Archives for January 2009

Menopause and Homeopathy

I am a 45-year-old lady working in a bank.. I am suffering from depression, and my periods have become irregular for the last six months. In addition, I have burning sensation in my palms and various parts of the body. My gynaecologists says it is. menopause and these symptoms can last another five years. Can these flashes (burning sensations) and depression be cured? Kindly suggest some therapy. ….. Mrs Rita

Menopause is a natural biological event, not an “estrogen deficiency disease.” Menopause represents the permanent cessation of menses resulting from loss of ovarian follicular function. At menopause, the decline in ovarian hormones (particularly estrogen) may result in short-term unpleasant effects such as hot flashes, mood changes, that can adversely affect the qualify of life, and may increase the risk of osteoporosis and possibly coronary heart disease.

Menopause happens to all women, but affects each woman uniquely. For some, the end of fertility (and end of concerns about contraception and menstrual periods) brings a sense of freedom. Menopause is a bridge to a part of life when many women report feeling more confident, empowered, involved, and energized than in their younger years. For some women, however, menopause coupled with mid-life emotional and social crises can contribute to serious health problems. Homoeopathic, medicines are extremely effective in curing the symptoms associated with menopause. You can take Sepia 200. A dose taken on alternate days for a period of two weeks will help reduce depression and other symptoms of menopause.

In a similar case, a 57-year-old woman who had become very depressed due to menopause was cured by Ignatia 200 (one dose every alternate day taken for a period of two months). In another case where the flashes had become extremely severe to an extent that the patient had to immense her feet in cold water for hours, a few doses of Amyl Nitrosum 200 worked wonders.

The majority of women are afflicted by symptoms that may include mood swings, poor memory, vaginal atrophy, night; sweats and hot flashes with possible long-terms symptom of heart disease and osteoporosis. Despite these factors, many women refuse to expose themselves to the risks of hormonal replacement therapy, which is the common prescription offered by conventional medicine for addressing menopausal symptoms. A recent study of 50,000 women, published by the American Medical Association (Jan 26, 2000) who took hormonal therapy for five years fond out that they had a 40 per cent increased risk of breast cancer.

A natural approach to menopause includes a nutritional diet, lifestyle modifications and a regular exercise programme. The most important dietary recommendation for all menopausal women is to increase foods containing natural phytoestrogens. All soya foods are rich in phytoestrogens and are thus extremely beneficial for all menopausal women.

NOSE ALLERGY & HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 70 Comments

If you are sneezing quite a lot, having a runny nose, itchy eyes and/or having difficulty in breathing in this weather, most probably you are suffering from spring allergy. Spring allergy refers to a condition that occurs in March-May and affects mainly the respiratory system. High levels of pollen count are responsible for naso-bronchial allergies. Also this weather is worse for people living near farms, where it is time for wheat harvesting. Wheat threshing dust is the main culprit. People in cities also get affected by it as the threshing dust gets carried by winds to the adjoining areas.

Allergy occurs when “allergy triggers” or “allergens” (pollens, molds, dust, etc) come in contact with the mucous membranes (lining) in the nose, airways, lungs, skin and even eyes of those people who have allergies. These allergy triggers cause the immune system to overreact and produce antibodies which then attack the trigger (pollen, etc). Antibodies then try to destroy the trigger by attaching themselves to it, leading to the production of histamine, a chemical that irritates the mucous membranes resulting in swelling, itching and overproduction of mucus. Allergy symptoms include excessive sneezing, runny nose, itching in the eyes, nose, roof of the mouth and even in the ears. Breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing are very common as spring allergy causes asthma too.

Homeopathy is very effective in fighting allergies. As homeopathic medicines work by optimising the overactive immune system, they are very effective in removing allergy in totality from the body. These medicines provide a stimulus (in a highly diluted form) to the body like that of the trigger or allergen leading to the gradual desensitisation of the immune system.

Homeopathic medicines used for treating allergies mainly come from the plants or substances that in their raw form are usually responsible for causing allergy-like symptoms.

When allergy occurs in the airways and lungs it leads to asthma. Difficult breathing, wheezing and cough are the main symptoms. This is due to the constriction in the small airways and overproduction of mucus in the lungs. Here too homeopathic medicines are very effective. Aralea racemosa, Arsenic Album, Natrum Sulph are few of the medicines that are very helpful in treating spring asthma.

It is also important to realise that in allergic conditions homeopathic medicines work by desensitising your overactive immune system. This optimisation of the immune system is not an overnight process and can take some time before appreciable results are achieved.

NOSE ALLERGY & HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 301 Comments

Homeopathic medicines used for treating allergies mainly come from the plants or substances that in their raw form are usually responsible for causing allergy-like symptoms.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS & HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 808 Comments

DO you suffer from bouts of frequent sneezes, itchy and runny nose? Do you often wake up sneezing in the morning? Does sneezing and runny nose occur during a particular weather or when there is change of weather? Or, do you wheeze or do your eyes feel itchy with sneezing and runny nose? If you have some or all of these symptoms then you may be suffering from nasal allergy.Nasal allergy, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever or pollinosis, is an allergic reaction of the body (mainly the upper respiratory tract and eyes) to certain substances – allergens – that we breathe in. The main allergens are pollens, molds, animal dander and dust.Allergy is nothing but an over-sensitisation of our defence system. This means that our immune system (defence system) starts reacting to a substance which is otherwise harmless to our body. In other words, it is a misdirected immune attack.Pollens are usually the main culprits.Homeopathic treatment is based on the principle of “like cures like”. This means if a substance that in its raw state produces a disease condition also has the ability to treat similar symptoms when given in diluted and activated (potentised) form.Thus, a lot many plants whose pollens are the known culprits for this kind of allergy are being used in homeopathy to treat allergic rhinitis. By giving a substance that has similar manifestations, homeopathy is able to optimise the already over-sensitised immune system.Two medicines which represent new advance in homeopathy are Galphimia Glauca and Histaminum Hydrochlo-ride.A US study found Galphimia Glauca to be highly effective in treating allergic rhinitis. Many other very effective plant-based medicines have also been introduced during the last few years: Cardiospermum Halicacabum and Amni Visnaga, for example. Conventional homeopathic medicines like Allium Cepa , Sabadilla , Arundo Mur, Ambrosia and Aralea are also very effective. It is important to remember that homoeopathy is a system where the treatment is based on the patient’s individual symptoms. Thus, each medicine has its own important place in treating allergic rhinitis. It may take a season or two to completely cure allergic rhinitis.With growing industrialisation, our bodies are changing according to the environment .A BMJ (formerly British Medical Journal) report has it that one in six people in the industrialised world suffers from seasonal pollen allergies. Pollution does not cause allergy directly, but is supposed to increase the sensitivity to pollens. In Japan, it was found that the sensitivity to pollens was high in people living in areas with high levels of diesel exhaust particles in the environment. Genetic factors are also supposed to play a role in developing nasal allergy.

Wet Weather Allergies & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Wet weather is a much-awaited season but it brings with it its share of miseries too. Skin disorders, viral fever, respiratory problems and gastroenteritis are always on the rise during this weather. Most viral fever cases are reported during this weather. Fungal infections on the skin like ring worm and athletes foot are very common.

Some of the asthmatics experience an increase in their breathing problems. Cases of gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, etc) are usually very high in wet weather as compared to other seasons. All this is so due to the fact that the hot and moist environment during this period is favorable for micro-organisms to thrive. So, the best way is to have a small homeopathic kit to prevent and treat wet weather-related ailments.

Fungal infections on the skin are the most common of all and can be effectively treated with homeopathy. Too of the most common fungal infections during this time are athletes foot and ring worm. Athletes foot is a fungal infection that can affect usually the front part of the foot. Mostly it is between the toes and the underside of the front part of the foot. It is usually marked by red itchy patches and white flaky skin. It has nothing to do with the foot of an athlete; in reality, it can affect anybody.

This disease is more common in hot and moist weather and is more frequently seen in people who keep their feet enclosed in shoes or socks most of the time. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It is slightly contagious and can spread through direct contact, towels, shoes, socks, etc. Not changing your sweaty socks frequently also contributes to this disorder. Homeopathic medicine Graphite can work wonders in treating athletes foot. Another medicine, Sanicula, is helpful if Graphite fails.

Ringworm is characterised by a raised brownish red patch which can occur anywhere around the body. They are usually marked with a ring around it. It does not have a ring-shaped worm inside it (as it is popularly believed). Ring worm is caused by the same fungi group. Tellurium and Sepia are very effective in treating this condition.

For some of the asthmatics, rains are not a welcome sign as their breathing problems tend to increase during this period. This is mainly due to an increase in moulds and fungi. This also leads to an increase in upper respiratory allergies. Natrum Sulph works very effectively in handling this problem. an added advantage with Natrum Sulph is that it can eradicate the problem forever by striking at its roots.

Influenzas, or viral fever as it is popularly called is much more on the rise during this weather. As a preventive, homeopathic medicine Influenzinum can give a great deal of protective cover from viral fevers. Rhus Tox is greatly indicated when fever starts after getting drenched in rain. Veratrum Album is preferred for gastroenteritis. Also, Arsenic Album is very helpful when the source of infection in gastroenteritis is water-borne.

Wet Weather Allergies & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

SNEEZING…IT COULD BE ALLERGY – HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 100 Comments

Its spring time and the weather is great outside, but for many it is not a very pleasant time of the year. It’s time for their allergies to come up. Nasal and respiratory allergies are very intense in this weather (from March to early May). Sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and even breathing problems can be a part of this allergic reaction.

Wheat harvesting in April becomes a major source for triggering this kind of allergy. Wheat harvest allergy not only affects those who stay in villages and near farms but also those who stay in cities, as wheat thrashing dust is carried by wind to nearby cities and towns too. Homeopathy has a wonderful treatment for spring allergy. Not only does it treat the current symptoms but also gradually eradicates the tendency to have such recurrent attacks every year.

Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, as it is called, is most commonly caused by tree and grass pollens and also wheat thrashing dust. It is characterised by symptoms of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning or itchy sensation in the throat or palate. Coughing and sore throat may also be present in some individuals. Some patients develop asthmatic symptoms like breathing difficulties along with other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Homeopathy aims at treating the patient by optimising the overactive immune system. It works by giving a similar stimulus to the body like that of the allergen (pollen dust, etc) in very minute but activated form. This process gradually desensitises the overactive immune system against the allergens.

Quite a few of the homeopathic medicines used in treating allergies are made from plants whose pollens are known to cause symptoms of allergy. The most common example is the ragweed, which is also used as an important homeopathic medicine in treating allergy.

The most common homeopathic medicines used in treating hay fever are Sabadilla, Allium Cepa, Natrum Mur, Ambrosia and Arsenic Album. Allium Cepa requires a special mention in treating spring allergic rhinitis. Histaminum, Luffa Operculata and Galphimia Glauca are a few of the medicines that have been lately introduced in homeopathy and have shown very promising results in treating allergy.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

With the advent of winters, most of us are happy to ‘see off’ those sweltering hot days of summer. But for some, cold weather brings in, its own set of woes and miseries. People who are sensitive to cold temperature are majorly affected by this season. Recurrent Cough, colds and sinusitis are the most common ailments for those who are sensitive. For some the sensitivity to cold weather is so high that even a whiff of cold air is enough to trigger an attack, which could last for weeks or months. If you are one of those who suffer from months of miseries with cough cold, and sinusitis every winter, Then Homeopathy offers a great hope for you. Homeopathy understands and cures this idiosyncratic combination of your cold sensitivity and body’s propensity to develop such stuffy colds.

This cold sensitivity can affect one in many ways. It can range from simply feeling colder than others to respiratory issues like stuffy colds, sinusitis, chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma. Just a mild exposure to cold can trigger a complete sequence of events. There are patients that even at the least exposure to cold air e.g. moving the hand out of the quilt at night or sleeping without a warm head cap at night can lead to weeks of incapacitation. Well, the extent to which one is affected varies a lot. It depends on their level of intolerance and other factors such as genetic tendencies, age, nature of jobs, etc.

Homeopathy has a great armory to deal with cold weather sensitivity. To start off ,Aconitum Napelus commonly known as Aconite is great homeopathic medicine to treat all affections that start with after an exposure to cold air .My advice for all those who suffer from this cold weather sensitivity would be to carry this medicine in your pocket. It is very useful in the first few hours of the exposure when the symptoms have just started e.g. runny nose, headaches shivering etc. Few doses of aconite would be sufficient enough to completely abort the attack of cold. Chronic stuffy colds and sinusitis are also very effectively treated with homeopathy. Silicea kali Bichrome and Pulsatilla are few of the medicines that are very useful in treating these forms. Barking type of cough that starts in kids suddenly after an exposure in kids is best treated with Hepar Sulp and Spongia. People who have their feet sensitive to cold and can never seem to get them warm , homeopathic medicines Calcarea Carb and Silicea can do wonders for them.

The best part of homeopathy is that it can cure ones constitutionally sensitivity to cold weather. In this form of treatment (which is often called as constitutional treatment ) prescription is based on the study of ones complete constitution which includes the physical and the mental makeup .This usually is a prolonged treatment and would require a season or two before any sustainable results are achieved. The most important homeopathic medicines that are used in this form of constitutional treatment are Tuberculinum, Silicea, Calcarea Carb and Psorinum. As Constitutional treatment requires a detailed study of the various aspects of the constitution and uses deep acting medicines it is advisable to take the help of a professional homeopath.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 39 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

Archives for January 2009

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