Tuesday, August 9, 2011

PSORIASIS - What will you get treated with?


Typical presentation of Psoriasis
  • Is psoriasis really curable? 
  • Can its recurrence be permanently stopped? 
  • Why use homoeopathy for psoriasis? 
  • How is it so that a disease which is termed incurable by the orthodox system of medicine can be cured with homoeopathy?
 These intriguing questions are very commonly faced by homoeopaths all over the world, dealing in skin disorders. 
Firstly, one needs to know that research shows that Homoeopathic medicines work by optimising our defence mechanisms. Psoriasis is a result of an overreaction of an immune response, and homeopathy cures it by optimising the immune over-response. It does not suppress the immune system. So, homoeopathic healing is not a miracle or a lucky exception but a fact of biology; the result of the optimum utilisation of the body?s natural healing system which is curative and non-suppressive in nature.
Secondly, it is important to realise that the statement by the conventional system of medicine that ?psoriasis cannot be permanently cured? is only their own opinion, based according to the results achieved with their treatment.
The safety aspect also strengthens the case for homoeopathic medicines to be used for treating psoriasis. While using them, the patient is not exposed to the risk of toxicity as homeopathic medicines are given in a infinitesimal dose  and side-effects are very uncommon.
Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin disorder. 
It is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.
How can someone whose skin is chronically marked with scaly , red patches r lesions not feel stressed? They cant! which explains why the usually lifelong skin disease psoriasis is inextricably linked to stress. 
But, STRESS isnt the by-product  of psoriasis - Its also one of its principal triggers.
COMMON PARTS AFFECTED
  • scalp
  • elbows
  • knees
  • hands
  • feet and 
  • genitals. 

SYMPTOMS
  • present itself with severe itching and physical discomfort. 
  • The skin patches or dots may be:
    1. Itchy
    2. Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
    3. Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
    4. Raised and thick
  • Although there are many types of psoriasis, the most common type is characterised by raised and thickened red patches covered with silvery scales. 
  • Many skin disorders may portray such symptoms, but three main features which differentiate psoriasis from other skin disorders are: psoriasis has well-defined borders. The surface has silvery scales that easily come off and the skin under the scales has a shiny red appearance

Also, some of  the psoriasis show some changes in their nails .There may be pitting, yellow – pink discoloration or complete loss of nail due to the involvement of nail matrix and nail-bed.
What causes psoriasis?
One of the most important discoveries about psoriasis is that it's more than just a skin disease; it's a chronic inflammatory disorder of the immune system. By understanding how the immune system works, you can learn more about why psoriasis appears and how to better understand what treatment options are available.
How does immune system work?
One of the many ways your immune system protects your body against infection, viruses, and bacteria is through inflammation—the increased flow of blood and immune cells to a threatened part of the body. For example, when you scrape your knee, your skin may swell and turn red. This is because your immune system responds to the injury by sending blood and immune cells to the skin to prevent infection and to begin the healing process. This is known as the inflammatory response.
Psoriasis and Immune system of our body
Psoriasis is a skin disorder caused by the over-reaction of our immune system. 
T-cells (a type of white blood cells) usually protect our body from certain infections and diseases, but in psoriasis they are put into an over-action mode along with other immune responses. 
This immune over-response leads to inflammation and fast production of immature skin cells. Usually, the production of skin cells takes about a month before they mature, but in psoriasis it may occur within 3-4 days. 
One-third of all the cases have a strong family history of psoriasis.
Common medications prescribed in modern medicine :
Cortisone creams and ointments (Immuno-suppressants, steroids) 
Creams / ointments containing coal tar or anthralin
Creams to remove scaling, Anti dandruff shampoos
Oral Steroids helps relieve symptoms
Rarely steroidal injections are advied
STEROID and the IMMUNE SYSTEM :
Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. 
Steroids reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to minimize tissue damage. 
Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system by affecting the function of white blood cells, leading to side-effects like, Increased appetite, weight gain,Sudden mood swings,Muscle weakness,Blurred vision,Increased growth of body hair,Easy bruising,Lower resistance to infection,Swollen, "puffy" face,Acne,Osteoporosis (bone weakening disease),Worsening of diabetes,High blood pressure,Stomach irritation,Nervousness, restlessness,Having difficulty sleeping,Cataracts or glaucoma.Water retention, swelling to name a few.
Homoeopathy for psoriasis
Homeopathy treats diseases gently, thus not causing any imbalance to your natural health structure. 
It helps correct psoriasis, by correcting the disturbance in ones immune system not not merely suppressing the symptoms. example, if a tap burst out flooding water, you cannot merely hold it from outside to stop the flow. This can burst open anytime. 
Every person is different and so is your body and its response to various disorders!
A very common cause discussed above is STRESS! For anyone who has psoriasis, the circular relationship between the  Stress and Psoriasis complicate things. One needs to break this cycle. Homeopathic prescription after detailed study of the patient helps break this cycle.  
The link between mind and body i well examined and studies of each patient and this is how it differs from other modern medications
Deep constitutional analysis : The history of the disease, the family medical history, physical and mental characteristics of the patient, the likes and dislikes, medication details are all taken into consideration. This approach stands in consonance with the homoeopathic convention,Treat the patient, not the symptom!

Monday, July 18, 2011

ACNE - Can you avoid chemical treatments?

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits


Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.
  • Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells.
  • When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
  • The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).
  • If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form.
  • If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.
Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not a problem caused by bacteria.
Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes probably cause increased oil in the skin. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.
Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:
  • Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
  • Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
  • Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
  • High levels of humidity and sweating
Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though.

Symptoms

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
  • Blackheads
  • Crusting of skin bumps
  • Cysts
  • Papules (small red bumps)
  • Pustules
  • Redness around the skin eruptions
  • Scarring of the skin
  • Whiteheads

Signs and tests

Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin. Testing is usually not required.

Treatment

SELF-CARE
Steps you can take to help your acne:
  • Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap (such as Dove, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Basics). Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
  • Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
What NOT to do:
  • Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
  • Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
  • Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night. Look for water-based or "noncomedogenic" formulas. Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.
If these steps do not clear up the blemishes, try over-the-counter acne medications. You apply these products directly to your skin.
  • They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.
  • They work by killing bacteria, drying up skin oils, or causing the top layer of your skin to peel.
  • They may cause redness or peeling of the skin.
A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne a little, but mostly it just hides the acne. However, too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for skin cancer. 

COMMON PRESCRIPTION / MEDICINES
If pimples are still a problem, a health care provider can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.
Antibiotics may help some people with acne:
  • Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and amoxicillin
  • Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or dapsone
Creams or gels applied to the skin may be prescribed:
  • Retinoic acid cream or gel ( Retin-A)
  • Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid
  • Topical azelaic acid
For women whose acne is caused or made worse by hormones:
  • Birth control pills may help in some cases, though they may make acne worse
Minor procedures or treatments may also be helpful:
  • A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy
  • Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts with cortisone
People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin. You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects.
Pregnant women should NOT take isotretinoin, because it causes severe birth defects.


HOMEOPATHY FOR ACNE
A well formulated  homeopathic acne treatment product may correct an acne problem. 
Homeopathy considers acne to be a symptom of a deeper issue. It does not concentrate on treating just the skin surface using topical gels, creams or ointments on acne. It treats you not just a simple acne case but looks at you from both inside and outside
It concentrates on your complete medical history.
No two patients are the same and so is your body and disorders!


What to expect after taking Homeopathic medicines.

  1. You will notice a drying up of pimples and reduction in the number of existing acne
  2. Other associated symptoms like pain, burning and itching will also go away.
  3. you will see the improvement in skin texture.
  4. It attempts to stimulate the body's own natural healing capacity with Homoeopathic remedies acting as a trigger for the body's own healing forces.
  5. Over a period of months, your complexion and skin condition will keep improving continually.
Energy healing works great with Homeopathy to heal faster and holistically!

Friday, July 8, 2011

PREGNANCY and REIKI

Pregnancy is eternal and we all want to have a smooth one. 
As a women, I am aware that we are often reluctant to take any medications internally before, during or after pregnancy.
Facing irresistible symptoms during pregnancy is very common to!
So,How do we get rid of these day in day out problems?
REIKI Healing is the answer to all our questions!

Before Pregnancy

Treatments before conception can focus on creating a balanced, loving and harmonious relationship between the parents and toward the future child.

Reiki or Distant Reiki Healing is safe for pregnant women! In fact, Reiki works well in helping with all stages of pregnancy including conception and child birth. It provides emotional as well as physical support and works not only on the mother, but also on the child. Reiki cannot cause harm and always works to reduce stress and improve health regardless of the condition. 
Reiki during pregnancy not only offers treatment for the woman's body but also for the development of the foetus. Reiki is believed to be "loving" energy that is shared from the practitioner to the client. That means that a foetus can be receiving loving energy all the while the mother is being treated. 

COMMON SYMPTOMS DURING PREGNANCY:


There are some fairly common discomforts of pregnancy which can be minimized or even alleviated by Reiki treatments
  • backaches
  • headaches
  • stress & anxiety
  • nausea, etc

Many people experience deep relaxation and peacefulness  during and after a Reiki treatment. This benefits pregnant women..
The body of the mother changes a lot during the pregnancy. Therefore the energy-balance is constantly under pressure. This is manifested emotionally and physically. 
The mother is more tired and unstable then normal. 
Moreover typical pregnancy complaints arise, for example morning sickness. 

Reiki has a positive influence on this energy-balance. When the energy is brought back in balance, these symptoms disappear. A Reiki treatment helps to relax deeply and clean body, mind and soul. Reiki starts several processes, which make body, mind and soul healthier and stronger. They react faster on all changes in body and lifestyle. Therefore the pregnancy will develop more natural and stable.

WILL REIKI HEAL MY OLD PROBLEMS?

Yes, Reiki helps to deal with (old) problems and the accompanying emotions. Things become clearer. Also during pregnancy there will be fears about being able to be a good mother or the upcoming responsibility. Reiki will help to deal with all these emotions. 

DOES MY CHILD BENEFIT BY REIKI? 
  1. The mother as well as the child will benefit from Reiki during pregnancy.
  2. Reiki deepens the relationship between mother and child and develops the confidence in motherhood.
  3. Reiki after birth will recover body and mind of the mother faster.
  4. Reiki stimulates the breast-feeding and diminishes pleurisy.
  5. Reiki also work with the unborn child. The body of the child changes constantly and fast. Therefore his energy-balance is also constantly under pressure. Reiki has a positive influence on the energy-balance.When the energy is brought back in balance, the development will go smoothly.
  6. The child becomes more aware of the daily rhythm every week that he grows older.Moreover he feels the moods especially of the mother. 
  7. The unborn doesn't only participate in life physically through the navel cord, but also through thoughts. Reiki helps to deal with accompanying emotions.

Reiki for Fathers :-
                            Becoming a father changes father's life much. Fears come up about being a good father, responsibility or adjusting his lifestyle. Reiki helps to make body and spirit more healthy and stronger. Because of this the father can prepare himself better for the changes in his life. 

Reiki deepens the relationship between father and child. The child feels the mood of his father already during the pregnancy and reacts on this

Post Delivery/ Postpartum Reiki

One can also derive much benefit from Reiki treatments after child birth.
Caring for a newborn can be draining to both partners. Reiki can help restore and balance energy levels as well as provide some much-needed serenity during this exciting and transformational time.
Reiki can be very effective in helping to restore balance to the entire mind-body-spirit system after birth. Nurturing a mother aids her to nurture her infant. 
Fathers and birth partners undergo their own transitions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. .
  • The baby will benefit from Reiki treatments also after childbirth.
  • It will adapt faster to his new world.
  • The body of the child still changes constantly and fast.Reiki brings the energy back in balance.
  • The baby will be healthier and more comfortable.

HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY!