Health Concepts in Homeopathy

MIGRAINE:

Migraine is defined as episodes of periodic headaches which are usually unilateral (one sided) and often associated with nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to noise and light. The
attack of migraine is usually preceded by narrowing of the blood vessels supplying blood to brain and skull, and the headache commences with dilatation of these blood vessels. The haracteristics of pain are mainly throbbing, pulsating and neuralgic. The duration of Migraine attack varies from few hours lasting for few days. After an episode of Migraine, the person experiences severe debility and fatigue and takes a longer period of time to restore health.!

Description of Migraine:

Two types of migraine are recognized. Eighty percent of migraine sufferers experience "migraine without aura" (common migraine). In this type of headache there are no significant associated symptoms with headache, whereas in "migraine with aura" (classic migraine) the pain is preceded or accompanied by visual or other sensory disturbances (blank spot in front of their eyes) zigzag lines, numbness or tingling, or a feeling of heaviness. Symptoms are often most prominent on one side of the head or body, and may begin as early as 72 hours before the onset of pain.

The episode of Migraine attack is triggered by multiple factors, most of them are emotional and physical stress, Alcohol, Insomnia, Weather and environmental changes, Hormonal changes, food articles, strong odors, light and noise.

As Migraine does not have any specific treatment, and it is mostly triggered by different causative factors for different people, homeopathy practices on Individualization treatment, it analysis the complete profile of the person by considering emotional, temperamental, physical and environmental factors determining the causative factors for attack and after complete analysis the person is treated with individualized course of treatment.

Homeopathy is scientifically evolve alternative system of medicine which assist body to heal itself by stimulating body's innate healing properties. It recovers body from disharmony to harmony - naturally, gently and safely. It is a holistic form of medicine which considers mental, emotional, and physical characteristics of an individual and treat effectively. Holistic medicine is a term used to describe therapies that attempt to treat the patient as a whole person. Stimulates the body's defense mechanisms and processes in order to prevent or treat illness.

As Homeopathy practices into principles of "law of similar", which is ‘like cures like’, that means when a substance, which is capable of producing a disease like condition, is administered to the patient who actually is suffering from such disease (in a diluted, potentized, minute doses), it helps to cure the disease.

Treatment of Migraine:

After an individual's analysis, Homeopath can suggest the similar medicine to treat the chronic headaches of Migraine. However these are the few names of commonly used homeopathic medicines which have made wonders in treatments of headaches.

1) Nux Vomica: It helps in treatment of frontal headaches specially designed for today's modern style, highly ambitious and competitive and irritable temperaments. Headache worst in bright light and noise and is better in dark. Person desires Coffee and wine and spicy food, it also helps for I.B.S

2)Iris versicolor : A wonderful medicine for "Migraine with Aura" with visual disturbances or blindness before attack , specially on right side, associated symptoms are nausea, vomiting and weakness is marked. The headache is aggravated by mental strain.

3) Natrum Muriaticum: It is one the frequently prescribed medicine for treatment from Sun headaches, where the episodes are during morning time. It has helped to recover many patients suffering from effects of long lasting disappointments and who constantly dwell in past.

4) Spigelia: It is a very useful medicine for left sided attack of Migraine, which begins from occipital area (back of head) and spreads to the front and settles in left eye. The characteristic of pain is excruciating and neuralgic.

5) Sangunaria: It is a wonder medicine for right sided episode of Migraine. The pulsating headache starts from occiput and settles over right side of the eye.It is associated with whizzing sound in ears and nausea.

FLU

Introduction:

When we hear that the Flu season has started, we know there will be rush at Health Centers. Parents with infants & toddlers and senior citizens all standing in long queues to get immunized or treated. We get lots of information constantly from newspapers and Media telling us as to how to take care. When you see someone sneezing or coughing on the road, you are worried.

Flu Season:

The flu season starts in Fall, continues through the winter and ends in Spring. It becomes more acute during winter. The virus propagates from one person to other either by direct contact, like handshakes or indirectly through air or common surfaces like door knobs etc. The virus then enters the body via nose or eye. Once one family member is infected the virus easily spreads within the family affecting rest of the family members. Of course, if proper care is taken then spread of virus in the family can be prevented.

Causes:

Flu is caused by Virus. It is best to know differences between the common cold and the Flu as both are caused by Virus but are different in severity of disease that they cause in human beings. Both common cold and flu are contagious viral infections which mostly involve respiratory system. We can surely try to minimize duration of Flu and also if we take some precautions we can even avoid it altogether.

Common Cold

Influenza

Common cold is generally caused by any one of more than 200 different viruses. Since these are different viruses our body is not able to build resistance against all of these viruses. This is the real reason why colds are frequent and recurring problem. Some of the viruses responsible for common cold are Rhinovirus and Corona virus.

Symptoms of a common cold usually appear about one to three days after exposure to a cold virus. Signs and symptoms of a common cold may include :

Runny or stuffy nose

Itchy or sore throat

Cough

Congestion

Slight body aches or mild headache

Sneezing

Watery eyes

Low-grade fever

Mild fatigue

Children, in general, feel sicker due to common cold than adults do, and they often develop other complications, such as ear infections. Your child may not need to see a doctor for routine common cold. However, you should seek medical attention right away if your child shows any of the following signs or symptoms:

Fever of 103 F (39.5 C) or higher, chills or sweating

Fever that lasts more than three days or there is a relapse within two days

Vomiting or abdominal pain

Unusual sleepiness

Severe headache

Difficulty breathing and/or wheezing

Persistent irritability

Ear pain

Persistent cough

There is a variety of Influenza caused by influenza viruses. The common influenza virus, Avian variety of influenza virus, and also the recent outbreak of the swine flu virus, i.e., H1N1. Influenza viruses are of three types, type A, B and C. While type A and B are quite common, type C is rare and creates mild symptoms. Type B virus produces local outbreaks, whereas type A is more deadly and can effect pandemics. Avian flu and H1N1 belong to type A.

Symptoms of Flu are the following:

Fever over 101 F (38 C) in adults, and often as high as 103 to 105 F (39.5 C to 40.5 C) in children. Other symptoms are:

Fever with Chills

Headache

Dry cough

Muscular aches and pains, especially in your back, arms and legs

Fatigue and weakness

Nasal congestion

Loss of appetite

Diarrhea and vomiting in children

Unlike common cold, it is best to consult a medical practitioner at the earliest if any of the flu symptoms are seen.

Influenza symptoms last for longer duration. The patient may experience severe weakness for several months. It can even lead to depression.

Risk Factors:

You should consult a medical practitioner for Influenza if any of the following symptoms are seen.

1. The fever returns in 3 days or fever does not reduce.

2. Vomiting continues.

3. Difficult breathing.

4. Wheezing.

If you are pregnant or you are an elderly person and/or suffering from diabetes, asthma or any heart problems, then you belong to high risk category. Young children from infants to toddlers are also at higher risk of complications due to Influenza.

Care and Diet:

The patient infected with Flu virus should take following care to minimize impact of Influenza.

Take adequate rest

Stay away from small children

Do some exercise, but don't over-exert

Take regular but quick bath

Wash your hands regularly.

The following diet plan would help recover faster from Influenza.

Chicken Soup (Broth)

Drink Water in any form

Light meal at regular interval

Avoid fatty and spicy food

Drink hot milk/tea with a touch of turmeric powder

Prevention:

It is important to follow certain steps for maintenance of hygiene during the Flu season. It is of utmost important to wash your hands at regular intervals. Flu virus spreads from common areas to hands and from hands to nose and eyes. Cleaning your hands regularly using alcohol based sanitizers’ helps in keeping the flu virus at bay. Regularly clean surfaces using alcohol based disinfectants. Proper diet and sufficient sleep also helps in keeping your immune system in good shape. A regular exercise also helps improve immune system. Drinking a lot of water, avoiding crowded places also help in prevention of catching the flu virus.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Influenza virus mutates fast into various different forms, due to which there is no medication which can provide long term protection from influenza. However, strong immune system of the body helps in avoiding getting Influenza in spite of being exposed to the virus. Homeopathic remedies help in strengthening your immune system. As a result your body has higher resistance power. Homeopathic treatment is prescribed by a homeopathic physician after studying constitution of the person. The dose and potency of the remedy is prescribed by a homeopathic physician after doing a careful case study. Some of the common remedies for Flu and common cold with following symptoms are:

Fever with sever dizziness, dullness, drowsiness and no thirst.....Gelsemium

Fever with watery discharge and burning eyes.....................Allium Cepa

High fever with restlessness and thirst at small intervals...Arsenicum Album

High fever with headache and profuse perspiration...............Bryonia Alba

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this article is only to provide information. It is by no means a replacement for treatment by a healthcare provider. It is always recommended to consult a homeopathic physician before taking any homeopathic remedies.

Mamta Patel HD DHMS is a doctor of Homeopathy, has experience of last 27 years (Mumbai) and 4 years in (Canada).She practices in Etobicoke, Thornhill, and Kitchener. Her mission is to establish harmony in health by Homeopathy .Visit by email: drmamtanpatel@yahoo.com

For inquiries contact Mamta Patel @ 647-3487542 or 519-5901380
E-mail: drmamtapatel@homeohealthconcepts.net