THE IMPORTANCE OF “NEVER WELL SINCE” (NWS) IN HOMOEOPATHY.

It is a well-known fact that Homoeopathy treats the person holistically. The homoeopathic physician takes a number of factors into consideration before prescribing any medicine or suggesting any lifestyle changes to restore you back to health.

One of the most important data in case-taking is the “NEVER WELL SINCE” symptom. This is nothing but the causative factor that was operating in the person’s life before the onset of his symptom. It is one of the most decisive and fundamental aspect of the entire case and if found can help in solving the case speedily.  Many times the person is not aware to link the NWS with the symptoms that are troubling him and thus not revealing vital information to the physician. In allopathic practice too causative factor are recognized, but only common ones are grouped together as risk factors for such-and-such disease. E.g.: cholesterol and heart disease. Even if it does recognize certain environmental factors, it has no solutions for it other than giving symptomatic or suppressive measures for it. E.g: Diarrhea in allopathy is treated by an anti-diarrheal, maybe with ORS powder and a prebiotic/probiotic; an antibiotic may be given if the cause is thought to be infective. But in homeopathy we have medicines for multiple causative factors of diarrhea – Is it by eating contaminated food? Is it by eating fish? Is it due to drinking milk? Is it due to some acute stress like appearing for an exam? The remedies change according to the cause. There is no fixed anti-diarrheal, we always treat the cause and effect.

Carrying this idea forward, I am presenting some hints and examples to the reader of NWS to sensitize him/her to this important aspect of case-taking. It will help to give better information to the doctor while case-taking so as to derive better results. It is also important to note that this is not the only method of case taking; there are many other factors which are taken into consideration before selecting the medicine. Even if you are not able to give this data, do not worry. The homeopathic physician has many methods to select the correct medicine for you.

The NWS list given below is not exhaustive, but only a means to attract your attention to such factors. You may find some are applicable in your case which you have not reported to your homoeopathic physician. The causative incident which has recently occurred and followed by the problem is easy to correlate, but events happened long back may be difficult to trace to the onset of symptoms. One way is to write down all the diseases you have suffered in the past and also the major events in your life happened so far. Only then you might strike some clue about the cause-effect correlation with the event and disease. Again it is not always possible to do so, but whenever this data is available it should be always brought to the attention of the treating homoeopathic physician.

MIND

Anger

Anxiety

Bad News

Business Failure

Death of family Member

Disappointed Love

Argument between boss and employee

Fear

Excessive joy (Yes, even an excess of happiness can be bad)

Sudden shock

Suppressed anger, grief.

Worry

Examples:

Diarrhea due to fear of exam.

Hypertension after death of husband.

Diabetes after loss in business.

ENVIRONMENT

Weather – wet, dry, cold, hot, snow, wind

Heat/sun stroke

Seashore

Sun

Living in marshy area, damp places.

Examples:

Headache from sunlight.

Cough from sudden cold weather.

Itching skin from seawater.

Joint pains in Mumbai, but no complaints in Pune or Surat.

Cold cough in Mumbai, but no complaints in Delhi.

INJURY

Bleeding

Head injury

Cut, laceration

Fractures

Electric shock

Insect-bite

Over-lifting, overstraining

Examples:

Headache after head injury.

Neck pain after carrying heavy bag.

DIET

Coffee

Milk

Tea

Tobacco

Alcohol

Fried food

Any food or drink

Example:

Diarrhea after fried food.

Acidity from tea.

Skin rash from milk.

Abdomen pain from eating prawns.

MISCELLANEOUS

Loss of sleep

Antibiotics, drugs

Childhood diseases

Acute diseases

Vaccination

Surgery

Herpes Zoster

Liver disease.

Steroids

Childbirth

Suppressed sweat

Examples:

Migraine after loss of sleep due caring for sick relative.

Digestive problems after hepatitis.

Continuous weakness after fever, even when fever subsided many weeks back.

Repeated respiratory infections after recovering from attack of pneumonia.

Abdomen pain after surgery, but nothing seen on ultrasonography or urine or blood tests.

TRAVELLING AND HOMEOPATHY

It feels great to go on a vacation. We get a change from the routine chores and need a break to recharge our batteries. But, some ailment cropping up can be a major disappointment for all of us. Also, there are times when we travel due to work-related business trips. Many children and adults are prone to some ailment or the other when they travel. Taking allopathy is the need, but many would not like to suffer the side-effect of the required medicine. Homeopathy steps in to fulfill the above needs.

ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY: Homeopathy is safe, gentle, and effective. There are no side-effects. It can be used by all age groups.

Some of the conditions covered are as follows:

MOTION SICKNESS: Air, road, water or rail. Nausea, vomiting, giddiness during travel is a nagging problem. Traveling on mountain slopes, smell of diesel or petrol, jerks in aeroplane, ascent and descent of aeroplane, constant movement of ship in water, etc. are known to be some of the causes related to this problem.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS: Traveling on heights. Holidays at places like Ladakh, which is at higher altitude or a trip to the Himalayas can cause discomfort due to low oxygen zones. 

JET LAG: Traveling from one time zone to the other can disturb our sleep rhythm causing complaints.

INDIGESTION, DIARRHEA AND VOMITING: Related to food and water. Overeating, not eating at regular intervals, eating and drinking at not-so-hygienic places due to lack of better venue are some of the routine events we all face when having our food outside. You may carry packaged water, but food is something you have to depend on the hotels of that area.

BITES AND STINGS: Ants, honey bee, mosquitoes, and other insects. There can be sensitivity to plants too.

CUTS, BRUISES AND MINOR INJURIES: Minor accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anybody. Concern is regarding bleeding, infection, pain and discomfort.

COLD AND COUGH: Sensitivity to cold foods, eating and drinking out, weather changes, exposure to cold, getting wet are some of the causes to catch a cold and getting miserable thereafter.

ACHES AND PAINS, EXERTION: Walking, sight-seeing, swimming in the sea or pool, running, sitting for too long in one position can all lead to exertional aches and pains. Minor injuries too can be painful.

SUN SENSITIVITY: Sun allergies causing skin rashes can be irritating. Headaches and dehydration due to sunlight is not uncommon in extreme temperature areas.

Discuss with your homeopathic physician about your travel plans. Tell him about the complaints your family has during such trips. There could be other conditions you could be facing, or in addition to, than what is given above. The homeopathic physician can make a tailor-made medicine-kit for your requirements and he will explain you the dosage and indications. Mention to him if it is an overseas trip since he can give you a certificate for the medicines you would be carrying for airport checks.

Discuss about preventive options with your physician because there are even medicines which can be given as a preventive for certain conditions. We all know that prevention is better than cure. Avoid it rather than treat it. Discuss about supportive measures to be adopted along with medication if you happen to suffer from any ailment. Discuss your fears and concerns so that you are well-equipped for the journey.

We all want to our trip to be memorable, not miserable. Happy journey!!!

HOMEOPATHY AND DENTISTRY

Homeopathy can be effectively used in the field of dentistry for child and adult related complaints.

Right from covering dentitional complaints of childhood to tackling infection, bleeding and trauma in adults, homeopathy can be used as a complementary mode of treatment to dental procedures.

During the dentition phase the child may -

become cranky,

put things in his mouth, try to bite or chew on anything,

have drooling,

get fever due to infection from putting things in mouth or gum inflammation,

get diarrhea,

refuse food.

Homeopathy will definitely help in such cases and ease the suffering of the child.

Homeopathy can also be used to alleviate anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist.

There are medicines which can be given to prevent infection and excessive bleeding during dental procedures. Remedies can be given before and after tooth extractions, root canal procedures, and orthodontic work to reduce pain and inflammation. It helps in early post-procedure recovery.

Homeopathy can also be used as a first-aid in toothaches till you get a dental opinion.

The important remedies such as Calendula, Calc Phos, Arnica, Chamomilla, and Phosphorus are widely used as per the indication. Kindly consult your doctor before using any medicines. Discuss your visit to the dentist with your homeopathic doctor to ensure early recovery without complications from dental procedures. Homeopathy can effectively deal with pain, inflammation, bleeding and infection.

The importance of proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist cannot be ignored at the same time since prevention is any day better than cure.

Use homeopathy in dentistry; put that smile back on your face. J  

HOMEOPATHY AND INJURY

Here are a few remedies helpful in recovering from injuries. The information has been taken from various books of Homeopathic Materia Medica written by some of the greatest physicians. The information given below is meant to familiarize the reader with the scope of homeopathy rather than being a treatment guide. Kindly consult your physician before using any remedy. All the other necessary first-aid measures or specialist consults are to be adopted as per the case. 

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS

Useful for open wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers, etc.; prevents infection.  Remarkable healing agent in open, torn, cut, laceration, ragged or suppurating wounds. If it does not abort an abscess, it favors maturing and ultimate healing. It is the first medicine (in tincture form) you can reach for to cleanse any open wound as it promotes healthy granulation and rapid healing. According to Dr. James Tyler Kent, Calendula is all the dressing you will need for open wounds and severe lacerations. It takes away the local pain and suffering.

ARNICA MONTANA

Dr. Phatak calls it a traumatic remedy par excellence. Excellent for injuries resulting from falls, blows, contusions. After traumatic injuries, overuse of any organ, strains. It is also indicated in injuries where there are hemorrhages and ecchymosis (to take internally). It is never applied on open wound in tincture form. It has an absorbent action. Recurring boils. Very good remedy to start in fracture to ease the pain until you consult the orthopedic surgeon. It is useful in easing the pain and preventing infection after surgical operations.

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE

Dr. Pulford mentions that Symphytum is indicated in injuries to tendons and periosteum; when bone or periosteum has been injured and the soft parts have recovered from the bruised soreness after Arnica, the remaining pain and soreness of the periosteum is generally promptly relieved by Symphytum. Of great use in wounds penetrating to bones and in non-union of fractures. Irritable stump after amputation. Irritable bone pains at point of fracture. Injuries to cartilage and periosteum. Pain in the eye after a blow of an obtuse body. For traumatic injuries of the eyes, no remedy equals this.

Comparing with Arnica – Arnica is for injuries to soft parts, Symphytum is for hard parts. Arnica has painful swelling with discoloration; Symphytum is without discoloration. Arnica pains are sore, bruised and lame; Symphytum has pricking, stitching pains.

LEDUM PALUSTRE

Useful for insect stings. It is indicated in punctured wounds produced by sharp-pointed instruments or bites, particularly if the wounded parts are cold. Dr. Lippe mentions that Ledum may be used to prevent or remove black and blue spots after blows. Boil at the finger tip from prick of needle or splinter. Dr. Phatak mentions that if Ledum is given immediately after punctured wounds, it prevents tetanus.

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM

St. John’s Wort is promoted as a remedy for depression, but it is one of the most wonderful remedies in treating nerve injuries. Injuries to nerves, especially of fingers, toes and nails. Crushed fingers. Punctured wounds. It relieves pains after operations. Concussion of brain and spine in railroad accidents. Dr. Lippe calls it the ‘Arnica of the nerves’. Excessive painfulness and soreness of the affected part indicates towards Hypericum.

RUTA GRAVEOLENS

Useful for injuries related to the periosteum and cartilages. Sprains (after Arnica). Lameness after sprains. Fractures and dislocations. Tendons become sore. Bruised, sore, aching pains with restlessness. Complaints from straining flexor tendons.

CANTHARIS 

Valuable remedy for burns and scalds. Sore and burning pain. Burns before blisters form.

BELLIS PERENNIS

First remedy in injury to deeper tissues, after major surgery. Excellent remedy for sprains and bruises. Near and remote effects of blows, falls, accidents. Fall on coccyx leading to severe backache. It removes the exudations of swellings of many kinds due to injury. Trauma to pelvic organs (trunk region). Post operative pains and ecchymosis.

MEDICINE DOSAGE AND REPETITION  Generally the 200^th potency is suitable to keep at home. Take 4 pills at a time. The frequency of repetition can be as low as one dose only to taking every 5-10 minutes till symptoms improve. It is better to consult before taking the dose.

References:

Concordant Materia Medica by Dr. Frans Vermeulen.

Pocket Manual Of Homeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. W. Boericke.

Keynotes and Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica by Dr. Lippe.

Materia Medica Of Homoeopathic Medicines by Dr. S. R. Phatak.

Homeopathic Materia Medica of Graphic Drug Pictures and Clinical Comments by Dr. Pulford.

Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. James Tyler Kent.

The main source book has been Concordant Materia Medica.

FLU AND HOMEOPATHY

Influenza or flu is an acute contagious infection, mainly targeting the respiratory tract, caused by the influenza virus. The common symptoms are fever, cold, cough, bodyache, headache, and weakness

Apart from medicines there are a few things you can do to arrest the problem and speed up recovery:

Steam and Gargles: Hot water steam and gargles are an effective way to soothe the irritated upper respiratory tract. Avoid adding anything to the water. Plain hot water steam is best. You may add salt to the water you use for gargling.

Water: Drink lots of water to hydrate the system. It also helps in mobilizing the cold out of the body. Taking steam will be of limited benefit if your body is not well-hydrated. Dehydration aggravates the fever and headache since the detox mechanism is compromised. Caffeine, alcohol, cola beverages should be avoided as they promote dehydration.

Rest: Any fever, any infection, any illness needs rest for the body to effectively repair itself.

Vitamin C: Taking 1-2 grams of vitamin C is helpful in improving immunity to colds and infections.

Extra Care: Washing hands regularly helps in preventing the virus spread through touch. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as far as possible. Wash your hands after a sneeze or cough; do cover your face with your hands or a handkerchief while sneezing and coughing to prevent spreading the virus.

ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY IN FLU: Homeopathy will not kill the flu virus, but it will improve the body’s response in eliminating it through its immune mechanism. The common flu remedies are Aconite, Bryonia, Eupatorium, Arsenic Alb, Rhus tox. It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting on any remedy since the choice of medicines depends on the symptoms you are having. Secondly, it is also important to rule out other disease conditions before commencing treatment. Homeopathy also has preventive remedies which are chosen according to the individual case. Homeopathy is very effective and without side-effects in treating the flu.