Antisocial Personality Disorder and Homeopathy

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Homeopathy

Do you perceive a lack of connection between your thoughts and actions? Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition depicted by dysfunctional, unlawful and immoral behaviors that manipulates, abuses, or disrespects the rights of others. Personality disorders are habitual behavioral and relationship prototypes in which a person’s approach to thinking, comprehending situations, no respect for right or wrong when connecting to others, gets in the way of their day-to-day living. Premature teenage years are a serious point in time for the development of Antisocial personality disorder. These patients are very attention grabbing, well mannered, and remarkably intellectual. They complicate their lives, do not complete their education, endure unemployment, broken marriages, irresponsible parenting, homelessness and repeated detention.

Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Unidentified

Inherited

Lack of parental control, growing up with alcoholic, drug addicts or irresponsible parents

Cruel physical or sexual abuse in childhood

Time after time witnessed or been cruel to animals during childhood

Loss of parents in childhood through unusual circumstances

Never endured punishment and every time rescued from wrong behaviors while growing up

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Secluded, unhappy and restless

Dishonest, unlawful, unreasonable, irresponsible, violent and dysfunctional

Fail to execute their responsibilities at school, work or family

Indifferent to the safety of self and others

Indifferent to the rights of others

Shameless

Inability to make or keep friends

Lack of feelings for others

Lack of self control

Always criticizing others

Manipulative

Loses interest easily, constantly needs a change

Drug and alcohol problems

Frequent imprisonment

Impulsive dying through suicide, accidents or homicide

Homeopathic Approach to Antisocial Personality Disorder

Homeopathy proposes a pragmatic solution for antisocial personality disorders. Homeopathic treatment of antisocial personality disorders is constitutional taking a more holistic look at the individual. Distinctive features like genes, childhood nurturing, surroundings and the way an individual establishes their life, elucidates their personality. Imperceptible forces manipulate every personality. The homeopathic understanding of health is intimately associated to its understanding of the mind in general. Every disease is considered as a mind-body process where each individuals personality traits are as important as their physical symptoms thus taking into account their diet, lifestyle, personality, surroundings and emotional factors. The constitutional approach of homeopathy determines the remedy that agrees with each individual energy prototype, giving it a positive stimulus. Constitutional treatment is an innovative healing modality, which helps eliminate behavioral negativities by taking into account a person’s overall nature, personality traits and attitude towards life. The correct homeopathic medicine will catalyze a healing process that will raise the person’s overall level of health.

Homeopathic remedies will assist in shrinking dissatisfaction, anger, hatred, guilt, shame, jealousy, dubiousness, fear and other negative emotions. These medicines will enhance suppressed inner capabilities, shape the inborn behaviors with the existing circumstances getting rid of mental negativities, and restore well being that was previously within you. It will help stabilize emotions, attain mental peace and bring eventual happiness.  As every behavior is unique, homeopathic constitutional treatment offers remedies that are unique and exclusive created just for your unique personality. Homeopathic remedies are safe, natural, inexpensive and highly effective. After a constitutional homeopathic treatment, patients become more realistic, less intimidating, much more accomodating, and easier to live with. Homeopathic remedies help develop a better sense of right and wrong and help you go back to living a more normal life.

Self Care Measures for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Be regular with your treatment plan.

Educate yourself about your behaviors and state of mind, it will encourage you to maintain your treatment.

Involve family members or friends in helping you be persistent with your treatment.

Communicate your emotions well.

Be physically active.

Avoid seclusion and engage in activities with friends and family.

Avoid drugs and alcohol.

Eat a healthy diet and sleep well.

Avoid stress.

Boost your low self-esteem.

Develop a more mature and constructive way of interacting with others.

Hence, Homeopathy can help you shape your innate behaviors, eliminate negative emotions, and face life challenges with optimism and maturity.

Dr.Shilpa Harwani

B.H.M.S.,M.D

Consulting Homoeopathic Psychiatrist

BGR Mind Clinic

Chaporkar Complex (ground floor)

Rajkamal chowk

Amravati

drshilpaharwani@gmail.com

Research Study Shows Effectiveness of Homeopathy in Insomnia

Research Study Shows Effectiveness of Homeopathy in Insomnia

Measurable effects of homeopathic medicines in insomnia

A research team at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson (USA) recently examined the effects of one dose of placebo versus either Coffea Cruda 30c or Nux Vomica 30c in relatively healthy young adult human subjects with a past history of coffee-induced insomnia.

They used polysomnography (PSG), which can distinguish divergent findings, if present, between subjective sleep complaints and objective all-night sleep recording assessments in certain types of insomnia.

The authors refer to multiple studies on healthy animals that have shown measurable effects on sleep of three different homeopathic medicines at potencies prepared to a dilution past Avogadro’s number (Histamine, Coffea Cruda, and Nux Vomica) compared with placebo. In these studies each medicine at a 30c potency altered sleep patterns notably with differential effects on electroencephalographic delta frequency (0.5– 2.5 Hz) power during sleep, while other investigators have demonstrated effects of Nux Vomica 30c on alcohol-induced sleep time in mice.

The authors argue that the relative lack of objective measures to evaluate homeopathy in human subjects has thus far hindered advances in both clinical care and research. Polysomnography, in their opinion, can offer a potentially valuable tool for homeopathic investigations.

In this trial young adults of both sexes (ages 18–31) were included with above-average scores on standardized personality scales for either cynical hostility or anxiety sensitivity (but not both) and a history of coffee-induced insomnia. At-home polysomnographic recordings were obtained on successive pairs of nights once per week for a total of eight recordings (nights 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23).

Subjects (N = 54) received placebo pellets on night 8 (single-blind) and verum pellets on night 22 (double-blind) in 30c doses of one of two homeopathic medicines, Nux Vomica or Coffea Cruda. Subjects completed daily morning sleep diaries and weekly Pittsburgh sleep quality index scales, as well as profile of mood states scales at bedtime on polysomnography nights.

This study demonstrated that the homeopathic medicines significantly increased PSG total sleep time and NREM, as well as awakenings and stage changes. Findings are similar though not identical to those reported in animals with the same medicines. Possible mechanisms include initial disruption of the nonlinear dynamics of sleep patterns by the homeopathic medicines.

Reference:

Bell IR et al (2010). Effects of homeopathic medicines on polysomnographic sleep of young adults with histories of coffee-related insomnia. Sleep Medicine, doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2010.03.013

Homeopathy: Sex, Love, and Healing

Do Homeopathic Remedies Control Panic Attacks?

Author:  Rena Sherwood (http://hubpages.com)

We live in a wonderful time when we have more choice than ever about what medications or schools of health we can go to when we are sick, instead of just being stuck with one local doctor. Perhaps it is all of these wondrous choices that can trigger panic attacks in the modern patient. Panic attacks happen more to women than men, but we don’t know why (perhaps only the women will admit it?) There are many ways of treating panic attacks, with conventional and alternative therapies. Are homeopathic remedies for treating panic attacks the best route to take?

First off, please go to a conventional doctor about your panic attacks. Follow any medications carefully. If, after a few months, you are still having significant trouble, then look into alternative healing. And please, don’t use this article as a substitute for a homeopathic or conventional medical practitioner.

About Homeopathy

Homeopathy is one of the more popular schools of alternative medicine, especially in Europe. You are treated as an entire person instead of just a symptom that needs curing. For people who don’t want to look at their entire lifestyles and how that might be contributing to their conditions, homeopathy will be a very long road to take. If you are ready to work on your condition to the point of doing whatever it takes, then you may benefit from homeopathics for panic attacks.

In order to find a practicing homeopathic specialist, you may need to do some research. You could ask your doctor or your health insurance company to see if they recommend anyone local. Not many medical insurance plans cover homeopathy. Keep in mind that you may need many appointments before you feel improvement. You can also check with the National Center for Homeopathy to find a homeopath.

Homeopathic Remedies

In order for homeopathic remedies to best attack your panic attacks, you need your personality type to be determined, upon which the selection of remedies is to be based. The homeopath will also take time to get to know about your diet, stress levels and anything else they think might contribute to your panic attacks.

The most common homeopathic remedies available over the counter in Europe and sometimes in America are:

• Aconite, from the Monkshood plant. This is especially used for phobias.
• Arnica, a general healer for all situations where panic is involved.
• Argentum Nitricum (silver nitrate) used for overwhelming feelings of dread and panic attacks with no known triggers, although there are exceptions to this generalization.
• Gelsemium, when you are still shaky after the panic subsides
• Opium to release you from paralyzing fears. Don’t worry – this is so diluted that there is no way you can get high or addicted to it.

They are usually available in tablets and occasionally tinctures. Considering the taste of most medicinal tinctures, try to get the pill version if you can. The homeopath may prescribe a combination for you instead of just one.

Then the trial and error part begins, just like in any conventional medicine. You are taking medicine and can get side effects. If you develop any side effect or peculiar symptom like numbness, dizziness or bleeding from the mouth, stop taking the remedies and call both your homeopath and your doctor.

When you do find homeopathic remedies for panic attacks that help you, know that you are taking a medicine that may react with other medicines. When you go to the hospital or doctor for other ailments, be sure to mention what kind and how much of homeopathic for panic attacks you take.

In Conclusion

Homeopathy works for some people and does not work with others when it comes to panic attacks and anxiety management. There have not been a lot of scientific studies done and not many statistics available of its effectiveness. It’s pretty much a case of “try it and see”, which is just like with conventional medicine.

Homeopathy for a Beautiful Mind

Homeopathy for a Beautiful Mind

by Dorothy Simoni, PhD, CHom, CCH

This article appeared in the Conference Report – Boulder, Colorado

Bathed in clear, warm spring sunshine at the foot of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains and soothed by the serenity of a Sanskrit prayer and sitar music, Mahesh Gandi, MD, psychiatrist, homeopath and Rajan Sakaran colleague, began a three day seminar on Stress Anxiety and Panic Disorders at the Homeopathy School International in Boulder, CO.  The beginning of each session began with a melodic and meditative rendition of, “May we realize the truth. May we move from darkness to light.  May we know our true self.”  This quiet moment helped to focus and remind us as homeopaths of our purpose and work.

During the seminar, Dr. Gandhi presented a fresh, “drug free” approach to working with individuals who have had long standing complaints of anxiety, hypertension and panic.  He presented a number of video cases with multiple video follow-ups demonstrating the profound effect homeopathy can have on improving the health of the mind. His cases showed marked improvement for individuals who had been treated unsatisfactorily for years with standard, in many cases multiple, anti-depressant and psychiatric drugs.

He noted that psychiatry frequently gives more importance to the diagnosis than to the individual’s “story” and that patients are often squeezed into fixed DSM classifications when they actually show a great variety and mixture of symptoms. He reinforced the idea that in homeopathy, the individual is more important than the diagnosis, and that the focus is on the person, the whole individual, not the label.

Case-taking

Case-taking, Dr. Gandhi, reminded us is the most important phase in homeopathy. He notes, “Everything is case-taking. It is taking a journey with the client. The client is the one who is going to decide what is important. Case taking should be like putting a needle through a banana. One should be very neutral, like a white screen.” In addition a homeopath needs “good intentions, good will, and unconditional positive regard” for the patient when taking a case. “No prejudices; no labels.”

In case-taking, it is important that the homeopath be empathetic but detached and objective.  The homeopath should understand, feel, and be sensitive, but guard against coming from an emotional level. The homeopath must take the case from a “deep level.”  Dr. Gandhi suggests meditating a little to reach that state before taking a case. “Be silent.” The homeopath must be the “one who witnesses, not be a participant.”

Dr. Gandhi exclusively employs the Sankaran Method in case taking. Listening much and asking little, he gently probes for clarification by mirroring the patient’s own words, “Tell me about ‘feeling neglected.’ What is, ‘Almost like being in the womb?’  Describe, ‘giddiness.’ What do you mean when you say, ‘everything is a catastrophe’?  Can you tell me a bit more about, ‘your need for attention’? Go into this more. What are you afraid of at that moment?”  He suggests, “If the patient says something you don’t understand, put a mark by it and let it be. Go back to it later.”

Cause and Effect

There is no cause and effect. Dr. Gandhi suggests that everything that happens in our life is an excuse. We have a state inside that needs validation and so we create the situation that will provide validation.  We create an experience that fits the belief we hold about ourselves. In short, the world is how we create it. Events happen; how we perceive those events, how we project onto those events, creates our realities. Even illness is invited.  The homeopath then, in order to restore health, must identify the state that desperately needs validation – the state that created the pathology. Once the state in a patient is identified, and a remedy selected which matches that state, health can be restored.

Consequently, the homeopath needs to identify that internal un-validated state.  To do that, one must “get to the vital level.” Once that is accomplished, the lives of patients become understandable. The un-validated state is where a development delay has occurred.  It could result from any cause; the cause is of little importance.  It is through effective case taking that the homeopath takes the person to the “source,” that vital level revealing the state needing validation.

To reach the vital level, one has to ascertain “Where the energy of the case lies.” In addition to the story a patient tells and the words used, one gets to the energy of the case through careful observation of gestures and body language.  Dr. Gandhi notes that to get to the energy level, “the patient must pass from levels of naming and factual relating, to feeling, and through delusion to reach the sensation and energy levels.” An example from one of his cases illustrates the point, “Whenever the patient is talking about panic, he takes a breath, grimaces, and jerks.”  He is always, “Jumping, jumping, jumping.” Dr. Gandhi notes, “Hand gestures and repetitive gestures are very important. Gestures show the sensation and energy levels.  Facial expressions generally mean the person is at the emotional level.  When eyes start searching upwards, it is the delusional level.  When hands start to move, it is the sensation level.”

Analysis

“First,” Dr. Gandhi tells us, “identify the kingdom to which the patient belongs. The first step is to get your kingdoms right.” One is guided to the correct kingdom through tracing the patient’s words.  The following guidelines direct one to the correct kingdom.

Mineral – Individuals who need a mineral talk about, “lacking something; lacking capacity, identify.” They may state, “The problem is me. I lack or I will lose. I am unable to do this because of this limitation.  I am the problem.  I wish I could do this….”  They discuss structuring the life, relationship, role, performance, power, attack and defense.

Plant – Individuals who need plant remedies discuss being, “Stuck in one place and being unable to react,” or they show some “sensitivity to a situation and then react.” They talk about how things affect them. “This bothers me, this affects me.” For example, “I have been choked, contracted, constricted.” Plants show the feature of one basic sensation and the opposite. For example, tight and loose; pain and numbness; or tied and untied.

Animal – Individuals who need animal remedies generally speak about, “Not being the problem. Someone else is the problem.” For example, “My mother-in-law has made my life miserable.” They talk about another person. They talk about issues of survival, victim and aggressor, and attractiveness.

Life’s Stages and the Periodic Table

Dr. Gandhi also explained and demonstrated how stages of human development, such as conception, existence, fetal life, birth, identity, nourishment, security, work, creativity, performance, responsibility and leadership overlay the Periodic Table of the Elements in a predictable and systematic manner. Through an understanding of the relationship among the stages of human development, the organization of the Periodic Table and a patient’s story and words, the homeopath is much more likely to arrive at a correct remedy.

Through an analysis of several “mineral” patients’ dialogues, Dr. Gandhi clearly identified the exact stages of human development in which the individual was stuck. “Patients needing mineral remedies,” he notes, are “stuck in a certain stage of development.” For example, in the case of a patient needing Hydrogen, the developmental phase in which the patient was fixated related to a state before the structure (fetus) had even begun to form. Another individual’s story repeatedly utilized words and descriptions that made it clear on an unconscious level he was talking about “a return to the womb.”

As identified below, each row in the Periodic Table relates to specific stages of development.

Row One – Hydrogen: Existence and Conception;
Row Two – Lithium: Separation.
Row Three – Natrum: Identity (the infant line)
Row Four – Calcium: Security, Tasks, Finances, Job, House.
Row Five – Rubidium: Creativity and Performance
Row Five – Barium: Responsibility and Leadership
Row Six – Radium: Disintegration, Death, the “Blank,” pure energy

Dr. Gandhi elaborated noting that as one proceeds across a row from left to right of the Periodic Table, the traits or stages of development build, climax and then begin to disintegrate the father one goes to the right.  For example, he explained, “Many individuals with panic disorders need remedies from Row Two, the Lithium line.”  Therefore, moving from left to right across the Lithium row, one can identify the stages of the birth process reflected in each element.

Lithium – the baby is still part of the mother.  The process of childbirth has not yet begun.  He gave the illustration of a child having difficulty growing up, and being unable to detach from her parents.  The individual would like to have remained in a “protective environment, i.e., the womb.” For example, the patient might say, “I go into a shell, want to shut myself out from the world.”

Beryllium – the baby has completed nine months in the womb. It is the beginning of the process of separation, but the baby is still very connected. The question becomes, “I have been comfortable for 9 months, should I change?” This reflects a person who can’t change, can’t separate from the parents.  They may stay in the same job forever. “I am in the womb, I can move around, but I can’t imagine not being here,” and “I can’t exist without them.”

Boron – the infant is descending the birth canal. The baby has emerged from the uterus and is moving down the birth canal. The feelings become, “Do I want to be attached or do I want to be separated?” The individual may have a fear of downward motion.  He/she may be hesitant, confused about his identity and feel like a robot or puppet because the parents control. The individual wants to hold on. As children, they had to obey and didn’t feel heard. What was said as a child was of no significance to the parent.

Carbon – reflects further descent and engagement. Now there is no going back. This is the “get set stage.” The questions become, “Can I be on my own or do I need to remain here?  I have to let go. Can I let go? Am I capable of being on my own?” 
Nitrogen – The baby is still bound to the mother and now has to be released. Thus there is an attachment to the mother figure which gets too claustrophobic (bound) which has to be released (like a gas).  The feeling is, “I don’t want to be bound, I want to be released and free, nothing should bind me.”

Oxygen – The stage where the baby is released and takes its first breath. The patient views support as completely suffocating and damaging. “It’s like taking my air away.”  Individuals may be totally indifferent and aggressive towards the slightest advice or support from the parents. They are “combustible” in their approach.

Fluorine- The umbilical cord is cut. The baby and mother are now two distinct individuals. Consequently, attachment to a person becomes burdensome and the separate (i.e., Fluoric Acid: capacity to destroy relationships – Delusion: betrothal, engagement must be broken).
Neon - the feeling is being content with the separation, but feeling exposed and vulnerable thus needing to develop nourishment and protection within the self, without the need for the womb.

Homeopathy without Rubrics

While Dr. Gandhi led us through this insightful and fascinating approach to homeopathy and the human mind, he was very clear that effective use of the Sankaran Method is based on a firm understanding of the fundamentals of homeopathy.  In every case example, he supported his conclusions with a wide array of rubrics and symptoms.  He repeatedly noted that to be effective, each homeopath must “know the basics; there is no substitute for a good foundation.”

Finally, when evaluating this new method, he reminded us that, “One must stay open, for homeopathy is still in its infancy.” However, he notes, use of the Sankaran Method has had a profoundly positive effect on his practice.  With this method, he is experiencing many more successes than in the past.” He closed with this thought about method and practice, “When you hear a hoof beat on the road, don’t look first for zebras.”

Dr. Gandhi has a book coming out soon entitled, Homeopathy and Psychiatry

To read more about the Sankanan Method consult these references:

Sankaran, R., Sankaran’s Schema (2005 Ed), Homeopathic Medical Publishers, Mumbai,
India, 2005.
Sankaran, R., An Insight into Plants, Vols 1-3, Homeopathic Medical Publishers,
Mumbai, India, 2007.
Sankaran, R., The Sensation Refined, Homeopathic Medical Publisher, Mumbai, India,
2007
Sankaran, R., Structure, Experiences with the Mineral Kingdom, Vols 1-2, Homeopathic
Medical Publishers, Mumbai, India, 2008

Homeopathy Associated With Dramatic Reduction In Leptospirosis Infection In Cuban Population

Source: Elsevier

A report of the largest study of homeopathy ever undertaken, based on data from over 11 million people (the entire population of Cuba), is published in the journal Homeopathy.1 It provides fascinating evidence that a highly dilute substance, prepared according to homeopathic principles, may contribute to the prevention of Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis (also known as Weil’s Disease) is an infectious disease carried by rats and caused by bacteria called spirochetes. People contract the disease through contact with contaminated water. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but it is most common in the tropics during periods of heavy rain.

In Cuba, Leptospirosis is recorded by an efficient national surveillance programme. Its incidence correlates closely with heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. In late 2007, in response to a developing epidemic, and with only enough vaccine to treat 15,000 high-risk people, the government decided to treat the entire population of the region, over one year of age, with a homeopathic medicine. This was prepared from the inactivated causative organism by the Cuban National Vaccine Institute.

The homeopathic medicine was given to the 2.3 million population of the provinces usually worst affected. Within a few weeks the number of cases had fallen from the forecast 38 to 4 cases per 100,000 per week, significantly fewer than the historically-based forecast for those weeks of the year.The 8.8 million population of the other provinces did not receive homeopathic treatment and the incidence was as forecast. The effect appeared to be sustained: there was an 84% reduction in infection in the treated region in the following year (2008) when, for the first time, incidence did not correlate with rainfall. In the same period, incidence in the untreated region increased by 22%.

“Infectious diseases are still the bane of humanity, particularly in the developing world”, states Dr Sara Eames, President of the Faculty of Homeopathy. “Anything which appears to reduce infection rates in a potentially fatal infection, particularly when it can be prepared and delivered quickly, safely and cost effectively, has to be taken seriously and studied further.”

Dr. Peter Fisher, Editor of Homeopathy, notes “This is a very large study and its results, if confirmed, have huge potential impact. We need more research into the effectiveness of homeopathic preparations in preventing infectious diseases, complications, and the economic viability of a homeopathic approach

Reference

Bracho G, Varela E, Fernández R, et al. Large-scale application of highly-diluted bacteria for Leptospirosis epidemic control. Homeopathy 2010; 99: 156-166.

More of a mystery is why scientists continue to debunk it despite mounting evidence that homeopathy is effective

Author: Rachel Roberts
Guardian.co.uk, Thursday 15 July 2010 11.30 BST

I was a dedicated scientist about to begin a PhD in neuroscience when, out of the blue, homeopathy bit me on the proverbial bottom.

Science had been my passion since I began studying biology with Mr Hopkinson at the age of 11, and by the age of 21, when I attended the dinner party that altered the course of my life, I had still barely heard of it. The idea that I would one day become a homeopath would have seemed ludicrous.

That turning point is etched in my mind. A woman I’d known my entire life told me that a homeopath had successfully treated her when many months of conventional treatment had failed. As a sceptic, I scoffed, but was nonetheless a little intrigued.

She confessed that despite thinking homeopathy was a load of rubbish, she’d finally agreed to an appointment, to stop her daughter nagging. But she was genuinely shocked to find that, after one little pill, within days she felt significantly better. A second tablet, she said, “saw it off completely”.

I admit I ruined that dinner party. I interrogated her about every detail of her diagnosis, previous treatment, time scales, the lot. I thought it through logically – she was intelligent, she wasn’t lying, she had no previous inclination towards alternative medicine, and her reluctance would have diminished any placebo effect.

Scientists are supposed to make unprejudiced observations, then draw conclusions. As I thought about this, I was left with the highly uncomfortable conclusion that homeopathy appeared to have worked. I had to find out more.

So, I started reading about homeopathy, and what I discovered shifted my world for ever. I became convinced enough to hand my coveted PhD studentship over to my best friend and sign on for a three-year, full-time homeopathy training course.

Now, as an experienced homeopath, it is “science” that is biting me on the bottom. I know homeopathy works, not only because I’ve seen it with my own eyes countless times, but because scientific research confirms it. And yet I keep reading reports in the media saying that homeopathy doesn’t work and that this scientific evidence doesn’t exist.

The facts, it seems, are being ignored. By the end of 2009, 142 randomised control trials (the gold standard in medical research) comparing homeopathy with placebo or conventional treatment had been published in peer-reviewed journals – 74 were able to draw firm conclusions: 63 were positive for homeopathy and 11 were negative. Five major systematic reviews have also been carried out to analyse the balance of evidence from RCTs of homeopathy – four were positive (Kleijnen, J, et al; Linde, K, et al; Linde, K, et al; Cucherat, M, et al) and one was negative (Shang, A et al). It’s usual to get mixed results when you look at a wide range of research results on one subject, and if these results were from trials measuring the efficacy of “normal” conventional drugs, ratios of 63:11 and 4:1 in favour of a treatment working would be considered pretty persuasive.

Of course, the question of how homeopathy works is another matter. And that is where homeopathy courts controversy. It is indeed puzzling that ultra-high dilutions of substances, with few or no measurable molecules of the original substance left in them, should exert biological effects, but exert biological effects they do.

There are experiments showing that homeopathic thyroxine can alter the rate of metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs, that homeopathic histamine can alter the activity of white blood cells, and that under the right conditions, homeopathic sodium chloride can be made to release light in the same way as normal sodium chloride. The idea that such highly-diluted preparations are not only still active, but retain characteristics of the original substances, may seem impossible, but these kinds of results show it’s a demonstrable fact.

Surely science should come into its own here – solving the riddles of the world around us, pushing the frontiers of knowledge. At least, that is the science I fell in love with. More of a puzzle to me now is the blinkered approach of those who continue, despite increasing evidence, to deny what is in front of them.

In the last few years, there has been much propaganda and misinformation circulated, much of it heralding the death of homeopathy, yet the evidence shows that interest in complementary and alternative medicine is growing.

In February, the “sceptics” campaign had a breakthrough – a report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee recommended no further NHS funding for homeopathy, despite a deeply flawed hearing.

The Society of Homeopaths – the largest body representing professional homeopaths – was refused permission to give oral evidence. Also notable by their absence from the panel were primary care trusts who currently commission homeopathy and representatives of patients who use homeopathy. Yet oral evidence was heard from a journalist previously investigated by the Press Complaints Commission for unsubstantiated criticism of homeopaths, and a spokesperson for a charity that has long publicly opposed homeopathy. It is significant that one of the four MPs asked to vote on the report abstained due to concerns about the lack of balance in the evidence heard.

Homeopathy is well-established in the UK, having been available through the NHS since its inception in 1948. More than 400 GPs use homeopathy in their everyday practice and the Society of Homeopaths has 1,500 registered members, from a variety of previous professions including pharmacists, journalists, solicitors and nurses.

And yet the portrayal of homeopathy as charlatanism and witchcraft continues. There is growing evidence that homeopathy works, that it is cost-effective and that patients want it. As drugs bills spiral, and evidence emerges that certain drugs routinely prescribed on the NHS are no better than placebos, maybe it’s time for “sceptics” to stop the witch hunt and look at putting their own house in order.

It’s all a far cry from the schoolgirl biologist who envisioned spending her life in a laboratory playing with bacteria.

Yoga and Homeopathy for Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is pretty much common condition in which there is mild to moderate reduction of disc space between lumbar vertebrae and the person develops pain on and off in the lumbar region. There might be associated numbness of extremities at times. The excruciating pain may be at times unbearable. The patient usually complains of the pain when he lifts something heavy or there is some sudden sprain due to unknown reason.

Even if you consult an orthopedic consultant for your problem, after investigations, he will tell you that there is no definitive treatment for spondylosis and treating it symptomatically by prescribing analgesics is what they will do. But a good doctor will also tell you that ONLY exercise during pain free period can enhance your chances of reducing the existing lumbar spondylosis and revert it back as far as possible.

Well, t is absolutely true that effective stretching exercises like Yogasanas help one get rid of lumbar spondylosis. Rather, it is emphasized that spondylotic changes in vertebrae do not take place for those who are consistent in their practice of Yoga. If you know how to do Pranayama, your benefits can multiply. Learn from some expert guru proper techniques to do yogasanas and Pranayama and then only inculcate them in your day to day regime. Remember that careless exercise can harm you more!

Which Yogasanas are particularly helpful for lumbar spondylosis?

(1)   Pavan-Muktaasana

(2)   Dhanuraasana

(3)   Ardha-Machhindraasana

(4)   Taadasana

(5)   Naukasana

These five aasanas are literally blessing for our lumbar health. But remember that when you are in pain, avoid doing any aasana. The sooryanamaskaar is also one of the most applauded exercises for the whole body.

With these aasanas in picture, you can rely upon homeopathy for help! Homeopathic medicines work wonderfully o alleviate the lumbar pain and numbness if associated. The homeopathic medicines act from inside out and heal the dislocated discs and give permanent relief when coupled with above mentioned exercises.

The remedies like Arnica, Rhus tox, Kali Carb, Hypericum, Sepia, Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, etc work in different individuals with a particular set of symptoms. Consult an expert homeopath and get rid of your lumbar spondylosis soon!

Homeopathy Hope For Encephalitis

Homeopathy hope for encephalitis

Sanchita Sharma, Hindustan Times
Email Author
New Delhi, July 09, 2010

First Published: 23:26 IST(9/7/2010)
Last Updated: 23:29 IST(9/7/2010)

Homeopathy can prevent Japanese Encephalitis (JE) infection that infects 50,000 and kills 10,000 in South and Southeast Asia each year, report Indian researchers in the American Journal of Infectious Diseases. A study by researchers at Kolkata’s School of Tropical Medicine and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy d that the homeopathic medicine Belladonna prevented infection in chick embryos infected with the JE virus.

Caused by a virus that circulates in pigs and wading birds and gets transferred to humans through the bite of the Culex mosquito, JE causes symptoms of headache, sudden high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation and seizures.

Deaths in India, which range between 1,000 and 2,000 each year, occur mainly in children under 15 years in the endemic states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam and Bengal.

Belladonna — the deadly nightshade — is used to treat complaints of sudden infections and fever. Other conditions treated include migraines and throbbing headaches in which the slightest eye movement intensifies the pain, boils, seizures, kidney inflammation and restless sleep.

The study showed significant decrease in the viral load when treated with homoeopathic medicine Belladonna in different potencies, in comparison to placebo, said principal investigator Dr Bhaswati Bandopadhyay, assistant professor of virology, School of Tropical Medicine.

Nobel laureate gives homeopathy a boost

Nobel laureate gives homeopathy a boost

From: The Australian July 05, 2010 12:00AM

A NOBEL laureate who discovered the link between HIV and AIDS has suggested there could be a firm scientific foundation for homeopathy.

French virologist Luc Montagnier stunned his colleagues at a prestigious international conference when he presented a new method for detecting viral infections that bore close parallels to the basic tenets of homeopathy.

Although fellow Nobel prize winners — who view homeopathy as quackery — were left openly shaking their heads, Montagnier’s comments were rapidly embraced by homeopaths eager for greater credibility.

Montagnier told the conference last week that solutions containing the DNA of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, including HIV, “could emit low frequency radio waves” that induced surrounding water molecules to become arranged into “nanostructures”. These water molecules, he said, could also emit radio waves.

He suggested water could retain such properties even after the original solutions were massively diluted, to the point where the original DNA had effectively vanished. In this way, he suggested, water could retain the “memory” of substances with which it had been in contact — and doctors could use the emissions to detect disease.

To a lay person this may sound tenuous. For a scientist it is highly provocative in its similarity to the principles said to underpin homeopathy.

Homeopathic medicines work on the principle that a toxic substance taken in minute amounts will cure the same symptoms that it would cause if it were taken in large amounts.

Scientists completely reject this, claiming there is no evidence to show that water can retain or transmit information and that homeopathic treatments have never been proven in full clinical trials.

Montagnier’s claims come at a particularly sensitive time, with the British Medical Association last week calling for the National Health Service to stop spending pound stg. 4 million ($7.2m) a year on homeopathy.

The growing concern of doctors is linked to homeopathy’s rising popularity. Users of homeopathy include the Queen and David Beckham.

Montagnier was awarded the Nobel prize in 2008 for research carried out in the 1980s that confirmed the link between HIV and AIDS. The breakthrough opened the way to new treatments that have extended the lives of millions of people.

Last week, he was speaking at the Lindau Nobel laureate meeting in Germany where 60 Nobel prize winners had gathered, along with 700 other scientists, to discuss the latest breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry and physics.

Cristal Sumner, of the British Homeopathic Association, said Montagnier’s work gave homeopathy “a true scientific ethos”.

The Sunday Times

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