How does Homeopathy work

In today’s world, holistic healing has become a sought-after treatment and maintenance mode for one’s health. The state of our health is viewed as a balance of the three planes of existence- mental, emotional and physical. One cannot fragment or compartmentalize each separately as the state of one influences the state of the other. The more we become aware of the existence of this synergy, the more we are able to enjoy a balanced level of health. This balance is reflected in the vitality or our inherent energy that is experienced in our day to day activities. As humans we are driven by this inherent energy and it is the endeavor of holistic treatments to vitalize or stimulate this complex energy to bring about balance at all the three planes of existence- body, mind and spirit. This sustaining complex energy is the vital force which is intelligent and guides the defense mechanism to maintain harmony in health or in a situation of disease.

In a disease state, in its attempt to bring back harmony, the vital force triggers certain changes in the system and these are observed as symptoms of the disease. These symptoms are produced to restore the balance of the healthy state and are to be viewed as helpful to the situation. Inappropriate interventions that are suppressive in nature lead to the weakening of the defense of the system even though we might experience a short-term immediate relief. An ideal cure would be one which renders strength to the vital force by amplifying the magnitude of the same symptoms that are produced in the diseased state. Homeopathy is one such system of holistic medicine which is based on the principle of “like cures like”. 

The term “Homeopathy” is derived from Greek language where “Homoeo” means “similar” and “Pathos” means “suffering”. It was through experimenting, research and clinical observations that Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), the founder of homeopathy, presented to the world this gentle and safe system of medicine. Substances that produced disease in healthy persons were identified and were used to stimulate a healing response when patients presented with similar symptoms in a diseased state. This can be understood by a simple example of red onion in treatment of colds and flus. If we (in healthy state) peel onion it makes our eyes tear, nose run and brings about burning sensation in the eyes and nose. Allium cepa is one of the homeopathic remedy made from red onions and can be used in treatment of allergic rhinitis, colds and flu as these diseases have a similar presentation of the symptoms. 

Since homeopathy is a system that is based on stimulating the vital force, administration of a similar energized homeopathic remedy is employed for bringing about cure. Homeopathic remedies are manufactured through a process wherein a natural substance is diluted several times to negate the side effects of the material dose. Another essential process is energizing process wherein the dilution is vigourously shaken or succussed. This process of succusssion releases the dynamic force or healing energy of the substance. Hence homeopathic remedies that could be either from plant, mineral or animal source are potentised and bring about a safe and gentle healing action without the side effects of the material dose.

Eliciting a healing response means selecting the right remedy for a patient. This involves gaining a complete understanding of the patient’s health at all levels- mental, emotional and physical. The goal of the treatment is to bring in a natural state of balance and health and the right remedy will stimulate the patient’s own defense mechanism to being in a reorganizing at every level of existence in an intelligent manner.  Hence an understanding of the patient’s disease is to view it as a unique individual expression at all levels. For example in migraine headaches it could be observed that one might have pain on waking in the morning, while another has it before onset of menses. Still another person could have had these since the loss of a family member, and yet another could have it when exposed to draft of cold air. It is important to recognize these differences in arriving at the right remedy that is meant for him or her and not for just the named disease.

The classical and original homeopathy practitioners will prescribe only one remedy at time as they will be able to identify the most indicated remedy to bring about the best healing response. The selection process would involve a homeopathic consultation with a classical homeopath who would skillfully interview the patient to elicit all the relevant information. The homeopathic remedy will be prescribed which could be administered in the form of sweet globules or drops of the dilution to be taken as just a single dose or be given for careful repetitions. It will be important to be self-observant about the changes taking place in the system over a period of time and revisit the homeopath for a follow-up visit. 

 A long-lasting wellness with increased energy and a stronger immune system is the reality that can be experienced through homeopathic treatment. A good lifestyle, healthy genetic predisposition and minimal suppressive treatments would mean faster healing response. Situations that are contrary will require a careful follow-up evaluation of prescriptions and a predictable healing response can be observed and experienced. It is about time that homeopathy can be reintroduced to the world as one of the most effective medicine system to raise the level of health of the world population.

 

Stress in Children: When should we be Concerned.

As parents most of us might recognize the level of stress in children to be at lower level or even insignificant when compared to what they experience. Several studies conclude that the concern about rising stress levels in children is not unfounded. Not only could children be worrying about examinations or making friends or being popular amongst their peers but they could be facing situations of adjustment in new environment with family moves, family relationship issues, social media pressures, prevailing global terrorism threats or even grief of losing someone close. Therefore it is not surprising that the “stress” that we once could see as unavoidable part of life that could bring out positive outcomes is to be viewed with caution as it could cross the boundary of tolerable level even if there is supportive and caring environment provided by adults.

It will be worthwhile to ask ourselves “How will we know that it is getting difficult for my child to handle the stress level? Children especially the younger ones may find it difficult express their worrying thoughts that have the potential of manifesting as anxiety disorder. These unhelpful negative thoughts can produce certain changes at physical level or emotional level or even both.  Physical symptoms could include frequent headaches, vague pains, change in eating habits, bedwetting, sleep disturbance, nightmares and stammering. Emotional symptoms could include excessive worrying, withdrawal from friends and family, extreme behaviours like uncontrollable weeping, aggression, clinginess, trouble concentrating, development of new fears, keeping away from school activities, regression to early development behaviours and more serious self harm acts and ideation.

When faced with concerning situations most parents tend to reflect on their parental responsibilities. Many a times school is able to give feed back that could validate our own observations. An encouraging approach in communication that allows our child to share and express is needed here. A positive and rewarding technique must be an automatic choice over a punitive one. Setting unrealistic expectations is another aspect that needs to be reviewed. It is not uncommon to find children having a very busy and over scheduled itinerary day after day. Another alert is that it is our own stress handling mechanism that needs to be corrected many a time. Parents are the role models to children early in life and children don’t just adopt our good behaviours but are vulnerable pick up the unpleasant ones.  It is commonly known that children learn much from what parents are than what parents teach.

Simpler modifications like playing a physical sport together and spending relaxing time with our children is a good start to developing a positive and healthy relation that prevents stress to take deep root into the child’s life. There could be more challenging situations to work on like monitoring child’s access to media and setting boundaries for social media interactions. A more helpful approach will be mindfully providing entertainment choices that are more inclusive of the family.

As parents our goal is to be able to bring up healthy children who can make conscientious choices and live their life independently as responsible adults.  At times we may find it challenging to reduce the stress in children due to complexity of the situation, it is then our responsibility to seek professional help. A professional counsellor can help us explore different ways of looking at the challenge that gives a clearer perspective and awareness on resolving the difficulty. It is out of love and care that we acknowledge that we need to do things differently and it is through this journey that much learning and at healing happens to us parents alongside. Being a parent is said to be one of the greatest joys that one can get out of life’s journey that has an equal share of and challenges and fulfillment.

Neeta is a Counsellor trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and holds a Masters in Social Sciences (Professional Counselling) from Swinburne University, Australia. She has in private practice not only as a Counsellor but also as a Homeopath since 2006. She has been living in Singapore for the last 20 years and is now a Singapore citizen. She has been seen clients for various issues like stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, anger management and psychosomatic illnesses.

WHY MAINTAINING WELLNESS IS KEY

Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions.

What we do

Different modalities help to treat different issues. One size doesn’t fit all, so we believe in these complementary modalities:

HOMEOPATHY. COUNSELLING. BACH

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HOMEOPATHY

 Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on natural laws. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann discovered these natural laws more than 200 years ago and applied them to heal diseases. Homeopathy recognizes that the whole person-mind, body and spirit-is affected when there is illness. Therefore the focus is not the diseased part or the sickness but on the whole individual. Homeopathic medicines also known as remedies, stimulate the body’s vital force to initiate the healing process. Over 500 million patients are treated by some 100,000 homeopathic doctors worldwide, making homeopathy the most popular alternative medicine.

Homeopathy has 4 principles that remain unchanged over the last 200 years. These are the foundation to classical homeopathy.

• Similia Similbus Curentur which is “like cures like”. A substance that can produce disease in a healthy person is used to elicit a healing response in someone presenting with a similar disease.
• A Single Remedy is given at any one time. The response of the vital force would be unpredictable and confusing with multiple remedies and would lead to long-term unsatisfactory results.
• Minimum Dose of the remedy is sufficient for cure as in homeopathy, less is better. Minimum dosage eliminates the adverse and side effects of the material dose of drugs that are given in larger quantities and with frequent repetitions.
• Homeopathic remedies, though made from natural substances such as plants, minerals, animals, etc., are manufactured unlike any other medicine where they undergo a process called potentization. Through a process of serial dilution, a very dilute extract is made and  with every step of dilution the remedy is vigorously shaken or succussed by which there is arousal of the dynamic nature of the medicine.

It is the above features that make homeopathy gentle, safe and rapid system to bring about cure in a holistic manner. To experience the benefits of homeopathy please contact Neeta@HealthPoint Studio as Neeta not only has an experience since 2006 but she continually hones her skills by attending academic sessions at International Academy of Classical Homeopathy taught by Professor George Vithoulkas, a world renowned Homeopath.

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BACH FLOWERS

This system of healing was developed by Dr. Edward Bach. Drawing on the natural healing powers of different wildflowers, Bach Flower remedies seek to combat negative states of mind that often result in physical problems. Dealing with these negativities resolves physical problems and also strengthens positive emotions and mindsets. These remedies help to heal and bring harmony to the individual.

Bach Flower Remedies address issues like fears, bad habits, indecisiveness, disinterests, physical and mental stress, low spirit and despondency. Each flower has an ability to address a specific negative state and it reinstalls harmony in the individual. Here is a brief description of the negative emotions that can be transformed with the individual flower remedy.

• Agrimony – mental torture behind a cheerful face
• Aspen – fear of unknown things
• Beech – intolerance
• Centaury – the inability to say ‘no’
• Cerato – lack of trust in one’s own decisions
• Cherry Plum – fear of the mind giving way
• Chestnut Bud – failure to learn from mistakes
• Chicory – selfish, possessive love
• Clematis – dreaming of the future without working in the present
• Crab Apple – the cleansing remedy, also for self-hatred
• Elm – overwhelmed by responsibility
• Gentian – discouragement after a setback
• Gorse – hopelessness and despair
• Heather – self-centredness and self-concern
• Holly – hatred, envy and jealousy
• Honeysuckle – living in the past
• Hornbeam – tiredness at the thought of doing something
• Impatiens – impatience
• Larch – lack of confidence
• Mimulus – fear of known things
• Mustard – deep gloom for no reason
• Oak – the plodder who keeps going past the point of exhaustion
• Olive – exhaustion following mental or physical effort
• Pine – guilt
• Red Chestnut – over-concern for the welfare of loved ones
• Rock Rose – terror and fright
• Rock Water – self-denial, rigidity and self-repression
• Scleranthus – inability to choose between alternatives
• Star of Bethlehem – shock
• Sweet Chestnut – Extreme mental anguish, when everything has been tried and there is no light left
• Vervain – over-enthusiasm
• Vine – dominance and inflexibility
• Walnut – protection from change and unwanted influences
• Water Violet – quiet self-reliance leading to isolation
• White Chestnut – unwanted thoughts and mental arguments
• Wild Oat – uncertainty over one’s direction in life
• Wild Rose – drifting, resignation, apathy
• Willow – self-pity and resentment

The original system also includes an emergency combination remedy which is popularly known as Rescue Remedy. Other pre-mixed combinations are offered by many remedy producers, but they tend to be ineffective because they are not chosen individually.

To get consultation for your personalised needs please contact Neeta@HealthPoint Studio as she is a certified Professional CBT Counsellor and is registered with Singapore Association of Counselling.

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PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING

Counselling is a science which alleviates pain, suffering, stress, anxiety etc without medications. In cases of illnesses where medications are essential, clients are encouraged to maintain the requisite treatment alongside. As a prospective client you may wonder if one can really change and whether it is possible to bring about the desired change by one’s own introspective inner work. To this we would say that the effort to break away from the patterned behaviour meets resistance from none other but our own selves.

The struggle to bring a change can be a lonely quest. We may find ourselves gravitating towards old ways and as a counsellor our role is to journey with clients on a path that leads to the destination that is desired and agreed upon. We might feel overwhelmed by situations that will seem to bring disappointment. Making meaning out of these and actively turning them into learnings will be an intent of the therapy work. A satisfactory outcome will be a time where the client emerges confident and empowered to deal with the situations effectively on his or her own.

In case  you are experiencing any of the following situations, we provide professional counselling to help you create a better life.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Mood Disorders
• Low Self Esteem
• Coping with grief or illness
• Feeling stuck in making decisions
• Difficulties in achieving objectives
• Parenting conflicts
• Adjustment Issues
• Relationship Issues

To get help for Counselling needs please contact Neeta@HealthPoint Studio as she is a certified Professional CBT Counsellor and is registered with Singapore Association of Counselling.