What is the “Vis Medicatrix Naturae”? The term is commonly translated as “the healing power of nature”. I have continuously pondered this physically elusive concept during my training in Naturopathic medical school and through my practice while watching it work. I believe part of the difficulty with conceptually grasping the “Vis” is that the “Vis” is not a thing that is directly perceivable. And we do not yet have a means to measure the effects of the “Vis” and hence confirm its existence.
Gravity for example is not measureable directly. Gravity is a force with an influence affecting other objects. Gravity is a term used to describe the force of attraction exerted by one body on that of another. And we can verify this force of attraction by measuring the speed with which one object accelerates towards another. We do not measure gravity itself. We calculate the gravitational force proportionately based on the mass of the objects and indirectly proportional to the distance between the objects. There is no tool that allows us to measure gravity. When we drop an object towards the earth, we perceive the speed and motion of the object falling toward the earth with our eyes. We are seeing the results of the gravitation force affecting the object, but we do not visualize gravity itself. We have been indoctrinated since grade school, since hearing the story of Newton sitting under the apple tree, that when we see something fall, we understand and believe it is gravity that is influencing this object and is crucial to this phenomenon of falling towards the earth.
I believe the “Vis” is as intricately crucial to healing as gravity is to falling; like gravity the “Vis” is not able to be measured directly; but unlike the recognition of gravity, the “Vis” is not yet recognized and accepted as a crucial component of the healing process. Fortunately, like gravity, we do not have to believe in the “Vis” to experience its effects. The “Vis” is not magical or mystical, it is a term used to describe the healing process of the body. The “Vis” can be supported and encouraged through any means. There is not one area of healing that holds ownership of the “Vis”. Chinese medicine, Western Herbs, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, physical manipulation, etc., can all be used effectively to bolster the healing of the body. I would even argue that western pharmaceuticals can support the “Vis” when applied synergistically to the healing process. I have made this statement many times before and it is certainly worth repeating. It is not what we give to support healing, but why we give it that is important.
The healing that is possible through the support of the “Vis” is the ideal of healing. I feel fortunate to witness, practice, and support this ideal daily. I am encouraged by the feedback from my patients, as they begin to recognize the significance of their healing process. As more and more individuals experience true healing our collective acceptance of the influence of the “Vis” will become universal and our actions will be more congruent with a lifestyle that is beneficial to our own health and the health of the planet. That truly is the healing power of nature.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Homeopathic First Aid Kit - basics
Homeopathic First Aid Kit
Arnica Montana
It is ideal for the aches with bruises and sore muscles. Arnica is especially suited when the skin color turns black and blue. It is perfect for bumps on the head and other parts of the body.
Belladonna
A very common fever remedy. Extreme heat and redness, often intense and throbbing pain. Typically red, flushed face, especially right sided. It comes on quickly and progresses rapidly, a sudden attack. No thirst with the fever.
Chamomilla
A common children’s remedy for colic and teething, but also ear infections, fever, etc. A chamomilla child is sensitive and irritable, almost besides themselves with pain. The children are whiny, restless, and impatient. They don’t want to be spoken to or touched. Often point at something they want and when given it will through it away. Chamomilla children can also be red and hot, like Belladonna, but typically it presents on both cheeks of the face with Chamomilla. Typically the only thing that calms the child is being held and carried about the room.
Drosera
A common cough remedy. A cough that comes on at night as soon as the child’s head hits the pillow. A cough in prolonged and periodical fits of rapid, deep, incessant barking and choking. Sounds like a loose cough, but nothing comes up. The cough is typically better when the child sits up in bed.
Hypericum
An excellent first aid remedy for injury to the nerves, especially localized to the fingers and toes. Perfect for fingers slammed in the door, toes stubbed on walls and doors. An intense, extreme pain. Hypericum may also be indicated for insect stings and bites as well as burns on the fingers and toes – if the pain is intense.
Ledum
Ledum is a first aid remedy for puncture wounds produced by sharp-pointed instruments. An injury that requires ledum is typically purple, puffy, and cold… may feel numb. Even though injury feels cold to the touch, it is better with cold applications and worse with heat. One should strongly consider ledum for insect bites and stings in areas other than fingers and toes. Ledum can also facilitate the removal of foreign bodies stuck in the skin, like splinters, ingrown hairs, etc.
Coffea Cruda
Sleeplessness with nervous agitation and restlessness. Difficulty falling asleep or back to sleep because of an active mind. Restless sleep. Inability to fall asleep due to excessive caffeine intake.
Nux Vomica
A broad acting remedy especially suited to digestive disturbances (nausea and vomiting) following over indulgences in food and/or drink. Head pain as if head was beaten with an axe and extreme tension in forehead. A Nux Vomica patient is very irritable with heightened senses, can hardly bear noises, odors, bright light, etc. Generally want to be left alone to sleep it off.
*synthesized from the Concordant Materia Medica, by Frans Vermeulen
Homeopathic Dosing Instructions: Take 3-5 pellets every twenty to thirty minutes for a few hours. If symptoms do not begin to subside after three doses of a given medicine, it most likely is not the best suited remedy for the patient.
Arnica Montana
It is ideal for the aches with bruises and sore muscles. Arnica is especially suited when the skin color turns black and blue. It is perfect for bumps on the head and other parts of the body.
Belladonna
A very common fever remedy. Extreme heat and redness, often intense and throbbing pain. Typically red, flushed face, especially right sided. It comes on quickly and progresses rapidly, a sudden attack. No thirst with the fever.
Chamomilla
A common children’s remedy for colic and teething, but also ear infections, fever, etc. A chamomilla child is sensitive and irritable, almost besides themselves with pain. The children are whiny, restless, and impatient. They don’t want to be spoken to or touched. Often point at something they want and when given it will through it away. Chamomilla children can also be red and hot, like Belladonna, but typically it presents on both cheeks of the face with Chamomilla. Typically the only thing that calms the child is being held and carried about the room.
Drosera
A common cough remedy. A cough that comes on at night as soon as the child’s head hits the pillow. A cough in prolonged and periodical fits of rapid, deep, incessant barking and choking. Sounds like a loose cough, but nothing comes up. The cough is typically better when the child sits up in bed.
Hypericum
An excellent first aid remedy for injury to the nerves, especially localized to the fingers and toes. Perfect for fingers slammed in the door, toes stubbed on walls and doors. An intense, extreme pain. Hypericum may also be indicated for insect stings and bites as well as burns on the fingers and toes – if the pain is intense.
Ledum
Ledum is a first aid remedy for puncture wounds produced by sharp-pointed instruments. An injury that requires ledum is typically purple, puffy, and cold… may feel numb. Even though injury feels cold to the touch, it is better with cold applications and worse with heat. One should strongly consider ledum for insect bites and stings in areas other than fingers and toes. Ledum can also facilitate the removal of foreign bodies stuck in the skin, like splinters, ingrown hairs, etc.
Coffea Cruda
Sleeplessness with nervous agitation and restlessness. Difficulty falling asleep or back to sleep because of an active mind. Restless sleep. Inability to fall asleep due to excessive caffeine intake.
Nux Vomica
A broad acting remedy especially suited to digestive disturbances (nausea and vomiting) following over indulgences in food and/or drink. Head pain as if head was beaten with an axe and extreme tension in forehead. A Nux Vomica patient is very irritable with heightened senses, can hardly bear noises, odors, bright light, etc. Generally want to be left alone to sleep it off.
*synthesized from the Concordant Materia Medica, by Frans Vermeulen
Homeopathic Dosing Instructions: Take 3-5 pellets every twenty to thirty minutes for a few hours. If symptoms do not begin to subside after three doses of a given medicine, it most likely is not the best suited remedy for the patient.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Medicine and Politics
While at SCNM (www.scnm.edu) I was advised multiple times not to mix medicine with religion or politics. Yet I am perpetually fascinated by both topics. And now in the midst of an election year, the significance of politics and medicine is of vast importance. I find myself drawn to the presidential primary debates to determine, if that is possible, where the candidates stand on health care for our country. I yearn for an awareness of the candidate’s ideals and of the ramifications of those ideals for Naturopathic Medicine. 2008 -2009 may be a bit premature when looking for a candidate that supports Naturopathic licensure throughout the United States. But the significance of the healthcare reform that all candidates propose can not be overstated.
I do not have an answer as to which candidate would be best. I am not sure any of the candidates will have solutions to my questions. I imagine that all the candidates have plans limited by the paradigm of the conventional medical establishment, limited by how to work within the confines of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. This is a broken system. I have yet to hear any solid solutions for how the proposed healthcare reforms will meaningfully restructure this monetarily driven industry into a configuration that truly values the health of the consumer over the financial bottom line.
I believe when health becomes the true focus; when the well being of the individual overshadows the financial ramifications to the industry; when gentle prevention is valued equal to invasive treatment; Naturopathic medicine will play an emphatic and vital role in the this new and truly holistic health care system.
I do not have an answer as to which candidate would be best. I am not sure any of the candidates will have solutions to my questions. I imagine that all the candidates have plans limited by the paradigm of the conventional medical establishment, limited by how to work within the confines of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. This is a broken system. I have yet to hear any solid solutions for how the proposed healthcare reforms will meaningfully restructure this monetarily driven industry into a configuration that truly values the health of the consumer over the financial bottom line.
I believe when health becomes the true focus; when the well being of the individual overshadows the financial ramifications to the industry; when gentle prevention is valued equal to invasive treatment; Naturopathic medicine will play an emphatic and vital role in the this new and truly holistic health care system.
Friday, January 11, 2008
What is possible?
2008 is here. It is a new year with new hopes and ideals about the many ways we can live a more healthy life. I am optimistic about the possibilities. It seems that this is a very common occurrence. People say good bye to the old, welcome in the new, and expect that this is the year for change. The enthusiasm is a vital part of the requirements for change. But it is only one of the pieces. For things to happen differently, there must be a shift in thoughts and behaviors as well. A new paradigm where eating healthy and exercising regularly are fully conceivable, even if these behaviors have been absent from the past.
2008 is an opportunity to imagine and create what is possible. Imagining and believing are the very first steps.
Who do you want to be in 2008?
2008 is an opportunity to imagine and create what is possible. Imagining and believing are the very first steps.
Who do you want to be in 2008?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Garlic Oxymel repost
This is an easy at home recipe for a garlic oxymel. Ox´y`mel. A mixture of honey, water, vinegar, and plant, boiled to a syrup. This is great when used at the first signs of a cold or flu.
Needed: At least 1 bulb of garlic, Local honey*, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water.
Instructions:
Peel garlic cloves and cut in half.
Boil garlic in 4 cups of water until translucent.
Remove water from stove.
Add 1/4 cup of honey.
Add 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Mix well.
Drink 1/3 to 1/2 cup of warm liquid, two to three times a day, eating at least 2 cloves of the cooked garlic with each serving. Oxymel may be kept covered in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
*do not give honey to children under 1 year old. Feel free to share this with friends. Look for more at home immune support in the future.
Needed: At least 1 bulb of garlic, Local honey*, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water.
Instructions:
Peel garlic cloves and cut in half.
Boil garlic in 4 cups of water until translucent.
Remove water from stove.
Add 1/4 cup of honey.
Add 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Mix well.
Drink 1/3 to 1/2 cup of warm liquid, two to three times a day, eating at least 2 cloves of the cooked garlic with each serving. Oxymel may be kept covered in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
*do not give honey to children under 1 year old. Feel free to share this with friends. Look for more at home immune support in the future.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Common Flu Remedies
Common Flu Remedies
This is general information only. These remedies should be used only under the guidance of a trained homeopath. Please call my office if you have any questions. 617-388-5126
Aconite – Acute conditions arising from shock, coming on suddenly and with great intensity. Often indicated during the early phase of respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia. There is a sudden, marked heat with fever alternating with chills. Heat and flushing to the face, pupils constricted, restlessness, thirst for cold drinks, cold extremities, and often with great anxiety and fear.
Baptisia – confusion, dullness of mind, tired, may fall asleep while talking. Sore, aching, and heavy muscles… bruised feeling where the patient is uncomfortable in any position. The bed feels too hard (Arnica). Can have red, inflamed throat that is painless.
Belladonna – Start suddenly with high fevers and great intensity of physical symptoms. The face is red and hot, eyes glisten, the pupils are dilated and the feet and hands are cold. Typically the patient is thristless. Pains can be throbbing. Symptoms may be worse on right side. May have fits of delirium with the fever.
Eucalyptus – Relapsing fevers. Profuse catarrhal discharges, foul and fetid. Vertigo with all stages of the fever. Stuffed up sensation in nose, feeling of mucus in throat. Irritating cough with flu. Odorous perspiration.
Eupatorium Perfoliatum – Tremendous bone pains accompanying fevers. Aching as if the bones are broken. Thirst for cold drinks during the chill. Influenza with high fevers. Patient is typically restless with the extreme pains. Pains worse lying down. Vomits water or food that has been taken in. Little or no sweat with fever, but perspiration typically improves symptoms. Restless, but worse with motion. Better with vomiting, better with conversation.
Gelsemium – Weakness on all levels- mental, emotional, and physical. Overall sense of heaviness. Thirstless. Dizzy, drowsy, dullness, and trembling. Better with urination. Fever with absence of thirst.
Rhus Toxicodendron – Influenza with much aching forcing the patient to shift around constantly. Great restlessness. Better with continued motion. Better with hard pressure. Better from heat or a hot bath.
Sanguinaria – Generally right sided complaints. Better from eructaion, flatus, or vomiting. Painful cough, colds often move to the chest. Cough better from vomiting. Feet hot at night, must put out from under the covers. Flushes of heat rising into the face and head.
Veratrum Album – Profuse cold sweat, especially on forehead. Internal coldness and much worse from cold. Weakness and collapse states, especially with vomiting or diarrhea. Sudden urging with vomiting or diarrhea. Emotionally haughty. Voracious appetite and thirst.
*synthesized from the Concordant Materia Medica, by Frans Vermeulen and from the Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms, by Roger Morrison, M.D.
This is general information only. These remedies should be used only under the guidance of a trained homeopath. Please call my office if you have any questions. 617-388-5126
Aconite – Acute conditions arising from shock, coming on suddenly and with great intensity. Often indicated during the early phase of respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia. There is a sudden, marked heat with fever alternating with chills. Heat and flushing to the face, pupils constricted, restlessness, thirst for cold drinks, cold extremities, and often with great anxiety and fear.
Baptisia – confusion, dullness of mind, tired, may fall asleep while talking. Sore, aching, and heavy muscles… bruised feeling where the patient is uncomfortable in any position. The bed feels too hard (Arnica). Can have red, inflamed throat that is painless.
Belladonna – Start suddenly with high fevers and great intensity of physical symptoms. The face is red and hot, eyes glisten, the pupils are dilated and the feet and hands are cold. Typically the patient is thristless. Pains can be throbbing. Symptoms may be worse on right side. May have fits of delirium with the fever.
Eucalyptus – Relapsing fevers. Profuse catarrhal discharges, foul and fetid. Vertigo with all stages of the fever. Stuffed up sensation in nose, feeling of mucus in throat. Irritating cough with flu. Odorous perspiration.
Eupatorium Perfoliatum – Tremendous bone pains accompanying fevers. Aching as if the bones are broken. Thirst for cold drinks during the chill. Influenza with high fevers. Patient is typically restless with the extreme pains. Pains worse lying down. Vomits water or food that has been taken in. Little or no sweat with fever, but perspiration typically improves symptoms. Restless, but worse with motion. Better with vomiting, better with conversation.
Gelsemium – Weakness on all levels- mental, emotional, and physical. Overall sense of heaviness. Thirstless. Dizzy, drowsy, dullness, and trembling. Better with urination. Fever with absence of thirst.
Rhus Toxicodendron – Influenza with much aching forcing the patient to shift around constantly. Great restlessness. Better with continued motion. Better with hard pressure. Better from heat or a hot bath.
Sanguinaria – Generally right sided complaints. Better from eructaion, flatus, or vomiting. Painful cough, colds often move to the chest. Cough better from vomiting. Feet hot at night, must put out from under the covers. Flushes of heat rising into the face and head.
Veratrum Album – Profuse cold sweat, especially on forehead. Internal coldness and much worse from cold. Weakness and collapse states, especially with vomiting or diarrhea. Sudden urging with vomiting or diarrhea. Emotionally haughty. Voracious appetite and thirst.
*synthesized from the Concordant Materia Medica, by Frans Vermeulen and from the Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms, by Roger Morrison, M.D.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Innate Healing and Naturopathic Philosophy
Once again, I was out on the town in Cambridge this past weekend visiting a local health food store. I enjoy these opportunities to talk to customers about their health and the potential for healing, often supported by the available herbs, homeopathics, and supplements. I am frequently amazed and sometimes impressed, by the customers own grasp of health and healing. And then there are the times I am amazed and not so impressed. This weekend provided a bit of both.
There was a woman that was in the store and we began to discuss her recently broken arm. She had fallen three weeks earlier and shattered her wrist. I am not sure which bones, but she said she required plates and the doctors were recommending that she attend physical therapy to support healing so that she would have continued use of the arm. She did not want to go, instead preferring to allow the body to heal itself. She shared her belief that the body should heal itself if given the right foods and listening to your internal instincts. She asked me what I thought.
I expressed my concern that fibrosis and adhesions that can form during the healing process can severely limit future use. It is not advisable to leave an injury totally immobile. I would use homeopathics and hydrotherapy in addition to the physical therapy to help facilitate the healing process in the body.
This answer was totally unacceptable to her. I was accused of being to "western" in my medical beliefs. When I tried to elaborate on Naturopathic philosophy, I believe she directed an expletive toward me and then walked off to allow her wrist to fibrosis as she wanted.
I am not sure what she wanted to hear. But I am sorry that we couldn't meet somewhere in the middle. I respect her desire to allow the body its own healing process. I too, desire to allow the body its own healing process. But as a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe we can support and enhance these actions with specifically selected treatments. The body does have an innate ability to right imbalance. We are striving constantly towards a state of equilibrium. I guess we could sit back and expect this all to happen despite the influences that are beyond our control. Or, we can make those little changes, do those little things to make it that much easier for the process to happen. Would using alternating hydrotherpy, hot and cold baths, to support circulation to an inflamed tissue area be an acceptable treatment? For me and the vast majority of my patients, Yes. But for the woman in the health food store this past weekend it would be too much.
I hope she heals well and finds the support she is seeking to validate her beliefs. I feel fortunate to already be comfortable with my healing philosophy and to share those beliefs with patients that are willing to pursue their own ideals.
There was a woman that was in the store and we began to discuss her recently broken arm. She had fallen three weeks earlier and shattered her wrist. I am not sure which bones, but she said she required plates and the doctors were recommending that she attend physical therapy to support healing so that she would have continued use of the arm. She did not want to go, instead preferring to allow the body to heal itself. She shared her belief that the body should heal itself if given the right foods and listening to your internal instincts. She asked me what I thought.
I expressed my concern that fibrosis and adhesions that can form during the healing process can severely limit future use. It is not advisable to leave an injury totally immobile. I would use homeopathics and hydrotherapy in addition to the physical therapy to help facilitate the healing process in the body.
This answer was totally unacceptable to her. I was accused of being to "western" in my medical beliefs. When I tried to elaborate on Naturopathic philosophy, I believe she directed an expletive toward me and then walked off to allow her wrist to fibrosis as she wanted.
I am not sure what she wanted to hear. But I am sorry that we couldn't meet somewhere in the middle. I respect her desire to allow the body its own healing process. I too, desire to allow the body its own healing process. But as a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe we can support and enhance these actions with specifically selected treatments. The body does have an innate ability to right imbalance. We are striving constantly towards a state of equilibrium. I guess we could sit back and expect this all to happen despite the influences that are beyond our control. Or, we can make those little changes, do those little things to make it that much easier for the process to happen. Would using alternating hydrotherpy, hot and cold baths, to support circulation to an inflamed tissue area be an acceptable treatment? For me and the vast majority of my patients, Yes. But for the woman in the health food store this past weekend it would be too much.
I hope she heals well and finds the support she is seeking to validate her beliefs. I feel fortunate to already be comfortable with my healing philosophy and to share those beliefs with patients that are willing to pursue their own ideals.
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