What are the issues with clinical research?
Homeopathy is not a modality or therapy, but an entire system of medicine, with its own paradigm of understanding health and illness. That paradigm directs the process of evaluation and treatment. Therefore, in order to accurately assess the effectiveness of the intervention, researchers need to design studies that are congruent with the way homeopathy is practiced clinically.
This means that the gold-standard, biomedical research model for drug interventions (one disease or symptom, one drug, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial) is not an ideal research process for homeopathy.
What is the biomedical research model?
In a conventional study, patients are randomized so that some get the drug, and others get placebo. The researchers attempt to make the two groups of patients as identical as possible. Neither the researcher nor the patient knows whether they get the active drug or a placebo.
Then researchers tabulate the results and do the statistics to determine if there was a drug effect that was different from the effect of the placebo. Placebo effect can run anywhere from 10 to 75%. For a drug to be determined effective, it has to reduce the symptom or improve the illness in a way that is statistically significant over the placebo.
These types of studies count on the commonalities of individuals with common symptoms or illnesses, and seek to find treatments that can be applied to large populations. For example, the impact of ibuprofen on individuals with joint pain from osteoarthritis would compare a specific dose of the medication on all similar patients (matched for age, sex, level of disability, other medical illnesses, etc.) compared to a group which received a sugar pill that looked like ibuprofen. If the ibuprofen made their joint pain decrease more than the placebo did, then ibuprofen would be considered an effective and recognized drug intervention for osteoarthritis.
How does the biomedical research model work with homeopathy?
In homeopathy, the uniqueness of the individual is the key to effective prescribing. The entire picture of the individual, not the medical illness, is the basis of treatment. One hundred different people with medically diagnosed osteoarthritis and joint pain each have different overall presentations, constitutions, levels of vital force, etc.
The homeopath carefully selects both the remedy and potency that is the best fit for the uniqueness of the client. The correctness and effectiveness of the remedy is evaluated by its impact on the entire state of the individual. In an osteoarthritis study, if their joint pain hasn’t improved on the first recheck, but they have more energy, are sleeping better, and are more functional in their life, who is to say that the remedy is not effective? So, how does one evaluate if a certain homeopathic remedy is effective for a certain illness or symptom?
The following is an example of a pair of studies that attempted to answer this question.
- In the first study, the homeopathic remedy Rhus Tox, commonly used in patients with joint symptoms, was given to a randomized group of arthritis patients, and was not found to have any impact greater than placebo. In that case, there was no homeopathic evaluation and the remedy was not matched to the individual (Shipley et al., 1983).
- In the second study, homeopaths took the cases of patients with fibromyalgia (muscle pain and stiffness) and only those whose entire picture indicated Rhus Tox were entered into the study. The patients in this study who received the Rhus Tox remedy did significantly better than those who received placebo. This is a better study for evaluating the homeopathic system of treatment (Fisher et al., 1989).
What research has been done?
Many different types of studies have been done, and many do offer useful information. There are more than 150 published, controlled clinical trials using homeopathy. Let’s take a look at the range of research that exists.
Studying a Single Homeopathic Remedy
Five hundred adults with classical influenza were divided in half, with one group receiving the homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum and the other placebo, in a double-blind fashion. Patients recorded their rectal temp twice a day and noted the presence or absence of headache, stiffness, lumbar back pain, joint pain, shivers, cough, runny nose, and fatigue.
The proportion of the cases who recovered within 48 hrs of treatment was greater among the homeopathy group (17%) than the placebo group (10%). Interpretations of the study differed according to perspective:
- The authors felt the results could not be explained but required further research.
- Homeopaths felt clinically had they been able to prescribe the individually matched remedy to each case, the recovery rate expected would have been as high as 90%, but even this reductionistic application of the remedy had a positive effect (Ferley, 1989).
Studying Combined Remedies
In homeopathy, sometimes multiple remedies that are indicated for relatively uniform conditions are used in combinations. One French study looked at a non-classical, low potency combination of five remedies commonly used to support childbirth. The combo or placebo was given twice daily to pigs and dogs during the final month of pregnancy.
The efficacy was dramatic, with the remedy combination reducing the average duration of labor by 3.4 hours, and decreasing the occurrence of difficult deliveries from 40% to 11%. (Note that many pharmaceuticals and medical products are also initially tested with pigs and dogs because a successful outcome with these animals often correlates with success in humans. ) (Dorfman et al., 1987).
Studying the Homeopathy System Itself
Forty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to homeopathic remedies or placebo. The remedies were selected according to traditional homeopathic principles to match each individual. Both groups were allowed to continue their conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. Objective follow-up measurements were made by an independent assessor, noting the measured articular (joint) index, limbering up time, grip strength, and pain.
Significant improvement occurred in those treated with homeopathic remedies, but not in the placebo group. Within one year, 42% of homeopathically treated patients were able to stop all conventional pharmaceutical treatments (Gibson, 1980).
Eighty-one Nicaraguan children, age 6 months to 5 years, with acute diarrhea (a major cause of morbidity and mortality) were treated with standard support of IV fluids, plus either an individualized homeopathic remedy or placebo, and they followed up for five days.
The group that received a homeopathic remedy had a statistically significant decrease in duration of diarrhea and in number of stools per day after 72 hours of treatment. Such intervention has the potential for saving both lives and dollars, especially in developing countries where this issue is so prevalent. This model of study is an excellent format for evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of the homeopathic method itself (Jacobs et al., 1994).
Meta-analyses
Techniques of statistical analysis have been developed that allow for the combined interpretation of results from studies that vary in design, populations, and situations. This is very helpful when there have been many different smaller studies that individually are of less significance.
Two previous trials of oral homeopathic immunotherapy for patients with allergic asthma had been significant over placebo. The trial was repeated a third time with 28 patients, most sensitive to house-dust mites, with the treatments given as a complement to their usual conventional care.
Within one week of beginning treatment, and lasting for the eight weeks of the study, those patients receiving homeopathy had a significant improvement in their respiratory function and bronchial reactivity tests. Combining all three trials in a meta-analysis strengthened the evidence that homeopathy works more than placebo (P=0004) (Reilly et al., 1994).
One hundred eighty-six clinical trials were identified and 119 met the criteria for inclusion. Of those 119 trials, 89 had sufficient data to analyze statistically. More than 10,000 patients were included. The results were tabulated looking at “odds ratios” where an odds ratio of greater than one meant that there was a 95% confidence that the results were not due to placebo. The combined odds ratio was 2.45. Odds ratios of greater than one were found in many studies examining efficacy of a homeopathic intervention in the areas of allergy, dermatology, bruises, cramps, stomach and intestinal complaints, sprains, neurological issues, gynecologic complaints, childbirth, asthma, upper respiratory illnesses, and rheumatology (Linde et al., 1997).
What is the mechanism of action for homeopathy?
You might be surprised to learn that in conventional medicine today, we have many practices in which we do not understand how they work, and pharmaceuticals for which we have no clear mechanism of action (in other words, the method by which they impact functions in the body).
Historically, this has been even truer in the past, even with drugs as common as aspirin. Yet, physicians commonly use drugs that seem to give clinical results, without understanding the mechanism.
Despite this practice in conventional medicine, the lack of a clear mechanism of action for homeopathy is one of the greatest barriers to conventional physicians being more interested in the field. In the British Medical Journal, 1991, a positive homeopathy meta-analysis published by J. Kleijnen stated:
“Based on this evidence we would be ready to accept that homeopathy can be efficacious, if only the mechanism of action were more plausible.”
While understanding a mechanism of action for homeopathy has been a challenging issue for years, we now may have the knowledge and tools to seriously address this issue. Promising areas of scientific investigation that may lead to understanding a mechanism for homeopathy include the physics of water, solution dynamics, bioelectromagnetics, and chaos theory.
In early Newtonian physics, water was understood to be random molecules of two hydrogens and one oxygen continuously bumping into each other. Now, with quantum physics, we now know that powerful forces on the molecular level affect the structure of water. The motion of molecules is not always random. There appears to be a continuous and dynamic process of destruction and growth of organized clusters. Could these clusters be the method through which the information from a substance is imprinted in the water, and which is stabilized through the addition of small amounts of alcohol (as is required to stabilize homeopathic remedies when still liquid)?
Reference and Further Reading
Dorfman, P., Lasserre, M.N.and Tétau, M. (1987). The Value of Using Homeopathy at the End of Gestation in the Dog and Pig. Cahiers Biothérapie, 94, 77-81.
Ferley, J.P. A Controlled Evaluation of Homeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-like Syndromes. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1989, 27, pp. 329-335.
Fisher P, Greenwood A, etal. 1989. Effect of Homeopathic Treatment on Fibrositis (Primary Fibromyalgia). British Medical Journal, 299:365-366.
Gibson, R.G. Homeopathic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evaluation by Double-Blind Clinical Therapeutic Trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1980, 9, pp.453-459
Gray, Bill, MD (2000). Homeopathy Science or Myth? Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books, chapters 3-5.
Jacobs, J. etal. (1994). Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Nicaragua, Pediatrics, 93, 5, 719-725.
Jonas, Wayne, MD, Jacobs, Jennifer, MD, MPH (1996). Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors’ Guide. New York: Warner Books, 85-93.
Linde, K. etal. (1997). Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. The Lancet, 350, 834-843.
Poitevin, B. (1995). Mechanism of Action of Homoeopathic Medicines. British Homeopathic Journal, 84, 32-39.
Reilly, D. etal. (1994). Is Evidence for Homeopathy Reproducible? The Lancet, 344, 1601-1606.
Shipley, M., Berry, H., etal. (1983). Controlled Trial of Homeopathic Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Lancet, 97-98.
Expert Contributor: Karen Lawson, MD
The above content is from this website
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]]>Homeobotanicals
Herbs and Homeopathy
Homeobotanicals are a powerful synergy of organic herbs in liquid form potentised homeopathically. These blends cover a comprehensive range of conditions and were designed to work in an infinite variety of ways in order to restore someone to health.
Acute Issues
Eg: anxiety, hay fever, hot flushes, headaches, pain, sleep …
Chronic Issues
Eg: hormonal symptoms, fatigue, stress, depression, blood pressure issues, blood sugar imbalances, gut dysbiosis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions …
Acute and longstanding issues often ‘cross over’.
Toxicity
The formulas can clean out toxins – ingested, inhaled, absorbed – leaving someone capable of functioning much more efficiently. Once the toxic load is taken off the organs, immunity can re-establish and work to restore balance.
Nutrition
The nutritional component of minerals and other micro-nutrients, enables optimum assimilation which nourishes and re-builds the immune system, thereby creating more vibrant health and energy.
Blends
Allergies, Hay Fever Blend
Anti-oxidant Blend
Calming Blend
Digestive Blend
E.M.F. Blend
Energy Blend
Fertility Blend
Hormonal Blend
Immunity Blend
Injury Blend
Nutrition Tonic (VitMinEnhance)
Pain Blend
Respiratory Blend
Sleep Blend
Vitality Tonic
Sleep Blend
“Wanted to let you know that my sleep during the last 2 nights has very much improved.” “As far as sleep improvement is concerned: what I have noticed is a change in the quality of sleep. Much deeper sleep and less waking up at night, getting out of bed in the morning much easier, I am not totally tired anymore.”
A NEW WAY WITH HERBS
Back in 1984, years of experimentation and observation all came together through the work of Dr. Brian Murray ND, DO, PhD at his two natural therapy clinics in Auckland, New Zealand. Many clients of low-income backgrounds were unable to afford complementary health care because the cost of many commercial herbal formulations available on the market equalled or exceeded a consultation fee.
Dr. Murray had noticed that many different healing approaches had in common the potency range of “mother tincture” – 3x, so he adjusted his herbal tinctures to the middle of this range and always potentised the single herb tinctures by succussion.
Well over a hundred herbs were prepared in this way. The homeopathic indications of each herb were recorded and many hours were also spent researching the herbal indications. When compiled and compared, some fascinating data was available suggesting that the range of healing capacity in any one tincture was not fully covered by looking at it from either a herbal or homoeopathic perspective.
Combining BOTH sets of information produced a deeper understanding of the full healing potential.
Realisation dawned on the practitioners who were prescribing these new remedies. The results being obtained from the new remedies were far greater than anything that could have been expected from using herbal tinctures alone. The word “miracle” had been used so often by clients when reporting progress, it was clear that something extraordinary was happening.
It was as if a new herbal energy had been released by the process adopted to prepare the tinctures.
Formulas are typically are made up into a 30ml glass bottle with either a dropper or atomiser. For chronic conditions the dosage would be 3 drops/2 sprays x 3 times daily and a 30ml bottle would be expected to last 4-6 weeks depending on frequency of use.
For acute conditions 3 drops/2 sprays every 15mins for an hour repeating if necessary for a further hour, and then resuming Maintenance dosing.
A 30ml bottle is £20 (plus shipping).
ORDERING
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]]>Flower essences are liquid tinctures derived from fully bloomed plants. Every living thing on this planet has an energy and imprinting the energy of the flower’s unique signature can help with emotional and spiritual imbalances.
They can help harmonise subtle energy bodies and release negative beliefs from a subconscious mind.
Flower essences can be used during times of stress, a crisis or changing old behaviour patterns.
I have the Australian Bush, Bach and Orchid essences from which to test from. I also stock the Indigo essences which have proved very helpful for children who they were developed for.
If flower essences test up, I will try to put them together with something else (if I have them in stock) so that there aren’t too many things to take on a daily basis. If it seems that they are a priority to take separately I will either make them up or guide you to where you can get them made up.
BACH FLOWER ESSENCES
Bach flower essences are extracts from flowers which have a positive effect on emotional imbalances and mood swings such as fear, dejection, lack of self-confidence, stress and worrying.
The name comes from Dr. Edward Bach (1886 – 1936) who discovered this healing method at the beginning of the last century. For more than 70 years these flower essences have proved useful for children as well as adults for all kinds of emotional problems. Sleep problems, fear of failure, exam fear, ADHD, sadness, guilt, concentration problems. These are all but a few examples where Bach Flower Essences have been successfully used with good results.
How Bach flower essences work
Bach Flower Essences have the quality and ability to change a negative emotion into a positive one. For instance a person with a low self-esteem will, after taking specific flower essences, start to believe in him or herself again and will be more self-confident dealing with the day-to-day things.
Negative emotions are not suppressed but turned into the opposite positive emotional state. For example, fear of failure into self-confidence or impatience into calmness and tranquillity. Source
AUSTRALIAN BUSH FLOWER ESSENCES
‘Flower Essences have been described as vibrational therapy and the Australian Bush Flower Essences professional range of pure botanical Flower Essences are used all over the world to help manage the emotional demands of everyday life. Bush Flower remedies can be used by the whole family including your pets – they are pure and natural. Ian White founder of Australian Bush Flower Essences has been a pioneer in researching the rare remedial qualities of the Australian Bush. The history of Flower Essences can be traced back many thousands of years with many cultures using Flower Essences to treat emotional health and well being. We are once again beginning to understand that emotional well being is a major component of good health in a whole person. These essences are imbibed with the rare remedial qualities of the Australian Bush, ecologically gathered in unpolluted and naturally occurring regions of the vast Australian landscape. As a tool for well being, Australian Bush Flower Essences are catalysts to unlock your full potential, resolve negative beliefs and create emotional health and well being.’ Source
INDIGO GEM ESSENCES
These extraordinary Indigo gem essences were created in Ireland by Ann Callaghan, her nephews Ben and Mica and their ‘team’. We had already been drawn to them and were getting great results when Ann asked us if we would like to make them available to customers in the UK for her. We are delighted to be doing so. So many people who come into contact with the Indigo gem essences are captivated by their lightness and strength. These characteristics also allow children to open themselves to their healing qualities and Indigo Essences have been especially formulated to help the new children stay balanced and fairly sane through these times of intense change.
These ‘Indigo’ children can have a very difficult time integrating with others, both at home and in school and many of them have very strong energy and definite views about life which can be challenging both for the children and for their care givers. Ann says “One of the biggest problems for children is not being listened to and understood. A lot of adults are very bad communicators and don’t know how to really listen to children which in turn leads to the children resorting to more extreme behaviours to try and get their point across. Listening to your child is key to growing together harmoniously as a family. If you are having a stressful time at home a combination of good communication and essences will help to move energy very quickly.
Of course there is a child in all of us and the Indigo Essences can be used by anyone who recognises that their own child needs some healing and support. Source
LIVING TREE ORCHID ESSENCES
The essences have been carefully co-created in their initial years (starting in 1998) at our earlier base The Living Tree in the Milland valley in West Sussex. Their home is now on the Isle of Gigha in Scotland, which is also where the bottling and distribution is carried out. Made with orchids grown in greenhouses, and using a non-cutting method for the essence making, these essences depart from some aspects of traditional essence making.
Once one encounters the profound beauty and depth of being found in these orchids, a non-cutting approach feels compelling. And the fact that the orchids are in an artificial environment may seem at first impression rather odd; but one may also see that these plants are volunteering to work directly with us, and have entered into interaction with us very consciously.
Made primarily by Don Dennis and Heather Decam, with Natalie Shaw and Dominic Jones also participating, nearly all of the essences were made by a male & female team. Peter Tadd and Heather DeCam provided the major share of the information on each essence, along with feedback over the years from our friends and customers around the world.
One distinguishing feature of orchid essences in general is their ability to act upon the chakras which exist above our body. This combines with their action in the body to create very powerful shifts in our energy fields, often with very immediate effect. They also have an overall strong focus on helping us directly in relation to our spiritual path. Source
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]]>Benefits of MIRON Violetglass include:
- Longer shelf life and quality preservation
- Taste, smell, color, bio-energy, and products properties are protected & preserved
- Sustainable solution: less waste & recyclable – less ‘expiration’ waste + reusable/recyclable glass packaging for a ‘plasticless’ future
Miron Violet Glass blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of the violet part. At the same time it allows a certain part to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UV-A, and infra red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products.
Functionality
The sun emits visible and invisible light parts. The visible spectrum becomes discernable to our eyes when white light is channeled through a glass prism. At the same time though, light also contains a part which is invisible to our eyes and lies in the radius of electromagnetic wavelengths of infra red and UV-A. Sunlight enables all plants to grow. If they continue to be exposed to the sun after reaching maturity, the effect of the light changes and accelerates the molecular decaying process.
Miron violet glass works like a natural filter that only lets the sunlight that protects and improves the quality of premium and sensitive substances. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products. In order to substantiate these advantages, Miron Violet Glass AG has conducted a series of tests themselves and in cooperation with scientific institutions.
Further confirmation of functionality comes from the science of biophotonics.
Storage test with tomatoes
In order to more easily prove the quality protection given to food stored in MIRON violet glass, a microbiological experiment was carried out with cherry tomatoes. During this test, a cherry tomato was stored for 7 months in a white glass and in a MIRON violet glass, and then kept at room temperature where sunlight could reach it. The result was photographed after 7 months. The microbiological changes of the tomato stored in white glass were clearly seen. The tomato stored in MIRON violet glass however showed no loss of color and no signs of drying out.
Storage test with chives
Sprayed, white, green and brown glass are permeable in the visible light spectrum and don’t offer enough protection against decomposition caused by light. As an experiment, several herbs and spices were stored for 3 months in several types of glass (white, brown, violet), and were either exposed to the sun for several hours a day or kept inside. After 2 months, the visible quality change was recorded with photographs, and the difference in smell determined in a blind test with volunteers. The chive samples that were exposed to the sun bleached in brown and white glass. The sample stored in MIRON violet glass showed no color change. The smell of the chives stored in MIRON violet glass was also clearly stronger and fresher. (Dr. Niggli and Dr. Max Bracher)
The Secret of Miron Violetglass
According to the Institute Fraunhofer in Munich (Germany) the radiation in the photosensitive area (app 450nm to 720nm) does not penetrate the VIOLET glass. Amber glass on the other hand lets light through here and in all of the visible areas of the light spectrum. Experts talk about a potential “quality leak”. The secret of Miron Violet Glass is based on the violet spectral range (720 – 770 Bio herz) which can permanently activates and energizes the molecular structure, and the healing energies of substances stored in the Miron Violet Glass doesn’t “escape”.
In October 1997 the Institute of Dr. Dieter Knapp in Mittenwald, Germany clearly confirms the effectiveness of Miron Violet Glass. After 36 days of storage in amber glass (Photo A), a distinct energy loss of the globuli of the contents occurred because the amber glass did not protect the contents from the light. In Miron Violet Glass (Photo B), the energy is preserved because the Violet Glass protected the contents from the light. The contents are strong, harmonious and vibrant.
The photos clearly prove how important it is to store healing substances in Miron Violet Glass, especially in the categories of homeopathy, flowers remedies, tinctures, essences, energy rich food supplements, and essential oils.
Recent research by Prof. F.A. Popp and Dr. H. Niggli, 1997/1998 proves that solar energy in our food is essential for our health. Solar energy enters our cells in the form of Bio-photons, the smallest physical unit of light. Bio-photons provide important information for the complex life process in our bodies. The Bio-Photons have a strong regulating and balancing energy and put the organism into a higher vibration or order. These Bio-Photons are extremely sensitive. Dr. H. Niggli’s readings show that Bio-photons noticeably decrease in conventional packaging such as amber glass, green glass, blue glass, aluminium foil, plastics, and other synthetic containers.
Miron Violet Glass maintains and even enhances the high energy of the bottle’s contents for a long period of time. Late 1997, the Institute of Dr. D. Knapp tested different spirulina samples. Fresh tablets from the same production were packaged in different containers. After 4 weeks the results were measured. See the images below. The sample in the Miron glass shows a strong and dynamic energy field.
Amber Plastic Miron
The samples in amber glass and plastic container show a clear energy loss. Ever since the beginning of glass production (app. 3,500 pre Christ) exclusively violet or golden containers/bottles have been used to preserve precious salves, oils, essences and alternative medicines. Today, thanks to science, we know that life (energy) is best preserved by Violet, which no other spectral range can compare. In 1851 Jakob Lorber’s (Graz, Austria. 1800-1864) edition “Healing Properties Of Sunlight” (Die Heilkraft des Sonnenlichtes) was published. In this volume he points out that violet glass is the ideal storage container for healing remedies and other substances that are sensitive to light. In 1991 after seven long years of research Miron found the right colour tone of the violet glass.
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]]>The New Vistas Healthcare range of remedies encourages natural health, strength and balance through Homoeotherapy. This combines homeopathic principles with nutrition, organ support and complementary procedures such as kinesiology and bio resonance. Homoeopatherapy integrates other holistic healthcare styles & remedies such as herbs, supplements, flower essences and chakra therapy. Organotherapy can help stimulate the body’s own healing power for organ and tissue support.
New Vistas remedies have been developed following careful sourcing and blending of ingredients so as to maximise the synergistic effect. Complementary herbs are chosen and careful attention is paid to avoid a combination with anti-doting ingredients. The resulting effect is the equivalent to a new singular formula.
New Vistas consist of different formulas to target different issues:
• Xenobiotics: for detoxification of foreign chemicals.
• Liquescences: to support and nourish stressed or damaged organs.
• Sarcodes: to rebuild damaged tissue.
• Therapeutic Remedies: to stimulate the body’s own healing power, draining and pushing those toxins from the body.
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]]>
Organic Shea
Jars of body butter, all organic certified ingredients Shea butter, joboba oil, cocoa butter and frankincense essential oil. Currently have Jars 225g £10 each. Please Message me to order.
Astrology & Art
Amy is an Evolutionary Astrologer. Gift vouchers for chart readings:
£50-30mins
£75-45mins
£130 – full Natal Chart with current transits.
Via Skype/Zoom/In person.
She also does prints of her artwork – contact her for more details.
http://www.amybirdartandastrology.com/
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]]>The post Liver Mix: a Herbal Combination for the Digestive System appeared first on Nicola Redmond.
]]>Rich in fibre, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein…. rich in micronutrients such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, and molybdenum, as well as Vitamin D. .. ..prevent or cure liver diseases, such as hepatitis or jaundice; act as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health; assist in weight reduction; cleanse your skin and eliminate acne; improve your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea; prevent or lower high blood pressure; prevent or cure anemia; lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half; eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas build up by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods; prevent or cure various forms of cancer; prevent or control diabetes mellitus; …’
‘Much of what dandelions purportedly do in promoting good health could result from nutritional richness alone. Vogel considers the sodium in dandelions important in reducing inflammations of the liver. Gerasimova, the Russian chemist who analyzed the dandelion for, among other things, trace minerals, stated that “dandelion [is] an example of a harmonious combination of trace elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances in ratios optimal for a human organism” (Hobbs 1985).’ http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm
Milk Thistle (Carduus mar)
‘Helpful for preventing and eliminating gall stones; reducing cholesterol levels while improving the “good” kind; in cirrhosis and psoriasis; for hepatitis, diabetes, fatty liver and chemical exposure. Milk thistle is a good companion when you are getting chemo or taking a wide array of prescription drugs.
Alfalfa
Digestive stimulant, stimulates and tones the liver. Need the digestive stimulant to help the liver herbs clear the system.
Psyllium
Contains soluble fibre, which can be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (Chouinard, 2011; Suares & Ford, 2011; Yoon, Grundmann, Koepp & Farrell, 2011).
General Information
1gm of herbs (1 rounded tspn) = 30mg of Vit C
Can be safely taken for 3 months continually, then 3 weeks off, then 3 weeks on periodically. As advised by a practitioner.
Buy
100g £8 (minus shipping) – please email me to order and let me know if you would like to collect from the clinic (Blackheath Complementary Health Centre) or if you need it to be posted.
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]]>Winter Sore Throat Tea
Make sure you have some of this ready…great recipe for sore throats and chest colds
…..makes about 2 cups
- Two lemons thoroughly cleaned and sliced
- Two piece of ginger about the size of your pointer and middle finger together sliced into coin size pieces
- Honey (about 1 cup or Your preferences)
(I also add ground cinnamon- about a teaspoon)
In a 12-16 oz. jar combine lemon slices and sliced ginger.
Pour honey (organic is best) over it slowly. This may take a little time to let the honey sink down and around the lemon and ginger slices. Make sure when the honey has filled in all the voids, there is enough to cover the top of the lemon slices.
Close jar and put it in the fridge, it will form into a “jelly”. To serve: Spoon jelly into mug and pour boiling water over it.
Store in fridge 2-3 months.
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]]>Underpinning Still’s philosophy of health was the idea that structure governs function. If the body’s structure is not right it will not function properly. He also believed that the body has all the necessary elements within it to restore health.
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]]>Craniosacral Therapy for Chronic Headaches
Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of osteopath, William Garner Sutherland, a pupil of Andrew Taylor Still the father of osteopathy.
Underpinning Still’s philosophy of health was the idea that structure governs function. If the body’s structure is not right it will not function properly. He also believed that the body has all the necessary elements within it to restore health.
Sutherland’s insight came from observing a skull specimen which he noted that the sutures, or skull joints appeared to be arranged in such a way as to allow movement.
He discovered that not only do skull bones move but the underlying membranes, nerve tissue and fascia also exhibit this involuntary motion.
This motion is expressed by a two phase cycle which can be known as inspiration/expiration from Sutherland’s concept of this motion being the primary respiratory mechanism central to which is the rhythmical flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This cycle is independent and slightly slower than the breathing rate at approximately 10 cycles per minute.
He further discovered that in line with Still’s principles that any structure whose motion is disturbed leads to dysfunction. These dysfunctions can be associated with symptoms such as head neck and back pain to organ and hormonal disturbances.
Sutherland and his followers also developed techniques to correct these motion disturbances. These are mostly very gentle indirect techniques.
Motion disturbances can be caused by mechanical, chemical or psycho-emotional trauma. Examples of which may be whiplash, meningitis or grief.
Imbalances in the craniosacral system can begin in the womb or through a difficult birth. During the birth process the cranial bones are compressed and moulded and the rest of the body twisted tensed and at times compressed. Although evolution has designed this process to be beneficial and stimulating, a rapid, long or assisted birth using forceps and ventouse can create patterns of dysfunction.
Dental procedures such as root canals, extractions and braces can contribute to jaw dysfunction which can reflect through the rest of the system.
Craniosacral therapists are trained in anatomy and physiology so that they can determine through palpation what normal motion is and what is disturbed motion. They further need to know the nature of the structures affected and the physiological effects.
When examining the Craniosacral system usually a number of motion disturbances are identified. The therapist then needs to determine if these disturbances can be reconciled as a pattern and whether that pattern is consistent with what is known about the client and her history.
The reason a pattern of disturbance arises is the primary trauma creates secondary ones as a result of compensation and adaptation.
For example a blow on the back of the head as the result of the head striking the headrest in a car shunt may cause a tilting and rotation of the head on the neck. Counter rotation and tilting in the spine below may lead to a subsequent predisposition for strains in the low back.
Very often the therapist can identify a trauma that the client is unaware of or has forgotten.
Headaches may rarely be caused by serious illnesses such as tumours or temporal arteritis, aneurisms, meningitis and very high blood pressure. Once these have been ruled out neck tension, sinusitis, jaw dysfunction, migraine and eye strain are possible causes. These latter causes are very often linked to disturbances of the Craniosacral system.
Nadia is a 36 year old secretary who presented at the surgery suffering with headaches of varying intensity, which at worst could be debilitating. The pain occurs in a line along the frontal bone at the level and just above of the eyebrows.
The pain was bilateral and equal although her right eye felt weak. She has always been long sighted in the right eye and had been diagnosed with a ‘lazy’ right eye as a child.
Although she had suffered with headaches of varying symptoms and intensity all her life they developed the current chronic pattern after the birth of her second and last child 5 years ago.
She also suffers with neck pain, and low back pain. The neck pain appears to be associated with her secretarial duties and the back pain is instigated by heavy lifting.
She had seen complementary therapists in the past five years including osteopaths, chiropractors, homoeopaths and an acupuncturist as well as taking conventional painkillers and NSAIDs, with no more than a temporary improvement.
Aggravating factors include; stress, tiredness, a premenstrual state and low back and neck strain.
Her case history revealed a natural birth slightly quicker than the average, her mother having slight assistance with gas and air.
- At 18 months she fell out of her pushchair fracturing her nasal septum.
- She fell off her bicycle at 9 years old suffering a concussion, she was unable to tell which part of her head took the impact.
- She had 8 milk teeth removed both upper and lowers left and right to make way for the adult teeth.
- As a teenager she suffered from severe period pains which were controlled with the contraceptive pill.
- At 23 years old she had all her wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthetic due to impaction.
Her general health has been good in all other respects with no allergies, and all body systems functioning well.
On examination motion disturbance was apparent throughout her system. Her pelvis was slightly tilted with the right side higher and her neck muscles were tight and tender.
Palpation of the cranium and face revealed a restriction of motion in the sphenoid bone which comprises the anterior cranial base (which houses the pituitary gland -the master hormonal gland), compression of the frontal bone, distortion of motion of the nasal bones and compression of the maxillary bones which form the upper teeth.
The most interesting finding however was a complete lack of motion in the nasal cartilage at the tip of the nose. This minor structure seemed not to be integrated with the rest of the Craniosacral system.
Treatment was initially directed to balancing the adjacent structures, the nasal bones the maxillae and the frontal bone.
The nasal cartilage was then re palpated, with motion now being present.
These findings are consistent with Nadia’s fracture of the nose at 18 months of age being the primary dysfunction. Headaches, neck tension and in my experience hormonal problems such as dysmenorrhea can be associated with disturbances in this area due to the proximity of the pituitary gland.
The longer a pattern has been present, the more treatment is required to resolve it. Having had 5 treatments over 3 months the headache symptoms are greater than 80% improved. Nadia now has more energy and better moods than before the treatment. The symptoms have subsided as the Craniosacral system has come into balance.
Craniosacral therapy provides a gentle safe and effective approach for treating many kinds of headaches. The skills that a craniosacral practitioner has allow him/her to identify causes that may lie in the past or in other parts of the body. With the therapy working with the self healing tendency inherent in all of us a natural and gentle resolution may be obtained.
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Author: Jonathan Lawrence BA DO Cert Ed, Osteopath
Article reproduced here with kind permission from Jonathan.
References
Upledger, Vredevoogd. Craniosacral Therapy. Eastland Press. Seattle. ISBN 0-939616-01-7 Sutherland WG. Teachings in the Science of Osteopathy. Rudra Press. Portland. ISBN 0- 915801-26-4
About the Author
Jonathan Lawrence BA DO Cert Ed, has been a Craniosacral practitioner, osteopath and lecturer for 23 years. He founded Turning Point Training in 2007 and provides practitioner courses for complementary therapists. He can be contacted on 07944411681 and info@turningpointtraining.org
photo credit: r.nial.bradshaw via photopin cc
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]]>When the birth process goes well the large amounts of adrenaline and oxytocin stimulate the process of expelling the baby and mother and child bonding. Labour also helps to mould the baby’s cranium and stimulate the CRI.
If the birth process goes too fast or too slowly, the baby in the breech position or requires some medical intervention abnormal forces are applied to the baby and a record of this may be retained the tissues of the cranium or the rest of the body.
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]]>Origins
An astute observation by an Osteopathy Student in 1899 led to the development over three decades of a new and exciting treatment which can be applied to people of all ages.
William Garner Sutherland noted that bones at the side of the skull resembled the gills of a fish. That simple observation suggested motion. Eventually Sutherland discovered the intrinsic motion (CRI or cranio-rhythmic impulse) in not only the skull. He learned that motion is the basis for diagnosing and treating the cause of many problems.
Craniosacral for Babies
Birth is a process designed by nature to help the infant come into the noisy, bright big scary world from the cosy environment of the uterus in which the baby is completely dependent on the mother.
When the birth process goes well the large amounts of adrenaline and oxytocin stimulate the process of expelling the baby and mother and child bonding. Labour also helps to mould the baby’s cranium and stimulate the CRI.
If the birth process goes too fast or too slowly, the baby in the breech position or requires some medical intervention abnormal forces are applied to the baby and a record of this may be retained the tissues of the cranium or the rest of the body.
The Cranial Osteopath feels this movement in the head and other parts of the body. Where the motion is not expressed normally, the body cannot function properly. This disturbance is the basis for a number of common symptoms in babies such as, colic, glue-ear, sleep disturbances, developmental immaturity and dental problems among others.
These motion patterns are often created during the birth process due to the large forces placed on the baby as he/she is born. This is more likely to occur if the birth has been assisted by forceps or ventouse or if the presentation is abnormal. Other factors in pregnancy can also cause these disturbances.
During infancy and childhood illness and accidents can also disturb the cranial balance.
We must not forget the mother too! It is quite remarkable how an 8lb baby can pass through a female pelvis. This process may have a profound effect on the mothers structure and can lead to pain and discomfort in the short or long term, as can epidurals.
I strongly recommend that both mother and baby be checked by a Cranial Osteopath as soon as is convenient after the birth. At this stage problems are easier to treat. Waiting until problems become obvious will mean longer and more difficult treatment. Craniosacral therapists sometimes give treatment in hospital.
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Author: Jonathan Lawrence (reproduced here with kind permission from Jonathan)
For further information you can contact Jonathan Lawrence who practices in South Molton on 01769 574833, or the General Osteopathic Council on 020 7357 6655.
photo credit: Matthieu Luna via photopin cc
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