Using Homeopathy to Treat Candida
What is Candida?
Candidiasis is caused by the overgrowth of a common type of yeast called Candida Albicans that occurs naturally in the body. In most cases, a healthy immune system can keep the balance between ‘good’ bacteria and fungus like Candida in check. Candida can occur anywhere in the body, but it is most commonly found in areas where there are mucous membranes such as the vaginal tract, the rectum and the throat. Some causes of an imbalance of Candida can include prolonged use of antibiotics, use of the Birth Control Pill (BCP), eating a high amount of refined sugar and processed foods and immune suppression.
Diagnosis and Potential Symptoms
For many people, especially women, systemic Candidiasis can seriously impact your quality of life.
Because an overgrowth of Candida can lead to such a diverse group of chronic symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose. Many conventional medical doctors may treat symptoms, such as yeast infections or thrush, but will not tend to view the connection between Candida and these symptoms. In addition, there is no accepted medical test available, outside of allergic antibody testing, to determine the existence of an overgrowth of Candida. A Candida infection is of concern because it can also become a systemic issue and lead to a variety of symptoms such as;
• Digestive symptoms (pain, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
• Itching (skin, ears, vagina, rectum etc.)
• Skin problems (acne, eczema etc)
• Mood changes (anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty in thinking clearly, poor memory)
• Reproductive health ( PMS, painful menstruation, infertility, low sex drive)
How Homeopathy Can Help
My experience is that the Candida Diet can be very successful for cases of mild to moderate Candida. In fact, dietary changes are often a necessary part of decreasing and eliminating symptoms of Candida. However, I treat a lot of patients with Candida and repeatedly hear how the Candida diet did not alleviate or remove their symptoms of Candida. Certain diseases are hygienic in nature but there are also many conditions that can not be solved by dietary changes alone. For many people, systemic Candida infection cannot be resolved by diet alone. This is where homeopathy can be very useful.
Advantages of Homeopathic Treatment for Candida
Homeopathic medicine is totally holistic because it takes into consideration your unique experience of dis-ease on the mental, emotional and physical levels. As a Homeopath, I want to know whether you are prone to chronic yeast infections, oral Candida (thrush) as well as many of the other possible associated symptoms of Candida. In addition, I want to know very specific information. For example, if you get chronic yeast infections, I will want to know when you get them, what they feel like (do they itch, burn, sting?) and what does this discharge look like. Homeopaths are also fundamentally interested in you as a person. We ask questions about your body temperature; how weather affects you, patterns of perspiration, sleep, digestion and much more. In most cases, the selection of a homeopathic remedy for you will also help to address other chronic health issues that have been bothering you such as migraines or constipation or PMS or anxiety/depression.
Join me for a free workshop at the Big Carrot in Toronto.
Thursday November 5th at 7 p.m.
348 Danforth Avenue Rm 212
www.thebigcarrot.ca
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Free Homeopathic Flu Prevention - Starting October 2009
Worried About Swine Flu/Influenza this Winter?
You just might be worried about a possible Swine Flu/H1N1 pandemic this winter especially if you have been watching the media reports for the last several months. Whether or not H1N1 is as serious as many public health officials and epidemiologists are predicting, you can protect yourself and your family even if you decide to either get the regular flu shot or the H1N1 vaccine if and when it is ready.
The History of Homeopathy in Influenza
You just might be worried about a possible Swine Flu/H1N1 pandemic this winter especially if you have been watching the media reports for the last several months. Whether or not H1N1 is as serious as many public health officials and epidemiologists are predicting, you can protect yourself and your family even if you decide to either get the regular flu shot or the H1N1 vaccine if and when it is ready.
The History of Homeopathy in Influenza
Homeopathy gained its reputation by successfully treating many of infectious epidemics of the 18th and 19th century including o the Spanish Flu of 1919. The Spanish Flu is particularly relevant to the current H1N1 outbreak because it was also a H1N1 type A influenza virus. Public health records indicate the amazing success in homeopathy in treating people during the Spanish Flu. The mortality rate of people treated with conventional medicine was 30 percent while those treated by Homeopathic physicians had mortality rate of 1.05 percent.
Homeopathic Influenza Prevention
Homeopaths have been using Homeopathic Prophylaxis (or preventative treatment) to prevent the development of Influenza for over 150 years. The main remedy used for this is called Influenzinum. Homeopathic Prophylaxis is different from the ‘flu shot’ in that the ‘flu shot’ involves introducing crude doses of Influenza along with several chemicals into your body including thimerosol (mercury) and formaldehyde. On the other hand, homeopathic remedies including Influenzinum, have no extra chemicals in them and do not create side effects.
Free Homeopathic Treatment for Influenza Prevention
Starting in October 2009, you can access this treatment by making a 15-20 minute appointment with me either in my clinic or via a home visit if you live in the neighbourhoods of High Park/Roncesvalles/Parkdale, the Annex and the Junction.
For More Information, I can be contacted at;
647-688-8290 or redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com.
I practice out of Zen-Tai Wellness which is located at 120 Carlton Street (at Jarvis) (www.zen-tai.com)
If you do get sick this winter, consider using homeopathic medicine for acute treatment. In most cases, homeopathy can quickly resolve many types of acute ailments including influenza, colds, coughs, strep throat and stomach viruses.Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Homeopathy and Pregnancy
Check out my latest article on the Natural Mothering website. This time I focus on using homeopathic remedies to assist in pregnancy.
http://www.naturalmothering.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88:homeopathy-and-pregnancy&catid=27:pregnancy-and-labour&Itemid=100024
http://www.naturalmothering.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88:homeopathy-and-pregnancy&catid=27:pregnancy-and-labour&Itemid=100024
Saturday, August 8, 2009
What's The Difference- Homeopaths vs Naturopaths!
Let's Try to Clear Up the Confusion!
So, you're interested in natural health. Maybe you even thought about seeing a practitioner. But, where to start? .And, besides what really is the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy?
Let's start this discussion by talking about what is and isn't homeopathy. Homeopathy is a complete medical system that has been around in a formal way for over 200 years. Homeopathy involves the prescription of one homeopathic medicine ( called remedies) based on the Law of Similars. This means we are looking to prescribe one remedy made from natural substances that through prior testing and clinical experience has a track record of curing the same pattern of symptoms in the sick that it can create in healthy subjects. This means a homeopath will prescribe one remedy at a time. Combination remedies, while containing homeopathic remedies, are not technically homeopathy because these remedies are not chosen based on their similarity to your pattern of symptoms.
Huh? I can hear the confusion over the web. Here is a simple way to think about it. If you have ever cut an onion, you may be familiar with the burning, watery discharge from your eyes. The Homeopathic remedy made from the red onion (called Allium Cepa) is often used for colds and allergies with symptoms of burning, watery nasal discharge with a more bland eye discharge.
So, a homeopath will prescribe one remedy that is the closest match to your pattern of symptoms.
Naturopaths:
Naturopaths receive a very intensive education in medical sciences. They also learn a wide variety of treatments varying from Traditional Chinese Medicine, botanical medicine, nutrition and homeopathy. I like to think of Naturopaths as 'green' general practitioners in that they practice a wide-range of modalities. However, they only get 250-300 hours of homeopathic instruction in Naturopathic College. That being said, there are some Naturopaths who go on to specialize in homeopathy by pursuing further post-graduate education.
Homeopaths:
Remember- homeopathy is a complete medical system in itself. A good homeopath should have attended a 3-4 year programme (ideally one that is certified by an independent educational body) and should be taking further post-graduate education of some sort. On average, homeopathic students receive 5000-7000 hours in homeopathy and the medical sciences. Homeopaths are equivalent to specialists in the conventional medical system. And just as in the case of any medical specialty, it takes many years of study and clinical practice to be able to master homeopathy.
Homeopathy involves the use of medicines that stimulate your body to heal itself. In my practice, I have found that combining homeopathy with dietary changes where necessary has been really effective. I don't tend to prescribe a lot of supplements except for situations such as a nutritional deficiency such as low iron, calcium intake etc.
Advantages of Homeopathic Treatment:
So, you're interested in natural health. Maybe you even thought about seeing a practitioner. But, where to start? .And, besides what really is the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy?
Let's start this discussion by talking about what is and isn't homeopathy. Homeopathy is a complete medical system that has been around in a formal way for over 200 years. Homeopathy involves the prescription of one homeopathic medicine ( called remedies) based on the Law of Similars. This means we are looking to prescribe one remedy made from natural substances that through prior testing and clinical experience has a track record of curing the same pattern of symptoms in the sick that it can create in healthy subjects. This means a homeopath will prescribe one remedy at a time. Combination remedies, while containing homeopathic remedies, are not technically homeopathy because these remedies are not chosen based on their similarity to your pattern of symptoms.
Huh? I can hear the confusion over the web. Here is a simple way to think about it. If you have ever cut an onion, you may be familiar with the burning, watery discharge from your eyes. The Homeopathic remedy made from the red onion (called Allium Cepa) is often used for colds and allergies with symptoms of burning, watery nasal discharge with a more bland eye discharge.
So, a homeopath will prescribe one remedy that is the closest match to your pattern of symptoms.
Naturopaths:
Naturopaths receive a very intensive education in medical sciences. They also learn a wide variety of treatments varying from Traditional Chinese Medicine, botanical medicine, nutrition and homeopathy. I like to think of Naturopaths as 'green' general practitioners in that they practice a wide-range of modalities. However, they only get 250-300 hours of homeopathic instruction in Naturopathic College. That being said, there are some Naturopaths who go on to specialize in homeopathy by pursuing further post-graduate education.
Homeopaths:
Remember- homeopathy is a complete medical system in itself. A good homeopath should have attended a 3-4 year programme (ideally one that is certified by an independent educational body) and should be taking further post-graduate education of some sort. On average, homeopathic students receive 5000-7000 hours in homeopathy and the medical sciences. Homeopaths are equivalent to specialists in the conventional medical system. And just as in the case of any medical specialty, it takes many years of study and clinical practice to be able to master homeopathy.
Homeopathy involves the use of medicines that stimulate your body to heal itself. In my practice, I have found that combining homeopathy with dietary changes where necessary has been really effective. I don't tend to prescribe a lot of supplements except for situations such as a nutritional deficiency such as low iron, calcium intake etc.
Advantages of Homeopathic Treatment:
- Effective Management of Many Chronic Health Issues: This can include minor aches and pains to more serious conditions. Some examples can include, headaches, digestive issues (gas, constipation, diarrhea), PMS, menopausal symptoms, painful periods; anxiety, grief and much more
- Reduces the Susceptibility to Illness: Do you find that you keep catching every bug going around? Maybe you are sniffling all the time. Homeopathic treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of colds, flus and other acute ailments.
- Effective Homeopathic Flu Prevention: Homeopaths have been using homeopathic prophylaxis for over 150 years. Many homeopaths offer this remedy for free.
- It Works: There is over 200 years of clinical experience that demonstrates that it works. There have also been quite a few clinical studies and trials which show that homeopathy is either more effective than placebo and/or an appropriate pharmaceutical medicine in many conditions such as childhood diarrhea, acute otitis media, fibromyalgia, ADHD, etc.
- Safe, gentle and Effective: Homeopathic remedies are safe for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly because they are made by a specific protocol of dilution and succussion. They also do not produce side effects and will not interact with any pharmaceutical medications.
- Inexpensive: Homeopathic remedies are not expensive. Although the initial visit to a homeopath may be expensive, it is a worthwhile investment in your health. Furthermore, remedies are usually included in the fee and in most cases, you will not have to spend a lot of money on expensive supplements.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Help! I'm Really Worried About the Swine Flu/H1N1 Virus!
It seems like everyday the news or radio is reporting about the Swine Flu or the H1N1 virus which is supposed to be the next pandemic. All of these reports can ramp up the fear and panic, especially for those of us with small children. First, let’s all take a deep breath and try to look at this whole situation with some perspective.
The Cause for Concern:
There are some good reasons why many public health officials are concerned about the H1N1 virus. The first reason is that it is a new virus- which means that it is a strain that we haven’t seen before and thus, we haven’t developed natural antibodies against it. Another possible cause of concern is that young, healthy adults appeared to have died from this virus especially in the early stages in Mexico. It is possible that there were other factors involved in these deaths. Another reason for encouragement is that there has been a milder form of H1N1 in North America.
Difficulty in Conventional Medical Treatment:
It looks as if this virus is sensitive to two anti-viral agents (Tamiflu and Relenza). There are a few pharmaceutical companies that are racing to produce a vaccine. One of the biggest problems is that it takes a lot of time to identify and make a vaccine capable of managing a severe outbreak of the flu. This is especially true if the virus mutates and is able to develop resistance to medication or a vaccine. We already know that the ‘flu shot’ is only approximately 40% effective partly because epidemiologists cannot accuarately predict all of the specific strains of influenza that change with each flu season.
Enter Homeopathy…
Homeopathy gained its reputation by successfully treating many of infectious epidemics of the 18th and 19th century including outbreaks of Cholera, Typhoid, Scarlet Fever and the Spanish Flu of 1918. The Spanish Flu is particularly relevant to the current H1N1 outbreak because it was also a H1N1 type A influenza virus. Public health records indicate the amazing success of homeopathy in treating people during the Spanish Flu. The mortality rate of people treated with conventional medicine was 30 percent while those treated by homeopathic physicians had mortality rate of 1.05 percent. Of the fifteen hundred cases reported at the Homeopathic Medical Society of the District of Columbia there were only fifteen deaths. Recoveries in the National Homeopathic Hospital were 100%. In Ohio, of 1,000 cases of influenza, Dr. T. A. McCann, MD, Dayton, Ohio reported NO DEATHS.
Using Homeopathy to Prevent and Treat Influenza
Homeopathy can assist in the treatment of Influenza in several ways;
Prevention:
Homeopaths have been using Homeopathic Prophylaxis (or preventative treatment) to prevent the development of Influenza for over 150 years. The main remedy used for this is called Influenzinum. Homeopathic Prophylaxis is different from the ‘flu shot’ in that the ‘flu shot’ involves introducing crude doses of Influenza along with several chemicals into your body including thimerosol (mercury) and formaldehyde. On the other hand, homeopathic remedies including Influenzinum, have no extra chemicals in them and do not create side effects.
Acute Treatment:
Homeopathy can be used very successfully to treat symptoms of influenza while you are sick. In most cases, this type of homeopathic treatment can cure and speed up recovery from even severe forms of influenza. The pattern of symptoms of most cases of Influenza match very closely to symptoms that several homeopathic remedies are known to cure.
Chronic Treatment:
One of the advantages of Homeopathic treatment is that it reduces susceptibility to illness. This means that it will lessen both the frequency and intensity of illness over time if you are someone that seems to come down with every cold or virus especially during the winter months. At the same time, it can improve many health complaints ranging from headaches, indigestion, skin conditions, PMS/menstrual discomfort and much more.
Rebecca Gower is a Homeopathic Physician in private practice in Toronto. She offers free homeopathic flu prevention starting in October 2009 or upon request. For more information, she can be reached at 647-688-8290 or at redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com.
The Cause for Concern:
There are some good reasons why many public health officials are concerned about the H1N1 virus. The first reason is that it is a new virus- which means that it is a strain that we haven’t seen before and thus, we haven’t developed natural antibodies against it. Another possible cause of concern is that young, healthy adults appeared to have died from this virus especially in the early stages in Mexico. It is possible that there were other factors involved in these deaths. Another reason for encouragement is that there has been a milder form of H1N1 in North America.
Difficulty in Conventional Medical Treatment:
It looks as if this virus is sensitive to two anti-viral agents (Tamiflu and Relenza). There are a few pharmaceutical companies that are racing to produce a vaccine. One of the biggest problems is that it takes a lot of time to identify and make a vaccine capable of managing a severe outbreak of the flu. This is especially true if the virus mutates and is able to develop resistance to medication or a vaccine. We already know that the ‘flu shot’ is only approximately 40% effective partly because epidemiologists cannot accuarately predict all of the specific strains of influenza that change with each flu season.
Enter Homeopathy…
Homeopathy gained its reputation by successfully treating many of infectious epidemics of the 18th and 19th century including outbreaks of Cholera, Typhoid, Scarlet Fever and the Spanish Flu of 1918. The Spanish Flu is particularly relevant to the current H1N1 outbreak because it was also a H1N1 type A influenza virus. Public health records indicate the amazing success of homeopathy in treating people during the Spanish Flu. The mortality rate of people treated with conventional medicine was 30 percent while those treated by homeopathic physicians had mortality rate of 1.05 percent. Of the fifteen hundred cases reported at the Homeopathic Medical Society of the District of Columbia there were only fifteen deaths. Recoveries in the National Homeopathic Hospital were 100%. In Ohio, of 1,000 cases of influenza, Dr. T. A. McCann, MD, Dayton, Ohio reported NO DEATHS.
Using Homeopathy to Prevent and Treat Influenza
Homeopathy can assist in the treatment of Influenza in several ways;
Prevention:
Homeopaths have been using Homeopathic Prophylaxis (or preventative treatment) to prevent the development of Influenza for over 150 years. The main remedy used for this is called Influenzinum. Homeopathic Prophylaxis is different from the ‘flu shot’ in that the ‘flu shot’ involves introducing crude doses of Influenza along with several chemicals into your body including thimerosol (mercury) and formaldehyde. On the other hand, homeopathic remedies including Influenzinum, have no extra chemicals in them and do not create side effects.
Acute Treatment:
Homeopathy can be used very successfully to treat symptoms of influenza while you are sick. In most cases, this type of homeopathic treatment can cure and speed up recovery from even severe forms of influenza. The pattern of symptoms of most cases of Influenza match very closely to symptoms that several homeopathic remedies are known to cure.
Chronic Treatment:
One of the advantages of Homeopathic treatment is that it reduces susceptibility to illness. This means that it will lessen both the frequency and intensity of illness over time if you are someone that seems to come down with every cold or virus especially during the winter months. At the same time, it can improve many health complaints ranging from headaches, indigestion, skin conditions, PMS/menstrual discomfort and much more.
Rebecca Gower is a Homeopathic Physician in private practice in Toronto. She offers free homeopathic flu prevention starting in October 2009 or upon request. For more information, she can be reached at 647-688-8290 or at redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Homeopathy for Injuries
I briefly discussed the potential for homeopathy in a whole range of injuries. Homeopathy can do some magical things here and it just isn't about Arnica. Yes, Arnica can be wonderful and is often the default remedy in lots of injuries especially those with a sudden manifestation. There are a whole bunch of other remedies including Hypericum, Bryonia, Symphytum and much more.
So many friends and acquaintances tell me about injuries from falls, broken bones, bruises etc. They rarely call me to see if there is anything homeopathy can do for them. I think the problem may be that people don't think Homeopathy or any other "natural medicine" can help. So, don't forget homeopathy in injuries or any other acute conditions. Here are some examples of where Homeopathy can help:
I wanted to share a recent case of knee pain that really shows how Homeopathy shines by choosing a remedy that most closely matches a patient's symptom picture.
Patient came with a complaint of sudden, acute knee pain. Upon investigation, I found the following symptoms;
Weakness of knee as if sprained, gives way under him, has to straighten it before walking.
Calc-C is also known for the creaking/cracking sound in the knees. Patient received 2 doses. There was about 40% improvement after the first dose; the pain disappeared completely after the second dose.
As we can see, Homeopathy is not only useful for treatment of chronic conditions, but also for acutes and injuries. For more information, you can contact me at the clinic at 647-688-8290 or redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com
So many friends and acquaintances tell me about injuries from falls, broken bones, bruises etc. They rarely call me to see if there is anything homeopathy can do for them. I think the problem may be that people don't think Homeopathy or any other "natural medicine" can help. So, don't forget homeopathy in injuries or any other acute conditions. Here are some examples of where Homeopathy can help:
- Whiplash
- Injuries to areas rich in nerves- such as falls on the head, tailbone, crushed fingers or toes etc.
- Injuries that have a sudden nature such as car accidents, bike accidents, concussions etc.
- Broken bones ( homeopathy can play a role once the broken bones are set)
- Sprains (ankles, knees etc)
- To speed the healing of wounds, bruises etc.
- Pre and post surgery protocols to speed healing, lower bruising etc.
I wanted to share a recent case of knee pain that really shows how Homeopathy shines by choosing a remedy that most closely matches a patient's symptom picture.
Patient came with a complaint of sudden, acute knee pain. Upon investigation, I found the following symptoms;
- Worse initial motion, better continued motion
- Cracking in the right knee
- Feeling as if the knee is dislocated
- Cracking and pain in the knee is worse from turning/pivoting
- Patient has to walk with right leg straigtened to avoid pain.
Weakness of knee as if sprained, gives way under him, has to straighten it before walking.
Calc-C is also known for the creaking/cracking sound in the knees. Patient received 2 doses. There was about 40% improvement after the first dose; the pain disappeared completely after the second dose.
As we can see, Homeopathy is not only useful for treatment of chronic conditions, but also for acutes and injuries. For more information, you can contact me at the clinic at 647-688-8290 or redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Summary of Cuban Experiences with Leptosporidosis
Here is the preliminary report by the authors of a Cuban Study that used homeopathy to prevent Leptospirosis in 2.5 million Cubans.
Homeoprophylaxis: Cuban Experiences on Leptospirosis
Dr. Concepción Campa, Dr. Luis E. Varela, Dr. Esperanza Gilling, MCs. Rolando Fernández, Tec. Bárbara Ordaz, Dr. Gustavo Bracho, Dr. Luis García, Dr. Jorge Menéndez, Lic. Natalia Marzoa, Dr. Rubén Martínez.
“The Finlay Institute is a centre dedicated to development and production of vaccines; we also bring our WHO qualified facilities for all homeopaths and homeopathic medicine. The Finlay Institute acts as supporting institution for research, production and development of high quality homeopathic products. However, according with the social objective addressing prevention of infectious diseases, we are focused on homeo- prophylaxis as strategy to attenuate the impact of preventable diseases on developing world, the ones that need it the most.
Thus, development and evaluation of nosodes, appears to be our main approach to fill up the breakthrough on current conventional strategies based on vaccination. Similarly with vaccination interventions, massive applications of prophylactic nosodes give rise to a greater impact on population health compared with individualized therapies. In addition, the easy administration and low economics resources needed, become this alternative really suitable and accessible for developing countries and almost the best for emergency situations comprising epidemic outbreaks and natural disasters. The Cuban experiences of massively administrated nosodes supports it use as promising solution to confront epidemiological dangerous situations.
On October November 2007, three provinces of the eastern region of Cuba were affected by strong rainfalls causing floods of big areas and several damages to sanitary and health systems. The risk of leptospirosis infection raised extremely dangerous levels with about 2 million of peoples exposed to potentially contaminated water.
Considering this situation, the Finlay Institute prepared a leptospira nosode 200 CH using 4 circulating strains and following international quality standards. A multidisciplinary team travelled to the affected regions to conduct the massive administration of the nosode. Coordinated action with public health system infrastructures allowed the administration of a preventive treatment consisting in two doses (7- 9 days apart) of the nosode to about 2,4 million of people (4,8 million of doses). The coverage of the intervention rose up to 95% percent of total population of the three provinces at risk.
The epidemiology surveillance after the intervention showed a dramatic decrease of morbidity two weeks after and a reduction to cero of mortality of hospitalized patient. The number of confirmed leptospirosis cases remains at low levels and below the expected levels according with the trends and rain regimens.
A reinforcing application was given after the hit of the hurricane IKE but using the nosode diluted up to 10 MC. Strict epidemiologic surveillance is carried out on this provinces. Up to date result will be presented.
The results supported the design of new strategies for leptospirosis control. This experience could be extended to other diseases and other countries. The Finlay Institute is offering our facilities and specialists to spread this alternative to all regions needing emergent alternatives for epidemic control and prevention”.
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