Tag Archives: Trauma

Contusion – Homeopathy for a common sports-injury

One of the injuries most frequently acquired during sports is a contusion, so to speak bruising to the muscular tissue. While most such bruising is of little concern and will quickly resolve on by itself, more severe contusion that involves deeper lying tissue, may be a complication to athletes, causing them to have to refrain from any physical activity for quite a long time.

Damage to tissue beneath the skins surface may involve the crushing of muscles and connective tissue, and the rupturing of small, peripheral vessels, leading to the leakage of cellular fluids and blood into the surrounding tissue. The blue or blackish discoloration of the affected is a sign of such fluid leakage. The skin is usually not broken.

Contusions occur when an injury is produced by a direct, blunt, forceful impact to the body’s soft tissue, such as a blow, falling or jamming. At the located area there may be swelling and pain. There may be weakness and stiffness of the affected part. In some cases there may be the formation of a hematoma (blood collected at the point of impact that may be felt as a lump on the site of injury).

Complications to this type of injury are deep contusions impacting internal organs or bones.

Conventional 1st aid: RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate; Medication for pain relief.

Major 1st aid homeopathic remedies for contusion are:

Arnica: For all types of contusion. Great pain relief remedy

Bellis perennis: Follows well after Arnica. Rapid onset of healing.

Hamamelis: Indicated where Arnica fails to do something.

However there are other remedies for such injuries: Aconite, Calendula, Conium, Echinacea, Hypericum, Ledum, Rhus tox., Ruta, Symphytum to mention a few.

References:

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2016)Muscle Contusion (Bruise), Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/ (Accessed: June 2016).
  • Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
  • Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
  • Morgan, Lyle (1988) Homeopathic treatment of Sports Injuries, Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
  • Walker, Brad (2007) The Anatomy of Sports Injuries, Chichester: Lotus publishing.
  • WebMD LLC (2016)Contusions Treatment & Management, Available at:http://emedicine.medscape.com/ (Accessed: June 2016).

Concussion – a sports- or accident -injury

Concussion can occur in the process of many physical activities, whether they are conducted for leisure or for a wage, whether an amateur or a pro. A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain caused by a sudden acceleration, rotation or shaking of the head. This causes a forward and backward motion of the brain inside the skull.

Processes and functions of the brain are temporarily compromised and the patient may feel confused, show impaired coordination, balance or speech, and may experience memory loss for some time. A patient may also lose consciousness due to a concussion. Other, early indicative symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness.

It is important to note that symptoms may not appear directly after the injury is contracted, they may be delayed for several days before they are noticed. Recovery from a concussion requires several days, yet repeated concussion may have lasting impact. Physical and mental rest, until symptoms have subsided, is key to recovering from this injury. Only a gradual return to activity is recommended, darting too fast into physical exertion may bring symptoms back.

Homeopathic remedies may support the recovery from concussion. The following remedies may be helpful in relieving the symptomatology:

Arnica, Belladonna, Glonoinum, Cocculus, Hypericum, Ledum, Nat.mur., Nux vom., Rhus tox., Spigelia

References:

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2016) Concussion, Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/ (Accessed: June 2016).
  • Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
  • Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
  • Morgan, Lyle (1988) Homeopathic treatment of Sports Injuries, Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
  • Walker, Brad (2007) The Anatomy of Sports Injuries, Chichester: Lotus publishing.

Treating ‘Tennis-elbow’ – a repetitive strain injury

The Tennis Elbow refers to an overuse injury, a repetitive straining of the muscles that attach to the bones of the arm at height of the elbow. Biologically this injury is termed lateral epicondylitis. The so called Golfer´s Elbow, is similar to the Tennis Elbow, however affects the inner area of the elbow joint, while the Tennis Elbow involves the outer area of the elbow. The Golfer´s Elbow is denoted as medial epicondylitis. It is the different swing movements that depict the focal point of trauma locality, and differentiate the Tennis- from the Golfer´s- elbow injury.

While overexertion is a frequent cause of this type of trauma, a direct impact to the area of the elbow may likewise promote this injury. Epicondylitis describes the irritation and inflammation that develops at the sides of the elbows epicondyles in the event of such physical trauma. Pain, swelling and tenderness may be symptoms experienced at the locality, and mobility of the affected arm is strongly restricted, as very painful.

None of these injuries have to be caused by playing tennis or golf. However athletes conducting physical activity using their arms in specific swing movements are more predisposed to such an injury. House or garden work can likewise be the cause of such trauma and can result in these injuries.

Conventional 1st aid measures to promote relief are the R.I.C.E.R recommendations. Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate the affected arm, and if there is no relief Refer to a doctor.

Some homeopathic remedies that may assist recovery from this type of injury are: Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Rhus tox., Ruta

References:

  • Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
  • Morgan, Lyle (1988) Homeopathic treatment of Sports Injuries, Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
  • Walker, Brad (2007) The Anatomy of Sports Injuries, Chichester: Lotus publishing.

Some Remedies that may be used to treat PTSD

The symptom complex of PTSD, post-traumatic-stress disorder, exhibits a specific and individualized symptomatology. Homeopathy has a number of remedies at its disposal, with which this particular symptom complex and its individual expression can be treated. Some of the remedies that may be useful in treating PTSD are listed below.

Absinthium: The patient needing this remedy may experience nervousness and sleeplessness, has visions and hallucinations that are frightening and terrifying. The patient may have the urge to walk, distressed by the visions of all sorts of demons. He or she does not care whether he or she lives or dies. He or she does not want to engage with others. There may be a tendency to brutality and violence. This may alternate with stupor.

Aconitum:  There is great and uncontrollable anguish, fear and anxiety; irritability, sadness and gloom. Much worry, uneasiness and fear accompanies even ordinary sickness. He or she fears there will be no recovery from illness. He or she may predict the day of his death. There is nervousness and weakness. The individual may have fear to leave the house, of being in a crowd. Complaints may come from situations of fright or fear. In states of deliria the patient needing Aconitum is unhappy, worries, raves and despairs over the fearful anticipation of his or her death. There is sadness, maliciousness, a high disposition to anger, fear and conflict. There is a sensitivity to noise, a dislike of communication, a vexation over trifles. Great irritation, nervousness, restlessness and excitement are characteristic. A fear of spectres, the dark, forebodings and a tendency to start are also prevalent, as is the disposition to run away from the locality. Aconite is a short-acting remedy for the acute states.

Agaricus: This remedy is characterized by great changeability, irritability, and depression. There is a state of delirium with confusion of the mind. The individual wishes not to engage in communication with others.An indisposition to mental or other labour. There may be timid or violent mania with persistent delirium in which he or she recognizes no one and throws objects around. The individual is morose and stubborn.

Anacardium: This remedy has fixed ideas and hallucinations. He or she is easily offended; contradiction makes him or her furious. The individual expresses anxiety over somebody following him or her when moving about. There is deep melancholy and hypochondriasis. There is depression, sadness and despair over health. The patient is suspicious and distrusting. He or she can be malicious with an absence of moral restraint. Absent mindedness, dullness and sluggishness of mind may be prevalent. He or she may be hearing voices and may have hallucinations. There is anxiety, despair over the future, even fear of nearing death.

Anhalonium: In this remedy there is distrust and resentment. The individual is confused, and delusional.  There may be a depersonalisation taking place within the patient. He or she may be dissociated from his or her nearest environment. Likewise there may be over-identification with that environment. The feeling for time and reality is lost.

Ambra grisea: Ambra dreads the company of people and wants to be alone. He or she is shy in the presence of others. The individual can despair over life to the extent that he or she loathes life. He or she is restless, excitable and loquacious.  Concentration is difficult for this individual. There may be confusion of thoughts. He or she is ‘forced’ to dwell on disagreeable things. These things can be fantastic hallucinations images, grimaces, fancies, visions, or imaginations. They are annoying to him or her and keep the patient from sleeping. The company of others is experienced as disturbing. There is the feeling of embarrassment, with nervous excitement, flushing, and trembling. The individual imagines that he or she is losing his or her mind which causes melancholy, great sadness and despair to the extent that the patient desires to die. He or she considers life unworthy of living. Ambra is the distinctive picture of an individual who used to be a vital, vigorous and strong person, and since the causative experiences is a broken, nervous, quivering, trembling wreckage.

Arsenicum album: A remedy that is indicated for great anguish accompanied by restlessness. There is fear is of death, of being left alone. The fear is also accompanied by cold sweat. The individual takes no medicines as he or she thinks these are useless. He or she may have olfactory and auditory hallucinations, may be delusional with a tendency to mania and delirium. He or she is sensitive to confusion and disorder. These make him or her anxious, prostrated, fearful and restless. The restlessness keeps the person in movement. He or she does not stay still. As the individual may be of selfish character, lacking courage, being miserly may incline him or her to be malicious or suicidal. This individual may be extremely sad, melancholic, and such a state may make him or her weary of life, loathing it, wanting to die, and this character may actually commit suicide.

Aurum metallicum: The patient needing Aurum exhibits feelings of self-condemnation, utter worthlessness, deep despondency, and a deep disgust for life. These make him develop a tendency to want to commit suicide. He or she truly loathes life, is weary of it even desires to die. This is a deep depression, a profound melancholy that robs the individual of all that is joyous in his or her environment. He or she fears death. He is grumpy, broody, and extremely sensitive to noise and commotion around him or her. He or she cannot handle contradiction, is quarrelsome. He is a very dutiful character and sees criticism as consequence of a sin, a neglect he or she has committed. Therefore he or she thinks him or herself as unworthy of salvation. He or she is a pessimist, expects things to go wrong, and sees only the negative, never the positive. The future is negative; there is only trouble, turmoil ahead. This makes him or her irritable, worried, and easily angered.

Gelsemium: This is a remedy for the ill effects coming from the exposure to fear, fright, disruptive news or other emotional excitement. There is languor, dullness, apathy, lethargy, deliria. He or she wants to be alone, quiet; is irritable, sensitive, depressed. The individual cannot concentrate; the mind feels empty, dull. There is a strong tendency to suicide. This individual has the urge to throw him or herself out of a window or from a height.

Kalium bromatum: In this remedy there is a deep delusion of being morally deficient and of conspiracies building against him or her, feels singled out. Fears of getting poisoned, has frightful nightmares, horrible illusions, is depressed and melancholic.

Natrium muriaticum: In this remedy ailments are produced by mental disposition; anger, grief, fear and fright. The individual is irritable, tearful, sad, and even hysterical. He or she can get into a rage about trifles, and can be tragically moved about little unimportant things; can be inappropriately joyful. There is anxiety and anguish concerning the future. The individual prefers solitude to company, is unable to conduct regular intellectual work, is indifferent to his or her surroundings. Depression and melancholy induce recollection of unpleasant incidences. There are gloomy forebodings to him or her. Patients become tearful, yet attempts of consolation worsen the state. They fly into a rage easily and hold a grudge against people that have previously wronged them. There is weakness of memory, forgetfulness, and patients are tired of life.

Opium: Opium has frightful visions with fear, anxiety and uneasiness. The individual starts easily and is easily excitable. There is inquietude, irritability, and anxiety. There may be alternating phases with pleasant reveries. The individual may express symptoms of stupidity and imbecility. In delirium these individuals do not recognize their surroundings, cannot judge what goes on around them. Morphium (derivative of Opium): This remedy is one for states of shock that have been caused by experiences of terror. He or she is as in a dream-like state. Yet they may be irritable. There is a deep depression and the individual may be hysterical.

Nitricum acidum: This is a headstrong person, who can be hateful and vindictive. He or she may be indifferent to all. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair over his or her health. He or she fears death, yet is tired of life, and takes no joy in anything. He or she is obstinate, wishes not to be consoled; is depressed, sad. Great melancholy and fits of anguish are prominent. Can become enraged about trifles, curses, is obstinate and resentful. He or she is easily startled and frightened, sensitive to noise, touch and pain; weeps easily. This individual becomes angry over his or her own mistakes. He or she does not want to engage in communication with his or her surroundings. This person may have a great weakness of memory and intellectual capability and may be unfit to conduct work.

Stramonium: This individual can be deluded about who he is. He or she cannot be alone or in the dark. He or she needs company in an illuminated environment. There is rage, frenzy, fury, uproar, violence, and tumultuousness. He or she curses, is lewd and abusive in his or her language. There is fear and anxiety. Joy and sadness can alternate quickly. There are hallucination and delusion that the patient considers true and cannot release him or herself from. The sadness and melancholy of this remedy can be tearful and with great anguish. He or she is inconsolable, and trifles irritate much. The individual is obstinate, choleric, self-willed. He or she, in phases of fury, may be inclined to hit, bite and even kill. This is a mania caused by shock. The individual may be indifferent to matters at one time; feeling incapacitated at another, and may have the desire to run from it all.

*** This record serves as an illustration of what remedies are in use in the treatment of PTSD. The list is NOT exhaustive. None of the remedies should be used for self-prescribing. Please see a homeopath to identify the best matching prescription for you! Homeopaths have been trained to identify subtle differences in symptoms and remedy pictures and these subtle differences are important to identify the best possible remedy for a patient.***

References:

Abc Homeopathy (2017) Homeopathic Remedies, Available at: https://abchomeopathy.com (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Boericke, W. (1999) Homeopathic Materia Medica. Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Clarke, J.H. (2000) A dictionary of practical Materia Medica. Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Cowperthwaite, A.C. (2003) A textbook of Materia Medica. Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Guernsey, H.N. (2000) Keynotes to the Materia Medica. Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Hpathy (2017) Materia Medica, Available at: https://hpathy.com (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

Kent, J.T. (2000) Lectures on homeopathic Materia Medica. Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

National Center for Homeopathy (2017) Materia Medica & Repertory Database, Available at: http://www.homeopathycenter.org (Accessed: 24th September 2017).

‘Traumeel’ a complex prescription – efficacious for the treatment of sports-injuries

Traumeel is a homeopathic complex preparation indicated for use in the treatment of trauma and injuries contracted in the process of physical activity [1]. It matches, in a broader sense, the symptomatology that may result from the conduction sports.

Traumeel is one of the most extensively researched homeopathic formula [2]. Trials and studies investigating the efficacy of Traumeel came to conclude that it can in fact be described as the ‘Diclofenac’ of homeopathy [3]. It´s treatment effect, tolerability and compliance, have been found to be equivalent, if not superior to that with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as is for example ‘Diclofenac’ [4, 5, 6].

Traumeel is a protected brand, manufactured by Heel. It is a composition of 14 natural extracts that have been homeopathically potentised to decimal dilutions, or are included in the concoction as mother-tincture [7]. These components in combination are stronger than the single constituents when used separately [8]. Traumeel is marketed as a topical ointment or gel, injections, and for oral administration as drops or tablets. [8].

As a complex preparation Traumeel cannot be classed as a classic homeopathic medication. Complex formulations are designed to be prescribed in a generalized manner and do not follow the doctrine of individualization that is paramount in classical homeopathic prescribing. The aim of such poly-remedy prescribing is for the treatment compound to match the broad spectrum of symptomatology expressed for a specific condition [9].

Traumeel is used for the alleviation of limitations caused by pain and inflammation in muscular tissue and joints, and is as such indicated for musculoskeletal conditions that affect all major joints, the back, neck, foot, knee, arms etc.. The treatment with Traumeel is effective, gentle, and devoid of adverse effects [8].

References:

[1] Orchard, J., Best, T., Mueller-Wohlfahrt, H-W., Hunter, G., Hamilton, B., Webborn, N., Jaques, R., Kenneally, D., Budgett, R., Phillips, N., Becker, C. & Glasgow, P. (2008) ‘The early management of muscle strains in the elite athlete: best practice in a world with a limited evidence basis ‘, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(3), pp. 158-159 [Online]. Available at: doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.046722 (Accessed: November 2009).

[2] Bemm, T. (2009) Leistungssteigerung mit der Homöopathie, Available at:http://www.aponeo.de/themenwelt/bewegung-und-sport/homoeopathie-im-sport/beitraege/leistungssteigerung-mit-der-homoeopathie/ (Accessed: April 2013).

[3]  DZS (2009) Individuell trainieren – Prof.Dr. P. Billigmann im Interview zum Thema Fussball, Available at: http://www.zeitschrift-sportmedizin.de (Accessed: March 2010).

[4]. Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser M. (2004) The homeopathic preparation Traumeel S compared with NSAIDs for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 8(02n03),119-128 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1142/S0218957704001284 (Accessed November 2009).

[5]. Schneider C, Klein P, Stolt P, Oberbaum M. (2005) ‘A homeopathic ointment preparation compared with 1% Diclofenac gel for acute symptomatic treatment of tendinopathy’. Explore, 1(6), pp.446-452 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2005.08.010 (Accessed: November 2009).

[6] Gonzalez de Vega,C., Speed,C., Wolfarth, B., Gonzalez, J. (2013) ‘Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and improving ankle mobility after acute ankle sprain: A multicentre, randomised, blinded, controlled and non-inferiority trial’, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, 67(10), pp. 979-989 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12219 (Accessed: January 2016).

[7] Heel (2009) Gebrauchsinformation Traumeel S, Available at:http://www.heel.de/upload/Traumeel_S_Tabl_K_014558_03_BPZ_7_1564.pdf(Accessed: January 2016).

[8] Heel (n.d.) Traumeel, Available at: http://www.traumeel.com/Traumeel-com-Home.html?ActiveID=10008080 (Accessed: January 2016).

[9] Pflüger (n.d.) Homöopathische Komplexmittel, Available at:http://www.homoeopathie.de/komplexmittel.html (Accessed: April 2013).

Arnica – a must have homeopathic remedy the active individual (w. DD.)

One major remedy for the effects of sports-injuries or such afflictions caused by physical activity, external, or mechanical impact is Arnica. Trauma, bruises, or strains caused by heavy lifting, falling, or shock; concussion, contusion, sprains, or dislocation belong to this group. Hematoma, haemorrhage and wound healing, over-exertion and delayed-onset-muscle-soreness are also indicated symptoms, and Arnica has marked characteristics that match such affections.

One principal aspect pertaining to Arnica is the sensation of pain that feels as if beaten and bruised. The aggravation of Arnica symptoms occurs due to talking, blowing the nose, touch, jolting, movement and slightest noise. The Patient generally feels worse in the evening or at night. Humid cold disagrees with this patient. There may be fainting following a mechanical impact or injuries and there is a generalized decline of strength and fatigue, a battered feeling throughout the body. The entire body may feel painfully oversensitive. There is a general restlessness. The patient may be fearful and irritable.

There may be the sensation of heat and burning in the head with coldness of the body. The Arnica face may have pronounced redness, burning, heat, shining swelling and hardness of just one cheek. While the head and face are heated or hot, the body is cold. Arnica easily suffers of nose-bleed.

Where there is inflammation Arnica is indicated for over-sensitiveness experienced in the entire body, a feeling of being battered, pain, general restlessness, irritability and fear.

The sore excoriation of skin, swelling that is hot, hard and red, as well as frostbites react to Arnica. Joints feel as though they are sprained. Strains and Sprains show redness, pain and restricted mobility, and there may be swelling and heat of the affected part (also Rhus toxicodendron). Hematoma of the skin may be of discoloration red, bluish, yellow, green or black. For wound healing Calendula may be indicated besides Arnica. Topical applications of Arnica are indicated for localized injuries, scalds and burns, incisions, lacerations fractures and bruises and muscle soreness.

In concussion of the brain, the pain in the head is concentrated over one eye, and there may be vomiting that is greenish in color. If in such cases Arnica fails, Cicuta virosa may benefit the patient.

Back pain or straining of the back, or of the chest and loins may feel bruised or as of a dislocation. In injuries to the chest Arnica in alternation with Aconitum may be serviceable. There may be a sensation of rawness, and weakness of the muscles in the neck that cannot support the head sufficiently causing it to fall backwards.

The extremities may have symptoms of pain that feel as of a dislocation or as from great fatigue. Stiffness of the limbs, weariness and muscular jerking may be present after physical exertion. There is great soreness that may be paired with the acute sensation of tension and stretching in the lower limbs. The affected area, legs and feet, or joints may have a crawling or tingling sensation, or a prickling feeling from without inward. In the upper limbs, the joints, wrists, hands and arms may feel sore, as if sprained or dislocated, with a tingling sensation, pins and needles.

In the knee there may be tension pain, as of a contraction of the tendons, and failing strength in the knee-joint when walking, almost paralytic (also in the hip). The knee may be pale and swollen. Movement aggravates the pain. If the big toe is affected, it may be painful, hot, hard and swollen, leaving the skin shining.

In contusions there is a battered feeling, which may be paired with restlessness in contortion and sprain. Besides Arnica, Helianthus anuus may be of use in contusion. In dislocation and luxation there may be violent pains, swelling, and impaired mobility where the extremity is deformed or has an altered direction, here Aconitum may follow Arnica for relief pain. In tennis elbow Arnica is indicated, as well as Ruta. In fractures, Arnica may be followed by Symphytum and Ruta to promote healing of the broken bone.

References:

  • Beuchelt H. Praxis der wissenschaftlichen Homöopathie. Leipzig: Georg Thieme, 1949.
  • Boericke W. Homeopathic materia medica and repertory. Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2004
  • Clarke J. A dictionary of practical materia medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 1994.
  • DHU (2011) Homöopathisches RepetitoriumKarlsruhe: Deutsche Homöopathie Union.
  • Laurie J. Elements of homeopathic practice of physic. [Internet] 2005 [cited 2013 December 22]. Available from http://quod.lib.umich.edu/h/homeop/
  • Millard H. A guide for emergency, containing the homoeopathic treatment… [Internet] 2005 [cited 2013 December 22]. Available from http://quod.lib.umich.edu/h/homeop/
  • Morgan L. Homeopathic treatment of Sports injuries. Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1988.
  • n.a. (1880) The principal uses of the sixteen most important and fourteen supplementary homoeopathic medicines . archive.org [Online]. Available at:https://archive.org/details/principalusesofs00lond (Accessed: April 2016).

Homeopathy for superficial injuries to the skin

Injuries to the skin, where the damage is only superficial, can come from cuts, abrasions or chafing. While cuts are usually a direct impact to the skin, abrasions and chafing are a form of dermal inflammation.

Where skins injuries occur, abrasions, excoriations and chafing do not damage the skin deeper than the upper layer, the epidermis of the skin. Cuts may be deeper, penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin.

Superficial cuts and excoriations, depending on their severity, can cause redness, pain, itching or burning. In severer cases these wounds can bleed and may cause scarring when healing.

In avoidance of infection, the acute conventional treatment of such superficial skin injuries is to clean the wound, dry it and bandage it after the application of a topical anti-inflammatory product.

In order to clean the wound, a non-alcoholic calendula tincture can be used. Calendula is known to inhibit the bacterial growth in the affected area and has wound healing properties.

Topically- in the form of a cream, Calendula aids the recovery of wounds.

Internal administration of homeopathic remedies can be used to assist the healing process.

Calendula acts as a general wound healing remedy.

Hypericum can be used where the injury is a laceration wound and the nerve is affected.

Ledum is a remedy for punctured wounds.

Where inflammation has progressed, symptoms as heat in the affected area, redness, swelling and pain may occur. In such cases Hepar sulphuricum any Pyrogenicum may be remedies to consider.

The homeopathic treatment of sports-injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that result from acute trauma or repetitive stress associated with athletic activities[1]. The dissertation  is a review of research trials and studies investigating the homeopathic treatment of sports-injuries.

The dissertation is published here: The homeopathic treatment of sports-injuries

A troubling souvenir no one wants – post-war trauma

Combat related health issues are concerns that cannot and should not be ignored. While these are not complaints that only servicemen and women are ‘confronted with’, when returning home from deployment, they are also not always injuries to the physical body of the combat personnel. Many servicemen and women bringing home non-visual injuries.

Mental injuries and trauma are frequently ignored, by the sufferer, the care-provider and the society that army personnel returns to when coming home. Very often these complaints are also misinterpreted. Yet health issues such as anxiety and trauma disorders are increasingly becoming more prevalent. To date these complaints are insufficiently acknowledged, managed and treated.

PTSD, post-traumatic-stress-disorder, is the trauma issue that may evolve from the exposure to experiences of warfare, combat or terror. PTSD was first exhibited in Vietnam -War – veterans, but was only acknowledged and classified by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental disorder in 1980. Increasing numbers of military personnel exhibit symptoms associated with their experiences during deployment to war zones and engagement during battle.

These are not occasional states of anxiety, but mental conditions defined by distress that prevents people from living a normal life. Characteristic for these types of anxiety and trauma disorders are persistent, overwhelming states of worry and fear. These phases can be disabling, and may appear unmanageable. Panic, phobias, compulsion, and depression may combine, leaving the individual unable to lead a normal life.

Conventional medicine uses medicinal and psychoanalytical approaches to assist individuals suffering of PTSD. However, ever increasingly holistic and complementary therapies are being used by patients to alleviate the symptoms of trauma syndromes. There is little research into the effects of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) treatments for PTSD, but experiential reports offer promising testimonials of effectiveness.

The CAM therapies are holistic therapeutic approaches that consider the totality of patients, taking into account the physical, mental and emotional plane of patients, thereby achieving amelioration, and recovery of the individual as a whole.

Is Homeopathy something that can help with PTSD? The ‘Totality’ is key!

Homeopathy has to date been little investigated for its efficacy in the treatment of PTSD. However, states of anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, fear, irritability, sleeplessness, and mental and physical distress have long found relief by homeopathic treatment. 

Homeopathy is a medicinal treatment considered as complimentary to conventional medicine. It is tailored to treating the individual in all of his or her entirety, holistically, and not just a disease or its label.

Homeopathy treats the patient on all levels, the spiritual, the mental/emotional and the physical plane; on specifically those planes on which the symptoms of PTSD are manifest and expressive.

Homeopathy is considered a ‘gentle’ treatment approach as it’s remedies are produced by diluting and rhythmically shaking them at various stages of the production process. This renders their action gentle and increases their strength. Homeopathy is considered devoid of side effects and adverse reactions.

In the homeopathic consultation the patient is given the space for him or her to fully express how he or she feels, and how he or she experiences the symptoms of his or her complaint. The aim is to provide a comfort zone within which the practitioner is able to identify from the patients narrative and explanations, the remedy which best fits the presenting state of the patient.

Particularly within the symptom complex of ‘Post-traumatic Stress Disorder’, there is a ‘mind – body’ connection. It is not infrequent that sufferers of PTSD develop comorbid complaints to their diagnosis of PTSD, such as chronic physical pain, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and other health issues.

By considering the totality of the patient, taking into account the physical, mental and emotional presentation of complaints, Homeopathy can facilitate the reinstatement of well-being and the recovery of the individual as a whole. Homeopathy is one of the CAM therapies who´s action radius strongly recommends it for the treatment of PTSD.

Homeopathy is ‘gentle help’ for PTSD!