Homeopathy Introduction to Homeopathy and its use in Breast and Menopausal Symptoms

Principles A system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like” -similia similibus curentur Uses the smallest dose possible to produce a response

Examples of the similia principle Peeling an onion leads to sore, runny eyes, itchy nose and sneezing - Allium cepa used to treat hayfever and colds nettle stings produce a burning, itchy wheal on the skin - Urtica urens is a good remedy for similar skin lesions arsenic poisoning causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea with burning pains and chilliness - Arsenicum alb. V. effective in gastroenteritis and food poisoning

Examples of the similia principle in medicine Radiotherapy which is used to treat cancer also causes it Amphetamines which produce hyperactivity, are used to treat hyperactive children Immunisation treatment of erythromelalgia with Praxilene?

Basis of Treatment Homeopathy works with the body’s response to illness and remedies are prescibed according to the symptoms one remedy can be used to treat several ailments one ailment may need to be treated with different remedies in different patients

Selecting the remedy Detailed Homeopathic history Repertorization Materia medica

Homeopathic history Details of presenting complaint - aetiology, aggravations, ameliorations, modalities Aetiology : trauma, bereavement, never well since -pregnancy, menopause, glandular fever

Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside Homeopathic history General symptoms - patients’ reaction to their environment, heat, cold, weather Food likes or dislikes, e.g. crave pickles,like fat periodicity - frequency of symptoms - monthly, weekly, yearly Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside

Mind or Mental symptoms – features of their personality Anxious on anticipation Depressed Weepy Consolation Easily bored Jealous Tidy Fears Company Shy Routine Resentments

General appearance Vivacious red-head Nervous Laid-back absent minded professor Prim and proper Scruffy Extremely neat and colour co-ordinated Weepy blonde Lacks energy Flabby handshake Closed Shy, hides behind mother Anxious to please, maintain eye contact

The relevant kingdom Animal, Mineral or Vegetable (Plant) Animal – hunter/ hunted, victim, prey, pursued, escaping, nurturing, flying, pouncing, caged, free Mineral – structural terms, cracking, crumbling, stable/ unstable, falling apart Plant – sensitive to surroundings e.g light, warmth, smells, cold, damp,

Remedies These are prepared from :- minerals, plants, fish, insects, snakes and disease products

Instructions for taking remedies Homeopathic remedies are very delicate and should not be handled. They are absorbed from the mouth and so are sucked not swallowed. Should not be taken near food or drink as these may interfere with the absorption. Store away from strong smells.

The clinical place for homeopathy Where there is no effective allopathic alternative Where conventional medication is unsafe Where allopathy has unacceptable side-effects To minimise the use of allopathy

Homeopathic Treatment of Breast Disease In cancer, it can be useful alongside conventional therapies Improves well being and gives symptomatic relief Can relieve hot flushes even if due to Tamoxifen Can relieve breast pain associated with menstruation

Asterias – red starfish Breasts swollen and painful < lt side, feels as if pulled inwards Pain extends from breast down to fingers Breast cancer, enlarged axillary glands, V. irritable, cannot bear contradiction Symptoms disappear with menstruation Heat in head as if surrounded by hot air

Belladonna- deadly nightshade Mastitis – throbbing, redness, streaks radiate from nipple Breasts feel heavy , hard and red Acute conditions, sudden onset, Red, hot, dry, Intense throbbing, burning pains. Jerks, spasms. Night terrors, hallucinations, delirium < draught, light, noise, touch, jar. Desires lemons

Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside Carcinosin Breast cancer especially with FH Indications – family history, perfectionist, fear of cancer, glandular fever, chronic mastitis Anxiety on anticipation Swelling and tenderness in breasts premens Retraction of nipples, bloody discharge Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside

Conium – poison hemlock Breasts feel hard, tense, < touch Enlarged axillary glands with numb feeling down arm Nodules in breast, cancer Enlarged and painful breasts before and during menses < every step < lying down, turning over in bed

Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside Phytolacca Pain from front to back Breasts hard, painful and bluish tinge Mastitis, hard and very sensitive Pain from nipple radiates all over body Shooting pains like electric shocks < exposure to damp, motion, night Used for mastitis in cows Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside

Outcome of Menopausal Symptoms 20% no change 10% improvement in wellbeing 30% some improvement 34% asymptomatic - on remedies 6% asymptomatic - no remedies

Remedies for menopausal symptoms

Amyl nitrosum Sensation of blood surging to face and head followed by sweating. Sensation as if blood would burst through skin with heat and redness. Throbbing in head and throughout body. Feeling of anxiety. Palpitations. Feel cold and clammy after flushing has died down.

Argentum nit Flushes occurring with the following personality: Very anxious particularly on anticipation. Impulsive, hurried, time goes too slowly. Desires sweet and fat foods. Abdominal pain and flatulence. Chilly when uncovered but too hot if wrapped up.

Lachesis Good remedy for the menopause in general or premenstrual symptoms Very talkative, suspicious and jealous. Sad in the morning, does not want to go to work or mix with people. Flushes, palpitations, headaches, feel faint. Worse for sleep, ailments come on during sleep.

Pilocarpus Intense sweating, hot flushes, sometimes accompanied by nausea and excess saliva. Excessive perspiration from all parts of the body followed by chilliness. Sweating of face, ears and neck.

Sepia Classic premenstrual and menopausal remedy Frequent flushes and then shivery Irritable, indifferent, depressed, weepy Wants affection but rejects it, poor libido Nausea a.m, loves pickles, vinegar, acids All symptoms relieved by dancing or fast movement

Typical prescription for Mneopausal symptoms Lachesis 1M Sig 1 Tab t.d.s. on 1 day each month Amyl nitrosum 6C - Sig 1 tab t.d.s. Pilocarpus 6C – Sig 1 tab t.d.s.

Outcome of Homeopathic treatment of Menopausal Symptoms 20% no change 10% improvement in well being 30% some improvement 34% asymptomatic - on remedies 6% asymptomatic - no remedies

Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside Useful Addresses British Homeopathic Association, Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street, Luton, LU1 3BE. www.britishhomeopathic.org Academic Department, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XQ Dr Christine Underwood, Homoeopathy Clinic, NHS Tayside