Homeopathy to alleviate the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Tags

Apnea, Clever Homeopathy, CPAP, homeopathy, Respiration, Sleep Apnea

 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a relatively common sleep disorder that is characterized by prolonged breathing pauses. While asleep, the individual suffering of Sleep Apnea repeatedly stops breathing for the duration of at least 10 seconds, or longer. This is problematic as the reduced respiration leads to interrupted sleep, and deprives the body of oxygen, impacting its saturation in the blood and consequentially posing a great risk to the sufferers health.

The greatest health risks are the development of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack, or stroke. However, in particular the daytime micro-sleep that sufferers can experience, can pose a threat to the life of the sufferer and potentially others, if occurring at work while operating machinery, or if in traffic while driving a car.

Persons who snore loudly during their sleep, who experience interrupted sleep patterns, wake after a full nights sleep feeling tired and exhausted, and who suffer of day sleepiness, are irritable, have memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and feel depressed, should become aware of this disorder.

 

There are three types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is the most common form of the sleep disorder and occurs when, during the process of inspiration, the muscles relax in the back of the throat, and fail to open the airway, obstructing airflow to the lungs. The brain, in turn, receives the signal that breathing is impaired and consequentially stirs the individual to awaken and begin breathing again. These breathing pauses are either an ‘Apnea’, where the airway is blocked completely, or an ‘hypopnea’ where the occlusion is only partial, of 50% or more.

Central Sleep Apnea: This is the more severe form of Apnea, as this is a failure of the brain to properly command muscle contraction during respiration. There is hence, no effort made to actually breath.

Complex Sleep Apnea: This is a combination of the obstructive and the central form of Sleep Apnea.

 

What factors contribute to the development of Sleep Apnea?

The prevalence of Sleep Apnea is on the rise. Factors promoting the development of Sleep Apnea are excess weight, menopause (in women), the use of medicines such as sedatives, tranquilizers or narcotics, the consumption of alcohol, and smoking. However there is also a hereditary factor, with the prevalence being increased in families where there is a history of Sleep Apnea, and there are factors such as being male, of advanced age, having a strong neck, or an anatomically conditioned nasal congestion that can contribute to the development of Sleep Apnea.

 

How is Sleep Apnea treated?

Whilst preventative measures are recommended in the treatment of Sleep Apnea, such as limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking and losing weight, these will not suffice to overcome the syndrome. Sleep Apnea cannot be treated to its full resolution as of yet.

 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the main treatment option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is also the most successful therapeutic intervention. With the night time use of a CPAP equipment, a constant flow of air pressure is brought, through a face mask worn by the patient, into the respiratory tract. This pressurized air is adjusted to overcome the muscular obstruction, and thus to maintain the airway open. The patient can continue breathing, most episodes of Sleep Apnea are removed, and most symptoms associated with the disorder are alleviated. The sufferer of Sleep Apnea will have to continue this treatment for life whenever he or she goes to sleep.

 

Is homeopathy effective in treating the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

There is little to no research investigating the use of Homeopathy for the treatment of Sleep apnea. However, Homeopathy has in its Materia Medica diverse remedies that can provide relief of the symptoms, and can be supportive in the treatment of the concomitant complaints associated with the disorder. Such treatment though requires an in-depth case-taking and thorough evaluation of the case history presented. Some of the remedies that may be helpful for sufferers of Sleep Apnea are:

 

Arsenicum Album: There is a shortage of breath with every exertion and upon lying down during the night. There is a violent sensation of constriction about the throat with anxiety felt near the heart that prevents deep breathing. He or she fears to suffocate. The individual needing this remedy is clearly vitally weakened, restless and exhausted. Sleep is disturbed, restless and the individual is anxious. Sleep is disturbed by with suffocative fits.

 

Grindelia Robusta: This remedy in affections associated with a paralysis of the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brain through the body and diverse systems, including the throat. It is in charge of giving off impulses to the pharyngeal and laryngeal area. As such this remedy is indicated for individuals that stop breathing upon falling asleep, and consequentially wake with a start, gasping for breath, as may be the case in Sleep Apnea. The individual needing this remedy is afraid to fall asleep again, because he or she fears the feeling of suffocation.

 

Lachesis: This remedy has a great impact on the nervous system. Here there is a dominant feeling of strangulation and suffocation upon going to sleep, and the individual cannot bear any tight clothing around his or her neck. There is a distressed feeling about the chest. He or she is impelled to breath deeply. While falling asleep breathing almost stops entirely. There is a sudden starting from sleep.

 

Opium: In this remedy there is a strong general sluggishness and reduced vital reactivity. The cerebrospinal functions are weakened. This individual snores deeply and his or her breathing is rattling and stertorous. The respiration is unequal and intermittent. He or she stops breathing upon falling asleep, and must be shook to begin breathing again.

 

Spongia tosta: There is cramping and constriction about the throat. The individual is breathless. Respiration is short, panting and hindered. The airway feels dry. There is strong palpitation, anxiety and a fear of dying on account of the impaired respiration. He or she wakes in a start feeling close to suffocation.

 

Sulfur: Shortage of breath occurs in the middle of the night and must sit up. He or she cannot lie on the back and cannot breath deeply. There is the sensation of much oppression and burning about the chest. He or she jerks and twitches during sleep, and wakes up frequently during the night and then is wide awake. There is an inclination to take day time naps.

 

 

 

 

References:

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

Davis, K. (2018) What you need to know about sleep apnea, Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178633.php(Accessed: May 2019).

Franklin, K.A. and Lindberg, E. (2015) ‘Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder in the population—a review on the epidemiology of sleep apnea’, Journal of Thoracic Disease, 7(8), pp. 1311–1322..

Mayo Clinic (2019) Sleep Apnea, Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631 (Accessed: May 2019).

National Sleep Foundation (2019) Sleep Apnea, Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea (Accessed: May 2019).

UCI Health (2019) Sleep Apnea, Available at: http://www.ucihealth.org/medical-services/sleep-services/sleep-apnea (Accessed: May 2019).

Voisin, H. (2018) Materia Medica für den homöopatischen Praktiker, 1 edn., Kandern: Naranaya Verlag.

Coryza – homeopathy for the runny nose

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, cold, coryza, homeopathy, rhinitis, runny nose

 

 

Coryza is commonly referred to as a runny nose and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. It frequently occurs concomitant to the ‘common cold’ and may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or may develop as an allergic reaction to diverse allergens such as dust, pollen and others.

 

The inflammation in the nasal cavity increases the secretion of mucous causing the typical symptom of the runny and congested nose. There may be nasal irritation, itching, burning, and sneezing. Oftentimes there is also some involvement of the eyes with redness, watering, swelling or itching. The inflammation may extend to the larynx, bronchi and throat, producing distinctive symptomatology there. Hence the patient may generally feel run down, may develop a cough, catarrh, frontal headache, lassitude and fatigue.

 

Some homeopathic remedies for coryza are:

Allium cepa: This coryza is characterized by a profuse watery, acrid discharge. Distinctive for this remedy is the worsening of the coryza in a warm room. This patient is better outside. There is an accompanying eye symptomatology in Allium cepa. The eyes are watery, smarting, and burning. There may be coughing and hoarseness.

 

Arsenicum album: The nasal cavity feels hot and burning. There is a watery discharge. The patient is thirsty and feels weak.

 

Belladonna: The nose feels obstructed and there is only light discharge. Everything feels dry and sore into the throat. There may be throbbing in the head and sensitivity to light. There may be a tickly cough. Thirst is increased.

 

Chamomilla: This remedy is indicated where there is heat of the head. One cheek is typically red, the other pale. The coryza is usually worse at night. The little patient is fretful, and calms down only if carried about.

 

Dulcamara: Constant sneezing with running nose and nasal congestion. Eyes are watering and swollen. May come on from becoming chilled after exertion. Symptoms are worse outside.

 

Gelsemium: There is a general sluggishness and chilliness. A dull headache and drowsiness are characteristic. The eyes are heavy; the eyeballs feel lame and sore.  There is watering of the eyes, sneezing and discharge from the nose. There is non-stop sneezing.

 

Euphrasia: The eyes are strongly affected with this remedy. There is a profuse, acrid watering from the eyes. The lids and face may become inflamed, excoriated, agglutinated. Lamplight causes photophobia. The discharge from the nose is profuse, bland, and fluent. There is sneezing, and worsening during the night and when lying down.

 

Eupatorium: With sneezing and headache there is aching in the bones, backache, chilliness and nausea.

 

Mercurious sol.: This remedy has some similarity with Arsenicum album. However symptoms are less severe and worse at night. The throat is sore there is much mucous salivation. There is aching and lameness in muscles and bones. There may be much sweating.

 

Rhus tox.: This is the remedy where getting wet brings on the coryza/ cold. The entire body may feel lame and may ache, especially the back and the eyelids.

 

 

 

 

References:

Adams, M. (1913) A practical guide to homeopathic treatment Philadelphia: Boericke & Tafel.

Lockie, A. (1991) The family guide to homeopathy Aylesbury: BPCC Hazell Books

Tinnitus … in a nutshell

Tags

buzzing, Clever Homeopathy, ear, homeopathy, noise, ringing, Tinnitus, whistling

 

 

A persistent wheezing, buzzing, whistling or ringing noise perceived in the head, or experienced in one or both ears is referred to as Tinnitus. This noise is permanent. It cannot be heard by others, and does not originate from an external source. It is not a psychiatric, but a physical condition. It is frequently traced to some malfunction of the hearing system. This can be as simple as earwax logged near the eardrum, can originate from an underlying condition such as Meniere’s disease, can be caused by more serious conditions such as tumor growth, or can be triggered by prolonged exposure to noise. Research has to date not been able to source the precise underlying mechanism.

 

There are other potential causes that may favor the emergence of tinnitus. Injuries or trauma to the head, a malposition of the jaw at the joint to the skull, large doses of aspirin, and even stress have been linked to the appearance of tinnitus.

 

The exposure to loud noise is the most common cause of tinnitus. The use of noisy machinery without hearing protection, concert noise without ear plugs, or even the extended listening to music at high volume can promote the ‘outbreak’ of tinnitus.

 

Sufferers may experience concomitant adverse effects as a consequence to tinnitus. Stress, depression, fatigue, exhaustion, and emotional impairment are common.

Most sufferers develop some sort of coping strategy to be able to manage their life with the complaint. Conventional medicine offers diverse therapeutic approaches such as ‘cognitive behavior therapy’, or ‘tinnitus retraining therapy’ aimed at reducing the perception of tinnitus. There is to date no medication that can treat tinnitus. Avoiding is key with this condition.

 

The following homeopathic remedies may be useful in the treatment of tinnitus: Antipyrine, Cannabis indica, Carbonicum sulphuricum, Chininum sulphuricum, Kalium iodatum, Lachesis, Natrium Salicylicum, Phosphorus, Salicylicum Acidum, Theridion, Thiosinaminum.

 

 

 

 

References:

Australian Tinnitus Association (2014) Tinnitus – what is it?, Available at: http://www.tinnitus.asn.au/tinnitus.htm (Accessed: December 2017).

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

hear-it.org (n.d.) Tinnitus, Available at: https://www.hear-it.org/Tinnitus-1 (Accessed: December 2017 ).

 

 

To take note and remember: Bellis perennis and the Railway spine – an extraordinary prescription for PTSD

Tags

Bellis perennis, Clever Homeopathy, homeopathy, PTSD, Railway Spine, trauma, Whiplash

 

 

When trains were initially introduced as means of travel and transportation this innovative creation gave rise to much excitement, critique and a new type of fear disorder. A new era began. Travel became different, louder, faster, and the numbers of people transported with just one trip could be increased drastically. This was different to all that had been there before, and much was that new that effects and consequences could not be foreseen or estimated.

 

Passengers’ reaction to the noise of the steam engine, the motion of carriages, jolts of starting and breaking to a halt, and the accidents that occurred could developed into a disorder that was soon termed the ‘Railway Spine’. Collision accidents aside of fatalities and physically injured, generated patients that expressed a specific symptom complex. These eyewitnesses and victims could feel physically weakened, with numbness and pain spreading across their limbs. They could complain of spinal pain and stiffness, headaches and neuralgia.  They could be anxious and irritable, could suffer of disturbed sleep, memory impairment and lack the ability to concentrate.

 

While this disorder was very common at the time, today, it plays little to no role as a health disorder. Trains have become safer and travel much more comfortable. However, the symptom complex described has remained one prevalent today. It can be seen in car accidents, in what is termed ‘whiplash’, in victims of terror attacks, and in traumata of army service personnel that were engaged in warfare. The specific cluster of similar symptoms expressed in such traumatic and anxiety disorders has been labeled ‘Post-traumatic-stress-disorder’.

 

In an exchange with John Benneth (Thank you!) on my Blog-post ‘Must have … Bellis perennis’, I was pointed to the possible connection of PTSD to Bellis Perennis on account of its description for the ‘Railway Spine’ by J.H. Clarke in his ‘Dictionary of practical Materia Medica’.

 

According to Clarke, Bellis perennis is a remedy closely matching the clinical symptomatology of ‘Railway Spine’, strongly recommending it for use in disorders of PTSD. However, the Materia Medica of Bellis perennis otherwise demonstrates little to no specification for related symptoms in the proving details, and no other Materia Medica sources were found supporting this finding. Furthermore, having investigated remedies for the treatment of PTSD I have found no reference to Bellis perennis for the use in such trauma disorders.

 

None-the-less such finds are pearls of homeopathic wisdom that should be noted for later reference. One never knows if not in the future a patient stepping into our practice or clinic may need a prescription of exactly this remedy for his or her presenting state of health.

 

 

 

 

References:

Express Medicals Ltd. (2017) Railway Spine: a medical condition extinct or evolved. Personal contact.

 

Purtle, J. (2017) Railway spine? Soldier’s heart? Try PTSD, Available at: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/public_health/Railway-spine-Soldiers-heart-Try-PTSD.html (Accessed: October 2017).

 

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

Some homeopathic remedies for Anxiety, Trauma and Fear

Tags

anxiety, Clever Homeopathy, Fear, fright, grief, homeopathy, trauma, worry

 

Anxiety, aside of the occasional state of anxiousness that everyone can experience ever now and then, can be a serious state of health. Termed ‘Anxiety disorder’, a number of mental conditions define the distress that prevents people from living a normal life. Characteristic for this anxiety syndrome are persistent, overwhelming states of worry and fear. These phases can be disabling, and may appear unmanageable. Panic, phobias, compulsion, and depression may combine, leaving the individual unable to lead a normal life.

 

Homeopathy with its holistic approach to healthcare can provide means to alleviate of the symptoms, and can assist the recovery from an anxiety disorder.

 

Some homeopathic remedies and their anxiety profile:

 

Aconitum:

This is a remedy that treats great fear and anxiety that comes suddenly. The individual has premonitions and fears the future. There is a tendency to start accompanied by physical and mental restlessness and anguish.

 

Gelsemium:

This is a remedy for the bad effects of fright, fear or emotional excitement. Physical ailments develop as a consequence of such triggers. There may be drowsiness, dizziness, dullness and trembling.

 

Ignatia:

This is a highly emotional remedy. The need for it is triggered by worry and grief, shock and disappointment. The individual is easily excited, is nervous, erratic. There is silent brooding, sadness and melancholy, sighing and sobbing.

 

Opium:

In need of this remedy is someone who demonstrates a lack of vitality, is sluggish, delirious. There may be scary imaginativeness.

 

Verratrum album:

This remedy is characterized by weakness, collapse. There may be shrieking, cursing and frenzy. There is melancholy, mania and stupor. The individual is indifferent.

 

 

 

Reference:

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Must have … Gelsemium!

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, Common cold, fever, flu, Gelsemium, Headache, hoarseness, homeopathy

 

Gelsemium is a wonderful little remedy that should not be lacking in a well-stocked homeopathic home-kit. It is a helper where emotional excitement, brings on the feeling of being ‘unwell’; and where staying concentrated or fixing ones attention is difficult.

 

It is also indicated where a headache is accompanied by muscular soreness of the neck and shoulders. In the event of having the lenses of eyeglasses adjusted, Gelsemium can help the eyesight adapt and removes that initial sensation of vision blurring and discomfort.

 

In fever or the common cold there may be flushing, heat and heaviness of the face, accompanied by coldness of the feet. The coryza that is common of Gelsemium is watery and excoriating, with dryness and swelling. Sneezing is followed by tingling and congestion of the nose. At the same time hearing may be impaired. Throat symptoms may be dryness, burning and hoarseness, with difficulty swallowing. There is the sensation of a lump in the throat and of the perception of swallowing the tonsils. Children tend to wish to be held because of a trembling sensation that may be perceived during fever. Chilliness may be experienced as waves going up and down the back. There is great exhaustion, muscular soreness, dizziness and thirstlessness. Thirstlessness is a major indication for Gelsemium. In measles Gelsemium helps to bring out the eruption on the skin. The cough of Gelsemium is dry and there is soreness of the chest and weakness of the voice.

 

Gelsemium is also a remedy for the sensitivity to weather changes, dampness and cold may bring on the complaints.

 

Gelsemium is a ‘must have’ in the home remedy kit!

 

 

 

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.

It’s summer…let’s hit the road and travel!

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, Flying, holidays, homeopathy, Sea, sickness, Travel

 

 

Its summer, schools out and you are ready to hit the road, board the plane, train, or boat and head towards your holiday destination. You are looking forward to the relaxing and reinvigorating time, yet just out of town or up in the air, you or your little ones are feeling unwell. It’s the road, the float or carriage on the wind, it makes sick. Now what?

 

Travel-sickness can instantly destroy all of the glee, joy and happiness associated with the anticipated vacation. I would know, because a mere 3 km out of my hometown the main road falls into a set of ‘murderous’ serpentine curves, leaving me in a state of nauseous delirium. “Stop making such a fuzz. It can’t be that bad”, is what I often get to hear. But, it is that bad! Luckily, since becoming a homeopath, I know that there’s a remedy for that!

 

Travel sickness? There´s a homeopathic remedy for that!

 

Since I have that appropriate remedy at hand, travel sickness is a thing of the past for me. So, for fellow sufferers, below is a collation of remedies I have used to alleviate the presenting symptoms.

 

Cocculus: The #1 remedy for travel sickness and sea sickness. There is dizziness with every movement, and this is accompanied by great nausea and frequently also vomiting. A keynote is disgust and nausea at the thought of, and particularly at the smell of food. The taste in the mouth is metallic, and the stomach feels hollow, as if without food for an extended amount of time. There is loss of appetite and the individual feels faint. Lying down in a warm room ameliorates. This sickness also occurs when the individual watches objects move. (Personal hint: Do not eat right before travelling – This sickness is worse if drink or food have been ingested just ahead of traveling).

 

Tabacum: In the event of this sickness there is the sensation of an incessant deathly nausea. Opening the eyes creates a ‘sick’ headache accompanied by said deathly nausea. The stomach feels empty, with a sinking feeling.  There may be sour, violent vomiting. The individual feels terribly faint. In a warm room and in open air the individual feels worse. The least motion or drinking can cause vomiting. Tobacco smoke is unbearable. The individual looks deathly pale, sunken, as if collapsed, and has cold sweat covering the face. He or she wants to uncover the abdomen.

 

Petroleum: This remedy is particularly indicated for sea and travel sickness that is improved by eating. There is a feeling of great emptiness in the stomach. Appetite may be increased. There may be vomiting, but not necessarily. Vertigo and dizziness are felt in the head, at the occiput. It feels like the heavy head after intoxication with alcohol, and is accompanied by nausea. Salivation is increased. The abdomen is bloated. There is a strong aversion to meat and fatty foods. There may be increased burping and belching. The individual is better for warmth and lying with an elevated head.

 

Nux vomica: Nux is indicated for seasickness and travel sickness where there is persistence of nausea; bitter or sour vomiting, with vertigo and an intoxicated feeling. There may be occipital headache that worsens by conducting certain movements, or the head pain may stretch across the front of the head, above the eyes, with the desire to press the head against a hard surface. The vertigo feels like the brain is rotating. It feels like there is a swimming movement inside the head. There is a general sensitivity to noise, odour and light. Lying down ameliorates. (Personal hint: Sitting in the front seat of the car with a clear view of the road ahead helps alleviate travel sickness).

 

Borax: In Borax there is a true dread of downward movement, as in the motion of a plane landing, or a boat lowering on the waves of the sea. Like in the characteristic fear of falling, the downward motion produces anxiety and nervousness that shows in the facial expression of the individual. The downward motion, that also can occur when walking down a staircase, may cause vertigo and nausea. This sickness may produce vomiting.  (Borax is also the remedy indicated for babies that start and want to be lifted when put to bed. They also do not like being rocked or carried down the stairs.)

 

 

 

 

References:

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

 

DHU (1994) Homöopathisches Repetitorium  Karlsruhe: Deutsche Homöopathie Union.

 

Influenca Ltd (2017) ABC Homeopathy, Available at: http://www.abchomeopathy.com(Accessed: July 2017).

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.