HOMEOPATHY FOR FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is one of those ailments that is difficult to diagnose. It has such a variety of symptoms it's not so much an ailment but a syndrome. The name itself is indicative of this debilitating syndrome. 'fibro' pertaining to the tendons and connective tissues, 'my' pertaining to muscles and 'algia' pertaining to pain. It is a debilitating syndrome characterised with widespread muscularskeletal pain and specific tender areas accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbance. Sufferers don't seem to experience periods of deep sleep, so awake feeling as if they haven't slept at all.

Every sufferer is different in what alleviates their discomfort and likewise some medications and therapies might work for one and not another, so hence the list of homeopathic remedies, it's certainly worth a try to see if it works. There are no contraindications to Homeopathy the worst you can do is neutralise its effects as it works on vibration and strong smelling substances like aromatherapy oils, strong toothpaste, mouthwash and coffee can antidote its effects. Its a complementary therapy like most I have discussed on my site here, so that they can safely be used with regular orthodox medicine.

Homeopathy can often provide relief from the unpredictable, sometimes debilitating, aches and pains of fibromyalgia. Nutritional supplements, dietary monitoring, special types of exercise, and other natural approaches are also helpful and may be used along with remedies.

Arnica: This remedy is indicated when any body area feels bruised and sore, after exertion, overuse of muscles, or injury. Sometimes Arnica is enough to soothe a chronic condition; often, other remedies follow Arnica.
Bryonia: A person who needs this remedy tries to stay as still as possible, since even the slightest motion aggravates the pain. People who need this remedy often feel extremely irritable and grumpy, not wanting to be touched or interfered with. Warmth often makes things worse and cool applications may be soothing. Pressure on the painful parts (or lying on them) often helps, because it minimizes movement.
Calcarea carbonica: Muscle soreness and weakness that are worse from exertion, and worse from getting cold and damp, may be relieved by this remedy. The person often is chilly with clammy hands and feet, easily fatigued, and has a tendency to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Cravings for sweets and eggs often confirm the choice of this remedy.
Causticum: Soreness, weakness, and stiffness in the muscles—worse from being cold and worse from overuse—suggests a need for this remedy. The forearms often feel stiff, unsteady, and very weak. The muscles of the legs can feel contracted and sore, and the person may have restless legs at night. Problems tend to be worse when the weather is dry, and better in rainy weather (although getting wet aggravates the pain and stiffness). Warm applications and warming up in bed often relieve discomfort.
Cimicifuga (also called Actae racemosa): People who need this remedy are often energetic and talkative, becoming depressed or fearful when physical problems trouble them. Soreness and stiffness of muscles may be accompanied by shooting pains and are usually aggravated by getting cold. The neck and spinal muscles can be very tight, and the person may have headaches and other problems during menstrual periods.
Kalmia latifolia: Severe pain in the muscles, extending from higher areas to lower ones, often responds to this remedy. Shooting pains may occur, along with stiffness, neuralgia, and numbness or a cold sensation. Pains can come on suddenly, and often shift around, being worse from motion and worse at night.
Ranunculus bulbosus: This remedy is often helpful with fibrositis and muscle stiffness, especially when the neck and back muscles are involved. Stabbing pains and soreness may be felt near the spine and shoulder-blades, especially on the left. Problems may be aggravated by cold damp weather, walking, and alcoholic beverages.
Rhus toxicodendron: If a person feels very restless, with stiffness and soreness that find relief in warmth and motion, this remedy should be considered. Problems are aggravated in cold, damp weather. Stiffness and pain are worse on waking in the morning, and after periods of rest.
Ruta graveolens: Tremendous stiffness of the muscles, with lameness, pain, and weakness (especially after overuse) may be soothed with this remedy. The legs and hips are sore and weak, and the person may find it difficult to stand after sitting in a chair. Muscles in the back and neck feel bruised, the tendons may be sore, and the wrists and hands feel painful and contracted.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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CRYSTAL THERAPY

The Historical Background of Crystals

For centuries man has revered crystals not just for their beauty and economic value but as healing tools. the healing power of Crystals dates back to 1600 BC by the Egyptians where the practice of placing or wearing of the stones on various parts of the body was an early practiced ritual. In these ancient times it was popular to pulverise the gems, mix the powder with water and then drink the liquid.

The Egyptian priests used Crystal energy for healing and power. the Aztecs and the Incas, used semi-precious stones as a means for 'divination', however the use of crystals was a skill which vanished through the ages and has only recently began to appear again.

Astrologically crystals play an important part of our lives, you will no doubt be aware of the semi-precious/precious stones that is associated with birthdates.

Even there are references in the New Testament (Revelations Chapt. 21 v 18) and the Old Testament (Exodus Chapt 28 v 17-20)

So Crystal Healing Just What is it?


Firstly 'Healing' means not just the symptom that the client presents with, but the whole body. By healing you will not just be treating the physical body, but also the Spiritual Body i.e. the Chakras and Auric Field.

Healing does not begin in the physical body but in the Subtle body of which the physical body is just a reflection. In crystal healing, the healing involves more than just consulting a long list of the various crystals, finding out which one to use for a specific ailment then placing the crystal on the body. this is where intuition of the healer plays an important role.

So what is Intuition? 

Intuition is not about seeing, it is about sensing and feeling, it is a deep desire that you know what is right.

In crystal healing intuition is an integral part of the therapy, knowledge of the various therapeutic aspects is not enough. If the crystal 'feels wrong' then it is wrong.

What are subtle bodies?

Subtle bodies are part of the Human energy field, which includies the 'aura' , the 'chakras' and the 'meridians'.

Throughout history the idea has been well documented that 'Universal Energy' pervades all of nature, i.e. the Indian spiritual tradition of 'Prana', the ancient Chinese 'Chi' and in Christian religious paintings indicating a 'field of light' surrounding Jesus and other religious figures.

More recently scientific and technological research from Holographic patterning through 'Kirlan photography' to diferent types of scanning have observed the 'Human Energy field' in a concrete physical way. It validates the concept that all matter is 'Energy' and forms the basis for understanding how human beings can be considered dynamic energetic systems

Humans are beings of energy, the solid nature of physical mater is a perception of our physical senses. Humans can thus be viewed as networks of complex energy fields that inteface with physical and cellular systems.

The Chakras

The word chakra comes from the ancient sanskrit language meaning 'wheels' and the resemble whirling vortices of subtle energies and are involved in accessing 'Universal Energy' to a utilisable form within the human structure. The chakra system functions as energy transformers thus stepping down energy from a higher frequency to a lower level of energy. this energy is the translated into hormonal and physiological system to bring about cellular changes throughout the body.

The location of the 7 major chakras associated with the physical body correspond with the major nerve plexuses. The swirling vortex motion of teh chakras entrain or suck in energy from the 'Universal Energy' field for distribution throughout the body. As well as anatomically each chakra being asociated with major nerve plexus each chakra is associated with a major endocrine gland and each chakra is situates in a vertical line ascending from the base of the spine to the head.

Energy of a higher frequency is translated by the chakras into glandular hormonal output which then affects the entire physical body. They are also interconnected with the Nervous system and affect the functioning of neural transmission with in the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. Illness in the system can be said to be caused by an imblance of energy, therefore a lack of energy flow through the system tends to lead to disease.

The Meridians

The energy flow from the subtle body is taken further into the physical body by means of the Meridian System and this sytem forms the basis of Oriental medicine. The Merdian sytstem is complex like the Chakra system but briefly there are 26 meridians each having the name of the organ system of the body through which the meridian runs. They are devided into 'Yang' (positive) and 'Yin' (negative) in so that Yin meridians flow up the front of the body from the earth and Yang meridians from down the back of the body from the 'Heavens'. Like the chakra system malfuntion, tension, disease result from an imbalnce in the energy distribution along the particular meridian.

Holistic Theory

In order to bring back the balance of health it is necessary to treat the person as a whole, Mind, Body and Spirit as in this theory illness is caused by an imbalance between these aspects, unlike convention medicine where upon only the part of the body that is showing or feeling pain is treated.

Healing

Healing involves energy, this energy is passed to the client from the healer or from a healing source and in 'Crystal Healing" the 'source' is the crystal to the client. Emotional healing or comfort is probably the easiest to explain simply by talking to someone, by showing empathy, understanding , compassion and kindness this can instigate the healing process by bringing calmness and peace.

The Role of Crystals

Crystals are ideal as an energy source as they are capable of healing with energies from the lowest, such as electricity to the highest forms such as the subtle spiritual energies.

Crystals are the purest form of matter, each containing Universal Energy.

Crystal Healing is a very individual therapy, some healers use it as an ajunct to other therapies such as Reiki or Reflexology. Others use the crystals to dowse to find where in the body imbalnces may be found. Generally after this intial procedure of dowsing a crystal layout will be followed, where various crystals ,will be used intuitively, and placed in a cetain order around the client.

Crystals also have a role in the home, office and therapy room they can be used to 'mop up' negative energy as a means to protect the occupants from picking up negative energy from the environment, through the transmission of harmful unseen elecrical fields given off by computers, televisions and mobile phones etc.

MPB (c)

Maggie Brown (Author)

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AROMATHERAPY

Great new Aromatherapy site click here 

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? 

It is the systematic use of essential oils in Holistic treatments to improve physical and Emotional well being. Essential Oils are extracted from plants and possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be used to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. 

Essential Oils can be applied in a variety of ways such as in massage, baths and inhalations. They are readily absorbed into the skin and have gentle physiological effects and Aromatherapy is an especially effective therapy for stress-related disorders and a variety of chronic ailments

Aromatherapy has its roots in ancient civilisations i.e. the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans used plants and herbs and oils extracted from these for religious, medical and cosmetic purposes and in the Ancient Egyptians used Essential Oils for Embalming and Preserving. 

What are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic, volatile substances extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression. They are found in leaves, the hairs on leaves, in flowers, in tree bark or roots, in fruit pulp and peel. Similar to animal hormones, they are sometimes referred to as the plants’ ‘Life force’. The cells containing essential oils are generally close to the surface but they can only be seen with the help of a microscope. The essence is either stored in the cell where it is made or, as is the case with citrus fruits, moved to special storage sacs. 

Essential Oils are: 

• Aromatic, have a distinctive and often fragrant smell 

• Volatile, evaporate quickly in the air and to varying degrees depending on the oil 

• Very powerful when neat, are usually blended with a carrier oil for massage purposes 

• Flammable, must be kept in a cool place away from heat and/or naked flames 

• Soluble in oil and alcohol, (in water they will form a suspension) 

• Liquid, exceptions include Rose Otto and Benzoin, which are semi-solid Non-greasy, despite their name, the oils are generally light and not oily Expensive, producing the plants and extracting the oil is labour intensive and thus not cheap.

WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM? 

Essential Oils come from various parts of the plants. Some plants only produce one oil e.g. 

• Basil oil from Basil leaves 

• Carrot from Carrot seeds 

• Pine from the needles and sometimes the cones of Pine trees 

Other plants produce several oils from different parts e.g. each Sweet Orange tree produces three essential oils 

•Petitgrain from the leaves and branches 

• Neroli from the blossom 

• Sweet Orange from the peel 

THE SAFETY OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

How should oils be stored? 

Essential oils are delicate and expensive; it is therefore wise to look after them. They should be stored: 

• Away from extremes of temperature, heat will evaporate them and cold can affect their composition 

• In dark, amber/blue glass bottles, essential oils are sensitive to ultraviolet light, they should not be stored, or bought in plastic because it affects the molecular structure of the oil 

• In tightly sealed bottles, to protect them from evaporating in the air and to stop contact with the air from changing their composition 

• Out of the reach of children. 

Are Essential Oils Safe? 

Used correctly essential oils are very safe, mainly because they are used in such tiny amounts. When used in the wrong dilutions and in the wrong conditions they can produce adverse effects. Certain oils should never be used, under any circumstances and some should not be used for specific conditions. 

N.B. Essential oils are very strong and should not be swallowed. If oil gets into the eye rinse it immediately with lots of water. If necessary seek medical advice. 

N.B. Essential oils should never be used in the first three months of pregnancy. For the rest of the term, Mandarin is the only oil, which may be used. 

N.B. & ONLY USE THAT IF AN EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED & INSURED AROMATHERAPIST 

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK ON THE HUMAN BODY

What are the specific effects of Aromatherapy?

Using Essential Oils affects the Human Body 

• Pharmacologically, essential oils are chemical and so are humans. Once essential oils have been absorbed into the body, either through the skin or inhalation, the chemicals in the oils enter the blood and other body fluids and interact with the chemistry of our bodies e.g. hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters are all chemicals and the presence of another chemical (the essential oil) can affect the way they work. 

• Physiologically: physiology is the way our body works. Essential oils can affect this by changing the chemical messages and impulses sent around the body and thus changing the way the systems of the human body function e.g. if an oil has relaxing and de-stressing properties, it may help to relieve the symptoms of stress displayed by our bodies e.g. slowing heart rate and breathing rate or encouraging tense muscles to relax. 

• Psychologically: the way essential oils affect our mind is more difficult to describe, mainly because everyone’s mind id different. However, our sense of smell is closely linked to our memory so that particular smells can cause particular responses: e.g. if you dislike the smell of Roses, Rose oil is unlikely to relax you; if Jasmine reminds you of a good holiday then its smell will bring back happy memories and provoke a positive response. 

General effects of Aromatherapy

There are certain effects from using essential oils which result from most treatments, especially since relaxing and/or hands-on application methods like massage and baths are very common in aromatherapy. 

General effects include:

• Reduction in Stress & Tension 

• Feeling of Well-being, Balance and Calm 

• Antibacterial effects of oil help the body to heal and support the immune system. 

How do essential oils penetrate the skin? 

There are two ways that oil can safely penetrate the body: 

1. Smell/Inhalation 

2. Absorption via the skin Ingestion, i.e. swallowing them is not safe. 

Smelling & Inhaling Essential Oils. The Nose & Olfactory Tract Smell is the fastest way for Essential Oils to penetrate the body. The molecules travel up the nose and there are two results: they send a message to the brain and nerves which respond to the new smell and they pass into the blood stream via the lungs and the respiratory system. 

In order to understand how this works, it helps to understand the structure of the Olfactory Tract. 

Most of the nose is concerned with breathing: inhaling air into the body and exhaling it out, however it is the organ of smell and thus very important in a therapy based on the power of aromas! At the top of the nose there are two areas of pigmented tissue known as Olfactory Membranes. They contain the olfactory, or smell-sensing cells, which have fine hair-like protrusions called cilia. The olfactory cells connect to nerves in an area known as the Olfactory Plexus. Once triggered, these nerves send messages along the olfactory Nerves to the Brain, particularly the Limbic System. This is the area of the brain that deals with Memory, Emotions, Our Basic Instincts and Mechanical Functions. When essential oil molecules pass over the olfactory cells, it is thought that these cells trigger receptor areas, which send an impulse via the olfactory plexus and nerves to the brain. Here the information is processed and interpretated (with either positive or negative associations). Depending on the interpretation, the brain sends messages to other parts of the body to elicit a response e.g. Grimace! The brain may also react to different chemicals in an essential oil and produce particular effects e.g. a relaxing or sedative substance may cause the brain to send out a message of relaxation either to the whole body or a particular part. 

How do Oils Penetrate the Skin? 

Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. In order to understand this, it helps to understand the skin’s structure. Being the largest human organ it is water resistant, but extremely minute substances, such as the molecules of an essential oil, can enter the tiny pores of the Epidermis, as well as penetrating through the hair follicles and the sweat glands. From here they enter the blood capillaries in the dermis. Once the oil reaches the blood and the circulation it is transported around the whole body. 

BLENDING & CARRIER OILS

Essential Oils are almost always used in a blend. They are blended with Carrier oils for use in massage and in some cases, baths. The correct blend is very important because essential oils are potentially toxic if used undiluted. They are also highly concentrated and will therefore not go very far in a massage on their own! 

What is a Carrier Oil? 

Carrier oils are known as fixed oils because unlike essential oils, they do not evaporate when heated. They are extracted from plants, flowers, nuts and seeds and those generally used in aromatherapy do not have a strong smell as it might interfere with that of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain fat-soluble vitamins e.g. A, D, E and K, minerals and proteins in differing amounts, so have healthy benefits of their own. 

Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy are:

• Of vegetable, nut or seed origin 

• Refined preferably cold-pressed 

• Stable, not volatile 

• Used neat 

• Non sticky 

• Lubricants for aromatherapist’s hands thus giving a smooth massage. 

There are several suitable carrier oils, which can be used alone or in a blend with other carriers. Some are lighter than others and often the thicker denser oils, which are more expensive and may be used, mixed with a lighter oil to make them go further. Lighter oils are better for a full body massage because they allow smoother movements whereas the thicker oils are more useful for massage on a small area. 

Recommended carrier oils are: 

Grapeseed Evening Primrose Calendula Sweet-Almond Avocado Macadamia Wheatgerm Jojoba Peach-Kernel 

DILUTIONS What are the correct dilutions? 

Dilutions depend on two factors i.e. the treatment and the scale of the treatment. The following are just guidelines and the more experienced Aromatherapist will adapt them according to circumstances. Treat dilutions and blends like a medical treatment i.e. a prescription must provide the right drug and dosage for the condition and patient. The same care should be used to create blends i.e. use the right oils for the problem in the appropriate amounts. For a treatment to work, just like a prescription, the quantities and qualities of both essential oil and carrier oil must remain constant. 

How much Essential Oil should be mixed with Carrier Oil? 

Usually from 1 % to 2%, the maximum dilution should be 2.5% of Essential Oil. 

How do I work out & measure these percentage? 

1 % equals one-drop essential oil to 100 drops carrier and 2% blend equals two drops essential oil to 100 drops carrier. 

Does that mean I have to count out 1OO drops of carrier oil? – No, 100 drops of oil is equivalent to 5mls or one teaspoon, therefore 1 % dilution would be one drop of essential oil per 5mls and 2% would be two drops per 5mls. 

Are there any instances when these dilutions are wrong or need changing? Use a maximum 1 % dilution when treating:

• Clients with sensitive skin 

• The elderly 

• Children 

• The weak/convalescent 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding 

How much oil is needed for different treatments? 

Full body massages require about 20-25mls carrier oil i.e. 8 drops essential oil per 20mls. 

For face massage only about 5mls of carrier is required i.e. 1-2 drops of essential oil per 5mls. 

Absolutes may contain traces of solvents so a weaker solution i.e. 1 % blend should be used. 

Baths essential oils float or sink so drops should not be added directly to the bath water but should be mixed with a small quantity of an emulsifier such as a fragrance-free shampoo, bath gel, liquid soap or even full cream milk before adding to the bath. 

Those with sensitive skin should use a lower concentration and take care with those oils known to cause skin irritations. 

Burners use two drops of the chosen oil in water 

Compresses soak the cloth in 100mls of water and add two drops of the chosen oil. 

Steam inhalations use one drop of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, two for a stronger effect. 

N.B. When using essential oils, always be very careful if in doubt, don’t. 

How Long do Blends Last? 

The average shelf life of a blend lasts approximately 3 months however by adding 10% Wheatgerm oil this can be extended to approx. 6 months. 

Can oils be used undiluted? 

Only in specific circumstances i.e. Lavender or Tea Tree, though some may be sensitive to the latter. Blending Oils that blend well Oils that are in the same botanical family to which they belong blend well i.e. the citrus e.g. Grapefruit & Lemon etc. 

Botanical Families & Examples Woody Cedarwood & Pine Herbaceous Marjoram & Clary Sage Citrus Bergamot & Lemon Floral Geranium & Rose Resinous Galbanum & Frankincense Spicy Ginger and Black Pepper 

A general guide to blending can be gained by looking at the ‘Note’ of the individual oil. The Note is a measure of the volatility of the oil, of which there are three main categories.

Top Notes 

• Fresh & light in aroma 

• The fastest acting • The quickest to evaporate 

• The most stimulating & uplifting to both mind and body 

Middle Notes 

• Moderately volatile 

• Primarily affect the functions of the body systems e.g. the digestive system etc. 

• Affect the general metabolism 

Base Notes 

• Are rich & Heavy 

• Slower to evaporate and therefore mixed with top notes, help to ‘hold back’ the volatility of that oil 

• The most sedating & relaxing 

A Frenchman named ‘Piesse’ developed the categorisation of oil notes during the 19th century. He classified aromas according to their harmony with other oils and based their grade on the musical scale; each aroma forming perfectly balanced chords or harmonics when combined with other oils. The simplest ratio being 3:2:1 i.e. Three drops top note, two drops middle and one drop base. 

Contra-indications for aromatherapy are the same for any massage with the proviso that certain oils will not be suitable depending on the client’s condition. 

MPB (c)




Maggie Brown (Author)
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