School Blues Beat the Back-To

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Your Guide to Health through Homeopathy HomeopathyTODAY Beat the Hope & Help for Back-to- Kids with Autism School When the body attacks itself, Blues what to do? Ease the tears Homeopathy arrests an & fears autoimmune disorder Answers for Research Round-up Arthritis from Barcelona 9 remedies for relief

Tracing Outfox the Flu Homeopathy’s this Season Historic Roots How not to go viral… A Good Dog’s Life

Autumn 2013 • $4.95 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HOMEOPATHY NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org

Display until November 30, 2013

Announcing a Great Member Benefit Instructional Webinars Homeopathy at Home: An NCH Introductory Series Join us for a sound introduction to using homeopathy for you and your family! Each webinar is a stand-alone presentation about treating family members with a particular condition or group of conditions. Free for all members!

Tuesday, Monday, Monday, Wednesday, September 24 October 7 November 11 December 11 Lisa Samet, ND Robert Ullman, ND Judyth Christina InfantsInfants && Babies:Babies: Ritalin-Free Kids Reichenberg- Chambreau, DVM Homeopathy for Ullman, ND Puppies, Kittens & Common Ailments Homeopathy for Holiday Stress Anxiety and Webinar archives available at All webinars begin at 8 pm Eastern Time. Depression www.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org

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Autumn 2013 Volume 33, Number 3 ISSN: 0886-1676

Homeopathywww.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Your Guide to Health through Homeopathy TODAY

14 Featured Articles

14 When Her Body Turned on Her, She Turned to Homeopathy Halting a crippling autoimmune disorder: relief from rheumatoid arthritis by Sybil Ihrig, LAc, HMA, CCH (Cand) 24 Beat the Back-to-School Blues Ease the tears, fears, & anxiety by Amy Rothenberg, ND, DHANP 34 Navigating Autism’s Swirling Waters 24 Homeopathy offers hope for children with autism by Jamie Oskin, ND

7 NCH Board of Directors: Call for Nominations!

8 Homeopathic Research Matters: Barcelona Meeting Sparks Enthusiasm & International Collaboration

10 A Precious Gift of Books Touches Hearts & Minds

12 Tracing Homeopathy’s Historic Roots: Constantine Hering 16 Birds Love Pokeweed: Phytolacca’s Long History of Healing 34 22 Answers for Arthritis, Especially If You Treat Early

29 Mark Your Calendar! 9th Annual Joint American Homeopathic Conference • April 4–6, 2014 • Long Beach, CA

30 Beloved “Centenarian” Dog Gets Extra Time

33 Outfox the Flu: How Not to Go Viral This Season

42 Book Review: Organ–Conflict–Cure Series

44 Book Review: Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor

DEPARTMENTS 5 WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY? 6 FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 45 CONTRIBUTIONS 46 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Join Homeopathy NCH! TODAY The National Center for Homeopathy is an open Get Exclusive Member membership organization that supports and promotes the cause of homeopathy in the United Benefits! is published quarterly by the National Center for States through: • educating about homeopathy • pub- Homeopathy, a not-for-profit membership licizing the effectiveness and therapeutic benefits of ̈ Homeopathy Today Online organization. Please direct inquiries to: homeopathy • supporting legalization of the practice & Searchable National Center for Homeopathy of homeopathy and ensuring that access to homeo- 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500 pathic medicines is protected • serving as a unifying • Access 15 years of back issues McLean, VA 22102 force for all who are interested in homeopathy. • Find the exact info you need 24/7 Phone: 703-506-7667 Board of Directors • Email articles to friends, relatives Fax: 703-506-3266 Toll-free: 877-624-0613 President ̈ NCH e-Newsletter [email protected] Ann E. Jerome, PhD, CCH NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Deland, FL Get timely updates, community news 12 times/year Editorials, articles, and letters appearing in Vice President Homeopathy Today do not necessarily reflect Edward P. Conway, Jr, MBA ̈ the opinions or policies of the National Center Remedy & Symptom for Homeopathy or its Board of Directors. Delmar, NY Database Online Inclusion of an advertisement does not consti- Secretary Search Clarke’s, Boericke’s, Kent’s tute an endorsement of the advertiser, product, or service. Loretta P. Butehorn, PhD, CCH Materia Medica Boston, MA Information offered in Homeopathy Today is ̈ Monthly Instructional Webinars for educational purposes and is not intended to Treasurer & More replace the individualized attention of a quali- Joseph Lillard, Jr. fied healthcare professional. Homeopathic self- Berkeley Springs, WV Learn from expert homeopaths: care can be appropriate for simple first-aid or Bi-monthly Homeopathy@Home acute illness. Those with more serious or Tina Quirk, RN, MS, PCH Series & Monthly Advanced chronic illness should seek the services of a New York, NY competent healthcare professional. Webinars. Participate live or view Abby Marks-Beale, BA, MA archived versions anytime. We welcome articles, letters, and reviews Wallingford, CT pertaining to homeopathy. We reserve the right ̈ to edit or decline submissions. For more Practitioner Directory Director Emeritus information, please see the writer’s guidelines & Resource Guide J.P. Borneman at NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org. Email Access up-to-date info online submissions preferred, sent to: ______info@National - Bryn Mawr, PA CenterForHomeopathy.org ̈ A Strong Voice for Increased Subscriptions: $55 per year (outside Office Staff Access to Homeopathic US/Canada $75). Includes NCH membership, Health Care online searchable access to Homeopathy Executive Director Today archives, monthly NCH e-Newsflash, Alison Teitelbaum Support NCH’s efforts to make online Practitioner Directory & Resource Mary Cutts homeopathy accessible to the Guide, online searchable remedy & symptom public • train consumers & database, discounts, and more. Editorial Staff practitioners • inform legislators, Call toll-free: 1-877-624-0613 insurers, and the media Editor, Homeopathy Today Subscribe online: Mitzi Lebensorger www.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Editorial Associate Act E-mail: Ann E. Jerome NOW! [email protected] ______Editorial Assistant Complete the card in this magazine ©2013 National Center for Homeopathy. All Teresa Kramer or visit rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part Production nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org without permission is prohibited. Serelda Elliot or Homeopathy is a safe effective system of Editorial Advisor Call toll-free 877-624-0613! natural medicine used by millions of people Miranda Castro worldwide for more than 200 years to achieve wellness. The medicines are prepared from natural sources, are nontoxic, and are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- istration. There are hundreds of peer-reviewed basic science, pre-clinical, and clinical studies supporting homeopathy. Learn more at www.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org _____

4 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

Homeo-Speak acute illness: A condition that is usually brief in duration and self- limiting; that is, either the illness runs its course or the patient dies—as opposed to chronic illness that usually develops more slowly, lasts indef- initely, results in deterioration of health, and does not resolve without What is homeopathy? some sort of healing intervention. Examples: acute illness—colds, flu, ear infections; chronic illness—arthritis, hyper tension, diabetes. omeopathy is a safe, effective system of natural medicine, characteristic symptom: a symptom of an unusual nature—strange, used by millions of people worldwide for more than 200 rare, peculiar—that gives the case a pronounced individuality (i.e., Hyears to achieve wellness. Homeopathic medicines are pre- “characterizes” the case). For example, chilliness with desire for ice cold pared from natural sources, are used in extremely small amounts, drinks, or dizziness that is better from motion. Such a symptom often points directly to the curative remedy. and are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. chronic illness: (See acute illness.) They are non-toxic and, when properly administered, can be common symptoms: Symptoms that are commonly found in a safely used with infants, children, adults, and animals. particular disease, for example, spots in measles or swollen glands in mumps. How does homeopathy differ from constitutional treatment: Treating the whole person, rather than the conventional medicine? symptoms alone, thereby attempting to enhance the general level of health rather than just getting rid of the symptoms. Homeopathy is based on the principle that “like cures like.” That materia medica: Latin for “materials of medicine.” A reference book is, if a substance can cause symptoms of disease in a healthy listing homeopathic medicines and their therapeutic actions/indications. person, then it can cure a sick person suffering from similar This information comes primarily from the provings of the medicines; symptoms. Suppose a person has hay fever, with watery eyes and also from clinical observation. a burning nasal discharge. Instead of giving an antihistamine to miasm: a block to health, usually left by a disease. This can be inher- dry up the discharge, a homeopath might prescribe Allium cepa— ited or acquired and is an obstacle to cure. a tiny dose of onion, specially prepared by a homeopathic Organon: The Organon of Medicine, by Samuel Hahnemann, founder of homeopathy, is the book in which he set down the fundamental pharmacy in accordance with FDA-approved guidelines— principles of homeopathy. He wrote 6 editions, the last in 1842; current because onion is known to cause watery eyes and a burning nasal homeopaths refer primarily to the 6th and sometimes the 5th editions. discharge. potency: The strength of a homeopathic remedy according to the num- Homeopathy regards symptoms as the body’s healthy attempt ber of times, during preparation, it has been diluted and succussed (i.e., potentized). Potency is represented as a number attached to a remedy to restore itself to balance. A homeopath will choose a remedy name (e.g., Aconite 30c or Arnica 6X—the letter c or X refers to two that supports the symptoms—rather than opposing them or sup- different methods of dilution during remedy preparation). pressing them as in conventional medicine. proving: The testing of a substance, either in crude form or in potency, Homeopathy recognizes that each person manifests illness in a on healthy volunteers to discover the symptoms it is capable of pro ducing, unique and slightly different way. That is why two people with the and therefore able to cure. Participants in a proving record their symptoms; the symptoms are collated and used as therapeutic indications for same illness will not necessarily receive the same homeopathic prescribing that substance. remedy. A cold sufferer with a stopped-up nose and dry eyes repertorize: To look up symptoms in a repertory, in order to determine would receive a different remedy than a cold sufferer with a runny which remedy or remedies is common to the presenting symptoms. nose and watering eyes. Unlike the “one size fits all” approach repertory: An index to the materia medica; an index of symptoms often used in conventional medicine, a homeopath chooses a (based on the materia medica) with a list of remedies indicated for each symptom. remedy that matches a person’s unique symptom profile—includ- rubric: A symptom listed in a homeopathic repertory. ing physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. simillimum: The “most similar” remedy corresponding to a case; the remedy that most closely matches the totality of the symptoms of the What is homeopathy’s history? patient, and therefore, is curative according to homeopathic principles. The principles of homeopathy were developed into a system of suppression: The driving inward of disease symptoms, so that a person medicine by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann experiences more serious symptoms than they originally had. (1755–1843). Homeopathy spread quickly throughout Europe vital force: Term used by Hahnemann to describe the energy that and the rest of the world, including the U.S. The exact mechanism animates all living beings. The vital force is stimulated by the homeopathic remedy to enable the body to heal itself. by which homeopathy works is unknown, but 200 years of clinical experience along with hundreds of peer-reviewed basic science, The above definitions were largely adapted from the following excellent references: The Complete Homeopathy Handbook (its glossary), by pre-clinical, and clinical studies confirm homeopathy’s Miranda Castro, FSHom, CCH, and Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary and effectiveness. Holistic Health Reference, by Jay Yasgur, RPh, MSc.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 5 Autumn 2013

MESSAGE FROM THE NCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Loretta Butehorn, PhD, CCH, RSHom(NA), is a licensed psychologist, consultant, and nationally certified homeopath. A member of the National Center for Homeopathy’s Board of Directors, she serves as Board Secretary as well as Chair of the Conference Committee. She is a Fellow of the British Institute of Homeopathy and one of the founding members of Teleosis Homeopathic Collaborative, which offers continuing education in homeopathy to licensed health care professionals, introductory homeopathic programs, and collaborative research and community-based projects in integrative medicine. She can be reached at www.lorettabutehornphd.com.

he Joint American Homeopathic Conference, those West Coasters who have been traveling East. After reviewing presented by NCH, is a rare and exciting opportunity to meet costs and logistics of several venues, we chose Long Beach, Cali- in person with scores of other homeopathy enthusiasts from fornia, a family-friendly place to enjoy sunshine and waves after T around the world. Compelling presentations, invigorating the long winter. networking, and great creature comforts make it an essential part With an eye toward making the conference better than ever, we of many NCH members’ travel plans each year. Those of you pres- carefully reviewed evaluations from conference participants over ent last year may recall the “high” we all experienced hearing the past few years and identified several themes. Everyone likes to homeopaths from around the world recall memorable moments hear from the “superstars” in homeopathy—and the conference from their practice. We walked away having not only new ideas will continue to be a prime venue for that—but how do we support but renewed enthusiasm. and develop the “hidden stars” in the homeopathic community? Who are some of our colleagues that are taking homeopathy into unique clinical settings and showing us Meet the Leaders & Hidden Stars new possibilities? Gems on the cutting edge Samuel Hahnemann and his second wife Melanie See you in Long Beach, April 4–6, 2014 spent their mornings treating those who could afford to pay, and in the afternoons they offered clinics for Looking ahead to 2014 the poor and sick in Paris. There are many places in the U.S. where As the Board began to think about the 2014 JAHC, we saw all homeopaths are helping folks who need homeopathy but either kinds of opportunities. For one thing, 2014 marks the 40th do not have the financial resources to pursue it or are so impaired anniversary of NCH’s founding. We have so much to celebrate that homeopathy is not on their radar: the mentally ill, the from those 40 years! Throughout 2014 we’ll be commemorating addicted, the homeless. We know there are some wonderful pro- NCH’s accomplishments in a variety of ways, and the JAHC will grams underway internationally, including Homeopaths Without be a perfect venue for festivities. Borders’ Haitian program and Jeremy Sherr’s Homeopathy for It also seemed a great time to move the conference location. Health in Africa that have inspired us with reports at previous We’ve been in the Washington, DC area for the past few years, and conferences. All these programs are adapting homeopathy suc- we thought folks would welcome a new location, especially all cessfully to new settings that demand new approaches and shine

Debby Bruck, CHom, founder, HomeopathyWorldCommunity.com, Melanie Climis (West Virginia), Allyson Burden, CCH RSHom(NA) and Nancy Gahles, DC CCH RSHom(NA), NCH Past-President, at the (Vancouver), and Elizabeth Kmetz, CN CCH (Massachusetts) Friday evening reception. like to meet at the JAHC every year.

6 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

new light on our craft—they are a cutting edge, a growing edge of our field. The JAHC is an ideal place for us to meet the leaders of programs like these and to benefit from all that they’ve learned. To that end, we will host a panel at the 2014 JAHC about how to provide access for those within our North American commu- nities who need homeopathy so desperately. Various leaders will share how their local programs serve homeless populations, returning veterans, people struggling with addiction, and others NCH Board of Directors: underserved by homeopathy—in hopes of spreading this worthy movement. We still have some space on the panel, so if you’re Call for Nominations! offering a low-cost or free clinic to a particularly underserved or impaired group, please let us know. We’d love to have you join us! CH is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (from 3 to 11 members), which, since its inception, Focusing the telescope has traditionally maintained a balance of consumers, Those we think of as “superstars” began their homeopathic work Nhealth care professionals, and industry representatives. the way every homeopath does: seeing clients, noticing trends, The directorship terms are staggered to assure continuity of gathering data, and formulating approaches and theories. The the Board. The term of directorship is three years. conference is a great opportunity to learn from a whole constella- The NCH Board is a “working” board, which means that tion of these folks, all in one place. It’s also a chance for rising stars in addition to governance, members also contribute their to share the work they are currently passionate about. To encour- time and skills toward various projects and committees. age members of our community to come forward and present Board members are not compensated for their time or what they’re thinking about, discovering, and developing, we services, but are reimbursed for their travel and lodging circulated a request for proposals to the homeopathic community expenses to attend Board meetings. Currently, the Board for possible presentations. We were amazed and excited when holds two in-person meetings a year and communicates more than 75 proposals came in! We’re using a blinded system via e-mail, conference call, and phone throughout the year. to review them all and choose the most promising prospects for At this time, we are calling for nominations for both the conference. immediate and future consideration from the general membership for the position of Board member. Anyone Come one, come all! who has been a member of NCH for at least one year is So this year’s conference promises to be brilliant! We’ll have not eligible for nomination. There are no other prerequisites to only a slate of exciting and eminent presenters, but also a fertile be an NCH Board member. field for sharing experiences as well as tapping into some of the If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting passion of our sister and brother practitioners. more involved with NCH and in helping to support Come join us April 4–6, 2014 in Long Beach, California and be the homeopathic community in general, we strongly inspired, encouraged, and humbled by what our community is encourage you to submit a nomination. offering… and think about how you might want to participate Nominations should be sent to nch@nationalcenter-______locally, nationally, or internationally in the wonderful work of forhomeopathy.org.______This message should include a helping people access the gift of homeopathy. statement as to why the person is being recommended, what his/her qualifications are, and the email address of Mark your calendar! the person recommended. Self-nominations are allowed. April 4–6, 2014 • Long Beach, California The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. EST, October 31, 2014 Joint American Homeopathic Conference 2013. The NCH Nominating Committee will then contact nominees to request additional information, such as a short biography and reasons for wanting to serve on the NCH Board. Presented by the The final slate of candidates will be prepared by the National Center for Homeopathy Nominating Committee and approved by the Executive Committee. Voting will take place in late 2013 or early 2014. The current Board members whose terms will expire are Edward Conway and Tina Quirk.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 7 Autumn 2013

Homeopathic Research Barcelona meeting sparks enthusiasm Matters & international collaboration Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy Conference Wrap-up by TINA QUIRK, RN, MS, CCH

Is there good research on homeopathy? Swiss researchers showed successful results in preventing urinary tract infec- Is there a plausible theory for how homeopathy works? tions in spinal cord injury patients. Atten- Is there an evidence base for using homeopathy? tion Deficit Disorder patients treated in a French study used fewer psychotropic Researchers enthusiastically maintaining and evaluating its holistic drugs and had a lower rate of anxiety and addressed these questions and more for (or systems) integrity. Challenges the depression than those treated with con- three days in Barcelona, Spain last May researchers face are an undefined mecha- ventional medicine, according to Dr. Lau- 31–June 2 at the 1st Homeopathic Research nism for the way ultradilutions behave rence Terzan. Dr. Shaik Shamsur Rahman Institute International Homeopathy and affect human physiology and inade- (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) stud- Research Conference. More than 40 peer- quate lab methods for detecting the full ied the response of men treated homeo- reviewed and selected presentations by range of activity of ultradilutions. Despite pathically for lipoma to observe for homeopathic researchers from 20 coun- these hindrances, both speakers verify improvements (92 out of 106 patients tries plus 25 poster presentations declared homeopathic research is progressing and were cured or had moderate to marked the vigor and vibrancy of homeopathic holds much promise for the future. improvement) and to determine which research around the world. Homeopathic remedies were most successful (42 out of scientists showed they are rigorously Fascinating reports from 62 patients who were treated with Thuja investigating the field from multi-faceted around the globe occidentalis improved). angles—pathogenetic trials (provings), As a practitioner in the U.S. who is limited experimental laboratory and animal stud- to independent practice, I found it hearten- Animals aren’t biased ies, comparative clinical research with ing to hear Dr. Elio Rossi describe the effects Animal research challenges any criticism “real-world” application, epidemiology, of integrating homeopathy into the public of placebo response or consultation bias. health economics, qualitative studies, health system in Lucca, Italy. Along with Mr. David Eyles, a UK farmer, did a research methodology for systems-based homeopathic treatment and education, this statistical and photographic study that therapies, homeoprophylaxis, and the 13-year program has been able to conduct demonstrated the amelioration of pain mechanism of action of ultradilutions. observational research on the incidence of and distress in lambs that were given The Director General of Health Serv- adverse effects (only 2%), homeopathic Aconite, Arnica, and Hypericum during a ices of the Ministry of Health of aggravations (14%), cost effectiveness (a necessary but painful procedure. Professor Catalyuna, Spain, officially welcomed over decrease in cost), and improvements in Leoni Villano Bonamin of Brazil re - 180 delegates from 30 countries, voicing pediatric atopic conditions (e.g., asthma, counted his team’s experiment of using an his support for scientific evidence to eczema, hay fever), respiratory illnesses, and ultradilution of thymulin to reduce encourage inclusion of alternative medi- a wide variety of cancers. Dr. Rossi asked, inflammation in mice that had been cine in health services. Following was an “Have you ever wondered why some of infected with the protozoa, Leishmania overview of recent cutting edge research your patients didn’t come back for follow- amazonensis. One of the more fascinating by Dr. Peter Fisher, UK researcher and edi- up?” The clinic did a telephone survey of presentations of animal research was Dr. tor of Homeopathy, the primary journal of patients who did not return for follow-up Christian Endler’s (Austria) 20-year labo- homeopathy research, citing nanoparticle appointments, and found that about 50% ratory study of the effect of ultradiluted investigations and techniques to reduce gave the reason that the treatment worked thyroxine (Thyroxine 30X) on the meta- the blurring of homeopathy and placebo and health improved! morphosis of frogs. A meta-analysis, that often occur in placebo-controlled Some research was refreshingly simple confirmed by 7 independent researchers trials. According to Dr. Stephan Baum- and effective: Dr. Ramona Jurcau from from 4 universities, concluded that devel- gartner (Switzerland), homeopathy prac- Romania found a clear effect of Aconite on opment of the frogs was slowed by the titioners and researchers are systematically both anxiety levels and salivary cortisol of thyroxine preparation as compared to building an “evidence base” while experi- people who experienced a short-term those that received similarly-prepared menting with the best methodology for stressful situation. Dr. Jurgen Pannek and plain water. What is remarkable about the

8 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

result of this study is that a solution an ongoing 10-year observational study of diluted beyond Avogadro’s number health outcomes and effectiveness of showed interference in biological activity. homeoprophylaxis in children receiving homeopathic nosodes compared to con- Provings & homeoprophylaxis ventional vaccination schedules. Ms. Homeopathic provings (also known as Miranda Castro (U.S.) reminded us that homeopathic pathogenetic trials or HPTs) even if we don’t have the opportunity to are clinical studies initiated by Samuel participate in a full-scale clinical study, we Hahnemann and form the foundation for can use research in our own practices. Prac- homeopathic prescriptions. Studies have titioners can conduct audits to track their Homeopathic Research Institute’s been done to confirm the reliability of patients’ chief symptoms, responses to management team: Rachel Roberts, FSHom symptoms by re-proving remedies. How- treatment, the remedies most used, and the and Alexander Tournier, RSHom. ever, Jeremy Sherr’s (Tanzania) study was overall success of homeopathic interven- unique as homeopathic practitioners were tion. Having this data allows practitioners given the raw data of a remedy proving to adapt and improve their practice. and asked to identify the remedy. By a significant number of practitioners recogniz- Homeopathic Research Institute ing the correct remedy, it was confirmed For me to mention here just some of the that HPTs produce recognizable symptom highlights of the three-day conference is profiles and that provings are a valid to omit dozens of worthy presentations. methodology to obtain these symptoms. Every presentation was seminal and note- Five years ago, Professor Gustavo Bra- worthy. Fortunately for those who want cho (Cuba) electrified the homeopathic more information, abstracts will be pub- community with the success of his large- lished in the Autumn 2013 issue of Home- scale homeoprophylaxis study preventing opathy (www.homeopathyjournal.net), an outbreak of leptospirosis. Here he pre- and DVDs of the entire conference are sented a follow-up analysis and a proposal available from the organizers, Homeo- to treat other epidemics with homeopro- pathic Research Institute (HRI). Dr. Elio Rossi (Italy) engages in lively debate. phylaxis within the hospital. Homeopro- Based in the UK and headed by home- phylaxis was the topic of Dr. Gadugu opaths Dr. Alexander Tournier and Ms. Srinivasulu’s (India) study of the success- Rachel Roberts, HRI is an international ful prevention of Japanese Encephalitis non-profit organization created to address using doses of Belladonna, Calcarea car- the need for high quality scientific research bonicum, and Tuberculinum. in homeopathy. Its goal is to foster new projects and improve the quality of U.S. participation research being carried out in the field. This Representing the U.S., Dr. Iris Bell mesmer- conference was the first meeting of so many ized the audience with her well-supported high caliber homeopathic researchers in a theory for understanding the mechanism decade. Clinicians, academic researchers, of action of ultradiluted substances and students gathered together as col- through the emerging research on the leagues to learn, discuss, share their find- behavior of nanoparticles. She correlated ings, and engage in respectful scientific homeopathic reactions with nanoparticle debate. Collaborations and partnerships phenomena and emphasized homeopathy between clinicians, researchers, and HRI Plenary session—Dr. Thomas Peinbauer (Austria) and Dr. Helene Renoux (France). as a practical use of “integrative nanomed- were begun that will kindle new research. icine.” (If you attended the Joint American Plans are already progressing for the next Homeopathy Conference in April 2013 in HRI research conference in 2015. Visit the ABOUT THE Virginia, you will remember Dr. Bell’s HRI website, www.homeoinst.org, to learn AUTHOR exciting presentation.) Dr. Joyce Frye (U.S.) more about the organization and to sub- presented a case review of 16 respiratory scribe to their quarterly newsletter, which Tina Quirk, RN, MS, CCH, a patients on mechanical ventilators in a hos- discusses and analyzes research studies in a practitioner and educator in New York City, is a member of pital ICU treated with Kali bichromicum, “reader friendly” way. the Board of Directors of NCH based on an Austrian randomized con- and is the Liaison for Homeo- One sentence about the conference venue, pathic Research. She is the trolled trial. She reported on the challenges Barcelona: Mediterranean beach, tapas, Academic Dean for the Centre for Homeopathic of “real world” use of homeopathy and the Education New York, which offers diploma and BSc classical guitar, sangria, Gaudi, Basilica programs in homeopathy. She also is the Project favorable observations of the hospital of the Sagrada Familia, blue skies, palm Director for Homeopathy for Health in Africa. physicians. In a poster session, Ms. Kate trees, Gothic quarter, plaza sitting— She welcomes any inquiries or discussions about research. Email her at [email protected] Birch (U.S.) discussed the results to date of ahhhh! ______

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 9 Autumn 2013

Rare and Precious Gifts Books find their way into the right hands, touching hearts and minds

By VATSALA SPERLING, MS, PhD, PDHom, RSHom, CCH

Birthday gifts come in all shapes and sizes. In the early 1970s, my brother gave me a set of books by Paul Brunton about Ramana Maharishi, a well-known sage from India.

Back then, I was just beginning to sink my Synchronicity teeth into the English language with the Years later, I learned that my husband, help of the Oxford English Dictionary. Every Ehud Sperling, worked in the 1970s as a evening, my brother would gather our fam- clerk and salesman in the New York ily together after dinner and read to us antiquarian book store of this very same from Brunton’s books. He would explain publisher, Donald Weiser. “Who knows?” nuances of phrasing, grammar, and Ehud told me, “I might have even handled spelling, and elaborate on the exquisite core the very books your brother was reading contents of these spiritually charged books. to you. We used to send parcels to overseas In our modern times of a thousand TV readers all the time.” Eventually, Ehud cre- channels, I have yet to experience evenings ated his own book publishing company, “Wow, homeopathy has more entertaining than those from my Inner Traditions, and through him I came zero-electronics childhood in India. I to enjoy the company of his good friend been around… since remember noticing that the volumes were Donald Weiser. published by Weiser Books and asking my Fast forward to 2013. Donald Weiser, brother, “What does ‘publish’ mean?” “Pub- now in his late eighties, still keenly before my grandparents lishing is an endeavor that turns the dreams involved with books old and new, asked of authors into the physical reality of books me one day, “Would you like me to send were born…” and places these books into the hands of you some old homeopathy books?” the readers,” my brother replied. As a homeopath, I have learned to welcome homeopathy books with an open heart, believing that each book can be a source for inspiration. “Sure. I would love that,” I answered, hardly knowing what might ensue.

Special moments When the parcel arrived at Ehud’s office, his assistant called me with the breathless excitement of a kid in a candy store. ”Your books are here! They are old!” Old indeed! Here is what the treasure chest contained: 1. Condensed Materia Medica by C. Her- ing, 2nd edition, Boericke and Tafel, NY, 1879, 883 pages 2. Hering’s Condensed Materia Medica, 4th edition, Boericke and Tafel, PA, 1894, 968 pages

Vatsala, Ehud, their son Mahar, and niece Rina celebrating the arrival of antiquarian homeopathy books, a gift from their friend Donald Weiser.

10 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

3. Materia Medica Pura, vol. I, by Samuel prior owners of the books have scribbled Hahnemann, Hahnemann Publishing notes in ink and cursive letters. Society, UK, 1880, 718 pages 4. Materia Medica Pura, vol. II, by Samuel Standing the test of time Hahnemann, Hahnemann Publishing These venerable books now occupy a Society, UK, 1881, 709 pages place of honor in my study, among scores 5. A Repertory of Hering’s Guiding Symp- of volumes by contemporary authors. toms of Our Materia Medica, by Calvin We homeopaths do know that ever since B. Knerr, F.A. Davis and Co., PA, 1896, Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) devel- 1232 pages oped homeopathy, it has been in use and 6. New Warren’s Household Physician, has spread to the whole world. But Enlarged and Revised, Being a Brief turning the yellowing pages of these Description in Plain Language of All the over-a-century-old books proves this Diseases of Men, Women and Children, knowledge like nothing else does. My Boston, A.I. Bradley and Co., 1901, 986 favorite is New Warren’s Household pages Physician in which chapters on allopathic 7. Materia Medica by James Tyler Kent, and homeopathic approaches indicate that a wife, mother, and homeopath. To say Boericke and Tafel, PA, 1905, 965 pages. there was a time when these two disci- that a book somehow always finds its plines existed side by side, complementing reader is to say the very least about the The evening Ehud brought the books and supporting each other for the benefit power of books and their inherent ability home was full of special moments. Our of the patients. What a golden time that to touch hearts and minds while making son Mahar held one in his hands very gen- must have been! their way in this world. tly, and while turning its pages, said rever- Though I reach for contemporary vol- Hopefully, these books will live many ently: “Wow, homeopathy has been umes for my day-to-day reading simply more hundreds of years and keep finding around for over a hundred years, or more because they’re less fragile, I am filled with hands that will hold them with love, awe, … since before my grandparents were a deep sense of awe every time I see the and a sense of wonder, just as my son did, born…” century-old books in my study. They have and as I find myself doing from time to These are huge, serious-looking aca- endured and, luckily for us, homeopathy time. And for this I am full of gratitude to demic books bound in cloth or dark has endured. And now when my son Donald Weiser and his wife Yvonne, who leather and printed in black. New Warren’s receives homeopathic remedies, he is saw fit to give me these precious books Household Physician has color pictures more respectful of what he is being given, as a gift. that are hand drawn. Here and there, the knowing in his heart that homeopathy is ABOUT THE not some passing breeze or the fashion- AUTHOR I have learned to welcome able health fad of the moment, here today, gone tomorrow. It is an art and a science Vatsala Sperling MS, PhD, PDHom, RSHom, CCH, was homeopathy books with that has stood the test of time and is get- Chief of Clinical Microbiology ting stronger with age. services in a children’s hospital in Chennai, India. Growing up in India, she fondly remembers an open heart, believing In humble gratitude the sweet taste of homeopathic remedies from her local homeopathic doctors. Enrolling in Misha As for me, I am simply astounded as to Norland’s School of Homeopathy in 2004, she has that each book can be a how these books from Donald Weiser have ever since been immersed in homeopathy. A published author of eight books (InnerTraditions.com) found their way into my hands, first in the and several essays, she practices classical homeop- source for inspiration. 1970s when I was just a kid learning to athy in Vermont, where she lives with her family. read English, and now in 2013, when I am www.Rochesterhomeopathy.com

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 11 Autumn 2013

Tracing Homeopathy’s Historic Roots in Philadelphia Up close and personal with Constantine Hering

By ANN E. JEROME, PhD, CCH, RSHom(NA)

Samuel Hahnemann’s wax seal on an Homeopathy is constantly renewing itself. Our radically individual envelope mailed to Hering from approach means that, to paraphrase Hahnemann, we homeopaths have to Koethen, Germany. consider each case to be the first one of its kind that we’ve ever encountered. Each person is a whole new universe to us. At the same time, we are deeply grounded Face to face with Hering in the past. We examine every word of The archivists at Drexel prepared gener- Hahnemann’s Organon and The Chronic ously and meticulously for our visit, Diseases, finding again and again that his creating a private exhibit focused on advice from nearly two centuries ago is Constantine Hering, who lived and still dependable. What worked for Hahne- worked in Philadelphia for over four mann and his students continues to work decades. As a founder of Hahnemann for us today, and we might sometimes feel Medical College, Hering donated signifi- as if the masters from our past are looking cant parts of his library, personal papers, over our shoulder—in fact, we might even and possessions to the school. hope so. We could have stayed for a week, but we had only a few hours. The archivists A center of living history walked us through a stunning array of Recently, I had a chance to meet home- artifacts including books (Hering’s copy opathy’s history first-hand when of the Organon among them), journals, renowned Belgian homeopath Henny pictures, and remedy kits, then set us loose Heudens-Mast came to the U.S. to teach. on boxes of letters, photographs, and Since her seminar was in Philadelphia other personal effects. We traced the pro- where homeopathy took root in this coun- fessional career of a celebrated master: try, we set aside a day to go back in time. correspondence from his tenure as faculty Our first stop was the Legacy Center, member and dean, honorary degrees the archives of the Drexel University Col- bestowed on him, and photographs lege of Medicine. This college is descended with other promi- from the first homeopathic medical nent figures of his school in the U.S., which Constantine time. We wit- As a founder of Hahnemann Hering and others founded as the Allen- nessed the inner town Academy in 1835 and soon moved to workings of a Medical College, Hering Philadelphia and renamed. It operated as brilliant mind, Hahnemann Medical College for over 150 traceable in the years and offered homeopathy courses marginalia he donated significant parts within the conventional medical curricu- penned into his lum until the 1950s. Now Hahnemann much-loved of his library, personal University Hospital is the site of clinical copies of Para - training for Drexel University College of celsus’ writings. Medicine, and Drexel maintains the for- papers, and possessions mer Hahnemann Medical College Vial donated in an archives, including publications, letters, envelope marked “Some of Father’s documents, photographs, and artifacts to the school. first medicines” that scholars can use to bring the history and signed by of homeopathy to life. Hering’s son.

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Left, Hering’s copy of the Organon.

Right, the Hering family plot at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.

the Academy’s mission by donating his prize specimen of Lachesis muta, the Bush- master snake from which he milked the venom to create one of the greatest remedies in our homeopathic materia medica. It’s a measure of Hering’s renown that the Undaunted by the fact that these writings story about his acquisition were in the neighborhood of 300 years of this snake took on epic old, Hering noted interesting paragraphs, proportions over time; it’s created cross-references among thoughts, said that he asked to see one and doodled here and there, perhaps as he of these much-feared snakes mulled over Paracelsus’ wisdom and its during his travels in Suri- applications in his own practice. nam in 1827, and when We also saw the man Hering in letters some natives brought him and family photographs. We learned to one in a box and ran away identify the flourish of his flamboyant terrified, he opened the box and knocked headstone erected to match the rest of the handwriting, and we saw its beginnings in the snake unconscious by hitting its head family’s, but his is still the largest and the a note from the very young Constantine to with a stick, then milked the venom from central stone among several generations his mother. its glands. of his descendants. We especially enjoyed The actual story is probably less color- the specimen of Rhus toxicodendron trail- The stuff of legends ful, as Julian Winston notes in The Faces ing up a tree at the edge of the plot, a From the Legacy Center we traveled down- of Homeopathy (Great Auk Publishing, faithful old cornerstone of the homeo- town to the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1999): “According to Hering’s account, he pathic materia medica perhaps paying a natural history museum founded in was living in Paramibo, Surinam, and had homage to the master. 1812. Now owned by Drexel University, the been looking for a good snake specimen. Note: Drexel makes its archives available Academy continues to produce important The natives brought him one that had to serious scholars only, by appointment. research in environmental science while been run over by a cart at the edge of Hering’s Lachesis specimen is occasionally maintaining its distinguished collection town. Hering untied the snake and put on display at the Academy of Natural built over the centuries. As a scientific noticed it was still alive. He extracted Sciences. See a photo and description of explorer, Hering indicated his support for some venom and began to triturate it with the specimen on the Academy’s website milk sugar. He accidentally ingested some, where it is called “Homeopathic Snake”: and the first proving began.” In fact, a www.ansp.org/explore/online-______

close-up look at Hering’s snake shows exhibits/stories/homeopathic-snake/______more signs of a run-in with a heavy ABOUT THE wheel than with a stick. Nevertheless, the AUTHOR meeting of the great Hering and the great Lachesis has become a highlight of home- Ann E. Jerome, PhD, CCH, opathic history. RSHom(NA), was a college professor for almost 20 years before graduating into a Final repose career in homeopathy. She is Director of the Academy of Finally, we headed to West Laurel Hill Classical Homeopathy and can be reached Cemetery to visit the Hering family plot. through its website at www.academyofclassical- homeopathy.com. She currently serves as Hering’s grave was moved and a new President of the NCH Board of Directors, Dean of NCH Education, and editorial associate for Homeopathy Today. Hering’s Lachesis muta snake.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 13 Autumn 2013

SheShe TurnedTurned toto HomeopathyHomeopathy

Halting a crippling Thirty-five-year-old Frankie (not her real name) first crossed my path in January 2012 when she autoimmune disorder: responded to an online coupon offering acupuncture relief from at a discount. A tall, large-boned, attractive, blonde woman with expressive eyes and a sweet yet dignified rheumatoid arthritis demeanor, Frankie sought help for acute arthritis.

by SYBIL IHRIG, LAc, HMA, CCH (Cand)

14 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

immune system mistakenly attacks the a deeper-working option; or I might ask body’s tissues—inflaming joint linings and them to try a set number of acupuncture causing painful swelling. It tends to appear treatments first and then switch to home- between ages 30 and 50, and to strike more opathy if they don’t begin to see results. women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis is In my experience with such cases, characterized by periods of flare-up when acupuncture can palliate and even slow pain and swelling are more intense, and the progress of symptoms, but it does not fever and fatigue are present. Over time, reliably lead to cure or full arrest of the bone erosion, deformity, and immobility underlying disorder. result, especially in the small joints of the As I listened to Frankie’s story, I felt hands and feet. intuitively that homeopathy would be the Conventional medicine, which offers treatment of choice. Her relatively young no cure, focuses on controlling symptoms age and recent onset of illness argued in and reducing joint damage. To this end, favor of it. She wanted to try acupuncture Frankie had been receiving a mounting first, however, so we embarked on a series cascade of heavy-duty drugs—starting of four, once-weekly treatments. From an with narcotics to control pain, escalating Oriental Medicine perspective, she showed to methotrexate to slow the progression of signs of Phlegm-Damp, extreme Spleen the disorder by decreasing immune sys- deficiency with Stomach heat, and Kidney tem activity, and then adding golimumab deficiency, together suggesting a congested, (a biological medicine given as a monthly inefficient lymphatic system and a weak injection) to suppress the immune system. immune system. Along with acupuncture, I While these treatments had decreased her gave her a digestive enzyme formula to swelling and provided some relief, she still counteract the systemic inflammation to experienced substantial breakthrough which all her symptoms pointed. (Numer- pain. Frankie also had become concerned ous studies over the past 15 years have about the number of medications she was shown beneficial anti-inflammatory effects taking and their potential for severe side of pancreatic enzymes against symptoms of effects, such as liver damage, lung damage, rheumatoid arthritis.) bone marrow suppression, congestive After four weeks, blood tests performed heart failure, lymphoma, and life-threat- by her rheumatologist showed that all ening infections. This led her to seek alter- inflammatory markers had decreased, but native approaches to treatment, and that’s Frankie was still experiencing nighttime how she landed in my acupuncture clinic. pain severe enough to wake her, particularly in the right hand and left foot. Break- The pain and swelling had begun more Acupuncture or homeopathy? through pain still occurred at other times, than a year earlier in her left elbow, dis- Sometimes it’s a blessing to practice two too, in spite of her taking strong conven- turbing her sleep. “I ignored it for some forms of complementary/alternative med- tional medications. She had made some time, as I’ve always been pretty healthy,” icine, and sometimes it’s a curse. It’s a progress, but not enough. It was at this she said, but when the pain became more blessing to have more than one tool in point that Frankie agreed to homeopathic severe and progressed to her toes, feet, and your toolbox, but deciding which specialty treatment, and we made an appointment hands, she could no longer block it from is likely to deliver the best and most pro- for a full homeopathic interview. her consciousness. A visit to her doctor led found healing for an individual is no easy to a referral to a specialist. To Frankie’s task, and requires judgment and experi- It’s all about the pain dismay, the rheumatologist diagnosed ence. When couples are concerned about Frankie described her physical symptoms rheumatoid arthritis—a chronic, progres- fertility issues, for example, I usually opt in excellent detail. Her left elbow pain had sive autoimmune disorder. to treat with acupuncture and herbs, begun roughly a year earlier and was char- because I get reliably good results with acterized by great stiffness that was worse Too young to be so ill this method. When patients come in with from bending; she had to stretch out the Unlike simple wear-and-tear osteoarthritis recent-onset autoimmune disorders or elbow for relief. The pain was worse at from overuse or aging, rheumatoid arthri- severe pathology, however, I often recom- night, waking her from sleep. Within a tis is an inflammatory process in which the mend homeopathy because I find it to be short time, she had also begun to experi-

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 15 Autumn 2013

ence cramping, debilitating pain in her “What else was going on a year ago knees swelled up, and she had so much toes radiating into the balls of her feet, when you started having the pains?” I difficulty walking that the sight brought which made it impossible for her to wear asked Frankie, in order to find out her mother to tears. high heels at work any longer. A third area whether any big stressors or crises might As Frankie described the history of her where severe discomfort occurred was her have predisposed her to getting sick. She illness, she continually flexed and fidgeted right hand, particularly in the fingers, with remembered unusual exhaustion during with her painful right hand in a claw-like shooting pains radiating towards the the months prior to the onset, but that motion. When I drew her attention to this wrist. All painful areas were characterized was all. She also reported having her ton- gesturing, she said, “It feels better when I by swelling and stiffness. sils removed a few months after her move it,” and that she often did this at As soon as Frankie began taking arthritis symptoms began. She explained work with little conscious attention. The methotrexate and getting golimumab injec- that from childhood onward, she had suf- same was not true of her feet, however; if tions, the swelling (but not the pain) fered repeated bouts of right-sided strep she attempted to flex her toes on the decreased everywhere except in the hand. throat and tonsillitis that always devel- affected left foot, the toes would cramp, Although no deformation had yet occurred, oped quickly into a severe episode. The causing even more pain. Even before her she was already experiencing decreased frequency of her throat infections had illness, the need to move her limbs was strength in her right hand and found it dif- been increasing before the arthritis prominent: “I can’t sit still,” she said. “If ficult to open jars or carry grocery bags. She appeared, so on the advice of her doctors, I’m in a meeting, I may be fidgeting with also felt physically exhausted around the she had had her tonsils removed. The sur- my hands or feet… I’m so conditioned to clock, which was highly unusual for her. geon required that she go off all rheuma- constantly be doing something, that I’m “I’m always busy. My job is demanding and toid arthritis medications two weeks not used to having downtime and not I have to travel a lot, nationally and interna- before the scheduled surgery. “I have doing anything. The norm is being busy. If tionally,” said Frankie, so she was especially never been in so much pain as during I’m not busy, I don’t know what to do with alarmed at her loss of energy. those two weeks,” Frankie said. Even her myself. I don’t know how to relax.” Birds love Pokeweed Phytolacca: a long history of healing

hytolacca decandra, also known as pokeweed or with the red ink plant, is a perennial that’s native to much of breast very P North America. It is especially striking in late sum- hard and mer and fall when the stalks turn crimson red and the sensitive; berries turn a deep purple. While young leaves in spring are cracked sometimes boiled and eaten like asparagus (“poke salad”), nipple; pain mature plants are toxic to humans if eaten in any quantity. radiates The berries are a favorite of songbirds and other animals from nipple who eat them and distribute the seeds far and wide. The to the rest root and berries have a long history of herbal use, with early of the body Native Americans having used them as a poultice for tumors when the and as a salve for chronic rheumatism. According to the baby nurses. American Cancer Society, pokeweed contains a compound Homeopath that appears to enhance the immune system, and animal George Guess, MD, has found Phytolacca to be helpful in research has shown that it has some anti-cancer effects.. about 50% of mastitis cases. The homeopathic remedy, Phytolacca, is prepared and ◆ Arthritis/Rheumatism: Pains fly like electric shocks and diluted from the fresh root. Provings and clinical experience abruptly move around. Pain forces the person to move, but show it is useful for glandular swellings and musculoskeletal the movement doesn’t relieve symptoms. Stiffness with pain, and especially in these three spheres: inflammation and swelling of joints. Aching of heels, relieved ◆ Throat: Tonsillitis, glandular swellings, mumps. The throat by elevating feet. Tendonitis when inflammation occurs at

inside appears dark red or bluish red. On swallowing, a the site where the tendon attaches to the bone. BYPHOTO COY HILL ©2012, severe shooting pain can be felt at the root of the tongue to In general, a person needing Phytolacca tends to feel COUNTRYCAPTURES.BLOGSPOT.COM the ear. The throat feels rough, hot or burning, and puffy. worse from motion (even though they want to move), ______There may be an irresistible desire to clench the teeth. worse from cold, wet weather, worse at night, and worse ◆ Breasts: Pain before and during menstrual periods. on the right side. They feel better from warmth, better from Inflammation of the breast (mastitis) in nursing mothers, dry weather, and better from resting.

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Filling in the picture Rheumatoid What other clues about Frankie’s life could lead us to a remedy that might help arthritis tends to her? She always wore sunglasses outdoors because bright light disturbed her eyes. appear between The whites of her eyes were “always red,” which she attributed to the dry Arizona ages 30 and 50, climate; the redness was relieved with over-the-counter eye drops. The color red, and to strike in fact, appeared in the décor of every room in her home. (Later on, this detail more women assumed greater importance in my analysis, though I did not give it much weight at than men. the time.) She liked to drink coffee in the morning, even though it often gave her heart- something she had become accustomed when she was 12: her parents divorced, and burn. She also liked bread and pizza, and to even as a young girl: her life, along Frankie was taken completely by surprise, frequently ate out because of her busy with her older sister’s, revolved around even though in retrospect there were many schedule. “I need to eat healthier,” she con- sports, and her mother, a coach, ensured signs that something was amiss. “I just fessed. Frankie smoked about 10 cigarettes that she participated in three different buried my head in the sand,” she said, a day in private to relax, saying, “My boss athletic teams. The sports “kept me out of which is also what she reported having doesn’t know I smoke.” And, despite her trouble,” she said, and she remained done when first diagnosed with rheu- claim that she had “always been pretty involved because she enjoyed playing matoid arthritis. Control was an issue healthy,” she had suffered severe illnesses with her sister, not because of any com- pertinent to her illness as well. For exam- as a child beyond the repeated bouts of petitive drive. In her senior year of high ple, she described working hard to open a strep throat and tonsillitis. At age 3, she school, despite the offer of an athletic jar with her affected right hand because underwent knee surgery to relieve severe scholarship to college, Frankie suddenly she was “determined not to get to a place swelling (“they called it ‘football player’s quit all sports. “I was just worn out.” Her in life where I can’t do things.” After a knee’ and scraped out the debris”). description of this exhaustion sounded 10-minute struggle, she finally managed to Between the ages of 5 and 8, she had been like a parallel to her state prior to the open that jar. hospitalized several times because of onset of the arthritis. The need for control manifested in a unexplained bleeding from the bladder (“I Frankie was not currently in a relation- slightly different way at work, where peed blood clots and passed out”). She ship, and no wonder, given the responsi- Frankie sometimes felt overwhelmed by also had outbreaks of psoriasis on the bilities and demands of her work. She was the sheer number of tasks to complete but head and ears until age 12 or 13. Now, as extremely close to her family, however, didn’t want to “freak out” like some other an adult, the only complaints she could especially to her sister and nephew, and colleagues. “I don’t want to be like that… think of, other than the acute arthritis, she saw her parents regularly even though I don’t want to be the person who’s crying were plantar warts on the soles of her feet they lived some distance away and had or arguing with people or wearing my and severe menstrual cramps on the first long been divorced and remarried to new emotions on my sleeve,” she told me. day of her period. partners. She disliked scary movies and Because fears and dreams arise from preferred children’s films and comedies. the unconscious, they can sometimes But what about her Her home was always beautifully organ- show us important aspects of a person’s mental/emotional state? ized and in order. “I like organizing mental-emotional state. Frankie rarely Contemporary homeopaths tend to place things,” she told me. remembered dreams, and the few she did great emphasis on prominent mental and One feature that stood out was her recall had to do with humdrum aspects of emotional characteristics of a patient, great dislike of change. “I’m a person who work, so there was little data to mine and this case had me puzzled because likes routine,” she said. “I function better there. Her sole stated fear involved snakes: such clues were initially vague. Frankie that way…I don’t do well with last-minute “I’m terrified of them,” she said. “Growing had an endearing, sweet demeanor but planning. If we go on a vacation, I will plan up on a ranch, there are snakes all around. volunteered very little about her inner everything in advance.” She also liked to be They are gross, they have soulless eyes, I life other than repeated references to how in control. “I like to drive when I’m in a am petrified of them. One got into my busy she was and preferred to be. “When group. I don’t want someone else driving, crib when I was a baby, though I don’t I go on vacation I can relax, totally shut and I like to make the plans. I like to know remember anything about it.” This narra- off work. But even then, I can’t just lie on what’s happening. I don’t like to be thrown tive didn’t seem particularly relevant to the beach and do nothing. I want to be into situations that I don’t know about.” me at the time, but I did notice that she stimulated a little bit.” Being busy was Curiously, that was exactly what happened told the story with strong emotion.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 17 Autumn 2013

Finding a remedy for Frankie more frequent dreams (suggesting that her In order to find a suitable homeopathic vital force was trying to communicate remedy for Frankie, I used MacRepertory something), though she still couldn’t software and chose the following rubrics to remember their content. Her elbow felt repertorize the outstanding features of her okay; the only two areas where she experi- case. Because her physical symptoms enced significant discomfort were her right seemed more prominent and well- hand and the toes of her left foot, with joint described than her mental-emotional swelling, breakthrough pain, and stiffness characteristics, I gave more weight to them continuing on a daily basis there. in the repertorization. (The number in Although I was pleased with these parentheses after each rubric indicates the improvements, I had expected more… I number of remedies listed in that rubric.) surmised that Causticum might be a Mind; Change; Aversion to (11) “close” remedy (a simile) rather than the Mind; Fear; Something will happen to best remedy (the simillimum). Still, I had family or to him (9) no clear indications for another remedy Mind; Restlessness, nervousness; Drives She remains completely yet, so I chose to stay with the Causticum him from place to place, must move but bump it up to a slightly higher potency (132) free of the disabling pain, to see whether Frankie might make further Mind; Surprises aggravate (25) improvements. I prescribed one dose of Mind; Occupation, diversion; Ameliorates swelling, and stiffness in Causticum LM 2 (7 drops, 4 succussions), (103) monitored her for a week, and then asked Mind; Fear; of Snakes (25) her limbs that kept her her to take a dose every three days. Mind; Dreams; Work (37) Four months after Frankie’s initial Generalities; Food and drinks; desires awake by night and made casetaking, she was once again able to salty food (117) wear high heels to business functions, and Throat; Inflammation, sore throat; Tonsils her miserable by day. her feet no longer disturbed her with (196) acute flare-ups—she was pleased with Eyes; Redness (375) phobia, and stiff, inflamed fingers. those results. Still, she continued to expe- Eyes; Photophobia (321) Weighing the two choices, I decided rience swelling, breakthrough pain, and Female; Pain; Menses; beginning of (48) Causticum was a better fit for Frankie than stiffness in her right hand, and recently Extremities; Warts; Feet (26) Rhus tox, especially because it matched her her left knee had briefly erupted into Extremities; Inflammation; Fingers (164) history of tonsillitis. So I asked her to swelling and pain. Feeling that the effects Extremities; Pain; Rheumatic; fingers (74) take one dose of Causticum LM 1 from a of Causticum had plateaued, I revisited As a result, my top remedy candidates dropper-bottle solution (7 drops with 4 Frankie’s case and health history in search were Causticum and Rhus toxicodendron. succussions). I chose a gentle LM potency of a more fitting remedy. Causticum was evenly represented in the because of Frankie’s concurrent use of mental and physical rubrics, and it fit strong conventional medications and The second prescription: Frankie’s physical restlessness, preferences because the severity of her symptoms sug- “Never Well Since…” for salty foods, red eyes, photophobia, gested that her vital force was already The onset of Frankie’s arthritic flare-ups menstrual cramps, rheumatic pain in the quite compromised. I monitored her had coincided with the worsening of her fingers, and concern for family. In addi- closely during the first week after receiv- strep throat and eventual tonsillectomy, so tion, this remedy is known to have an ing this dose to make sure she was I decided that recurrent tonsillitis and affinity with the throat, tonsils, and upper responding well. After that, I asked her to strep throat should be given greater weight body, and with rheumatic conditions in take a dose every three days. in my analysis and repertorization. The general. Causticum is a member of the Kali tonsils play an important role as the first (potassium) family of remedies because it Close but no cigar line of defense of the lymphatic system, derives from a processed form of potas- Two months later, when Frankie came for and when the tonsils are removed, the sium hydroxide; interestingly, another her first follow-up visit, she reported some immune and lymphatic systems carry remedy from that family, Kali carbonicum, notable improvements. For the first time greater burdens. Also, adults typically have best matched Frankie’s mental symptoms since her diagnosis, the severity of her pain more difficult recoveries after tonsillec- (aversion to change and aggravation from had decreased in intensity. Though the pain tomy than children do, so these stressors surprises). Rhus tox, on the other hand, a had not disappeared, it no longer woke her might have contributed to the maintaining quintessential remedy for arthritic condi- at night and only disturbed her when she or worsening of her rheumatoid arthritis. tions, was especially pertinent to Frankie’s woke in the morning. Even on a long trip to Looking in the repertory, I found a need for constant movement and dreams Asia and Australia, she had experienced no rubric, “Generalities, Pain, Rheumatic; of work, and also fit her red eyes, photo- stiffness during her travels. She was having inflammation of tonsils, after,” which con-

18 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

tains only four remedies—Echinacea, Gua- nighttime pain, and aggravation or ame- Extremities; Warts; Lower limbs (30) iacum, Lachesis, and Phytolacca. I quickly lioration from stretching that had been an Extremities; Weakness; Hands (126) eliminated Lachesis from consideration, as early feature of the arthritis flare-ups. Phy- Extremities; Pain; Stretching out; aggravates it did not seem to correspond to Frankie’s tolacca is especially indicated for weakness (79) other symptoms. Guaiacum, though asso- in the affected limbs, and Frankie’s Extremities; Pain; Night (234) ciated with a history of tonsillitis, failed to unusual degree of fatigue before and dur- I added the symptom, “fear of losing match the general symptoms of Frankie’s ing the arthritis flare-ups—which I had self-control,” based on Frankie’s statement case and usually has an affinity to larger not repertorized previously—now made about not wanting to be seen “freaking joints in rheumatic conditions. Echi- perfect sense using the rubric, “Generali- out” as some of her co-workers had done nacea has an affinity to the lymphatic sys- ties, weariness, excessive,” which contains when overwhelmed with work. And I tem and shares the theme of systemic only 27 remedies including Phytolaccca. replaced the symptom, “fear of snakes” exhaustion, but I did not see evidence of I now created a revised rubric set for with the symptom, “delusions of snakes in the septic conditions or fetid secretions the case, in which Phytolacca figures and around her” to reflect her emotionally that can be typical for people needing this prominently (Figure 1): charged statements about snakes, which I remedy. This left Phytolacca… had discounted earlier. Made from pokeroot, a traditional Figure 1 (Many modern homeo- Native American herb, Phytolacca is a pathic authors say that homeopathic remedy that has a strong dream- and delusion- affinity with throat, tonsil, breast, and related rubrics can be general upper-body pathologies. In its adapted to reflect emo- herbal form, it is used for mastitis and tional expressions.) breast tumors, and also for chronic rheumatism.1 Although the homeopathic Breakthrough: remedy is made from the root of the plant, No more the stalks and juice of Phytolacca’s berries breakthrough pain! are a deep crimson red (much like the I asked Frankie to take one color found in every room of Frankie’s Mind; Change; Aversion to (11) dose of Phytolacca LM1 (7 drops, 4 suc- home and in the whites of her eyes). Mind; Fear; Self-control, losing (32) cussions) every other day for about 10 As I explored the fit of Phytolacca to Mind; Occupation, diversion; Ameliorates days. After determining that she tolerated Frankie’s case, the pieces of the puzzle (103) it well, I allowed her to take a daily dose. began to fall into place. The remedy’s indi- Mind; Delusions, imaginations; Snakes; in Three weeks after beginning Phytolacca, cations matched her photophobia and red and around her (19) Frankie reported that the intensity and eyes, as well as the menstrual cramps, Mind; Restlessness, nervousness; Drives frequency of her nighttime pain had been aggravation from coffee, plantar warts, him from place to place, must move decreasing steadily. So, I awaited her two- (132) month follow-up visit with great anticipa- Generalities; Pain; Rheumatic; inflammation…and was not disappointed. tion of tonsils, after (4) “Since I saw you last,” Frankie began, Generalities; Food and drinks; Coffee; “I’ve been feeling overall really good. I aggravates (147) have no more breakthrough pain. It’s Generalities; Weariness; Excessive (27) finally not bothering me, and my fingers Eyes; Redness (375) are now almost not swollen at all. My Eyes; Photophobia (321) rheumatologist will be taking me off Throat; Tonsils; Right (71) methotrexate in a couple of weeks, thank Female; Menses; Painful, dysmenorrhea goodness. I have no pain at all anymore.” (400) She was still going to continue with her Skin; Eruptions; Psoriasis (143) monthly golimumab injection, but since Extremities; Pain; Shooting; fingers (39) starting Phytolacca, the breakthrough pain Extremities; Cramps; Toes (77) that usually occurred a few days before the Extremities; Weakness; Upper limbs (285) injection failed to make an appearance. She reported that she had experienced slight swelling of her salivary glands (sub- Pokeweed contains a compound maxillary—below the jaws) around the second week of taking Phytolacca (perhaps that appears to enhance the a healing aggravation or a return of old symptoms), but this disappeared after one immune system. week. And a sore throat that she had been

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 19 Autumn 2013

Figure 2

fighting for months suddenly disappeared, too. “Now, other people are getting sick at work, and I’m not getting sick at all.” Benefits of the remedy extended to her female cycle as well. “I always know when I’m starting my period because I have the outcome at the end of the day.” Why the relative lack of mental symp- cramps,” she said, “but I had no cramps to When one’s vital force rebounds after a toms? I pondered this question extensively speak of this month and didn’t know deep-acting homeopathic remedy as when reviewing Frankie’s case. If we look at when it was coming. This period was Frankie’s did, hormonal vigor and capac- the homeopathic literature on Phytolacca, almost pain-free.” ity for deep human relationships often we see that one of the oft-quoted symp- Frankie did continue to experience increase right along with improvements in toms is “Mind, Indifference, apathy.” That weakness in her right hand: “I can use it physical health and mental outlook. A few “indifference,” for someone needing Phyto- just fine, but it’s not quite as strong as it months after her rheumatoid arthritis lacca, might originate from a state of being used to be. The other day I was writing for symptoms subsided, Frankie rekindled a too busy, utterly exhausted, and so burned a while and noticed my hand getting tired.” serious relationship with a past partner out as not to care anymore. This was and expressed a desire to prepare for an Frankie’s state when she quit the demand- A new lease on life eventual pregnancy. It occurred to me that ing sports activities in high school and It’s been more than a year since then, and Phytolacca, being a remedy known for use- again at the onset of her arthritic flare-ups. Frankie continues to do very well. She is fulness in infertility, might help ease thrilled that her arthritis symptoms have Frankie’s path towards motherhood in the The other side of silence fully resolved and grateful that homeopa- near future. Just how near, even I didn’t In my “previous life,” when I was a student thy came to her rescue. She no longer has to realize! In July 2013, Frankie joyfully of comparative literature and then a book take the immunosuppressive methotrexate announced that she and her partner designer, one of my most beloved authors nor the monthly golimumab injections, would be expecting a baby next February. was the Victorian novelist George Eliot. A with all their potentially severe side (Thankfully, she has been off methotrex- particular passage from Eliot’s late master- effects, yet she remains completely free of ate for more than a year, as that drug can piece, Middlemarch, has always haunted the disabling pain, swelling, and stiffness cause serious birth defects and pregnancy me and is particularly pertinent to the in her limbs that kept her awake by night complications.) Frankie has quit smoking homeopathic calling: and made her miserable by day. The only and remains well and strong, with little to “If we had a keen vision and feeling of all symptom that remains is the slight no morning sickness and, most impor- ordinary human life, it would be like hear- residual weakness in her right hand. This tant, no rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. ing the grass grow and the squirrel’s heart could indicate that a certain amount of beat, and we should die of that roar which tissue damage had already occurred before The disappearing mental lies on the other side of silence.” the disease process was arrested. (Cases symptoms, revisited As homeopaths, we are constantly lis- of degenerative illness like Frankie’s give The contemporary Italian homeopath, tening for the nuances within the roar of us pause to consider the limits of what is Massimo Mangialavori, has said of people illness that will sort out the true sound curable, even with our amazing homeo- needing Phytolacca that they often exhibit from the cacophony of meaningless noise. pathic art.) a striking paucity of mental symptoms, When we find those nuances, the chaotic A recent corporate reorganization at despite the tendency to have severe, “roar” becomes an intelligible harmony: 2 work had everyone else flummoxed, but destructive physical pathologies. This the sacred music of healing. Frankie was able to meet it with resilience: contrast, from the very beginning, struck 1 Vermeulen, Frans, Prisma: The Arcana of Materia me as an essential feature of Frankie’s case. Medica Illuminated. Haarlem, The Netherlands: “We went through something similar Emryss, 2002, pp. 1062–1064. When one searches the repertory for all eight years ago, and I was not accepting of 2 Seminar notes, Boston, MA, October 2008. rubrics containing Phytolacca, symptoms change; I used to resist all kinds of change. ABOUT THE But now, it’s much easier for me. No of the Mind are poorly represented indeed AUTHOR anxiety, because I realize it doesn’t alter when compared with other categories such as Throat, Larynx & Trachea, Eye, Sybil Ihrig, LAc, HMA, CCH Urine, and Skin (see Figure 2 above). (Cand), is a licensed acupunc- turist and classical homeopath and the owner of Lotus Well- spring Healthcare in Surprise, In July 2013, Frankie joyfully Arizona. She is on the faculty of both American Medical College of Homeopathy (AMCH) and Phoenix Institute announced that she and her of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA). Her mentors in homeopathy include Dr. Massimo Mangialavori, Todd Rowe, MD(H), and Dr. A.U. partner would be expecting a Ramakrishnan, among others. She can be reached at (623) 444-2878 or through her website, baby next February. www.lotuswellspring.com.

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NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 21 Autumn 2013

Answers for Arthritis

Rhus toxicodendron Homeopathy can help, especially if you treat early

by GEORGE GUESS, MD, DHt

The homeopathic treatment of chronic arthritis—whether osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, or another form—can be quite effective. It is typically a complicated affair that requires the expertise of a professional homeopath to assess the whole person—aspects of personality, stressors, general metabolic makeup, family history, other chronic health conditions, and so forth. In some instances, however, the local same symptoms recur, again discontinue arthritic symptoms alone (those lim- the remedy. This means either that the ited to the joints themselves) point to remedy is wrong for you or that the the curative homeopathic remedy. multiple daily dosing is inappropriate in Below are some of the more frequently your case. Often the answer lies in taking used remedies for such localized the remedy in a higher potency less fre- symptom indications.* quently; for example, you could take a There are, of course, incurable single dose of a 30c potency and observe cases of arthritis, instances where the the impact over a few weeks. If the remedy damage to joints is too substantial to is correct, benefit will often be forthcom- be reversed. These unfortunate ing within that time frame. (Occasionally, patients usually must rely on surgical you will experience a brief worsening of joint replacement for relief. The best symptoms after this dose, followed by time to initiate homeopathic treat- improvement; if but a single dose is taken, ment of arthritis is very early in the such an aggravation of symptoms will course of the disease before joint typically be brief—a few days—and harm- damage occurs. less.) If improvement does not occur, consider trying a different remedy. If at Treating yourself any time a lengthy flare-up of symptoms For self-treatment of chronic condi- occurs, please see your physician. tions, I recommend individuals pro- ceed slowly and carefully by Remedies for arthritis relief beginning with a low potency of the • Rhus toxicodendron (poison oak): Pain indicated remedy, namely 6c taken and stiffness. Stiffness is very characteris- two or three times daily. Continue tic. The pain is worse when at rest, with your regular allopathic medications if weather changes, especially to cold, damp; needed. Observe your response over by cold; and by initial motion (e.g., rising three to four weeks; it may take that from a bed or a seat). The pains are helped long to begin to notice improvement. by warmth and continued motion (once As long as improvement is continuing and “warmed up”). Restlessness with the pain. The best time to initiate no new symptoms appear, continue taking Complaints are often left-sided. the remedy. Should you reach a point • Bryonia (wild hops): Pains are worse homeopathic treatment where all symptoms have subsided, stop from the slightest motion, better after rest. the remedy. Resume taking it if and when Pains are also better from pressure or by of arthritis is very early symptoms begin to return. lying on the painful side. Should you notice the development of • Ledum (marsh tea): Painful swelling in the course of the new symptoms or a worsening of existing relieved by cold applications and made symptoms while taking a remedy, it is best worse by warmth. Areas especially affected disease before joint to discontinue it and wait to see if the are ankles, feet, ball of the first toe, and left symptoms subside; if they do subside, shoulder and right hip together. “Rheuma- damage occurs. resume taking the remedy. Should the tism” starts in the legs and extends upwards.

22 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

• Kali bichromicum (potassium bichro- trauma (fracture, sprain, bruise). A “lame” are better from motion, like Rhus tox, but mate): Periodic arthritis and arthritis feeling in the joints. Ankle and wrist are someone needing Ruta can become alternating with other complaints (e.g., often involved. Someone needing Ruta exhausted after walking. sinusitis, asthma, digestive disorders). can appear similar to someone needing • Caulophyllum (blue cohosh): Arthritis in Periodicity is often fixed (e.g., every spring Rhus toxicodendron with marked restless- women, of the small joints, particularly or autumn, etc.). The pain is often in one ness and frequent change of position. Leg the fingers, hands, toes, and sometimes small spot, and may wander to different pains on rising from sitting (as if broken). the ankles. Pain and stiffness can alternate sites and come and go suddenly; pain may Back pain better lying on the back. Pains from one joint to another every minute. occur every day at the same time; pain is Small joint problems plus uterine difficul- worse between 2 and 4 a.m. ties are often seen in women needing this • Ruta (rue): Periosteal (lining of the remedy. bones) involvement is typical. It is espe- • Colchicum (meadow saffron): Arthritis cially useful for arthritis beginning after worse during warm, wet weather, although sometimes cold, damp weather can cause complaints. Worse with the Arthritis: Different types? change of seasons. The hands and fingers are mostly affected; the pains are worse Arthritis—painful joint inflammation—is from slight motion (like Bryonia). The not a monolithic illness; more than 100 Colchicum arthritis is often associated different varieties exist. The most common with other ailments (e.g., nephritis, blood are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, in the urine, pericarditis). Aversion to the and gout—but can also include lupus, odor of eggs and fish is a strong symptom psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing not infrequently seen. spondylitis, and others. Here’s how to • Rhododendron (rhododendron): All identify the most typical forms of arthritis: symptoms are worse before a storm. This ◆ Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” remedy also has indications similar to joint pain that many of us experience as Rhus toxicodendron. Restlessness of the we age. It tends to affect big joints like legs. Crosses legs in sleep. hips and knees, and to develop over • Guaiacum (gum guaiacum): Rheumatic time from injury and overuse. Cartilage around a specific joint wears down, affections of the small joints, especially the and bone spurs may grow. Except for pain in the joint, you don’t feel sick or wrists and fingers, worse from warmth, have associated fatigue. Swelling and redness may or may not be present. and better from cold applications. ◆ Rheumatoid arthritis is very different. With this chronic, inflammatory, auto - * The listed remedies are but a few of those that immune disorder, the body mistakenly attacks itself. Small joints in the hands may be useful in arthritis cases. Additionally, a number of nutritional and dietary measures and feet are usually affected first. The synovial membrane that lines the joints can be extremely helpful, but that is a subject becomes inflamed, painful, and swollen. Bone erosion and joint deformity can for another article. eventually result. (Such deformity usually does not occur in osteoarthritis.) Flare- ABOUT THE ups often occur, during which joints are more painful and inflamed, and systemic AUTHOR symptoms such as fever and fatigue may be present. Joints are usually affected symmetrically (whereas in osteoarthritis, joint damage is typically more one- George Guess, MD, DHt, is a family physician and has prac- sided). The illness tends to strike women three times more often than men and ticed classical homeopathic to come on more suddenly and at an earlier age than osteoarthritis (30s to 50s). medicine for more than 30 years. He maintains a private ◆ Gout results when uric acid crystals form and collect in the joints. Usually, family practice in Crozet, VA. He is Vice-President of the American Board of pain is felt in the big toe, though other areas can be affected. Most medical Homeotherapeutics (a national homeopathic authorities say that highly acidic diets (including frequent consumption of specialty board) and past editor of the American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine (a professional processed meats and alcohol) are a major risk factor for gout, so modifying homeopathic medical journal). He can be reached the diet accordingly can reduce symptoms. at: 434-823-1021 or [email protected]______or —by Sybil Ihrig, LAc, HMA, CCH (Cand). See her bio on page 20. www.drgeorgeguess.com

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 23 Autumn 2013

BeatBeat thethe Back-Back-tt Ease the tears, fears, & anxiet

by AMY ROTHENB

Back to school: for some it’s an adventure, but for many children and teens, the start of a new school year is fraught with worry and anxiety. Leaving home or saying goodbye to parents can be stressful. Fear over what may happen at school—or what might happen to loved ones at home or work during the day—can be paralyzing. Dread over fitting into new social circles, whether on the playground or in P.E. class, can be agonizing.

24 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

tto-Schoolo-School BluesBlues ty with homeopathic treatment

BERG, ND, DHANP

I recommend children who experience ety. As caregivers, parents, or doctors, we A trio of homeopathic helpers school anxiety be treated with homeopa- need to understand what drives a child’s There are many remedies that could be thy. This can help reduce a child’s overall behavior as the first step to being able to helpful for a child who suffers from school anxiety level, making mornings easier and help. Some children do not want to go to anxiety. The ones that I most frequently leading to more success, both academi- school because there is something bad prescribe in my office are Baryta carbon- cally and socially. happening at school, whether bullying ica, Silica, and Pulsatilla. In this article, from other children or a very stressful I’m focusing on these remedies as they First, do your homework! environment in the classroom. There are relate to school anxiety (keeping in mind In a child with mild school anxiety, it is times when a particular school setting is that there is much more to say about each fine to go ahead and seek homeopathic not ideal for the child and an alternate of these remedies as they relate to other care without a psychiatric workup. Chil- placement should be sought if at all possi- complaints). dren who are severely anxious or who ble. In any event, understanding the have slipped into school refusal, however, dynamics of your child’s school, class- Baryta carbonica: Young should first have a complete diagnostic room, or unique social circle will go a long for their age workup with a mental health counselor or way toward understanding what they are The child who needs Baryta carbonica psychiatrist who has experience working experiencing and toward providing relief seems younger than their age. These chil- with children and the assessment of anxi- from back-to-school stress. dren do not have a strong sense of who

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 25 Autumn 2013

Starting school can make them feel as if the parents are trying to get rid of them.

ability to infer, both in the academic and, most certainly, in the social realm—and this not a great strength of our Baryta carbonica youngster.

Growth = change for the whole family For the child or teenager who needs it, Baryta carbonica confers a kind of strength: more confidence, more opin- they are, so it can be difficult for them to narrow, making things more manageable. ions, more clear likes and dislikes. The know how to act in a group. They may Rather than being wide-eyed and curious anxiety lessens, the physical complaints find it challenging to make basic decisions about their environment, Baryta carbonica (such as frequent upper respiratory infec- such as what to wear, what kind of note- children are very concrete in their think- tions or low muscle tone) should improve, books to buy, or what to write about for an ing and want to know everything ahead of but most notably, the person him- or her- essay. They have a desperate need to fit in, time. In addition to whatever therapy a self comes to the forefront, “growing up” so they may well act like others and follow parent might choose for the Baryta car- in a very real sense. In some families this along, but deep down, big classroom set- bonica child, taking pains to explain things can present different kinds of challenges. tings are a nightmare for this child, and fully, visiting the new school ahead of Parents who are accustomed to an obedi- the anxiety can mount. time, and parsing it out for the child will ent, almost docile child may suddenly find Times of transition can be especially help. It is not so much that the parent is themselves with a youngster who is more anxiety-ridden for the young person who micromanaging every detail (though challenging, with more overt needs and needs Baryta carbonica. Moving from pre- someone needing this remedy would love opinions. On occasion, I have had to school to kindergarten, for example, or that), rather, the parent or other caring remind parents that this growth is a from middle to high school can make them adult is helping to acclimate the child or healthy sign, something we should feel overwhelmed, worried, and anxious, teenager to a new setting. applaud and not resist. Of course, when even reaching the point of school refusal. The tendency for the Baryta carbonica parents get the help they need to navigate The child who needs Baryta carbonica may child to be more concrete can lead to a this evolution, it helps the child, and start to talk about the coming school year kind of rigidity in their thinking and indeed the entire family, to grow. early in the summer; they may even actions. For example, once they’ve settled With homeopathic treatment, the develop physical symptoms as a response to on a particular school outfit, these chil- Baryta carbonica child or teen retains his the stress and anticipation of the coming dren may wear that same outfit every day basic nature and tendencies but is much school year. Sore throats with swollen and be quite upset if forced to make a less impacted by external stressors, and glands and tummy aches with constipation change. Walking the same route between reduced school anxiety results. The health- are common complaints in these children. classes or getting the same school lunch ier and more balanced children become, It’s no wonder that school is a difficult every day for years is easier for these chil- the less the external world impacts them place for the young-for-their-age Baryta dren—they don’t have to think about it negatively (and this applies to children carbonica child. If you think about it, and don’t have to make any decisions. This who need other remedies as well). With school is all about being part of various rigidity also manifests as excessive concern our Baryta carbonica child, for example, groups, making choices, and putting for- with “the rules,” as these provide a feeling we wouldn’t expect homeopathic treat- ward who you are. It is not that Baryta of safety for the Baryta carbonica individ- ment to result in a loud, outgoing, group carbonica is unintelligent—these children ual, who can become overstressed when leader. They will still hold back, still tend to are often quite bright—but their under- others choose to treat rules as optional. think more narrowly, still conserve some standing of the world around them tends Young people who need Baryta carbon- energy, but much less so. After treatment, to be small and focused on the little ica are not our “big picture” thinkers. such a child might well find one thing to things, and may result in obsessing on Rather, they are only able to digest the big- grasp onto and really pursue, making minutiae like how they pack their back- ger task, idea, book—or even the compli- healthy strides in understanding, ability, pack, how they do their hair, how they set cations of friendship—in smaller parts, performance, and the like. food on a plate, and so on. No matter the one piece at a time. This is another reason topic under discussion, the homework that school causes anxiety for Baryta car- Silica: Weak and oversensitive assignment, or whatever the experience, bonica children and teens. For example, It can be difficult to distinguish the child the child needing Baryta carbonica will during the high school years, much of who needs Silica from one who will do naturally want to keep the focus small and what is required of teens relates to their well on Baryta carbonica. There are, how-

26 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

ever, clear differences and unique presen- or their physical symptoms are not as per- they have to go to school when their tations in children needing each remedy. vasive, these Silica-type children may do younger-than-school-age siblings get to For the Silica child, the underlying issue is fine in school. Rather than exerting them- stay home. weakness, whereas immaturity is the hall- selves on a different sporting team each The neediness of the Pulsatilla-type mark of the Baryta carbonica child. The season or joining many clubs, these young child is well known. When younger, they weakness of the Silica child can be seen on people will instead find a small group of may cling to the parent’s leg or skirt, refus- the physical level, certainly, but also in the good friends and stick to doing one thing ing to let go. They can cry pitifully and cognitive sphere. Owing to this inherent that they love. They will not socialize carry on as if they are being physically tor- weakness, the child who needs Silica, widely and may be known as shy. With tured. Even the older child will offer big when stressed, can become quite oversen- homeopathic treatment, as their anxiety emotional displays when they have to sitive, both to other people and to the sur- lessens, they will be able to shine in what- leave the parent or separate from the per- rounding environment. It’s easy to see ever they have chosen. They will even son they are with at the moment. These how the entire school experience can be seem quite confident, while knowing their are the children who seek consolation, an affront to the sensitive Silica child. The limits, and consistent with their natural, affirmation, and reassurance at every turn. noise, light, and general chaos that is typi- underlying weakness and fragility, they If the child’s teacher is able to address cal of most school settings, simply does will be careful not to over-do. this need for attention and be a surrogate not work for a kid who needs Silica. who loves and adores the child, everything Their school anxiety manifests as need- Pulsatilla: Clingy and afraid at school can work out fine. But in the ing to control everything they can (which of abandonment younger grades, if the child has a teacher may be confusing with Baryta carbonica). Children who need Pulsatilla have an who is not “warm and fuzzy,” things will These are the children who can easily underlying fear of being abandoned, probably not go well, making the drop- get into “what if” mode, where the imagi- which can trigger school anxiety. This fear off-at-school time difficult. The child will nation runs wild and they cannot stop of being forsaken can relate to parents, wrap themselves up in the parent, ask for thinking of every bad thing that might teachers, friends, or siblings—it does not one more story, or insist on one more trip happen. The child who needs Silica will really matter. The core feeling is that some- around the classroom to show the parent seek protection from parents or perhaps a one the child loves and needs will not be “just one more” picture they drew or note- teacher, not wanting to leave mom or dad there for them. So, starting school can book they wrote in—they are using up or be left alone at school. This is the child make them feel as if the parents are trying time, all the while keeping the parent close who sticks to the teacher’s side in the to get rid of them. The child who will ben- at hand. There will typically be lots of cry- younger grades, who may become the efit from Pulsatilla cannot understand why ing, perhaps even tantrums. This behavior “goody-goody,” so as to stay in the teacher’s good graces and within the teacher’s sphere of protection. Naturally, children and teens who need Silica can develop physical ailments in response to their anxiety, and true to their Silica nature, worrying about the ailments themselves can make these youngsters even more anxious! They may have headaches, sinus troubles, chronic earaches, or upper respiratory tract infections, often with swollen glands and lots of perspiration. They may be small in stature and have difficulty gaining weight. Low stamina and a general sense of weakness underlie much of their pathology. In healthier states, where the stressors in their lives are not as severe or constant, Over the past 28 years of practice, I have witnessed so many kids and teens whose fear, anxiety, and apprehension around school have improved greatly, thanks to homeopathy.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 27 Autumn 2013

With homeopathic other stressors it holds, is a major insti- treatment, as gator of anxiety for many kids. Homeopa- thy offers a wide-reaching, effective their anxiety approach for this population—without lessens, they the unwanted side effects of psychotropic drugs. Over the past 28 years of practice, I will be able have witnessed so many kids and teens whose fear, anxiety, and apprehension to shine in around school have improved greatly, thanks to homeopathy. With appropriate whatever they constitutional homeopathic care, school have chosen. anxiety can be reduced, enhancing learning, growth, curiosity and the ability to may be confusing to parents, as the child is say, “There is no pleasing this child,” and integrate new information and knowl- absolutely fine at home. That’s because at at some moments, that seems especially edge. The child’s distracting or recurring home, the child’s system is not being true. As the remedy Pulsatilla begins to physical issues are addressed simultane- stressed! We all respond to stress in pre- take action, however, we can see the child ously, revealing the beauty of homeopa- dictable and patterned ways, according to or teenager become more self-reliant, less thy: we treat the whole person, regardless things like genetics and our environ- clingy, and less dependent on the parent. of complaint, and improvements occur on ment—and also in accordance with our At the same time, we will see an easing of many levels. constitutional homeopathic remedy type. the typical Pulsatilla physical symptoms, So, if you make the stress big enough, the such as upper respiratory infections, Thank you to Paul Herscu, ND, DHANP, my perceptive, prolific (and wonderful!) husband Pulsatilla-type child will react with an asthma, or skin issues. for his ongoing ability to articulate nuanced overt emotional display, with much weep- differences among closely related remedies ing and carrying on. Consider the whole child— and his ongoing commitment to sharing that What this child or teenager needs when physical & emotional information. Much of the above materia they are under stress (in this case, from the Under times of stress, a person can mani- medica of these three remedies is drawn from school situation) is consolation, support, fest symptoms of most any kind, affecting his teachings. If you’d like to read more, see his and encouragement. They need to be rein- any bodily system, so it is always impor- first book, The Homeopathic Treatment of forced and cajoled, reminded of how much tant to recall the physical general symp- Children, or subscribe to the Herscu Letter, they are loved. This is not the child who toms for each of the remedies you are his online lecture series that includes philoso- needs “tough love.” When we know the considering. General tendencies that apply phy, cases, and extended materia medica constitutional type of our children and to the whole person like body tempera- (www.nesh.com/the-herscu-letter/). My own understanding and prescribing for patients is what kinds of things make them better or ture, appetite, or thirst, for example, can always improved by my ongoing work with worse, it can guide the way we parent and help us distinguish these three remedies. A and learning from Paul. the way we support a child in need.* child needing Pulsatilla is nearly always Children who need Pulsatilla can some- very warm, whereas kids needing Silica or *See my article on constitutional types and parent- times seem to have no opinions of their Baryta carbonica are more commonly ing: “Some Thoughts on Homeopathic Family Practice: Does Parenting Impact Constitutional own. Their strong need to please others, to chilly. Someone needing Pulsatilla prefers Types? Should Constitutional Types in Children feel loved and not abandoned, may make open and moving air while a Silica-type Impact Parenting?” The New England Journal of them just “go with the flow” on everything. kid prefers to be indoors, wrapped up nice Homeopathy, Spring/Summer 1997, Vol.6 No.2/3, (The child who needs Baryta carbonica can and cozy. A child needing Pulsatilla tends http://preview.tinyurl.com/lu4nr9m seem that way too, but that’s because they to have little thirst while one needing Sil- actually lack opinions. The Silica-type ica tends to be more thirsty. In other ABOUT THE AUTHOR child can manifest this way as well, but that words, while the physical particular symp- is because it just takes too much energy toms (like swollen glands, an earache, or a Amy Rothenberg, ND, DHANP, and effort for them to express and carry stuffy nose) are important, remember to practices in Enfield, CT (www.nhcmed.com) and out an opinion. Rest assured, however, that pay attention to the physical general teaches through the New the Silica child has a strong opinion, even symptoms—while also seeking to under- England School of Homeopathy (www.nesh.com). A Two Year if it’s not overtly expressed.) stand what drives the child in the more Course on the East Coast will begin in 2014. She Even though the Pulsatilla youngster emotional realms. When we understand is currently the president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors working on wants and seeks lots of attention, affec- what underlies the child’s behavior, what legislation to license naturopathic doctors in that tion, hugs, and so on, if they get too much drives their fears and anxieties, that will state. You can follow her blog at www.huffington-______post.com/amy-rothenberg-nd/.______Her book, The of that, sometimes they get overwhelmed, help us find the best possible remedy with A Cappella Singer Who Lost Her Voice & Other feeling suffocated in a sense. They can get the widest sphere of influence. Stories from Natural Medicine can be found on Amazon or at www.amyrothenberg.com. irritable and have outbursts. Parents may School, with the academic, social, and

28 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

2014 Mark Your Calendar! 9th Annual Joint American Homeopathic Conference April 4 –6, 2014 • Long Beach, California

ere at NCH we’re already in in our packed exhibit hall, followed by the and probably hear a funny story or two. high gear planning for the 9th NCH annual meeting and 40th birthday After sessions are over on Saturday, join annual Joint American Homeo- celebration! All NCH members are invited us for a special social event on Saturday Hpathic Conference (JAHC), Advanc- to attend this special celebration marking evening. The details for this fun, relaxing ing Practice: Approaches for Acute and our 40th anniversary, enjoy a bite of birth- evening are still being finalized, so stay Chronic Care (April 4–6, 2014). The Hyatt day cake, and share in the memories. tuned for more information. Regency in Long Beach, CA, will provide a Saturday and Sunday will be packed with And if you’d like to wake up and get beautiful and peaceful backdrop for this educational sessions featuring internation- energized in the mornings before sessions exciting gathering open to all who are ally known speakers, practical and inspiring start, then don’t forget your walking shoes! interested in homeopathy. Whether you’ve panel sessions, and presentations from your Our fantastically energetic NCH Board attended before or this will be your first peers. More than 75 session proposals were Secretary, Loretta Butehorn, will be leading time, the 2014 JAHC promises to be an submitted by members of the homeopathic a sunrise walking group each morning of event that you won’t want to miss. community in our first-ever request-for- the conference around beautiful Long And this year, in addition to our usual proposal process, and we’re thrilled to be Beach. Join in to meet new people, spend stellar line-up of speakers and educational able to highlight some of these up-and- quality time with friends and colleagues, sessions, we’re changing things up to give coming stars at the conference. and get energized for a day of learning. you, our attendees, more of what you want. You spoke and we listened. You told Network & remember Register early! us you wanted: Both Saturday and Sunday lunches will be Conference registration opens in early ● More networking opportunities reserved as dedicated networking spaces. November, so be on the lookout for more ● More educational sessions A regional networking lunch on Saturday details about how to register for this one- ● More time with the exhibitors will allow you to get to know others in the of-a-kind event. And anyone who registers ● More chance to hear from your peers homeopathic community who live in your for the conference before January 15, 2014 and have the opportunity to submit your area. This will be a unique opportunity to will be automatically entered into a raffle own proposals for conference sessions. create local connections and share knowl- to win a free conference registration and Well, the 2014 JAHC will offer all of these edge and advice, challenges and solutions. two nights of accommodation for the opportunities and more. In honor of NCH’s 40th anniversary, 2015 JAHC—a prize worth almost $1000! we’re dedicating Sunday’s networking The 9th annual JAHC will be a confer- Learn & celebrate lunch to a walk down memory lane—an ence unlike any other, and you will leave Friday’s all-day preconference workshops NCH Summer School Reunion! Although inspired, strengthened, and energized to will feature some of the most recognized the NCH Summer School program ended continue practicing, supporting, and names in homeopathy, with two tracks several years ago, the memories live on. Past spreading the word about the healing designed to enlighten and inspire you, Summer School attendees are invited to powers of homeopathy. whether you’re a short-time enthusiast or come and reconnect with peers and teach- a long-time practitioner of homeopathy. ers during lunch on Sunday to share Then the conference will officially kick- memories and stories, and be inspired off that evening with an opening reception about the impact that Summer School has had on the lives of so many. And if you didn’t attend Summer School, we’d still love to have you! Use this networking space as an opportunity to meet some of the leading minds in homeopathy and broaden your connections within the community—

Left, renowned homeopaths Bill Gray, MD DHt (California) and Alize Timmerman (The Netherlands) at the JAHC. Right, the NCH team hard at work setting up: Executive Director Alison Teitelbaum, Sarah Fischetti, Mary Katherine Saladino.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 29 Autumn 2013

A Beautiful Life—and Homeopathy Extends It Beloved “centenarian” dog gets extra time with family

by MARTHA DeMARCO, CCH(cand)

I’ve been fortunate to have a gentleman friend for many years. He is completely devoted to me, loves me unconditionally, follows me every- 1 where, and asks for nothing in return. My Shetland sheepdog is 15 ⁄2 years old. Biscuit is my devoted companion. Using the standard human-life-to-dog- that I discontinued the remedy—he no life age ratio, my friend is a centenarian. I longer seemed to need it. I don’t think of know I won’t have the pleasure of his Phosphorus as a typical “arthritis remedy.” company much longer. As his caretaker Rather, I’ve come to consider Phosphorus and his homeopath, I’m always paying to be Biscuit’s constitutional remedy (i.e., attention to the quality of his life. Is he a remedy that matches the individual so happy? (It may seem crazy, but he actually well that it addresses many different ail- smiles.) Is he eating well? Sleeping? Is he ments for that individual). Biscuit has still able to be productive in his life? Shel- many of the general traits that we see in ties are a working breed, and he really humans who respond to Phosphorus: he enjoys herding the birds and squirrels in tends to be fearful (especially of thunder- our yard. storms), he is very thirsty, he loves attention and company, and he has always been A willing guinea pig on the thin side. Several years ago, after enrolling in homeopathy school, I honed and practiced my No kisses this morning… new skills on my sweet dog. Biscuit taught Normally Biscuit is a “morning person,” me a lot about homeopathic prescribing. waking me enthusiastically for his break- You might say my dog has been my fast. But one morning not too long ago he “guinea pig.” Biscuit has generally been didn’t wake me—it turned out that he healthy, happy, and active, but from time couldn’t get up from his bed. I carried him to time I have treated him homeopathi- to his food dish. He was able to stand, but cally for minor upsets such as vomiting he didn’t want the food. Whoa—that had and diarrhea, bee stings, eye infections, never happened before! He’s always had a and kennel cough. voracious appetite, even when sick. I One incident that made me especially opened the door, and he couldn’t move to grateful for homeopathy was when Biscuit go outside. Now I was worried. I carried KATHLEEN CALLAHANKATHLEEN was hit by a car and required hip surgery. him outside. He stood in one place and Immediately after the accident and then didn’t move. He seemed confused and dis- I put my forehead to again after surgery, I treated him with oriented, as if he didn’t recognize his Arnica, the premier homeopathic trauma whereabouts. my buddy’s forehead remedy. He recovered more quickly than I carried him inside and put him on his expected and was soon back to running bed. He just lay there, staring at the wall, and herding small animals in our yard. breathing but not moving. When it was and let him know Some years later, however, that previ- Biscuit’s time to pass, I wanted him to be ously injured hip became arthritic, caus- at home and comfortable. I wondered if it ing him to limp with discomfort. When was his time. With great sadness, I sensed I would understand if the vet’s pain prescription made Biscuit he was giving up. He didn’t even look my sick, I discovered that a single dose of the way. I called my husband and suggested he his time had come. homeopathic remedy Phosphorus 30c took come home from work. away Biscuit’s pain for about a month at a I reached for a couple of books on time—without any side effects. After a few homeopathy for animals. In A Healer in monthly doses, Biscuit was so much better Every Home, Dog & Cat Edition by Lenni-

30 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org______Autumn 2013

He trotted down the hall, completely oblivious to the fact that he couldn’t stand minutes ago. han, Roman, and Moore, I opened to the passage on “Calming a Dying Animal.” I didn’t know if Biscuit was truly dying, but I was interested in keeping him comfortable. It read, “Arsenicum will relax the animal, reduce its anxiety and make the passage easier. Even better, alternate it with Rescue Remedy®.” I dissolved a few pellets of Arsenicum 30c in water and gave Biscuit a dose with an eyedropper; a few minutes later, I gave him a dose of Rescue Remedy®. I alternated the two remedies very quickly, as indicated in extreme situations. After about 10 minutes and 3 or 4 doses each of Arsenicum and Rescue to verbally give the animal permission to times that day, whenever I saw him begin Remedy®, I noticed that Biscuit started to let go, as they often hold on to the con- to stumble with his footing. By the end of focus on me instead of the wall. I felt as nection with the guardian. It is equally the day, he was taking himself down steps though he had come around mentally: he important that you truly let go when you and out to the driveway to bark at the cars. knew where he was. give permission to your companion.” I put He had recovered 100%! my forehead to my buddy’s forehead and Time to say goodbye? let him know I would understand if his Roller coaster week I turned to the section on “Euthanasia” in time had come. In retrospect, I may not A couple of nights later, Biscuit awakened Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, in have truly meant it, but I tried to be as sin- at 1 a.m. with vomiting and diarrhea. I which author Don Hamilton, DVM, cere as I could. remembered I had given him sardines the weighs choosing euthanasia against allow- Hamilton also discusses using remedies day before. He enjoys them but hadn’t had ing the dog to pass in his own time. Of that will help ease the transition to death them in about five years, and his stomach course, the animal’s degree of suffering is if the animal is afraid to let go. Of course, is very sensitive. Arsenicum is a great rem- paramount in making this decision. I these remedies don’t cause death; they edy for vomiting and diarrhea, especially if wasn’t ready to consider euthanasia at this ease the fear and anxiety that may be they occur at night, between 12 midnight point, but I was interested to read what experienced during the process. In addi- and 2 a.m. It’s good for food poisoning or Hamilton had to say. Biscuit was still not tion to suggesting Arsenicum for the fear- simply to mitigate the effects of eating walking, but he seemed peaceful. ful, restless animal or Tarentula cubensis something disagreeable. Arsenicum is such Hamilton writes, “It is also important for the animal that is in great pain and a specific choice for these symptoms that I struggling, he reminds the reader that an decided to try it instead of his constitu- animal can find peace of mind from any tional remedy, Phosphorus. Although it was remedy, if it is a remedy that suits him the middle of the night, I cleaned up the (i.e., the constitutional remedy). The light mess, got my kit of remedies, and tucked a bulb went on over my head. I had not pellet of Arsenicum 30c inside Biscuit’s lip. tried Phosphorus, Biscuit’s go-to remedy! I That one little pellet did the trick—the tucked a Phosphorus 30c pellet inside Bis- vomiting and diarrhea abruptly ended, cuit’s upper lip so it would dissolve on his and we both went back to sleep. gum. Almost instantly, he stood up, went Biscuit had a few good days, and then I to his food dish, and started eating. I was noticed he was shuffling instead of walk- astonished! I repeated the remedy a few ing. His back legs started collapsing again. He couldn’t stand. He could bear weight on the rear left leg, but the right was com- Martha’s husband, Jeff DeMarco, giving a remedy to Biscuit. pletely lame. This time I knew what to do. I gave him another dose of Phosphorus!

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 31 Autumn 2013

Unfortunately, the remedy did not help completely oblivious to the fact that he no placebo effect with an animal. It either this time. His leg was still lame. couldn’t stand minutes ago. works or it doesn’t. And thankfully, it Since his usual go-to remedy wasn’t works for Biscuit! We are so fortunate to effective, I went back to the books to see if Gratitude have at our disposal a system of medicine I could find a new remedy. I picked Biscuit That was one roller coaster ride of a week. that is effective, free of side effects, non- up, put him on my lap, and opened the There were times when I thought I would toxic, and safe for everyone—including homeopathic software program on my lose him for good. If Biscuit couldn’t stand our precious pets! computer. Working in a hurry, I selected a or eat, I wonder how much longer it few rubrics that described his current would have been before I did consider Postscript: Biscuit lived for another year symptoms: “Generalities, paralysis, right;” euthanasia? I am so thankful that I didn’t after this article was written and passed “Extremities, legs, right;” and “Extremi- have to wrestle with that issue just yet. I peacefully last spring. Martha is currently ties, arthritic, lower limbs.” gave Biscuit a weekly dose of Causticum enjoying her new Sheltie puppy, Sasha. Causticum and Rhus tox both came up 30c for the next month, and then repeated very strong in this analysis. I took a quick it monthly after that. It kept him on his look at Roger Morrison’s Desktop Guide to feet! Because of some very simple homeo- ABOUT THE Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms and pathic treatment, Biscuit’s ailments liter- AUTHOR picked Causticum. It described Causticum ally seemed to disappear—as if they were as addressing a “history of slowly progres- never there. And he has gone on to enjoy a Martha DeMarco graduated with honors from the “Professional sive debility, stiffness, and—if the pathol- good quality of life. Homeopathic Healer Program” ogy is strong—paralysis.” This description I don’t know what tomorrow will CALLAHANKATHLEEN at Teleosis Homeopathic Collab- orative in Newton, MA in 2012. seemed to fit Biscuit’s current situation: he bring. I know I’ll eventually have to say She holds the credential CCH was suffering from the long-term conse- good-bye for good. Having the extra time (cand), and is in the final stages of completing her national certi- quences of that old hip injury. I tucked a to get used to the idea has been really fication for the CHC. She is a member of the NCH pellet of Causticum 30c inside his lip, helpful, probably for both of us. In the and NASH. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College. Martha has a homeopathic prac- took him off my lap, and gingerly set him meantime, I continue to be amazed at how tice in Norwell, MA and can be reached through her on the floor. He trotted down the hall, well homeopathic remedies work. There is website at www.DeMarcoHomeopathy.com.

Louis Klein 2014

Homeopathic Master Clinician Course in Los Angeles begins January 2014 Portland, Maine Seminar March 7-9, 2014

Webinar Course ______with Louis Klein www.zhomeo.com

Foundation Course in Homeopathy Online/Self-Paced/ Interactive/ Tutor Support LUMINOS HOMEOPATHIC COURSES LTD www.homeopathycourses.com

32 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

s flu season rolls around each year, you’re bound to accompanied Abe bombarded by news stories tracking the progress by cold of the flu virus as it progresses around the world. Will sores, plus 2012–2013 be a particularly bad season? Time will tell, but the person is likely to have joint pain and to feel worse in in the meantime, it’s a good time to brush up on your flu damp weather, better with a hot bath. strategies. Check the NCH website for a wealth of flu preven- Many other possible natural medicines for the flu are tion, treatment, and tracking resources, including podcasts, described in Randall Neustaedter’s Flu: Alternative Treat- links, and articles from past issues of Homeopathy Today. ments and Prevention and Sandra Perko’s Homeopathic The following is adapted from Your Natural Medicine Cabinet: Treatment of Influenza. It’s worth taking the time to figure A Practical Guide to Drug-Free Remedies for Common Ailments out your best-matching flu medicine because it’s likely to be the same every time you get the flu. Having it on hand could (Green Healing Press, 2012)—a user-friendly guide for those new save you a lot of time lost from work. to homeopathy and other natural remedies. by BEGABATI BURKE LENNIHAN, RN, CCH Preventing recurrence Oscillo, the top-selling flu remedy in France, also works Quick fix for flu great for prevention. For some people, and for some sea- If you catch it right in the beginning, Oscillococcinum may stave son’s flu viruses, Influenzinum works better. It may be a little it off. Get Oscillo before flu season so you have it on hand. harder to find in stores but you can usually get it from Any health food store and many drug stores will have it. You Homeopathic Educational Services (www.Homeopathic.com) don’t need a whole tube at once, though, just a few pellets. and Washington Homeopathic Products (www.Homeopathy- Works.com).______Usually a 9c (low potency) of Influenzinum is Ongoing care used for prevention and 30c to treat an actual flu. Oscillo Once a flu gets going, it may be too late for Oscillo. You’ll only comes in one potency. get the best results with one of the following homeopathic When the flu season starts, take either remedy once a medicines, the one that matches your symptoms. Also take week for four weeks, then once a month for the remainder a good herbal immune or wellness formula (such as Zand’s of the flu season. Take an additional preventive dose every Insure Formula), plus elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup is day that you are directly and closely exposed to someone great for coughs, plus it has antibacterial and antiviral prop- with the flu, in your family or at work. erties. A study done in Israel showed that elderberry extract When you’re feeling rundown and likely to get sick, take is as effective against the flu as the prescription antiviral the “nip it in the bud” remedy, Ferrum phos. Every natural drug, Tamiflu. medicine cabinet has to have this on hand because when ̈ Gelsemium is the most common homeopathic medicine you need it, it’s too late to buy it. You use it the day before for the flu and other viral conditions. You can recognize you or your child gets sick. Do you have to be psychic to someone who needs it—drooping eyelids, so tired they can’t know when you’re about to get sick? No! Just pay attention get out of bed, they have fever and chills, and they feel to your body. You feel low-energy, laggard, and listless. apathetic, unlike our next contender … Maybe you have a mild fever or a little scratchy feeling in the ̈ Arsenicum is for people who are extremely tired (like back of your throat, but there are no actual symptoms yet, Gelsemium) but they are likely to be anxious and fretful, rest- like sneezing or coughing or a runny nose. This is the perfect less and uncomfortable in bed. They are especially likely to be time for Ferrum phos. Suck on two tablets, three times a day. awake and restless between midnight and 2 a.m., their worst Also take these early warning symptoms as a sign that you time. They might have a sore throat and a drippy, watery nasal need to slow down and take care of yourself. This is especially discharge. They might also have digestive symptoms, but a true for moms who tend to care for everyone else first. But if more likely remedy for a flu with digestive symptoms is … you get sick, who will take care of them? So be sure to get ̈ Nux vomica. Doesn’t the name just sound like it’s for vom- enough rest, eat healthy food, and minimize coffee and sugar. iting? Big clue—it’s a great remedy for the digestive system, This is also a great time to take your immune-boosting formula. from beginning (heartburn) to end (hemorrhoids). Use it for ABOUT THE AUTHOR the flu when the person has the chills and is really sensitive to noise and to being disturbed (they are really irritable). Begabati Lennihan, RN, CCH, former director of Teleosis They can’t stand the slightest draft of cold air that creeps in School of Homeopathy, practices homeopathy at the Lydian Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the author under the covers, where they will stay all bundled up. (using her middle name, Burke) of Your Natural Medicine ̈ Rhus tox, used mostly for little blistery conditions like Cabinet, winner of the prestigious Nautilus Silver Award for health and wellness books. poison ivy and cold sores, can be used for the flu when

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 33 Autumn 2013

Homeopathy offers for hope “My 12-year-old daughter never read or understood children a book in her life. Now she’s reading a book a week! … She’s no longer in a special autism class at school, and she’s off all with autism her meds!”

by JAMIE OSKIN, ND “I was afraid that Jordan wouldn’t make it in regular kindergarten with his horrific tantrums, itchy eczema, and terrible toilet habits. Fast forward 10 months: those problems are gone, he’s doing great in a mainstream classroom, and best of all, he now hugs me goodbye every day!”

34 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

SwirlingWatersWaters

The prevalence of autism has skyrocketed Homeopathy is unique in that it addresses nonverbally), has restricted interests, and in the last 20 years—from an estimated the whole person, from physical and emo- displays repetitive body movements or 1 in 10,000 in the 1980s, to 1 in 88 kids tional symptoms to behaviors and envi- behavior. One clue that a normal-looking today (and 1 in 54 boys). This alarming ronmental factors. This holistic approach child may suffer from autism is that they rise has made autism the most common results in improvements in all aspects of avoid eye contact and show little interest pediatric developmental disorder in health, which is especially beneficial for in faces or facial expressions. America. Even worse, there is no known the complex nature of autism. Along with these classic ASD charac- cause, and there are no conventional med- teristics, an autistic child often has a vari- ical cures. Currently, scientists theorize What is autism? ety of other symptoms such as that it results from a genetic susceptibility Autism is shorthand for Autism Spectrum hyperactivity, sleep troubles, temper triggered by environmental factors. Disorders (ASDs)—a group of neurobio- tantrums, rigid routines, finicky eating Thankfully, there is a ray of hope in this logical disabilities that affect a child’s patterns due to dislike of tastes or textures, otherwise gloomy picture. Homeopathy development of language, social interac- and gastrointestinal problems. Many dis- can go a long way toward helping kids tion, and behavior. People with autism play sensory over-stimulation to lights, with autism. We homeopaths see the evi- tend to handle information in their brains odors, noises, and textures, and some have dence in our practices every day, and differently than other (neurotypical) peo- severe tantrums that can lead to injuring you’ll see it, too, in the stories of Sarah and ple. The autistic child has difficulty social- themselves or others by biting and hitting Jordan that I’ll share with you below. izing and communicating (verbally and or striking themselves on the head.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 35 Autumn 2013

Each individual who suffers from nificant distress and frustration in the autism is affected differently, however, and home, which often escalated to Sarah hav- people can vary widely on the autism ing full-blown tantrums typical of a much spectrum with regard to the extent of their younger child. Despite many different pre- challenges—from severely challenged in scription pharmaceuticals, years of vari- thinking and learning abilities to ous types of therapy, and participation in extremely gifted. assorted social skills groups, Sarah was not making much progress. Homeopathy’s role Homeopathy tends to be most effective in Grief-stricken over grandfather helping autistic children make improve- One clue … is that they In choosing a homeopathic remedy for ments in sensory processing problems, avoid eye contact and Sarah, I paid particular attention to her tantrums, and speech delays. It’s important grief over her grandfather, as it still to remember, however, that homeopathy, show little interest in faces seemed raw after three years. I prescribed just like autism, is not “one-size-fits-all.” Natrum muriaticum 30c, once daily, Each child may receive an entirely different or facial expressions. because it addresses the symptoms of ail- individualized remedy based on his or her ments from grief, dwelling on the past, unique symptoms. told me she had the brain of a 2-year-old aggravation from consolation, and desire We should not expect a child with and no comprehension skills.” Emily to be alone. Within a month, Sarah was no autism to become neurotypical magically recited a litany of medications her daugh- longer crying alone in her room and overnight. Certainly, the brain is plastic ter had been prescribed, including Ritalin, dwelling on her grandfather’s death; her and can change with good, ongoing home- antidepressants, and sleeping pills. mood seemed lighter overall. This was a opathic treatment from an experienced Autism was Sarah’s most recent diag- great start! Unfortunately, her symptoms professional, but we expect slow, steady nosis at age 10 and an antipsychotic drug related to developmental delay and autism progress over time. Autism is a deep-seated (risperidone), prescribed by her psychia- showed no change. Because she had made chronic illness that often has several layers. trist to address irritability, had caused some significant improvements, I asked Homeopathy will help peel away the layers, Sarah to gain 60 pounds over the previous Emily to continue to give her daughter a so that with each sequential prescription, year. Even after stopping the medication, daily dose of Natrum muriaticum but now the child regains a better state of overall Sarah’s appetite remained insatiable and in a higher potency, 200c. health. How much improvement the child her cholesterol level was sky high. Emily About two months into homeopathic can ultimately gain will depend, to some was skeptical that natural medicine could treatment, Sarah’s grief symptoms degree, on the age of the child when help Sarah, but she had come at the refer- remained largely absent but she still they start homeopathic treatment, the ral of one of her daughter’s therapists. showed no improvement in her other severity and longevity of the child’s symp- Emily thought that I might be able to help symptoms, so I realized I needed to toms, and the skill of the homeopathic her daughter lose weight, never realizing reassess her treatment plan. Autism is a practitioner. Homeopathy can be used that homeopathy could address Sarah’s very complex chronic condition, and safely concurrently with other useful deeper issues as well. some trial and error is involved in finding conventional therapies for ASD, such as an optimal homeopathic prescription. applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, Incoherent & argumentative Emily’s patience during those first few and occupational therapy. Emily reported that Sarah would cry alone months was key to her daughter’s long- Let’s take a look at two real-world in her room every day since her grandfa- term positive prognosis. examples of children with Autism Spec- ther’s death three years ago. Although she trum Disorder—Sarah and Jordan (not was relatively “high functioning” in rela- Insatiable eating, provocative their real names)—to see how they fared tion to daily self-care, Sarah could not clothing with homeopathic treatment. really converse or answer questions coher- At our March 2012 follow-up, Sarah ently. Her responses to questions were began telling me about a delusion that her Sarah’s story: “Different generally unrelated and illogical. For dead relatives would visit her at night in since birth” example, if I asked about her favorite her bedroom and talk to her. This seemed Emily first brought her 11-year-old food, she would say that she liked wearing to be a particularly noteworthy (charac- daughter Sarah to see me in November pink clothes. In addition, Sarah was obsti- teristic) symptom that could point us to a 2011. “From the moment she was born, I nate and stubborn, frequently arguing useful homeopathic remedy. Emily was knew Sarah was very different,” Emily with Emily and others. The two problems also concerned because Sarah was hiding said. “I’ve been to so many doctors over compounded each other, as her incoher- her older sister’s low-cut shirts and short the years. At first they thought she was ent way of speaking made it even more shorts in her backpack and changing into deaf. Then she was diagnosed with the difficult to reason with her. Sarah would them at school. Knowing that her daugh- worst case of Attention Deficit Disorder argue non-stop with her parents and sib- ter was developmentally delayed made the specialist had ever seen. At age 4, they lings in this illogical manner, causing sig- Emily very concerned that someone might

36 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

take advantage of Sarah based on her them quite clammy. All these symptoms— Starting to read… provocative dress. delusions of hearing voices, visions and One month later, Sarah’s mom was beam- Sarah’s insatiable appetite and weight dreams of dead people, ravenous hunger, ing when I greeted them in the waiting gain continued relentlessly, with a strong excessive appetite for pastries, craving for room. Within the first month on Calcarea sweet tooth for cookies and cakes. “One eggs, excessive clammy perspiration on carbonica, Sarah had begun speaking day I brought home four extra large cook- head and palms, high sexual desire, sensi- coherently most of the time and engaging ies, one for each of my kids,” Emily tivity to noise, sensitivity to hearing cruel in conversations with ease. Her arguments reported, “but before the others even had stories, fear in narrow places, and obsti- and tantrums had significantly decreased. a chance to eat their cookies, Sarah had nate behavior fit the indications for Cal- For the first time in her life, Sarah had scarfed down every last one! Another carea carbonica, which also happens to be begun reading books, albeit very slowly. night, Sarah almost burned the house a very common remedy for children with Emily reported that on a recent trip to an down cooking eggs in the middle of the developmental delay. For example, Her- amusement park, Sarah was able to go on night when she caught a dishrag on fire.” ing’s The Guiding Symptoms of Our Mate- rides without her former sensory problems Sarah was overly sensitive to loud ria Medica says of Calcarea carbonica: with loud noises and fear of crowds. This noises (diagnosed as sensory processing “Mind is confused, so that what is read or would have been unimaginable only one disorder) and also very afraid of crowded heard is not understood or compre- month earlier. She also completely stopped places. She was intensely affected by sad hended. …Intellect dull; unable to hearing the voices of dead relatives, saying, stories, and she told me repeatedly how progress in her studies. …Thinking is dif- “They stopped coming to visit me.” upset she was that pop star Whitney ficult. …Child has been slow about Houston had died. I noticed that she had teething and walking.” So I prescribed a Off meds, losing weight, sweat beads on her forehead and nose, and daily dose of Calcarea carbonica 30c.1 making friends when I asked to feel her palms I found Over the course of the next year, Sarah continued to respond positively to several ascending potencies of Calcarea carbonica, Recommendations given in daily doses as before. (When her for Parents progress stopped on a certain potency, I went up a potency to keep the improve- ◆ Amy Lansky, PhD, (former NCH ment going.) Over the summer vacation Board member) wrote a wonder- of 2012, we were able to wean Sarah com- ful book called Impossible Cure pletely off Ritalin for the first time in that explains how her son many years. In fact, she performed better recovered from autism with in the following 2012–2013 school year— homeopathic treatment. You can off all her conventional medications— also find an excellent essay on than she had in any previous year. She was her website that offers valuable able to mainstream in many classes and information for parents seeking a skilled homeopathic practitioner to treat their had friends that were her peer age for the child, as well as what to expect from the process of homeopathic treatment. first time in her life. Emily cried when she www.impossiblecure.com/autism.php told me that Sarah was having her first ◆ Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help, by sleepover party with girls her own age. Lynn Hamilton, is an excellent book for parents of a newly diagnosed autistic Sarah even started writing her own novels child. It explains the various treatments and services available and also offers about dragons. Within six months of guidance on how to emotionally handle the life changes that come with a new starting Calcarea carbonica, Sarah’s autism diagnosis. appetite diminished to normal levels, she ◆ Temple Grandin, PhD, has some excellent books based on her experience began to lose her excess weight, and her as a successful adult living with high-functioning autism. An excellent HBO cholesterol levels normalized. movie was made about her that is now available on DVD—see her website at It’s been about 21 months now that www.templegrandin.com. I especially recommend her books: Thinking in Sarah has been receiving homeopathic Pictures: My Life With Autism; The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism treatment, and she continues to do well. and Asperger’s; and Developing Talents: Careers for individuals with Asperger This is still early in the course of treatment Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. for such a complex case, and she still has a ◆ Seek homeopathic treatment: Search for a practitioner who has extensively ways to go, but I expect Sarah will con- studied homeopathy and who has experience helping children with autism. tinue to make significant strides with To find a homeopath near you, visit the National Center for Homeopathy at long-term help from homeopathy. www.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org, or check Amy Lansky’s online referral list for homeopaths who are experienced with treating children with autism: Gets her life back! www.impossiblecure.com/referrals.php. About a year into treatment, Sarah’s mother wrote: “We have been coming to

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 37 Autumn 2013

you since November of 2011 and have only been to see you once a month and my daughter is off all her medications and only takes your natural homeopathic remedies and fish oils and Vitamin D and she is getting As in some subjects at Evidence school. I never thought I would see this Evidence: day. We are so excited for her. How do I ever thank you or repay you for giving my Homeopathy Helps Autistic Kids child her life back?” omeopaths often report that autistic children make great strides under Jordan’s story: Starting homeopathic treatment, and now a small but growing number of research kindergarten at a disadvantage Hstudies backs them up. A 2008 pilot trial in Brazil, for example, found that Catherine first called me in September homeopathic treatment had positive effects on cognitive, motor, and behavioral 2012, worried that her 7-year-old son performance in children with autism. More significant improvements occurred in “wouldn’t make it in his new kindergarten younger children than in older children, reinforcing the idea that early intervention classroom.” He was extremely restless with is best. Even so, teens treated with homeopathy also experienced positive effects, many behavioral problems. His preschool including lower aberrant behaviors and improved social and family integration. teacher had urged them to start Jordan on A 2011 paper by Praful Barvalia also showed promising results for 60 autistic conventional stimulant medications, the children treated with classical homeopathy at Spandan Holistic Multidisciplinary kind used for kids with Attention Deficit Institute in Mumbai, India. The group included a cross-section of girls and boys of Disorder, so he could better handle various ages, suffering with mild, moderate, or severe autism. ATEC (Autism Treat- kindergarten. But when Jordan responded ment Evaluation Checklist) scores were assessed for each child at various intervals: to the very first dose of Vyvanse® (lisdex- six months prior to treatment, when beginning treatment (baseline), and every amfetamine) with dramatic head and three months up to one year after the onset of homeopathic treatment. ATEC stomach pain, his parents decided it was scores improved almost 34% after three months and 60% by six months into not the right option for him. treatment. [See footnote on page 41 for more about the ATEC assessment tool.] Jordan was born two months prema- Most impressive was that after only one year of homeopathic treatment, 9 of the turely. He was delayed in speech and 60 children were assessed as non-autistic, according to the standard autism didn’t walk until he was 17 months old. At diagnostic tool, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. age 3 when he was still delayed in other The study also sheds light on the timeframe in which we might expect to see areas of development, his pediatrician rec- measurable improvements in symptoms; the children continued to get better at ommended a specialist, who diagnosed 12 and 18 months, which indicates that long-term homeopathic treatment of a him with autism. At the time of our first child with autism reaps rewards. Additionally, the study showed that about one- consultation, Jordan was cognitively about third of the children needed sequentially different homeopathic remedies over a year and a half behind the norm. He time, as their pattern of symptoms changed (this mirrors what I see in my practice, struggled with eye contact and didn’t as demonstrated in the accompanying cases of Emily and Jordan). understand social cues. For an autistic Barvalia’s paper also identified common subtypes of children with autism who child, he was extremely outgoing, but he might benefit from certain categories of homeopathic remedies. They found groups would inappropriately get in people’s per- of remedies that were valuable for autistic children with sensory problems (including sonal space causing children and adults to Carcinosinum, Nux vomica, China, Stramonium), hyperactive and violent behaviors distance themselves from him. He had (including Tarentula, Stramonium, Tuberculinum, Medorrhinum, Nux vomica), trouble making friends—not surprising regressive or inappropriate sexual behaviors (including Hyoscyamus, Baryta carbon- given that he had tried to hurt other chil- ica, Bufo), problematic moods (including Phosphorus, Carcinosinum, Lycopodium), dren on multiple occasions. intense fears (including Opium, Borax), autistic savant abilities (including Coffea, Calcarea phos, Belladonna, Agaricus), and strong causation in the child’s history for Terrible tantrums & toileting the onset of autism (e.g., if the autistic symptoms began after illness, vaccination, His mom was most concerned that his suppressive medication, or emotional trauma, a remedy appropriate to the causation problematic behaviors were interfering may be needed). Collating and sharing this type of clinical information can be with his social life. He had horrible melt- invaluable to the practicing homeopath, and more such research is needed. downs every day in school and at home. References: For example, when told to come in for din- 1. Geórgia Regina Macedo de Menezes Fonseca, et al. Effect of homeopathic medication on the ner, he would fall to the ground, screaming cognitive and motor performance of autistic children (Pilot study). Int J High Dilution Res and yelling, “I’m not going!” He would 2008; 7(23); 63–71. throw whatever was close by and defiantly 2. Barvalia, P. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Holistic Homeopathy. Homeopathic Links Spring 2011, Vol. 24: pp. 31–38. shout, “No I don’t want to!” Alternatively, he would run out of the house and reck-

38 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

counter homeopathic remedy well-known by moms for helping kids with croup, and it was this success that led her to seek me out for homeopathic treatment for Jordan’s autism. When excited, he exhibited Jordan was generally bothered in a When excited, he exhibited warm room and preferred open air with hand flapping, a common the windows down. He was a very sweaty kid with offensive-smelling perspiration symptom in autism. on his head, hands, and feet. He also had a few warts on his feet.

Remedy for a smelly, sweaty kid In considering a remedy for Jordan, I lessly cross the street without first checking History of earaches & eczema thought that Jordan’s most characteristic whether any cars were coming. Jordan’s history of physical ailments or distinctive symptoms were his tan - Toileting was a major problem that included recurrent ear infections as well as trums, his very offensive-smelling dis- would lead to tantrums and fights. He still ongoing eczema; the eczema rashes were charges (body odor and stool), his eczema wasn’t toilet trained with bowel move- worse with a warm bath. Since he was rashes that got worse after warm bathing, ments, and he was afraid to sit on the 18 months old, he’d had an episode of and his dirtiness (e.g., playing with his toilet. His parents tried endless behavioral croup (inflammation of the voicebox and feces). These symptoms led me to choose therapy reward systems without any windpipe with cough, hoarseness, and dif- the homeopathic remedy, Sulphur. Other improvements—he still frequently soiled ficult breathing) every year; twice, he had symptoms that helped confirm my choice his pants. When his mother would notice to go to the ER for nebulizer treatments, included his warm-bloodedness, chronic he was starting to have a bowel move- and his doctor put him on a bronchodila- susceptibility to croup, and developmental ment, she would grab him and rush to tor (albuterol). During his last episode, delays. Sulphur was one of the three most the toilet while he kicked and screamed. however, Catherine had successfully successful prescriptions in Swiss investiga- This never ended well and rarely resulted treated him with Spongia, an over-the- tor Heiner Frei’s Attention Deficit Hyper- in stool making it into the toilet. Jordan was so stubborn and, oddly, he didn’t mind soiling himself. Sometimes he would even put his hands into his pants to Get smell the stool or play with it. To make things worse, his stools were extremely Extra foul-smelling.

Garbled speech, poor Help– comprehension Jordan’s speech remained developmentally delayed; he would talk hastily in garbled speech and often in the third person the Earlier when referring to himself, such as “Jordan goes to school.” He frequently repeated the Better! words (known as “echolalia”), such as the Better! “tractor, tractor, tractor.” When excited, he exhibited hand flapping, a common ids with autism need extra help to communicate and get along in the symptom in autism. His reading compre- Kworld, and this is where parents, teachers, and therapists can assist. Studies hension was poor, and handwriting was show that applied behavioral therapy can help to teach children complex delayed. He had some sensory processing communication as well as social, play, and self-help skills (e.g., how to take turns, symptoms including sensitivity to loud play in a group, eat in a school cafeteria, etc.). Speech therapy can be very useful noises and to odors. Jordan’s ATEC for problems with language development, which are some of the main challenges (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) that children with autism face. A kid might also be taught sign language, for score was 46, which placed him roughly in example, or encouraged to point to pictures to get their message across. Many the 25th percentile with regard to his children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have low muscle tone and difficulties autistic symptoms (where the 0 percentile with fine-motor skills like writing, so occupational therapists can be very helpful to = no autistic symptoms and the 99th per- improve these functional skills. And remember, early intervention yields the best centile = severe autism).2 results, so seek help as soon as you suspect your child might be in need of it.

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 39 Autumn 2013

He started hugging me on huge step toward family harmony. He was his way out to school or play— now using the bathroom on his own with no more sanitation problems. His eczema for the first time in his life! outbreaks had disappeared, too. He wasn’t sweating as much on his head, hands, and feet, and the odor was barely noticeable.

Tantrums return After about five months of steady improvement with homeopathic treatment, Jordan began to relapse. First, he came down with hives all over his body, on and off for a couple of months. Then the eczema rash returned on his back between his shoulder blades. Even worse, his behavior tanked, and he started throwing massive tantrums over little things, even activity Disorder homeopathy research right after starting the remedy, but then the in public places like the grocery store (along with Calcarea carbonica and rashes completely disappeared. He had when he didn’t get something he wanted. Lycopodium).3 This is not surprising given been less sweaty over the last month, too. Twice, he dumped two large soap bottles that, in the homeopathic provings, Sul- Overall, a very good report! on the living room carpet just to be defi- phur produces restlessness with desire to ant. He also started wetting the bed, which move and many cognitive symptoms such More mature at school & home was something he had not done since the as difficulty thinking. It is also a remedy Over the next few months, Jordan contin- beginning of his homeopathic care. And very commonly indicated for patients ued his daily dose of homeopathic Sulphur, he still had the warts on his feet that he’d with skin rashes that are worse from warm but I increased the potency at a few junc- had at the start of treatment. applications. The combination of Jordan’s tures—typically whenever his improve- Because Sulphur had been working so mental/emotional symptoms plus his ment plateaued for more than a few weeks. well for Jordan, I tried increasing the physical symptoms led to this prescrip- The tantrums became less frequent. Jor- potency a few times over the next few tion, based on Hahnemann’s directions to dan’s parents even took him on a trip to months to see if that would have any use the totality of characteristic symptoms Disney World, which they wouldn’t have effect. Unfortunately, Jordan showed no described in aphorism 153 of the Organon attempted before. “His behavior was amaz- improvement, so I knew we needed to find of Medicine. ing—he had only one tantrum,” Catherine a different remedy. reported. “We never had a vacation that Getting good grades was this stress-free! Jordan’s kindergarten Time for a new approach I asked Catherine to give Jordan one dose teacher is amazed, too. When I last talked to In considering Jordan’s most troublesome of Sulphur 6c each day. She called one her she said, ‘Wow, Jordan’s really matured! symptoms—hives, a new eczema outbreak, week later, with some excitement in her He’s not acting up, and he sits still for warts on his feet, bedwetting, tantrums voice: “He had a pretty good week in extended periods.’” Although he was still that were easily triggered—they seemed school. He even went to a big birthday using his own name when talking about fairly run-of-the-mill; none stood out as party over the weekend … and behaved himself (i.e., talking in the third person), he the kind of “keynote” symptoms that himself! I was worried that all the noise was speaking much more intelligibly and would clearly point to a particular homeo- and chaos would get him so worked up with improved vocabulary and sentence pathic prescription. In aphorism 153 of the that he’d play too hard and end up hurting structure. “His math scores aren’t great, but Organon, however, Hahnemann explains someone—but not this time. He seemed he’s excelling at English and spelling,” that the totality of characteristic symptoms less restless this week, too. He actually sat Catherine said. “And he came up two levels should be used to find the remedy that through a few meals without running in reading!” produces the most similar symptoms in a away from the table!” Even better, Jordan’s toileting problems homeopathic proving. Even in the absence At Jordan’s one-month follow-up visit, had completely resolved—which was a of particular “keynote” symptoms, careful his mother reported more positive changes. His tantrums were not nearly as intense as before, and he wasn’t fighting as much about toileting. “For the first time ever, he told me when had to go to the bathroom to have a BM,” she exclaimed. “And at school, he got 100% on his last 3 spelling tests.” He’d had a mild worsening of his eczema

40 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

Conventional Drugs study can still allow us to solve these cases on many levels, so your child might even by seeing how the symptoms all together for Autism? take one step backward before taking two form a uniquely identifying totality. hile conventional medicine steps forward, as Jordan did. But because So I repertorized Jordan’s symptoms offers no cure for Autism homeopathy helps the whole person— using the The Bönninghausen Repertory, W Spectrum Disorders, it is not physically, emotionally, and behaviorally— Therapeutic Pocketbook Method, Second uncommon for doctors to prescribe various it is ideal for the autistic child, and you can Edition, edited by George Dimitriadis, as medications for autistic kids aimed at con- expect slow, steady progress over time. you can see in the chart on page 40.4 trolling symptoms, such as antidepressants Because Sepia came up in the analysis for anxiety, antipsychotics for behavioral Footnotes: as a strong possibility, I checked Hahne- problems, or stimulants (e.g., Ritalin) for 1. A note on dosing: In chronic cases, such as autism, hyperactivity. According to a systematic I typically start with a low potency like 6c or 30c mann’s Chronic Diseases and found the every day, and expect slow, steady improvement following Sepia proving symptoms that review of medical treatments for autism over an extended course of treatment. When matched the symptoms that Jordan was published in the journal Pediatrics, there improvement plateaus, I tend to increase the potency—as long as the symptoms have not exhibiting: He gets vexed at every trifle. is a general lack of scientific evidence to support the use of such psychiatric drugs changed substantially. This posology method is Peevish and disposed to quarrel. Vexatious rooted in the work of Samuel Hahnemann for children suffering from Autism Spec- sensitiveness. Angry, peevish. Very morose (Organon of Medicine, 6th edition, especially para- trum Disorders. The study did, however, graph 246, footnote a), Francisco Eizayaga (Trea- and violent. A trifle may produce a violent find evidence to support antipsychotic tise on Homeopathic Medicine), and Douglas M. ebullition of anger… He was distracted, drugs for those children with challenging Borland (Pneumonias), and was introduced to me talked incorrectly, using the wrong words. by Stephen Messer, ND, DHANP. and repetitive behaviors, yet because of a 2. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist … in a disagreeable, restless mood. At night strong concern about significant adverse (ATEC) is a 77-point symptom checklist that can he dreams that he is urinating into the ves- side effects, it is recommended that those be completed periodically by parents or practition- sel, while he allows the urine to flow into the ers to evaluate a child’s response to any therapeutic drugs be limited to patients with severe treatment. The ATEC was not designed to diagnose bed. Itching eruption on the back. Warts. impairment or risk of injury. autism or to compare one child’s level to another, Source: McPheeters ML, et al. (2011) A systematic so it may not be valid to use it that way; rather, it is most useful as a “before-and-after” comparison Big change in autism scores review of medical treatments for children with autism tool for an individual’s response to treatment. For Jordan began taking a daily dose of Sepia spectrum disorders. Pediatrics 127(5):e1312 a wealth of information on autism and the ATEC 6c in May 2013. One week later, I was (including free online access and scoring), visit the happy to receive a positive report from his contend with. Their son is much easier to website of the Autism Research Institute at www.autism.com and search for ATEC. mom: “Jordan is doing really well! His get along with—he’s stopped throwing 3. Frei H, Everts R, et al. Homeopathic treatment of behavior is much better, he stopped hav- tantrums at every turn, and he’s no longer children with attention deficit hyperactivity disor- ing those terrible meltdowns, and his hives excessively restless. His itchy, bothersome der: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. Eur J Pediatr. 2005 Dec; went away completely.” eczema is gone. Not only did he success- 164(12):758–67. [Download Heiner Frei's papers Over the next month, the eczema rash fully navigate his kindergarten year in a at: http://heinerfrei.ch/] on his back disappeared. He no longer mainstream classroom (with some addi- 4. I was inspired to study the Bönninghausen repertory after hearing George Dimitriadis speak at the became easily angered over every little tional tutoring), but also he made great Joint American Homeopathic Conference in Vir- thing. He made good progress in his classes strides in his academics—all without con- ginia in April 2013. He is the foremost authority and finished the school year with ease. ventional prescription drugs (and their on the repertorial method of Clemens von Bön- ninghausen (a contemporary and student of Hah- As of July 2013, Jordan has continued troublesome side effects) that earlier nemann), which is said to be the most accurate to respond positively to several ascending teachers and doctors had urged for him. repertory because all entries are sourced to pri- potencies of Sepia. After 10 months of “What makes me the happiest as a mary proving data. For those who would like to study The Bönninghausen Repertory, Therapeutic homeopathic treatment, his ATEC score mom,” Catherine said, “is that he’s actually Pocketbook Method, Second Edition (also known as had dropped 56%, from 46 to 20. This was becoming affectionate! He connects with TBR2), I recommend Dimitriadis’s book Homœo- a significant improvement that put him me now like he never did before. He pathic Diagnosis, Hahnemann through Bönning- hausen, which you can read about on his website: roughly in the 6th percentile on the autis- started hugging me on his way out to www.hahnemanninstitute.com/publications.php. tic spectrum (where 0 percentile=no school or play—for the first time in his life! autism symptoms). And thanking me for the simplest things, ABOUT THE like going out to eat. We are so thrilled at AUTHOR Hugs & thanks! how far he has come!” Jamie Oskin, ND, is a naturo- Jordan still shows some autistic traits (e.g., pathic physician with a passion narrow, restricted interests; less eye con- Great expectations for homeopathy. He is focused on helping families overcome tact than normal; lower level of fine motor We don’t know how much progress Sarah childhood developmental dis- dexterity, etc.) and is delayed in some and Jordan will continue to make under orders. He is in private practice in Phoenix, AZ and is adjunct areas (e.g., math), so he has a ways to go homeopathic treatment, but they have faculty at Southwest College of Naturopathic yet. But the progress he has made in ten clearly come a long way! For parents con- Medicine. He completed a homeopathic selective residency at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical months of homeopathic treatment has sidering homeopathy, it’s important to Center that was fully funded by a generous gift made his parents very happy! They no stick with it and give it a chance. Autism is from Standard Homeopathic Company. Read more at www.AzNaturalHealth.com. longer have messy toileting problems to a complex problem that affects the child

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 41 Autumn 2013

BOOK REVIEW

Organ–Conflict–Cure Series by Rosina Sonnenschmidt 12 Volumes, 1400 pages; six volumes published; two more expected in 2013; four more & index in 2014 Narayana-Verlag Publishers, hardcover, $33 per volume; $29 per volume with series.

Reviewed by Gloria St. John

I devoured the fifth volume (120 pages) of Rosina Sonnenschmidt’s prodigious Organ–Conflict–Cure 12-volume series in one sitting, and felt I had been transported to the world of a true synthetic thinker in the healing world. I had ordered this single book, The all these endeavors informs the series deeper meaning.” (V. 5, p.3) “The level of Kidneys and Bladder—The Basis of Self Organ–Conflict–Cure, which contains the consciousness creating thought patterns is Realization, to gain greater understanding following twelve volumes: intimately linked to emotional and cellular of the underlying dynamics of several of 1. Blood—Consciousness in Flow* vibrations. That is why a disease manifests my patients with serious kidney disorders. 2. The Liver and Gallbladder—Acquired exactly where there is optimal resonance When I finished the book, I had indeed Authority* between energy and matter.” (V.2, p.2) acquired significant insight about kidney 3. The Digestive Organs—Pathway to the Each volume follows the outline below: disease, but there was a much greater and Center* 1. Organ system from a spiritual and unexpected benefit from immersion in 4. The Respiratory System—Life and physiological viewpoint this book. I felt a sense of joy in knowing Consciousness* 2. Diseases associated with the organ that Rosina Sonnenschmidt lives on the 5. The Kidneys and Bladder—The Basis of 3. Mental and emotional issues of the same planet as I. Self Realization* organ system As a practicing homeopath, I am always 6. The Heart and Circulation—Natural 4. Organ-related conflicts and their reso- interested in what has caused my patients’ Authority* lution health to break down. I try to go as far back 7. The Endocrine Glands—The Basic 5. Miasmatic, therapeutic, and constitu- as possible in their history to discover the Power Source of Spirituality** tional homeopathy rupture in their physical or emotional life 8. The Female and Male Reproductive 6. Nutritional advice that brought on their illness. I must admit Organs—Self Realization** 7. Naturopathic therapies that I have not been as concerned about 9. The Brain and Nervous System— I will attempt to give an idea of the which system or organ actually manifests Burgeoning Spirituality depth and originality in each section by the disease. Even though I have a working 10.The Sense Organs—Wonders of Commu- drawing on information from The Kidneys knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medi- nication and Bladder volume: cine’s organ and element theory, I have 11.The Locomotor System—Progress on All • Organ system from a spiritual and simply not brought it into my understand- Levels physiological viewpoint: The kidney ing as a homeopath. Yet I have always had 12.The Skin and Lymphatic System—Basis functional circuit also comprises the a nagging sense that there might be a way of Immunity bones, skeleton, and teeth—the hardest to relate these two powerful systems. Enter *published **due in 2013 elements of the organism and the Rosina Sonnenschmidt. As the titles indicate, Sonnenschmidt opener to the outside: the ear. In addition to studying homeopathy understands each organ and system from • Diseases associated with the organ: since 1999, this remarkable woman earned a the standpoint of its unique contribution Twenty-nine diseases of the urinary sys- doctorate in musical ethnology, Indian stud- to the evolution of the person. Conse- tem are listed, including familiar diag- ies, and Egyptology, performed as a profes- quently, when the organ or system noses such as pyelitis and descriptive sional singer, designed holistic therapies for becomes diseased, we can gain a deep conditions such as “nighttime bedwet- birds, lectured worldwide, and authored understanding of the type of developmen- ting by children and young people.” many texts on homeopathy and healing. She tal and life challenges which may have • Mental and emotional issues of the also co-directs a school of Mediumship and caused this. “The location where a disease kidney-bladder organ system expressed Healing. The creative impulse that underlies manifests itself in the organ system holds a as polarities:

42 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

Fear–Courage to change; Insecurity– right to the source. In Aphorism 28 of the of their findings, the Chinese created a Security; Loss–Abundance; Irreconcil- Organon, Samuel Hahnemann explains unique law of systematic correspondence, ability–Reconciliation. his deep respect for this system of healing: which has retained its relevance… The law • Organ-related conflicts and their resolu- “This curative power (mesmerism) is a of systematic correspondence and the tion: For example, ureter inflammation: wonderful, priceless gift of God. The life relationship between organ, conflict, and “Not being able to draw boundaries force of a healthy mesmerist, gifted with resolution have formed the basis of my (between) public and professional this power, dynamically streams into work in homeopathy.” (V. 3, p. 3) territory.” another human being by means of touch, This series is both profound and acces- • Miasmatic, therapeutic, and constitu- or even without it… “ sible. I often find myself picking up one of tional homeopathy: A good example is In fact, it was Hahnemann’s deeply her volumes at random and just browsing the distinction between a bladder infec- spiritual understanding of healing that through the text and stopping to gaze at tion (cystitis) and the irritable (neuro- attracted Sonnenschmidt to the study of the photos. Easy and effortless, but deep, genic) bladder. The former is within the homeopathy. She writes, “What is written learning—I highly recommend it. sycotic miasm and will respond well to in the Organon in laconic brevity… comes ABOUT THE AUTHOR sycotic remedies. The neurogenic blad- from a spiritual image of the human being Gloria St John is a graduate of Hahnemann College der is within the psoric miasm, and the and the world. “ and has practiced homeopathy for 12 years. She best remedy for this is Oxytropis lam- has offices in Sacramento and Ione, CA. She is a berti, purple locoweed. On the traditional Chinese popular speaker and writer and has a particular passion for motivating people to learn the art of • Nutritional advice: Recommendations system of healing self-care through homeopathy. She has reached contain standard advice as well as some In one captivating statement, Rosina hundreds of students with her series “Homeopathy at Home.” Contact her at info@goldhillshomeo______- unusual practices, such as not drinking contrasts the partial approach of conven- pathy.com or www.goldhillshomeopathy.com water after 2 p.m., although green tea tional medicine can be had until 4 p.m. In her practice, to the power of the author designs comprehensive understanding life, holistic healing protocols for her health, and disease patients, and these include homeopathy through systematic as well as diet, artistic expression, and observation of the naturopathic therapies. The latter relationship include plant remedies or herbal for- among physical ______mulas specific for the system and organ and energetic being addressed. dimensions: “Over • Naturopathic therapies: These sugges- the course of 4500 tions are quite diverse and sometimes years, an ever- rather sophisticated for the layperson more sophisticated since some of the substances and equip- view developed in ment would be hard to obtain. Other which an organ suggestions are simple to use, however, system/meridian such as the sodium bicarbonate treat- and a mental/ ment to de-acidify the system. emotional issue What is missing in this description of form an insepara- the book’s organization is mention of the ble whole… These incredible illustrations—some done by realizations were hand, others from anatomy books—as arrived at without well as the detailed discussion of the phys- aid of microscopes, iology and pathology of each area. Some ultrasounds, brain homeopathic readers, owing to their belief tomography… systems, may tend to discredit her whole or dissection. work because of the use of Buddha statue Through mastery photos and terms such as “mesmerism” or of observation… ______“karma.” On mesmerism, the author goes and the connection

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 43 Autumn 2013

BOOK REVIEW

Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor By Thomas Kruzel, ND 2012, softcover, 223 pages, $64.00, available at www.lulu.com. ISBN: 978-1-105-51919-2

Reviewed by Mitzi Lebensorger

“As a culture, we seem to have largely lost what I call the ‘Granny Principle,’” says Dr. Kruzel in the introduction to his Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor. Of his own childhood, he tells us: “we almost never went to the doctor. If we were ill, mom would call her mom and ask what to do. Often the treatments would make us comfortable while the fever did its work…” Instead of turning to grandma, today’s Homeopathic Emergency Guide, 1992), it’s empowering. One example: Kruzel tackles young families turn to the internet with its not surprising that this modality is given the thorny topic of immunizations, detail- vast amount of information—some good, the most space in the book. For each con- ing homeopathic remedies that can some bad, some conflicting. After 30 years dition, he includes top homeopathic reme- address side effects. And for those parents as a naturopathic physician in a busy fam- dies and reliable, in-depth indications for wishing to avoid conventional immuniza- ily practice, Kruzel saw the need for a their use. “Kids like them because they taste tions altogether, he even offers a “natural book that could become a trusted advisor good,” he says, which is not always true of alternative to conventional immuniza- to parents navigating the world of natural herbal medicines. tions” using a schedule of homeopathic medicine. Hydrotherapy, a naturopathic mainstay nosode remedies given yearly until age 12; This large-format 8.5 x 11-inch text cov- for increasing circulation and promoting some will find this especially valuable. ers a broad range of common acute ill- healing, is detailed in a special section. I do wish the book had been laid out nesses encountered by kids, including Although the techniques may sound typographically in an easier-to-read fash- burns, bronchitis, colic, sore throats, nose- strange or messy to carry out (e.g., cold ion; it has the feel of a self-published book bleeds, and the like—but also addresses wet sock or t-shirt treatment, friction and the topics run together without much more serious or chronic complaints such as rubs, hot-and-cold compresses, poultices, separation. The price is another stumbling pneumonia, allergies, and attention deficit etc.), the author says they are invaluable in block—it’s expensive compared to similar disorder. In addition, Kruzel includes his practice and can improve a person’s books. (That said, if having the book saves sections to help new mothers cope with response to homeopathic treatment. I you one late-night trip to the ER, you’re post-partum problems, breastfeeding diffi- found his explanation of these “lost arts” more than even.) culties, and infant nutrition. Each topic is especially interesting and have seen good I think the best audience for this book is first discussed and then followed by short results with the cold wet sock treatment someone already on the path of natural sections on: What to Do Until the Doctor is for relieving head congestion. therapeutics, who is willing to accept some Seen, Homeopathic Medicines, Hydrother- The book is well indexed and the table of the book’s idiosyncrasies for the many apy, Diet & Nutrition, Medicines from the of contents easy to use. Its main strength is gems within. Parents with little previous Kitchen, Botanical Medicines, and Case that you are getting direct advice from a exposure to natural medicine might find it Management Suggestions. very experienced homeopath and naturo- bewildering (and for them, I might recom- With Kruzel’s extensive expertise in pathic physician, who doesn’t hold back mend a more mainstream book like Janet homeopathy (he’s also author of The with information; this can be very Zand’s Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child). However, if you’re already a user of Prevent Side Effects from Conventional Vaccination natural medicine and you can afford the —excerpted from Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor, by Thomas Kruzel, ND. book’s price, Dr. Kruzel’s Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor offers a ◆ Ledum 30c for 2 days prior to and for 2 days following vaccination. wealth of practical information and ◆ If a fever occurs following the vaccination take: should be a welcome addition to your • Ferrum phosphoricum 30c if they develop a fever of 99°F to 102°F library of home care books. Bonus: a good or portion of the information inside could • Belladonna 30c if the temperature rises to above 102°F or greater. apply to adults as well as kids. • Aconite 30c may also be indicated here if the fever is of a rapid onset and accompanied ABOUT THE AUTHOR by fear and anxiety. Mitzi Lebensorger, Editor of Homeopathy Today, • Follow with one of the remedies suggested after the initial vaccination has been completed* has been a member of NCH since she first • If any reaction occurs, it is important to report it to your attending physician, as attended its summer training program in 1982 in Millersville, PA. After volunteering for years, she physicians are required to report adverse reactions to vaccines. began working with the late great historian and * For side effects of immunizations, the book gives indications for these remedies: Arsenicum album, Carcinosin, Editor, Julian Winston, on Homeopathy Today in Hypericum, Ledum, Malandrinum, Silicea, Thuja. 1990. She is a past Treasurer and President of the NCH Board of Directors.

44 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

CONTRIBUTIONS—THANK YOU!

Frances Martin PhD, Philadelphia PA Robert D Milne MD, Las Vegas NV LaRue Shah, Hicksville NY A Sylvia Francis, Pittsburgh PA Stacey Marhafer, Albany NY Henry Barbey CCH RSHom(NA), New York NY Nancy Daniel, Wallingford PA Joette Calabrese CCH RSHom(NA) HMC, Loretta Michaelcheck, New York NY Valerie Roux, Sioux Falls SD Colden NY Karen Bahrenburg, Poughkeepsie NY Sonja Allbritton, College Station TX Susie Kessler, New York NY Stephen J Ralston DDS, Columbus OH Trish P Parrish, Dallas TX Rhoda Marks, New York NY Elizabeth Keyser, Troy OH Donna R Glaser, Houston TX Elise McCrea Fischbacher PhD CCH, Scott Hosket DVM, Yellow Springs OH Deborah Warner PhD, Houston TX New York NY Helen A Huber, Conestoga PA Jennie & Jimmy Vallance, Keller TX Susan Greenberg, Beachwood OH Joseph A McCahon VMD, Exton PA Lynn Cuny, Kendalia TX Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Cincinnati OH Bernardo A Merizalde MD DHt, Lafayette Hill PA Susan Rash, Magnolia TX Ida C Jones, Richmond Heights OH Alice C Dorrance, Spartanburg SC Faye Lynn Dodge, Sunnyvale TX Terry Carine, Twinsburg OH Mother Marie Therese, Alexandria SD Susan Salce ND MH CCN, Tomball TX Bonnie Kacher, Youngstown OH Kyron K Weed, Longview TX Gertrude L Santoro, Falls Church VA Chloe Maggio, Junction City OR Edith Kilchenstein, Park City UT Maggie Copp, Springfield VA Kaj Swenson, Bethlehem PA Monte Joyce Cross, Alexandria VA Denice A Smith, Seattle WA Elizabeth Carapico, Bryn Mawr PA Marie Steinmetz MD, Alexandria VA General Contributors Isadora Arevalo Wong MA, Seattle WA Marjorie L Davis, Gettysburg PA Natalia Zavadskaya MD, Charlottesville VA Betty Dean, Sterling AK Sharleen Leonard MD, Milwaukee WI Sandra Itterly, Lewisberry PA Sherri Krohl, Great Falls VA Elisabeth Gibson, Huntsville AL Mary H File RN MA CCH, Hurricane WV Gina Snyder, McMurray PA Linda Hopfinger, Seattle WA Gary Axley OMD, Waldron AR Anne-Marie Kirkoryan DSHomMed, Patricia H Shawe, Media PA Anthony Sweeney MD, Glendale WI Jesse Vetrano, San Francisco CA Oakville ON Canada Jack & Nancy Borneman, Wayne PA Lucy De Pieri PhD DCH, Port Moody BC Canada Margareta Richardson CHom RN, Santa Ana CA Hiroko Nishimura, Kyoto JAPAN Elizabeth Callaway Thompson FNP, Boerne TX Rhianna Miller, Santa Rosa CA Crystal Cameron, Graford TX Patrons: $250–$499 Norden H Cheatham, Walnut Creek CA Donors: $50–$99 Joanne E Taylor, Red Oak TX Mountain States Health Products Inc, Lyons CO Sally Finch, Colorado Springs CO Jacomina Newman-Osmon, Scottsdale AZ Alison Teitelbaum MS MPH, McLean VA Lester H Holze Jr. DC DABCI, Elgin IL Margaret Sheehan MD, Denver CO Grace R Willis DO, Bakersfield CA Louise Kaplan, Bradford VT James W Forsythe MD HMD CMD, Reno NV Susan Fincke, Evergreen CO Ivo Rabisson, Laguna Hills CA Thom Namaya FNP CCH RSHom(NA), Vickie Ryles RN BSN CEO, Johns Island SC Jeanne Stewart, Placeville CO Deborah Olenev CCH RSHom(NA), Brattleboro VT Ronald A Grant MD, Southbury CT Mountain View CA Erika Butler, Williamstown VT Sponsors: $500–$1000 Veronica Roth, Stamford CT Ashley Fisher, Newport Beach CA Linnea Engstrom, Star Prairie WI National Christian Foundation, Alpharetta GA Grace Joyce, Nokomis FL Stephen Reeve Blake DVM CVH CVA, Chip Chase, Davis WV Cranston Smith, Youngsville LA Sally Rickolt RN LMT LCT, Ocala FL San Diego CA Kashka Kril-Atkins HBSc DHMHS, Toronto ON Beth Palmgren, Free Union VA Jane L Scovil, Umatilla FL Margaret Allegretti, San Jose CA Canada J L Archer, Augusta GA Lynne Girdlestone, Santa Clarita CA Benefactors: $1000+ Kathleen A Byrnes, Richmond Hill GA Sophia Smith, Santa Cruz CA Sustainers: $100–$249 Wilbur A Flucken, Denver CO Karen Matthews, Decatur IL Alicia Ephraim, Sausalito CA Anastasia Monyahan RN BSN, Soldotna AK Judith Krueger, Washington DC Margaret McKenzie, Glen Ellyn IL Stephen Arroyo, Sebastopol CA Robert Scherzinger DHM, Long Beach CA Marilyn Mittman, Skokie IL Manjit S Nagi DVM, Turlock CA Paddy Canales, Los Angeles CA In Honor of Heidi Nelson, Boxford MA Teresa Salvadore DC DNBHE, Aspen CO Perin Vakharia, Los Angeles CA Homeopathy Today Betty A Andersen, Brimfield MA Ursula Frieman, Brighton CO Michalene Seiler RSHom(NA) CCH, by Anonymous Don J Carren DVM, Annapolis MD Karen Ausfahl, Littleton CO Mariposa CA Ms. Mary L. Hayes Charlotte Landgraf, Baltimore MD Thos J Glynn, Seaford DE Jamie Kunkel Bartell, Mill Valley CA by National Christian Foundation Timothy Kearns, Gaithersburg MD Craig Munson, Lakeland FL Jo Simoes, San Diego CA The Life of Dr. Carl Kline Peter Klose, Brutus MI Edward Zalewski, Melbourne FL Corey W Weinstein MD CCH, San Francisco CA by Ms. Louise Kaplan Donald L Symons, Coldwater MI Sandy Werner, St James City FL Martin & Cessy Agegian, San Leandro CA Dennis & Carolyn Wright, Hale MI Bernice Johnson DC, Winter Haven FL Terri Su MD, Santa Rosa CA Terri Glenn , Holton MI Sharon Tackaberry, Winter Springs FL Vinay R Ranade MD FACOG, Glastonbury CT Susan Reinhart CNE, Charlotte NC Joyce Wagner, Champaign IL Renee M Savage, Lisbon CT Honor Someone Monica Olinger, Hickory NC Iqbal Husain DIHom FIHom, John Kriz, New Canaan CT Beth Warren, Monroe NC Glendale Heights IL Dennis Burke, West Hartford CT Special... Holly Manoogian CCH, Wolfeboro Falls NH Vipon Sarda, Plainfield IL Eloise Fisher, Mount Dora FL Judith Joseph, Red Bank NJ Sandra England, Springfield IL Elizabeth Reinke, The Villages FL Mary K Spindler PhD DOM LMT, Sante Fe NM Caryl Taylor, Howe IN Nick McKnight, Lawrenceville GA Tribute Gifts are a thoughtful way to: Marina Braun CCH RSHom(NA), Ardsley NY Joan M Davis, Indianapolis IN Beverly Holt MPH RD, Savannah GA ◆ celebrate a birthday or special occasion Irene Mele, Brewster NY Genevieve Lane, Hingham MA Jackie McFadden, Carbondale IL ◆ say “thanks for all you do” Frank Caiati, Brooklyn NY Cynthia Goss, Manomet MA Jerry P Gore MD, Riverwoods IL ◆ Debra E Morgenstern, Dobbs Ferry NY Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, James & Adaline Wallar, Burrows IN remember a departed friend or Lynn Miller MD, East Syracuse NY Waltham MA Marcia A Prenguber ND, Goshen IN loved one. Andrew Christensen, Gouverneur NY Theresa Lui, Columbia MD Ernest R Hochstetler, Nappanee IN Your tax-deductible gift to the NCH will be Vilma Estroff, New York NY Hazel Zupancic, Linthicum Heights MD Stephen Bernardi, Waltham MA acknowledged here in Homeopathy Today Eileen J Baker, Scotia NY Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen, University Park MD Robert I Orenstein DMD, Yarmouth Port MA and with a letter informing the person or Michele M Searing, Shoreham NY Rebecca Gove, Cape Neddick ME Elliott Abhau, Annapolis MD Richard Kulwin DDS, Somers NY Linda Hersey, Alanson MI Nanine Rhinelander Lac, Frederick MD their family that a donation has been Sandra Roth, Vestal NY Diane Nevins, Jackson MI Donata Dow, Indian Head MD made in their honor or memory (amount Ilana Meyers, West Nyack NY Carol Duncan, Charlotte NC Robin Pittman, Oldtown MD not disclosed). Ivalou Bergman, New Bremen OH Robert A Beem, Center Harbor NH Nancy B Zastrow, Silver Spring MD Pay tribute to Mary Ellen Coulter MD, Bend OR Paula Eder, Francestown NH Beverly Sewell, Oxford MI someone special today! Rosemarie Gerstner, Jacksonville OR Frank Stramaglia, Hackettstown NJ Susan R Delaney ND RN, Carrboro NC James Applegate DC, Bensalem PA Ranjit Sinha, Kendall Park NJ Anthony Noto, Knightdale NC National Center for Homeopathy Lois Feight, Boyertown PA Corina Pauta, Locust NJ Sybil Kramer, Cranford NJ 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500 Joy S McQueen, Bryn Athyn PA Christine Jahnig, Rumson NJ Barbara Lowry DSH CCH, Mountain Lakes NJ McLean, VA 22102 Marjorie Jahnig, Rumson NJ Claire Dishman CCH, Santa Fe NM Arrowroot Natural Foods Ltd, Bryn Mawr PA Toll-free 1-877-624-0613 Joan Godshall, Lansdale PA Marcia G Sutherland, Albuquerque NM Caren Morris, Reno NV

NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • Homeopathy TODAY 45 Autumn 2013

Calendar of Events OCTOBER 3–5 & 6–9 St. Paul, MN • Dr. Dinesh Chauhan • Sensation Seminars • www.minnesotasensation.com • 651-276-5747 4–6 New York, NY • Divya Chhabra • Leap to the Simillimum • New York School of Homeopathy • [email protected]______• www.nyhomeopathy.com 11–15 North Andover, MA • Massimo Mangialavori • The Problem of Insomnia • New England Homeopathic Academy • 978-635-0605 • [email protected]______• newenglandhomeopathy.org 17–19 San Francisco, CA • Alize Timmerman • Chronic Disease and Family Treatment: Creating Insight from the Inside • Homeopathy West • [email protected]______

18–20 Toronto, ON • The Canadian Homeopathic Conference 2013 • ______Brain Health • 416-516-6109 • www.chconference.ca 25–27 Akron, OH • Louis Klein, FSHom • Introduction to Louis Klein's Approach • www.homeopathycourses.com • 604-947-0757 26–27 Amherst, NY • Russell Malcolm, MD • Harnessing the Power of Bowel Nosodes • www.homeopathichealers.com • 716-566-7758 NOVEMBER 8–10 Vancouver, BC, Canada • Louis Klein, FSHom • The Subtle Center of Homeopathic Prescribing • www.homeopathycourses.com • 604-947-0757 16–17 Portland, OR • Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians Case Conference • Nourishing the Roots: Preserving Vitalism • Joe Kellerstein, ND, Will Taylor, MD • 503-552-1555 • www.ncnm.edu ______DECEMBER 9–11 Beloit, WI • Dr. Farokh Master • Master Seminar • (608) 362-4940 • www.krista-voysest.com FEBRUARY 2014 21–24 North Andover, MA • Divya Chhabra • New England Homeopathic Academy • 978-635-0605 • [email protected]______• newenglandhomeopathy.org MARCH ______7–9 Portland, ME • Louis Klein Seminar • www.homeopathycourses.com 7–9 New Orleans, LA • Prafull & Ambrish Vijayakar • Predictive Home- ______opathy: Case-taking, Follow-ups, Theory of Suppression • American Institute of Homeopathy • 888-445-9988 • www.homeopathyusa.org 15 Harrisburg, PA • 149th Annual Meeting of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania in conjunction with Southern Homeopathic Medical Association • Case Conference • 703-273-5250 • drchaseonline.com/welcome/events.html 15–16 New York, NY • Dr. Paresh Vasani • Live Case Taking & Analysis Using the Sensation System • 646-796-3860 • [email protected] APRIL 4–6 Long Beach, CA • 2014 Joint American Homeopathic Conference • Presented by the National Center for Homeopathy • www.NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org • 703-506-7667

46 Homeopathy TODAY • NationalCenterForHomeopathy.org Autumn 2013

MarketPlace Keep the flame of BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS MOVING? DISCOVER THE BEST-SELLING INTRO to MOVING? homeopathy. Patients, students, practitioners all homeopathy alive for rave about Impossible Cure. Find out why! www.impossiblecure.com. future generations... Please send a change of address form Please consider naming to the NCH. The USPS will not forward VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES the NCH as beneficiary of bulk mail. If you don’t tell us you’re moving, Peer Reviewers your will, trust, or IRA. you’ll miss the latest information in Needed Thank you! The Accreditation Commission for Homeopathy Today Homeopathic Education in North America For more information, contact: Alison Teitelbaum, (ACHENA) relies on the expertise of NCH Executive Director, volunteers for two critical elements in the at 1-877-624-0613 or accreditation process—the off-site peer [email protected]______review and the on-site visit. Visit achena.org/PeerReviewer.htm ACHENA is working to obtain U.S. Department of Education recognition, which will enable students of accredited schools to access federally backed student loans and help raise the profile of homeopathy as a health care profession.

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