Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women one to two weeks prior to menstruation. It is estimated that as many as 80% of women experience some symptoms of PMS. The premenstrual symptom complex results in a varied combination of symptoms that have been clinically grouped according to the most frequently experienced symptoms. These include anxiety, irritability & nervous tension (PMT-A); water & sodium retention, weight gain, bloating, & mastagia (PMT-H); craving for sweet foods, increased appetite, palpitations, fatigue, fainting spells & headaches (PMT-C); depression, insomnia, forgetfulness & confusion (PMT-D). Additional symptoms include back pain, joint pain & skin eruptions. Symptoms are recurrent & often numerous. The mechanism resulting in these symptoms is not well understood. Hormonal imbalances (oestrogen dominance), unstable blood sugar levels, food allergies & malabsorption are thought to influence and possibly result in the symptoms of PMS.
General guidelines to improve well-being during the premenstrual period include decreasing salt, sugar & caffeine intake. Eat plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables, and get regular aerobic exercise.
Homoeopathic remedies & correct supplementation can be of great help to sufferers of PMS. To gain the most benefit from homoeopathic treatment, it is important to consult with a registered homoeopathic practitioner before taking any remedy.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, November 9, 2009
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Homoeopathic Approach
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and is the most frequently encountered gastrointestinal disorder in the western world. People with IBS have a significantly reduced quality of life and greater absenteeism from work than the general population. In a study conducted by Bengtsson et al (2006), women suffering from IBS complained of feeling misunderstood and receiving little sympathy and support from their family and health workers. Despite its prevalence, the cause of IBS is not well understood. The research conducted on IBS thus far is inconclusive and results are often contradictory.
IBS is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). This implies that clinical investigations do not reveal pathological findings. It affects the colon and common symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, & altered bowel habits. The nature of the abdominal pain is usually described as cramping or colicky, and is commonly concentrated in the lower region of the abdomen, alleviated by a bowel movement. Abdominal distension tends to become worse as the day progresses, but does not seem to coincide with abnormally increased intestinal gas. There is variability in bowel habits, but most people with IBS exhibit a pattern of alternating diarrhoea and constipation.
Despite the benign nature of IBS, symptoms are similar to more serious bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and colon cancer. This may cause a considerable amount of distress. Clinical investigations are used to exclude the possibility of diseases. The diagnosis of IBS is one of clinical exclusion of all other possible pathology. Those affected by IBS are usually between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The ratio of women diagnosed with IBS is higher than men, the ratio being three to two respectively.
A variety of factors worsen the symptoms of IBS. These include food sensitivities(wheat & lactose especially), stress, anxiety and depression, as well as hormonal fluctuations of the female menstrual cycle.
A HOLISTIC VIEW
Holistically, disease can be viewed as a disturbance of homeostasis in the body. It is this imbalance which makes us more susceptible to experiencing ill health. In homoeopathic terms, disease is viewed as a disturbance of the vital force- that which animates all life.
According to general mind/body dynamics, problems associated with the digestive tract are related to the phenomenon of not trusting the process of life and our incapacity to ‘digest our experiences’. There is an inability to ‘let go’ in all spheres of the person’s life.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Homoeopathy allows for the treatment of IBS using a holistic & individualised approach. This makes homoeopathic treatment of IBS a unique form of medicine. It considers the individual’s experience of the illness rather than generalising symptoms. It regards not only the bowel dysfunctions commonly associated with IBS, but also addresses disharmony in the psychological aspects (such as stress reactions, anxiety, and depression) and considers individual sensitivities.
The homoeopathic approach can assist in gaining a healthier understanding of ourselves. By knowing ourselves, we are empowered with tools to regaining health and discovering what it means to be well. It leads us inevitably to honouring our innate ability to be our own catalysts to healing. This allows for personal growth and fulfilment of a rich and meaningful life.
IBS is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). This implies that clinical investigations do not reveal pathological findings. It affects the colon and common symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, & altered bowel habits. The nature of the abdominal pain is usually described as cramping or colicky, and is commonly concentrated in the lower region of the abdomen, alleviated by a bowel movement. Abdominal distension tends to become worse as the day progresses, but does not seem to coincide with abnormally increased intestinal gas. There is variability in bowel habits, but most people with IBS exhibit a pattern of alternating diarrhoea and constipation.
Despite the benign nature of IBS, symptoms are similar to more serious bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and colon cancer. This may cause a considerable amount of distress. Clinical investigations are used to exclude the possibility of diseases. The diagnosis of IBS is one of clinical exclusion of all other possible pathology. Those affected by IBS are usually between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The ratio of women diagnosed with IBS is higher than men, the ratio being three to two respectively.
A variety of factors worsen the symptoms of IBS. These include food sensitivities(wheat & lactose especially), stress, anxiety and depression, as well as hormonal fluctuations of the female menstrual cycle.
A HOLISTIC VIEW
Holistically, disease can be viewed as a disturbance of homeostasis in the body. It is this imbalance which makes us more susceptible to experiencing ill health. In homoeopathic terms, disease is viewed as a disturbance of the vital force- that which animates all life.
According to general mind/body dynamics, problems associated with the digestive tract are related to the phenomenon of not trusting the process of life and our incapacity to ‘digest our experiences’. There is an inability to ‘let go’ in all spheres of the person’s life.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Homoeopathy allows for the treatment of IBS using a holistic & individualised approach. This makes homoeopathic treatment of IBS a unique form of medicine. It considers the individual’s experience of the illness rather than generalising symptoms. It regards not only the bowel dysfunctions commonly associated with IBS, but also addresses disharmony in the psychological aspects (such as stress reactions, anxiety, and depression) and considers individual sensitivities.
The homoeopathic approach can assist in gaining a healthier understanding of ourselves. By knowing ourselves, we are empowered with tools to regaining health and discovering what it means to be well. It leads us inevitably to honouring our innate ability to be our own catalysts to healing. This allows for personal growth and fulfilment of a rich and meaningful life.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
SEVEN REASONS TO CHOOSE HOMOEOPATHY FOR YOUR CHILD
1. Works with the body to enhance the body’s ability to fight illness
2. Assists in all realms of the child’s development-mental, emotional, physical
3. No side effects
4. Treats both acute and chronic illnesses
5. Enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment when it is really necessary by allowing the healthy development of the immune system and reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains
6. Can be used in conjunction with conventional medication without the risk of drug interactions
7. Palatable medication
2. Assists in all realms of the child’s development-mental, emotional, physical
3. No side effects
4. Treats both acute and chronic illnesses
5. Enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment when it is really necessary by allowing the healthy development of the immune system and reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains
6. Can be used in conjunction with conventional medication without the risk of drug interactions
7. Palatable medication
ESSENCE OF HOMOEOPATHY
Homoeopathy was founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a doctor & chemist. The word ‘homoeopathy’ is derived from the two Greek words ‘homeo’, meaning similar, and ‘pathos’, which means suffering. It is a system of medicine which applies the principle of ‘like cures like’. This alludes to the fact that in practice, a remedy that can produce certain effects on a healthy individual can cure those similar effects when they are recognised as symptoms of an ill person.
Homoeopathy offers a holistic & individualised approach to preserving health & preventing disease. Homoeopathic medicine stimulates the body’s innate defences so that the natural process of healing can take place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
