The reason is simple—

If you have jaundice, your liver is not sick but you are sick. Your liver cannot get damaged until there is some mechanism acting on higher level that made it diseased. This higher mechanism is deranged vital force of the individual! Therefore, with the intended homeopathic medicine, a homeopath tries to get back this deranged vital force into equilibrium. When this happens, automatically the liver gets normalized too. Similarly if a person gets allergic rash on his body, say urticaria, his vital force is susceptible to the allergen to make him sick. So, if you apply anything externally to alleviate the rash, it will just locally suppress the rash without rectifying the underlying cause. No wonder the rash will reappear after some days or months.

This is however not so simple every time. Suppression of rash not necessarily give rise of re-appearance of rash every time. The deranged vital force at times may affect more vital organ than skin like kidneys or lungs. Many cases have been seen of suppressed skin eruptions turning into asthma over a period of time. Especially the skin eruptions suppressed by steroid ointments many times lead to such deteriorating complications. You may or may not be told about such causative factor by other faculty of medicine. But it is the nature’s principle to affect more vital organ when the disease in weaker organ is suppressed by stronger medicinal force.

That’s why homeopathy cautions against the use of local applications. It enables the person to enjoy healthier life by annihilating the disease completely at its rot cause. Remember the cause need not always lie in physical plane. Many times, the causative factor lies in the mental and/or emotional realm of the patient that need to be identified by a homeopathic expert to treat accordingly later on.

Therefore, if you or your near and dear one has some kind of skin eruption, do not suppress it with harsh ointments. Give homeopathy a chance to eradicate it completely so that your vital force is set free to act optimally once again!

Well, the fact is that the principle that governs this wonderful art and science of medicine is true through the changing years of world medicine. Though there have been changes in the perception of various sects of medicine through these years, homeopathic principle remains the same for which the homeopaths will continue to advocate!

As one ca judge, there has been tremendous increase in the fan following of such natural medicine nowadays. The reason behind is simple. People now are aware of the nasty effects of strong medication that might remain in the form of dormant disorder itself in their bodies. They don’t want to carry the remnants of their past maladies with them for the rest of their life. Instead they are interested in improving their natural immunity with the medicine that boosts their confidence multifold in homeopathy.

No wonder various people advocating homeopathy always believed in this wonderful science and made it a point to nurture its positive benefits over the years. The basic principle is derived from the nature and as the nature doesn’t change its charm for anything, so do these medicinal actions. The principle of “like cures like” is known since centuries. Dr Samuel Hahnemann just re-discovered it and converted it into a marvelous healing art.

Hahnemannian classical homeopathy revolves around tapping the innermost detail of an individual that is sick. It never treats just the disease but the person who has it. This holistic approach is what makes Hahnemannian homeopathy need of the hour. We always see that despite all the tests being negative, many people keep suffering from symptoms that are quite indescribable. For example, a person with typhoid test negative continues to suffer from febrile paroxysms and feels extremely weak. The modern medicine will prescribe just an anti-pyretic and some food supplements to get through this. But many times this doesn’t help too and the person continues to suffer. But a homeopathic physician will give importance to the characteristic physical and mental symptoms of this person and prescribe accordingly. No doubt he will feel better subjectively, only to be relieved of physical symptoms concurrently.

Thus, propagation of homeopathy will make us stronger as a human race. We can face adversities, seek pleasure in natural immunity, and fight diseases ourselves without the need of strong medication. Don’t you want it?

What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?

(1)   The foremost sign any woman would notice is the variation in her menstrual cycle. If there is no sudden stoppage of menses altogether, she might develop irregular cycles through a period of 1 to 2 years or more.

(2)   The hormone cycle variation leads to hot flushes occasionally with sudden chilly spells too.

(3)   Due to lack of estrogen, the vaginal mucosa becomes dry and the woman may develop itching of vagina and/or eruptions.

(4)   Lack of interest in sex is the usual symptom many women complain of.

(5)   With the weaning of protective female hormones, women share their risks of cardiac diseases and kidney disorders with the male counterparts; rather the risk is said to be much higher in diabetic females after menopause.

(6)   Occasional migraine attacks, mood swings, excess irritability are also some of the early menopause symptoms.

(7)   The osteoporosis is one of the most troubling consequences of menopause in some women. The bones become brittle and lead to recurrent fractures during trivial accidents.

Is Hormone Replacement Truly an Answer?

Many gynecologists these days recommend hormone replacement therapy for women who suffer from menopause blues. And that seems to help in the initial phase. There can be sudden suppression of the existing symptoms and the woman may experience a boost psychologically too. But in many cases this seems to be short-lived. Women who were feeling better after a period of time sense that the similar symptoms are returning and even some side effects are noticed. Also she has to undergo regular investigations like mammogram to rule out any side effects. So, certainly hormone replacement cannot be termed as an ultimate answer to menopausal symptoms. (For side effects of HRT, please see at the bottom of the article)

How can Homeopathy Help Women with Menopausal Symptomatology?

Homeopathy gives large importance to the past and family history of the patient. Many women do have certain positive family trait that makes them vulnerable to these menopausal problems. Therefore, homeopathy puts her in a stipulated group of miasmatic overload. And unless this miasmatic overload is treated efficaciously with apt homeopathic constitutional medicines and/or nosodes, the woman is liable to suffer from these symptoms. But once the homeopathic physician senses the miasmatic load (in most cases of menopausal problems, the dominant miasm is Sycosis or syphilis).

It is good practice to start the homeopathic treatment with appropriate symptomatic remedy depending upon the then physical, mental, and emotional picture of the patient. Once the patient is capable enough to respond to the chosen constitutional remedy, give it in a single dose. Follow the case well and over a period of time (may be months together), if you sense that there is a stand still position and even the chosen remedy fails to work, give the apt nosode to stimulate the vital force again and take out the miasmatic load by its intercurrent action. Wait again! Later (may be after months again), you can think of giving or repeating the constitutional medicine once more in the same or higher potency depending upon the condition then.

What are the plus of homeopathic treatment over the hormone replacement therapy?

1. Most importantly, when chosen appropriately homeopathic medicine never gives temporary relief but the effect is long lasting.

2. Even homeopathic acute remedy chosen wisely is able to help the patient get over her acute symptomatology very soon. (Within days of starting treatment)

3. When the medicine given is correct and in appropriate potency, there are absolutely no chances of side effects with homeopathy.

4. In many cases it is observed that when we give homeopathic treatment, the patient does not have to take supplements over long term. Yes, even as homeopaths if necessary, we should give the woman supplements like calcium or vitamin D3, etc; however, with the constitutional boost homeopathic medicines give her, even the supplements act favorably without leading to just cumulative effect.

5. As the homeopathic medicine is usually given in single or least possible dose with least repetitions, the woman is pleased not to take bigger tablets thrice or twice a day over a long period. This itself boosts her psychological morale multifold!

A Protective Circle of family and friends!

Yes, this is one of the crucial factors in treating the menopausal blues. If the woman has supportive family and friends, a doctor can do miracles by eliciting fastest positive results with apt homeopathic therapy. The mood swings need to be understood by the spouse and children and help her get through the phase smoothly. There are many support groups too these days that encourage the women to opt for the safe alternative therapies like yoga and Pranayam, which help her gain confidence and carry on with life with a smile on!

Yes! Finally that’s what matters, isn’t it?

RISKS OF HORMONE THERAPY (Courtesy-http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007111.htm)

BLOOD CLOTS

Doctors have long known that taking estrogen increases a person’s risk for blood clots. Generally, this risk is higher if you use birth control pills, which contain high doses of estrogen. Your risk is even higher if you smoke and take estrogen. The risk is not as high when estrogen skin patches (transdermal estrogen) are used.

CANCER

Breast cancer: Woman who take estrogen therapy for a long period of time have a small increase in risk for breast cancer. Most guidelines currently consider hormone therapy safe for breast cancer risk when taken for up to 5 years.

Endometrial/uterine cancer: The risk for endometrial cancer is more than five times higher in women who take estrogen therapy alone, compared with those who do not. However, taking progesterone with estrogen seems to protect against this cancer. Endometrial cancer does not develop in women who do not have a uterus.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Heart disease: Estrogen may increase the risk of heart disease in older women, or in women who began estrogen use more than 10 years after their last period. Estrogen is probably the safest when started in women under age 60, or within 10 years after the start of menopause.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT or blood clot in a vein) and pulmonary embolus (PE or blood clot in the lungs) are more common in women who take oral estrogen, regardless of their age.

Stroke: Women who take estrogen have an increased risk for stroke.

Women who also smoke, have heart disease, or are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke are less likely to be given estrogen hormones.

GALLBLADDER DISEASE

Several studies have shown that women who take estrogen/progestin therapy have an increased risk for developing gallstones.

SIDE EFFECTS OF HORMONE THERAPY

As with all medicines, side effects are possible. Some women taking hormone therapy may have:

• Bloating
• Breast soreness
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Water retention

Changing the dose or form of hormone therapy may help reduce these side effects.

Some women have irregular bleeding when they start taking hormone therapy. Changing the dose often eliminates this side effect. Close follow-up with your doctor is important when you have any unusual bleeding.

(Courtesy for side effects of HRT- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007111.htm)

A woman’s life has many important milestones through which she at times struggles to remain hale and hearty. Menarche, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are some of the milestones. Among them, menopause is the period when some of her female hormones reduce in quantity leading to stoppage of menstruation that made her fertile and healthy for so long. The time of menopause differs from woman to woman and in some cases it is seen to be hereditary. If this period is troubled, she does need valuable menopause info to carry on with the normal day to day routine.

• Bloating
• Breast soreness
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Water retention

]]> http://www.drshreya.com/menopause-what-you-need-to-know-is-hormone-replacement-therapy-an-answer-or-homeopathy-2/feed 0 http://www.drshreya.com/everything-about-hemorrhoids-piles http://www.drshreya.com/everything-about-hemorrhoids-piles#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:21:00 +0000 admin http://www.drshreya.com/everything-about-hemorrhoids-piles

• Heredity- Our genetic make up is one of the major factors for development and aggravation of hemorrhoids. There has been found familial weakness of blood vessel wall. Large supply of arterial blood to hemorrhoidal plexus is also found in certain families.
• Pregnancy- Post-partum and/or pregnancy hemorrhoids are found in many women owing to increased tension in rectal wall due to excessive straining during child birth and expansion of uterus during pregnancy respectively.
• Untreated conditions- Certain conditions like colitis, diarrheas, dysenteries, etc can be the pre-disposing factors for hemorrhoids if left untreated for long.
• Chronic constipation- Chronic constipation has myriad of causes ranging from unhealthy eating habits to sedentary work-style. But it is by far the commonest cause of hemorrhoids.
• Sedentary habits- People working in sitting postures for long time have higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. Lack of physical activity or exercise is one of the chief pre-disposing factors.
• Some serious illnesses- Systemic or portal hypertension, inferior vena-caval congestion, rectal cancer, cardiac or pulmonary diseases, etc also may lead to hemorrhoids.

1. If the internal hemorrhoid is prolapsed, one can feel it as a lump outside the anus. Many times, it can also be gently pushed inside the anus. But if not, it can lead to enlargement and swelling of internal hemorrhoid too. Entrapment of hemorrhoid may require immediate intervention.
2. There can be pruritus ani (itching at the anus) and tingling sensation
3. Increased desire to have repeated bowel movement is also observed in many patients
4. Thrombosed external hemorrhoid may lead to severe pain that gets aggravated with every bowel movement and prolonged sitting
5. Bleeding per rectum is one of the commonest symptoms detected first by the patient
6. Mucus discharge may accompany prolapsed hemorrhoids.
7. Complications like strangulation of piles, profuse hemorrhage, thrombosis, ulceration, and rarely gangrene may occur if hemorrhoids are left untreated for long.

1. Increase the water intake. One must drink at least 10 glasses of water per day that helps keep our stools soft and improve bowel activity
2. Increase dietary fiber and it will add roughage to your food. It certainly enhances regular bowel movements
3. Avoid junk food devoid of fiber that just adds empty calories. This kind of food also adds extra pounds leading to obesity, which is another pre-disposing factors for hemorrhoids
4. Boost up your physical activity level. Especially the people with sedentary working habits have to get moving, as lack of physical movement is one of the chief factors contributing to increased incidence of hemorrhoids these days. Exercise also helps to get rid of hemorrhoids faster by reducing the tendency to constipation and pressure on hemorrhoidal veins. So keep active to prevent piles.
5. Also one should not suppress the urge for stools for long time. This step helps a great deal in hemorrhoid prevention.

1. Can homeopathic medicines cure hemorrhoids completely?

2. How long homeopathic treatment should be taken for hemorrhoids?

3. Can homeopathy deal with complications of hemorrhoids like gangrene, ulceration, etc?

4. Can one take homeopathic and conventional medicines for hemorrhoids simultaneously?

The homeopathic remedy tips mentioned below in 11 sections are the clinical symptoms observed in various patients during acute and/or chronic treatments. However, while studying them, one must remember that they are mere key notes or symptoms that certainly need further evaluation. Never ever treat any health condition merely on the basis of these tips. You have to have complete case history of the patient in order to reach to a constitutional homeopathic prescription after thorough evaluation.

These tips are for the reference of the new learners of homeopathy.

Thank you!