Homeopathy
“similia similibus qurantur”
like cures like
Holistic Approach
Homeopathy is a holistic approach to healing that considers the whole person – mind, body, and emotions – rather than just focusing on the symptoms. It recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s health.
It is a system of alternative medicine that was developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann.
“The physician’s highest and only calling is to make the sick healthy, to cure, as it 15 called. The highest ideal of cure is the rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health; that is, the lifting and annihilation of the disease in its entire extent in the shortest, most reliable, and least disadvantageous way, according to clearly realizable principles.”
– Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of the Medical Art, Aphorisms 1 and 2
Law of Similars
The Law of Similars is a fundamental principle of homeopathy. It states that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can be used in a highly diluted form to treat similar symptoms in a sick person. Like cures like.
This principle was first articulated by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, during his experiments with cinchona bark, which contains quinine and was commonly used to treat malaria. Hahnemann noticed that while cinchona bark could cause symptoms similar to those of malaria in a healthy person, it also had the ability to alleviate those same symptoms in someone suffering from malaria.
Totality of Symptoms
“Totality of symptoms” is a key concept in homeopathy. It refers to the comprehensive evaluation of all the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms experienced by an individual when selecting a homeopathic remedy.
By considering the totality of symptoms and selecting a remedy that closely matches the individual’s unique symptom pattern, homeopathy aims to provide personalized and targeted treatment. This individualized approach is one of the distinctive features of homeopathy and differentiates it from conventional medicine, which often focuses on standardized treatments for specific diseases.
Minimum Dose
In homeopathy, the principle of the “minimum dose” is a fundamental concept. It suggests that the remedies used should be administered in the smallest possible dose that is sufficient to stimulate the body’s self-healing response.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization, which involves successive dilution and vigorous shaking or succussion. This process is believed to enhance the medicinal properties of the substance while minimizing any potential toxic effects.
The principle of the minimum dose recognizes that it is not the quantity of the substance that is important but rather its ability to stimulate the vital force or the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
Individualized Treatment
Homeopathy follows the principle of individualization, where each person is assessed and treated as a unique individual. Homeopathic remedies are selected based on a person’s specific symptoms, emotional state, and overall constitution.
The Vital Force
Homeopathy recognizes the presence of a vital force or vital energy within each person, which maintains overall health and well-being. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating this vital force to initiate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Complementary Medicine
Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine and other complementary therapies. It can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and support overall healing and well-being.
Wide Range of Conditions
Homeopathy can be used to address a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including respiratory illnesses, digestive disorders, allergies, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, musculoskeletal problems, and emotional disturbances.
Professional Guidance
It is important to seek professional guidance from a Registered Homeopathic Practitioner. They can assess your individual case, provide personalized treatment, and monitor your progress to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Non-Toxic and Safe
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and prepared according to specific procedures called potentization. They are considered safe, non-toxic, and generally free from side effects, making them suitable for all age groups, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Treating the Root Cause
Homeopathy aims to treat the underlying causes of disease rather than merely suppressing symptoms. By addressing the root cause, homeopathic treatments aim to provide long-lasting relief and restore balance in the body.
References
- Books:
- “Organon of Medicine” by Samuel Hahnemann
- “The Science of Homeopathy” by George Vithoulkas
- “Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine” by Timothy R. Dooley
- “Homeopathy: An Introduction for Skeptics and Beginners” by Dana Ullman
- Research Journals:
- Homeopathy: The Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy
- Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- Complementary Therapies in Medicine
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Government and Regulatory Bodies:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH)
- The Society of Homeopaths
- Academic Institutions and Research Centers:
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland
- Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI)
- Samueli Institute
- Faculty of Homeopathy
- Online Resources:
- National Center for Homeopathy (NCH)
- Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States (HPCUS)
- Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) website
- Society of Homeopaths website
Cellulite
Cellulite
Cellulite, also referred to as the “orange-peel skin”, is a common condition affecting both men and women globally. Data gathered from the American Skincare and Cellulite Expert Association has approximated that 90% of women, and to a lesser extent men, over the age of 20 suffer from some degree of cellulite. Whether it is the thighs, buttocks, and/or hips, the formation of cellulite can be regulated through the proper maintenance of various physiological factors and lifestyle changes.
While there is no real “cure” for cellulite, an individual can greatly impact the formation and spread of cellulite. Essentially, cellulite develops due to a variety of different factors. Most common of these factors includes hormonal imbalance, improper dieting, lack of physical exercise, and exposure to harmful external elements. Therefore, it is imperative to tackle each and every know aspect of cellulite formation to produce a successful treatment regime.
Background
Cellulite can best be described as an orange-peel textured skin characteristic for affecting the lower buttocks, outer and posterior thighs, and hips. More precisely, the area composed of the orange-peel textured skin is actually a mixture of lumpy tissue and flabby skin. Due to its appearance, a common misconception exists which categorizes cellulite as a derivative of obesity; however, in actuality, millions of women, all weights and ages, are prone to developing cellulite at one time or another in their life.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a multifactorial condition with a largely unknown pathophysiology, however, hereditary traits, malnutrition, lack of physical activity, bad venous and lymphatic circulation, and high oestrogen levels are known factors which aggravate the formation of cellulite.
Different Categories of Cellulite
Cellulite can be broken down into 3 different categories:
- Oedema cellulite – high proteoglycan concentrations draw excessive water to the affected area
- Microcirculation cellulite – produced by lymphoedema, lipoedema, or lipolymphoedema
- Fibrosis based cellulite – irregular collagen formation which impacts tissue and fat structure arrangement
Note: a patient can exhibit one form of cellulite or a combination of the above three.
Hormones
Hormones are key molecules produced by living systems with the intent of physiological and behavioural regulation; therefore, the only successful way to treat the appearance of cellulite is to address the underlying hormonal imbalances responsible for weight gain and cellulite formation.
Note: while there are many hormones which affect the formation of cellulite, estrogen, the female sex hormone, has the greatest impact concerning cellulite formation.
Estrogen and Cellulite Connection
Estrogen works in the following ways to promote cellulite:
- It drives fat into adipocytes below the skin
- Fat cells enlarge and squeeze off blood flow
- Increased vascular pressure forces fluids out of vessels into the surrounding tissue space
- Building up of fluids produces swelling and stimulates the thickening of collagen and connective tissue
- Fibroblasts are recruited and continue to produce more connective tissue and further deregulate collagen
Cellulite and Dieting
There are many aspects of an individual’s diet which can impact the formation of cellulite. For example, a diet consisting of fast foods and other fatty contents increases the amount of bad cholesterol which circulates through the body. Excessive cholesterol leads to increased fat stores in the periphery which in turn drives the formation of cellulite. However, certain people who are not on the plus size also develop cellulite.
Factors such as excessive smoking, drinking, and consumption of acidic food-stuff, can accelerate cellulite formation in people with no weight problems. Acidic cellular environments promote cellular death, loss of connective tissue, and oedema. These detrimental by-products lead to declined elasticity and swelling. Eventually, the skin in the surrounding area becomes a mixture of lumpy and flabby tissue – the characteristic appearance of cellulite.
The Yo-Yo Effect
- Dieter is initially successful in the pursuit of weight loss.
- Dieter becomes unsuccessful in maintaining the weight loss.
- Dieter begins to gain back the weight.
- Dieter tries to quickly lose weight and starts new diet.
- Steps 1-4 repeat.
- The short bursts of weight gain and weight loss reduce elasticity and muscle mass.
- Cellulite develops.
Note: if you can no longer keep up with a diet then give your body enough time to readjust before starting another diet.
Predisposing Factors
These factors function to either increase the number or size of adipocytes, release hormones that affect appetite, and/or modify the structure of DNA and proteins.
Some factors include:
- BPA
- Phthalates
- Tributyltin (TBT)
- Atrazine
- DDE
- DES
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Organotins
- Cigarette smoke or second hand smoke
- PFOA
Other Predisposing Factors:
- Medications such as antipsychotic, antidepressants, anticonvulsant drugs, antidiabetic drugs, antihistamines, beta-adrenergic blockers, and steroid hormones
- Genetics
- Low birth weight
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Caloric intake/physical activity imbalance
- Abruptly quitting smoking habits
During and after a diet, it is beneficial to use cosmetic products which inhibit/slow down the production of new fat cells.
