Category: Publications

Parent category to all problems relating to the physical aspect of the body

  • Health Risks and Evironmental Issues by Rose Marie Williams, MA

    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.

  • Intravenous Therapy Using Ampoules of Antihomotoxic Preparations

    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.


    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

    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.


    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®

    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®

    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®

    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 and Sports Injuries: A Homeopathic Perspective

    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 between health and disease Lennart Cedgard M.D.

    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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

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

  • Detoxification and Drainage Eliminating toxins from the body By Bruce H. Shelton, MD, MD(h), DiHom

    There are very few patients who don’t need detoxification and drainage intervention at all. Furthermore, each patient’s status is unique, so in designing a treatment plan, it is important to strike a balance between the patient’s previous exposure (toxic load) and the organism’s ability to detoxify (regulation ability).

    For this purpose, patients are generally divided into two groups. Group 1 includes patients with mild to moderate toxicity. In general, these are patients with mild symptoms and exposure. They elect to do a general cleansing or have milder diseases such as headaches, acne, etc. Group 2 includes patients with severe toxicity (known exposure) as well as patients with severe diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc. These patients’ regulation ability is reduced. Group 2 also includes former drug addicts as well as patients who have received chemotherapy.

    Due to their advanced toxicity, Group 2 patients need advanced supportive detoxification that prepares the organs of detoxification and elimination for the drainage phase (accomplished primarily through Lymphomyosot, a component of the Detox-Kit). The advanced organ support is thus more organotropic in character, whereas the basic detoxification and drainage is more functiotropic. In general, advanced organ support is administered for six weeks, followed by use of the Detox-Kit. In most cases, tissues will still need to be drained of residual toxins, so the use of Lymphomyosot alone is advised for several months longer (for protocols, see BT Winter 2007).

    Special case 1:

    Patients with inflammatory skin disease, such as eczema or psoriasis. The skin, classically called the “mirror of the soul,” is also a mirror of the liver and the gut. In cases of skin disease, it is essential to remember that the P450-containing system in the skin is the same as that in the liver and in the gut. Psoriasis patients in particular need bowel cleansing, which should be part of the initial advanced organ support. Thus Mucosa compositum and Cutis Compositum play a special role in these patients, although functiotropic medications such as Nux vomica-Homaccord, Berberis-Homaccord, and Lymphomyosot, along with Hepeel, are the mainstays in the treatment of skin disease. Patients with inflammatory skin disease are at high risk of flare-ups if toxin drainage is initiated before the liver and gut are ready to cope with the load. These patients need to be treated with care even though they may not seem very ill. In some cases, flare-ups will simply mean that patients need higher doses of cortisone, but in other cases hospitalization may become necessary if skin sloughing is severe.

    Patients with eczema are in a Th2 rigidity state, so they should first undergo several weeks of initial immunomodulation to get the disease under control, followed by advanced organ support, before the drainage period is initiated. Engystol is the medication of choice together with the appropriate suis-organ preparation, in this case Cutis compositum. By contrast, patients with psoriasis are in a Th1 state, so they should be treated with Traumeel oral ampoules and Cutis compositum. In both cases, it is preferable to add the catalysts during the drainage phase rather than during advanced organ support (see protocol in Table 1).

    Table 1: Protocol for inflammatory skin disease

    Disease-Specific Treatment

    For Th1 rigidity: Traumeel and Cutis compositum
    For Th2 rigidity: Engystol and Cutis compositum
    Schwef-Heel


    Weeks 1–4 (or even longer in severe cases)

    Organ/SystemTreatment
    Liver
    Urinary tract/Kidney
    Lymph
    SkinCutis compositum
    GutMucosa compositum
    Connective tissue

    Note:
    Due to the high incidence of leaky gut in inflammatory skin diseases, initial treatment of the gut and immune system is paramount. The suis organs induce Th3 cells and thus immunotolerance to the corresponding organs.

    Dosage:

    • Ampoules: In general, 3–1 times weekly, 1 ampoule i.m., s.c., i.d.
    • Drops: In general, 10 drops 3 times daily

    Advanced Organ Support

    Duration: 6 weeks

    Organ/SystemPrimary TreatmentAlternative Products
    LiverHepar compositumHepeel
    Urinary tract/KidneySolidago compositumReneel
    LymphGalium-Heel / Lymphomyosot
    SkinCutis compositumSchwef-Heel
    GutMucosa compositumNux vomica-Homaccord
    Connective tissueThyreoidea compositumPulsatilla compositum

    Basic Detoxification and Drainage

    Organ/SystemDetox TreatmentCellular Detox (Add)
    LiverDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    Urinary tract/KidneyDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    LymphDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    SkinDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    GutDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    Connective tissueDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum

    Note:
    Because Schwef-Heel is a potency chord, it does not cause aggravation to the extent classically ascribed to sulfur-containing medications. Adjuvant use of probiotics throughout the treatment should be considered.

    Dosage:

    • Ampoules: In general, 3–1 times weekly, 1 ampoule i.m., s.c., i.d.
    • Drops: In general, 10 drops 3 times daily

    Practical Protocols

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex and highly debilitating disorder characterized by chronic mental and physical exhaustion. It occurs more often, but not exclusively, in women.

    Special case 2: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

    All patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have some form of toxicity. Some of these patients present primarily with symptoms of intoxication and have a history of toxic exposure, often temporally related to the onset of the syndrome.

    Due to general immune imbalance (Th2 rigidity) and mitochondrial impairment in these patients, advanced organ support is essential, but even before that, support for the mucous membranes, the immune system, and the neuroendocrine system is helpful. This is best done with a combination of Mucosa compositum and Tonsilla compositum. After two weeks, advanced organ support can begin, followed by the drainage phase. If relapse occurs during the drainage phase, advanced organ support should be resumed for at least another six weeks (see protocol in Table 2).

    Table 2: Protocol for chronic fatigue syndrome

    Disease-Specific Treatment: Aletris-Heel

    Followed by detoxification therapy


    Weeks 1–2

    Organ/SystemTreatment
    Liver
    Urinary tract/Kidney
    LymphTonsilla compositum
    GutMucosa compositum
    Connective tissue

    Weeks 3–8: Advanced Organ Support

    Organ/SystemPrimary TreatmentAlternative Products
    LiverHepar compositumHepeel
    Urinary tract/KidneySolidago compositumReneel
    LymphTonsilla compositumGalium-Heel
    GutMucosa compositumNux vomica-Homaccord
    Connective tissueThyreoidea compositumPulsatilla compositum

    Weeks 9–20: Basic Detoxification and Drainage

    Organ/SystemDetox TreatmentCellular Detox (Add)
    LiverDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    Urinary tract/KidneyDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    LymphDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    GutDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum
    Connective tissueDetox-KitCoenzyme compositum / Ubichinon compositum

    Note:
    These patients need very gradual treatment. Because they often have multiple chemical sensitivities, it is advisable to first restore the integrity of the gut lining while administering Tonsilla compositum to support the adrenals and the hypothalamus. This also supports the immune system.

    Dosage:

    • Ampoules: In general, 3–1 times weekly, 1 ampoule i.m., s.c., i.d.
    • Drops: In general, 10 drops 3 times daily

  • DENTISTRY AND HOMEOPATHY: AN OVERVIEW Richard D. Fischer, D.D.S.

    INTRODUCTION

    The dental profession is becoming increasingly aware of the indivisibility of dental health and overall health. The teeth, the tongue, the gingiva, the lips, the salivary glands, etc. are all integrated with the rest of the body via the nerves, the blood and lymphatic circulations, glandular secretions, acupuncture meridians, the connecting bones and joints and by the digestive tube which extends from the mouth to the anus.

    Because of the mechanical nature of most dental therapeutic procedures it may occasionally be convenient to forget that the mouth we are treating is connected to a vital, breathing, thinking, feeling human being. Yet the profound interrelationships between the mouth and the rest of the body have been recognized in the scientific literature of the West for several decades and by the Chinese for some fifty centuries.

    When treating someone with an oral health problem, often the cause is found locally—such as a broken tooth due to trauma, a lost filling, or a sore spot from an ill-fitting denture. But more frequently the cause is found outside the mouth. This is particularly true of the more chronic oral maladies, such as periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, oral cancers, bruxism, bad breath, herpes simplex, tooth decay and, more recently, AIDS. Other common examples of this remote causation of oral pathology include the severe alveolar bone resorption found around the roots of the teeth in the diabetic patient,⁴ and the gross proliferation of fibrous tissue of the gingiva in the epileptic patient receiving Dilantin therapy.⁵ Even the American Dental Association now recognizes this systemic causation of periodontal disease.³ The dentist is sought out for evaluation and treatment of these oral symptoms—despite the fact that these oral symptoms are merely a localized manifestation of a more systemic disturbance.

    Perhaps less widely appreciated but, I maintain, more frequent in occurrence are those systemic maladies which result from oral sources—as has been elaborately described and documented by Dr. Rheinhold Voll,⁴ and others.⁵ ⁶ Typical examples include the constipation of the TMJ patient due to his impaired chewing ability, or the migraine headaches of a mercury-hypersensitive physician provoked by a mouthful of amalgam (50% Hg) fillings, or the abdominal rash of the nickel-hypersensitive woman elicited by placing a nickel crown on her tooth. In these cases, ironically, the patients traditionally must seek the treatment of a physician (rather than the dentist) because of the systemic nature of the symptoms—despite their oral origins.

    Consider that only a few decades ago it was fairly common “medical” treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to extract all the patient’s teeth—frequently with great success. One cannot soberly ignore the fact that what we do in our dental treatment can profoundly affect that individual’s systemic health and vice versa.

    Once this concept is embraced, then the role of homeopathy in dentistry is much easier to appreciate. We will look at both acute and chronic dental prescribing, in this paper, and then explore the three basic constitutional types.

    ACUTE DENTAL PRESCRIBING

    Over the years I have found that a handful of remedies can handle the majority of the acute dental emergencies with which I have been faced in my practice. These first-aid remedies can help alleviate the pain or discomfort of dental emergencies, at least temporarily, until proper dental care measures can be received. I must emphasize, however, that the remedial measures proposed herein are not intended to replace good dental care, but rather to serve as a safe and effective complement to good dental care. (The potencies mentioned below are only suggestions. These are the ones I have used in my practice. A 30C should work as well as a 30X. As in all homeopathic prescribing, the remedy selection is more important than the potency. In other words, if the case calls for Belladonna 30X and all you have is Belladonna 6C, use it!)

    Abscesses

    1. Belladonna. Early dental abscesses, accompanied by redness and throbbing which is aggravated by the slightest touch (30X every 30–60 minutes).
    2. Hepar sulphuris calcareum. Where the abscess is accompanied by pus formation, increased salivation, and where the gums are sore to the touch and bleed easily. Repeated doses of 6X will encourage pus discharge, while higher potencies (30X–200, two or three times daily) will help abort pus formation.
    3. Silicea. Once pus is draining, Silicea 6X a few times daily will hasten the discharge.
    4. Myristica. Where the abscess is swollen and accompanied by numbness of the area. Especially suited to the wisdom teeth. (6X)
    5. Calendula. Dilute the tincture 1 part to 20 parts of water. Use as a gentle but effective disinfectant mouth rinse. This may be used several times daily (with any of the above remedies or by itself) or may be alternated with warm salt water rinses.

    Apprehension (anticipation of the dental visit)

    1. Gelsemium. Fear accompanied by “weak knees,” diarrhea, and drowsy behavior. 30X to be taken the night before, the morning of and ½ to 1 hour before the dental visit.
    2. Aconite. When the fear is accompanied by great panic (sudden onset) as well as physical and emotional restlessness (e.g., much fidgeting). 30X taken as above.
    3. Coffea cruda. 30X is helpful when the anxiety is accompanied by intolerance to noise or music.
    4. Chamomilla. This is not for apprehension, per se, but may greatly help those individuals with lowered pain thresholds. Take three doses of 30X over several hours prior to the dental visit.

    Bleeding

    Almost all post-surgical bleeding is well controlled by pressing a moist gauze pad or moist tea bag over the bleeding area. However, when this alone does not control the bleeding:

    1. Phosphorus. 6X to 200X every 10 to 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
    2. Arnica. If bleeding is accompanied by bruised soreness. 30X every 10 to 30 minutes until bleeding is controlled.

    “Dry Socket”

    1. Belladonna. 30X every 30 to 60 minutes if accompanied by a throbbing pain.
    2. Ruta graveolens. 6X for any surgery or other injuries to the jaw or other facial bones.
    3. Calendula. As prepared above is a good healing rinse.

    Teething

    Chamomilla 30X every 30–60 minutes when the teething child is whiney, restless, and wants to be held and pampered. This is a great remedy for delayed and difficult teething.

    Toothaches

    1. Belladonna. 30X every 30 to 60 minutes when the toothache throbs and is worse from touch or motion (chewing).
    2. Magnesia phosphorica. 30X when the toothache is worse from cold and better from warmth.
    3. Coffea cruda. 30X when the toothache is worse from heat and relieved by holding ice in the mouth.
    4. Chamomilla. 30X when the toothache is worse from any warmth (i.e. if anything warm is taken in the mouth or even upon entering a warm room), but not better with cold. The pain is intolerable and makes the patient peevish.

    Dental Trauma (or Post Operative) Remedies

    1. Arnica. 30X for injuries resulting in bruises or fractures; for sore spots from an ill-fitting denture; following the placement of a very deep filling. (Many patients find Arnica helpful when taken before a dental visit where discomfort is anticipated)
    2. Hypericum. 30X where nerves have been injured—such as a broken tooth where the nerve has been exposed, and accompanied by excessive pain.
    3. Ledum. 30X for puncture wounds, such as the soreness resulting from a dental injection.
    4. Staphysagria. 30X for incision type wounds after soft tissue surgery—as with extractions of difficult impacted wisdom teeth or periodontal (gum) surgery.
    5. Chamomilla. Helps expedite the wearing off of the numbness following the completion of the dental procedure. 30X every 20 to 30 minutes. Works beautifully!
    6. Magnesia phosphorica. 30X for stiff, sore jaws following a prolonged dental visit with the mouth wide open where the muscles are cramped and feel better with warmth. If they don’t feel better with warmth, try Arnica 30X instead.

    CHRONIC DENTAL PRESCRIBING

    Now that we have looked at some of the homeopathic treatments for a few of the more common acute dental problems, I would like to explore the role of homeopathy in the treatment of chronic dental or oro-facial complaints. To evaluate and treat someone for a chronic dental problem (i.e. periodontal disease, chronic TMJ disorders, bruxism, or rampant tooth decay) one must exercise the same deliberation as when treating any other chronic conditions—that is, a thorough history and examination must be done. To give adequate scope to the ongoing disease process and its various causes, one must include not only the dental manifestations, but all levels of the patient’s symptoms (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) in the evaluation. “How can a dentist evaluate one’s mental condition?” you ask. Remember, the repertories and materia medicas are written (gratefully) in plain English—not in “medicalese.” One needn’t be skilled in abnormal psychology to see that a patient is frightened, cheerful, or angry. One need only observe and listen!

    Dentists have particular expertise in evaluating a person’s oro-facial signs and symptoms (which, incidentally, comprise a very significant portion of Kent’s Repertory), and this is the focus of our therapy. However we are sometimes criticized for “practicing medicine without a license” because through appropriate “dental” therapy the patient’s “medical” condition improves. The reader will understand from the initial discussion in this paper the error of such thinking. Furthermore, homeopathic remedies (like allopathic drugs) are not organ specific. They affect the entire person. Thus, when you visit a dentist complaining of a swollen jaw and he gives penicillin for the infected wisdom tooth, doesn’t your infected hangnail respond to the medicine as well? Likewise, even though it may not be our intention to witness a cure of sciatica or dyspepsia with correct dental treatment, such things do happen and, as with the infected hangnail, this obviously does not imply that we are practicing medicine. Remember, it is the individual’s vital force, not the prescriber’s intentions, that directs the evolution of cure, as the case below well illustrates.

    Over the past twelve years a large portion of my practice has dealt with the care and treatment of people suffering from disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TM joint or jaw joint). This paired joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and lies just in front of the ears. Because disorders of this joint cause such profound and diverse sequelae in the patient’s overall health, they serve as a good vehicle to illustrate the indivisibility of oral and systemic health. The various signs and symptoms of TM joint disorders fully permeate one fourth of the pages of Kent’s Repertory. They include headache, earaches, grinding and popping noises in the joint, vertigo, pains in the neck, shoulders, and back, indigestion, poor balance, unstable posture, and many others.

    CASE HISTORY

    On July 25, 1983 a 20-year-old woman presented with a constant headache which had begun 12 months before. The headache was worse upon awakening in the morning and began one month after leaving home to attend college. She had difficulty eating because chewing caused pains in the right temple. She also suffered from chronic constipation, insomnia, and fatigue. She appeared pale, unsmiling, and listless and she had not had her menses for seven months. Prior treatments had been of little help and included therapy by neurologists, gynecologists, a psychiatrist, an allergist, internist, nutritionists, acupuncturist, chiropractors, dentists, a cranial osteopath, and a neurolinguistic programmer. She had a history of other head injuries. She was given Arnica in high attenuation.

    Two months later she reported no significant change in her health. She was fitted with an orthopedic appliance and put on an exercise program to help alleviate her jaw muscle tension. Within days she began to sleep better, but over the next few months the headaches were still constant, although diminished. She still had no menses, was thirstless and still constipated. She was given Natrum muriaticum 1M.

    Natrum muriaticum has headaches, worse in the morning as part of the remedy picture. Also included are a great variety of menstrual complaints, constipation, difficulty sleeping, and emaciation. It is the chronic of Ignatia, often, as Boericke says, “having psychic causes of disease”* (i.e. leaving home).

    When she returned a month later, her appearance had dramatically improved. Her face was more animated, her dress more colorful, and her voice more vibrant. She was sleeping well and her head and jaw pains had markedly lessened. Her cranial osteopath reported the first profound improvement in her cranial mechanism since he had begun treating her. Several days after the remedy was given she had her first menses in almost a year.

    THREE CONSTITUTIONAL TYPES

    In taking a case of a chronic dental patient one can garner a great deal of information as to the patient’s constitutional type by examining his or her oral and cranial structures. Here I must define “constitutional” in its narrowest sense, based on the theory of constitutional typing by Nebel and Vannier, also referred to by Professor Eizayaga, M.D., as the “genotypical” constitutional type. That is, the constitution is the least changeable aspect of the person’s totality; it is based largely on the structure and composition of one’s tissues and skeletal framework, and therefore is immutable and established long before birth.

    Our skeletal and dental structures are composed of three calcium salts (or Calcareas): the carbonate, phosphate, and fluoride. Each of these salts impregnates our teeth and bones and thereby imparts to us distinctly different anatomical characteristics, different metabolic types, as well as different disease propensities. Accordingly, everyone belongs to one of these three constitutional types: Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, or Calcarea fluorica, depending upon which salt predominates in our makeup. Furthermore, to each of these constitutional types belong a group of remedies or “phenotypical” constitutional types (Eizayaga). While it is common to see individuals who exhibit combinations of these three constitutional types (especially mixtures of the phosphor-fluor and fluoric-mixed type), one type will always predominate.

    As we shall see, nowhere are the anatomical differences among the Calcareas more dramatically illustrated than in the dental apparatus. Thus the dentist has a unique vantage for assessing a patient’s constitutional type, and therefore can gain much insight into that individual’s therapeutical needs. The information I am presenting here is largely lacking in the homeopathic Materia Medicas and I am therefore greatly indebted to M. Tetau, M.D., F. Fuller Royal, M.D., and E. Illovici, M.D., for their writings which helped consolidate the constitutional pictures you are about to meet.

    Calcarea Carbonica

    The carbonica has broad shoulders, a broad forehead and large jaws. The teeth are very white and well aligned but are slow to erupt with difficult teething. The fontanelles of his very large skull are slow to close and his head perspires easily. His tongue is dry, he does not like to talk, and his teeth cannot endure any coldness—even cold air!

    The carbonica resembles the oyster shell from which the remedy is made, that is, he is resistant to change—“a victim of inertia.” Yet, while slow to begin a project, he will, once started, continually plod ahead until the job is completed. While not terribly imaginative, he is logical and is good with mathematics (many mathematicians and accountants are carbonicas).

    His long bones and spine are curved, and his bones, joints, and muscles are as rigid and inflexible as his opinions. He tends to develop hypertension, hypothyroidism, obesity, and autointoxication due to his failure to remove toxins adequately from his body. The child exhibits delayed puberty and is frequently troubled by bedwetting. He is chubby, his complexion has a chalky tint, and he is prone to digestive complaints.

    Major remedies related to the Calcarea Carbonica type aid in the elimination of the body’s toxins: Sulphur, Hepar sulph., Graphites, Silicea, Carb. veg., and Lycopodium.


    Calcarea Phosphorica

    The phosphoricum type is mentally precocious and develops early. He is tall with long arms and legs and his back is stooped. The skull is long (front to back) and narrow, as are the jaws. The forehead is elevated and the nose strong. The teeth are oval and have a yellow cast to them. The palate is narrow with a gothic (high) vault.

    He is very imaginative and artistic and does not tolerate manual labor or any regularity in his life style. Because he cannot stay with any task for very long, he seldom masters anything—despite being a perfectionist at heart.

    He has long eyelashes, his hair is fine, and his skin delicate. When he perspires, he does so all over. He tends toward hyperthyroidism, palpitations, and tuberculosis.

    Major remedies related to the phosphoricum constitutional type are Natrum mur., Ferrum, Kali carb., Iodium, Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, and Stannum.


    Calcarea Fluoricum

    The fluoricum constitution is the picture of instability both mentally and physically. The bones are deformed and the muscles and ligaments are very lax, producing an “S”-shaped posture. The arms hyperextend at the elbows. The dental arch and alignment of the teeth are irregular. The upper jaw protrudes, the feet are abnormally small and the hair is hard and brittle.

    He dislikes exercise and has little physical endurance. He cannot concentrate on anything for long periods of time and seldom perspires at all. His temperament is unstable, he has little control over his reactions, and will say whatever is on his mind. All of his symptoms are worse at night but he feels better in the mountains. He tends toward arteriosclerosis, arthritis, and hypertension.

    The major remedies that relate to the fluoricum constitutional type are: Mercurius, Aurum metallicum, Argentum nitricum, Kali bichromicum, Platina, Nitricum acidum, Baryta carbonica, and Syphilinum.


    The following chart summarizes the characteristics of the three calcareas groups:

    ANATOMICAL AND ORO-FACIAL KEYNOTES (including TMJ)

    KeynoteCalcarea carbonicaCalcarea phosphoricaCalcarea fluorica
    SkeletonResistantFragileIrregular, exostoses
    HandStrong & thickLong & narrowSmall, soft & pliable
    PerspirationLocalized to head & neckAll overVery little (skin dry)
    Athletic typeGood endurance (fullback)Lacks endurance but has brilliant bursts of energy (quarterback)Not well coordinated (team mascot)
    Oro-facialLarge, broad head, open fontanellesElongated head, open fontanellesAsymmetrical head
    Jaws & ArchesLarge ellipticalNarrow elongated ellipticalV-shaped, irregular
    Vault (Palate)LowGothicNarrow & very deep
    Tooth EruptionDelayed & difficult dentitionEarly but painful teethingTeeth erupt out of normal sequence
    TeethWhite with broad stocky crowns. Upper incisors flat & square. Sensitive to coldYellow & long. Upper incisors rectangular with curved facial surfacesGrey-white teeth. Gum boils, sensitive to pressure & eating, looseness of teeth
    Occlusion (bite)Teeth well alignedOften malposition in anterior teethIrregularly set into arches with sagittal (forward or backward) malposition
    TM JointStrong & tightFine & slackHyper-stretch

    CONCLUSION

    This paper presents a brief overview of the role of homeopathy in dentistry as it relates to acute and chronic prescribing and to the three basic constitutional types. Correct homeopathic prescribing for dental maladies will frequently provoke salutary systemic effects, and this should neither threaten nor alarm us. This is simply a reflection of the natural law of cure and illustrates the fact that the dental apparatus is an indivisible component of the integrated whole person. It cannot be otherwise! And for this we should all be grateful—doctor and patient alike.


    Bibliography

    1. Oral Roentgenographic Diagnosis, 3rd ed., Saffne, D.D.S., W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1969. p. 82.
    2. Oral Diagnosis, 3rd ed., Kerr, Ash & Millard, C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis, 1970.
    3. “Etiology of Chronic Periodontal Disease: An Alternative Perspective,” Clark & Carey, Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 110, May, 1985, pp. 583–589.
    4. Interrelation of Odontons and Tissues in Organs, Field Disturbances and Tissue System, Rheinhold Voll, M.D., M.L. Publishers, Dijal Velzen, West Germany, 1976.
    5. Neural Focal Dentistry—Illness Caused by Interference Fields in the Trigeminal, Ernesto Adler, M.D., D.D.S., Multidiscipline Research Foundation, Houston, 1984.
    6. Electric Acupuncture for Dentistry, John Chan, D.D.S., Nutri-Kinetic Dynamics, Inc., Pearl City, Hawaii, 1980.
    7. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica, J.T. Kent, A.M., M.D., Indian Books & Periodicals Syndicate, Box 2524, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110005.
    8. Materia Medica with Repertory, 6th ed., William Boericke, M.D., B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi, 110055.
    9. “Homeopathy, Holistic Medicine: Terrain, Constitution, Temperament.” M. Tetau, M.D., Journal of Ultra Molecular Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 3, Las Vegas, NV, 1983.
    10. “Understanding Homeopathic Constitutions, Part I.” F. Fuller Royal, M.D., Journal of Ultra Molecular Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 2, Las Vegas, NV, 1983.
    11. “Understanding Homeopathic Constitutions,” Part II. F. Fuller Royal, M.D., Journal of Ultra Molecular Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 3, Las Vegas, NV, 1983.
    12. “A New Concept in Essential Homeopathic Mineral Compositions.” Emile Illovici, M.D., Journal of Ultra Molecular Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 3, Las Vegas, NV, 1983.
    13. “Homeopathy with a Dental Accent.” Richard D. Fischer, D.D.S., F.A.C.D., Homeopathy Today, National Center for Homeopathy, Washington, D.C., March, 1984.
    14. Personal Communication, Kathrine Coulter.

    Recommended Reading

    A New Approach to Oral and Dental Disease, Frank W. Stockton, D.D.S., National Center for Homeopathy, Washington, DC.
    The Dental Prescriber, Dr. Colin Lessell. The British Homeopathic Association, 27a Devonshire Street, London.

  • Psorinoheel, Lymphomyosot , Engystol and Mucosa Compositum usage in combination

    ESTIMATION OF CLINIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USING OF PSORINOHEEL, LYMPHOMYOSOT AND MUCOSA COMPOSITUM S IN COMPLEX TREATMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN CHILDREN

    Rudenko I.V.
    Lugansk State Medical University

    Summary
    Investigation of genetic background, cell immunity, condition of hepatobiliary system, biocenosis of intestine and important allergens in children suffering from atopic dermatitis was conducted.

    82 children were examined. The control group included 39 children with age ranging from 3 to 14 years. The main group included 43 children. In the main group patients received complex therapy with antihomotoxic preparations in age dosages.

    Psorinoheel – from 2 to 10 drops 3 times a day during 3 months.

    Lymphomyosot – from 2 to 20 drops 3 times a day during 3 months.

    Mucosa compositum S – from 1/6 to 1 ampoule i/m 3 times a week during 2 weeks with further injection once a week during 3-4 weeks.

    The treatment was prescribed for all patients in the stage of exacerbation.

    Data of cell immunity were investigated before and after the treatment.

    In the main group reliable improvement of functional activity of lymphocytes, decreasing their suppressive activity, normalizing of immune index was noted.

    Intestine bacterial flora was normalized, positive influence on hepatobiliary system and stable clinic remission was noted.

    Received results allow recommending antihomotoxic therapy with combination of preparations Psorinoheel, Lymphomyosot and Mucosa compositum S in children suffering from atopic dermatitis.


    COMPLEX TREATMENT OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM DISCIRCULAR ENCEPHALOPATHY WITH USING ANTIHOMOTOXIC PREPARATIONS

    Dr. med. Sokolova L.I., Gorsea Ya.M., Radzhkovskaya N.S.
    National Medical University, Kiev municipal clinic hospital #4

    Summary
    32 patients (26 women and 6 men) suffering from discircular encephalopathy (cerebrovascular disease) were investigated in neuralgic departments of Kiev municipal clinic hospital №4 in 2002–2003.

    The duration of the disease was less than a year in 13 patients and more than a year – in 19.

    The causes of the disease were – hypertension in 5 patients, atherosclerosis – in 3 patients, combination of atherosclerosis and hypertension – in 25 patients and combination of diabetes and hypertension.

    All patients were occasionally divided into two groups (16 persons in each). The main group included patients who received antihomotoxic preparations – Vertigoheel & Aesculus compositum in addition to standard therapy.

    Patients of the control group received only traditional therapy.

    Vertigoheel was prescribed in dosage 10 drops before the meal 3 times a day during 20 days. Aesculus compositum was applied in dosage 10 drops 20 minutes before the meal by the same scheme.

    In the control group solcoseryl, piracetam, euphyllin or pentoxifylline, platyphylline, group B vitamins during three weeks course of the treatment.

    Preparations Vertigoheel and Aesculus compositum showed good effectiveness in complex treatment of patients suffering from DE of I and II stage. Decreasing of the disease symptoms during the first week of the treatment and disappearance of the majority of complaints on the second-third week of the treatment was noted during the using of the preparations. It outstrips the effect of usage of the traditional therapy by a week. Including antihomotoxic preparations in the complex treatment of patients suffering from DE promoted not only the subjective improvement, but an objective positive dynamics of neurological status, normalizing of brain blood flow and improvement venous outflow according ophthalmoscopy, normalizing of vestibular disturbances of central character. Side effects were not noticed during the application of the preparations.


    THE EXPERIENCE OF USING ANTIHOMOTOXIC PREPARATIONS ANGIN-HEEL AND ENGYSTOL IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM ACUTE TONSILLITIS

    Prof. Dr. med. Karamiev S.A., Dr. med. Palatnaya L.A., Shapoval V.N.
    Bogomolets National Medical University

    Summary
    The aim of the present study was the investigation of the effectiveness of complex antihomotoxic preparations Angin-Heel and Engystol in children with acute lacunar tonsillitis.

    In clinic of children infectious diseases 30 children with age ranging from 2.5 to 14 years were examined. 15 children formed the control group and 15 – the main. The groups were comparable in age, diagnosis and heaviness of the disease.

    The children of the main group in addition to the ordinary therapy received from the first day of staying in clinic Angin-Heel and Engystol according the standard scheme. Duration of the treatment was 7 days. The dosage of the preparations was 1/2 tablet for children before 3 years.

    Children of the control group received ordinary treatment with antibiotics, polyvitamins, desensitizing preparations, inhalations with chlorophyllipt and ethonium.

    All patients were laboratory investigated.

    The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated according to the investigation of the dynamics of clinic symptoms of the disease.

    In the main group on the second day of the treatment normalizing of temperature, decreasing of intoxication manifestation was noted. Decreasing of the leucocytosis and neutrophilosis were observed on the 3–4 day of the treatment. On the second day of the treatment for the tonsils decreased and on the 3–4 day of the treatment it disappeared.

    In the control group temperature normalized at the 3–5 day of the treatment, intoxication disappeared on the 3–4 day of the treatment, fur of the tonsils disappeared on the 4–6 day of the treatment.

    Side effects were not noted during the treatment.

    Received results allow recommending that preparations Angin-Heel and Engystol are effective medicines for the treatment of tonsillitis in children and can be used in combination with traditional allopathic therapy.

    POSSIBILITIES OF ANTIHOMOTOXIC PREPARATION THYREOIDEA COMPOSITUM IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS

    Prof. Dr. med. Zubkova S.T., Dr. med. Muz V.A.
    Komissarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism AMS Ukraine, Kiev

    Summary
    Possibilities of the using of antihomotoxic preparation Thyreoidea compositum in the treatment of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) were investigated.

    Therapeutic effectiveness of preparation Thyreoidea compositum was evaluated in 20 patients in puberty suffering from hypertrophic form of AIT, mainly in condition of euthyreosis. Average age of children was 12.7 ± 1.2 years, duration of the disease was 2.0 ± 0.89 years.

    Three groups of patients were chosen during the analyzing the results.

    I group (10 children) were prescribed Thyreoidea compositum in dosage 1 ampoule i/m once in 3 days, 2.2 ml №10) as a monotherapy;

    II group (10 patients) were prescribed complex therapy – traditional therapy with L-thyroxin (50–100 mcg) or low intensive laser influence in combination with Thyreoidea compositum, and Engystol because of frequent chronic infections.

    Control group was composed with patients (19 persons) of the identical age (13.5 ± 0.45 years) who received only laser therapy or L-thyroxin in combination with laser therapy (III group).

    The results of the conducted investigations allowed determining that antihomotoxic preparation Thyreoidea compositum using both in monotherapy and in complex therapy promoted the decreasing of titers antithyroid antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase, regression of goiter which indicate the immunocorrective and anti-inflammatory action of the preparation.


    USAGE OF ANTIHOMOTOXIC PREPARATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS

    Summary
    24 patients suffering from chronic hepatitis (CH) against a background of chronic alcohol using were under the observation.

    Chronic cholecystitis was diagnosed in 21 (28%) of patients.

    Antibodies to C hepatitis of IgG class were defined in all examined patients.

    Data of active viral replication were not defined, what showed the absence of the necessity of antiviral therapy.

    Clinical manifestation of CH was classical: weakness, fast fatigability, discomfort in the right subcostal zone.

    Laboratory investigations of functional liver samples showed the presence of cytolytic syndrome in all patients; bilirubin level was increased in 9 (37%) patients; gammopathy was defined in 12 (50%), increasing of thymol samples – in 9 patients.

    Treatment included diet with higher protein and vitamin level and prescribing of hepatoprotective medicines.

    On the background of diet therapy patients were prescribed antihomotoxic preparations Hepar compositum and Hepeel.

    Hepar compositum was used in dosage 1 amp. i/m 2 times a week during 5 weeks. Hepeel – 1 tablet 3 times daily 15–20 minutes before the mealtime or 1 hour after.

    Under the influence of the therapy all patients noted improvement of general condition, decreasing intoxication, sleep, efficiency and mood improvement.

    Side effects were not revealed.

    Dynamics of biochemical liver samples was positive.

    Manifestation of chronic cholecystitis was noticeably decreased in all patients.

    Duodenal probe showed decreasing of leucocytes, cholesterol crystals, and mucus in bile.

    Thus complex use of antihomotoxic preparations in patients with CH of mixed aetiology (C viral hepatitis and alcohol) in latent period (when antiviral treatment is not indicated) is an effective method of treatment, directed for normalizing of liver and biliary system functions.


    EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF COMPLEX ANTIHOMOTOXIC PREPARATIONS GRIPP-HEEL, ENGYSTOL AND EUPHORBIUM COMPOSITUM S IN PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF GRIPPE AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

    Summary
    The use of antihomotoxic preparations for prophylaxis and treatment of grippe and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) was studied.

    In the season 2002–2003 antihomotoxic preparations Gripp-Heel and Engystol were used for prophylaxis and treatment of grippe and ARVI.

    Gripp-Heel was prescribed in dosage 1 tab. 1–3 times a day sublingual 15 minutes before the mealtime or 1 hour after during a month, and then Engystol – 1 tab. 1–2 times daily during that term.

    Blind random investigation was done among 42 healthy children in the age ranging from 6 to 14 years (19 boys and 23 girls). All children were divided into two groups – control and main, 21 children in each group.

    Children of main group were prescribed Gripp-Heel and Engystol as a prophylaxis measure, children of control group did not receive any preparations.

    Results evaluation was done by method of accidental selection with calculation of difference among frequency of indications in separate series.

    The investigation has been shown that the usage of Gripp-Heel and Engystol as a prophylaxis measure 2.3 times decreases the morbidity of grippe and ARVI (p<0.05). Even though children fall ill the percentage of light and heavy forms was 28.5%, while children in control group the same data was 61.9%.

    The illness is taking his normal course in the main group, whereas in the control group complications were observed in 4.8% cases (arthritis).

    15 children in the age ranging from 5 months till 14 years old (8 boys, 7 girls) were observed during investigation of the effectiveness of usage antihomotoxic preparations in the treatment of grippe and ARVI.

    By the aetiology ARVI were distributed consequently: grippe – 5 children, paragrippe – 3, RS-infection – 1, ARVI of unstated aetiology – 5 children.

    13 children were included to the control group correlated with the main in heaviness of the disease, sex, age and diagnoses. These children were prescribed febrifuge, antihistamine preparations and vitaminous preparations.

    The treatment of grippe and ARVI with Gripp-Heel and Euphorbinum compositum S accelerates the reverse development of the symptoms as sore throat, cough, headache and pain in muscles according to the results of the investigation.

    Thus in children of the main group stuffy nose, headache, pain in muscles, cough disapeared quicker than the control group. Preparations were of good tolerance, did not show any side effects.

  • Iontophorisis

    DR. MED. W. THIEL


    I. Introduction
    One of the most important functions of the skin is to protect the organism against noxae and to guarantee regulated exchange of substances between the organism and its environment. If medicaments have to be brought into the organism by the percutaneous route, then this physiological protective barrier has to be overcome.

    One method of transporting active substances through the skin into deeper lying tissue or to increase the extent of normal substance diffusion is direct current therapy. Transcutaneous ion transport, known as ionophoresis, is facilitated by this. Nevertheless, a prerequisite for this is that the pharmacologically active component of the dermatic is present in an electrically charged condition. According to whether the active substance is positively or negatively charged, the medicament is applied beneath the anode or cathode.

    More recent studies⁴ ⁵ demonstrate that when ionophoresis is compared with diffusion, increased substance transport takes place only in the horny layer of the horrifying squamous cell layer. Since it is just this horny layer which represents the most effective barrier against diffusion of active substances, greater effectiveness can be achieved here by ionophoresis.

    However, the active substances are spread within tissue layers lying below mainly by diffusion along the concentration gradient³.

    With regard to the therapeutic effectiveness of this method, a pilot study³ after iontophoretic administration of a non-steroidal antirheumatic agent, humeral epicondylopathy being indicated, revealed a significant decrease in average pain intensity in the case of tenderness and total pain sensation, but further assessment features showed only a slight improvement. However, because of the lack of a comparative group, separation of the medicinal from the physical therapy effect was not possible.

    In the case of ointments or gel preparations which contain only one medicament with positive or negative charge, substance transport of greater extent with the aid of direct current is evident because of conformity with natural physical laws¹. The therapeutic effectiveness of a combination treatment of direct current/medicament is also documented empirically elsewhere².

    In the case of pharmaceutical mixtures, as are present in phytotherapeutic extracts and homeopathic preparations, it is not known as a rule whether the effective constituents are present in ionized form and if so, what charge they have. In addition there is the fact that it must be assumed in the case of these medicaments that several constituents which can also have different electrical charges are therapeutically effective.

    The user can change the current direction at the iontophoresis unit in the course of therapy in order to be able to let both the positively and the negatively charged constituents through the skin into the tissue. Nevertheless, electrically neutral substances cannot be transported more quickly into foreign tissue by this method.

    The objective of this investigation was to ascertain whether the combination of a Traumeel ointment therapy with iontophoresis has a better therapeutic result, i.e., faster restoration of health, than application of ointment alone. The therapeutic effectiveness of Traumeel ointment in distortions has been proven without doubt in the course of a double blind study⁶. Taking this effectiveness as proven, the therapeutic comparison of Traumeel ointment versus Traumeel ointment/direct current therapy was sufficient for us in this study without inclusion of a placebo.


    II. Patients and methodology

    A total of 50 patients with medium degree injuries were included in the study. All had the same type injury of external ligamentous overstretching in the sense of supination distortion trauma. 25 patients were treated exclusively with Traumeel ointment. The other 25 patients were subjected in addition to direct current therapy.

    After the injury, immobilization in a Traumeel ointment dressing was provided for two days for all patients. No further dressings were applied after this.

    One group of patients received following this a physiotherapy every 2 days in the shape of iontophoresis with a current intensity of 3 mA for a period of 10 minutes per session. The ointment was applied alternatingly for each patient both on the cathode and on the anode. Cold packs were applied in each case following this treatment. Traumeel ointment for daily self-application was prescribed to the patients of the other group. The patients were examined on the day of injury as well as on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day. Assessment criteria were pain at rest, under pressure, and in motion, and were documented by means of a 4 point scale (0 = without, 1 = little, 2 = medium, 3 = severe). Furthermore, the circumference was measured with the aid of a tape measure over the narrowest point, the ankle, and the metatarsus. The mobility of the ankle joint was measured according to the neutral zero method. Circumference and mobility were compared with the healthy side in each case and the change in difference was evaluated. Since the patients were competitive athletes, the period up to the first day of return to athletic training was taken as the criterion for assessing the therapy.


    III. Results

    1. Return to training
    If the two groups are compared with one another with regard to the first day of return to training, it results that more patients in the group treated solely with Traumeel ointment returned to training at an earlier point in time.

    Fig. 1: Return to Training


    2. Pain at rest
    Fig. 2: Course of the average pain at rest values

    The intensity of the pain at rest was documented in the shape of point values on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day of treatment.

    The starting value of the two groups were different (with iontophoresis 1.9; without iontophoresis 0.8), so that a comparison of the course with regard to this feature could be made only conditionally. However, it can easily be seen from Figure 2 that both starting values decreased over the 7 days continuously and in a comparable ratio. In the group treated only with ointment, the value of 0.1 was reached for pain at rest within 3 days because of the low starting value; in the iontophoresis group, this value was reached only on the 7th day. (However, the higher starting values existed here.)

    Since various patients did not appear at some appointments for “nonmedical reasons”, the starting values of these dropping out patients were analyzed separately. Since these were not extreme values, the average trend values of the assessment features were not distorted by the lack of these data.

    3. Pain on pressure

    Fig. 3: Course of the average pain on pressure values

    The starting values in both groups were comparable with regard to this feature (iontophoresis group on average 2.2; Traumeel group on average 1.9). The intensity of pain on pressure also decreased here continuously as can be seen in Figure 3 from 1.9 points to 0.3 points. In the iontophoresis group, the average pain intensity increased at the beginning (from 2.2 to 2.5) and then decreased continuously but significantly slower than in the Traumeel group. On the 7th day of observation, an average residual pain on pressure of 1.1 was still present.

    4. Pain on movement
    Fig. 4: Course of the average pain on movement values

    The starting values of both groups were also comparable in the case of this feature (iontophoresis group on average 2.2; Traumeel group on average 1.9). The intensity of pain on movement also decreased here continuously as can be seen in Figure 4 from 2.0 points to 0.3 points.

    5. Mobility
    The mobility of the healthy and injured joint was measured according to the neutral zero method and the difference between the two values was formed.

    In the Traumeel group, this difference decreased to the value of 3.8° on the 7th day, a negligible value, which lies in the range of the error limits. In the iontophoresis group, a residual angle difference of 10.7° remained on the 7th day after initial deterioration (Fig. 5).

    Fig. 5: Course of the average extent of mobility
    (Difference between injured and healthy joint)

    6. Circumferential measurements
    The data of the circumferential measurements are only conditionally suitable for interpretation (see discussion), since the spread (see table 1) and the value range are too large.


    IV. Discussion
    In orthopedic traumatology, there is a trend towards treating the consequences of injury with antiphlogistic ointments and to make therapeutic use of the stimulating effect of direct current treatment (galvanization). The ionization of the active substance is considered to be secondary.

    As can be seen from the above tables, an increase in swelling in the ankle joint region was noticed in the control examinations in the iontophoresis group. This is attributable to a condition of irritation caused by electrotherapy as well as to sacculation of the hematoma of the distal joints of the metatarsus.

    On critical comparison of the two forms of application of iontophoresis and simple treatment with ointments after inital elastotape dressing, the latter musgt be given preference because of the more rapid incidence of effect, in particular for competitive athletes. Exclusive ointment application has also the advantage of being free of irritation. Side effects were not observed in any patient.

    On the other hand, iontophoresis has proven itself for patients who cannot tolerate adhesive dressings for several days (lacing effect in varicosis) or who themselves cannot rub in ointments for certain reasons (older people, disabled etc.). Application of ointment alone, i.e. without initial tape dressings, should be performed only for simple bagatelle injuries which require no specific medical supervision.

    Literature

    1. Pratzel, H., Die Iontophorese, Med.-Info Nr. 1 (Transcutan GmbH)
    2. Magyarosy, J., Ernst, E., Marr, N., Schmolzl, Ch., …
    3. Schops, P., Seichert, N., Erdl, R., Siebert, W., Pratzel, H., Pilotstudie zur klinischen Wirksamkeit einer definierten Iontophorese mit Indometacin bei Epicondylopathia humeria, Z. Phys. Med. Baln. Klin. 15, 395–399 (1986)
    4. Pratzel, H., Grundlagen des perkutanen Stofftransports in der Pharmako-Physio-Therapie und Balneotherapie, Dissertation 1985 (quoted in 3)
    5. Pratzel, H., Machens, R., Dittrich, P., Iontophorese zur forcierten Hautresorption von Indometacin und Salicylsaure, Z. Rheumatol. 104, 40, 748 (1986) (quoted in 3)
    6. Zell, et al., publication in preparation

    Address of the author:
    Dr. med. Werner Thiel
    Orthopedic physician
    Kirchstraße 9
    D‑6635 Bous
    Germany

  • The Effects of cAMP Single Potencies and Mixed Potencies on Acid Phosphatase Activity

    Günther Harisch, D.V.M.; Joachim Dittmann, Ph.D.

    Reprinted from Biologische Medizin (1999 Feb) 1:4–8.


    Abstract

    This study investigates whether the effects of cAMP Injeel® and cAMP Injeel® forte in a cell-free system are unique to these preparations or simply equal the additive effects of their single-potency components. When one of the single-potency components of cAMP Injeel® and Injeel® forte was selected as a base potency and the others were added in succession, recorded enzyme activity correlated with the number of potencies added. In all cases, the inhibiting effect of mixed potencies was greater than that of the single potencies, but in no case did the level of inhibition produced by a mixture equal the sum of the effects of its single-potency ingredients.

    Introduction

    Potency chords are mixed-potency preparations containing equal portions of three potencies of the same substance—a base potency and two additional levels. These potency chords are available commercially under the trade name Injeel®. The “forte” variation includes four rather than three different potencies.¹

    The authors confirm the results of the animal experiments reviewed in the article on potency chords in Volume 6/98 of Biologische Medizin (Franke W: Efficacy of Homeopathic Dilutions in the Form of Potency Chords. J Biol Med. 1998;27(6):276–278). The work of the authors on the effects of single and mixed potencies of cAMP on acid phosphatase activity offers additional impressive proof (probability of error 1%; p < 0.01) that potency chords are superior to single potencies in efficacy.

    Hartmut Heine, Ph.D.

    Materials and Methods

    Active Agents

    The active substance cAMP was used in the following forms: 6X, 12X, 30X, 200X, cAMP Injeel® (12X/30X/200X), and cAMP Injeel® forte (6X/12X/30X/200X). All preparations were used in liquid form and were supplied in 5 ml ampules by Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden. (Please note that these cAMP Injeels® are not available commercially.) All cAMP potencies, as well as the Injeel® and its Injeel® forte variation, were produced according to homeopathic principles. The study utilized a blind test format; all preparations were coded prior to use but decoded prior to statistical analysis.

    Chemicals

    The synthetic enzyme substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate was supplied by Serva of Heidelberg (Cat. # 30770). All other chemicals used were of the highest available degree of purity.

    Enzyme Test System

    The enzyme used was acid phosphatase (AP) derived from potatoes (Boehringer, Mannheim; Cat. # 108197). This enzyme model is biologically relevant because acid phosphatase occurs naturally in the lysosomes of human cells. For use in the experimental setups, the enzyme was diluted 1 : 200 with 10 mM of NaAc (pH 5.6).

    Incubation Technique

    The catalytic activity of AP was measured by determining the amount of p-nitrophenol formed in a microtiter plate assay. 20 µl of the enzyme suspension (out of a total volume of 120 µl) and the cAMP preparation being tested (or water, in the case of the control) were preincubated together at 30 °C. Two series of assays were performed. In one, the preincubation period was 20 minutes; in the other, 40 minutes. After preincubation, each batch of assay components was mixed with 100 µl of the synthetic substrate (5.5 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate in 0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 5.6) and reincubated at 30 °C. After five minutes, the reaction was stopped by adding 100 µl of 1 N NaOH, and the quantity of enzymatically formed p-nitrophenol was determined using a temperature-controlled microtiter plate reader (ATT C 340, SLT Instruments, Crailsheim) at a wavelength of 405 nm.

    The quantity of p-nitrophenol was determined by applying the reference equation p-nitrophenol [nmol × ml⁻¹] = 64.82 × OD 405 nm – 3.373; correlation coefficient 0.998. p-nitrophenol in various concentrations served as the reference substance.

    Figure Captions

    Fig. 1: Activity of acid phosphatase (AP) in the presence of different cAMP preparations. The graph presents average values (± standard deviation). The line segment ending in circles represents the control. Statistics (n = 48): All experimental mixtures differed significantly from the control (p < 0.01), and 12X differed significantly from all mixtures (p < 0.01). To show the linear relationship among the values more clearly, the y axis begins at 4 instead of at 0, and a line has been drawn connecting the average values for 12X and the Injeel®. The table below the graph shows the composition of the experimental mixtures.

    A) Graph (reproduced qualitatively)

    (The original plotted mean AP activity [nmol · min⁻¹ · ml⁻¹] ± SD for each setup, y-axis running from 4–10, control marked by ●, and a trend line connecting 12X → Injeel®.)

    B) Assay‐Component Table

    Component →12X12X / 30X12X / 30X / 200XInjeel® (12X/30X/200X)
    12X25 µl25 µl25 µl75 µl
    30X25 µl25 µl
    200X25 µl
    Injeel® stock*25 µl
    Water75 µl50 µl25 µl25 µl
    Enzyme (AP)20 µl20 µl20 µl20 µl

    *In the “Injeel®” column this refers to the mixed‐potency stock (12X / 30X / 200X).

    Fig. 2: Activity of acid phosphatase (AP) in the presence of different cAMP preparations. The graph presents average values (± standard deviation). The line segment ending in circles represents the control. Statistics (n = 48): All experimental mixtures differed significantly from the control (p < 0.01), and 30X differed significantly from all mixtures (p < 0.01). To show the linear relationship among the values more clearly, the y axis begins at 4 instead of at 0, and a line has been drawn connecting the average values for 30X and the Injeel®.

    A) Graph

    (Original mean ± SD plot, y-axis 4–10 nmol·min⁻¹·ml⁻¹, control ●, trend line connecting 30X → Injeel®.)


    B) Assay-Component Table

    Component →30X30X / 200X30X / 200X / 12XInjeel® (12X/30X/200X)
    30X25 µl25 µl25 µl
    200X25 µl25 µl
    12X25 µl
    Injeel® stock*75 µl
    Water75 µl50 µl25 µl25 µl
    Enzyme (AP)20 µl20 µl20 µl20 µl

    Fig. 3: Activity of acid phosphatase (AP) in the presence of different cAMP preparations. The graph presents average values (± standard deviation). The line segment ending in circles represents the control. Statistics (n = 48): All experimental mixtures differed significantly from the control (p < 0.01), and 200X differed significantly from all mixtures (p < 0.01). To show the linear relationship among the values more clearly, the y axis begins at 4 instead of at 0, and a line has been drawn connecting the average values for 200X and the Injeel®. The table below the graph shows the composition of the experimental mixtures.

    A) Graph

    (Original mean ± SD plot, y-axis 4–10 nmol·min⁻¹·ml⁻¹, control ●, trend line connecting 200X → Injeel®.)


    B) Assay-Component Table

    Component →200X200X / 12X200X / 12X / 30XInjeel® (12X/30X/200X)
    200X25 µl25 µl25 µl
    12X25 µl25 µl
    30X25 µl
    Injeel® stock*75 µl
    Water75 µl50 µl25 µl25 µl
    Enzyme (AP)20 µl20 µl20 µl20 µl

    *In the “Injeel®” column this refers to the mixed-potency stock (12X / 30X / 200X).

    SetupCompositionVolumes Added
    16X25 µl cAMP 6X + 75 µl water
    26X / 12X25 µl 6X + 25 µl 12X + 50 µl water
    36X / 12X / 30X25 µl 6X + 25 µl 12X + 25 µl 30X + 25 µl water
    46X / 12X / 30X / 200X25 µl 6X + 25 µl 12X + 25 µl 200X + 25 µl water
    5Injeel® forte100 µl Injeel® forte stock (6X/12X/30X/200X)
    6Control100 µl water

    Fig. 4: Activity of acid phosphatase (AP) in the presence of different cAMP preparations. The graph presents average values (± standard deviation). The line segment ending in circles represents the control. Statistics (n = 48): All experimental mixtures differed significantly from the control (p < 0.01), and 6X and 6X/12X differed significantly from Injeel® forte (p < 0.01). To show the linear relationship among the values more clearly, the y axis begins at 4 instead of at 0, and a line has been drawn connecting the average values for 6X and the Injeel® forte. The table below the graph shows the composition of the experimental mixtures.

    A) Graph

    (Original mean ± SD plot, y-axis 4–10 nmol·min⁻¹·ml⁻¹, control ●, trend line connecting the series 6X → Injeel® forte.)


    B) Assay-Component Table

    Component →6X6X / 12X6X / 12X / 30X6X / 12X / 30X / 200XInjeel® forte (6X/12X/30X/200X)
    6X25 µl25 µl25 µl25 µl
    12X25 µl25 µl25 µl
    30X25 µl25 µl
    200X25 µl
    Injeel® forte stock*100 µl
    Water75 µl50 µl25 µl25 µl
    Enzyme (AP)20 µl20 µl20 µl20 µl20 µl

    *In the “Injeel® forte” column, this refers to the mixed-potency stock (6X / 12X / 30X / 200X).

    Statistics

    The measured values obtained for all setups (activity per volume in nmol × min⁻¹ × ml⁻¹) were subjected to single-factor variance analysis (ANOVA). Subsequently, the Fisher LSD test was performed to directly compare the effect of the control to that of each cAMP preparation or stage in the additive series of cAMP potencies. A probability of error of 1% (p = 0.01) was chosen as the limit of significance.

    Results and Discussion

    cAMP Injeel®

    The cAMP Injeel® used in these experiments is a 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of the single potencies 12X, 30X, and 200X. In numerical terms, adding 75 µl of this mixture to a setup adds 25 µl each of 12X, 30X, and 200X. The design of our experiments took this fact into account, as exemplified by Series 1 (Figure 1):

    • Setup 1 (12X) contained 25 µl of cAMP 12X and 75 µl of water.
    • Setup 2 (12X/30X) contained 25 µl each of 12X and 30X, plus 50 µl of water.
    • Setup 3 (12X/30X/200X) contained 25 µl each of 12X, 30X, and 200X.
    • Setup 4 (Injeel®) contained 75 µl of cAMP Injeel® and 25 µl of water.
    • Control contained 100 µl of water.

    Each setup was mixed with 20 µl of AP suspension and preincubated at 30 °C. After 20 minutes, 100 µl of the substrate solution were added and incubation was continued for five more minutes. The reaction was then stopped and the quantity of enzymatically formed p-nitrophenol was determined through spectrophotometry.

    As Figure 1 shows, all cAMP preparations inhibited the catalytic activity of AP. A linear decrease in enzyme activity is apparent in the series 12X → 12X/30X → 12X/30X/200X → Injeel®. A similar tendency was observed both when 30X was chosen as the base potency and 200X and 12X were added one at a time (Figure 2), and when 200X was chosen as the base potency and 12X and 30X were added (Figure 3).

    A linear decrease in AP activity was also apparent when the preincubation period was increased from 20 to 40 minutes. Inhibition of AP was more moderate, however, and the recorded values were different (data not shown).

    cAMP Injeel® forte

    cAMP Injeel® forte is a mixed potency consisting of equal parts of the single potencies 6X, 12X, 30X, and 200X; thus, 100 µl of this mixture contains 25 µl each of 6X, 12X, 30X, and 200X. See the table for the components and test sequence leading to the Injeel® forte variant.

    The experiments were conducted in the same way as the Injeel® experiments. As Figure 4 shows, all of these cAMP preparations inhibited AP catalytic activity. A linear decrease is again apparent in the series leading from 6X to the Injeel® forte. The same phenomenon is apparent when 12X, 30X, or 200X is chosen as the base potency (data not shown).

    From these results, we can conclude that the effects of cAMP potency chords are not identical to the sum of the effects of the individual potencies they contain. As this example shows, potency chords such as Injeel® or Injeel® forte preparations seem to have qualitatively new and unique effects. Further investigation will be needed in order to determine whether this conclusion also applies to Injeel® and Injeel® forte preparations of other substances.

    References

    1. Wissenschaftliche Abteilung der Firma Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH. Ordinatio Antihomotoxica et Materia Medica. Baden-Baden. 1996:13.
    2. Stryer L. Biochemie. 4. Auflage. Heidelberg: Spektrum. 1996:779–802.
    3. Harisch G, Dittmann J. Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Ubichinon-Injeel und Injeel forte mit zellfreien Systemen. Biol Med. 1997;26(3):99–104.
    4. Harisch G, Dittmann J. Einfluss von cAMP-Potenzen auf die katalytische Aktivität der Sauren Phosphatase. Erste Hinweise für divergierende Wirkungsqualitäten von Einzelpotenzen und Potenzmischungen. Biol Med. 1998;27(5):212–219.

    For the authors

    Joachim Dittmann, Ph.D.
    Institute for Physiological Chemistry
    Veterinary College of Hannover
    P.O. Box 71 11 80
    D-30545 Hannover
    Germany

  • Alternatives to the use of Cortisone

    J. Kersschot, M.D.
    Belgium

    BioMedical Therapy Magazine Symposium
    At the Royal Society of Medicine, London
    10. 5. 1997

    A. Introduction

    Although the use of corticosteroids is accepted as a standard technique in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, we must recognize that specific injection techniques of anti-inflammatory products are gaining more and more interest. Most physicians, however, tend to regard these techniques as marginal phenomenons. The importance of these injections in the treatment of so-called inflammatory diseases is relatively unexplored and promises to be a fertile area for further investigation.
    Since most physicians have never been trained in these techniques, they are anything but expert in this field. I think that every therapist should at least know about the existence of this strategy, even if he or she will not use injections in his or her own practice.
    So, I will introduce to you today the therapeutical strategies that focus on injections of non-steroid products. Both chemotherapeutic and biotherapeutic products will be discussed, and several techniques of administrating them will be explained. The clinical cases will try to illustrate my strategies.
    I have more than ten years of experience with these techniques in my private practice as a general practitioner in Belgium, and I have noticed that there is a very broad spectrum of medical problems that can be managed with this injection strategy. Today, however, I will only discuss two examples of alternatives for cortisone: the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and the treatment of asthma.
    Still, I do not make any claims about the injections described in this lecture, involving the prevention or cure of any disease. Maybe the effects that I have noticed in my private practice are no more than a sophisticated placebo. I cannot be sure that what I am doing is best for the patient unless this practice has been rigorously tested; to check the items that I suggest, large-scale clinical studies are necessary. This lecture can be regarded as an invitation to do so in the near future.


    B. Injection of biotherapeutics

    B.1. Injection of biotherapeutics is not a very strategic novelty

    Those familiar with biotherapeutics for injection know that many ampoules exist since several decades, especially in Germany. Especially Heel, Pflüger, Steigerwald, Dolisos, Cosmochema, Fides and Hevert are famous for their ampoule preparations. Thousands of them are injected every day, and clinical studies check their efficiency and control their possible side-effects (ref. 20, 21, 28, 29). A wide selection of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic preparations has been on the market in injection form for many years now, and they have been employed in daily medical practice with good success, especially by general practitioners, rheumatologists and orthopaedic doctors. Many authors have already mentioned the use of biotherapeutic ampoules for injection: Bianchi (ref. 3), Claussen (ref. 13), Coeugniet, de La Fuye (ref. 31), Diamond (ref. 44, 45), Fischer (ref. 36), Frase, Gellman (ref. 19), Graf von Ingelheim (ref. 27), Geyer (ref. 24), John, Kleinscholt, Küstermann, Lannugier-Bolling, Meltelmann (ref. 28, 29), Müller, Pollmann, Potrafki (ref. 21), Preusser, Reckeweg (ref. 14), Riley (ref. 16), Risch, Schmid (ref. 17), Subotnick (ref. 43, 48), Thiel (ref. 20), Timmermann (ref. 10), Vorstoffel (ref. 33), Wachter, Werthmann, Weiser (ref. 28), Zenner (ref. 29) and many others (see ref. 1: bibliography).
    Since there was no specific name for all the methods that use biotherapeutics for injection on specific spots, I introduced in Belgium the term ‘biopuncture’ (ref. 1, 2, 5), in order to distinguish the use of homeotherapy according to de La Fuye (ref. 31), neural therapy according to Huneke (ref. 11), ampoules over nerve blocks according to Bracho (ref. 12) and segmental acupuncture according to Pistor (ref. 32). At the same time we want to give more credibility and respect to orthodox doctors as to therapists in natural medicine (ref. 1, ref. 8). In this way, we shall stimulate its use, so that the strategy of using these injections is developed in everyday practice.
    Let us now go a little deeper:


    C. Biotherapeutics for local injections?

    C.1. Subcutaneous injection

    One of the most familiar ways of using biotherapeutics in everyday practice. Most of you use them in the oral form, as tablets or drops.
    Although you may not be interested in giving injections in your practice, I think it is good to know more about the enormous possibilities of these biotherapeutic drugs. And it might give you a broader view on natural medicine, because injections can act in a more powerful way than oral medication.
    The exact choice of the remedy itself (ref. 1, 2, 5).


    C.2. Acupuncture point injections

    Those doctors familiar with acupuncture, can enhance their therapeutic effect by injecting intracutaneously or subcutaneously a biotherapeutic product instead of dry needling. This method was mentioned before by de La Fuye, Geyer, Matz, Frase and many other authors.
    It is theoretically possible to inject a single remedy into an acupuncture point that is known for certain indications. This combination of homeopathy and Chinese medicine (homoeosinaty) was introduced by de La Fuye. I will give you some examples:

    Chelidonium on Liver 13 for drainage of the liver,
    Nux Vomica on Bladder 21 for gastritis,
    Gnaphalium on Bladder 34 for ischias,
    Sulfur on Bladder 52 for eczema,
    Cantharis on Kidney 11 for cystitis,
    Lobelia on Kidney 27 for asthmatic bronchitis,
    Naja Tripudians on Bladder 17 for cardiac neurosis,
    Crataegus on Heart 3 for palpitations,
    Thuja on Gallbladder 30 for coxarthrosis,
    Echinacea on Jenn Mo 19 for cough, asthma, bronchitis
    Echinacea on Jenn Mo 22 (for cough, asthma, bronchitis),
    Lachesis on Small Intestine 19 for vertigo,
    Sulfur on Bladder 31 for climacteric disorders.

    Cralonin on Heart 3 for palpitations,
    Cralonin on Bladder 15 for palpitations,
    Engystol on Small Intestine 14 for asthma,
    Vertigoheel on Small Intestine 19 for vertigo,
    Mullein pro injectione on Urinary Bladder 31 for climacteric disorders,
    Traumeel on Gall bladder 20 for headache,
    Spigelon on Gall bladder 20 for headache,
    Zeel on Gall bladder 30 for pain in the hip region,
    Pulsatilla composition on Jenn Mo 6 for activation of the defensive system.

    It is also possible to inject a complex remedy into several points of an acupuncture meridian, like for example Discus compositum over the Governor vessel. Subcutaneous or intracutaneous injections are given on the mid-line of the back, or at the level of every vertebra in the region of the pain.
    Those allopathic products should always be used in a diluted way (half a normal dose, adding several ml of physiological fluid and several ml of a local anesthetic), and should be injected with more care than the biotherapeutic one. I use them as a replacement for corticosteroid injections (see also ref. 51). Of course, some injections are given at the physician’s own responsibility, when the product is used in a way for which it has not been registered. Ticlodil is officially designed for the intravenous/intramuscular injection only and an oral Feldene is officially designed for the intramuscular injection only. So, I can not make any claims about their safety and efficacy, until more large-scale clinical studies are performed.


    F. Is it always necessary to give injections?

    For those therapists who are not allowed to give injections, I can recommend to do trigger point therapy with stretch and spray, as Travell and Simons suggest. This is an easy and safe technique, and gives interesting results when dealing with several myofascial disorders. The patient is usually very enthusiastic, since he or she has almost immediate relief. Although this effect is temporary, long term effects are achieved with repeated sessions.
    Even more interesting is ischemic compression. Ischemic compression is application of progressively stronger, painful pressure on a trigger point for the purpose of eliminating the trigger point’s tenderness and hyperirritability. Similar to acupressure and shiatsu, the thumb is used as the therapeutic tool. But we do not deal with acupuncture points, but solely with active trigger points, which can be found by clinical examination. The thumb action blanches the compressed tissues, which usually become flushed (hyperemic) on release of the pressure. The use of Traumeel ointment during and after the compression, enhances the effects of the treatment.
    The clinical effects of the technique depend largely on the skills of the therapist. When looking for the active trigger points, wall plates can help. Textbooks (by Baldry, Travell and Simons) give more fundamental information on this subject. In Belgium, I am giving workshops on trigger point therapy, in order to show how this technique can be performed in everyday practice.


    Case:

    Clinical examination shows a painful zone in the right brachioradialis muscle and a small spot at the epicondylus radialis, that is painful on digital pressure. He had ischemic compression on two trigger points in the brachioradialis muscle, twice a week.
    He also got a local application of Arnica comp. ointment (e.g. Traumeel) in the right brachioradialis muscle and on that small painful spot at the epicondylus radialis, three times a day. Additional oral treatment with Ferrum-Homaccord, ten drops three times daily, gave complete relief after two weeks.


    Case:

    A girl of twelve has suffered a contusion of the lateral part of the thigh while snowboarding. The examination on the evening shows an obvious swelling of the thigh and an extensive haematoma. The region is very sensitive to pressure, and she refuses a local injection. I give her Arnica comp. ointment (Traumeel ointment, which was cooled in the fridge) and she applied it every hour the first day, every two hours the second and third day and four times a day the three next days. Putting the ointment in a refrigerator before application gives an extra cooling down in an acute situation. As an additional therapy, she received Arnica comp. tablets: I told her to take them at the same frequency as the application of the ointment. I asked her to keep the tablets in the mouth as long as possible, to give the product maximum resorption via the oral mucosa. After six days the pain and swelling were completely gone.


    G. Conclusion

    Although the use of corticoids is accepted as a standard technique in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, we must recognize that specific injection techniques of biotherapeutic products are gaining more and more interest. Most physicians, however, are not familiar with these techniques. That is why I wanted to show the importance of these injections in the treatment of so-called inflammatory diseases.
    By using biotherapics (drops or tablets), I have experienced that the combination of oral application (drops or tablets) and local treatment (ointment and/or injections) gives interesting results, both in acute as in chronic cases.

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