (opposite of Euphrasia)

• Discharge from the nose and eyes in large amounts

• Nose eventually gets completely obstructed

• Frequently there is heaviness in the middle of the forehead and/or a headache that gets better when the nose drains freely

• Frequently the symptoms begin on the left side

• You feel worse: in the late afternoon and evening, and from being in a warm room

• You feel better: from open air, cold air

• Very significant swelling of the eyes. Sometimes eyes are literally bloodshot from swelling

• Heat and burning sensation of the face and the eyes

• Craves cold applications and is much improved by them

Arsenicum album (made from oxide of arsenic):

• Irritating watery discharge from the nose

• Dripping from the nose, which is completely obstructed

• Burning (eyes, nose, throat) that is better from hot drinks or hot applications

• Right side is mainly affected

• You feel better: from being in a warm room, warm drinks, and warm applications (compare to Allium cepa)

• You feel worse: from anything cold

Euphrasia officinalis (made from eyebright): (Always compare to Allium cepa.)

• Eyes feel irritated, burning and itching

• Tears are abundant and irritating, nasal discharge is bland (exactly opposite to Allium cepa)

• Worse: in the morning and from warm wind

• Better: upon lying down in bed at night

Sabadilla (made from cevadilla seed):

• Remarkable fits of sneezing. Some people sound like an automatic weapon

• Every fit of sneezing provokes tears

• Constant itching inside of the nose and/or the palate

• Worse: from cold and open air

• Better: from heat, being in a warm room, and warm drinks

Urtica urens (made from stinging nettle): This remedy is specifically used for allergic reactions to shellfish and stings by jellyfish. Look for:

• Itching hives with a prickling, burning sensation

• Hives that look like red, raised blotches with white centers

Now you are equipped with powerful weapons.

Edward Shalts, MD, DHt, author of "Easy Homeopathy" and "The American Institute of Homeopathy Handbook for Parents" is a vice-president of the National Center for Homeopathy and a second vice-president of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He also serves on the faculty of the Center for Health and Healing at the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the UMDNJ Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in New Jersey. Board certified in homeopathy, psychiatry, and alternative medicine, he has been working in the field of homeopathy for 20-plus years. He provides homeopathic care to adults and children through his private practice in Manhattan. He can be reached at http://www.EasyHomeopathyHome.com

Banish Bothersome Warts Quickly and Naturally with Homeopathy

2007-11-19T22:52:00.001-08:00

My teenage years were rough ones. A car wreck left me with a serious brain trauma that required years of concentrated medical treatment and rehabilitation. In addition, I suffered from extreme acne. And to top it off, my body was routinely covered with 30 to 50 warts at any given time. Warts are caused by a mildly contagious virus, so perhaps I picked up something during my extended stay in the hospital. Or perhaps the warts were a curious side effect of the many acne medications I tried during the same period. Regardless of the cause, my mom and I took many, many trips to the dermatologist's office where the warts were frozen off -- only to reappear all over my hands, fingers, and toes within days of being removed.

Warts Inspire Superstitious and Extreme Treatments

Warts are not dangerous. And they will usually go away by themselves (although left to their own devices they might hang on for years before they leave). Warts are also a popular subject of superstition and old wives tales. As a child, I believed I could get warts from touching toads--which is patently untrue. As a wart-covered teenager, I received much "helpful" advice from community members. For example, I was regularly encouraged to cut a potato in half, rub the inside of the vegetable on my wart, then bury the spud in the dirt. And by reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I learned that some people try to remove warts by taking a dead cat into a graveyard at midnight. While this method sounded full of mystery and adventure, I never tried it. But, today, as an experienced homeopathic practitioner, I have my doubts as to the efficacy of that method.

As a young adult, I did manage to get rid of my warts on my own. But I used an extreme technique that I do not advise anyone else to try. I drank a gallon of homemade kombucha tea every day for about three months. The warts went away after about two weeks and never returned. But I'm not sharing this radical treatment with you to encourage you to try it. I'm sharing it to make a point. Many of us today feel that we must go to extremes to experience vibrant health. Whether we're applying completely caustic, over-the-counter solvents to our skin to kill the wart virus, undergoing laser surgery, or subjecting ourselves to expensive and repeated electrocautery or cryotherapy treatments, or wrapping our fingers in duct tape for months at a time -- we are taking an extreme approach to our health that I simply do not support or believe in.

Homeopathy: A Balanced Approach to Wart Removal

Today, I work with many people who come to me with warts of all sorts. Common warts. Flat warts. Genital warts. And Plantars warts. Since warts are usually just one symptom of a greater bodily imbalance, I encourage my patients to seek a constitutional remedy that will improve their overall picture of health. However, I have found that certain remedies -- particularly when topically applied directly onto the affected area -- are highly effective in removing warts for good. Depending on the person's unique physical makeup, I might recommend Baryta Carbonica, Belladonna, Dulcamara, or Causticum.

In fact, I recently worked with the teenage daughter of a good friend who had suffered from a painful and bloody wart at the tip of her elbow for several years. (By the way, warts most commonly develop in early childhood through adolescence.) With her parent's support, she had pursued a range of natural health care treatments, including the use of Moxa sticks from the science of Chinese medicine and the application of milkweed thistle paste from a Native American herbal tradition. While each of these treatments did indeed shrink the wart, they failed to remove it for good. When she came to me, she had basically given up and felt that nothing could possibly get that wart off her elbow. Because she was impatient and did not want to experiment with one remedy after another, I encouraged her to try a topical treatment that combined multiple homeopathic remedies into a single ointment. Within a week of daily application, her mother called me to share the great news: the wart had literally disappeared. The best part of this experience for me was the fact that the teenager came to trust homeopathy. Now, she is willing to invest her time and interest in applying it to her overall health. Today, we are working together to find her body's ideal constitutional remedy -- the one that will help rebalance and strengthen her bodily systems for optimum health. In this way, the virus that caused the wart will be less likely to resurface. And her other health challenges, like acne and irregular periods, will hopefully become symptoms of the past as well.

Personalize your Approach to Homeopathic Healing

Like the young woman mentioned above, you may feel an immediate need to remove your warts. So you may want to pursue one or more of the remedies mentioned above. Then, as you begin to experience the gentle-yet-effective results of these natural health remedies, you may wish to delve in deeper. When that occurs, I encourage you to seek out an experienced homeopathic practitioner who will work with you to discover your body's overall constitutional remedy. You'll be glad you did.

Jason Fleming is a dedicated student and advocate of homeopathic medicine. As founder and CEO of Sympathical Pharmaceuticals, Jason is pushing the boundaries of traditional homeopathic knowledge by creating and testing homeopathic remedy combinations that enable people to get natural relief from a variety of common health conditions.

Healing Candida and Yeast Imbalances Naturally with Homeopathy

2007-11-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

Through our 25 years treating candida disorders we have discovered the tremendous value of homeopathy in the successful correction of candida. Although homeopathy is not the cure-all, it is commonly the key to the actual cure! I recommend using homeopathy with other natural therapies including diet for optimal results.

Candida has become a household word among many health conscious people because it produces over 100 common and elusive symptoms prominent in our society. The broad range of symptoms can include fatigue, allergies, immune weaknesses, difficulty thinking, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, constipation, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, cravings, mold sensitivity, skin disorders, headaches and mental and emotional disorders such as sensitive emotions and mood changes. Traditional drugs often find the symptoms reoccurring soon after treatment ends. Thankfully, we now have alternatives to pharmaceuticals in treating Candida and yeast imbalances.

Homeopathy works to activate our body’s natural innate ability to heal. Without the valuable components homeopathy other treatments whether conventional or nutritional may not correct the malfunctions within the energetic control systems of our body. Without this deeper correction candida or any other condition may commonly recur or simply not respond.

Homeopathy empowers us to better help the whole person. Homeopathy equips us with the ability to go beyond the parameters of the biochemical realm of life and correct interferences within the bioenergetic control systems of our body. For over 50 years energy fields of the body have been measured through various instruments such as Kirlian photography. Scientists have observed imbalances and blocks within the energetic control patterns of the body occur first long before organic disease may manifest. Homeopathy provides us a 200+-year-old time tested science to correcting the deeper causes of disease. In fact even inherited weakness passed down over a thousand years deep into our family tree can be corrected with homeopathy.

KingBio’s Yeast Free homeopathic formula was developed over the past 20 years to correct the common causes underlying our susceptibility to yeast or fungal overgrowths in both female and male. These overgrowths can cause Candida Albicans infections anywhere we have mucus membranes, such as the reproductive system, intestinal tract, mouth and respiratory tract. Candida can go systemic or into our blood and cells of our body causing a broad spectrum of elusive symptoms. KingBio’s Yeast Freee… is designed to help overcome this problem along with probiotics and diet.

Homeopathy is a highly individualized healing art. This individuality is key to its ability to correct the key causes or malfunctions within us that allow disease to manifest. The key to homeopathy’s great successes is finding all the formulas that correct the underlying malfunctions within us. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars. Whatever formulas sound similar should be considered as possible solutions to each individual’s symptom patterns.

Dr. Frank King is the founder and president of King Bio in Asheville, North Carolina. King Bio is an FDA registered pharmaceutical manufacturing company dedicated to research, development, and education of safe, natural, homeopathic medicines.

Dr. King is a nationally recognized researcher, lecturer, and author in homeopathy. His passion to develop an innovative, highly efficient, and safe natural medicine protocol launched him immediately into research following the establishment of his chiropractic practice. And for over two decades, he and his colleagues have researched to discover the most successful natural medicines and their procedures. Dr. King has developed over 200 natural homeopathic medicines along with new procedures to empower both the physician and consumer in their quest for optimal health.

Check Dr. King's website at http://www.kingbio.com for the latest and most powerful alternative healing tools available. Also you can read his blog at http://healingwithalternatives.blogspot.com to see about other's experiences with alternative medicine.

How to Get Started With Homeopathy Crohns Relief

2007-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Choosing Crohn’s-friendly foods isn’t the only way a sufferer can improve their condition, other treatments such as homeopathy crohns relief may also be beneficial for some. Homeopathy is a unique type of remedy that treats the person as a whole. Therefore, the type of remedy that is prescribed is based on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. The treatments administered focus on ridding the person of their specific problems. Thus, no two people will be provided with the same treatments.

In order to receive proper homeopathy crohns treatment, you will need to visit a qualified homeopath to have your condition properly accessed. That being said, the following are five examples of homeopathic treatments you may be prescribed based on your symptoms:

Note: The vast majority of homeopathy treatments are derived from natural substances that come from minerals, plants and animals. A remedy is made by diluting the natural substance through a specific process without destroying its healing properties. Most remedies are extremely diluted, taken orally, and are available in tablet, pellet or liquid forms.

Argentum nitricum:

This homeopathic crohns remedy is administered to those who suffer from an upset digestive system that is also accompanied by nervousness and/or anxiety. Such a person often experiences symptoms of nausea, bloating, tummy rumbling, flatulence and sudden, intense diarrhea with a greenish hue. Diarrhea may suddenly occur after eating excessive salty or sweet foods or directly after ingesting water. In addition, a person prescribed this treatment is also likely to be impulsive, expressive, and suffer from claustrophobia issues.

Asafetida:

This homeopathy crohns substance is given to those who feel as if their entire digestive tract is constricted. The individual may feel as though they have a lump moving upwards from the stomach or have a bubble in their throat. Their abdomen generally feels inflated; however, the person has difficulty passing gas for relief. This person likely has painful bouts of constipation, explosive cases of diarrhea, and possibly regurgitates small amounts of food. This individual may have strong emotions and is quick to become worked up.

Colocynthis:

An individual who is experiencing sharp pains and cramping in their abdomen or pubic bone that urges them to bend double or lie down is often prescribed this homeopathy crohns. The pain that is experienced usually worsens before diarrhea passes, after drinking water or eating fruit. Many of these symptoms are also triggered by emotions, especially anger.

Lilium tigrinum:

This is usually administered to a person who is constipated throughout the day but is plagued with sudden diarrhea the next morning. This person tends to feel as if there is a lump in their rectum that feels worse when they stand. This person may develop haemorrhoids, and experience tightening in their chest. The symptoms are often triggered by strong emotions, and excitement that often accelerates into feelings of irritability or rage.

Podophyllum:

This remedy for homeopathy crohns is often prescribed to those who suffer from abdominal pain and cramping, and have a sinking, empty feeling in their gut that is followed by very loose, and watery, foul-smelling diarrhea. The person may also experience constipation or bowel movements that feature pasty, yellow stool with mucus. This individual tends to feel worse in the early hours of morning and later feel weak, faint or headachy afterwards. An individual who suffers from these symptoms may also experience stiff joints and muscles.

Homeopathy crohns is generally safe when administered by a professional, especially remedies that have been extremely diluted. However, it is not uncommon for a person to feel worse during treatment. This usually only occurs for a brief period and is usually not uncommon. However, extreme or prolonged side effects such as worsening or no relief from symptoms should be brought to the attention of your health care provider.

Although homeopathy may be an ideal complimentary form of treatment for Crohn’s, it should not replace a doctor’s advice. In addition, if you have a serious case of Crohn’s with persistent symptoms, you may require medical aid for relief and to get the condition under control. Therefore, make sure you consult your health care provider about homeopathy crohns treatments before you begin.

Grab your free copy of Sharon Dobson's brand new Crohn's Disease Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about acupuncture and crohns and for information on botanical crohns please visit Breakthrough Crohn's Disease Guide.

Homeopathy - Five Things to Know before You 'Go There'

2007-11-15T21:52:00.001-08:00

With natural health care so popular, an area that has shown incredible growth is that of homeopathic medicine. But, although you can find homeopathic remedies on health food store shelves, are you really clear on what a homeopathic specialist is and what these medicines can do? This article will address five things to know before you choose a homeopathic specialist or buy those homeopathic medicines off the shelf.

What are they?

Homeopathic remedies are medicines made by homeopathic pharmacies in accordance with the processes described in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States and are regulated by the FDA. These are not considered supplements. The remedies could be made from plants, minerals, animals or even from chemical drugs, such as penicillin or streptomycin. These substances are then carefully diluted, called potentization, until very little of the original substance remains. Because these are very dilute, small doses of medications, and they are available over the counter, many people feel they are safe. However, for serious health problems, a person should seek the advice of a knowledgeable healthcare professional. If they choose, it could be from one familiar with homeopathic medicine.

Are they effective?

The fact that very little of the original substance remains, the question comes up how can they even be effective. According to homeopaths, this is based on similarities. When a similarity exists, a person is thought to have a hypersensitivity to that substance. Thus, while the remedy contains very little, in the practical sense, of the original material, it still contains the essence of the substance, or its energy. It’s thought to work by creating a resonance within the body that catalyzes it to begin a healing process.

How this works and if it’s effective is very controversial among traditional medical practitioners. To determine if a particular homeopathic drug is effective, experiments, called drug provings, are conducted. In these experiments, researchers administer continual doses of the substance to a healthy individual until a reaction to the substance is achieved. Once it is known what symptoms a substance causes, then it’s known what symptoms and illnesses it will cure. There have been several systematic reviews of placebo-controlled trails on homeopathy that have reported that its effects seem to be more than just placebo. One observational study found that patients were very satisfied with homeopathic treatments and that both they and their physicians noticed significant improvement. There is also evidence from randomized, controlled trials that homeopathy may be effective for treatment of otitis media in children, muscle soreness after running, and attention deficit hyperactivit!

y disorder. Again, though, I would like to emphasize that it would be wise to consult with a specialist before self-medicating, especially when it comes to children.

Who practices homeopathy?

The practice of homeopathy is incorporated into medical care by a broad range of healthcare practitioners. Medical doctors (MD’s) and doctors of osteopathy (DO’s) may elect to study homeopathy as a post-graduate specialty. Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) study homeopathy as part of their naturopathic school training. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession of primary healthcare that emphasizes prevention and the promotion of optimal health. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and all natural medicine modalities, including homeopathic medicine.

Where did it come from?

Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician who earned his doctorate of medicine degree in 1779 is recognized as the founder of homeopathy. Through experiments on himself, and later with his patients, he developed a system of rules and laws of medicine that he codified into a treatise called the “Organon of rational therapeutics”, first published in 1810. The sixth edition, published in 1921, is still used today as a basic homeopathy text. It was brought to the US in 1825 by several doctors who had studied in Europe. Although at one time there were 22 homeopathic medical colleges in the US, and one out of five doctors used homeopathy, by the 1940’s there were no homeopathic schools in the US.

Do your homework!

Naturopathic physicians are licensed as healthcare providers in 13 states with legal provisions allowing the practice of naturopathic medicine in several other states. To qualify for a license, the applicant must pass the licensing exam and satisfy all licensing requirements, such as have attended a resident course of 4 years and 4,100 hours of study from a college or university recognized by the state examining board. There are special certifications for various healthcare professionals. For MD’s and DO’s, there is the Diplomat in Homeotherapeutics (DHt). For ND’s, the certification is the DHANP (Diplomat of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians), and for homeopaths of all professions, there is the CCH (Certified in Classical Homeopathy). What is important to know is that in states without licensure requirements for homeopathy, anyone can claim to be practicing ‘homeopathic medicine’.

Homeopathic medicine could be a great alternative to traditional medicine. It’s important to look into the background and training of anyone practicing homeopathic medicine, however, as many people promote themselves as an expert without the proper education. The National Center for Homoeopathy (http:///www.homeopathy.org) serves as a resource and training center for the practice of homeopathy. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (http://www.naturopathic.org) provides information on licensing and education requirements for those promoting themselves as a doctor of naturopathy. For a good overview of the art and science of homeopathy and its basic tenets, suggested reading is The Emerging Science of Homeopathy: Complexity, Biodynamics and Nanopharmacology, 2nd edition, by Bellavite P. Signorini.

Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjorie’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. To learn more about her incredible 30-Day Fitness Focus program for nutrition and fitness analysis and coaching, go to her website at www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.

Is Homeopathy Safe For People Allergic To Dairy Or Wheat?

2007-11-14T23:22:00.000-08:00

The most common reason consumers give for using homeopathic medicines is that they desire a safe alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Indeed, the FDA has recorded no adverse effects, negative drug interactions, or harmful properties associated with homeopathy in its entire lengthy history.

But individuals who are allergic to dairy and/or wheat may need to be more careful than the average consumer when it comes to homeopathic medicines. Like most drugs, these medicines contain inactive ingredients. In this case, the inactive ingredients aren’t extraneous fillers, binders, or solvents. They are completely necessary as carriers of the active homeopathic ingredients.

The most common carriers used are solid lactose or liquid alcohol formulations. Lactose is a milk sugar and alcohol is often grain alcohol made from wheat. So is homeopathy safe for dairy or wheat allergy sufferers?

Most homeopathic companies will say that the required doses are so small, a couple tiny tablets or a few drops under the tongue, that allergy sufferers need not be concerned. However, many homeopathic medicines are meant to be taken multiple times a day for a month or longer. Could long-term use of small amounts of substances that initiate acute inflammatory responses in allergic individuals really be good for their health?

Homeopathic tablets and tinctures seem to be a risky proposition for dairy and wheat allergy sufferers. Luckily, a few homeopathic companies have developed water-based homeopathic medicines. Water-based homeopathy is ideal for individuals with allergies. These medicines are available from SafeCareOTC, Sprayology and King Bio. Other companies, such as Boiron and Hylands, offer a few lactose and alcohol-free products as well.

Most of these products are available online and many are available in select stores across the country. If your local natural medicines or health food store doesn’t carry lactose and alcohol-free homeopathics then ask them too. A large number of consumers at stores such as these have food allergies, so your local store can only benefit by offering water-based homeopathic medicines that are safe for everyone.

Nicole Evans is an alternative medicine researcher/developer turned medical student. She also works with King Bio, a homeopathic company dedicated to empowering people to safely and naturally improve their health. For cutting edge contemporary homeopathics visit http://www.kingbio.com

Effective Massage In A Massage Chair

2007-11-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

Most people have never used a massage chair and have no idea how they function. They have been around for years and are very sophisticated machines in the form and shape of an arm chair. Many of them are produced in Japan. It is really great to just sit in the chair and get the massaging.

Inside the chair there are a number of motors, often 4-6, and a computer program that runs the program you choose. The whole body can be massaged within 20 minutes, sometimes less and sometimes more.

What kind of massage can you get? Let me give you some examples.

Air arm massage is a feature on some massage chairs. This is especially great to relieve weariness from the arms which are working restlessly for operation of a personal computer or a cellular phone, during works, domestic chores, leisure and so forth. The air massage mechanism is provided on the armrest and it will move naturally with the change of the body angle caused by the reclining movement. In this way the stiffness and strains in the wrists and back of hands will be relaxed thoroughly.

Depending on how the backrest is set, the function of the arm massage will work differently. The backrest can be in an upright position, slightly reclined and completely collapsed.

The air massage option is also available for the lower part of your legs. It massages with repeating cycles of compression of the muscles in an oblique direction and releasing. This stimulation assist an important function, to return the blood to the heart.

As the shape and form of our bodies differ it is vital for a good massage chair to have the option the adjust for that. Now there are chairs that automatically scans the persons body and use the data collected to change the tools, often small wheels that role and push, inside the massage chair.

Movements of hands and whole arms are reproduced to realize complicated and stereoscopic kneading up and kneading down massage. There are even more complex functions added in some programs of a massage chair. For example a function that combines the stretch massage, which resembles pressing with hands to push up first and then down, with the simultaneous application of the kneed, tapping and wavelet.

The most common functions of massage chairs are vibrations in the seat and backrest. Pleasant intermittent vibrations can be enjoyed simultaneously with the massaging. It promotes blood circulation and relieves strain from muscles.

What is the price of a massage chair? As always it depends on the functionality you want but prices range from just over $1,000 USD up to $8,000 USD. Many companies buy or rent a chair and have it for the personal. This is appreciated as a very efficient way to help the staff to stay healthy. There are studies showing that the number of sick-days will go down considerably when the massage chair has been installed.

An usual effect when a new chair is installed is that people will line up and try the massage. A schedule is almost always required and many use it frequently to get rid of the problems a stressful work situation sometimes creates.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Massage Chairs Further information can be found at Tips & News.

Plant Spirit Shamanism, Folk Medicine, and Homeopathy

2007-11-12T22:02:00.001-08:00

Listening to the Plants – Nature is Talking to us.

The shamans say that plants connect us with nature because they take their nourishment directly from the earth, as well as the sun’s rays, the air, and water. They allow us to know and recognize ourselves. A shaman must know this and must love his people to heal them. Here are just a few of the plant healers.

Jergon Sacha (Dracontium peruviuanum)

My first exposure to this plant came about quite accidentally, when one day walking through the rainforest studying the properties of the plants, the maestro Javier queried why I always walked around with a machete. I jokingly replied “it’s against anacondas!”. He paused in thought for a moment and beckoned for me to follow him, a few minutes later we came across this tall stemmed plant. He proceeded to cut it down and then whip me around the body paying attention to my legs and the soles of my feet.. He then said “no more problems, you are protected against snakes”. I asked him why this plant was used in this way, and he indicated the pattern on the stem which looks identical to the snakes in the forest. Later as I started to investigate this plant even more, I discovered some interesting correspondences; this is a plant which is widely used as an antidote against snake bite venom in the Amazon.

This is accordance with the ‘doctrine of signatures’ concept. This doctrine is at the heart of homeopathy, folk medicine, and plant shamanism. The doctrine was revealed by the great alchemist and physician Paracelus who lived in the 16th Century. The underlying principle was that the healing properties of the plant are not only in the outer ‘physical’ form, but also in their inner or spiritual nature. The Doctrine of Signatures holds that this inner nature can be revealed by it’s outer physical form or signatures. This plant is a clear demonstration of the outer form indicating the inner qualities. It’s use is directly related to it’s physical appearance, the patterns on the tall stem closely resembles the skin patterns of the highly venomous pit viper known as ‘Bushmaster’ or Jararaca which is indigenous to the Amazon.

The large tuber of the plant is an well known and highly effective antidote for the bite of venomous snakes. The tuber is chopped up, and immersed in cold water and then drunk. Also the chopped tuber is placed in a banana leaf and used as a poultice which is wrapped around the bite area. These procedures are repeated every few hours. Of course the deal here is that it works, and as it not possible to store anti-venom vaccines in the rainforest without refrigeration, this plant has exceptional life-saving importance.

Mocura / Mucura Petivera Alliacea. This plant can be taken orally or used in floral baths to raise energy, or take you out of a saladera (a run of bad luck, inertia, sense of not living to the full). Gives mental strength and you can feel its effects as also with Ajo Sacha, both are varieties of ‘false’ garlic and have a penetrating aroma.

One of it’s qualities is that on a personal psychological level it can boost one’s strength. For example it is considered good in countering shyness, and can strengthen one’s own sense of personal value and authority. One of it’s properties is to help people overcome ‘irrational’ fears & fearful memories

Medicinal properties include asthma, bronchitis, reduction of fat and cholesterol. This plant grows widely in the lower Amazon, and it is used widely in purification (floral baths) .

Piñon Colorado Jatropha gossypifoilio

Has short lived effect after drinking but helps lucid dreaming later on when you go to bed. Can be used as a planta maestra and it is a plant that maestros can take when being during their initiation. Can also take with tobacco.

The plant’s properties on the physical level relate to problems such as, burns, swellings, intestinal parasites , Insect bites and stings, vaginal infections, and bronchitis. It is possible to take the resin which is much stronger but toxic if too much ingested. The resin can be applied directly to the skin.

Piri-piri, (Cyperaceae). Native people throughout the Amazon cultivate numerous varieties of medicinal sedges to treat a wide range of health problems, the native peoples for example, use sedge roots to treat headaches, fevers, cramps, dysentery and wounds as well as to ease childbirth. Special sedge varieties are cultivated by Shipiba women to improve their skill weaving and to protect their babies from illness.

Teresa a Shipiba craftswoman who joins us on our Amazon Retreats, told me that it is customary when the girls are very young for their mothers to squeeze a few drops of the ‘piri piri’ seed sap into their eyes in order to give their daughters the ability to have visions of the designs that she will make throughout her life.

The men cultivate special sedges to improve their hunting. Since the plant is used for such a wide range of conditions, it was once dismissed as being mere superstition. Pharmacological research has revealed the presence of ergot alkaloids, which are known to have diverse effects on the body from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels. These alkaloids are responsible for the wide range of medicinal uses. Apparently the ergot alkaloids come not from the plant itself but from a fungus that infects the plant.

Chanca piedra “Stone Breaker” (Phyllanthus Niruri)

This is a hybrid name “chanca” meaning “to break” in Quechua and “piedra” meaning “stone” in Spanish. This herb from the Amazon has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for generations as an effective remedy to eliminate gall, and kidney stones. The plant has demonstrated its effectiveness against many illnesses including, kidney problems , urinary problems, colic, dysentery, jaundice and numerous other conditions. This herb has become widely used in South America as the herbal remedy for gall and kidney stones, and can typically be bought in capsule or leaf form from many stores. This plant is used only for its pharmaceutical properties, and is not a planta maestra. As a note, this plant is also starting to become known in Western Medical circles, as when I brought some back for my mother to help her with her kidney stones, her doctor was apparently familiar with this herb, but he still didn’t want her to use it due to possible contra-indications with the prescribed pharmaceutical medicine.

Reflections.

On reflection plant medicine is totally different than pharmaceutical medication which only affects one whilst it is being taken; these kinds of plant medicines seem to have a permanent effect in some way metaphorical or otherwise altering one's consciousness or "DNA". Paracelus, is still a source of inspiration to all those who work with the healing properties of herbs, and the plants.

One of the great revelations that we can experience in working with the plant spirit or consciousness is that we are not separate from the natural world. In our culture we perceive ourselves to be separate beings with our minds firmly embedded within our physical being (typically our head). The plants can show you that this way of being is an illusion and that we are all connected, all of us and everything else is a discrete element in the great universal field of consciousness or spirit.

Howard G. Charing, is an accomplished international workshop leader on shamanism. He has worked some of the most respected and extraordinary shamans & healers in the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Philippines. He organises specialist retreats to the Amazon Rainforest at the dedicated centre located in the Mishana nature reserve. He is the author of the best selling book, Plant Spirit Shamanism (Destiny Books USA), and has published numerous articles about plant medicines. He was baptised into the Shipibo tribe of the Upper Amazon, and initiated into the lineage of the shamans of the Rio Napo. Howard is also an artist who's paintings have featured in major exhibitions in London and elsewhere. His artwork has also been featured on book covers.

His website: http://www.shamanism.co.uk email contact: eagleswing@shamanism.co.uk

Aromatherapy and Homeopathy Treatments for Acne

2007-11-11T22:14:00.000-08:00

In the first part of this article, we have discussed the importance of herbal medicines and vitamin therapy in the fight against acne. I promised to give you more. Keeping true to my words, I now bring you the second part of the series.

Aromatherapy and homeopathy are two of the oldest methods of treating acne. Read on to know how they help counter acne.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has long been considered as a natural remedy for acne problems. Of the different essential oils used for this purpose, tea tree oil is regarded as the most effective. It is known to contain both antifungal and antiseptic properties, which help defend the skin against acne outbreaks. It is also known to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties, which further protects the skin from disease causing micro organisms.

Researches prove that tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne minus its negative side effects. In a clinical study published by the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990, it was established that using 5% tea tree oil or a 5% benzoyl peroxide in treating acne produces more or less the same results. The only drawback in using the former is that it took a little longer to produce noticeable results.

Other aromatherapy oils that can be used to counter the problem are jasmine (Jasminum officinale), lavender (Lavendula agustifolia), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), sandalwood (Santalum album) and Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata). These essential oils all contain the chemical substance farnesol which is responsible in inhibiting the growth of certain acne-causing bacteria.

To use aromatherapy in dealing with facial acne, you may apply a drop of tea tree oil using a cotton bud directly to the skin or you can use it in your steam facial. Just add a few drops of the oil in a basin full of hot water and presto!

If you prefer to use a combination of essential oils, you may want to try this mixture: Combine 5 drops geranium, 7 drops lavender, 7 drops atlas cedarwood and 12 drops tea tree essential oil with ¼ ounce jojoba oil in a small glass vial. Jojoba oil will serve as the base oil for the mixture. It will also increase the total absorptive capacity of the oils in the skin. The mixture can be applied directly to the blemish with a cotton swab or by using your finger. Just make sure that you wash your hands first to avoid infections.

However, it is sensible always to observe caution in using any type of medication. Although aromatherapy is considered safe for most people, some may still have reactions to some of the components of essential oils.

Homeopathy Treatment. Homeopathic doctors consider acne as an indication of a deeper internal problem and hence, should not be treated using topical medications. Instead, the patient's general health condition is taken into consideration to come up with the correct formula to address the problem. Homeopathy upholds the principle of complete and gentle healing. It works by attempting to stimulate the body's own natural healing capacity so that healing comes from within.

When you undergo a homeopathy treatment, you will notice a temporary acne outbreak. Don't worry since this only indicates that the treatment is working favorably. This phase will be followed by noticeable signs of improvement - your skin texture will improve and the redness, itchiness and roughness of your skin will be considerably less. Your complexion will steadily improve from thereon. In homeopathy, each case is unique. For best results, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified practitioner.

There are still other ways to forever ward off acne and enjoy a blemish-free skin. You will be thrilled to read the final part of this series! Watch out for it!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Acne

Detox Your Body Naturally With Homeopathy

2007-11-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

We have found over the past 25 years detoxifying people that toxicity problems have a tendency to create a healing crises and the health problems would commonly recur. We have used various combinations of many detoxification products and techniques, including nutrition, herbs, fasting, various flushing techniques, specialty products, clays, colon cleaners, small intestine cleaners, colonics, enemas, massage and homeopathy. Fortunately, further research and development in homeopathy revealed safer and more permanent corrections to this recurring and perplexing toxicity problem.

Homeopathic detoxification and drainage formulas not only dislodge toxins in the body as most other products do; they also activate the eliminative functions of the body to work properly again. By activating the body’s inner potentials to detoxify with homeopathy, we were able to solve many of the problems we experienced with previous detoxification procedures.

The body’s ability to cleanse itself and adapt to a continuously changing environment is remarkable. Homeopathy maximizes this incredible ability within us. Homeopathic detoxification and drainage formulas have provided the following therapeutic advantages:

• Enhancing over all health in most people.
• Preventing healing crises from occurring
• Preventing reoccurrences of a toxic condition
• Providing better results in resistant cases.
• Providing a more complete cure.
• Expediting the healing processes.
• Helping achieve greater results with other homeopathic formulas.
• Helping other products and procedures work better (nutrition, herbs, Chiropractic, etc.)
• Activating further healing with cases that have reached plateau where only a partial correction has been achieved.
• Preventing further reoccurrences of an illness.
• Preventing future accumulation of toxins.
• Providing results in a broader scope of conditions such as chronic or even so called “incurable” conditions.

Homeopathy works not so much biochemically, but rather bioenergetically to correct interferences in the energetic control systems of the body. When the energetic control systems of the body (like the nervous system) work better, then everything else can work better. As we get the control system of the body working better, our body’s chemistry balances out. Every chemical within our body has a very specific charge to it. The purpose of that charge is to respond and do what the energetic control system tells it to do.

Effective correction of the dynamics of the detoxification functions of the body is paramount to correcting the chronic recurring health problems perplexing our society. Achieving optimal health and longevity are also intimately interconnected to maximum detoxification functions.

Most everyone has or knows of what I call an “Uncle Charlie.” - the one who eats horribly, smokes, cusses and lives the most awful lifestyle yet never seems to get sick, while others sway just a little in their lifestyle tightrope and get sick. The difference is that Uncle Charlie has the constitution of a cockroach. This means that his detoxification and defense functions are working well.

Homeopathic detox formulas are designed to work deep in the body to activate and strengthen our inner constitution. This vital ability of homeopathy can even correct inherited or genetic weaknesses handed down to us as deep as ten generations. These formulas activate the detoxification mechanisms of the body and maximize our ability to stay clean in a toxic world.

Colic and Homeopathy- Relief Is On the Way!

2007-11-07T00:53:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows how delightful a new baby can be! New life brings new love, fresh promise for the future, and overwhelming joy. However, that little sweetheart, can also bring other sorts of baggage, such as sleep deprivation for Mom and Dad, disruption of all routines, endless laundry, and the most dreaded of all—colic!

Colic is severe abdominal pain. The infant suffering with colic will usually have abdominal pain, gas, cramping, flatulence, bloating, and irritability accompanied by some very recognizable symptoms that distinguish themselves from normal infant crying. Colic can produce piercing and constant crying lasting for hours, and the infant will exhibit a red face that can become pale or blue around the mouth if the attack is long or severe. In addition, the infant’s belly will be hard and distended with legs drawn up and arms clenched tightly. Many times the infant will have coldness in the hands and feet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that of the four million babies born in the United States each year, about 25% will develop colic. Colic most often affects infants from about two weeks until three months of age, and while doctors and scientists have been trying to find the cause of colic for over 50 years, each study brings another theory, but nothing concrete. We do know, however, that colic can be traumatic for everyone. Mom and Dad, already sleep deprived, now have the added stress of watching their baby in misery.

King Bio Children’s Colic Relief™ can provide safe, natural relief to the infant within 30 seconds to 10 minutes. If relief is not immediately noticed, the product may be used as frequently as every 10 minutes until the symptoms subside. Remember that with King Bio homeopathic formulas, the dosages range from one spray in the mouth for newborns to three sprays for adults so there is no need to try to calm the baby down long enough to get the medicine in! One spray in that open, squalling mouth usually provides quick, safe relief for most infants suffering from colic.

All King Bio homeopathic formulas have a pure water base. There is no alcohol, sugar, or yeast to be concerned about. For added therapeutic effect, you may use any King Bio natural medicine topically on the affected area. Simply spray King Bio Colic Relief™ on your infant’s tummy and massage gently in a clock-wise direction to assist in gas expulsion.

In certain circumstances, the infant may need additional King Bio Natural Medicines for relief. It may benefit the parents to consider King Bio for indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or food and chemical allergy. Recommended formulas from King Bio include Constitutional Enhancer™, Tummy Aches, all our Detox Formulas, Growth and Development™, and VaccinoPlexä.

Having a new baby in the house can be a very physically and emotionally taxing time for parents. Make sure to take care of yourselves and use common sense during this stage of your baby’s development. The following suggestions can help:

-Rest and sleep when your baby rests and sleeps.
-Breast-feeding mothers should eat small amounts frequently. Have a snack every two to four hours.
-Avoid certain foods that may aggravate colic, such as spicy food.
-Listen to your body. Don’t ignore hunger pains. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
-Negotiate a deal with your partner so that you each get a decent amount of sleep each night. Your baby may awaken throughout the night, so take turns.
-Get some practical support if your are exhausted. Get assistance to shop, clean, cook, or take the baby for a walk.
-Ask your partner or a good friend to give you a face, foot, or back massage.
-Do gentle exercise, which will help create energy
-Remind yourselves that this is a short phase in your child’s development!

Check Dr. King's website at http://www.kingbio.com for the lastest and most powerful alternative healing tools available. Also you can read his blog at http://healingwithalternatives.blogspot.com to see about other's experiences with alternative medicine.

First Aid Homeopathy - Minor Bruises

2007-11-05T22:31:00.001-08:00

Bruising is most likely to occur as part and parcel of a fall or minor mishap, such as stubbing your toe or accidentally hammering your finger during some routine DIY. However a serious accident can result in quite severe internal bruising and this would fall outside the remit of home prescribing and demand urgent, professional medical attention. Common symptoms of mild bruising can include any of the following: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blow or injury, swelling of the injured are, Localized, progressive discoloration of the skin that changes from red to purple and eventually to a rather lurid bluish-greenly-yellow in the last stages of healing.

Practical self-help - As long as the skin around the bruise hasn't been broken, apply an ice pack to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Bruises, where the skin hasn't been cut or grazed, can be greatly soothed by an application of Arnica cream. This reduces any pain and tenderness and also encourages the traumatized tissue to reabsorb blood, thereby speeding up the healing process. If a limb has been badly bruised, keeps it moving as much as possible in order to keep the blood circulating. Witch hazel has a very soothing, cooling effect on bruised skin. However, it is highly astringent and therefore may not be suitable for anyone with very sensitive skin.

CAUTION! IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR, GET SWIFT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: A serious fall or major accident that has resulted in the casualty feeling drowsy or confused, Any injury to the head, Bruising of the eye socket, In addition, get your doctor's opinion if you notice that the skin is repeatedly bruising for no reason, or if bruises take longer than a few days to heal - ideally, even a nasty bruise shouldn't take longer than this to show sign of recover. We need to put medicine as fast as we can to rub of the pain and tenderness.

http://preservebuffalo.org/

Experience Women's Health Through Homeopathy

2007-11-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

My sister experienced debilitating PMS and menstrual cramps. My mother lived with chronic yeast infections. And, during menopause, my aunt suffered from extreme vaginal dryness that precluded any thought of sexual intercourse. After seeking the support of conventional western doctors and trying all sorts of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, each of these women turned to me--the homeopathic "oddball" in the family--hoping that I could help them find relief. My answer to each of them was, "Of course."

I was able to answer with confidence because I've helped many women find natural relief from common female complaints over my years as a homeopathic practitioner. From bladder infections and menstrual cramps to cellulite, wrinkles, and childbirthing challenges, homeopathic medicine provides extremely gentle, yet fast and effective relief from countless conditions of the female body. Through the use of homeopathic remedies, women can move from illness into health without exposing themselves to the dangerous side effects that are associated with many conventional prescription and OTC medications.

Homeopathic Health Remedies Work Without Dangerous Side Effects

Here are some of the most common women's conditions that homeopathy treats and the remedies most often associated with them:

Vaginal yeast infections. When faced with a vaginal yeast infection that's about to drive you mad with burning and itching, it's quite understandable that you reach for an OTC can of "pharmaceutical vaginal pesticide." But, please don't do that to your wonderful body. The short-term relief you get is not worth the long-term side effects and imbalances that will result. Further, if you use a conventional OTC treatment for vaginal yeast and you don't actually have a yeast infection, you might be helping to create a drug-resistant strain of yeast in your vagina. Instead, try out one or more of these homeopathic remedies that help the body restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora -- without the nasty side effects: Pulsatilla, Sepia, or Candida Albicans. (Yes, Candida Albicans is a type of yeast that grows in the vagina. But, based on the homeopathic principal that "like cures like," a highly dilute amount of the offending substance can often result in a cure.)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps. If you suffer from chronic PMS or consistently debilitating menstrual cramps, I encourage you to work with a homeopathic practitioner who will prescribe your constitutional remedy. To find this remedy, the homeopath will take into account all of your symptoms--mental and emotional as well as physical. You will be asked to describe food cravings, sleep patterns and dreams, reactions to hot and cold, even sexual functioning so that the right constitutional remedy can be found. However, if you experience symptoms of PMS or painful cramps only on occasion, try one or more of the following remedies to gain relief: Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sepia, or Thuja.
Painful urination and bladder infections. Most women will suffer at one time or another from acute urinary pain. According to Jonas and Jacobs in "Healing With Homeopathy," urinary tract infections are usually self-limiting, meaning the infection will subside without medical intervention in most cases. The authors suggest that you try drinking at least one 8-ounce glass of water or cranberry juice every hour at the onset of the infection. If that doesn't resolve the problem within a few hours, then I encourage you to try one of these homeopathic remedies proven to stimulate bladder health: Berberis Vulgaris, Cantharis, or Hepar Sulphuris.
Menopause. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association report, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) greatly increases a patient's risk of breast cancer. While this treatment does indeed ease hot flashes and other acute symptoms of menopause, there are other treatments that are far less risky. Homeopathy offers a range of remedies that will relieve symptoms of menopause--including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings--with absolutely no negative side effects or risks of cancer. Some of the remedies my clients (and my aunt!) have used with great (and almost immediate) success include: Sanguinaria, Bryonia, and Ignatia.

The Benefits of Topical Application

While many homeopathic remedies are taken orally in the form of tiny pills, it is my personal belief that topical application is much more effective. Thus, I have spent many years experimenting with botanical bases in which to suspend homeopathic remedies. By applying the remedy directly to the source of suffering, the remedy is able to enter the tissue and work immediately at a cellular level. For instance, when working with a woman who experienced painful menstrual cramps, I prepared a topical mixture that she applied directly to her abdomen. Within minutes, her cramps subsided. If you are ready to try a homeopathic approach to your health, I encourage you to seek out homeopathic topical lotions that will give you fast, effective relief.

Consult a Homeopath for Optimum, Ongoing Health

Always be sure to involve your healthcare practitioner in your quest for natural healing. From a homeopathic perspective, chronic conditions, such as yeast infections, are viewed as symptoms of a greater imbalance. While certain homeopathic remedies will bring temporary relief from symptoms of these conditions, I encourage you to work with an experienced homeopath to restore optimum balance to your bodily systems.

Gout Treated with Homeopathy

2007-11-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy treats holistically, it does not treat the symptoms of the disease, it targets the root cause of dis-ease in the sick person. Not all people who suffer from gout will have the same symptoms, that's why treating all individuals with the same prescription drug will produce so many varied responses.

Some may experience instantaneous relief without any apparent side effects, while others receive no relief and may have many aggravations from the drug, all in accordance with individual susceptibilities and predispositions of the patient.

This is the argument for treating the patient holistically and individually, and this is the method classical homeopathy uses to treat all disease. Every disease has its particular package of symptoms attached to it, but exactly how they will manifest in the individual patient will depend on their susceptibilities.

Homeopathy is interested in the emotional and environmental factors which may have triggered the dis-ease in the patient. The fact that the patient has gout in the toe, knee, ankle or wherever is of no importance, its how the patient reacts to their disease,and what other accompanying symptoms they may have.

Some patients may have a low pain threshold, become angry, and aggressive, abuse their carers, blame others for their problems and demand immediate relief to their suffering.Other patients may bear their gout with great fortitude and accept their disease as part of life, they may demand much of themselves and very little of others.

Here are two vastly different personalities who may have what is called gout, however, the homeopathic remedies chosen will be based on their individual personalities, not on the outward manifestations of their disease.

Homeopathy will treat your gout with a remedy which produces similar symptoms to what you have. If gout in your big toe wakes you at 3-00am on a bitterly cold morning and you hit the bathroom and plunge your toe into icy cold water to gain relief while at the same time you are shouting profanities and abuse to all, it is important to take note of this symptom, for this is an individual expression of your dis-ease.

It may appear strange to use a remedy which causes similar symptoms to what you may be experiencing, but this is the way of homeopathy. It does not treat superficially, it treats the whole person, and although the remedy does not have side effects, if the remedy has been well chosen it should cause an aggravation of your existing symptoms.

Although you may find this bit of news disturbing for we all like to have our symptoms palliated, sooner rather than later, but this is not cure, it is a masking effect and symptoms will soon return with greater force.

This aggravating effect of the remedy has matched your energy, and you will find that your symptoms will slowly fade. Symptoms which disappear in the reverse order of their coming are removed permanently.Gout treated with homeopathy will return you to health and vitality.

Colleen Redman webmaster and publisher of goutyjoint.com a site offering a selection of natural medicine treatments for gout.

Homeopathy and the Force

2007-11-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

The Theory of Homeopathy Everything has a "vital force." This vital force exists beyond the "thing" that it is associated with, and, with proper care, it can be isolated independently of the thing it is associated with. For example, honey has a vital force of "honey-ness", and with proper preparation, I can have the "essence of honey" without any honey.

Preparation of a solution that contains the "vital force" of something, without the something, involves repeated dilutions and shakings. For example, you take some honey, and dilute it 100 to 1. You shake and tap it to imprint the "vital force" onto the solution, and then you dilute it again 100 to 1. You continue to do this to the desired "potency." I put potency in quotes because, in traditional chemistry, concentration determines potency. In homeopathy, the reverse is true -- homeopathic medicines become more potent the more you dilute it. In other words, the lower the concentration, the more potent the medicine is.

A critique of this theory There is a fundamental flaw with the theory of homeopathy. Many skeptics will point at the whole "vital force" aspect of the theory. This isn't actually as ridiculous as it sounds. Just because there isn't a single shred of evidence for the "vital force" is no reason to dismiss it. Look at String Theory in physics. String Theory is the most hotley debated and controversial topics in science today, but even its advocates admit that, as beautiful as the mathematics are, there isn't a single shred of evidence of the existence of "strings."

No, the fundamental flaw is this: There is no such thing as a pure solution of anything. Oh, if you have some really big, expensive chemistry equipment, you may be able to get a micro-drop of "pure water" or "pure alcohol", but really, every glass of water, ever drop of alcohol out here in the real world has hundereds, if not thousands of chemicals in it at the parts-per-billion and parts-per-trillion level.

Take our honey example. You dilute some honey 100-1 and then "shake and tap" the vial to distribute the vital force. But you aren't just distributing the vital force of honey, are you? No, there are hundreds of other substances in the water (or in the honey) that are being "enhanced" by this process as well. By the time you are finished your multiple dilutions, you have something that, assuming the theory is correct, contains the essence of hundreds or even thousands of various, unknown, things. Further, doesn't water (or sometimes alcohol) have a vital force as well? Wouldn't the vital force of the water or alcohol overpower the vital force of whatever you are trying to "enhance".

Believe it or not, I can come up with a rationale that would explain away the above discrepancies. Here it is: The impurities in the water (or alcohol) are not being diluted, since they are present in the same concentration at each step. Therefore, the impurities, and the water provide a neutral, unhanced "background" to the dilution process. In other words, if I added an equal amount of honey at each dilution step, the honey wouldn't be enhanced either.

Pretty good, huh? I just made that up. And that is the problem with the theory. Any idiot (like me) can come up with a theory, but how can you prove it to be true? In homeopathy, you can't. The advocates of homeopathy continue to insist that "We don't know how it works, it just does." That's fine, but why keep pushing unsupported, unprovable hypotheses ("the vital force" and the "dilution equals potency") as the basis for homeopathy? At least with string theory, there are predictions that can be made, and those predictions hold up remarkably well in simulations. But "vital force" and "dilution equals potency" theories, make no testable predictions, and the "dilution" theory actually flies in the face of all observable phenomenon.

Conclusion

Homeopathy has not been proven to be any more effective than a placebo. But homeopaths should take heart. There are plenty of medicines on the market, backed by traditional science, that are in the same boat. And besides, what if the only effect of homeopathy is the placebo effect? The placebo effect has been shown to be extremely effective at curing a wide range of problems. If people believe that it cures their pains, and it actually does cure their pains, then what is the harm in it?

The harm is in the bad science it advocates. I believe that homeopaths should drop the whole "vital force" and "dilution equals potency" theories. They should stick with the honest line of: "We don't know how it works, it just does." And let the healing begin.

Terry Connors is a Gen-X family guy with 2 step-kids and a loving wife. He frequently blogs about current events, especially if there is a scientific angle to the news items. You can read more of his writings at: Another Stupid Science Blog - http://news.virtualdominion.net

Health & Fitness With Homeopathy

2007-11-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Health & Fitness

Homeopathy is so rich in remedial agents that often its practitioners tend to rely on their drugs alone, and to disregard hygiene and other adjuvants to cure. Especially do they fail to work out diets in detail for their patients. It is essential that they bother to do this for a number of reasons. In the first place, for the psycological effect upon the patient. Patients want to feel that every scientific care is being given them, and that (he doctor takes flattering pains with them; and they need something to do, a call to active co-operation on their part. Especially is this the last case when the actual remedy administration is in so pleasant, simple and sparse a form as Homeopathy prescribes. In the second place, without any drug of any kind, diet can do wonders for many types of cases as modern medicine so ably demonstrates.

Let us consider, for instance, the value without any drug, of strict diets in such diseases as: Diabetes, nephritis, high blood pressure, renal colic and the uric add diabetes, arthritis, gall-stones and jaundice, gastric and duodenal ulcer, mucous colitis, visceroptosis, constipation, obesity, and last, but by no means least, tuberculosis and cancer. Every Homeopathic physician must be grounded in the classical dietary treatments; must know w.hen to give a diabetic the Newburg high-fat diet; and the difference between diets for nephritics and nephtotics; must enforce pure-free diets on the chronic renal colics; must be conversant with the Lippe diet for ulcer; and the LaheyJordan diet for mucous colitis (with its cream of wheat and celery, whose roughage combined with the concomitant rest prescribed does such wonders in those obstinate cases). The physician must know how to influence acidity; strong urine, asthma and eczema by dietary means.

It is good training for us, and a helpful method of experimental control of our remedies, to start chronic patients who have some one of the above mentioned diagnoses, on diet and regimen plus Sac. lac. without any remedy, and see how far you can improve their condition .. Thus do we learn what scientific common sense will, and will not, do for us. Meanwhile you are getting closer to the patient's true similum, and can give it in prepared ground, with startling and enlightening effect.

Diet can often replace the use of drugs a valuable help for the Homeopath. Take a patient who has been 'living' on soda bicarbonate for years. Teach them that soda, chemically alkaline, produces acid, physiologically, in the stomach, and train them to substitute lemon juice and the citrous fruits in general, and watch. You will be amazed that so simple a means will work so well. Meanwhile the soda intoxication symptoms will pass off, and your case values will begin to be unravelled.

The physician must also at the onset remove articles of diet and diet habits of eating which hold the patient back from cure, and which cover the spoor on the trail to a 'totality', and therefore to subsequent healthful progress. He learns in this quest the idiosyncrasies to food on t.he part of the patient. These, as every Homeopath knows, are· of great help and import. In this connection there is a wise rule: Chronic cases should not eat to excess that which they especially crave, whereas acute patients may-and should-eat largely of what they crave, if the craving comes on with the illness. The most extraordinary lapses from classical procedure shmv admirable results when this rule is followed, But, be sure that it is a true craving, unusual, individualizing the patient's reaction to the (so-called) acute disease. The craving for and aversIons. to food in chronics will, of course, give you sound generals for your hierarchy of symptoms.

If, in chronic cases the remedy is given, it will, little by little, enable the patient to assimilate that food which he craved, at the same time, quite reasonably, modifying the craving. For example, I have an Argentum nitricum patient who craved sugar and was ill from it, and who, under Arg. nit. no longer craves it, but can 'Catch it with impunity. Similarly, I have a Calcare!t child, who, after Calc., ceased craving chalk and indigestibles and can assimilate lime from the food. In connection with being made ill by specific articles of food several interesting points arise: Try at first to see whether it is a combination of foods which disagree, or the one given element of diet. A wise professor once told me that almost anyone could eat almost anything if they ate it by itself. Next in the case of certain. acids, try giving cream cheese or cottage cheese with them.

For instance, those with whom strawberries disagree, can often take stnnvbcrrics if cream cheese is eaten at the same time; and similarly with tomatoes. This also applies to shellfish in some paticncs. Beware the combinations of acids and sugars, starches with meat, III people with delicate digestions. Buttermilk will often so alter the colon's 110ra and fauna tbat putrefaction is regulated and much elll be digested which hitherto did not agree. A famous German Homeopath, Dr. Schlegel the elder, told me that if everyone would drink buttermilk die race would profit enormously, and if they would add honey (formic acid) and radishes (which are anti-uric-acid) even more trouble ,would be saved. Remember' that onions help keep blood pressure down (the excitable Italians with their garlic and onions rarely have hypertension.)

In idiosyncrasies of preference rather than actual agrravations, ingenuity will save much trouble. Your child or patient who will not take milk may enjoy it if vichy or seltzer be added, or if milk and cream are mixed' and half with ginger ale or sarsaparilla. Or the difference between hot and cold milk may change the dislike.

Those needing iron who claim cabbage gives them gas can often take raw cabbage with sour cream dressing. Spinach pureed with egg chopped on it will tempt the anti-green child. Cider and raw apples are marvelous for thinning the arthritic patient. Brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup and honey will not haim him as other sweets will. These hints may seem feminine and trivial, but I assure you, they work. I hope the discussion of this paper will provoke much more lore in this line.

There is another sphere where diet aids materially in cleansing the system. We have mentioned buttermilk and lemon juice. White of egg, with lemon or orange juice makes a detoxifying liver wash for the bilious. The egg albumon forms albuminates with t.he poisons wbich accumulate in the liver. Tea made from red clover blossoms and drunk, two quarts daily, helps the cancer patients and appears to cleanse the system. (An old German ad;u.t1allt).

So far we have not even mentioned the relationship between certain foods and the best action of our remedies. But surely you all know these symbioses and antagonisms. For example, Aconite and acids do not agree, coffee antidotes the action of Nux vomica. These relationships are legion and can be found in Clarke's Dictionary of Materia Medica and in many other of our classics, under the separate remedies.

In Certain theoretical problems of enormous interest to me come up under this subject. For instance, we use articles of food as remedies. What reaction, if any, may these have on patients sensitive to them, even in the crude, comestible form? And vice versa, can we aid the suitable remedy by giving its crude counterpart as a food simultaneouslv? Furthermore, should we not make and prove the whole range of vegetables, fruits and nutriti~e articles, so that we find a patient with an idiosyncrasy to something we can compare his case with the proving of the offending food and. see whether it may not fit and aid? These foods should be proven on tho~e with a sensitivity to them. For instance, I should prove egg-plant, our friend, Dr. Roberts, has proved tomato, and a patient of mine, who is violently ill from even a dish of red pepper lurking in the soup-though he has plenty in his disposition-would make an admirable prover of Capsicum.

These last considerations are offered to you as 'articles of diet'. Think them over digest them, and give the society a valuable and full discussion of this too often neglected phase of concomitant Homeopathy.

This article was taken from http://www.homeopathystore.in/homeopathy/health_fitness.htm, a site based on homeopathy resources and articles.

http://www.homeopathystore.in/

Do Homeopathy ADHD Treatments Work?

2007-11-01T22:43:00.001-07:00

ADHD is increasing with the numbers children being diagnosed each year rising at an alarming rate. The number one treatment often used is a form of medication. This generally involves stimulant drugs that come with numerous potential side effects. Often it is pressure from schools wanting to improve classroom behavior that is causes parents to turn to prescription medications for a quick solution, however, homeopathy ADHD treatment can offer an alternative.

Homeopathy works in a different manner to the stimulant drugs, rather than trying to suppress the symptoms it focuses on balancing the system so that the ADHD behaviors of restlessness, impulsiveness and lack of attention naturally fade.

Homeopathy looks at the person as a whole rather than focusing on specific symptoms. Each to treatment is individualized to the person after a thorough review of their physical and mental state. The treatment will take into account any ongoing ailment as well as deficiencies and diet.

There should be no side effects with a correctly devised and administered treatment plan – However, the child should always be monitored to any side effects even if the risk is low.

Case study on homeopathy treatment

In a controlled double-blind placebo study published in 2005, it shows that there was a significant improvement in concentration from using homeopathic treatments. The 62 children who took part were diagnosed with having ADHD and the study involved 3 phases using only homeopathic medicine.

In the first phase, they were treated with homeopathic medicine that had been individually designed for each child. Those children who had improved by 50% went onto the second phase. The second phase, which involved use of a placebo group. In the third phase they went back to their own medicine.

The results showed that in the second part of the trial those kids taking the homeopathic medicine continued to show improvements while the children taking the placebo worsened. When they returned to taking their medicine in phase three their symptoms reduced.

Homeopathy has been reported to be an effective treatment for ADHD by improving the following areas: attention span, social skills, self-esteem and decrease impulsiveness, aggressiveness, restlessness and emotional problems. Grades have reportedly improved and ability to complete schoolwork increased.

When starting a homeopathic treatment program it can take some time for the effects of these remedies to be noticed. However, once administered, the improvement gradually continues over the succeeding months.

If you want to try homeopathic treatment for your child speak to your doctor to see if they can give you a referral to a qualified practitioner. If not try to get a personal recommendation and check credentials. Taking homeopathic medicine should not interfere with stimulant drugs, however make sure your doctor is aware of your plans.

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A Homeopathy ADHD treatment approach can be an effective alongside other treatment options or on its own.

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Arthritis Relief with Homeopathy

2007-10-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy dynamically empowers the chiropractor with a comprehensive therapeutic armamentarium to help the majority of chronic degenerative health problems plaguing our society, including the many forms of arthritis.

Arthritis affects over 37,000,000 Americans. The broad spectrum of arthritis includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions, such as Ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, gout, Juvenile arthritis, lupus, Lyme disease, psoriatic arthritis, and Reiter’s syndrome.

Homeopathy equips the chiropractor to not only help the multiple symptoms of arthritis; it works deep within the body to correct the underlining causes in many cases. This powerful ability of homeopathy corrects the genetic predispositions we have acquired through a thousand years of our family tree. This remarkably in-depth correction comes through an incredible discovery in homeopathy called miasms. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann originally developed the concept of miasms as the “obstacle to the cure of disease”. Homeopathy can clear these miasms from our body - thus correcting the genetic predispositions we have to disease.

This phenomenally powerful therapy can not only correct the individual ’s predisposition to a disease such as arthritis, but also help the offspring of that individual born after the deeper correction has been made! Homeopathy uses minute doses of pure extracts from all realms of nature and activates the body to heal itself by correcting underlying causes of diseases rather than merely suppressing symptoms. There are many homeopathic ingredients that have stood the test of time - as they have been researched, tested and proven to provide relief from many of the painful associations with arthritis. An abridged summary of some of the most beneficial ones (as researched by William Boericke, MD, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory, 9th Edition) are as follows:

Actaea Spicata: (Baneberry) A rheumatic remedy, especially for small joints, e.g. wrist, fingers, knees, ankles and toes. Relieves spasmodic and throbbing pains in head, face, stomach, abdomen and extremities.

Arnica Montana: (Mountain Arnica) Muscular tonic for limbs, body aches and strained joints, with a tendency to tissue degeneration. Gout.

Bellis Perennis: (Daisy) Excellent remedy for sprains, bruises, rheumatic symptoms, sore joints and muscles, varicose veins.

Bryonia Alba: (White Bryony) Relieves soreness, weakness, stiffness, dizziness, rheumatic pains, swellings, irritability, physical weakness, and apathy.

Calcarea Carbonia: (Carbonate of Lime) Great remedy for impaired nutrition for glands, skin and bones. Relieves rheumatoid pains, rheumatism in lumbar region, swelling of joints (especially knees), and cramps in calves.

Calcarea Fluorica: (Fluoride of Lime) Powerful tissue remedy for hard, stony glands, varicose and enlarged veins and malnutrition of bones. For chronic lumbago, gouty enlargement of finger joints, depression and groundless fears.

Causticum: (Tinctura acris sine Kali) Action mainly in chronic rheumatic, arthritic and paralytic affections, indicated by pains in the muscular and fibrous tissues with deformities about the joints. For progressive loss of muscular strength, and relief of heaviness, weakness and unsteadiness of muscles.

Cimicifuga Racemosa: (Black Snake-Root) Especially useful in rheumatic, nervous subjects. For restless feeling and aching or jerking in limbs and muscular soreness. Also for depression and for nausea and vomiting caused by pressure on spine and cervical region.

Formicum Acidum: (Formic Acid) For arthritis, articular rheumatism, chronic gout and stiffness in joints. For weakness of lower extremities, pain in hips, nodes around joints, complaints of over lifting.

Hypericum Perforatum: (St. John’s Wort) Great remedy for nerve injuries. Relieves pain after operations, cramps in calves, pain in toes and fingers (especially in tips), joints that feel bruised, jerking and twitching of muscles. Useful for puncture wounds.

Ledum Palustre: (Wild Rosemary) Relieves throbbing in shoulder, cracking in joints, swollen ankles, rheumatism, gouty pains shooting through feet, limbs and joints.

Magnesia Phosphorica: (Magnesium Phosphate) Anti-spasmodic remedy. For neuralgic pains, cramps in calves and sciatica, weakness in arms and hands, and general muscular weakness. Especially suited for languid, exhausted subjects.

Phytolacca Decandra: (Poke-root) For aching, soreness, restlessness and prostration, rheumatic pains, pain in under side of thighs; pain in legs, ankles, feet. Relief of stiff back.

Pulsatilla: (Wind Flower) For intense pain in thighs, hips, knees and legs with restlessness, sleeplessness and chilliness. Relieves numbness around elbow.

Rhododendron Chrysanthum: (Snow Rose) Relieves rheumatic and gouty symptoms with swollen joints, rheumatic tearing in limbs, stiffness of neck, pain in shoulders, arms, wrists, toe joints, and pain involving dental nerves.

Rhus Toxicodendron: (Poison Ivy) For rheumatic pains spread over a large surface. Relieves swelling of joints, tingling in feet, pains in tendons and ligaments, pain and stiffness in small of back, loss of power in forearm and fingers, and state of being listless and sad.

Ruta Graveolens: (Rue) Relieves pain in small of back and loins, bones of feet and ankles, pain and stiffness in wrists and hands, contraction of fingers, and great restlessness.

Salicylicum Acidum: (Salicylic Acid) Useful for swollen, painful knees and acute rheumatism. For sciatica and vertigo.

Symphytum Officinale: (Comfrey Root) For injuries to sinews, tendons and the periosteum. Acts on joints, neuralgia of knee, perineum and bones.

Needless to say, arthritis is a painful and often debilitating disease. However, with application of the appropriate homeopathic remedies, many patients can find relief that allows them to live their lives filled with more happiness and contentment than they ever imagined. Although these are some of the more common remedies for arthritis, there are over a hundred other remedies to consider when uncovering the various underlining causes associated with arthritis. I recommend using homeopathic formulas designed to address the many possible causes and predispositions to arthritis.

Asthma Homeopathy Treatment Methods

2007-10-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

An asthma homeopathy treatment can be used by a person suffering from asthma in order to reduce having to use more traditional Western medications. This type of treatment can not only help to reduce the symptoms of asthma but is found to be very effective for treating babies and children who have only recently been diagnosed with the condition. It can also be effective for those adults who have recently found that their asthma has returned.

However what you must remember is that traditional Western medical treatments can actually save a person’s life that suffer from asthma and should not be stopped. But a person may be able to supplement asthma medical treatments with alternative forms of asthma homeopathy treatment for better effectiveness.

Often a lot of people who suffer from asthma will turn to using homeopathic treatments for their condition as not only are they natural, they are not addictive and they do not cause any side effects. This makes them more suitable for using with babies and young children as well as the elderly. All forms of homeopathic asthma treatments are made from plant, mineral and organic products which are specially prepared in order to provide a person with the most effective form of treatment for dealing with the symptoms associated with asthma.

However when it comes to using any kind of asthma homeopathy treatment a person may find that where someone gets results almost immediately when they start using it for others it may take a little longer. But whoever uses it should not expect miracles and although they will notice a general improvement in their health and well being as well as some of the symptoms becoming reduced they will not find that it instantly stops everything happening at once.

Generally when it comes to getting asthma homeopathy treatment the sufferer will visit a homeopathic practitioner who will then devise a plan that is devised for their own individual needs. Where as often with more conventional forms of asthma treatment and medication these will be based around a basic plan and then slowly the doctor or health practitioner will make changes as and when they see fit to suit a certain individual’s requirements.

Ricky is the online editor of an asthma homeopathy website. Visit his site today for more information on the various homeopathy treatment for asthma.

Does Homeopathy Work?

2007-10-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of “homeopathy” but you’re not sure what it is. Simply put, “homeopathy” is a system of medicine that treats a condition with highly diluted natural substances that mimic the symptoms of the condition being treated. This concept seems paradoxical to most.

Homeopathy is a difficult concept to grasp. How do you cure someone of an illness by giving them an infinitesimally small concentration of something that can cause the illness? One would think that by giving someone who is sick something that causes what they’re already suffering from would only make the person sicker. But, according to proponents of the science, homeopathy not only works, but is better than conventional medicine, espousing their belief that homeopathy is the way medicine should be, but somewhere along the line the pharmaceutical industry got involved, and natural medicine was abruptly dismissed in favor of chemical laden formulations.

There are actually quite a few homeopathic medicines in your neighborhood pharmacy and health food store. You may not be aware that they’re there, but they are. The FDA requires that homeopathic products put the word “homeopathic” somewhere on the packaging, though sometimes the word can be difficult to find. The easiest way to ascertain whether the product you’re looking at is homeopathic is to read the label on the back and take a look at the ingredients. In homeopathy, all of the ingredients are diluted, so each ingredient in a homeopathic product has the letter “X” after it. So, if one of the ingredients is “Zinc 20X”, that means the product contains Zinc that has been diluted 20 times. One of the most popular cold medicines on the market, “Zicam,” is actually a homeopathic remedy that consists of homeopathic zinc in the form of a nasal gel. Most people that use Zicam don’t even realize that it’s homeopathic.

There are homeopathic remedies available for almost any condition you can think of. Cold, flu, allergy, even bedwetting; there is a homeopathic remedy available for almost every condition (yes, there really is a homeopathic medicine to treat bedwetting, made by Liddell Laboratories in Moraga, CA). Homeopathy is universally recognized as being safe, as the ingredients used are natural substances diluted so many times that there’s almost nothing in the product. Because there is such a small concentration of the ingredients in a homeopathic remedy, many cynics, including the drug companies that make conventional medicine and are afraid of the growing popularity of homeopathy, claim that any improvement in an ill person’s condition experienced after using a homeopathic medicine is purely the result of the placebo effect. And because the FDA does not require that homeopathic products undergo clinical testing before being sold to the public, the detractors feel that homeopathy is a bunch of bologna and that it doesn’t really work. So, who’s telling the truth? Does homeopathy work or not?

In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. There have been several clinical trials done over the years to test the efficacy of homeopathic products. Liddell Laboratories makes a product called “Vital HGH” which contains homeopathic HGH. Vital HGH is designed to treat the symptoms of aging and/or a rundown condition. In a small clinical trial performed years ago, a group of test subjects who were deficient in human growth hormone, ranging in age from 45 years and up, were given the Vital HGH formulation. The results speak for themselves. During the five month clinical trial, the levels of HGH in the blood increased in every test subject, and more than doubled the average level of HGH.

Homeopathy does work. I speak from personal experience. I used Liddell’s homeopathic remedy to deal with the allergy attacks I was having, and the medicine not only stopped the attacks faster than the Claritin I had been taking, but I began using the Liddell allergy product once a day as a means for preventing the allergies from recurring, and I haven’t had another attack since.

So, why is there a controversy? Well, there’s a public perception that homeopathy is the same thing as holistic healing, where a weird looking guy puts a triangle around your head and tells you to drink mashed tree bark, like George did on Seinfeld to treat his tonsillitis before he turned purple. This is not homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines are carefully formulated and contain tiny amounts of specific natural substances designed to provoke a response in your body that helps your body to fight the condition that the medicine is designed to treat. So, a homeopathic cold medicine would perhaps contain something that stimulates your immune system to more effectively fight a cold virus. It’s a really a very simple concept.

Another reason why homeopathy is taken for granted is because it makes big drug manufacturers nervous that such products might be more effective for treating common illnesses as opposed to the more expensive prescription versions that make the pharmaceutical companies rich. Most homeopathic products are incredibly cheap. A prescribed conventional medicine costs a lot more. If the public began demanding natural, homeopathic remedies for their ailments, drug companies would have to make these kinds of products to stay in business, and then they’re revenues and profits would shrink. Imagine if Pfizer had to stop manufacturing Viagra, which they sell at $20-$30 per pill, and instead make a homeopathic product that would retail for only $20 for a one month supply. This is the pharmaceutical industry’s worst nightmare, and this is why drug companies often spend significant money to debunk claims that homeopathy works, using a wide variety of misinformation tactics to instill a belief in the public that homeopathy is hocus pocus. This simply isn’t true. Homeopathy works, and at a cost that people can afford.

You should continue to use the conventional medicines. They are needed and necessary and sometimes homeopathy doesn’t work for each and every individual. But, next time you go to the pharmacy, take a look at some of the homeopathic brands on the shelf and give them a try. For common ailments that aren’t life threatening, homeopathy is probably a cheaper and effective alternative.

http://www.consumersavingsrx.com, a licensed online pharmacy that sells various FDA regulated prescription drugs.

Homeopathy - the Basics

2007-10-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Homoeopathy is also another method of treatment, based on the nature's Law of Cure-` Like Cures Like'. It was discovered in the year 1796 by a German scientist Dr.Samuel Hahnemann and has been verified experimentally and clinically for 200 years. Homoeopathy is gentle, highly scientific and effective system of medicine as all medicines are prepared from natural substances to precise standards and work by stimulating the body's own healing power.

Benefits of Homeopathy:

Homoeopathy offers long lasting to permanent cure; it not only cures the disease but treats the disease from its roots. It heals the patient from within. Homoeopathy is the most rational science with respect to its concepts of health, disease and cure. In homoeopathy it is believed that any disease is a total affection of mind and body, the disturbance of the inner system, the vital energy of the body. Therefore, in homoeopathy different medicines are not given for different afflicted parts of body but only a single constitutional remedy is given which will cover the disturbance of the whole person.

The good thing about homeopathy is that it is totally safe and unlike other medicines, it usually does not have any side effects. Homeopathy medicines do not have any chemical action, so they do not have the potential to cause any sustained damage. They have little or no pharmacologically active ingredients. They are effective in both acute and chronic conditions and offers positive results. The doses are given in sub-physiological quantities. So the same dosage can be given to both children and adults. Homeopathic medicines are usually sweet pills and that’s why even children make no fuss in taking them.

Cost:

Homeopathic treatment is comparably quite cheaper than allopathic and ayurvedic drugs. But as homeopathy treatments are not covered by insurance companies, many people do not go for it though it is an effective method of treatment. But you should always think of long-term gains as homeopathy can not only treat the immediate complaints but also take care of your future problems and it’s always better to take precautions before it gets late. Why wait for the disease to come and hit you when you can al well take medications to prevent it? This way there will be less medical consultations in the future. So the cumulative cost is very low.

Classical and Non Classical types:

There are two kinds of homeopathy: Classical and Non Classical. Hahnemann's formulation of homeopathy is often referred to as classical homeopathy. Here they use only one remedy at a time, and base their prescription also on incidental or constitutional symptoms. When a mixture of several remedies is used it is called complex homeopathy. Homeopathy is used both by professionals and as well as those who use based on formulations marketed for specific medical conditions, that is why many people are not familiar with classical homeopathy, and equate these practices with homeopathy. Today, everywhere the use of non-classical approaches exceeds that of classical homeopathy, at least in places where over-the-counter preparations are popular and also where many doctors use natural medicines in a conventional clinical setting.

For more information, visit my website at Natural Health Center.

Nick Stanlow, is expanding his reach. http://www.foxydeals.com is slowly expanding to help people appreciate the power of alternative medicine.

Alternative Medicine - Homeopathy

2007-10-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

The founder and developer of homeopathy was Samuel Hahnemann, (1755-1843). He was a German physician and some of his concepts seem to appear early in medical history. He developed homeopathy after becoming dissatisfied with the medicine of the time. Treatments at that time included bleeding, purging, cupping and excessive doses of mercury. He stopped practicing medicine in about 1782 and began to seriously question the mechanisms his cohorts were using.

He viewed disease as a matter of vital force or spirit. One of the earliest speculations of recorded medical history is the concept of the vital spirit and similar forces form the probable basis for any number of metaphysical health practices. It was thought to be a nonmaterial "force" that maintains life and for which there is no objective evidence. "The cause of our maladies cannot be material, since the least foreign material substance, however mild it may appear to us, if introduced into our blood-vessels, is promptly ejected by the vital force, as though it were a poison. no disease, in a word, is caused by any material substance, but that every one is only and always a peculiar, virtual, dynamic derangement of the health", according to Hahnemann.

Paying attention to the symptoms rather than to the external causes of a disease is believed to be more important. If one knew the specific symptoms of an illness, then all one had to do was find a substance or substances that induced the same symptoms in a healthy individual. This is referred to as, "Hahnemann's Principle of Similars". At one time there were experiments that supported this notion, such as the work of Pasteur and Koch on inoculations, where very tiny amounts of weakened disease-causing microbes were used.

To test this notion Hahnemann and his followers tested the effects of almost 100 substances on themselves. This is a process known as "proving". The usual procedure was for a healthy person to ingest a small amount of a particular substance and then attempt to cautiously note any type of reaction or symptom which included emotional or mental reactions that might occur. By using this method, he "proved" that some substances were effective for treatment for a particular symptom. In one controlled study, healthy people reported similar symptoms whether given a homeopathic dilution of belladonna or a placebo.

Hahnemann believed that homeopathic remedies must be right for each individual person and prescribed them according to body type and personalities, which was based on the ancient humoral theories of Galen. The theories stated that there were four body types and personalities, based on which body "humor" predominated: blood (sanguine, warm-hearted and volatile,) black bile (melancholic, sad), yellow bile (choleric, quick to anger and to action) and phlegm (phlegmatic, sluggish and apathetic). He also said there were a few corresponding primary causes of acute and chronic illnesses, which he called "miasms". The first miasm is known as "psora" (itch) refers to a general susceptibility to disease and may be considered the source of all chronic diseases. The other two miasms are venereal diseases syphilis and sycosis (gonorrhea). These three conditions were thought to be the causes of at least 80 percent of all chronic diseases.

One good thing most definitely did come from homeopathy and that was an end to some of the ridiculous treatments. Some of the treatments were more dangerous than the diseases. Homeopathy may have helped speed the demise of such treatments and it provided the ideas and source for more useful drugs and treatments. Some early scientists stated that homeopathy led them to important pharmacological discoveries.

Michael Russell Your Independent Alternative guide.

The History of Homeopathy

2007-10-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

all the natural medicines, none is more divisive than homeopathy. Many chemists, biologists and physicians are quick to dismiss this 200 year-old system of natural healing as nothing but absolute quackery and in many countries around the world, just calling yourself a homeopath can result in imprisonment. But millions of lay people and thousands of educated, competent health care professionals from all walks of life believe completely in the healing power of this controversial system of natural healing.

Homeopathy is so popular in Europe that over 30% of the family practitioners in France prescribe homeopathic remedies and more than 40% of England's doctors regularly refer patients to homeopaths. Here in the U.S., homeopathy is enjoying something of a renaissance, as well. Though homeopathy is considerably less well-known here, a growing number of Americans are turning to homeopathy for help with everything from AIDS to the common cold.

Based on the use of extremely dilute preparations known as "remedies", homeopathy grew from the meticulous research of an 18th century German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. At the height of his career, Dr. Hahnemann was the personal physician to the German royal family and the author of one of the most respected chemistry texts of the time. But despite his personal and professional successes, Dr. Hahnemann grew increasingly dissatisfied with medicine. He suspected that the accepted therapies of bloodletting, mercury overdoses and other popular treatments were, in fact, doing more harm than good. He soon abandoned his orthodox medical career to devote himself full-time to the studies that would eventually give us the branch of natural healing that Dr. Hahnemann coined "homeopathy".

Unlike his mainstream contemporaries, who experimented only on sick people and laboratory animals, Dr. Hahnemann gave his experimental remedies to healthy adults to study their reactions under real-life conditions. Dr. Hahnemann noticed that healthy people receiving extremely small amounts of certain medications exhibited many of the same symptoms the medications were supposed to eliminate. He called his discovery the "Law of Similars" and it is this law upon which the rest of homeopathy is built. Even modern mainstream practices like immunization and radiation owe their widespread acceptance to this first law of homeopathy.

His discovery of the Law of Similars was the fuse that ignited the rest of Dr. Hahnemann's research. This research, the results of which were compiled into exhaustive volumes he called "provings", has been continually updated by other homeopaths ever since.

FAQs - About Homeopathy

2007-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Is cure possible with Homoeopathic medicines?
Homeopathy is curative. It treats the cause (internal malady or the imbalanced energy) and not the expression (diagnostic symptoms specific to the disease) of the disease. The symptoms are only used as an indication to select the right remedy for the individual. It treats the person as a whole and not his individual body parts. Homeopathy takes into account the expressions of an illness characteristic to the individual and a curative remedy chosen on this basis gives a gentle and permanent cure.

In which disease condition homeopathic treatment is more effective?
There is no condition that Homeopathy cannot treat. Conditions from a simple cold to cancer can be treated with Homeopathy. It takes into account the individual symptoms of the patient suffering from any disease and not the diagnosis of the disease. By the virtue of this certain diseases that cannot be diagnosed clinically or even unknown diseases can also be treated. Also in incurable cases where even the modern line of treatment fails to help the patient, homeopathy will prove to be a very good palliative and will improve the last days of life and ease the death.

Why detailed history?
Detailed history is very essential as homeopathy believes in treating the individual and not the disease. So the physician needs to know the individual and not about his disease. Also the chronic diseases are due to suppression of skin affections or emotions; hence detailed history will reveal whether any past ailments suppressed has lead to the present complaints.

Every incidence affects our life, so it is very important to know all the incidences and its impact it had on the patients. Hence a detailed history right from the childhood till date is needed to find the right medicine which suits the patient. If you co-operate and give honest and detailed history we can help you to achieve better and healthy life.

Is it safe to take Homeopathic medicines during Pregnancy?
Yes. It is safe to take homeopathic medicines from a qualified homeopathic doctor .If the treatment is planned in a proper way it will have lot of benefit to the mother and the child. The child will be much healthier and the medicines will help to fight the hereditary diseases which are carried from generation to generation. In fact if homeopathy is given during pregnancy the delivery is normal and easier. The child is relatively healthier and balanced emotionally, intellectually and physically.

Does one have to take the Homeopathic medicines for a long time?
No. The duration of the treatment depends upon the nature of the disease and the fighting capacity of the body. The treatment is continued for certain time period so as to improve the resistance of the body to fight diseases. So taking into consideration all these factors the treatment is continued for a certain time frame for the benefit of the patient. Once he starts improving we stop the medicines and the natural immunity of the body will take care of the rest of the problem.

Does Homeopathy take long time to act?
It is a myth that homeopathic medicines act slowly. It acts is a rapid way and the effect lasts much longer, often forever as here the disease is cured from its roots. On the plus side is absence of any toxicity and after effects. For e.g. if “X” is suffering from bronchial asthma and he is suffering for the last 14 years and has been to various systems of medicine. Now if you give homeopathy and say in 2 years time he is completely alright –Please tell us which one is slow?

Do homeopathic medicines have steroids?
No. It is a misconception that has been developing in the recent times. Due to the misconception that homeopathy takes long time to act; after seeing the improvement at a fast rate people think that homeopaths give steroids.

All Homoeopathic medicines are prepared by using scientific predefined methods of extracting the medicinal properties from source substances. There is no scope or need to adulterate the derived medicines with any other substances, as this would completely obliterate the curative properties of the same.

The prescription of homoeopathic medicines is based on the similarity of the symptoms of the patient with those produced by the drug (in its purest form) when proved (clinical trials) in healthy individuals. So any addition to the original medicine would completely alter its medicinal properties and hence render it non-curative. If the patient has doubts he should be advised to check the medicines from a standard laboratory.

Why do homeopaths do not tell the name of the medicines that have been given?
The name of the medicines is not disclosed for the benefit of the patient. If the patient after knowing the name of the medicine starts taking it according to his or her whims and fancies; it will distort the original unmodified disease picture and in the future treating the patient will be much more difficult.

The other fact is that certain medicines have to be changed and given as per the state of the disease and recovery which is very essential. At the end of the treatment if the patient wants the line of treatment that had been given it can be provided to him but at the end of the treatment.

Does homeopathy believe in disease diagnosis and pathological investigations?
Yes it is very essential to diagnose a disease as for the selection of the remedy we require to know the characteristics symptoms and not the disease symptoms. For e.g. If a person is having an attack of asthma he will be having wheezing and congestion of the chest and he gets relief only if he throws his head backwards. The symptom “throwing head backward relieves” is very peculiar which will help us in getting the right remedy. A good knowledge of disease is important. The pathological investigations are also important to know the prognosis and disease diagnosis.

Are there any food restrictions during the treatment?
Yes one has to avoid coffee, raw onion and raw garlic. One should also avoid eating mint, camphor and menthol as these can hinder the action of the homeopathic medicine or antidote the effect of the medicine.

Does one have to stop other medicines which the patient has been taking?
No. The patient should not stop the medicines which he has been taking. It should be tapered after the patient is improving this should be done in consultation with the other treating physician.

In some cases the other medicine cannot be discontinued in such instances both the medicines have to be continued for the benefit of the patient. The treatment should be planned and properly implemented.

Do homeopathic medicines bring about aggravation initially?
In some cases there is an initial aggravation of the symptoms but it is a good sign that the medicine is right and has started acting. But this happens in a few cases not all patients will have an aggravation.

Is Homeopathy a proved science?
It definitely is. Homeopathy is a science based on sound logic and vast experimental data. Homeopathy is the only medicinal science where data has been collected by proving on human beings. The principles of Homeopathy have been derived and authenticated by vast clinical experiments and data. The homoeopathic medicines are prepared in a standardized manner. The homoeopathic pharmacopoeia lists more than 3500 remedies, whose clinical efficiency has been proved in various clinical trials conducted all over the world. Various institutions and individuals are proving new medicines and increasing the scope of homoeopathic medicines.

Are Homoeopaths qualified doctors?
Yes. There are more than 180 homoeopathic medical colleges in India and about 2000 colleges all over the world recognized by the Government and the University. The degree course is an extensive study of the human body and homoeopathic pharmacy, lasting for four and half years followed by internship for 1year, which includes hospital training and patient management. After this the students are given the degree making them qualified doctors. There are now also postgraduate courses available in Homeopathy. One has to register with the Homoeopathic Medical Council to practice Homeopathy legally, and has to renew the registration every five years (India).

Is it true that Homoeopathic medicines are only placebos (sugar pills)?
No. The pills of homoeopathic medicines are made from sugar but they work only as vehicles. Actual liquid medicine prepared with alcohol base is then poured over them and allowed to dry. These pills are then dispensed as medications.

Homoeopathic medicines are also available in liquid form or tinctures, which can be ingested directly or by diluting them in water.

Does the Homoeopath give the same white pills for all illnesses/patients?
Certainly not. Although it appears that same white pills are given for all illnesses or patients it is not so, as there are more than 3500 remedies to prescribe from and new medicines are added to the list regularly, after their proving and clinical trials. All homoeopathic medicines are available as liquids with an alcohol base. In order to dispense a medicine to a patient, the indicated remedy in the liquid form is poured on the white sugar pills, which merely act as vehicles to transfer the medicinal property. Hence it appears that the same white pills are administered to all.

Is homeopathic treatment effective for children, adults, woman and elderly?
Homeopathy has no bar for age and sex; it is equally effective for every human being in every stage of their life from birth till death.

Does Homeopathy work in acute cases?
Yes. Homeopathy has wonderful remedies that give prompt relief in acute cases like fever, cough, cold, diarrhea, headaches etc. when the person opts for Homeopathy at the onset of the ailment.

Does Homeopathy believe in Surgery?
Yes, it does. Surgery is a separate branch of science. It has to be resorted to in conditions that are beyond the domain of medicine. But one can avoid surgery as Homeopathy can effectively treat many so called surgical conditions like, tonsillitis, piles, warts, kidney stones etc.

Should one take homoeopathic medicines only from a qualified doctor?
Yes he should. There have been instances of miracle cures by lay people practicing Homeopathy, but it is always advisable to go to a homoeopathic physician, as he is qualified to judge the severity and depth of your illness and thereby prevent undue complications later on, which could be overlooked by a hobby practitioner due to his ignorance of medical knowledge. Only a qualified physician can guide you towards a complete (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and pathological) recovery.

For more details visit us at: http://www.hhomeopathy.com

Autism Homeopathy Treatments

2007-10-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

There are many things that strike fear in the hearts of parents. No one wants to hear that their child has cancer, and they certainly don’t want to hear that they have a heart defect or that a medical condition may permanently affect, or even end, their life. Though the diagnosis of autism is not something that means a child will have a short life, it does mean that they are going to have a different life. No parent wants to hear this, but for many it is a reality. Because there is no known root or cure for autism, this puts parents in a difficult situation. They want to help their child, but they aren’t sure how to do it. This leads some down the path of autism homeopathy treatments.

The biggest stumbling block for accepting homeopathy treatments for any ailment is that people struggle to understand how they work and that if they do why aren’t their doctor’s recommending it?

The thing is that without proper study and education, doctors simply can not recommend something they don’t know about, and they know that if they do, they open the door to trouble. However, parents that choose to try autism homeopathy for their child would be smart to do so under the watchful eye of a medical doctor.

Before you can try autism homeopathy treatments, you have to understand how they work. Unlike cancer, where the illness is treated as an illness, autism and any other medical condition, is treated by symptoms.

This means that you could have twenty children with classic autism, but you would probably find that their homeopathy treatments are all different. This is because each child is unique, and they may have different symptoms in different degrees. Any smart parent will do their research and find someone who can guide them before they jump in. Treating the wrong things in the wrong way will ultimately lead to monumental failure and frustration.

One of the most common homeopathy treatments for children with autism is a change in diet. Some believe that this is the best way to help with symptoms. The most common items eliminated are dairy products. Others like to get rid of food that has been altered in any way. This might include removing any foods with preservatives and colorings. Wheat and gluten intolerance might be a problem, and foods containing those things might be removed to see an improvement. Results with diet modification will vary, but many parents report that this is shown great promise and marked improvement in their autistic children.

Other autism homeopathy treatments include supplements, treatments to remove toxins from the body, speech and socialization therapy, healing through energy (balancing the body energy, much like the principles of acupuncture), natural medicines, and herbal remedies (closely related to natural medicines).

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It would be unfair to say what results to expect, as each child and each treatment will be different. However, if parents are looking for remedies and answers, this might be a path they wish to explore under the guidance of someone well versed in homeopathy autism treatments.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on autism. In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

Homeopathy - What is It?

2007-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy has been practiced for generations before modern medicine, with herbs and potions. The word is easily translated. Homios, coming from Greek, means "like." Homeopathy then is simply the medical practice of treating like with like. Who hasn't heard of using "the hair of the dog that bit you" to make you feel better?

The principle was known to Hippocrates and Paracelsus; however, the main debt of those who follow homeopathy is to Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., a great doctor of the eighteenth century. Dr. Hahnemann, appalled by the existing medical practices, which so often did more harm than good, sought a method that would be safe, gentle, and effective. He believed that human beings have a capacity for healing themselves, and that the symptoms of disease reflect the individual's struggle to overcome the forces of antagonistic to live. The physician's work must be to discover, and if possible to remove, the cause of the trouble, and stimulate the vital healing forces of nature.

Hahnemann and his followers were so convinced of their theories that they performed experiments upon themselves (called provings). Over long periods they took small doses of various reputedly poisonous substances, carefully noting the symptoms they produced. Patients suffering from similar symptoms were treated with these substances with very encouraging results. Having thus established the principle of similarity, Hahnemann worked to establish that the smallest effective dose, for eh realized that this was the best way to avoid side effects. To his surprise he found that, using a special method of dilution, the more similar the remedy was diluted, the more active it became, while dissimilar remedies were ineffective. He called his method "potentization" and his serial dilutions "potencies," to indicate the power that was developed. This paradox, that less of a substance could be more effective, was somewhat unacceptable to the scientific minds of his time. Hahnemann and his followers were ridiculed, but homeopathy survived simply because it achieved remarkable results.

Today a changing outlook in science renders the concept of the infinitesimal dose less incredible. Homeopaths consider it better to treat a sick person rather than the disease. For this to be possible, a great deal must be known about the patient: his past health and life circumstances, the pattern of health in his family, and the present condition. These are combined with those characteristics that make-up his personality; whether he prefers hot or cold weather; the sea or the mountains; whether he is musical or artistic, quick tempered or sulky; dark, fair-haired or red-headed; his hopes fears and aspirations. The homeopathic physician endeavors to build a multi-dimensional picture of his patient, which will be watched by one of the drug pictures derived from the provings of the remedies. Infinitesimal doses of that remedy will help that patient to heal himself. Because the patient is treated and not the disease, patients suffering from the same "disease" will often require different remedies, while another group of patients with different "diseases" may all benefit from the same remedy. Although this makes controlled trials problematical, the basic principles of homeopathy indicate clearly why this is so.

What are the remedies? They can be animal, vegetable, and mineral. Homeopaths use herbs and botanical medicines but usually only after potentization. They also use drugs such as morphine, cocaine, arsenic, again their potentized form, no longer poisonous but marvelously effective for good - for the right patient. Substances that in their natural state have little or no obvious effect upon the human body (sand, charcoal, common salt, pencil lead) develop in the potentized form powerful healing properties in the right person. Homeopathy is essentially natural healing; the remedy assisting the patient to regain healthy by stimulating nature's vital forces of recovery. Adequate rest and appropriate diet in a satisfactory environment will obviously support recovery, and those especially in the management of chronic illness.

Rapid results can be achieved in acute illness; however, if the patient's vitality is low, the treatment will be of long-term nature. Sometimes irreversible bodily changes are present. In these cases other forms of medical or surgical treatment may be necessary to give the patient a fresh start, after which homeopathy will help to prevent deterioration or recurrence. Homeopathy does not underrate the value of surgery in advanced cases, but it does not argue that if homeopathic treatment started earlier, far fewer cases would need the skill of the surgeon. Some of the happiest results of homeopathic treatment can be seen in babies and children. Here natural vitality is or should be at its highest, and infrequent high potencies of the well-chosen remedy can set the small person's feet firmly on the road to health. Homeopathy, then, is not a cure-all, nor an elixir of life. Rather it is an idea, a way of looking at people in their surroundings, enabling them to increase their harmony and well-being. It does not reject the great discoveries of medical science, but only their commercial abuse. In the present form it has stood the test of 150 years; and as good medicine, it stands in the tradition that extends from the time of Hippocrates until the present day.

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Homeopathy

2007-10-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy is one of the most widely used forms of medicine in the world today. (1)

How homeopathy works
Homeo - same, pathos - suffering
Homeopathy takes the principal known as the law of similars or "like cures like" the strategy also behind immunizations. This means that a substance that can cause the disease can also cure it. If coffee leaves one wide awake then a homeopath may use potentised (diluted) coffee or coffea 200C as it's known to relieve insomnia. (2)

Founder of Homeopathy
Homeopathy as it is known today was developed over 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor and chemist. He believed that "The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gently and permanent restoration of health, or removal and annihilation of the disease in its whole extent, in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles." (1)

How scientific is Homeopathy?
According to the majority of modern mainstream medical professionals, homeopathy is long way from being scientific and its effectiveness needs a long stretch of the imagination. However in 1991 the British Medical Journal published an extensive review article by a group of Dutch researchers on the effectiveness of Homeopathy. They reviewed 107 Homeopathy clinical trials that had been published in reputable medical journals. 77 trials showed that Homeopathy worked, so they evaluated the methodology to see how carefully the trials were conducted - expecting to see poorly performed trials. To their surprise they found instead, that the clear majority of those more rigorous trials homeopathy proved to be effective. "Based on the evidence we would be ready to accept that homeopathy can be efficacious, if only the mechanism of action were more plausible…" (2)

How are Homeopathic remedies prepared?
Remedies are derived from plant, mineral, or animal substances. The remedy begins as a liquid solution taken through a series of dilution steps involving shaking or succession to potentise it. It then turns into a tiny sugar tasting ball that you dissolve in the mouth, which is a good reason for scepticism as it tastes too good to be medicine.

Where can I find out more?
In the UK I recommend contacting the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths at www.a-r-h.org for a registered practitioner. If you are on a budget and curious there are also discounted clinics offered by final year students under the eyes of supervisors. Alternatively most countries have a registered body that can be found through a google search.

Your 3d Coach

Craig Burton

References

(1) Alliance of Registered Homeopaths website, http://www.a-r-h.org
(2) Radical Healing, Rudolph Ballentine M.D., Randon House Publishing, 1999

About the Author:

Article by Craig Burton. Craig is a prominent European based holistic health and fitness coach with more than 15 years experience. Craig is a Sports Science graduate of Edith Cowan University and has postgraduate accreditations in nutrition, massage, athletic training, and corrective exercise therapy. He is the author of "The 21 Day Roadmap to Health" available at http://www.3dpts.com

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to forward it to others, make it available from your site or post it on forums for others to read. Just make sure that this paragraph and URL are included. For more information and articles on health and fitness visit http://www.3dpts.com/articles

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Homeopathy

2007-10-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Find Homeopathy Schools in the United States and Canada. Once you’ve decided to pursue your education in the field of homeopathy, there are several homeopathy schools from which to choose. It is vital that you carefully review all course objectives, financial aid programs (if applicable) and course duration.

While some homeopathy schools offer certification programs; others may extend diploma programs. Some homeopathy schools may even offer PhD programs in homeopathic medicine as well (This option is typically available to candidates who have successfully fulfilled all graduate requirements and have completed all postgraduate courses, which can possibly be applied toward the PhD program).

Students who elect to sign up in homeopathy schools will discover the remarkable history, principles and philosophy surrounding homeopathy. Once enrolled in one of many homeopathy schools, students will find out that this alternative form of medicine was introduced to the Western world in the early 19th century and is based on the Law of Similars ("like cures like") and Hering’s Law of Cure and the Organon. Part of the curriculum extended in homeopathy schools may include but is not limited to homeopathic pharmacy, medication techniques, medicine classification and other relative topics of study.

Because homeopathy is different from conventional medicine, students of homeopathy schools will begin to understand how this form of medicine works to stimulate natural self-healing. Advanced courses offered through homeopathy schools may also consist of clinical training, dental homeopathic studies, advanced pharmacy studies, postgraduate studies and even veterinary homeopathy.

Though homeopathy schoolsvary in course curriculums, students can generally expect to learn that while conventional medicine tries to control illness, homeopathy attempts to cure it. In today’s society, homeopathy is a welcome alternative to mainstream medicine; and is quickly gaining popularity. This is just one of the many reasons why students may feel compelled to sign up for one of several homeopathy schools.

To learn more about the benefits of homeopathic medicine or to locate homeopathy schools near you, feel free to peruse our healing arts schools and holistic health practitioners’ directories.

Find your dream job! Let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, holistic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Homeopathy Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.

Should You Try a Homeopathic Acne Treatment?

2007-10-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's difficult when you have acne. Not only does it show up on the area of the body where it is most noticeable (in most cases) but it tends to strike in the most sensitive years of a persons life, when they are just entering puberty. I know that there were many people that had acne when I was in school and I can tell you from experience that kids can be so cruel. It wasn't as if we wanted to suffer from the problem, and we usually did what was necessary to try to get rid of it, which meant that we were much cleaner than our friends without the problem, yet it persisted.

There are several ways that you can clear your skin from acne, or at least the drug companies would like you to think that this is the problem. The real problem with the drug store treatments is that they are merely treating the symptom, the visible acne, and not really treating the underlying problem that is causing the skin to react.

The human body is an amazing machine, and the skin is the largest organ of the body (at least it covers the most area), so it is reasonable to think that is a persons skin is showing up with problems that it is really just alerting you to an underlying problem that you may not be aware of. That is where a homeopathic acne treatment is far superior to any drug store treatment.

The homeopathic acne treatment goes after the root cause of the acne instead of treating the acne that is on the surface. This gives you a cleansing effect that becomes evident from the inside out, and eventually shows itself with clearer skin. Just make sure if you are going to go for a homeopathic acne treatment that you go with someone that knows what they are talking about.

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Herpes Simplex Virus and Homeopathic Treatment

2007-10-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

A brief introduction to the herpes simplex viruses
The herpes simplex viruses [HSV] are DNA viruses and are of two types, HSV1 and HSV2. Both of them are capable of producing identical lesions.

HSV1 Affections
The HSV1 has an affinity for the upper part of the body producing oropharyngeal, cutaneous, and ocular lesions such as herpes labialis, gingivostomatitis, and keratoconjunctivitis, the reason being that this virus remains dormant in the trigeminal ganglion.

HSV2 Affections .
HSV2 on the other hand affects the lower half of the body producing genital lesions and also producing neuralgias along the genitocrural, femoral, and obturator nerves because it tends to remain dormant in the sacral ganglion. Herpetic whitlow or nailbed infection, meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, etc. are rarely seen manifestations of the virus and tend to occur only in the immunocompromised individuals.

An insight into the science of Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the science of healing which is based on the principle of similars. According to this, a substance capable of inducing a particular set of symptoms in a healthy person is capable of treating the very same set of symptoms if seen in a diseased individual.

The foresight of the Discoverer of Homeopathy
Two hundred years ago when Dr. Hahnemann discovered it, there were no microscopes and microbes were not known of. In fact it was he who speculated that there must be certain virulent particles capable of causing disease. He realized that to every stimulus, be it internal or external, the body first allows itself to be acted upon which he termed the primary action. Following this, the body reacts opposite to this primary action and that he called the secondary action.

Action of Homeopathic medicines
It is now that it is understood that the homeopathic medicines act as immune-modulators that induce an artificial disease in the body that is similar to the natural disease but a bit stronger. The body’s secondary response to this artificially induced disease fights off the artificial as well as the natural disease. Also, the process of potentization of the homeopathic remedies converts them into bioenergetic vibrionic medicines that act subtly upon the body’s energy reserves so as to restore the homeostasis between the positive and negative forces.

Homeopathy follows the Nature’s law of cure
Thus, while modern medicine aims at attacking the virus directly, homeopathy stimulates the vitality and boosts the defense mechanisms to combat and eliminate the virus. In this way, homeopathy follows the nature’s law of cure.

Modern Medicines for the viral infection
Modern medicine has little to offer for any viral infection except for vaccination which in fact had been borrowed from the homeopathic principle of isopathy itself where the individual’s immunity was exposed to diluted fragments of the microbe or the attenuated microbe itself so as to evoke an immunological reaction against that very same microbe when attacked by the latter naturally. Other medicines try to prevent the replication of the viruses but are only partly successful and helpless against the frequently mutating strains of the virions.

Homeopathy for the viral infection
Homeopathy on the other hand has an answer for any condition and any infection because “It doesn’t treat the disease in the person but the person in disease,” the entire approach being holistic and wholistic if I may say so. Individualization is the most important feature of homeopathy and we as homeopaths draw a conceptual image of the patient and study the psychosomatospiritual dynamics of every case taking the patient’s past, present and probable future into consideration. With our theory of miasms that talks about the attributes and manifestations of a particular category of people and similarly by taking into account the person’s constitutional type, temperament, and susceptibility, we can predict a lot about the prognosis of the disease in that particular individual. I will go into more details of these as I give you more examples.

Homeopathy for the manifestations of herpes simplex in general
Unlike the other schools of medicine where, the more the symptoms and the more the organs involved, more are the medicines given, homeopathy looks out for those remedies which cover the case in totality. The classical homeopaths give a single remedy known as the constitutional similimum only whereas some others give the constitutional drug along with other organ specific remedies or biochemical tissue salts to facilitate faster recovery.

For example: A person with herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, anxious disposition, nervous diarrhea, and marked craving for sugar might require a remedy called Argentum nitricum; whereas, another individual who has a violent temper, a tendency to recurrent ulcers in the mouth, with craving for ice and icy cold drinks with the same herpetic keratoconjunctivitis could probably require a remedy called Mercurius solubilis. A third person with herpes labialis and keratoconjunctivitis but with a reserved disposition, craving for salt, severe constipation and sun headaches would mostly need a few doses of Natrum muriaticum to treat the malady. Thus you can understand the finer intricacies behind a logical homeopathic prescription.

A lot of thinking goes into the selection of the potency of the remedy too, depending upon the age, gender, weight, build, sensitivity, susceptibility, immunity, pathology, etc.

Herpes simplex in men
In men, herpes simplex manifests in the form of balanoposthitis, i.e. the inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce. The outbreaks are typically circumscribed lesions with burning, itching, tingling, and dull pain or irritation. If the lesions are very close to the urethra, there could be pain and burning even during the passage of urine. Secondary bacterial infections may lead to pus formation also. In the case of homosexual men, anorectal lesions are produced due to the practice of anal sex.

Homeopathic remedies in men
Homeopathic remedies like Nitric acidum, Mezereum, and Cinnabaris are specifics. Even the nosodes prepared from the Herpes simplex viruses themselves are very useful and act as microvaccines to boost the immunity against these viruses.

Herpes simplex in women
This infection manifests frequently as vulvovaginitis with itching, burning, irritation and leucorrheal discharge. It rarely leads to dysplastic changes within the cervix of the uterus, which is considered precancerous.

Homeopathic remedies in women
In such cases, homeopathic remedies like Vespa and Kreosotum. Women have to be very careful if they are pregnant. In fact having genital lesions at around the time of delivery is one of the indications to go in for a caesarian section in order to prevent the spread of the infection to the baby. In any case, constitutional treatment is advisable even along with specific medications as it is known to remove many of the hindrances to recovery.

Combination therapies for the treatment of herpes simplex
Combination therapies consisting of Homeopathics, naturopathics, ayurvedics, and Tibetan herbs can be used in various formulations so as to raise the immune status on one side whilst relieving the symptoms simultaneously.

HE, the ALMIGHTY who cures
Alternative non-medicinal healing methods like Reiki, Yoga, Accupressure, Accupuncture, Sintergetica healing, and many such techniques along with the right diet and regimen can help to a very great extent and potentiate the therapeutic powers of any medicine. I believe that all diseases can be cured but not all people can be cured because every disease is karmic in nature and every suffering is predestined. We doctors can only treat, whereas, it is HE, the ALMIGHTY who cures. We have to put in our best efforts and leave the rest to HIM.

Homeopathy has a lot to offer for viral infections like Herpes Simplex which are otherwise termed incurable by modern medicine. The human body is well equipped with the potential to defeat any pathogen. All that is needed is the right stimulus.
By http://www.biogetica.com

Homeopathic Colleges - The Making Of Natural Healers

2007-10-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Find Homeopathic Colleges in the United States and Canada. Candidates who are seeking alternative medicine career paths will find that homeopathic colleges provide a unique education in classical homeopathy. Since society has fast begun to accept and demand natural health care systems, future natural healers who enroll in one of a number of homeopathic colleges will learn a wealth of natural and non-invasive health care modalities that will only benefit both personal and professional aspects of becoming a natural healer.

Academic and practical training provided through homeopathic colleges consists of homeopathic philosophy and history, Laws of Healing and Vital Force, homeopathic tools (I.e., material medica, Organon and Repertorium); emotional, mental, physical and spiritual dynamic planes; common remedies (and prescription and dosage); pathology, anatomy and physiology. Materials of medicine that are covered in courses through homeopathic colleges include education in various homeopathic medicines derived from animals, chemicals, minerals and plants. Because there are virtually hundreds of medicines used in homeopathy, students enrolled in homeopathic colleges will find that studies are course-intensive and require a fair amount of mental and practical training.

In addition, homeopathic colleges give students a comprehensive review and understanding into the age-old history of homeopathic medicine that is often said to pre-date Hippocrates.* (From "How to Learn Homeopathy - The History of Homeopathy") Students who successfully complete all educational and practical training requirements from one of several homeopathic colleges will learn how to effectively use homeopathy in treating both acute and chronic conditions that may not always be treatable by mainstream medicine.

Whether one desires to learn basics, (such as homeotherapeutics or more in-depth education to become certified in homeopathy), homeopathic colleges tend to provide a wide variety of studies that can fit individual educational needs and goals. Students who want to become natural healers in the medicinal art of homeopathy must understand that to become certified, one must have achieved a minimum of 500 classroom hours, in addition to numerous clinical training hours.

Though many homeopathic colleges offer extended courses of study over a 2-3 year time span, some homeopathic colleges provide introductory courses in classical homeopathy, which can be assessed through weekend workshops, seminars and home correspondence courses. Both students and professional practitioners, alike stand to benefit from this natural healthcare system that not only teaches students to become natural healers, but allows professional medical practitioners to enrich current health services.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding homeopathic colleges, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Homeopathic Colleges, Homeopathy Education, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Homeopathic Treatment for Depression - Our Review

2007-10-04T22:33:00.001-07:00

Definition

It is a treatment system wherein a patient is given very low doses of natural substances that in bigger amounts would trigger the symptoms of the disease itself.

Philosophy

Homeopathic treatments are often chosen above traditional Western medicine practices because there are little side effects to the treatment. Prescriptive drugs are designed to treat everyone with a particular issue such as Depression. The medications tend to dull feelings and treat the symptoms and not necessarily the root cause of your depression. The serious side effects particularly in kids are making more and more people turn to more natural means of treatment. Each person experiences their Depression in a different manner; therefore the treatment should address your unique needs.

Causes of Depression

Causes of Depression can be anything from loss of a job, fatigue, physical/emotional pain, or hormonal changes. Life events, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, or chronic illnesses could be the cause for some people. There is evidence that Depression will run in families.

Feelings seen in Depression

If you are depressed, you may feel angry for no apparent reason. You might become anxious and not know why. You may feel like you are in darkness or like you are in slow motion. You could experience pessimism, deep sadness, and like you are suffering among others. You might feel alone and isolated. Be assured that you are not crazy, it's not your fault, and there is treatment and support available. If you feel you need help, seek it out.

A brief note on other treatments

There are other treatment options including Holistic medicine which treats the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may be an option in conjunction with other therapies. Traditional medications are also an option to be considered.

Herbal supplementation is an option that has been gaining in popularity. It is not a new concept as ancient tribes and Shaman have used them in various rituals including healing for centuries. An herbal supplement will have little to no side effects as long as the herbal supplements are made to pharmacy grade and the ingredients' metabolic paths tested at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients should have also been observed too. This ensures the supplement's quality and effectiveness. It is also an assurance that you are getting what the label says you are.

Conclusion

Homeopathic, Holistic, and herbal treatments are all options for the treatment of Depression. Psychotherapy and traditionally prescribed medications is also an option. It is up to you and your physician to determine the right course of treatment that will best meet your needs.

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John Gibb is the manager and owner of various health websites. His latest addition is Natural Depression Alleviation