Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

AUTISM AND HOMEOPATHY

Legal Disclaimer: Results may vary, and testimonials are not claimed to represent typical results. The testimonials are real, and these patients have been helped with homeopathy from our clinic . However, these results are meant as a showcase of what  best, homeopathy can do with the disease condtions and should not be taken as average or typical results.

Homeopathy is much more of a choice than people often think it to be. One of its philosophy’s greatest breakthroughs is the realization that the body is not an object but a process with no pre-ordained limits.

The scorching, cruel heat of summer was just setting in the first year of the new century when Mr and Mrs Puri (not their real names) approached us with their only child Ravi (not his real name) who was then four. Two years earlier, at the age of two, he was diagnosed as being autistic. We tested him on the ATEC (Autism Testing and Evaluation Checklist) and his rating was in the moderate to high category. His problem was more in speech/communication and sensory/cognitive areas.
Besides the classical symptoms of autism, the symptoms that actually led us to prescribe Carcinocin were the history of an early eruption of teeth and hairiness. A leading characteristic of Carcinocin is the desire for milk. There are many symptoms – a sweaty head, when sleeping, and physical heat in general; difficulty in falling asleep; the desire for things salty and for chocolate-like energetic foods. Than there are internal restlessness and fidgetiness and love for dancing. Strong passion and a very strong family history of cancer in the family are also noticed. The remedy was the boy’s similimum if there ever was one! Fitting him like a glove,  it worked. Ravi has suffered no aggravation in the two years he has been on and off this remedy. The dosage chosen for him was similarly fitting – the LM dose. Positive results were obvious within the first month. Babbling turned into more formative words, hyperactive behaviour became rare and he started obeying simple commands. His self-stimulatory behaviour, too, was nearly gone. Very soon a big achievement came when Ravi started interacting with children and started playing with them. He is now five and is attending a normal school. There are still vestigial signs of his former autism though these are not really apparent to teachers or anyone else besides us (parents and the physicians). For example, his language is occasionally awkward. In moments of stress (e.g. if he is sick), he retreats into himself and utilizes echolalia as a speech strategy. To sum it up, none but the very discerning can make out that Ravi had this serious problem.

I would now like to enlighten the readers about the intricacies and the sensitive approach necessary for the homeopathic intervention. Autism poses a challenge to homeopaths. It needs a hardcore-Hahnemannian approach. Valuable symptoms including reaction to vaccines, family medical history, thermal sensitivities and sleep postures form a part of the very detailed information that a physician would need. For the parents whose kids are undergoing such intervention, the stimulus/reaction model of symptoms and its significance to the homeopath need to be clearly understood. As the autistic child experiences stress, he responds with a reaction. This reaction becomes a symptom or a sign of characteristic importance. The real challenge is to understand what the child is expressing both verbally (if he is articulate) and nonverbally. By fully perceiving the patient, one may learn to understand the individual?s cycle of stress and response. It is only through such a deep understanding that a homeopath is able to prescribe effectively. The improvement following such intervention also needs to be evaluated regularly on the autism-rating scale. The extent to which the help can occur has a great degree of variability associated with it. Two homeopathic remedies require a special mention for their effectiveness in the recovery of autism  Carcinocin and Baryta Carb . Baryta Carb is supposed stimulate the development of brain. This remedy has been found useful in cases of autism where signs of global developmental delay  are present with the classical symptoms of the autism spectrum. Another important aspect of the homeopathy in autism is the usage of LM potencies… Homoeopathy in this scale are faster acting and at the same time gentler. It is able to hold the “slipping back” of the old symptoms and can be used for a longer period with frequent repetitions. Homeopathy is undergoing a very strong resurgence in the modern medical world, and one of the main reasons for it is its recent role in handling such illnesses. Homeopathic philosophy is a constant reminder that the greatest healing power lies within the body itself.

Here is some more info on autism. This article on autism was written by me in Tribune about 2 yrs years back.

Autism is a childhood disorder that begins in early childhood (typically during the first three years of life) which affects the child’s communication skills, social interactions, and causes restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior in varying degrees. Autism (also called as autism spectrum disorder or pervasive developmental disorder) can range from severe to a very milder form. This mild form is called Asperger’s syndrome. The actual cause for autism is not clear. Autism in the first two years of life is slightly difficult to diagnose. Parents are usually the first ones to notice the symptoms, which in the first two years of life are otherwise slightly difficult to find out; usually it is the nonresponsive behavior in the first two years that may make the parents feel concerned. In cases where the child has been growing normally, his sudden withdrawal from social interactions, nonresponsive behavior along with losing that little amount of speech that he had gained initially, may lead the parents to get their toddler screened for this disorder. By the age of three, autism spectrum disorder can be clearly diagnosed. Children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) may not follow regular developmental pattern like other kids of their age. Verbal and non verbal communication, social interaction and patterns of repetitive behavior (also called as fixations)-like being fixated with carrying some object in the hand all the time e.g. Sticks, pencils, soap suds, etc. Rocking, spinning, excessively arranging things in one line and Behavioral issues like hyperactive behavior and inability to understand emotions are a part of this disorder for some kids. Autism is nowadays called autism spectrum disorder as there is a huge variation of symptoms that the child might suffer from. Key features that should help the parents in identifying this disorder are child’s inability to babble or make meaningful gestures (like social smile, pointing to objects like fan etc,) by 18 months of age. Inability to speak even a single word by the age of two, having a poor or no eye contact, giving the impression as if he is hard of hearing when being called out to. The ‘not in tune’ behavior of the child is the most important differentiating symptom although it is not very easy for a lay person to identify it. Homeopathy’s role in helping  autism in kids is gaining quite a popularity all over the world. Clinical experience shows that results are much better when the intervention is started at an earlier age, even though at higher ages like six or seven some kids do show remarkable improvements; but Homoeopathic intervention at an early age(before much behavioral and emotional issues come up) has distinct advantages. One important aspect that I would clearly like to mention is the fact that results with homeopathy in  autism are selective. This means that where one segment of kids may respond extremely favorable while others may fail to yield any relief. Even while on Homeopathic remedies the child needs to be rated on an autism rating scale. Periodical assessments on the autism rating scale are must to gauge the improvements in the child. Homeopathy is a holistic system of health; it takes into consideration the constitutional picture (complete physical and mental make up of the child) along with the necessary details of the disease while prescribing. Remedy that are very effective in helping autism are Carcinocin, Hyoscyamus, and Baryta Carb. The role of carcinocin in  autism requires a special mention. This also does not mean that every child who has autism should be put on it; even for carcinocin to be prescribed the child has to fall within the constitutional picture

Dr. Vikas Sharma is a Neuro-Developmental Specialist in homeopathy and has done his master in Homeopathy.The subject of his research (during his masters degree) was  ‘The Role of homeopathy in Autism spectrum disorders .

Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

8 Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Treating Facial Pigmentation

Homeopathic Medicines for Facial PigmentationFacial pigmentation refers to the darkening of facial skin due to overproduction of pigment melanin. Medically, this is known as melasma. In melasma, patches of pigmentation appear on the face, predominantly over the cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip. The pigmentation varies from yellowish, brownish, bluish to blackish in colour. Chloasma is another term for facial pigmentation in women during pregnancy. Freckles or tiny dark spots appear on the face in certain cases from repeated sun exposure. Freckles are more likely in persons with fair skin. Homeopathic medicines for facial pigmentation can help effectively clear out the pigmentation.

Homeopathic Medicines for Facial Pigmentation

The top 8 natural medicines for facial pigmentation are Sepia Officinalis, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Cadmium Sulphuratum, Berberis Aquifolium, Sulphur, Psorinum, Lachesis Muta, and Thuja Occidentalis.

1. Sepia Officinalis – Top grade Medicine for Facial Pigmentation

Sepia Officinalis is one of the top grade medicines for treating facial pigmentation. The person prescribed Sepia Officinalis will have pigmentation on the cheeks, forehead and nose. The pigmentation varies from brownish, yellowish to blackish in colour. The skin may be rough and hard. Sepia is very suitable for women with facial pigmentation arising during pregnancy and after childbirth. It works equally well for women who develop facial pigmentation during menopause. Along with facial pigmentation, dark circles under the eyes are a unique symptom.

2. Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Facial Pigmentation with Menstrual Irregularities

Pulsatilla Nigricans is a most effective medicine for facial pigmentation in women with menstrual irregularities. The irregularities include delayed periods, scanty menses and suppressed menses. They show up as pigmented spots and freckles on the face. Pulsatilla is also helpful for acne resulting from menstrual irregularities.

3. Cadmium Sulphuratum – For Facial Pigmentation that Worsens in Sun

For facial pigmentation that gets worse with exposure to the sun, Cadmium Sulphuratum is the best prescription. The pigmentation varies from yellowish to brownish in colour. Pigmented spots are present over the entire face, but most prominently on the nose and cheeks. Another guiding symptom for use of Cadmium Sulphuratum is that pigmentation gets worse in the wind. The face may feel itchy.

4. Berberis Aquifolium – For Treating Facial Pigmentation from Eruptions

Berberis Aquifolium is a highly effective and reliable remedy for treating pigmentation spots and scars on the face left behind by any kind of eruption. The skin may feel waxy. The cheeks may feel hot.

5. Sulphur – For Facial Pigmentation with Dry Skin

Sulphur is a highly reliable medicine for facial pigmentation with dry skin. The skin looks unhealthy and dirty. The person complains of itching and burning sensation on the face. Itching gets worse in the heat. Sulphur is also a good choice of medicine to treat facial pigmentation that has been subjected to ointments and external topical applications in the past.

6. Psorinum – For Facial Pigmentation with Oily, Waxy Skin

For facial pigmentation attended with greasy, oily, waxy skin, Psorinum is the medicine to go to. Facial skin looks dull, pale and sick. The face is covered in pigmented spots that may be attended with itching. Acne – papular or pustular – may be present on the face.

7. Lachesis Muta – For Facial Pigmentation in Pre-menopausal Women

In addition to Sepia Officinalis, another helpful medicine for treating facial pigmentation in women of menopausal age is Lachesis Muta. A woman who needs Lachesis will have facial pigmentation ranging from bluish–purple to bluish–black in colour, along with the other menopausal symptoms.

8. Thuja Occidentalis – For Facial Pigmentation and Freckles

Where facial pigmentation and freckles are both present, Thuja Occidentalis works wonderfully well. The skin looks dirty, dry and is covered in brown spots. The face may look pale, with dark circles under the eyes. Pigmented spots may also be present on the hands and arms. The skin is very sensitive to touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Homeopathy have a permanent solution to facial pigmentation?

There is a great scope of treating facial pigmentation with homeopathy. Natural medicines help lighten facial pigmentation and in time, could make them fade away given that other factors are conducive.

2. Why do we get facial pigmentation?

The root cause of facial pigmentation is excess melanin production. Facial pigmentation is very common in women, but may also arise in men. The causal factors are many, the major among them being hormonal changes in women during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, from intake of contraceptive pills, from hormone replacement therapy and hypothyroidism. Other factors that trigger facial pigmentation are stress, loss of sleep and sun exposure. Heredity also plays an important role in predisposing a person to facial pigmentation. Acne may also lead to scarring and facial pigmentation.

3. At what age does facial pigmentation occur?

Facial pigmentation can occur at any age, but it is most prominently seen between 20–40 years of age.

4. I have facial pigmentation. Will going out in the sun worsen it?

Yes, sun exposure will definitely worsen the facial pigmentation. The melanin producing melanocyte cells gets activated in the sun, hence worsening the facial pigmentation.

5. Will stress lead to facial pigmentation?

Stress does not cause facial pigmentation, but will surely worsen the condition if it persists for long. Stress causes hormonal imbalance which may worsen facial pigmentation.

6. I am a woman of menopausal age and notice discolored spots on my face. Is it natural to have such spots at this age?

Hormonal changes during menopause could cause facial pigmentation among other symptoms such as profuse menses, hot flushes, headaches, and mood swings. However, all women going through menopause will not necessarily get pigmentation.

7. I have thyroid and now, pigmentation spots on my cheeks and forehead. Are pigmentation and hyperthyroidism related?

Yes, pigmentation and thyroid complaint are related. An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels can lead to facial pigmentation.

8. Can hormonal changes cause facial pigmentation?

Yes, hormonal changes are the foremost reason behind facial pigmentation. Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy, after childbirth and during menopause, all contribute significantly toward facial pigmentation as do changes in the thyroid hormone. Taking oral contraceptive pills can also lead to facial pigmentation.

9. I have been on a contraceptive pill for a while now. Will stopping the pill cure my facial pigmentation?

Once you stop taking contraceptive pills, you will be able to stop further pigmentation. However, the pigmented spots that are already there will not fade away by themselves. They will require proper treatment.

10. Can topical applications erase pigmentation marks?

Pigmentation on the face is the symptom of some internal problem which is why topical external applications usually do not help. The root cause of the pigmentation needs to be identified and treated before the marks will fade.

11. Will taking proper sleep reduce pigmentation marks?

Lack of sleep is a contributing factor to facial pigmentation. Lack of sleep raises the level of stress hormones which worsen the pigmentation. Hence, proper sleep is needed to prevent worsening of facial pigmentation.

12. Does the weather have anything to do with facial pigmentation?

Most cases of facial pigmentation worsen during the summer months, it has been found.

13. Should I take vitamins to reduce facial pigmentation?

Vitamins A, B12, C and E are known for their properties to reduce facial pigmentation. However, these vitamins should be taken in recommended doses, only after consulting a health professional. Taken together with medicines, these vitamins can work wonders and fade out facial pigmentation marks.

14. Can lifestyle changes help keep away pigmentation?

Lifestyle measures that can help avoid and manage facial pigmentation to an extent are:

  • Cover face in the sun
  • Manage stress by following a yoga and meditation regime
  • Drink lots of water
  • Proper 8-hour sleep is advised

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