Homeopathy in the Homeopathy in the Treatment of Treatment of

Rheumatological Rheumatological DiseasesDiseases

Introduction to Homeopathy Introduction to Homeopathy and remedies that may be and remedies that may be

beneficialbeneficial

PrinciplesPrinciples

A system of medicine based on the A system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like” -similia principle of “like cures like” -similia similibus curentursimilibus curentur

Uses the smallest dose possible to Uses the smallest dose possible to produce a responseproduce a response

OriginsOrigins

This principle was first described in This principle was first described in Hindu writings over 3000 years agoHindu writings over 3000 years ago

Also mentioned by Hippocrates , Also mentioned by Hippocrates , Galen in the 2nd century and Galen in the 2nd century and Paracelsus in16th century Paracelsus in16th century

More recently researched by a More recently researched by a German physician Samuel German physician Samuel Hahnemann who developed Hahnemann who developed “Homoeopathy”“Homoeopathy”

Examples of the similia Examples of the similia principle principle

Peeling an onion leads to sore, runny eyes, Peeling an onion leads to sore, runny eyes, itchy nose and sneezing - Allium cepa itchy nose and sneezing - Allium cepa used to treat hayfever and coldsused to treat hayfever and colds

nettle stings produce a burning, itchy nettle stings produce a burning, itchy wheal on the skin - Urtica urens is a good wheal on the skin - Urtica urens is a good remedy for similar skin lesionsremedy for similar skin lesions

arsenic poisoning causes severe vomiting arsenic poisoning causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea with burning pains and and diarrhoea with burning pains and chilliness - Arsenicum alb. V. effective in chilliness - Arsenicum alb. V. effective in gastroenteritis and food poisoninggastroenteritis and food poisoning

Examples of the similia Examples of the similia principle in medicineprinciple in medicine

Radiotherapy which is used to treat Radiotherapy which is used to treat cancer also causes itcancer also causes it

Amphetamines which produce Amphetamines which produce hyperactivity, are used to treat hyperactivity, are used to treat hyperactive childrenhyperactive children

ImmunisationImmunisation treatment of erythromelalgia with treatment of erythromelalgia with

Praxilene?Praxilene?

Basis of TreatmentBasis of Treatment

Homoeopathy works with the body’s Homoeopathy works with the body’s response to illness and remedies are response to illness and remedies are prescibed according to the symptomsprescibed according to the symptoms

one remedy can be used to treat one remedy can be used to treat several ailmentsseveral ailments

one ailment may need to be treated one ailment may need to be treated with different remedies in different with different remedies in different patientspatients

Materia medicaMateria medica

Known symptoms produced Known symptoms produced by poisoningsby poisonings

Symptoms produced by Symptoms produced by provingsprovings

Symptoms relieved when Symptoms relieved when remedy given for other remedy given for other symptomssymptoms

Selecting the remedySelecting the remedy

Detailed Homeopathic historyDetailed Homeopathic historyRepertorizationRepertorizationMateria medicaMateria medica

Homeopathic historyHomeopathic history

Details of presenting complaint - Details of presenting complaint - aetiology, aggravations, ameliorations, aetiology, aggravations, ameliorations, modalitiesmodalities

Aetiology : trauma, bereavement, never well Aetiology : trauma, bereavement, never well since -pregnancy, menopause, glandular since -pregnancy, menopause, glandular feverfever

Aggravations : conditions that make Aggravations : conditions that make symptoms worsesymptoms worse

Ameliorations : improve symptomsAmeliorations : improve symptoms Modalities : conditions qualifying a symptomModalities : conditions qualifying a symptom

Homeopathic historyHomeopathic history

General symptoms - patients’ General symptoms - patients’ reaction to their environment, heat, reaction to their environment, heat, cold, weathercold, weather

Food likes or dislikes, e.g. crave Food likes or dislikes, e.g. crave pickles,like fatpickles,like fat

periodicity - frequency of symptoms - periodicity - frequency of symptoms - monthly, weekly, yearlymonthly, weekly, yearly

Mind or Mental symptomsMind or Mental symptoms

Placid, anxious, Placid, anxious, Anxious on Anxious on

anticipationanticipation DepressedDepressed WeepyWeepy ConsolationConsolation Easily boredEasily bored

JealousJealous TidyTidy FearsFears CompanyCompany ShyShy RoutineRoutine ResentmentsResentments

General appearanceGeneral appearance

Vivacious red-headVivacious red-head NervousNervous Laid-back absent Laid-back absent

minded professorminded professor Prim and properPrim and proper ScruffyScruffy Extremely neat and Extremely neat and

colour co-ordinatedcolour co-ordinated

Weepy blondeWeepy blonde Lacks energyLacks energy Flabby handshakeFlabby handshake ClosedClosed Shy, hides behind Shy, hides behind

mothermother Anxious to please, Anxious to please,

maintain eye maintain eye contactcontact

RepertorizationRepertorization

Repertory contains details of Repertory contains details of symptoms produced by remedies symptoms produced by remedies listed under bodily systems e.g. listed under bodily systems e.g. mind, vertigo, head, eye, vision, ear, mind, vertigo, head, eye, vision, ear, hearing, nose, face etc.hearing, nose, face etc.– e.g.e.g. heartburn after eating - heartburn after eating - Aesc. Aesc.

agar.agar. Am.c. Am.c. anac.anac. Calc. Calc. p. Calc. Calc. p. carl. carl. Chin. Chin. Cocc.c. con. Croc. Cocc.c. con. Croc. Graph. Iod. Graph. Iod. Lyc. Lyc. Merc. Merc. Nat. mur. Nit. Ac. Nux v. Nat. mur. Nit. Ac. Nux v. Sep. Sil. Sep. Sil.

Repertorisation cont.Repertorisation cont.

Strong features of the history in each Strong features of the history in each area - mind, generals and local area - mind, generals and local symptomssymptoms

The strength of a symptom in a rubric is The strength of a symptom in a rubric is indicated by the type,indicated by the type,

i.e. i.e. bold typebold type--strongly present,strongly present, italic - moderate,italic - moderate, ordinaryordinary typetype - - symptom present for symptom present for

that remedythat remedy

Further considerationsFurther considerations

AetiologyAetiology Peculiar symptoms e.g.Peculiar symptoms e.g.

– burning sensation > warm applicationsburning sensation > warm applications– asthma > lying downasthma > lying down– feels exceptionally well day before feels exceptionally well day before

headache headache

– Symptoms can then be fed into a Symptoms can then be fed into a computercomputer

RemediesRemedies

These are prepared These are prepared from :-from :-

minerals,minerals, plants,plants, fish, fish, insects,insects, snakes and snakes and

disease productsdisease products

Preparation of the RemediesPreparation of the Remedies

Whole plant is macerated in alcohol Whole plant is macerated in alcohol mother tincture mother tincture

1 drop added to 9 or 99 of solution 1 drop added to 9 or 99 of solution results in 1X or 1C potencyresults in 1X or 1C potency

Succussed in between dilutionsSuccussed in between dilutions Standard potencies :- 6C, 30C, 200C, Standard potencies :- 6C, 30C, 200C,

1M, 10M, 50M1M, 10M, 50M

PrescriptionPrescription

6C for local symptoms e.g. joint pain, 6C for local symptoms e.g. joint pain, skin eruptionsskin eruptions

30C for acute illness e.g. influenza, 30C for acute illness e.g. influenza, diarrhoea and vomiting, childhood diarrhoea and vomiting, childhood illnessesillnesses

200C if giving nosodes e.g. glandular 200C if giving nosodes e.g. glandular fever nosode, pertussis, measles vaccinefever nosode, pertussis, measles vaccine

1M or 10M for strong emotional 1M or 10M for strong emotional symptoms e.g. grief, P.M.T., depression, symptoms e.g. grief, P.M.T., depression, anxiety etc.anxiety etc.

Instructions for taking Instructions for taking remediesremedies

Homeopathic remedies are very Homeopathic remedies are very delicate and should not be handled.delicate and should not be handled.

They are absorbed from the mouth They are absorbed from the mouth and so are sucked not swallowed.and so are sucked not swallowed.

Should not be taken near food or Should not be taken near food or drink as these may interfere with the drink as these may interfere with the absorption.absorption.

Store away from strong smells.Store away from strong smells.

Overall Outcome of Treatment Overall Outcome of Treatment with Homeopathy - GHHOSwith Homeopathy - GHHOS

19 19

40

2219

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

No. of patients

1 2 3 4 5

Outcome measure

Outcome 2002

Series1

1 = No change1 = No change 2 = Slight change 2 = Slight change

– Improvement in Improvement in wellbeing but not PCwellbeing but not PC

3 = mod improvement 3 = mod improvement 4 = good improvement4 = good improvement

– No symptoms as long as No symptoms as long as continue with remediescontinue with remedies

5 = cure5 = cure– Asymptomatic without Asymptomatic without

remediesremedies 68% range from 3-568% range from 3-5

Conditions referred for Conditions referred for homeopathy in 2004homeopathy in 2004

Asthma/eczema/allergies/hayfever - Asthma/eczema/allergies/hayfever - 17%17%

Menopausal and PMT symptoms – 16%Menopausal and PMT symptoms – 16% Rheumatological symptoms - 13%Rheumatological symptoms - 13% Chronic fatigue syndrome - 10%Chronic fatigue syndrome - 10% ADHD, IBS, UTIs, neuralgia, ADHD, IBS, UTIs, neuralgia,

candidiasis, depression and anxiety, candidiasis, depression and anxiety, headaches, migraine, etc.headaches, migraine, etc.

Audit of Homeopathic Audit of Homeopathic treatment for Rheumatology treatment for Rheumatology

diseasesdiseases 1 – No Change1 – No Change 2 – Sl Improvement2 – Sl Improvement 3 = Mod 3 = Mod

ImprovementImprovement 4= Good 4= Good

ImprovementImprovement 5 = Complete Cure5 = Complete Cure

Outcome of Homeopathic Treatment for Rheumatology Symptoms

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

1 2 3 4 5

Outcome measure

No

. o

f P

atie

nts

Series1

Remedies for Remedies for rheumatological rheumatological

symptomssymptoms

ArnicaArnicaGeneral remedy for bruising and injury.General remedy for bruising and injury. Symptoms started after an injury or strain especially if Symptoms started after an injury or strain especially if

accompanied by bleeding, for instance :-accompanied by bleeding, for instance :-– after childbirth, after an accident, fall, after an operation.after childbirth, after an accident, fall, after an operation.

Limbs and body feel as if beaten, sore, bruised feelings. Limbs and body feel as if beaten, sore, bruised feelings. Feeling as if the bed is too hard.Feeling as if the bed is too hard.

Pain in muscles and tendons particularly of back and Pain in muscles and tendons particularly of back and shoulders.shoulders.

Fear of being touched due to the pain. Groan during sleep.Fear of being touched due to the pain. Groan during sleep. Soreness after physical activity.Soreness after physical activity. Symptoms are :- worse for the slightest touchSymptoms are :- worse for the slightest touch worse for jolting and movement,worse for jolting and movement, worse for damp, coldworse for damp, cold better for lying with head lower than feetbetter for lying with head lower than feet better for rest. better for rest.

BelladonnaBelladonna

Shooting pains along limbs,Shooting pains along limbs, Joints, swollen, hot, shiny, throbbing Joints, swollen, hot, shiny, throbbing

painspains Throbbing headache < right side, Throbbing headache < right side,

lying down > pressure, sitting uplying down > pressure, sitting up Irritable, acuteness of all sensesIrritable, acuteness of all senses General throbbing sensationsGeneral throbbing sensations Stiff neck, back pain < dorsal areaStiff neck, back pain < dorsal area < touch, jarring, draughts< touch, jarring, draughts

BryoniaBryonia Dry mucous membranes with intense thirstDry mucous membranes with intense thirst Pressure headaches worse by the slightest Pressure headaches worse by the slightest

movementmovement Exhaustion accompanied by sweatingExhaustion accompanied by sweating Joint pains - shooting, piercingJoint pains - shooting, piercing worse for slightest movement or touchworse for slightest movement or touch relieved by rest or light pressurerelieved by rest or light pressure red, hot joints relieved by hot compressesred, hot joints relieved by hot compresses Marked feature of this remedy is that Marked feature of this remedy is that

symptoms are better for keeping absolutely symptoms are better for keeping absolutely still and are worse for movementstill and are worse for movement

Calc fluorCalc fluor

Chronic back pain, < on beginning to Chronic back pain, < on beginning to move > continued motionmove > continued motion

Exostoses on finger jointsExostoses on finger joints Chronic synovitis of knee jointsChronic synovitis of knee joints Swellings in fasciae, ligaments or Swellings in fasciae, ligaments or

tendonstendons < rest, change of weather< rest, change of weather > heat, warm applications> heat, warm applications

Cinchona (quinine bark)Cinchona (quinine bark)

Good remedy for debility from Good remedy for debility from chronic illnesschronic illness

Pains in joints and limbs, as if Pains in joints and limbs, as if sprainedsprained

< slight touch, > hard pressure< slight touch, > hard pressure Joints swollen, v. sensitive < open airJoints swollen, v. sensitive < open air Debilitating nights sweatsDebilitating nights sweats < alternate days< alternate days

Rhus toxRhus tox This remedy is often indicated when the pain in joints This remedy is often indicated when the pain in joints

and muscles is :and muscles is : better for moving aboutbetter for moving about better from warmth and during warmer weather better from warmth and during warmer weather worse from damp, cold,worse from damp, cold, worse keeping still or in bedworse keeping still or in bed worse from beginning to move and when very worse from beginning to move and when very

tiredtired If symptoms started after :-If symptoms started after :- catching cold or being wet,catching cold or being wet, catching cold after sweating due to physical effort,catching cold after sweating due to physical effort, muscular strain.muscular strain. Pain - bruised feeling with stiffnessPain - bruised feeling with stiffness sciatica - tearing pain shoots along nervesciatica - tearing pain shoots along nerve

Rhus tox cont.Rhus tox cont.

A particular feature of Rhus tox. is that A particular feature of Rhus tox. is that all symptoms are relieved by moving all symptoms are relieved by moving about. Patients are very restless and about. Patients are very restless and often experience jumpy legs at night.often experience jumpy legs at night.

   Rhus tox. cream can often be helpful Rhus tox. cream can often be helpful

when massaged into the neck, hands when massaged into the neck, hands or feet if these areas are affected.or feet if these areas are affected.

RutaRuta Good remedy for trauma or strain to tendons, fibrous Good remedy for trauma or strain to tendons, fibrous

tissue or bone.tissue or bone. Symptoms :Symptoms :worse for exposure to damp, coldworse for exposure to damp, cold

– worse resting and lying down, better for worse resting and lying down, better for moving aboutmoving about

Tendons painful as if bruised, stiffness in limbs and Tendons painful as if bruised, stiffness in limbs and joints.joints.

Eyes tired - better for heat and worse for artificial light.Eyes tired - better for heat and worse for artificial light. General sensation of being bruised all over particularly General sensation of being bruised all over particularly

in limbs and joints.in limbs and joints. Feeling of intense weariness, weakness and despairFeeling of intense weariness, weakness and despair Indicated if symptoms started after trauma to Indicated if symptoms started after trauma to

ligaments, bone or muscular strain ligaments, bone or muscular strain

StaphysagriaStaphysagria

Symptoms from suppressed Symptoms from suppressed resentment, twisted and bitterresentment, twisted and bitter

Ailments from anger and indignationAilments from anger and indignation Limbs feel beaten and painful, joints Limbs feel beaten and painful, joints

stiffstiff Sense of fatigue in all joints, arthritic Sense of fatigue in all joints, arthritic

nodositiesnodosities Recurrent styes and honeymoon Recurrent styes and honeymoon

cystitiscystitis

The rewards of homeopathyThe rewards of homeopathy

Patient satisfactionPatient satisfaction Effects on consultation techniqueEffects on consultation technique Intellectual achievementIntellectual achievement The joy of detective workThe joy of detective work Understanding aetiologyUnderstanding aetiology Personal satisfaction and fulfillmentPersonal satisfaction and fulfillment

Useful AddressesUseful Addresses

British Homeopathic Association,British Homeopathic Association,Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street,Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street,Luton, LU1 3BE.Luton, LU1 3BE.www.britishhomeopathic.orgAcademic Department, Academic Department, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow,

G12 0XQ G12 0XQ