A false positive of heart diseases – the Roemheld syndrome

Tags

Angina Pectoris, bloating, Clever Homeopathy, gas, gastro-intestinal tract, homeopathy, IBS, Roemheld syndrome

 

It has become evident in our modern times, that many of our lifestyle habits, in particular keeping up with our increasingly hectic society, are taking their toll on our health. Our work-life balance is skewed heavily towards stress and our nutritional preferences are dictated by the time available to cook and the income to spare. It is therefore not surprising that our health is impacted negatively by how we conduct our life and manage our care. Such factors lead to the creation of ever new ‘life-style’ ailments that we succumb to, and are very frequently misdiagnosed for what they are not and are as a consequence not seldom inappropriately treated. One such ‘modern’ disease, that likely has some of its causative factors in our life-style and nutritional habits, is undoubtedly the ‘Roemheld syndrome’.

 

This symptom complex of ‘gastric cardia’ was first identified and described as a stand-alone syndrome in the early 1930’s, when Dr. Ludwig Roemheld identified the reflex heart symptomatology specifically caused by gastro-intestinal discomforts. Characterized by symptoms mimicking those of angina pectoris, the Roemheld syndrome is often mistaken for the former. As such the following afflictions are common to ‘RS’: Palpitation, arrhythmia (tachycardia), circulatory disorders, dizziness, dyspnea, and related states of fear and anxiety, panic attacks. Further symptoms associated with ‘RS’ are: Gastro-intestinal discomforts, trapped gas, nausea, hot flashes, sleep-disorders, syncope and tinnitus.

 

Ultimately the cause of the ‘syndrome’ is the development of gas in the digestive tract. This may be of varied origin and besides mal-nutrition, food-intolerance, indigestion, speaking while chewing and as such ‘swallowing’ air, may be caused by life-style factors such as stress, anger, or depression. Our sedentary work practice may play a role. We are accustomed to conduct most of our work sitting down, we engage in little physical exercise, eat rapidly and unhealthily, sooner or later such habits must make us ill. However there are also disease factors that promote Roemheld syndrome. IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, has been named as a potential adjunctive cause of ‘RS’, as has the existence of a hiatus hernia. Neural involvement of the vagus nerve has also been linked to the development of the ‘RS’ symptomatology. In this case sensory communication from the digestive tract to the brain is believed to impact the development of symptoms.

 

During an ‘attack’, the bloated gastro-intestinal tract displaces the organs in the thoracic cavity. To the patient there appears to be insufficient space in the chest. The bloated stomach and bowels push the lungs aside, generating pressure on the heart, causing anxiety, difficulty breathing, oppression, weakness, dizziness and faintness in the patient. The pulse rate increases, palpitation may appear and arrhythmia are triggered, in the form of tachycardia or extra systoles. It is not infrequent that these symptoms take a patient to see a cardiologist. However the causative factors of the presenting symptoms are often misinterpreted as originating from the heart itself.

 

In many cases the management of ‘RS’ can be achieved by altering dietary and lifestyle habits. As such, avoiding certain foods can alleviate symptoms and prevent ‘attacks’. Reducing alcohol and restricting the consumption of fizzy drinks, which promote fermentation in the bowels and thereby produce gas, can be helpful. Fast food, fatty meals, vegetables such as of the onion family, cabbage, pulses, pastry, and particularly white flour products should be avoided; such changes sooth the digestive activity of the stomach and bowels. However surgical intervention may be necessary where a hiatus hernia is identified as causative factor.

 

Conventional medicine suggests the administration of medication that reduces bloating, and inhibits the development of gas in the digestive tract. Yet this medical intervention is one that only palliates and does not remove the underlying cause. The issue remains and drug side-effects can produce consequential troubles in the long run. Acute alleviation can be achieved by herbal tea infusions with fennel, melissa, mint, juniper or black cumin. From a homeopathic perspective, remedies that aim at the removal of the digestive pathology and take into consideration the patient idiosyncratic cardiac symptomatology should be considered (gastro-cardia symptom complex).

 

 

References:

Brisson, J. (2016) Can Stomach Issues Cause Heart Disease? Part 2: Roemheld Syndrome, Available at: http://fixyourgut.com/can-stomach-issues-cause-heart-disease/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

 

N.A. (n.d.) Roemheld Syndrome Information and Resources, Available at: http://roemheld-syndrome.com/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

 

Stange, D. (2017) Roemheld-Syndrom – Ursachen, Symptome, Therapie, Available at: https://www.gesundheits-fakten.de/roemheld-syndrom-ursachen-symptome-therapie/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

It´s moon o’clock – time to chime with the moon

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, cycle, full moon, Health, homeopathic remedy, Luna, moon, new moon, phases

 

 

It has been known since ancient times that nature has its own laws and rhythms. Most prevalent to us ‘modern’ people are undoubtedly the change of season and the turn from day to night, and night to day. Yet in the days of old, our ancestors abode to many more such laws of nature. They were knowledgeable of the wisdom within an array of most essential rhythms that governed their every doing. The application of these laws permitted them to optimize what was given and available, what they needed to grow and form to benefit their lives needs.

 

By observation, interpretation and inherited awareness our forefathers and foremothers learnt to apply natures laws to their cycles of planting and sowing seeds, to the growing and care of crops and life-stock, to the foraging and storing of food, to the maintenance of health and the resolution of sickness.

 

Nowadays science and technology are used to optimize such aspects of human existence. Yet nothing in nature is pure coincidence, nature had, has and will always have its own irrefutable laws that provide a clear rhythm and schedule for all processes that occur.

 

We ‘modern’ folk have lost much of the sensitivity for, and the ability to, interpret and apply these laws. One such rhythm of nature is the cycle of the moon. The way it exposes its face in the night sky impacts the tides, the weather, the growth on earthen soil, and all organic existence.

 

‘La Luna’ governs our emotions and schedules the female cycle.  She is not a source of light herself, only reflects the shine from the sun. She lightens darkness, and her shine has a veil of mysticism, a hue of secrecy, for us. In her shade grow plants of poisonous character, the deadly nightshades. Already in the altered exposure of the moon, to the rays of the sun, lie strong forces that have the power to build and grow, to heal and strengthen. Hence, if we step back and pay attention to the neglected, if not forgotten forces of the moon, we can learn and subsequently adapt our actions and direct our focus, to become harmoniously in tune with the rhythms of nature, to benefit from what these laws can give, promote and enhance.

 

 

The moon travels along her periodic path, recurring in the same rhythm, completing the same cycle over and over again. She steps in and out of the shade, from new moon to new moon, travelling her cycle over 28 days. During this journey she always shows the same side towards the earth, always stable on its own axis, never rotating.

 

 

The meaning of the moon phases

New moon/Full moon: The new moon, the time when the moon is exactly between the earth and the sun, marks the starting point of the moons repetitive cycle. At this position, the moon is dark in the sky. No light is reflected from its surface, as the earth-facing side is receiving no light from the sun.

 

At this point the moon begins its cycle. Over the course of the coming 14 nights the surface of the moon increasingly becomes visible from earth. Gradually more sun light reaches the moon and we perceive the moon becoming bigger and rounder. This phase of the moon cycle is described as the ‘waxing moon’. La Luna reaches the half-way mark of its cycle during the 14^th night. At this location, its earth-facing surface is fully enlightened by the suns light and we, on earth see the ‘full’ moon.

 

After the full moon, the enlightened area of the moon reduces. Over the coming 14 days, the moon is in its ‘waning’ phase. The dark area of the moon becomes bigger, the enlightened area smaller, until the moon becomes entirely dark again and the phenomenon of the new moon reoccurs. The moon-cycle has reached its end point which is also the starting point of a new cycle.

 

 

For all life on earth, for our human development and existence, this cycle plays a greater role than we now-a-days anticipate or acknowledge. As such there are energetic influences that impact us, our bodily functions and systems, and our doing.

 

 

 

 

At new moon: the body has the greatest capacity to detox. This is a time for cleansing, for chucking out the old and welcoming the new. For endeavors, ventures and quests this is the most positive starting point of the moon cycle.

 

The waxing moon: is the most beneficial time for regeneration, for recovery and recuperation. It is a time of uptake / intake, of soaring energy and of gaining strength and power.

 

The full moon: then is a time of impaired and slowed healing. Wounds bleed more at this time. On this day our emotions are most volatile.

 

The waning moon: is a time of release. It is a phase of increased activity, of greatest power.

 

 

In the old days, much attention was paid to the position of the moon as it provided the schedule for the sowing of seeds, for generating the best crops and growing the strongest plants. The cutting of trees is not recommended on days of a certain position of the moon, as the ‘wounds’ will not heal well and the tree loses much of its life-juice. Similarly, in human health care, surgery is not recommended on some days, in particular at the full moon, as there will be increased hemorrhage and bad wound healing.

 

Only infrequently, if at all, do we nowadays relate any occurrences or incidences to the phases of the moon. The moon hardly plays a role in our schedules, and our hectic lifestyle has no space for the finely tuned sensitivity needed to perceive, or the wisdom to recognize the subtle forces of our celestial luminary. We commonly register the immense impact, without relating it to the moon. Yet, paying attention to those seemingly imperceptible influencing factors, may permit living a more balanced and harmonious existence. Such fluctuations of the rhythms of nature can be very valuable and may have a truly positive and beneficial impact on many aspects of our life [1, 2].

 

 

There is a homeopathic remedy derived from the moons light, ‘Luna’. It is indicated, amongst others, for the following symptoms [3]:

 

Irritability. Sadness, depression. Headache. Weakness of eyes, feeling of sand in eye. Sensation of stinging, smarting in the eyes. Feeling of coldness in head. Bitter taste on the left side of the tongue and increased salivation. Soreness of throat. Sour eructation. Flatulency in stomach with burning. Abdominal colic. Feeling of faintness in stomach with distension. Profuse urination. Immediate desire to pass stool after flatus. Menses returns after two days, after cessation. Sharp pain on left side of vagina. Suffocation sensation around the heart. Rapid pulse. Severe pain in sacral region. Rheumatic pains in left shoulder. Tendency to oedema.

 

 

 

 

References:

[1] Lichtenfels von, L. (2016) Mondkalender 2017, Rottenburg: Kopp Verlag

[2] Paungger, J. & Poppe, T. (1993) Aus eigener Kraft, München: Wilhelm Goldmann Verlag

[3] Clarke, J.H. (n.d) Luna, A dictionary of practical Materia Medica [online] available at: http://www.homeoint.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning from the Organon – Knowledge and wisdom on the practice of homeopathy derived from the aphorisms mapped out by Ch. S. Hahnemann

Tags

antidote, Clever Homeopathy, Dosage, Hahnemann, homeopathy, natural law, Organon

 

 

 

 

Reference used: Hahnemann, S. Organon der Heilkunst (2.Auflage). Heidelberg: Karl.F.Haug Verlag; 1974.

 

• The natural law of Homeopathy – Aphorism 26

The yet unproven, albeit perceptible principle of natural healing, according to Hahnemann, follows the fundamental law underlying the homeopathic art of healing.  This emphasizes that a weak dynamic affection that acts within the living organism is removable only by one that is more forceful than that dynamic impact. Yet this is solely possible if the latter, the greater affection is of permanence within this organism, and very similar to the expression of the former.

 

 

• The disposition to disease – Aphorism 31

In this aphorism Hahnemann draws attention to the fact that it is not at all times that an individual may fall ill with a disease. He stresses that a person falls ill when the human organism is disposed to an attack by illness, one could say when the organism is weakened or in disequilibrium.  Illness therefore does not befall every individual and not so at all time.

 

 

• The limitation of the healing art – Aphorism 76

Here it is stated that Homeopathy is only helpful in the treatment of natural diseases. Those ill-making factors created from mal-handling of disease can only be revoked by the vital force itself, lest it is not too weakened by the infliction. Here Hahnemann stresses that the identification of the underlying chronic miasm may be helpful. Furthermore, he emphasizes that a healing art capable of restoring harmony to the organism, that has been affected by the ‘abnormalities’ of allopathic treatment does not exist, and will not exist.

 

 

• The totality of symptoms – Aphorism 136

In the light of the idea of remedy provings, Hahnemann mentions that, during a proving, no participant will express all the symptoms spanning the entire expression of the remedy. However, this Hahnemann highlights, the remedy has the predisposition to arouse all of these within an individual. He explains this by referring to the natural law that insists on the similitude of the selected remedy to the symptoms that a patient expresses. The remedy creates an artificial state similar to the expression of the natural illness that the patient is suffering of.

 

 

• The alternation of two remedies – Aphorism 169

Before alternating two remedies which have similar symptom expressions, Hahnemann reminds of the following: In the event that a case-taking suggests two remedies that both cover, in part, some of the symptoms expressed by the disease, the better suited remedy should be given, yet, the other closely matching remedy should not directly follow the administration of the former. This second remedy should be re-evaluated to the altered state following the administration of the first remedy. An entirely different remedy may become necessary. Hahnemann here laments the lack of extensive and exhaustive remedy descriptions in the Materia Medica.

 

 

• The beliefs of the patient – Aphorism 208

Hahnemann warns to pay attention to the age, the art of living, diet, work, household and social rank of a patient. This he reminds is essential in order to make out any aggravating influencers and underlying factors impacting the patients’ treatment. Furthermore, he stresses to take note of the patients mentality and disposition, as these may obstruct the cure, or may be directed, to promote or alter the cure.

 

 

• The antidote in aggravations – Aphorism 249

This aphorism teaches us that in the event of the appearance of new symptoms, following the administration of a remedy, that are not those expressed by the disease, yet troubling to the patient, the given remedy must be considered inappropriately selected.

 

If the aggravation is prominent an antidote should be administered, prior to giving a more appropriately selected remedy. If the aggravation is only minor, the better matching remedy may be given directly.

 

 

• Dosage – Aphorism 272

This most important aphorism explains the topic of dosage. A globule, or pellet, according to Hahnemann, retains its medicinal strength for many years, if it is kept from sunlight and heat. The smallest dose of a homeopathic prescription is one single pellet, or globule, placed dry onto the tongue of the patient. It is considered the smallest dose for the treatment of the less severe, just developed states of sickness. A dose as such is said to touch only few nerves.

The same globule, or pellet, mixed with some milk sugar (lactose), diluted in water and vigorously shaken prior to administration, becomes one of the strongest medicines for use for many days, so Hahnemann stresses. Even the smallest amount of this dilution touches many nerves in the patient.

 

 

 

 

 

Must have … Hypericum!

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, concussion, homeopathic, Hypericum, injuries, neuralgia, wounds

 

by pixabay.com

 

This is a remedy that comes in handy where the little accidents in the household need tending to.

 

Hypericum must be thought of in injuries to the fingers or toes; in particular where the nails and the tips of respective digits are concerned. Where such injuries are extremely painful, as for example from mechanical impact, nails, splinters, needles or hammer, and wounds are of lacerated, punctured or crushed nature, Hypericum is indicated. The associated pain may be excruciating. Such injuries not infrequently cause neural damage. Here Hypericum can greatly relief of associated symptoms and pain.

 

Hypericum is needed where neural damage involves inflammation of the concerned nerve, and is accompanied by symptoms of numbness, burning and the sensation of tingling. Injuries that stem from animal bites may express such symptomatology, as may neuralgia of the face where there may also be tearing and pulling in the affected area. It is also a remedy indicated in spinal concussion with muscular jerking and twitching, lameness, inability of walking, cramps in calves, crawling in hands or feet. Here the slightest movement of arms or neck makes the patient cry in agony. There is a general sore, bruised feeling.

 

In the homeopathic home-kit Hypericum is, generally speaking, a remedy for traumatic wounds and neural affections. The shock and fright from such traumatic injury can leave the patient nervous and depressed. The perception of pain is then much increased. Mentally, this patient may express confusion, heaviness, vertigo, may be irritable, may forget what he or she was going to say, may forget letters when writing. There may be weakness and numbness in limbs, with crawling and trembling in hands and feet.

 

 

 

References:

Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

DHU (2011) Homöopathisches Repetitorium  Karlsruhe: Deutsche Homöopathie Union.

Some rare symptoms and their remedies – according to H. Leers

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, homeopathy, Leers, peculiar, rare, remedies, strange, symptoms

 

pic by pixabay.com

 

 

Removes blanket despite being cold – Mur. ac., Camph., Carbo veg., Sec., Tab.

Acne following the ingestion of cheese – Nux vom.

Allergy / Intolerance to Strawberries – Coff., Fragaria, Nat. mur.

Breathing, as through a sponge – Brom., Spong.

Feels observed – Calc., Meli.

Beer ameliorates – Aloe

Disgust at sight of food – Colch.

Disgust at talk of food – Ars.

Extra-systole – Adon., Cact., Conv., Crat., Dig., Gels., Spart.-sc.

Believes does everything wrong – Aur., Sil.

Extremities as if separated from body – Bapt., Bar.-c., Op., Stram., Thuja

Smiles without reason, always – Sumbulus

Music ameliorates, despite intolerance to noise – Aur.

Climate at sea, ameliorates – Med., Nat.mur.

Climate at sea, aggravates – Nat.mur.

Talks to self, in old age – Stram.

Toothache, cold water ameliorates – Clem., Coff.

Reaction to pain is delayed  – Alum., Cocc., Mang., Plb.

Hallucinations upon waking – Cina

Senility, asks questions without awaiting a response – Ambra

Strawberry tongue – Ant.t., Arum, Bell., Fragaria, Lach., Tub.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Leers, H. (1973) Sammlung seltener Symptome, 2 edn., Heidelberg: Karl F. Haug Verlag GmbH.

Must have … Arnica!

Tags

Arnica, bruise, Clever Homeopathy, hematoma, labour, surgery, trauma

 

Arnica is an all-rounder in the homeopathic home-kit, and definitely a must have! It is indicated for all those injuries, bruises and traumas that may well occur in the household, while conducting household chores, gardening, or out at play or recreation. It may be the muscular bruise from bumping into the table corner, or that from handling a garden tool; it may be the soreness following an over-exertion form work, exercise or play, all are handled very well with Arnica.

 

Pain that shouts for Arnica is one that feels as if bruised or beaten, or has the sensation of a sprain or dislocation. The soreness of muscles of Arnica may be followed by swelling or stiffness of the affected area, and damage to the skin, such as hematoma, contusion or trauma, may leave the injured area red, bluish, green, yellow or even blackish.

 

For fever, Arnica may be the right choice if there is shivering and cold all over the body, but the head is red and hot, or where there is coldness of the extremities, but internally the sensation is one of heat.

 

Arnica has a broad spectrum of indications, for example the symptoms of arteriosclerosis, often accompanied with hypotension, coronary sclerosis, muscle and joint rheumatism, stiffness of joints, rheumatoid pains, and others. It is a remedy indicated following surgery, as it helps speed up the healing process. As such it is also ideal for treatment after tooth extraction or during child birth. It is for nosebleed after coughing, for swelling of the throat in acute tonsillitis, and the hoarseness of the voice after extensive talk. It is one major remedy for cases of angina pectoris, concussion and apoplexy. Such severe health concerns though, belong into the hands of a capable professional homeopath or other health care provider.

 

 

References:

Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

 

Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

 

DHU (2011) Homöopathisches Repetitorium  Karlsruhe: Deutsche Homöopathie Union.

 

A short differential comparison of the Barium remedies

Tags

arteriosclerosis, Barium, central nervous system, Clever Homeopathy, debility, glandular, homeopathy, hypertension, senile heart, tonsilitis

 

 

Of the Bariums there is an infantile type, and one of old age. The infantile is characterized by a torpid scrofula, the ‘old’ affections by changes in the vascular system.

For both types there are symptoms of chilliness and sensitivity to cold. There is aggravation from thinking about symptoms, and from lying on the painful side.

 

 

Barium carbonicum: Acts on the heart, vessels and glands. Aneurism & Atheroma. Indicated for scrofulous glandular affections, arteriosclerosis, tonsillitis & hypertrophy of the heart. Senile heart. Multiple sclerosis.

Involves less the mucous membranes, but the glandular parenchyma.

Indicated for physically and mentally poorly developed children. Dwarfed, learn to speak and walk very late, dull, disinclination to play, learn poorly. There is a general tendency to angina (also with suppuration) Swollen tonsils after exposure to cold.

Childish old people. The aged that are weak and tired. Disturbed cerebral circulation. Weakness of memory. Marked action on the heart and its vascular system, also on the vessels of the central nervous system. Arteriosclerosis of the CNS. Chief remedy for end-results of cerebral sclerosis, for the manifestations of a typical apoplexy; aneurysm.

Sarcoma of neck with burning. Fatty tumors, especially neck and occiput, swelling and induration of glands.

Paralysis of mind and body. Palpitation with soreness of heart. Acute sense of smell. Outstandingly offensive foot sweat.

A slow acting remedy, needs to be given over a longer period of time. Requires 2 to 3 weeks to produce an effect. To be given in lower attenuation.

 

 

Barium muriaticum: Acts on affections of the heart and arteries, the peripheral circulatory system, indicated for the senile heart, coronary sclerosis, arteriosclerosis. Abdominal / aortic aneurism (!). For recurrent affections of the nose, throat, larynx, ear, tonsils. There is a tendency to catch a cold. Disposition to tonsillitis.

Palpitation, Hypertension, but also Hypotension. In hypertension Bar.mur . should be given in the higher potencies, in hypotension in the lower potencies. Weakness and heaviness in the lower extremities. Weakness and the sensation of emptiness in the epigastrium.

Convulsions, periodic attacks with excessive twitching and tossing about of limbs. Swelling of salivary glands. Parotid glands, hard and swollen (esp. right side). Acts also on pancreas.

 

 

Barium iodatum: Arteriosclerotic hypertension (!), exudative diathesis. Glandular enlargements and new growth. Bar. Iod. is very similar to Bar. Carb., but has a more marked impact on glandular affections.  Treatment with Bar. Iod. requires a long term therapy, 2 to 3 months.

 

 

 

 

References:

[1] Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[2] Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[3] Lesser. O. (1983) Textbook of homeopathic materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

 

The Auto-nosode

Tags

Auto-nosode, blood-nosode, childhood, Clever Homeopathy, homeopathy, Imhäuser, Isopathy, Nosode

 

 

A nosode, by definition describes a homeopathic preparation made from a pathologic excretion. An auto-nosode is a remedy made from such material that is derived from the particular patient him- or her-self, who is to be treated with the auto-nosode [1]. The auto-nosode is therefore an isopathic substance [1].

 

The idea of treating patients with isopathic substances is not new; it is first mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates. Yet in homeopathically potentised form it was Wilhelm Lux, a homeopathic vet who first employed this concept in 1820 [1]. The underlying idea uses the ‘aequale’ (the same) as opposed to the ‘simile’ (the similar) of the homeopathic principle of ‘like cures like’, to treat a disease.

 

Constantin Hering started using homeopathic nosodes, in application of the simile-rule in 1831 [1]. First mention of the nosodes in Hahnemanns Organon is in the 4^th edition, § 56 [1].

 

In 1895 a Parisian Dr. named Collet first mentions the use of homeopathic preparations derived from the tears, urine, sweat, and blood of sick patients for their treatment [1]. Auto-nosodes can also be made from sputum, pus, leucorrhoea, secretions from skin affections, and cultures of microbes or virus of a patient [3]. Dr. Collet potentised these auto-nosodes the Korsakovian way (explanation of Korsakov-remedies can be found here: https://talkndiscuss.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/korsakov-remedies-a-stand-alone-approach/), using the 1C & 6C in acute cases, and the 6C, 15C and 30C in chronic diseases [1].

 

Hedwig Imhäuser has used the blood nosode in her treatment of various illnesses in childhood. She describes the production of potentised blood as follows [2]:

 

The process of producing a blood-nosodes requires some 10ml bottles and alcohol of 25-30% strength. Each bottle is filled with 100 drops of the alcohol. One drop of patient blood is added to the first bottle, is then vigorously shaken, and one drop from this bottle is added to the second bottle which is then in turn succussed. This process continues with more bottles up to the desired potency.

 

Imhäuser [2] uses the blood nosode in 5C or 7C potency in acute infections where the similimum is difficult to derive or shows no effect, where a child is severely weakened, or complications have arisen.

 

In acute high fever Imhäuser suggests administering 2 to 3 drops of 5C of the auto-blood-nosode once daily, followed by one dose of 7C every 2 to 3 days. This is to be done until the fever has subsided. In recurrent infections, Imhäuser gives the 7C once every 8 days for 6 repetitions. Following the same pattern she then continues with the 9C, 10C and 12C. As such the patients will not have recurrence of the infection for up to a year, she explains [2].

 

Auto-nosodes may be viewed somewhat controversially in that they cannot be ‘derived’ following an individualized case-appraisal, and are commonly chosen on account of their patient origin. They are however, another tool in the hands of capable homeopaths, and may have healing potential that has not yet extensively been investigated.

 

 

References:

[1] Julian, O. (1960) Materia medica der Nosoden, 3 edn., Heidelberg: Haug Verlag.

 

[2] Imhäuser, H. (1970) Homöopathie in der Kinderheilkunde, 3 edn., Heidelberg: Haug Verlag.

 

[3] Master, F.J. (2010) Isodes, Nosodes and Sarcodes in Homoeopathy,Available at: http://www.drfarokhmaster.com/Editorial/2010-2011%20Editorial%20%20Feb%202010.pdf (Accessed: February 2016).

What´s up with placebo?

Tags

bias, Clever Homeopathy, Nocebo, placebo, randomised controlled trials, research, scientific

 

Only since recent time, is the scientific sphere increasingly diverting some of its attention to the placebo. While an established element in the conduction of research, and an embedded entity in the ‘gold-standard’ random controlled trial, the placebo remains a controversy.
Since its establishment as part of research methodology, it has “received inadequate attention, poor methodology, and a-priori assumptions” [5]. Yet, while being considered an inert medication or intervention that resembles the active drug or procedure, placebo, in fact, has specific effects of its own [1].

 

Prior to the use of placebo in research, a medical intervention was deemed effective if outcomes provided such evidence, yet since the introduction of placebo, the legitimacy of an intervention was only granted if outcomes of research showed superiority to a designated placebo [5]. A placebo control has since been employed to reduce bias on account of “ancillary effects” of a trialled intervention or regimen [6]. Its aim has been to “challenge, debunk, and discard ineffective and harmful treatments” [2].

 

Yet, with recent research drawn to investigate the effects from placebo, it has become evident that placebo itself has the ability of influencing trial participants [2]. Such findings render the placebo a tool that is “unscientific and caused by bias and prejudice” [2], and as such instigate an essential need to redefine placebo and its application [1].

 

Placebo effects are not the effects of the inert drug as which it is frequently defined, but are the alterations patients perceive in their states of health, caused by aspects related to non-medicinal or non-interventional sources. They are “genuine biopsychosocial phenomena” largely attributed to the therapeutic relationship, its proceedings and the patient-practitioner encounter [2]. Yet, such restrictive attribution is inappropriate. Trials have shown that placebo acts even where the impact from the therapeutic relationship and associated ritual are removed, or extended equally to all three trial arms, active verum, placebo and no-treatment arm. Either way, research outcomes have shown that the produced effects of placebo are greater than those reported from the no-treatment arm [3]. Furthermore, research has shown that effect sizes of placebo in conventional research, are as extensive over no-treatment, as verum is over placebo [1], and that placebo responsiveness is higher in trial conditions that use continuous, that is, non-specific, subjective outcomes [1].

 

In this light it is controversial, if not paradoxical, to employ placebo in trial investigations, as it fails to control bias, and impacts the efficacy outcomes [6]. Future studies employing placebo must include a third trial arm that investigates the outcomes from a ‘no treatment’ group, as a control for the placebo arm, and the chosen placebo must be appropriately selected for the particular type of trial to be conducted. It must be devoid of the potential to, itself, impact outcomes [6].

 

While, placebo, according to the current knowledge, is thought to be unable to provide entire cure, it is considered capable of altering symptoms and disease progress. As such it has the capacity to impact the efficacy of medicinal or clinical therapy and regimen [2].

 

Yet, there is the implication that placebo may be positive or negative. Nocebo, the negative placebo tilts patient perception from the positive anticipation of a treatment to a negative one, that is, the treatment results in a lack of effect, or is concomitant to experiences considered as undesired or adverse by the patient [2, 4].

 

Furthermore, the use of placebo in clinical practice is, by its nature, very controversial, as the ethical implication of informed consent is limited by its use. The use of the ‘inert’ pill or intervention becomes a deceptive act [2]. For a prescribed placebo to unfold its effect, this prescription has to be founded on the lie that the patient is receiving an active medication [3]. This is challenging in the medical/healing sphere, where “trust and transparency” are imperative to medical practice [2, 4].

 

Interestingly enough, when researchers investigated the impact on trial participants when these were told they would be receiving a placebo, their reaction to the faux pill was equally as effective as when it was not disclosed to them that they were receiving an inert drug [3]. Following such prior disclosure, the prescription of placebo rules out the ethical objectives of informed consent, and the ethical dilemma is overcome [3].

 

The use of placebo requires to be reconsidered, both for research and in clinical practice. Adjustments to the ethical paradigm are necessary in order to elucidate the use of placebo as a prescription to patients, and research must measure the placebo effect in its trials and studies, in order to identify its magnitude and make correct statements on the efficacy of drugs and interventions trialed in a placebo controlled manner [3].

 

Placebos are of an invaluable worth, as they demonstrate that physical ailment can be impacted psychologically [3]. Yet, it is not a healing response coming from the pill, but actually from the patient upon taking it [3]. The current conclusion on this phenomenon is an interesting one, namely, that the human body has an inherent power to heal itself [3]. Yet, we are nowhere near the end of exploration and explanation of the placebo and its effect.

 

 

 

References:
[1] Howick , J., Friedemann, C., Tsakok,M., Watson, R., Tsakok, T., Thomas, J., Perera, R., Fleming, S., & Heneghan, C. (2013) ‘Are Treatments More Effective than Placebos? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’, PLOS one [Online]. Available at: DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062599 (Accessed: June 2013).
[2] Kaptchuk, T. & Miller, F. (2015) ‘Placebo Effects in Medicine’, N Engl J Med, 373(), pp. 8-9 [Online]. Available at: DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1504023 (Accessed: July 2015).
[3] Silberman, S. (2010) ‘Meet the Ethical Placebo: A Story that Heals’, PLOS Blogs [Online]. Available at: http://blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/2010/12/22/meet-the-ethical-placebo-a-story-that-heals/ (Accessed: November 2013).
[4] Strausz, M (2012) ‘Nocebo: Der böse Bruder von Placebo’, DocCheck News [Online]. Available at: http://news.doccheck.com/de/326/nocebo-der-bose-bruder-von-placebo/ (Accessed: August 2015).
[5] Kaptchuk, T. (1998) ‘Powerful placebo: the dark side of the randomised controlled trial’, The Lancet, 351(9117), pp. 1722–1725 [Online]. Available at: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(97)10111-8 (Accessed: November 2015).
[6] Horn, B., Balk, J. & Gold, J. (2011) ‘Revisiting the sham: Is it all smoke and mirrors?’, Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2011, 4 pages. doi:10.1093/ecam/neq074