|
This video entitled "Homeopathy: Just Good Medicine" was released from the National Center on Homeopathy. It's a great 5-minute introduction to what homeopathy is, how it works, and why it's such an important choice for health care in the 21st century.
In Austin, Homeopathy has much to provide when it comes to the health and wellbeing for you and your family. Contact Austin Clinic of Homeopathy today to get started on one of the most important steps in your health and healing!
2 Comments
It's time for homeopathy to be at the forefront of the minds of people for healthcare choices...again!
The history of homeopathy is an interesting topic. In the 1700's, a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann officially developed the system of healing we call homeopathy. This was not new, though. The use of natural substances to cure people of their ailments has been a practice of humans for thousands of years prior to Dr. Hahnemann's time. You wouldn't see a lab with pharmaceuticals a few hundred years ago, right? No, you would use what nature provided for you. Why should today be any different? Throughout the 1800's Homeopathy easily spread as the primary mode of healthcare throughout Europe and the United States. Most medical doctors were proud homeopaths. Homeopathy had remarkable results with infectious epidemic disease such as cholera, scarlet fever, typhoid, and yellow fever. The death rates in homeopathic hospitals was 1/2 to 1/8 that of conventional medical hospitals. In the early 1900's homeopathy was in common use in Europe, United States, and India. In the United States alone there were over 15,000 homeopathic practitioners, 22 homeopathic medical schools and over 100 homeopathic hospitals. Where did they all go? The 1920's saw the introduction of modern pharmaco-therapies. Viewing health as a condition of the entire individual, such as in homeopathy, was replaced with conventional methods that viewed disease as isolated symptoms from specific parts of the body. Physician training programs became more standardized and used funding guidelines that favored American Medical Association - approved institutions. Homeopathic hospitals and schools literally disappeared or were converted to allopathic (conventional) medicine. Despite that, homeopathy survived in Britain, France, Brazil, Argentina, and India. Today, homeopathy is once again on the rise! And coming on strong. Homeopathy has seen a resurgence of interest based on its effectiveness, its safety, and cost savings. The FDA has recognized the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States since 1983. Homeopathy is practiced in 41 of 42 European countries, especially Germany, France, Britain, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Homeopathy is integrated in the national health care system of Mexico, India, Cuba, and Brazil. In India, there are over 183 five-year homeopathic colleges and more than 200,000 homeopathic doctors! Recent estimates indicate there are over 300 million patients throughout the world that receive homeopathic treatment annually! Why the resurgence? As a society, we are ready again for a method of healing that works with our bodies inherent healing intelligence rather than look outside ourselves for the answers. We are more ready to be responsible and accountable for what happens to our bodies and health. We are disgruntled at the extravagant costs of conventional therapies. And we are once again learning that we are inherently connected to the cycles and rhythms of nature and need to seek it's healing intelligence to help our own. Homeopathy was the primary healthcare choice for Americans for over a hundred years - longer than our current system has. It's time for homeopathy to become the primary method of healing for you and your family...once again. Please contact me for further questions or to get started on your own healing journey. Be well, Noel I’ve had a lot of inquiry about Homeopathic weight loss products lately.
Perhaps you’ve heard of it? The product is called hCG and is made from the hormone human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is extracted from a woman’s urine during her pregnancy. For the diet protocol, synthetic hormones are typically used. Additionally, a strict food regimen is implemented and your physical activity levels are restricted. Given my prior career experience as a personal fitness trainer, health coach and now as a homeopathic practitioner, I have had thousands of opportunities to say what I’m going to say here: there is no such thing as a magic weight loss pill! Thankfully, in homeopathy we aren’t in the business of dispensing pills. But, to have “homeopathic” on this product is somewhat misleading. Indeed, the hormone is prepared in a way that homeopathic remedies are: through dilution and succussion (shaking). But, this happens to a very low degree in hCG. In classical homeopathy, the kind of homeopathy I specialize in, a homeopathic remedy is selected for you based on the totality of your unique and detailed symptoms. No two people are alike. Therefore, the best route for your weight loss is not the same as me, or your neighbor, your co-worker, or your family member. Also, we are whole beings, and not just the sum of our parts. Someone who comes to my clinic desiring help with weight loss will receive their own personalized attention. Such individualization is discerned by understanding the person’s mental state, emotional disposition, and physical symptoms. Duly noted, it may be found that something else in their life, emotionally or mentally, may need to be addressed before the desired physical weight loss is even an option. It’s also important to mention here that there is no substitute for eating healthy, getting adequate physical activity, and managing your stress effectively for proper weight management. The diet protocol of hCG is one more plan that diverts attention away from your own personal accountability of living well, and giving that power away to something outside of you. Just like diet pills, plans, and regimens of the past, hCG falls into this category. I’ve helped hundreds of people lose weight in my career. The key is in sustaining it long-term. If we don’t learn anything along the way about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then we’ll be back in this same spot of desiring weight loss, not liking how we look or how we feel. We’ll then wait around for the next “magic pill,” even if it says ‘homeopathic‘ on it. It is possible for you to lose weight, AND keep it off! We just have to inspect all the dimensions of who we are; what makes us unique individuals; and what’s personally holding each of us back from what we want. Then, we can talk about “losing the weight” from your life. Classical homeopathy can do just that. For your FREE 15-minute consultation, contact me here or call me at (512) 382-5060. Thanks for reading! Noel What a beautiful time of the year! Summer is here, family vacations are abound, and hours of fun are spent outdoors. Yet, summertime has such a great capacity to impact our health, too. Heat exhaustion is a common condition that can easily happen for residents of Austin. As temperatures spike and humidity thickens, it’s important you take heed to the important warning signs of heat exhaustion.
First of all, here are some of the common symptoms for heat exhaustion:
What can you do to prevent heat exhaustion this summer? First of all, stay hydrated! Try your best to drink half your weight in ounces of water per day. In other words, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should be drinking 100 ounces of water, or 12.5 cups (8 fluid ounces equals one cup) each day. That may seem like a lot, but it may surprise you how fast your body loses water while in the heat. Also consider the cooling effects of water in other ways than just drinking it.
Be sure you stay safe while you go out to have all your fun this summer! Keep this article with you and enjoy! Sincerely, Noel This is the fifth and final blog I've written in a series about homeopathy and musculoskeletal disorders. My previous articles were on rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, gout, and finally tendinitis and bursitis.
This blog will cover the topic of back pain, sciatica, and how homeopathy can help people experiencing it. I’ll first document the nature of back pain and suggest lifestyle changes one can implement to relieve their pain. I will also describe the etiology and signs of sciatica. Then I’ll cover how homeopathy works with people experiencing this condition. This will be followed by recommendations of a few homeopathic remedies that may help. Back pain can occur in the upper back, mid-back, and low back. It affects approximately 80% of Americans at some point in their lives. This staggering number also makes back pain one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work and disability claims. What makes back pain so common in our culture? There are several risk factors associated with having low back pain that are common circumstances in our culture. Some risk factors you can do something about include:
Sciatica is a form of back pain that refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and sciatic spinal nerve roots together. This extremely painful condition is brought on by some form of trauma, degeneration (arthritis or bone spurs), or rupture (herniated disc) in the back. Signs and symptoms of sciatica include:
Belladonna: Sudden onset of severe low back pain or sciatica. Pain is so severe that it prevents any movement. Pain is worse from motion, being jarred, misstepping, from the direct pressure of laying on it, and from long sitting. Generally affects the right side more than the left. Calcarea Carbonica: Low back pain from the slightest exertion, especially lifting. Back feels weak; person easily slumps in the chair. Worse from the cold, damp weather; from lifting; exerting; or ascending (stairs). Kali Carbonicum: Low back pain that drives them out of bed at night. Worse at night, often at 2 or 3 am; also from the cold or drafts. Usually affects the right side. Pains that extend into the buttocks or into the sole of the foot. Nux Vomica: Severe sciatica down either leg with great sensitivity and is often accompanied with anger. Worse in the morning that worsens the longer they stay in bed; from the cold; from turning in the bed. Better from heat. Tellurium: Severe pains that travel down the sacrum and into the sciatic nerve and thigh. Worse from coughing; laughing; sneezing; when pressing during stool; anything that induces the valsalva maneuver (forcible exhalation against a closed airway). In this fifth and final blog on homeopathy and musculoskeletal disorders, I covered the topic of back pain and sciatica. I covered important lifestyle changes one can make to relieve low back pain, I described the etiology and symptoms for sciatica, and suggested several homeopathic remedies that may help people who experience this condition. Thanks for reading! Noel This blog will cover the condition of gout. Gout will be identified through a listing of its signs and symptoms, and etiology. Then, lifestyle recommendations will be offered to help combat the effects of gout. Lastly, homeopathic remedies will be suggested, with their corresponding indications, which may help people experiencing gout.
Gout is one form of an arthritic inflammation wherein deposits of uric acid form hard nodules in tissues. This is a result of an overproduction of uric acid in the blood or decreased excretion of it through urination. The most common site for gout is in the first metatarsal of the big toe, but it can also affect the joints of the feet, ankles, and knees. Gout can either be acute (affecting one joint) or chronic (long-standing, recurring episodes of pain and inflammation that may affect more than one joint). This condition is present more in men than women, and generally appears after age 30. For women, gout appears more often after menopause. It is uncommon in children. Gout is thought to be caused by an inherited abnormality to properly metabolize foods that contain purines. Purines are found in certain meat and meat products like anchovies, sardines, liver, beef kidneys, meat extracts, herring, mackerel, scallops, game meats, and gravies made from any of these. Excessive weight gain may also contribute to gout susceptibility. Because gout is a deficiency of uric acid metabolism, close monitoring of one’s dietary habits is paramount. It is generally recommended to avoid high fat foods (salad dressings, ice cream, and fried foods), eat a vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol, drink plenty of water (at least 8 cups daily) and partake in healthy lifestyle habits of proper nutrition for an optimal weight loss regimen (no more than 2 lbs of weight loss per week). Signs and symptoms of gout include:
Below is a brief list of homeopathic remedies, and their corresponding indications, for people experiencing gout. Benzoic Acid: Very helpful for arthritis, gout, and the deformity of joints. The person feels relieved when discharging sediment through the urine. Affects especially the knees, ankles, toes, and hands. Marked cracking of the joints upon motion. Colchicum: This is one of the most important homeopathic remedies for people experiencing gout. The joint becomes hot, red, swollen, and exquisitely sensitive to being touched or moved. Worse at night, from the slightest motion, and from cold, damp weather. Ledum: Pains that feel better from the cold (soaking, compresses, weather, etc.). Useful for acute gout of the knee or ankle. Worse at night in bed, and from heat. Ascending pains (first affects the toes, then knees, later hips, and hands). Berberis: Gouty pain as if a nail was in the ball of the foot upon standing. Gout that occurs in the knee, especially the left one. Pain that comes on from arising from a seat. Causticum: Gout with a deformity of the toes. Calcification and advanced deterioration of the joints. These are just a few of the many homeopathic remedies that can help people experiencing gout. Please note this list is not comprehensive. For your best results, please contact me. In this article I outlined the definition of gout; its signs, symptoms, and etiology. Healthy lifestyle recommendations were added, specifically related to the diet. Lastly, homeopathic remedies were offered, with their corresponding indications for people experiencing gout. Thank you very much for your time in reading! Please contact me to get started on your own homeopathy treatments or to learn more about my practice. Sincerely, Noel Peterson Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to treat, prevent, or cure disease. For questions about your health, please see a medical doctor. This article will cover a chronic joint condition: degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Signs and symptoms will be discussed and a variety of homeopathic remedies will be listed that may help people experiencing this condition. Because homeopathy is individualized to each person, various indications will be offered for each homeopathic remedy mentioned.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that results from the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. It is the most common form of arthritis and arises from normal wear and tear on the joints. It usually impacts the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body, such as the knees and hips, but can also affect the wrists, fingers, and spine, for example. Osteoarthritis usually develops very slowly over time. Its exact cause is unknown, but is generally associated with the aging process. People who are obese, are diabetic, or have had mechanical injuries to joints are at a greater susceptibility for having osteoarthritis. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Osteoarthritis is believed to be incurable. That said, the first course of action for relief would be to live at a healthy weight, if obesity is a factor. This is especially the case if the legs or spine is impacted by the osteoarthritis. Additionally, homeopathic remedies can be helpful for people experiencing osteoarthritis. In general, degeneration of the joint is slowed and inflammation is held at bay. In homeopathy, treatment is individualized to the person experiencing the signs and symptoms. Rather than treat each case the same, unique expressions of symptoms are considered, both mentally/emotionally, as well as physically. In homeopathy, health is viewed as a condition of the entire individual, rather than in terms of specific symptoms from isolated locations of the body. Below is a list of homeopathic remedies that may be helpful for people experiencing osteoarthritis. Their indications are listed next to the corresponding homeopathic remedy. Calcarea Carbonica: This is the main remedy for people experiencing degenerative joints, osteophytes (bone spurs), and calcifications. Worse in the cold, damp weather and/or exertion. Calcarea Flourica: One of the main remedies for people experiencing exostosis (formation of new bone on the surface of the bone), calcifications, and spinal curvature. The person is generally worse from the heat, but the joints feel worse from cold. Calcarea Phosphorica: A good remedy for people experiencing degeneration in joints of the spine. Worse from drafts, the wind, and changes in weather. Natrum Sulphuricum: Degenerative arthritis, especially affecting the left hip. Worse in the damp weather, in the morning, or ascending stairs. Kali Carbonicum: Degenerative arthritis with aching or stitching pains. The person feels stiff and tight all over the body. Worse at night, especially 2-3 AM; in the cold and damp weather; and from drafts of air. Bellis Perennis: Post-traumatic arthritis (“Railway spine”). Worse from the cold, especially from a sudden chill, or from getting wet. Better from heat and rubbing. These homeopathic remedies are typically the most frequently used for people experiencing osteoarthritis. This list is not comprehensive, though. Please contact me for further information and to receive the most proper care. In this article, I outlined the definition of osteoarthritis and its signs and symptoms. A brief list of homeopathic remedies were listed with their specific indications for use. Thank you for your time in reading this article! Sincerely, Noel Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not aimed at treating, diagnosing, or curing disease. If you have questions about your health, please consult a physician. Homeopathic treatment has a great capacity to impact people in profound ways who experience rheumatoid arthritis. This is the first article in a series that will address disorders of musculoskeletal system. In future articles, I will publish information related to tendinitis and bursitis, degenerative arthritis, back pain/sciatica, and gout; as they all have unique symptoms and require their own treatment plans.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder primarily of the synovial joints, but can also affect other systemic organs. RA affects over 2 million Americans, with women being 3 times more susceptible than men. The Arthritis Foundation states this disease progresses through three stages:
The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder (the body attacks itself). Genetic predispositions, or viral infections are thought to increase risks of RA. People experiencing rheumatoid arthritis can be best helped the earlier it is caught, especially before excessive suppression has taken place from conventional methods of treatment. In homeopathy, health is viewed as a condition of the entire individual, rather than in terms of isolated symptoms from specific locations of the body. In this way, a homeopath will consider not only a detailed description of the physical RA symptoms, but the overall mental and emotional disposition and character, as well. The following homeopathic remedies, and their specific indicators, can be considered for people experiencing RA: Causticum: Stiffness of the joint that is so severe, it feels as if the joint is paralyzed. Generally worse from cold, dry weather. Better in rainy weather. Affects the fingers predominantly. Rhus Toxicodendron: The main homeopathic remedy considered from rheumatism with pain and stiffness. The pain and stiffness causes the person to shift and stretch. Worse in the morning upon rising; in the cold, damp, rainy weather; storms; and sitting for long periods of time (such as in a movie or a car ride). They feel better from heat, hot bathing, or showers; and continued, gentle motion. Arnica: Great soreness all over. Even the bed feels too hard. They feel bruised or beaten. Worse from being jarred or touched; they fear being touched. Pains are usually symmetrical. Aurum Metallicum: Rheumatism with stiffness or spasms of the chest wall. This is an important remedy to consider for people who also have ankylosing spondylitis. Generally worse at night. Ledum: Swelling, coldness and pallor (sometimes blueness) in the affected joint. Worse from heat. In general, the pains ascend during the course of the illness to more proximal joints. Pulsatilla: Wandering arthritis; changeable symptoms and pains. Worse in the evening and with heat. Better from the cold; uncovering the joint; cold applications; and in the open air. Homeopathic treatment will best assist people experiencing RA from constitutional, long-term care and, as mentioned, in the earlier stages of the illness. Even if medications have already begun, homeopathic treatment can help boost vitality and strengthen the healing intelligence of the body enough where the allopathic medications can eventually be discontinued altogether. Please contact me for further information. Thanks for reading! Noel Disclaimer: The above information is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have questions about your health, please consult a medical doctor. To watch the audio and visual version of this blog, click here. To read my first blog on Men's Health, click here. The quality of men’s health impacts not only men, but their families and loved ones. I'd like to cover three main points about men’s health. First, what are the health concerns for men? Second, why are men prone to these health problems? Third, how can men improve their health? The Centers for Disease Control reports that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 93% or workplace deaths[1]. The increased death rates come from engaging in risky behaviors like not paying attention to their body, taking unnecessary risks, or overdoing things like work or physical activity. These risky behaviors are exacerbated by men's difficulty to connect emotionally. Generally, men feel uncomfortable expressing their feelings and instead islolate themselves. In so doing, men experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Because men isolate rather than express, they experience difficulty in relationships. The capacity for meaninfgul and fulfuilling intimacy can be problematic. Why are men prone to such health risks and behaviors? Men receive unhealthy messages of what healthy manhood is. Images of bravado and “macho-men” are encouraged and celebrated in our culture. Men try to live up to these unrealistic and false images of self. As an attempt to avoid feeling weak or insignificant, men lose sight of their purpose, live unfulfilled lives, and adopt unhealthy habits that lead to increased health risks. So, what can men do to transcend these unhealthy messages of manhood and take better care of themselves? Men, here is a five step process you can use to improve your health: First, decide that your health is important. Remember that you will not be able to protect your family and care for them if you are not well and in full working order yourself. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In this case, it is you deciding that you are worth it to care for. Second, you need to cultivate an awareness of your body and how you are feeling. Aches and pains are not meant to be ignored. They are your bodies signal that something is wrong. In the same way you would change your car’s oil after 3000 miles; your body also needs frequent attention. Third, develop a goal and plan for how you would like your health to be. A healthy goal could include eating better; exercising routinely, developing a yoga practice, seeking relationship counseling, visiting your homeopath or other natural health care practitioner. A healthy plan also involves cultivating a proper support network for your goal. Enlist the help of friends and family for your desires of improved health. Find a workout buddy or encouraging person who can keep you accountable. Fourth, do it! Nothing happens without your action. Make that appointment you've wanted to make. Implement your new eating or exercising plan. If you're having troubles getting started, reach out to your support group. Go back to step 3 and reevaluate your plan if it stops after a couple of weeks. Make adjustments as needed. Fifth, enjoy your new changes! Reward yourself after a few months for maintaining your new, healthy life. Going back to step 1, use your new habit of awareness to notice how much better you feel. Be grateful for how much energy you have or how much better you sleep. Celebrate the new you! It's possible for men to experience greater qualities of life that impact them personally, as well as for the families and friends they love and who love them in return! Thanks for reading and be well! Noel Learn more about me and my specialties. Join me on Facebook and Twitter. [1] www.cdc.gov “Toughen Up!” “Be a man!”
These words are spoken harshly to boys and adult males all the time. But, what are the implications from such statements? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states, “…In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost six years earlier than women.” Additionally, the BLS states, “…men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths.” How can this be? Perhaps it has something to do with the ‘macho image’ many males in our culture are supposed to adhere to? Even more strikingly, the CDC reports depression in men often goes undiagnosed, contributing to the fact that men are four times as likely to commit suicide. Among 15 – 19 year olds, boys were 5 x as likely as girls to commit suicide. Among 20 - 24 year olds, males were 7 x as likely to commit suicide as females. The suicide rate for persons age 65 and above: men...38.4 – women...6.0. These numbers are staggering, and imply men don’t feel comfortable seeking help for their emotional distress and/or physical complaints. Not only is this detrimental to their own health, but to the health of their family and loved ones as well. It’s time for a change! At the Austin Clinic of Homeopathy, a safe space has been created for you to find lasting relief from your pains, illnesses, and conditions. Here, you will find support to help you manage stress, reduce worry and anxiety, and cultivate a healthier mindset for you in your life. Contact me to get started on your own path to better health and greater vitality. Thanks for reading and I will see you soon, Noel |
|
RSS Feed