Homeopathy Delaware

In 1982, two researchers isolated a bacteria in the human gut which they concluded was the cause of symptoms of gastritis, including ulcers. Heliobacter pylori took the stage, front and center. Antibiotic treatment to eliminate Heliobacter pylori was promoted as the cure. The previously important mind – body connection of stress, and diet, was more or less thrown out.

But here is something pretty interesting – even though the researcher who drank down a high concentration of H pylori to prove his discovery developed short-lived documented angry inflammation of his stomach lining, he recovered uneventfully and never developed ulcers.

SUSCEPTIBILITY

Maybe his mind-body connection was strong enough to make him not susceptible. Whatever, this underlines the well -known concept of susceptibility, so important in homeopathy. Not everyone will get a stomach ulcer, even when directly exposed to the bacteria. In fact, eight out of ten people infected with H pylori never get ulcers. Everyone responds to stress in their individual way.

The old wisdom of the mind – body connection holds sway after all. And now we know even more about how our emotions interact with our organs.

SECOND BRAIN

Further research has revealed a second brain in our gut. This ‘other brain‘, known as the enteric nervous system, is a complex network of nerves which lines our entire alimentary canal and serves our gastrointestinal organs. This very unique brain can act in concert with the brain in our skull and independently of it. The second brain produces 90% of the ‘happy hormone’ called serotonin.

HOMEOPATHY

Now it is homeopathy that takes the stage, front and center, as a safe gentle treatment to address and heal both the mental and physical symptoms associated with digestive health. Ulcers, acid reflux and indigestion are easily healed with homeopathy especially when an emotional component that manifested first is identified.

CHRONICS

Let’s first look at a chronic case: how one individual with a pattern of gastritis was helped with their chronic complaints. A middle schooler developed a pattern of gastric symptoms including heartburn and acid burps. Their stomach and abdomen felt bloated. Eating just small amounts of food increased these problems. Burping and passing gas helped them feel better. Their stomach pains were better by rubbing their abdomen. Even though they could tolerate only small amounts of food, they felt ravenous, their appetite increasing while eating.

During the middle schooler’s homeopathic interview, they revealed that these symptoms became intolerable well into their third month in their new middle school. They felt shy and not confident, anxious, especially since experiencing bullying from a poor student who acted jealous of this student’s good grades and academic recognition. Depression and anxiety about the conflicts were the dominating emotions.

A homeopathic medicine, Lycopodium, was given in a low potency, one dose. The parent reported that after five days there was more ease in the mental emotional life of their child- the fear, tension and depression were showing signs of lifting.

Another follow up 6 weeks later was filled with good news about resolution of 90% of the gastric symptoms. The middle schooler said they noticed that their emotions were causing the gastric symptoms. Even though school officials had taken measures to correct the behavior of the bully, there were still occasional instances of low- grade confrontation. On these occasions the middle schooler could feel tightening in their stomach. The medicine was repeated one more time. Months later the child was continuing to feel well – both brains were more at ease.

It is important to note that this homeopathic medicine worked because the symptom profile of the medicine, Lycopodium, was strongly similar to the characteristic symptoms of the child. Samuel Hahnemann called this principle of healing the LAW OF SIMILARS – a medicine that can cause symptoms can heal similar symptoms in a suffering person.

ACUTES

Homeopathy works brilliantly not only for the person with chronic symptoms but also for those people who need occasional help with acute symptoms.

Let’s look at first aid for the stomach with two well -known homeopathic medicines that can be helpful after overindulgence, holiday parties or other festivities.

Carbo vegetabilis – When there is pain in the stomach from overindulgence in rich fatty foods, better from belching, which is accompanied by chilliness with cold hands and feet and a desire to be fanned, think of trying a pellet of Carbo veg 6c or 30c. Try one dose and wait a few hours to see if you feel better. Do not repeat if you are better. If you then relapse, try one more dose.

Nux vomica – When there is burning stomach pain and nausea from overeating rich foods, coffee and alcohol, where the pain is better from warm drinks and warm applications, think of Nux. Especially if there is increased irritability and constipation with ineffectual urging. A helpful medicine for hangover. Follow the general use of potency and repetition as for Carbo veg.

KNOW YOUR RISKS

It is important anyone suffering with chronic gastritis be followed by a medical professional. Ulcers have serious risks.

Proton pump inhibitors are known to carry serious risk. German researchers found that those who took the drug regularly had a 44% higher risk of developing dementia.

Reduction of normal stomach acid carries a risk of osteoporosis. It is our stomach acid that helps absorb minerals calcium and magnesium.

Chronic flight / fright puts one at risk of developing gastritis.

Seek out homeopathy as an answer to healing the mind, emotions and gut – heal both brains.

Resources for Locating Practitioners:

National Center for Homeopathy http://www.homeopathycenter.org

North American Society of Homeopaths. www. homeopathy.org

Minnesota Homeopathic Association http://www.mnhomeopathicassociation.org

Local homeopathy study groups