Patients with systemic diseases and conditions frequently will also have ocular manifestations of those disorders. Recognizing these findings is vital to proper treatment.

Patients who come to our office with complaints of dry eyes, or inflammatory conditions like Iritis, Uveitis, Scleritis or Episcleritis frequently are also suffering form immunological conditions as well. While we can usually treat the ocular conditions effectively, the individual must seek medical treatment from his/her general practitioner for the underlying disorder.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition resulting in inflammation. The Rheumatoid factor attacks the immunoglobulin G (IgG), resulting in the release of inflammatory cytokines from white blood cells causing edema and cell death. The joints are particularly at risk for damage. In the eye, the basement membranes break down; thereby permitting the destruction of the underlying ocular tissue. At first, this occurs at the tear producing gland (lacrimal gland) causing a decrease in tear production, and then dry eye. Episcleritis, the inflammation of the outer most layer of the eye wall, is a common result as well. These conditions are frequently treated with either topical steroids, and/or NSAIDs very effectively. A more serious condition is Uveitis which is an internal inflammation. This may result in permanent damage to the eye. In severe cases Anti-rheumatoid medicines such as Plaquenil must be employed.

HLA-B27 disorders are a group of diseases that present with similar ocular findings. The conditions include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Arthritis, and Behcet’s Disease; there are other connective tissue disorders as well. The most common ocular finding with these disorders is nongranulomatous Uveitis, and Iritis. Treatment includes pupillary dilation, and topical steroids like Pred Forte. Recurrence frequently occurs, and rapid aggressive treatment is needed to prevent chronic inflammation and ocular damage.

Acne Rosacea presents with pustules, papules, and telangiectasia (small blood vessels in the skin). Ocular findings include chronic blepharitis (lid inflammations), conjunctivitis, meibomian gland break down, corneal thinning and then perforation. Treatment begins with artificial tears and warm compresses, and increases to antibiotic eye drops and steroids drops if needed. Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic has been found to be very affective in curing the blepharitis component of the disorder.

Giant Cell Arteritis is an inflammation of the giant cell arteries in the cranial cavity, and requires emergency treatment. Rapid treatment is required, or the condition can be fatal. The eye doctor may notice changes in the Optic nerve. This patient needs to be hospitalized as soon as possible.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis, are inflammations in the intestinal walls. Ocular manifestations may include Episcleritis and Uveitis. Unlike with the other conditions discussed, IBD may results in Posterior Uveitis which is more serious, and may result in greater ocular damage. Treatment then may require systemic immunosuppressant and injections directly in the eye. This treatment may lead to Cataracts, Glaucoma and Cystoid Macular Edema. Treatment must therefore be carefully monitored.

With immunological disorders the key to proper treatment is rapid, accurate diagnosis. If left untreated, many of these ocular findings can severely damage the eye and reduce vision.

How does this thing called vision function? How do we see? The eye, as is constantly pointed out, operates in many respects like a camera. At this moment you are looking across the room. Perhaps there is a painting on the opposite wall. Perhaps you see an easy chair with a lamp beside it. Whatever it is, for our purposes it constitutes a picture.

Suppose you want to record that picture with a camera. First, you adjust the focal length so that the image is sharp and clear without blurring or distortion on the film. If the object is at a distance, you shorten the focal length. If it is close, you lengthen it. Then you snap the picture. That is, you let light in upon the exposed plate and the picture is taken. You cannot see it, however, until the film has been developed.

How does this compare with the functioning of the eye? The eyeball of a normal eye involuntarily adjusts itself so that the image is focused on the retina (film of the camera). Once again there must be sufficient light to make your picture clear. Once again, if the object is at a distance, the focal length (the distance from the cornea to the retina) is shortened; and vice versa if the object is close. This process of adjustment to far or near sight is called accommodation. the conflicting opinions which exist in regard to its functioning.

Light enters the eye through the small hole in the iris called the pupil, and comes to a focus on the retina where, by a chemical reaction, it is changed from radiant energy into nerve impulses. Sensitive nerve receptors of the retina, which are a part of the optic nerve, carry these impulses to the visual centers in the brain where, with the assistance of memory, imagination, experience and judgment, a picture is developed. That is, the mind interprets the image.

It is, therefore, the brain that sees. The greater the degree of mental control, that is, the better your memory and imagination, the better you see.

When the camera is in the hands of a person who does not understand its functioning, the pictures are unsatisfactory, and so with the eye. If the eye fails to accommodate, as a result of some malfunctioning, it is improperly focused. If it strains to see, the individual begins to suffer from some form of eye trouble.

He goes to an ophthalmologist and, after examination, departs with a pair of glasses. The glasses fix on the individual the trouble which they are supposed to correct, while the underlying cause remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the sight will worsen when the glasses are removed. For instance, a person with 20/70 vision will find, a few weeks after being fitted with glasses, that his vision has degenerated to 20/200 when he removes them.

While many eye troubles are preventable and many more can be vastly alleviated, the only solution that is offered for this appalling condition is to fit the eyes with glasses. There are glasses for young and old, dark glasses and colored glasses, reading glasses and ornate affairs; glasses for the near-sighted and for the far-sighted; glasses for eyestrain and to relieve headache. Glasses for every purpose, indeed, except to get at the cause of the eyestrain. This is how we see.

Severe problems with eyes should always be referred to a specialist, but alternative therapies can support orthodox treatment and may be very useful in conditions that affect the eyelids and tear glands. When treating infections and inflammations of the eyes, wash your hands between treating each eye, and use fresh materials so that you do not transfer infection from eye to eye.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis symptoms are red, itchy eyes; a yellow discharge; and inflammation around the eye or eyelid. It is normally caused by infection or allergy and is not serious except in newborn babies.

Treatment

Herbal Medicine Herbal eye baths made from infusions of eyebright (euphrasia), chickweed, elderflower, or camomile flowers are a soothing, effective treatment.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy A homeopath may prescribe Argentum nit. 6c for “gritty eyes” or Pulsatilla 6c for itchy eyes with a discharge.

Eyesight Problems

Hazy vision, difficulty in reading, tired eyes, headaches are all types of eyesight problems. They may be the result of vision problems, high blood pressure, and eyestrain, among other factors.

Treatment

Yoga Candle gazing is a beneficial yoga exercise for eyestrain. Sit comfortably and gaze at a candle about 3ft/1m away, without blinking, for ten seconds. Palm for 30 seconds, then resume gazing with one eye only then the other, then together, turning the head Gradually increase the time (20 then 30 seconds) over several weeks.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy Specifie remedies to be taken for eyestrain include: Arnica, when the muscles, are tired; Natrum mur., when eyes ache upon looking lip down or around; Ruta grav., when the eyes burn or feel strained after close work or reading; Phosphorus, tired eyes are associated with great nervousness and apprehension.

The Bates Method This is designed to strengthen the eye muscles and rectify vision problems as a natural alternative to wearing glasses.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause cloudy, distorted vision resulting from, changes in the protein makeup of the lens. They are most common in old age, but may be caused by iritis, babies are born with cataracts.

Treatment

Diet And Nutrition Research suggests that vitamins B2 and C can help improve the condition in which sight deteriorates as the lens becomes opaque. Supplementing with vitamin E and the antioxidant mineral selenium can help rectify dietary deficiencies that can exacerbate the condition.

Homeopathy Specific remedies include Phosphorus, when there is a sensation of mist being pulled across the eyes; Calcarea, for the early stages, with circular lines visible in the lens; Silica, for the later stages, when cataract begins to interfere with sight.

Glaucoma

Gradual loss of vision, aching pain in and above the eyes, seeing “rings” around lights are the symptoms of glaucoma. The disease is caused by a buildup of fluid in the front chamber of the eye. Glaucoma may be asymptomatic and vision may be lost before the sufferer is aware of the disease. If there is a family history of glaucoma, ensure regular screening by an optician.

Treatment

Hydrotherapy Home hydrotherapy treatment offers immediate relid - place alternate hot and cold face towels over the eyes.

The Bates Method These exercises can also be used to treat this condition.

Homeopathy Take Belladonna 30c every 15 minutes for up to ten doses when symptoms start.

Squint

Squint is the inward or outward turning of the eye or eyes. In adults, squint is normally caused by damage to the eye muscles or the motor nerves that control the eye muscles, usually the result of diabetes, high blood pressure, brain tumor, or brain injury. In children, squint should be treated before the affected eye becomes lazy and ineffective.

Treatment

The Bates Method Minor squints can be successfully treated with the Bates Method.

Yoga Palming relaxes the eye muscles and improves squints. Rest with your arms on a table and rub your hands together. Cup hands over closed eyes, shutting out all light, and relax for 20 seconds while being aware of visual sensations. Repeat at least twice a day.

Corrective eye surgery is a heaven-sent for most people. Because of this procedure, they have improved their vision and eliminated the need for those bothersome eyeglasses and contact lenses. Today, corrective laser eye surgery is one of the newest and bays ways to have your eyesight corrected. There are generally two types of corrective laser eye surgery. There’s PRK, which stands for photorefractive keratectomy and Lasik, which means Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.

Corrective laser eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea, allowing you to see much better. Laser eye surgery works best for people who suffer from myopia, or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness and astigmatism. The whole process takes less than ten minutes per eye so the surgery doesn’t require patients to stay in the hospital overnight. In fact, many patients walk out the door an hour after coming into the clinic! Then they can expect to resume to their normal, everyday activities in just a matter of days after the surgery. Patients report to having their eyesight dramatically improved so they no longer have to go through the hassles of wearing glasses and contact lenses.

Still, not everyone who wishes to undergo corrective surgery can. Prices of such seemingly simple surgeries can be prohibitive. Some corrective eye surgeries cost about a thousand dollars, just for one eye! In the United States, patients pay anywhere between $500 to about $2,000 per eye. The variations are due to a number of factors, including the area or the state where the corrective eye surgery is performed, as well as the equipment used and the degree of visual impediment of the patient. For example, if you suffer from severe astigmatism, then you are likely to pay much more compared to someone who suffers from mild astigmatism.

Unfortunately, most health insurance companies don’t cover corrective laser eye surgeries because this type of surgery is deemed as cosmetic. Still, keep in mind that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best. After all, you are dealing with a very valuable asset, your eyesight. Do not choose a doctor solely on the basis of how little he or she charges. Even if he or she charges just a little, he or she may not have the right experience, skill and equipment as other, more credible doctors. To finance your corrective eye surgery, don’t be afraid to ask around. Some clinics have partnerships with other health insurance companies that can help lower the cost of your eye surgery.

Astigmatism is a refractive error of the eye that is caused by an irregularly-shaped cornea. The irregular shape of the cornea changes the way that the rays of light are refracted, and subsequently, are focused on the eye’s retina.

It is characterized by distortions in your field of vision, such as blurring of lines. Another common presentation of Astigmatism is the development of eyestrain and headache, especially with prolonged reading.

Treatment may either be surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical treatment involves the use of corrective lenses. Surgical treatment of astigmatism, on the other hand, is via refractive eye surgery.

CORRECTIVE LENSES

The conservative method of treating astigmatism is via the use of corrective lenses. These corrective lenses are able to counteract the irregular shape of your cornea. Corrective lenses include the use of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Another procedure, known as orthokeratology or ortho-K, makes use of contact lenses to change the shape of your cornea. Ortho-K requires you to use the contact lenses only at night. By doing this, the shape of your cornea gradually changes.

REFRACTIVE EYE SURGERY

Refractive eye surgery is used in the permanent treatment. Refractive eye surgery changes the shape of your eye permanently. There are several kinds of corrective eye surgery that can be used in the treatment of astigmatism.

Previously, a procedure known as astigmatic keratotomy, or AK, was used to cut the patient’s cornea in order to change its shape. However, with the advent of excimer lasers and novel refractive eye surgery techniques, the use of AK has diminished significantly. Newer refractive eye surgery techniques have been able to decrease the risk of complications and have produced better results, making them more favorable for both ophthalmologists and patients.

Nowadays, LASIK eye surgery is the most common refractive eye surgery used in the treatment. LASIK involves creating a corneal flap and using an excimer laser to alter the shape of your eye’s cornea. Another refractive eye surgery used in treating astigmatism is PRK, wherein only the surface of your eye is ablated. However, PRK is not as commonly used anymore. One of the newer kinds of refractive eye surgery is LASEK, wherein a thin layer of the cornea is opened so that the laser can ablate the layers underneath.

It can be adequately treated with both non-surgical and surgical techniques. Ask your ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits of these various options.

As people are becoming aware about the side effects that could be caused due to allopathic treatment, they are increasingly shifting their focus to the field of alternative medication. Many of the alternative treatments from Homeopathy and Ayurveda have become popular with patients as well as medical practitioners.

Homeopathy has recently gained much demand and popularity in the field of alternative treatment for lowering down blood pressure. A homeopathic treatment predominantly involves the use of certain extracts from the plants and herbs. These extracts are generally in the form of minerals that plants carry.

A good homeopathy session starts with the examination of all the symptoms present in a patient’s body. Unless a good diagnosis is not performed, the patient is not recommended any of the homeopathic medicine. These medicines are available in a formulated tincture. These tinctures should not be taken without the recommendation of a good homeopathic doctor, as large dosage can lead to reverse side effects. Some of the commonly used tinctures for lowering blood pressure are Argentum nitricum, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Sanguinaria, to name a few.

Besides this, another effective alternate treatment for lowering blood pressure is the use of Ayurvedic medicines. This is one of the most ancient of all the treatments. This treatment works keeping in mind certain principles. It separates the symptoms of high blood pressure into three categories that are termed as Doshas. Thus the different types of Doshas are treated with the help of a combination of several herbs.

For instance, Ayurveda has categorized a type of blood pressure as Pita. This type of high blood pressure can be treated effectively with the help of the drugs Aloe and Gotu Kola. Another type of high blood pressure, Vata can be cured with the help of garlic extracts and the herb Valerian.

Besides, the administration of herbal medicines, an Ayurvedic treatment includes two more things. They are: a regular and effective exercising regime coupled with a good diet plan.

But there is a note of caution here. You should always administer to an Ayurvedic treatment under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only. The reason being that high dosage of any Ayurvedic medicine can be harmful for your body and produce unnecessary harmful effects. Besides there are certain drugs that despite lowering blood pressure, can give you visible side effects. For instance, Licorice induces water retention in the body parts if not administered properly. Other herbs like rosemary and ephedra, in spite of reducing blood pressure, increases it. Therefore, care should be taken while keeping your hand on any one particular drug.

In the first part of this article, we have discussed the importance of herbal medicines and vitamin therapy in the fight against acne. I promised to give you more. Keeping true to my words, I now bring you the second part of the series.

Aromatherapy and homeopathy are two of the oldest methods of treating acne. Read on to know how they help counter acne.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has long been considered as a natural remedy for acne problems. Of the different essential oils used for this purpose, tea tree oil is regarded as the most effective. It is known to contain both antifungal and antiseptic properties, which help defend the skin against acne outbreaks. It is also known to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties, which further protects the skin from disease causing micro organisms.

Researches prove that tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne minus its negative side effects. In a clinical study published by the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990, it was established that using 5% tea tree oil or a 5% benzoyl peroxide in treating acne produces more or less the same results. The only drawback in using the former is that it took a little longer to produce noticeable results.

Other aromatherapy oils that can be used to counter the problem are jasmine (Jasminum officinale), lavender (Lavendula agustifolia), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), sandalwood (Santalum album) and Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata). These essential oils all contain the chemical substance farnesol which is responsible in inhibiting the growth of certain acne-causing bacteria.

To use aromatherapy in dealing with facial acne, you may apply a drop of tea tree oil using a cotton bud directly to the skin or you can use it in your steam facial. Just add a few drops of the oil in a basin full of hot water and presto!

If you prefer to use a combination of essential oils, you may want to try this mixture: Combine 5 drops geranium, 7 drops lavender, 7 drops atlas cedarwood and 12 drops tea tree essential oil with ¼ ounce jojoba oil in a small glass vial. Jojoba oil will serve as the base oil for the mixture. It will also increase the total absorptive capacity of the oils in the skin. The mixture can be applied directly to the blemish with a cotton swab or by using your finger. Just make sure that you wash your hands first to avoid infections.

However, it is sensible always to observe caution in using any type of medication. Although aromatherapy is considered safe for most people, some may still have reactions to some of the components of essential oils.

Homeopathy Treatment. Homeopathic doctors consider acne as an indication of a deeper internal problem and hence, should not be treated using topical medications. Instead, the patient’s general health condition is taken into consideration to come up with the correct formula to address the problem. Homeopathy upholds the principle of complete and gentle healing. It works by attempting to stimulate the body’s own natural healing capacity so that healing comes from within.

When you undergo a homeopathy treatment, you will notice a temporary acne outbreak. Don’t worry since this only indicates that the treatment is working favorably. This phase will be followed by noticeable signs of improvement - your skin texture will improve and the redness, itchiness and roughness of your skin will be considerably less. Your complexion will steadily improve from thereon. In homeopathy, each case is unique. For best results, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified practitioner.

Our dog companions are by instinct fastidious animals and suffer canine incontinence distress when they are unable to manage their urination in their living or sleeping spaces. Dribbles or puddles on floors or carpets, wet bedding or damp fur around the rear end are obvious signs that should be checked out immediately.

Wetting accidents when over-excited or fearful when being punished are best ignored. This is not canine incontinence. Stay calm, don’t punish, and put the dog outside so it doesn’t see you cleaning up the mess. It will usually grow out of it.

Urinary tract infection and/or stones, the first suspects.

Urinary tract infection and/or stones are usually the first suspects in canine incontinence, but cancerous or other growths could be involved. Dark-colored urine, smelly urine, trying to pass urine and managing only a little, are all early signs. Irritation or inflammation weaken the mucous lining in the bladder or urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside), thereby the dog’s defense against external infective agents entering via the urethra. Illnesses as kidney failure, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes and liver disease, causing a dog to be excessively thirsty, can result in frequent need to urinate or inability to hold long enough to empty outside. Using homeopathy and/or traditional remedies, these diseases need to be treated separately.

Structural canine incontinence.

The lack of physical control over the bladder other than by infection is usually because the sphincter controlling the release of urine through the urethra is unable to hold back the flow against normal pressure caused by the bladder filling. Some cases are due to birth defects such as ectopic ureter, where urine produced in the kidneys essentially bypasses the normal channel through the bladder and empties directly into the urethra or the vagina, and then surgery is the only option.

Spay incontinence.

The most common type of structural canine incontinence is spay incontinence, which can develop from a few months to years after spaying. Other reasons can be trauma or old age, which affects the nerve supply to the sphincter or bladder of a canine, causing muscle wastage in the area. Canine incontinence drugs and homeopathy treatments increase the tone of the muscles that hold urine in the bladder.

Natural homeopathy methods.

Trying some natural homeopathy methods before resorting to harsh drugs and chemicals might be considered with the help of your veterinarian. The aim of homeopathy, or holistic treatment, is to remedy the deficiencies in natural defenses that failed, rather than just identify the “bad bugs” and kill them. The homeopathic approach to canine incontinence offers numerous herbs that support healing. Herbs traditionally used for humans are suitable for treating canines as well. Herbal homeopathic treatments support and educate the body’s systems to produce a robust and permanent recovery, and as a preventative.

Homeopathy herb to consider is fresh (not dried) cornsilk (zea mays) found in organic food stores, health food stores, or clipped directly from ears of corn (preferably organically grown) combined with comfrey, for healing even of old trauma.

Couchgrass: for sphincter rehabilitation.

Saw palmetto: for muscle wastage and lack of tone. Horsetail: for strengthening wasted or damaged tissue.

Mugwort: for repair of nerve fibers.

Echinacea: for removal of residual products of infection.

Garlic: a natural antibiotic.

Rosehips: good for the kidneys and a high source of iron and vitamin C.

Another useful herb to treat canine incontinence is called uva ursi: soothes and supports healing of mucosal linings.

Yarrow: a blood and nervous system tonic to address vitality.

Alfalfa: balances urine acidity reducing irritation to mucosal linings.

Buchu: As a specific UTI (urinary tract infection) treatment and blood cleanser.

What is Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a genetic, noncontagious, chronic skin disease that his clinically characterized by the presence of rounded, scaly, dry patches of various sizes that appear grey or silvery white.

The word psoriasis comes from the Greek, psora, meaning irritation. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso, but can appear elsewhere, such as the face- around the eyes, ears, mouth and nose- on hands and feet and on the nails.

Psoriasis occurs among people of all ages, but is most commonly diagnosed in early adulthood.

In a healthy adult, skin cells regenerate until a wound is healed. For a person afflicted with psoriasis, skin cells regenerate too quickly due to faulty signals in the immune system, causing red, scaly lesions that crack and bleed.

Triggers that bring on psoriasis include:

* Emotional Stress
* Injury to the skin
* Some types of infection
* Reaction to certain drugs
* Fungal infection, such as Candida

Psoriasis appears in the following forms:

* Plaque – Most common form of the disease appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells – called scale;
* Psoriasis Guttate – Appears as small red spots on the skin;
* Psoriasis Inverse – Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds;
* Psoriasis Pustular – White blisters surrounded by red skin;
* Psoriasis Erythrodermic – Intense redness over large areas;
* Psoriatic Arthritis – can develop slowly with mild symptoms, or can develop quickly and be severe. Skin disease precedes joint disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. 6%-8% of Psoriatic population suffers from psoriatic Arthritis.

Can Homeopathy help?

The answer is a YES! Homeopathy when practiced correctly and ethically has the power to relive people of their suffering, not just from psoriasis, but many other syndromes and illnesses.

As a homeopath with over 12 years of experience I have witnessed thousands of cases where conventional medicine did not rise up to the challenge. We believe that homeopathic treatments must come from the patients themselves, helping the body balance itself and harmonizing its activity will affect the mind, body and spirit.

A homeopath must undertake the mission of getting to know each and every patient, creating a process of conversations (not interviews) to bring about communication and sharing will assist in the preparation of a truly personalized treatment.

Because the prescribed treatment is specifically created to suit each individual’s symptoms significant improvement is often seen after completion of the regimen. If the symptoms have not been fully alleviated, the process should be repeated.

Homeopathy can be regarded as shady areas of medicine, because of the people who miss use its practice. As a patient you have to be weary of the doctors you chose to work with for your self or your family, same rule applies for homeopathic practitioners.

Homeopathy has been practiced for generations before modern medicine, with herbs and potions. The word is easily translated. Homios, coming from Greek, means “like.” Homeopathy then is simply the medical practice of treating like with like. Who hasn’t heard of using “the hair of the dog that bit you” to make you feel better?

The principle was known to Hippocrates and Paracelsus; however, the main debt of those who follow homeopathy is to Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., a great doctor of the eighteenth century. Dr. Hahnemann, appalled by the existing medical practices, which so often did more harm than good, sought a method that would be safe, gentle, and effective. He believed that human beings have a capacity for healing themselves, and that the symptoms of disease reflect the individual’s struggle to overcome the forces of antagonistic to live. The physician’s work must be to discover, and if possible to remove, the cause of the trouble, and stimulate the vital healing forces of nature.

Hahnemann and his followers were so convinced of their theories that they performed experiments upon themselves (called provings). Over long periods they took small doses of various reputedly poisonous substances, carefully noting the symptoms they produced. Patients suffering from similar symptoms were treated with these substances with very encouraging results. Having thus established the principle of similarity, Hahnemann worked to establish that the smallest effective dose, for eh realized that this was the best way to avoid side effects. To his surprise he found that, using a special method of dilution, the more similar the remedy was diluted, the more active it became, while dissimilar remedies were ineffective. He called his method “potentization” and his serial dilutions “potencies,” to indicate the power that was developed. This paradox, that less of a substance could be more effective, was somewhat unacceptable to the scientific minds of his time. Hahnemann and his followers were ridiculed, but homeopathy survived simply because it achieved remarkable results.

Today a changing outlook in science renders the concept of the infinitesimal dose less incredible. Homeopaths consider it better to treat a sick person rather than the disease. For this to be possible, a great deal must be known about the patient: his past health and life circumstances, the pattern of health in his family, and the present condition. These are combined with those characteristics that make-up his personality; whether he prefers hot or cold weather; the sea or the mountains; whether he is musical or artistic, quick tempered or sulky; dark, fair-haired or red-headed; his hopes fears and aspirations. The homeopathic physician endeavors to build a multi-dimensional picture of his patient, which will be watched by one of the drug pictures derived from the provings of the remedies. Infinitesimal doses of that remedy will help that patient to heal himself. Because the patient is treated and not the disease, patients suffering from the same “disease” will often require different remedies, while another group of patients with different “diseases” may all benefit from the same remedy. Although this makes controlled trials problematical, the basic principles of homeopathy indicate clearly why this is so.

What are the remedies? They can be animal, vegetable, and mineral. Homeopaths use herbs and botanical medicines but usually only after potentization. They also use drugs such as morphine, cocaine, arsenic, again their potentized form, no longer poisonous but marvelously effective for good - for the right patient. Substances that in their natural state have little or no obvious effect upon the human body (sand, charcoal, common salt, pencil lead) develop in the potentized form powerful healing properties in the right person. Homeopathy is essentially natural healing; the remedy assisting the patient to regain healthy by stimulating nature’s vital forces of recovery. Adequate rest and appropriate diet in a satisfactory environment will obviously support recovery, and those especially in the management of chronic illness.

Rapid results can be achieved in acute illness; however, if the patient’s vitality is low, the treatment will be of long-term nature. Sometimes irreversible bodily changes are present. In these cases other forms of medical or surgical treatment may be necessary to give the patient a fresh start, after which homeopathy will help to prevent deterioration or recurrence. Homeopathy does not underrate the value of surgery in advanced cases, but it does not argue that if homeopathic treatment started earlier, far fewer cases would need the skill of the surgeon. Some of the happiest results of homeopathic treatment can be seen in babies and children. Here natural vitality is or should be at its highest, and infrequent high potencies of the well-chosen remedy can set the small person’s feet firmly on the road to health. Homeopathy, then, is not a cure-all, nor an elixir of life. Rather it is an idea, a way of looking at people in their surroundings, enabling them to increase their harmony and well-being. It does not reject the great discoveries of medical science, but only their commercial abuse. In the present form it has stood the test of 150 years; and as good medicine, it stands in the tradition that extends from the time of Hippocrates until the present day.