Author: Urenus

The lymphatic system consists of two parts:

1. The lymph ducts
2. The lymph nodes

The lymphatic system is a constituent part of the vascular system of the entire body. The lymph vessels begin as “blind channels”: that is, with closed ends in the organs and tissues. Lymph vessels have endothelial openings through which tissue fluid and small particles can flow. As they pass through the body, these microscopically small lymph capillaries become larger vessels, which are eventually provided with valves, similar to the veins. A distinction can be made here between the superficial lymph ducts — which can be recognized as red lines, as during an inflammation — and the deeper lymph channels.

Many of the deeper lymph vessels merge into the superficial ducts in the course of their passage.

The lymph nodes appear at long and short intervals in the lymph ducts. These nodes function as filters. As a result, the lymph vessels and the passage of lymph are interrupted once or several times in their progress toward the heart. At some places, there is a long interval between the individual lymph-node stations. At others, this interval is quite short. In some areas, the lymph nodes are thinly distributed; at others, there is a considerable density of them. From the anatomical standpoint, distinction can be made among the four main areas of the body in which the lymph nodes are located with considerable concentration:

1. The region of the head
2. The region of the throat and neck
3. The upper half of the trunk and the upper extremities
4. The lower half of the trunk and the lower extremities.

The lymph vessels function in a manner similar to that of the veins. Contractions of the body’s muscles and the functioning of the valves in the lymph ducts move the lymph onward until it flows into the venous system, in the region of the angulus venosus.

B. Physiology and pathophysiology

The exchange of substances between blood and tissue takes place in the capillary area. This exchange depends on several factors — among them, the difference in concentration between intra- and extravascular substances. Expressed simply, the capillary walls represent a type of ultra-low-penetration filter, which is easily permeated by water and crystalline dissolved substances. For colloids, however, these walls are practically impermeable.

A constant process of filtration and reabsorption takes place in such vessels. This dynamic system is characterized most significantly by the oncotic pressure of the liquids involved, and by the transmural pressure of the capillary membranes.

In general, and under normal circumstances, the filtration and the reabsorption process do not take place at the same rates, and the filtration process will predominate. In addition, the proteins which pass into the interstitial liquid cannot return to the capillaries from which they came. Water and protein would therefore increasingly accumulate in the interstitium if they were not returned to the blood vessel system by the lymphatic system.

The composition of lymph is very similar to that of blood plasma, with the exception of the lower content of protein in lymph. The protein content of lymph varies over the different regions of the body. Approximately two to three litres of lymph are produced in the body every day.

Fluid will accumulate in the form of edema if there is a disturbance in the relationship between filtration in capillary area, on the one hand, and reabsorption, on the other. This takes place primarily as a concequence of the following:

Formation of edema:

1. Obstruction in the lymph ducts
2. Hypoalbuminemia
3. Increased capillary permeability
4. Restriction in drainage in the lymph ducts in cases of increased venous pressure

The most frequent causes of these phenomena can be found in the following illnesses:

The most frequent causes of edema development:

1. Cardiac insufficiency with congestion of venous blood
2. Kidney diseases with protein loss
3. Hypertension (increased pressure; rise in capillary blood pressure)
4. Inflammatory disorders (increased capillary permeability)
5. Obstruction of lymph passage by congested lymph nodes (inflammation, tumor debris, surgery, etc.)

Edema first becomes visible when the extravascular liquid volume has increased by approximately thirty percent. Circadian fluctuations can occur, among the healthy as well, and they should be considered as physiological in nature.

C. Therapy

Classification of lymphedema

Stage 1: The latency and interval stage
Stage 2: Reversible lymphedema
Stage 3: Irreversible lymphedema
Stage 4: Lymphostatic elephantiasis

If lymphedema is not promptly treated, it worsens in the sense of a vicious circle. Owing to the high content of protein in the extravascular area, the entire afflicted region is also very susceptible to infection. Extremely minor injuries can lead to serious complications. Physicians have also published accounts that cirrhosis can develop as a result of such circumstances in connecting tissues. Functional restriction can therefore result, and motor and sensory paralysis can ensue as a consequence of the enclosure of nerves.

The therapy of lymphadema should primarily be directed toward the primary disease. Supplementary therapy should, however, include manual lymph drainage and the administration of Lymphomyosot®

Manual lymph drainage should be performed only by specially trained therapists, with care taken that the edematous tissue not be damaged. The pressure applied in manual lymph drainage should therefore never exceed the empirically obtained value of thirty-seven …….

Since relief of obstructions by manual methods necessitates therapy over extremely long periods of time, inquiries for an alternative in the form of medication have naturally arisen. Lymphomyosot® can be recommended as an effective basic therapy for such disorders.

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Lymphomyosot® has a channelling, draining effect and promotes mesenchymal detoxification. Throughout therapy directed toward the lymph system, it is very important that lymph drainage never be completely interrupted — a development which would lead to worsening of the lymphedema. This requirement, however, indirectly confirms the effectiveness of Lymphomyosot® in its mesenchymal, detoxifying, and draining effects.

To assess the effects of Lymphomyosot®, I would like to present several findings in very brief form.

1. Zimmermann investigated the effects of Lymphomyosot® on patients with venous leg edema. Freedom from symptoms was achieved over a period of one to five weeks by administration of one ampule of Lymphomyosot® twice a week. The patients tolerated the medication outstandingly well.
2. Hummel recommends a dosage of thirty drops three times a day over a period of several months, for edematous congestive eczema of the legs.
3. Kirchhoff compared the effects of administering Lymphomyosot® ampules with the results of manual lymph drainage, over a period of five weeks, for patients with arm lymphedema following breast amputation. His conclusions were that Lymphomyosot® and manual lymph drainage were equally effective. His results also showed that a combination of both therapeutic measures produced greater effectiveness than either alone.

An additional major area of application for Lymphomyosot® is the precancerous state. This condition is not entirely restricted to actual precancerous disorders alone: it also includes a complec of symptoms which in recent times has caused a great deal of apprehension among practicing pysicians.

The precancerous state

1. Excessive fatigue
2. Insomnia
3. Incipient loss of weight
4. Nervousness and depression
5. Constipation
6. Impaired peripheral circulation of blood
7. Multiple nevi
8. Moderate elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

These symptoms can lead — in the sense of Hans Heinrich Reckeweg’s homotoxicology — to the assumption of a retoxic phenomenon under the influence of an impregnation phase. These symptoms can be effectively treated by basic therapy as developed by Leimbach.

Leimbach’s program of therapy for the precancerous state

AP.

• Lymphomyosot®
• Psorinoheel®
• Galium-Heel®
• Phosphor-Homaccord® aa. ad 120.0
• MDS, 3 times daily, 40 drops a.c.

Also very effective here is initial administration by injection of Ubichinon Compositum and Coenzyme Compositum, for catalytic stimulation of organelle functions. It is also equally important to assure complete case-history recording of the preliminary phases of lymphedema, and to administer the corresponding nosode preparations.

Pure homeopathic therapy will not of course alone cure a malignant disease. Primary treatment must consist of classical cancer therapy as developed by modern scientific medicine.

Nevertheless, the helping hand of homeopathy can indeed provide effective supplementary support as the fourth column of cancer treatment — in addition to surgery, radiology, and chemotherapy.

Owing to its reliable draining and channeling effects, Lymphomyosot® should be administered in the pre- and post-operative phases of cancer therapy.

In such pre- and post-surgical stages, Mayer-Langsdorff has been successful in combination administration of the following HEEL preparations, in addition to Lymphomyosot®: Psorinoheel®, Galium-Heel®, and Phosphor-Homaccord®.

In the Heidelberg Special Clinic for Thorax Surgery, Winterberg has also effectively treated bronchial cancer patients for years with long-term administration of Lymphomyosot®, Galium-Heel®, Traumeel®, and Bronchalis-Heel®.

As the above-stated publications have attested, the physician can therefore rely on the fact that Lymphomyosot® will effectively promote lymph drainage.

The techniques of lymph drainage, however, have remained a neglected area of medical therapy, at least among the modern physicians of West Germany. The same neglect has also been suffered by venous therapy — a field of treatment which can also be effectively supported by administration of Lymphomyosot®.

Professor Dr. Volker Wienert, of the University of Aachen, who holds the only West German professorship for dermatological phlebology, once made the following statement on the significance of venous therapy among modern physicians:

“Veins have a poor image among modern scientists since, after all, they must be included among the bodily organs of disposal. And it is well known that the functions of disposal systems have been generally neglected.”

The lymphatic system of course plays a primary role in the body’s disposal system. In the hopes that you will accord the body’s disposal system the significance which it critically deserves, I thank you for your attention to my remarks.

The treatment of allergies provides a unique opportunity to bridge homeopathic and allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine uses some of the principles of isopathy in desensitization regimes and the ever-expanding knowledge of immunology provides a valuable window of information on some of the defense systems of the body and their interactions.

In the mid-1980’s, David Taylor Reilly, M.D. of Glasgow, Scotland, conducted a study demonstrating that a homeopathic preparation of 12 common pollens was effective in reducing the symptoms associated with hay fever. The study entitled “Is homeopathy a placebo response?”, was published in the Lancet. It would be intriguing to develop a homeopathic allergy desensitization protocol for the treatment of allergies beginning with low potency homeopathic remedies (allergens) and proceeding to high potency remedies (allergens). This would be a reversal of the traditional allopathic treatment regimes which begin with highly dilute preparations of allergens and then proceed to less dilute preparations.

Allergic reactions can be studied on a number of different levels in an attempt to both understand the phenomenon and to develop a strategy for treatment. Some patients have an allergic reaction to a specific substance (such as a specific dog, cat, or plant); whereas other individuals seem to be highly reactive to a wide variety of substances in a wide range of circumstances. The first example can usually be treated as an acute problem whereas the latter often represents a chronic immune disfunction. Allergies can be classified as immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are as suggested, immediate; occurring within seconds to minutes after the antigen-antibody interaction. They are mediated by the binding of IgE with the cell receptor sites found on basophils or mast cells. Delayed hypersensitivity on the other hand is a cell-mediated immunological reaction in someone who has been previously sensitized to an antigen. As suggested by the classification of these reactions, they occur between 12 to 48 hours (more or less) after exposure.

Regardless of the classification scheme used, allergies are representative of a hyper-functioning immune system, the very system that is responsible for distinguishing between “self” and “non-self”. The failure of the immune system to function properly can present some of the most challenging clinical problems that one encounters in the practice of medicine.

From a homeopathic point of view the pathological classification is much less important than the symptom picture of the patient, even though there are some correlations between the allopathic and homeopathic classification systems. I have successfully treated cases of acute allergies (to a newly acquired dog or cat for example) with homeopathic preparations of the actual dander from the offending animal. Seasonal allergies to specific allergens (juniper in the spring, for example) can sometimes be successfully treated and even prevented with a homeopathic preparation of juniper.

My approach has been to evaluate the patient individually and determine to what extent the allergy is interfering with their ability to function in the way that they would like and to see if the allergies fit into a broader pattern of illness. If the allergy is related to a specific situation or substance I will either try and make a remedy from that substance, use a combination remedy such as BHI Allergy or BHI Hayfever, or give the appropriate single remedy. If the allergy seems to be part of deeper illness then I may use a product such as BHI Allergy for the acute symptoms. But I will also direct homeopathic treatment at deeper, more constitutional levels.

In 1989 I treated a patient who was an artist, working with ceramics. He had suffered allergies for years, primarily allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. He responded almost immediately to BHI Allergy with a complete resolution of his symptoms. However, whenever he stopped taking the medication, his symptoms would return. Three months after the initial visit I made a homeopathic remedy for this patient out of some of the kiln dust from his studio. After one week we stopped all medications and he has remained symptom free since that time.

Another patient was a 43 year old woman who had allergies that began with the blooming of the juniper trees in February and continued unabated until midsummer. She also felt completely depleted in energy and paradoxically suffered from insomnia. She had been taking BHI Allergy which provided some symptomatic relief for her allergies but had no effect on her chronic fatigue or insomnia. A constitutional homeopathic prescription began moving her slowly towards a state of increased health. By the following February she was almost completely recovered and interestingly enough, she had no juniper allergies for the first time in years. (She also had no insomnia or fatigue.)
I have also treated several cases of hay fever successfully with combination remedies.

BHI Hayfever Nasal Spray for the treatment of hay fever contains Luffa operculata, Galphimia glauca, Histaminum, and Sulphur; all remedies with a proven track record in the treatment of allergies in general, and hay fever in particular. Galphimia glauca is a plant that grows wild in Mexico whose provings were done in Germany in the 1960’s. The main clinical symptoms associated with the proving were a “hypersecretion from the nasal and ocular mucous membranes, …sneezing, …edema of the eyelids…” (O.A. Julian): all symptoms classically associated with hay fever and allergic rhinitis. Hay fever has been successfully treated with Galphimia glauca in Europe for years. There are some clinical trials that have been conducted with this remedy (Wiesenauer M., Gaus W.)

Luffa operculata is a plant from South America with provings done in 1962. Acute and chronic inflammations of the nasal mucous membranes was one of the keynotes.
Histaminum had provings done in 1950 and hay fever and other allergic conditions figure prominently in its symptom picture.
Sulphur, the greatest of the homeopathic polycrests, has hay fever and allergic rhinitis present in the many symptoms that it is capable of treating.

BHI Hayfever Nasal Spray is formulated for specific effectiveness in the treatment of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. It is important to remember that many patients with these disorders are, for all practical purposes, addicted to the use of nasal sprays. They often suffer from drowsiness and rebound congestion after using anti-histamine nasal sprays. Providing these patients with a homeopathic nasal spray as an alternative is an effective solution for treating their hay fever while simultaneously weaning them from their anti-histamine nasal spray.

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QUESTION FROM THE MEDICAL PRACTICE
On the Homeopathic Treatment of Migraine Attacks

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reprinted from Biological Therapy, Vol. IV, No. 2, September 1986, pp. 32–33

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DR. MED. EGON KRÖGER

Question:
Can migraine attacks also be treated effectively with homeopathic complex pharmaceuticals?

Answer:
As in many pathological processes, the pathogenesis of migraine has not yet been finally clarified. However, it can be assumed that one part of the migraine attacks is allergy-induced and in particular stimulants and foodstuffs play their part in this connection (1).

Cerebral vascular spasms with subsequent ischemic disturbances belong to the clinical picture of migraine just as much as permeability changes in the cerebral vessels as well as vascular dilatation in different sections of the brain. The approaching migraine attack is signalled to the patient by a prodromal phase, in which disturbances to the field of vision occur. This can extend to short-term complete, but reversible blindness. The half-sided occurrence of headaches with severe disturbances to the general state of health is characteristic for migraine (2). Numerous substances are used today for the pharmacotherapy of migraine such as: analgesics, ergotamine, dihydro-ergotamine, caffeine, furosemide, methysergide, clonidine, pizotifen, cyproheptadine and propranolol (3). The therapist can select from these and combine individual therapy measures. In the case of these substances it is a question, without exception, of highly effective pharmaceuticals, which accordingly are also associated with a risk of side effects, which in part assumes considerable dimensions, e.g. fibrocization of the lungs and pleura as well as of the endocardium by methysergide (3) or kidney damages (phenacetine kidney) due to many years’ consumption of analgesics and analgesic-induced permanent headache.

In the course of prophylactic administration of cyproheptadine, constant sedation of the patient can result. In order not to cause additional problems for the patient due to medication, I have looked for medicinal therapeutic possibilities free of side effects.

“The treatment of migraine with biological-homeopathic drugs is reported on in some publications (4,5,6,7). The fact that migraine must be treated in each case individually applies quite particularly in the case of biological medicines. Thus Hille (4) intimates that “the first link in the chain of effects can be far removed from the outward signs, therefore from the directly effective and recognizable symptoms. It is necessary to find this first link in the chain of effects, because the way to the healing agent and thus to success leads directly from it”. It is therefore necessary to detect the factor triggering the disease and to treat this with the suitable homeopathic agent. However, there are also in homeopathy preparations which can be designated as basic therapeutic agents and which have proven themselves in treating migraine. Spigelon (Heel) and Gelsemium-Homaccord (Heel) belong to these.

Two homeopathic combination preparations, the effect of which is based among other things on the following homeopathic constituents: Gelsemium, Rhus toxicodendron and Cimicifuga, Spigelia, Belladonna, Bryonia, Melilotus and Thuja. I use these two drugs in combination for my migraine patients; a few case reports are listed in tabular form below.

Case Table Summary

Case	Sex	Age	Therapy	Diagnosis/Symptoms	Improvement After	Freedom from Complaints After
1	fem.	33	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	severe headaches or vomiting, migraine headaches on the cranium and both temples	6 weeks	½ year
2	fem.	16	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, headache on the right side, vomiting	—	3 weeks
3	fem.	54	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, headache on the left side with vomiting	5 weeks	4 months
4	fem.	33	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, forehead headache with nausea	3 weeks	3 months
5	fem.	39	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, headache on the right side with vomiting & flickering before the eyes	3 weeks	—
6	fem.	33	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, forehead headache with nausea	—	2 weeks
7	fem.	16	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, headache on the left side with nausea	2 weeks	8 months
8	fem.	23	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, pulsating headache on the left side	3 weeks	1 year
9	fem.	39	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, headache on the left side with vomiting	—	4 weeks
10	male	45	Spigelon, Gelsemium-Homaccord	migraine, cervical spine syndrome, forehead headaches	no improvement after 4 weeks

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REPORT FROM THE MEDICAL PRACTICE
The Effective Principle of Gripp Heel

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DR. MED. WERNER TILL

Colds and influenza infections are a local infection of the upper and lower air passages. In most cases these are virus infections, which occur more frequently in the cold season.

Everyone is familiar with the signs and symptoms: shivering, headaches, sore throat, pharyngitis, rhinitis, increased nasal mucus secretion and in some cases coughing.

In uncomplicated cases a flu infection lasts only a few days; if secondary infections arise however, then the illness may persist for weeks, as in the case of reduced immunity. (1)

Antiphlogistic and antipyretic medicines repress the symptoms and mean that the infection is “delayed”. If on the other hand biotherapy is applied, the body’s own defences are strengthened. The excretion phase is intensified in order to remove toxins and infection sources from the organism. Anyone unfamiliar with the effective principle of biological remedies could therefore consider this ineffective.(2). According to Reckeweg, however, the “intensification” of the cold means nothing other than a “regressive vicariation of the virus disease, common cold or influenza to the excretion phase, which means overcoming the virus infection”.

Gripp-Heel is mentioned in medical literature by Hochman (3) as early as 1954. According to this, the total effect corresponds to an acceleration of mesenchymal immune reaction. John (4) characterizes the 5 components of the homeopathic combination preparation as follows:

Eupatorium perfoliatum is used for the feelings of weakness and rheumatic pains typical of influenza infections.

Bryonia is administered in cases of dryness and mucous membrane secretion.

Phosphorus is active on the pulmonary parenchyma.

Lachesis helps when the mouth and throat feel raw and in case of other throat afflictions.

The remarks on aconitum appear to me to be particularly important and characteristic for the effectiveness of the preparation Gripp-Heel. For Gripp-Heel to develop its full effectiveness, it must be taken as early as possible, at the very first symptoms of a flu infection. Endogenous immunity can no longer be adequately activated once the illness has advanced.

I should like to briefly document my own experience with Gripp-Heel with the 4 cases listed below:

Patient 1:

• Age: 42 years old, male
• Dosage: 5 x daily 1 Gripp-Heel tablet
• Diagnosis/Symptoms: influenza, slight fever
• Improvement: after 3 days
• Free of complaints: after 7 days
• Additional therapy (for cough): Aspecton®

Patient 2:

• Age: 36 years old, female
• Dosage: 5 × daily 1 Gripp-Heel tablet
• Diagnosis/Symptoms: influenza, fever
• Improvement: after 2 days
• Free of complaints: after 8 days
• Additional therapy (for cough): Aspecton®

Patient 3:

• Age: 40 years old, male
• Dosage: 3 × daily 1 Gripp-Heel tablet
• Diagnosis/Symptoms: influenza, slight fever
• Improvement: after 4 days
• Free of complaints: after 7 days
• Additional therapy (for cough): Remedacel®

Patient 4:

• Age: 54 years, female
• Dosage: 5 × daily 1 Gripp-Heel tablet
• Diagnosis/Symptoms: influenza, fever
• Improvement: after 3 days
• Free of complaints: after 7 days
• Additional therapy (for cough): Aspecton®

G.W. Bradley, A. Clover

Abstract:
A patient with small cell lung carcinoma was treated initially with extracts of mistletoe and homeopathic treatment and appeared to respond. Subsequently radiotherapy was given and the patient lived for five years seven months, which is much longer than is usual with this type of tumor.

Small cell lung cancer is a particularly aggressive tumor with a median survival in the absence of treatment of six to 17 weeks from the time of diagnosis.¹ ² It usually responds to chemotherapy but survival beyond three years is uncommon.³ We report a case of a patient who opted to have homeopathic medicine and Iscador (extract of mistletoe) rather than chemotherapy and who lived five years seven months from the time of diagnosis.

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Case Report:
A 59-year-old man presented to hospital with a three day history of right sided chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis in February 1983. A chest radiograph showed a prominent right hilum with some shadowing in the right mid zone. A bronchial neoplasm was diagnosed on bronchoscopy. Histological examination of bronchial tissue showed small cell anaplastic carcinoma.

Chemotherapy was offered but the patient refused. He elected instead to have homeopathic medicines and Iscador, which were started in April 1983. Brain metastases were suspected clinically, and because of this dexamethasone 4 mg six hourly was started. This was given for four days, then gradually withdrawn over the next five days because he developed hypomania. He was given subcutaneous Iscador once daily for five days, followed by oral Iscador 0.5–0.1–0.9 mg three times a day. The dose was progressively increased over a few weeks to achieve a maintenance dose that varied from 5 to 10 mg three times a day. Various homeopathic medicines were given, selected in accordance with the histological type of the lung tumor and the overall reaction of the patient. These were taken until April 1984, when he requested in January 1988 after the patient had requested a further homeopathic consultation and continued until shortly before his death.

A chest radiograph in August 1983 showed extensive changes, consistent with advance of the tumor since the initial diagnosis. By June 1984 the chest radiograph was near normal and he was well.

In October 1984 he developed pain down the left arm in the region of distribution of C7–T1, with some impairment of sensation. At that time his chest radiograph was normal but he had a group of hard lymph nodes in the right supraclavicular fossa. Neurological investigations showed normal cerebrospinal fluid and brain scanning showed minor cerebral atrophy. Biopsy of the lymph nodes confirmed small cell carcinoma consistent with the bronchial primary tumor. There were no neurosensory deficits present to suggest cord compression. Infiltration of his left brachial plexus with tumor was suspected and he was offered radiotherapy, which was given to both supraclavicular fossae and to the mediastinum (May 1985). The pain did not improve and continued to trouble him until his death; otherwise the quality of his life was good.

Regular follow up proved difficult because of his hypomanic personality. A chest radiograph in February 1987 was virtually normal. When he was reviewed in February 1988 his overall clinical condition had not changed but a chest radiograph showed further prominence of the right hilum, consistent with recurrence of the tumor. In September 1988 he was admitted to hospital after gradual deterioration over eight weeks with weight loss, weakness, and dysphagia. His chest radiograph now showed extensive changes consistent with widespread tumor in the right lung and his sodium concentration was low (122 mmol/l) consistent with small cell carcinoma. He died in a hospice in October 1988; there was no necropsy.

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Discussion:
A diagnosis of small cell carcinoma was made from two sites at different times. Review of the histological material confirmed the nature of the tumor. It is a particularly aggressive nature of this tumor course of the illness was remarkable. The initial radiological shadowing after getting worse initially had regressed almost completely before radiotherapy was given. The progress of the disease from May 1985 may have been influenced by the radiotherapy, but prolonged survival is not expected to result from radiotherapy alone.

Extracts of mistletoe have been used for medicinal purposes for several centuries and are known to contain alkaloids with cytotoxic effects in vitro and in vivo.⁴ Extracts of mistletoe induce splenomegaly and thymic hyperplasia in tumor-bearing mice⁵ and have also been shown to have adjuvant properties for the cellular immune response to sheep red blood cells when given intracecutaneously in mice.⁶ It is difficult to relate these findings in experimental animals to the use of Iscador in man, and the potential pharmacological effects made it impossible to discover whether the homeopathic medication had any additional influence. Nevertheless, this case emphasizes the potential importance of naturally occurring bioactive chemicals.

In my experience working in the field of allergy and environmental medicine, Candida patients do far better only when they have modified their environments—and not just their diets—to reduce airborne moulds and humidity levels.

Many of my patients complain of a combination of joint pain, mood swings, obesity they can’t shift, irritable bowel syndrome and bloating, food cravings and depression. Diagnostic dieting and a careful case history usually reveal a Candida overgrowth problem. This partially responds to changes in the diet, nutritional supplements and foods which discourage gut Candida. Nevertheless, on this regime, they never really get completely better. They also tend to yo-yo on and off the diet, not surprising as it is restrictive, boring and difficult to manage socially.

I have long suspected that what passes for a diagnosis of gut Candida overgrowth is probably more accurately termed a general gut “dysbiosis”, and it seems likely that a number of different organisms and yeasts can be responsible for this syndrome. I suspect that people with gut dysbiosis are also sensitive to inhaled moulds, which somehow trigger those in the gut and make people feel worse.

But, if efforts are made to reduce the total mould count in the home—especially the bedroom—and to avoid certain mould traps, my patients do appear to get over the problem and are able to return to a normal life.

Air contains dust and mould spores, which are very small (less than five microns) and able to pass easily through filters. In my experience, almost all houses in England suffer from high a mould count because of our damp climate. Luckily, though, it’s not too difficult to dry out most indoor environments.

Inexpensive humidity metres are now available which can give an indication of mould count, but no information about individual moulds. Moulds sporulate (multiply) seasonally and are generally highest in summer. Ideally, the humidity should be kept below 35 per cent. Although some may find this too dry for comfort, it certainly lowers the overall mould count.

Central heating, low light heaters and dehumidifiers all help to dry the air. The latter should be plumbed in as they will wring out a lot of water from the air and should be left on indefinitely. Although they are relatively expensive to run, they will really improve a bedroom.

Besides drying out your house, it’s also important to avoid gardening and compost heaps, and even indoor houseplants. Initially, you should also refrain from mowing the lawn since cut grass contains a good deal of mould. In fact, it’s a good idea to shut your windows when grass is being mowed.

Organic food is good for your health in other ways, but it often has a higher mould count than the non-organic variety as fungicides are not used.

The problem is compounded by old beds, pillows and mattresses, which trap dust and mould and are constantly breathed in while we sleep. Using a dustproof mattress and pillow covers, and washing the bedclothes frequently can cut down moulds considerably.

A typical patient of mine with this problem was Nora. She was 48 years old when she came to see me, complaining of a gradual onset over five years of night pain, bloating, wind, water retention (ankle swelling), joint pains, mould swings and just feeling constantly tired. Dieting had slightly failed to reduce her weight.

Nora had a responsible job in the armed services and was extremely active—she hadn’t missed a day in nearly eight years! Her diet was already very good and included all courses of antibiotics.
She lived in a semi-detached house with a garden near a river.

She was a keen gardener and had noticed her symptoms were worse after mowing the grass, especially early in the season. She also had many indoor plants, which caused condensation on the insides of the windows.

When Nora first came to see me, she’d already been keeping a food diary, which included observations about the weather and how she felt on wet or damp days. This, together with a careful history, enabled us to diagnose a Candida problem following her personal course of antibiotics.

Nora embarked on a basic anti-Candida diet (see the WDDTY Guide to Candida and ME), avoiding sugar, yeast, most cheeses, anything fermented, wild or visibly mouldy, and increasing her intake of olive oil and carnitine. I suggested nutritional supplements, including probiotics.

But perhaps the most important part of her treatment was reducing the total load of mould in her life. This involved getting rid of houseplants, drying the air with dehumidifiers and making liberal use of central heating. I also suggested that she use low light heating in damp corners, have any obvious mould removed (by someone else) and avoid cutting the grass.

Gradually, Nora improved on this regime. After some weeks, she was able to broaden her diet. Her long-term diarrhoea was cured, and she was delighted to find that she could eat damp cheese. Her mood and energy had returned to normal, her joints felt better and she had lost some weight.

She still felt depressed in damp weather, but she was able to cope now that she understood why.

Hidden Dangers of Carpeting

Wall‑to‑wall carpeting complements the décor of a home or business, muffles noise in the classroom, adds comfort and warmth, and provides a sense of security where young children crawl and play. However, there is more to carpeting than meets the eye. The dangers hide in what we cannot see.

Dyes, stain‑guards, moth‑proofing, dust mites, heavy metals, pesticides, molds, toxic chemicals in the carpeting, padding and adhesives, VOCs from other sources collect in carpeting, and all add up to a veritable stew of contaminants. They are not removed by vacuuming — and shampooing can sometimes worsen conditions.¹

Carpet chemicals can off‑gas for weeks after installation and in some cases for years. Formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, styrene, methyl methacrylate, ethylbenzene, hexamethylene triamine, 1‑chloronaphthalene, 2‑methyl­naphthalene, and 1‑phenyl­cyclopentanol are just a few of the chemicals given off by new carpeting.²

Carpet exposed to sunlight deteriorates more quickly and outgasses faster. Very little is known about the synergistic effects of the myriad chemicals associated with new carpeting and the installation process.

Synthetic carpets have become the most popular floor covering in North America. They have a short life span of only eight years indoors before being carted off to a landfill. Factoring in the long‑term cost for carpet replacement plus landfill expenses and degradation to the environment, carpeting may be more costly than other floor treatments.

Indoor Air Quality
Americans spend 80‑90% of their time indoors at home, at school, the office, even “working out” is done indoors at a health centre. What does this mean to our health? Indoor air is much more dangerous than was believed just a few years ago — and the trend is getting worse.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates outdoor air quality, but has not been mandated to regulate indoor air quality. However, they do fund extensive research on indoor air quality issues and have a free booklet titled, Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality, available by calling 1‑800‑438‑4318.

The EPA claims indoor air quality is a major cause of illness in the U.S., and can be ten times worse than air pollution in Los Angeles during rush hour. Tightly sealed buildings save energy, but concentrate contaminants from paint, carpet, and other building materials. This has given rise to a new malady — Sick Building Syndrome — often associated with headaches, sore throat, and respiratory discomfort.

Carpets are the most significant source of Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) in new and remodeled buildings. More than a thousand different chemicals are used in the manufacture of carpeting materials. Cumulative and synergistic effects on human health have not yet been studied.

The EPA has assembled an extensive bibliography of air quality reviews available in computerized database that contains data from all over the world. The Indoor Reference Bibliography, from the National Center for Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC is available by calling 919‑541‑4165.

VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are common indoor air pollutants. Being volatile, they evaporate easily, and being organic, they contain carbon. Indoor air typically contains 30‑100 different VOCs that are readily measurable, and others at low levels which are more difficult to measure. Some VOCs are harmless such as the smell of an orange. Others, such as odors given off by molds and synthetic carpet, are problems in sensitive individuals.

The chemicals used in hundreds of manufactured products outgas, or give off VOCs. These might include benzene, xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, and ethanol to mention a few of the more familiar sounding ones.

Increased numbers of people are exhibiting symptoms related to their environment. Allergies are much more common today than 50 years ago. The rate and number of new chemicals being introduced into our environment far exceeds the evolutionary process which would allow humans and wildlife to properly adapt. Toxic, allergenic and carcinogenic materials used in construction and furnishing materials are a major cause. Tighter buildings designed for fuel conservation have aggravated an already serious problem.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is one of the most insidious of all indoor air pollutants and the most studied. Formaldehyde is cheap to produce. Consequently it is used in a wide range of applications from embalming fluid to permanent press fabrics, even plastics and shampoo. Formaldehyde is found in many building materials, including particleboard, plywood, insulation, paints and carpeting.

Formaldehyde is colorless and has a pungent odor only at fairly high concentrations. It is often odorless at levels of concern when outgassing indoors. Formaldehyde exposure typically causes watery eyes, headaches, tightness in chest, asthma attacks, depression, and even death.

However, a person can react to extremely low level exposures. Acute symptoms have been observed in some people to as little as 0.01 ppm in as little as five minutes.

Some researchers believe up to 20% of the population could be susceptible to formaldehyde at low concentration. It is unlikely that the majority of physicians would consider this a possible cause for many patients’ complaints of dizziness, slurred speech, forgetfulness, eye and respiratory tract irritation, chills, wheezing, cough, fever, joint pain, numbness, blurred vision, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, depression, multiple chemical sensitivity, and skin rashes. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to harmful effects of these fumes and should avoid them as much as possible.

In addition to the chronic irritating symptoms associated with formaldehyde, it has been shown to be carcinogenic and mutagenic in animal studies. The half‑life of formaldehyde outgassing ranges up to six years and is greater during hot humid weather. Some sealants can be partially effective, as can air filters, and increased ventilation. The best method for controlling formaldehyde is removing the source.

The carpet industry maintains that formaldehyde is not used in the manufacture process. Laboratory analysis, however, shows it can be released from carpeting, now suspected of absorbing VOCs from other sources. If carpeting is in place during remodeling it will absorb fumes from paints, varnishes, waxes, and glues, outgassing them back into the air later on.

Styrene
Styrene is used in the plastics industry, and in the manufacture of fiberglass and resins. It is also found in rubber backing for carpets. Styrene has a pungent odor, is easily inhaled, and highly soluble in blood and tissues. It has a half‑life of two to four days in adipose tissue and can be retained as long as 13 days following exposure.

Uptake is affected by air concentrations and respiration rate, which increases dramatically with exercise. Health‑conscious individuals working out in carpeted gyms, and children cavorting around in carpeted play areas would be inhaling more toxic VOCs than if they were exercising or playing outdoors.

Increased incidence of lymphoma and laryngeal cancer associated with styrene exposure was found among styrene workers in England.The carcinogenic activity of styrene has not been fully established. The combined exposure of individuals to styrene and other environmental carcinogens would increase their cancer risk.

Pesticides
Pesticides are complex compounds that can release various gases over their life span. Consumers in the US purchase a whopping 285 million pounds of toxic pesticides every year. These chemical compounds can be neurotoxic and carcinogenic. They can cause respiratory problems, birth defects, genetic damage, injure wildlife, pollute the environment and drinking water.

Pesticides used outdoors are tracked indoors and adhere to carpeting. Pesticides used indoors adhere to house dust, which settles on carpet fibers.

Biological Pollutants
Dust mites affect approximately 10% of the population. Mold spores, bacteria, and viruses are additional problems associated with carpeting. Dust mites live deep within carpet fibers and are not easily removed by vacuuming. The deeper the pile the greater the reservoir for mites and other toxins to collect.

Damp or wet carpeting serves as perfect breeding ground for molds to grow. High humidity and moisture from leaks can add to the problem. Carpet on concrete floors can absorb moisture, and carpets that remain damp after shampooing can be particularly problematic to individuals who are sensitive to molds.

Asthma
People with asthma have very sensitive airways that react to a number of irritants, making breathing very difficult. In the US alone, 14.6 million people now suffer from asthma, with 4.4 million of them children under the age of eighteen.The death rate from asthma continues to climb, pointing out the failure of conventional medicine to properly treat, and more importantly, prevent this disease from occurring in the first place.

It has now become common for children to bring their asthma medication with them to school. At the same time we see more wall‑to‑wall carpet being installed in the construction of new schools, and in the remodeling of older classrooms.

The National Asthma Education Program Expert Panel recommends removing carpeting from a child’s room as a preventive measure in managing asthma. The same should apply to schools and daycare centers. Asthma is a serious and growing problem. As in all health matters, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While it may not be possible to identify and eliminate all contaminants in the air we breathe, there are some simple solutions to reducing household exposures. Replacing old carpeting with alternative floor covering materials, or choosing least toxic carpet materials would be helpful.

“Consumer Protection Safety Commission” publications divert attention away from carpet chemicals as major players in asthma and related allergies. Instead, industry researchers blame pet dander, molds, rodents, and roaches for asthma‑related problems, while denying their possible contribution to respiratory disease, pet dander, molds, rodents, and roaches could not alone provoke asthma reached epidemic proportions. Shouldn’t current research take this into consideration?
Many physicians and health advocates believe industry‑sponsored research is not looking closely enough at chemical contamination. This may have depressed our immune systems, making us more sensitive to animal dander, molds, rodents, and other allergens. This presents another case of looking at the wrong end of the problem.

Children
Children are at particular risk from carpet contaminants for several reasons. Their immune systems are not fully developed, therefore they are more vulnerable to toxic exposure. Infants, toddlers and children inhale more of the toxic emissions from crawling and playing on carpeted floors, and absorb more due to skin exposure. Even when standing up they inhale closer to the source than adults.

The extra time spent in contact with floor surfaces and normal hand‑to‑mouth contact increases a child’s exposure to carpet dust. Lawn chemicals and other outdoor chemicals easily find their way indoors. Lead and combustion by‑products are common components of house dust, which settle into carpets.

The amount of lead found in dust and carpet where a child plays has been found to be the best single predictor of the toddler’s blood level of lead.

One case study of a previously healthy ten‑month‑old boy on the West Coast who developed seizures and tremors five days after new carpeting was installed in his home, baffled doctors. A battery of tests ruled out multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and tumors. “Tremors of unknown origin” was the final diagnosis. The tremors lessened when the child spent time away from home. Steam cleaning and airing out the house did not help. After watching a CBS news program about Anderson Labs in Dedham, Massachusetts, which tests carpet samples, the parents sent a sample to be tested. They “were horrified” to learn that “the mice were rolling over and shaking” just like their son’s reaction.

Months after removing the carpet, padding, and adhesives, the tremors stopped. Follow‑up tests indicate the child has immune system damage consistent with chemical exposure. His body’s immune system has mistakenly identified its own tissues or cellular components as foreign and has directed antibodies against them to the myelin in his nervous system, a sign that nerve tissue damage has occurred.

Cleaning Can Add to the Problem
Carpet holds a tremendous amount of debris — much of it highly allergenic — which cannot be removed completely by routine cleaning. Vacuum cleaners can sometimes do more harm than good because most residential models have inefficient filters which allow very fine dust particles to blow back into a room, posing serious problems for asthmatics and allergy‑prone individuals. Even with more efficient units some gases that are not highly volatile and normally cling to surfaces can become airborne during vacuuming. A central vacuum system with an outdoor exhaust is the best solution for expelling fine dust and any gases from the interior space.

Shampooing rugs often creates a damp environment triggering mold growth, mildew and dust mites, which thrive in warm humid environments. Professional rug cleaners may add insecticides and fungicides to the shampoo. Carpet shampoos can outgas formaldehyde in addition to other dangerous compounds. Dr. Claire Dykewicz with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that outbreaks of rashes from newly shampooed carpets are not uncommon.

Carpet cleaning has been associated with Kawasaki Syndrome in children, a systemic illness characterized by high fever. Symptoms often occur 16–25 days after cleaning. An increased incidence has been noted among higher socioeconomic classes. Reviewing a 1984–86 Colorado outbreak found that 62% of affected children had been exposed to carpet cleaning.

Reducing the amount of outdoor pollutants tracked indoors can be accomplished by placing mats at each entrance. Removing shoes as often as possible is also recommended. Well‑known health writer and TV personality, Gary Null makes it a practice to remove his shoes upon entering his home and requests that others do the same. Recognizing that shoes pick up animal and other wastes in addition to lead, motor oil, soot, soil, and pesticides, the inconvenience of removing one’s shoes appears to be worth the effort.

Dagmar Lanninger-Bolling, M.D.

Reprinted from Biologische Medizin,
(1997 Jun):137.

In traditional Chinese medicine, which developed out of a holistic school of thought, it is said that:

a distinguished physician
prevents illness
a mediocre physician
controls recurrent illness
an undistinguished physician
treats illness

We ought to learn from all physicians whose guiding principle has been to treat the person before the appearance of disease. But even in situations that have already led to pathological disturbances and/or biologically spread blocks in the body’s catabolic systems, there are valuable therapies that take this holistic and causally causal approach. It is well known that chronic organic or immunological symptoms appear only when the “internal milieu,” along with its pluripotent resistance and detoxification functions, is overburdened or blocked. For this reason, adjusting and refining this basic biological system and keeping it functional is an especially important therapeutic task.

Patients whose illness is worsening and whose defenses are increasingly overburdened with substances toxic to the organism are especially good candidates for intravenous therapy with antihomotoxic preparations. This therapy can prevent more serious illnesses from developing and can prevent the current illness from becoming chronic.

The advantages of intravenous treatment are guaranteed compliance and rapid improvement in the patient’s condition. As the patient experiences his or her vitality returning, this becomes the best possible motivation for maintaining a more conscious lifestyle.

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Personal experience

In our work with numerous patients over the past few years, intravenous treatment with a combination of antioxidants and antihomotoxic remedies has proven to be the most reliable fast-acting form of elimination therapy for the following conditions:

• noxae load/toxicities
• chronic metabolic disorders
• rheumatic diseases
• chronic liver disease
• autoimmune diseases
• degenerative diseases
• disorders of hormonal control
• lowered resistance
• chronic neurological disorders
• drop in performance

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Therapy

Intravenous treatments are administered twice weekly for a total of 10 times. The combination of antihomotoxic remedies used (elimination agents, biocatalysts, composite preparations, and nosodes) are selected on an individual, case-specific basis. Concomitant dietary and probiotic measures are implemented and are complemented by the appropriate orthomolecular substances. The following table gives examples of protocols for three different elimination therapies.

Success of this therapy is confirmed not only by rapid and readily apparent improvement in the patient’s condition but also by means of immune-specific monitoring studies (flow cytometry) and noxae load tests, which show clear improvement after completion of treatment.

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Amalgam elimination
Ringer’s lactate solution, 250 mL

• 7.5 g Vitamin C
• 1 ampule Selenase
• 2 ampules Lymphomyosot®
• 2 ampules Mertochloral/Ischol®
• 2 ampules Hepeel®
• 2 ampules Ubichinon compositum®
• 2 ampules Solidago compositum®

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Basic detoxification for metabolic disorders caused by noxae
NaCl, 250 mL

• 7.5 g Vitamin C
• 1 ampule Selenase
• 1 ampule Lymphomyosot®
• 1 ampule Galium-Heel
• 2 ampules Hepeel®
• 1 ampule Solidago compositum
• 1 ampule Circulo-Heel®

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Metabolic disorders, obesity, rheumatic disorders
Ringer’s lactate solution, 250 mL

• 7.5 g Vitamin C
• 1 ampule Selenase
• 1 ampule Thyreoidea compositum®
• 1 ampule Hepar compositum®
• 1 ampule Solidago compositum
• 2 ampules Lymphomyosot®
• 1 ampule Galium-Heel
• 2 ampules Neuralgo Rheum-Heel®

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Address of the author:
Dagmar Lanninger-Bolling, M.D.
Biologische Human — Institute for Applied Immunology and Preventive Medicine
Königstrasse 55/1
D-65812 Bad Soden
Germany

Biopuncture is a technique that involves the injection of biotherapeutic substances into specific anatomical locations to promote healing, particularly in the realm of musculoskeletal conditions. Unlike conventional injections that often involve corticosteroids or analgesics, biopuncture relies on diluted natural medicines such as Traumeel, Lymphomyosot, Spascupreel, and Zeel. These are used to stimulate the body’s innate regulatory systems rather than suppressing symptoms. This method holds promise for homeopaths and holistic practitioners treating sports-related injuries, as it supports physiological repair mechanisms while aligning with a non-toxic and individualized approach.

Mechanism and Application of Biopuncture in Sports Medicine

Biopuncture is particularly useful in sports medicine due to its precision in targeting inflammation, muscle spasms, joint pain, and ligament injuries. The therapeutic agents are injected either subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or into ligaments and tendinous attachments, depending on the pathology.

For acute inflammation, Traumeel is typically the preparation of choice. It contains a blend of plant-based and mineral components designed to reduce inflammation and modulate immune response. Zeel is more suitable for chronic joint complaints, especially those involving degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. Spascupreel targets muscle spasms, while Lymphomyosot supports lymphatic drainage and reduces tissue congestion, often used for swelling.

These injectables may be administered alone or in combination, often diluted with a local anesthetic such as 1% procaine or 0.5% lidocaine to increase comfort during administration. Subcutaneous injections are favored when technical constraints limit access to deeper structures—for instance, when treating small joints like the fingers or the temporomandibular joint. They are also commonly used to stimulate cutaneomuscular reflexes, which can indirectly influence deeper musculoskeletal layers.

Clinical Illustrations

1. Acute Ankle Injury in a Basketball Player
A 25-year-old female basketball player presented with lateral ankle pain and swelling three days post-injury. Imaging confirmed a lateral band injury. The treatment approach involved subcutaneous injections of Traumeel, Lymphomyosot, and 0.5% lidocaine administered at four pain points. Topical Traumeel ointment and oral Traumeel tablets complemented the therapy. After two sessions spaced a week apart, she reported an 80% improvement and was able to resume play without discomfort.

2. Knee Osteoarthritis in a Tennis Player
A 53-year-old male tennis player had experienced worsening knee pain for six months. Radiological examination confirmed arthritic changes, especially in the right knee. NSAIDs offered temporary relief but had to be discontinued due to gastrointestinal side effects. During clinical evaluation, several myofascial trigger points (MTPs) were identified in the quadriceps muscle above the patella. An injectable mixture of Zeel, Spascupreel, and 1% procaine was administered intramuscularly into these points. While initial treatment provoked a transient exacerbation of symptoms (interpreted as a reaction phase), the patient eventually experienced complete and sustained relief after seven weekly sessions.

3. Groin Pain in a Middle-Distance Runner
A 30-year-old woman sought relief from chronic groin pain aggravated by running. Initial subcutaneous injections of Traumeel into the pain area were ineffective. Upon deeper examination, MTPs were found in the adductor longus muscle. Intramuscular injections (depth of 2–3 cm) into these trigger points with Traumeel produced over 50% improvement after the first session and complete symptom resolution after three sessions.

4. Chronic Neck Pain in a Football Player
A 29-year-old professional soccer player suffered persistent neck pain following an on-field collision. Imaging studies were unremarkable, but localized tenderness was detected along the nuchal ligament, suggesting ligamentous involvement. Weekly injections at the ligamentous pain points (LPPs) included Traumeel, 20% glucose solution, and 1% lidocaine. After five sessions, the patient achieved full symptom resolution.

Physiological Insights and Relevance to Homeopathy

Biopuncture, although not classical homeopathy, shares its foundational emphasis on stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanisms. The remedies used in biopuncture, such as Traumeel, contain multiple diluted components akin to homeopathic combination remedies. These substances act on inflammation, immune modulation, circulation, and tissue repair without suppressive or toxic effects.

Biopuncture aligns well with the homeopathic philosophy of minimal intervention and respecting the vital force. It offers a pathway to mechanical and functional healing, especially in athletes and physically active individuals for whom rapid yet non-doping recovery is paramount.

Trigger points and ligamentous points targeted in biopuncture often reflect areas of energy blockage or local tissue dysfunction—concepts not foreign to homeopathy or related energetic modalities such as acupuncture. Moreover, the use of injection as a delivery route does not diminish the bioregulatory effect; rather, it ensures precise action with minimal systemic exposure.

Safety and Efficacy Considerations

The increasing demand for non-pharmacological treatments among athletes and the general public places biopuncture in a favorable light. These preparations are not on banned substance lists, making them suitable for professional sports settings. Additionally, their side effect profile is markedly milder compared to steroids or NSAIDs, making biopuncture particularly attractive for patients with gastrointestinal sensitivities or those seeking holistic alternatives.

Clinicians have observed that initial aggravations—a hallmark concept familiar in homeopathic practice—may signal a biological response to the therapy. This reaction phase, often misunderstood in conventional medicine, is welcomed in the integrative model as a sign that the immune and tissue systems are engaging with the stimulus.

Conclusion: A Confluence of Modern Technique and Natural Medicine

Biopuncture stands at a unique intersection between conventional orthopedics, natural medicine, and manual therapies. It provides a structured, evidence-informed method for treating musculoskeletal disorders without reliance on suppressive drugs or invasive surgery. With increasing skepticism towards corticosteroids and NSAIDs, both among physicians and patients, the openness to regenerative and bioregulatory methods is growing.

Homeopaths exploring sports medicine can integrate biopuncture within their practice, especially when complemented by classical constitutional treatment. This dual approach—addressing both the general susceptibility of the individual and the local trauma—is deeply harmonious with Hahnemannian principles.

Workshops and hands-on training are recommended for practitioners to become confident in injection techniques and anatomical localization. Once mastered, biopuncture can become a highly rewarding therapeutic option in the modern homeopath’s repertoire.

Dysbiosis: the missing link

This booklet will give information about intestinal dysbiosis. This condition is characterised by an imbalanced intestinal bacterial flora. It will explain the relationships between food and lifestyle and its impact on health and diseases. In the intestine, micro-organisms influence our body functions in many different aspects, i.e., biochemically and immunologically. It is most important to treat the microflora in an enlightened probiotic direction.

These probiotics, often some sort of lactic acid producing cultures, are able together with the host’s own flora, to deal with disturbances due to inadequate food, stress and strain, environmental toxins and different medical drugs such as antibiotics, contraceptives, painkillers etc.

The intestinal flora influence the immune system and regulate the body’s ability to cleanse itself of waste products, i.e., detoxification. A harmonised and balanced flora will contribute to a better absorption of nutrients, i.e., minerals, trace elements, vitamins and amino acids.

Intestinal Dysbiosis

What is dysbiosis?

Dys- means faulty and -bios is life and growth. This implies faulty life. In biological terms, the phrase intestinal dysbiosis is used for an unbalanced bacterial flora in the intestine. You could say the microflora is dysbiotic. Normally, it is understood this condition includes harmful metabolic activity of the flora.

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How does dysbiosis develop?

There are many factors that influence what type of bacteria or micro-organisms will grow or colonise in the gastrointestinal channel. In the mouth, there are already quite a number of bacteria. Many of them come from the intake of food. In the ventricle, the amount will be reduced. In the small intestine, the numbers of bacterial cells increase from the beginning towards the end (i.e., E5 to E9–10/g content). You’ll find the highest amount of bacteria in the colon (i.e., E10–11/g content). Stress, food, medical drugs, environmental toxic loading, and climate are all factors that stimulate or inhibit different types of micro-organisms. A poorly balanced diet will create a dysbiosis.

Different life situations with psychic stress or disharmony are also very influential in creating a dysbiosis. A great number of medical drugs inhibit the beneficial flora from acting normally. Environmental toxins can also provoke an intestinal dysbiosis. Food supplements taken inadequately will disturb the important balance. It should be noted that the climate supports a variety of different bacterial cultures. This is often experienced when travelling, i.e., tourist diarrhoea.

What conditions or diseases depend on dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis will often show as functional disturbances in the ventricle or the intestine. Symptoms such as dyspepsia, constipation or loose stools are conditions that will later develop into gastritis and chronic inflammation in the intestine. Ulcers in the ventricle or the intestine could result if the dysbiosis is not properly regulated. Gallbladder problems and obstipation or diarrhoea are often related to intestinal dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can also manifest in dysfunction of the immune system, i.e., food intolerance. Atopies or allergies, i.e., eczema and urticaria, are of similar origin. Chronic inflammatory diseases, i.e., arthritis, are also developed in the context of dysbiosis. Certain types of migraine, where food and diet are significant in the outbreak, could be a symptom of intestinal dysbiosis.

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How will dysbiosis be inhibited?

Through the stimulation of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, the degree of dysbiosis will be reduced. Optimising the food intake and avoiding detrimental stress, mental and physical welfare can be disrupted by harmful medical drugs, environmental toxins and micro-organisms. There are not many of us that can live in total harmony. This would be an utopia. To be successful in this, you must learn what is beneficial and what is harmful for the intestinal flora in general and in each case.

Eubiosis and Probiosis

What is probiotics?

Lactic acid bacterial cultures, so-called probiotics, stimulate colonization of the so-called human autochthonous flora in a beneficial direction. Probios means for life. A condition without any dysbiosis is called eubiosis. It is more likely to be an utopia. Reducing the degree of dysbiosis is called probiosis. That is why the cultures are called probiotics.

As a therapist, you of course advise your patient to optimise all the factors mentioned above. A well-balanced diet and life pattern is the best insurance for being healthy. In most cases, probiotics could be an important, if not crucial, complement.

Bifidobacterias and Bacteroides

What bacteria are there in the stomach and the intestine?

When fasting, you only find small quantities in the stomach. Together with the intake of food, the amount of bacteria will increase to E5 cfu/ml liquid. There often are streptococci, bifidobacteria, enterobacteria and bacteroides—some of them emanating from the mouth and the food itself. These will be reduced when the stomach starts producing acid and the pH is reduced. Further down in the small intestine, the number of cells increases again; E5–7 cfu/ml content.

In the colon, the numbers increase dramatically. The two dominating types of cultures are bacteroides and bifidobacteria. There are about E10–11 cfu/g faeces. The weight is 0.5–1 kg! The total amount is E14. This is related to the total amount of human body cells, which is E13. This implies there are 10-fold more micro-organisms than body cells! This is of great importance, especially when referring to the immune system. The Peyer’s patches in the small intestine play the most important role in the control and balance of the immune system and its relation to the microflora. There is a microeco-intesto-immuno-endocrino-neuro-psycho linkage.
This explains many of the syndromes described, where you find both physical and psychiatric disorders closely related to each other.

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Fermentation and Putrefaction

Simplified, you could separate the bifidobacteria as the good ones and the bacteroides as the evil ones. Bifidobacteria split the food by fermentation. Lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid are produced. These will create a more acidic environment in the intestine.

The bacteroides will digest the food by putrefaction. It will then produce nitrogen waste products. These are harmful for the human body, and they will be absorbed in the intestine, reaching all the different body tissues.

Streptococci, enterococci, and enterobacteria (i.e., colibacteria) are found in minor quantities. In adolescents, the quantity of bifidobacteria is lower.
This is shown on page nine.

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What sort of diet promotes a healthy flora?

Food rich in complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. These are broken down relatively slowly and will provide you with a steady blood sugar level. Vegetables of different types, rice, and pasta are adequate roughage.

A high intake of protein and animal saturated fatty acids stimulates the activity of bacteroides towards putrefaction. In western society, we strain our bodies with the intake of too much protein and saturated fatty acids. The WHO standard protein requirement is approximately 0.8 g/day/kg body weight.

An intake of high amounts of fibre improves the motility of the intestine. This promotes the bifidobacteria. A vegetarian diet contains many different food fibres such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. An intake of fibres should always be followed by intake of water.
The term “throw water” is adequate. It indicates enough hydration.

The Immune System and Lymphoid Tissue

The intestinal flora communicate with the immune system through the so-called lymphoid tissue. This tissue is found in crypts in the small intestinal mucosa. It is called the Peyer’s plaque. Deeper in the intestinal tissue there is the lamina propria with lymphoid tissue. All this is connected together with lymphatic vessels directed towards the lymph nodes. These are located in the mesenteric fibrous tissue that lines the small intestine. This is related to the other parts of the immune system. The intestinal-related immune system is in this manner able to read and translate or react on the biochemical activities in the intestine.

The immune system is stimulated or inhibited by different bacterial cultures or food items. Dysbiosis creates a disharmony in this complicated relationship. The human being is born with a genetic memory that decides what sort of food will be accepted or not. If we introduce new unknown food items into the body, there is a risk that the immune system will react against them.

Certain probiotics can induce an immunogen effect. It means B- and T-lymphocytes are stimulated and the concentration of immunoglobulins is increased. Probiotics are transitory. They do not normally colonise on the intestinal mucosa.

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Nitrogen Waste Products

What happens in the intestine biochemically and immunologically during probiotic therapy?

Those enzymes the body itself uses for digesting food are influenced directly or indirectly by all the micro-organisms there are in the stomach and the intestine. This is called enzyme induction. Certain compounds that are produced in the digestion of food are toxic and cause harm in different tissues. When there is intestinal dysbiosis, these compounds are found in high quantities.

Probiotics will reduce the dysbiosis and thereby the accumulation of toxic waste products. When protein is digested through the action of these harmful intestinal micro-organisms, directly or indirectly, a variety of nitrogen waste products—such as ammonia, urea, indols, phenols, nitrites, and nitrosamines—will be produced.

These toxic items could, in a later sequence, influence the outcome of different unhealthy conditions, i.e., chronic diseases where the immune system is seriously involved. They also promote the development of polyarthritis and skin diseases.

Normally, the liver is able to detoxify all these toxins. However, if the load is heavy and prolonged, the liver will not be able to cleanse completely.

Detoxification and Retoxification

Certain beneficial bacteria are able to neutralise toxic metabolites. This is called detoxification. The opposite is retoxification. It is the conversion of non-harmful products to harmful ones. Probiotics reduce the pH in the intestine, causing the activity of the coliform putrefactive bacteria, such as bacteroides and clostridia, to be inhibited. The production of their metabolites will then be reduced. Additionally, the absorption of these is impaired, resulting in them being excreted in the faeces.

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Conjugation and Deconjugation

One of the methods the liver uses to neutralise toxins is by conjugating them with glucuronic acid, thereby creating glucuronides. This process is called conjugation. When these are excreted from the gallbladder out into the intestine, it is given the capability to get rid of toxins.

When there is a dysbiotic condition in the intestine, certain bacteria improve their ability to digest these conjugates. This is called deconjugation. The toxins are reabsorbed into the blood. The result is retoxification.

Some of the enzymes that deconjugate and retoxify toxic waste products are:

• Beta-glucuronidase
• Azoreductase
• Nitroreductase

The outcome of their action is an increased accumulation of toxic metabolites. By probiosis, this will be reduced.

Glycosides from different green plants, such as rutin, may be converted by the action of Streptococcus faecium to quercetin. This molecule is mutagenous. It will cause injuries to the body cell’s genetic code. This can develop into malignant conditions, i.e., cancer.

Streptococcus faecalis is responsible for another sort of retoxification. It converts the amino acid tyrosine to tyrosamine. An increased amount of tyrosamine is thought to trigger attacks of migraine. In a later phase, this amine is converted to phenol, which is mutagenous.

Oestrogen

Bile acids, cholesterol, and a variety of sex hormones are exposed by the same mechanisms, i.e., conjugation and deconjugation. They are excreted by the bile into the intestine. Further down in the intestinal channel, they are reabsorbed. A certain amount is lost in the faeces. A loss of volatile bile acids and, to a certain degree, cholesterol are lost in the same manner, which could be favourable.

It is not desirable for the sex hormones to be lost in the faeces. Both female and male hormones can be lost in this manner. This happens when there is an intestinal dysbiosis. A reduced concentration of oestrogen can cause:

• Bleeding disturbances
• Increased sensitivity to genital infections (i.e., vaginitis)
• Bladder infections (i.e., cystitis)
• Impaired fertility
• Osteoporosis with pain syndrome

You may experience similar mechanisms when taking contraceptives and antibiotics at the same time.

Endotoxins

When there is dysbiosis, certain bacteria (i.e., clostridia) produce endotoxins, which will influence the immune system. A great number of chronic inflammatory diseases are related to dysbiosis. These immune-related diseases will appear in various soft tissues such as the skin, joints, urinary system, intestine, eyes, glands, etc.

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Carcinogens and Insulin

Deconjugated bile acids and cholesterol are to be converted further in a later phase. The harmful bacteria stimulate the production of an increased amount of volatile secondary bile acids and coprostanol, which is a digested product of cholesterol. These are carcinogenic, including the above-mentioned enzymes and the nitrosamines. They promote the initiation of different types of cancer, e.g., breast cancer.

An unbalanced intake of short and rapidly digested carbohydrates (i.e., glucose) intensifies the development of dysbiosis. Note the glycaemic index of different food items and their bioavailability.

There is an insulin-like substance produced by E. coli bacteria. It is a sort of analogue. This substance is thought to be absorbed into the blood and situate itself on the receptors where human insulin is normally positioned. Thereby, it will inhibit the action of insulin.

In diabetic patients, you often find dysbiotic conditions.

Vitamins and Analogues

The bacterial flora in the colon produce a variety of vitamins. The absorption of these is relatively poor. It is impossible to estimate how important this vitamin production is. All of the B vitamins and the K vitamin are produced. The latter is essential for coagulation ability. Most of our need is absorbed in the small intestine.

What is of more interest is that bacteria consume vitamins for their own survival. When there is dysbiosis, this consumption is increased in the lower part of the small intestine. Vitamin B12 will in this manner be consumed. Depressed levels of vitamin B12 are seen amongst older people; compare this with the reduced action of the bifidobacteria.

It is known that bacteria are able to produce so-called vitamin analogues. These analogues compete with the real vitamins. They act as ghosts and are believed to cause functional conditions of insufficiency. The traditional tests on vitamin B12 are inadequate and insufficient. The level of homocystein gives a better understanding of the vitamin condition. It could also in some cases function as an indirect parameter estimating dysbiosis.

As mentioned above, the autochthonous flora create a barrier and protection against hostile and not welcoming guests. The majority of the pathogen or disease-provoking bacteria are sensitive to competition from the natural flora.

When there is dysbiosis, their establishment will be facilitated. Probiotics reduce the pH in the intestine by 1–2 units. This will aggravate the establishment of, e.g., salmonella, cholera, etc.

The bifidobacteria defend their territory by producing different organic acids, i.e., acetic acid, lactic acid, and special natural antibiotics.

Certain Conditions When Probiotics Are of Importance

Below is a variety of conditions more or less related to intestinal dysbiosis.
The dysbiotic condition is directly or indirectly related to symptoms.

• Gastritis and ulcer
• Gallbladder dysfunction and liver diseases
• Constipation or irritable colon
• Obstipation or diarrhoea
• Dyspepsia
• Migraine; conversion of tyrosine to tyrosamine
• Atopies (e.g., eczema, hay fever, urticaria, asthma)
• Food intolerance (e.g., gluten intolerance)
• Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatism, SLE, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn’s disease)
• Infections in the urinary system
• Mycosis (e.g., Candida albicans)
• Exposure to radiation, cortisone, antibiotics, contraceptives
• Conditions with impaired immune defence (e.g., malignant diseases such as leukaemias)
• Insufficiency of vitamins or minerals
• Stress
• Skin diseases (e.g., acne, herpes)
• Hormonal dysfunction (e.g., bleedings, menstruation dysfunction, infertility, osteoporosis)
• Metabolic syndrome and diabetes
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

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These conditions illustrate when probiotics may be particularly beneficial, due to their potential role in restoring balance to the intestinal flora.