Conventional medicine, sometimes known as Western Scientific or Allopathic Medicine has seen a century and a half of progress.  Medicine cast off its shadow of blood letting, and purgatives that did more harm than good. Germ theory, and drug treatments from the humble Aspirin to 20th century antibiotics, and now the latest biologics are lauded today.   

You might then think that the homeopathic approach to medicine is ‘old hat’, in comparison.

10th April marks the 271st anniversary of the birth of Dr Samuel Hahnemann. He set out the principles of homeopathic treatment in a book titled The Organon of Medicine, still in print.  This was also a scientific endeavour. Notably, he perceived the human organism in more subtle ways that the biochemical model of current orthodoxy.   

Yet, in the last 25 years, there has been downward pressure on homeopathy from the medical establishment.  Primarily, this arises from judging homeopathy solely through the lens of the dominant orthodox model. 

Yet, globally talented people continue to advance Hahnemann’s thesis.  As a consequence, the database of homeopathic remedies has expanded greatly.

So too the understanding of who we are, our purpose, and relationship with the world around. 

In contrast, if we look eastwards – notably to India – we find a better balance between different medical models. Importantly, not just in the street, but also at government level. There is respect, even where there is disagreement.

That homeopathy survives in a climate where investment is so biased towards the western scientific model, spotlights its value.   It can be ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’ or neither (no single system can have all the answers).  Moreover, it is about choice. 

Diagnosis

During my studies a decade back, I gave a talk to a ladies group at my local Church. At question time, I was asked about the role of diagnosis in homeopathy.   A good question, which I suspect I failed to answer well. 

On reflection, ‘diagnosis’ is a point of differentiation between homeopathy and orthodox medicine.

Now, the value of a ‘diagnosis’ is not to be derided .  It sets down the likely disease trajectory.  Is it self-limiting, or chronic or even life threatening?   It is a central tenet of modern medicine, and the domain of the medical professional.  Yet, making a accurate diagnosis is not always easy. Hence, in medical literature there is much about differential diagnosis, that is to say making judgment between this or that.  

However, diagnosis is not central to the homeopathic method.  Why so?

The answer is that from the homeopathic perspective the pathological process behind any disease is different. And behind each pathology is a different person. 

For example, your arthritis could be due to a genetic pre-disposition, some traumatic event (physical or mental) or the nature of your work.   Or any combination of these and more. This highlights the importance of the (w)holistic concept.

It is worth saying that very few consult a homeopath without having already had a medical diagnosis.  

Explaining Homeopathy – Homeopathic Laws

Jeremy Sherr is a notable current day homeopath. Now based in Tanzania, his focus is patients with HIV / AIDS.  He continues to teach homeopathy globally.

He writes this:

“There are four basic laws in Homeopathy. These are: the laws of similars, totality, individuality, and minimum dose. These laws do not function as separate entities, but as complementary forces that together create a whole. Each influences the other in a complementary way. Using less than all four does not constitute true homoeopathy.  

“Thus, the remedies one buys in pharmacies which are labelled homeopathic are not really homeopathic. Rather, they are prepared according to a homeopathic pharmaceutical procedure (known as potentisation). Taking them cannot be called homoeopathy. Likewise, homoeopathy is not herbalism (though many remedies are of plant origin). 

“Consequently, it is not what you use that makes a medicine homeopathic. It is why you use it that makes it so.”

Law of Similars

Sherr, notes that there are two ways to cure: by opposites or similars. 

He goes on to make an analogy with the martial arts.  “if we examine the martial arts, we find that while some systems go against the oncoming force (Karate), others go in the direction of the flow, using the opponent’s force to overcome him (Tai chi, Aikido). These martial arts are much more profound, gentle, and powerful. Like homoeopathy, they go in the direction of the disease force rather than against it.”

Homeopathic remedies (medicines) are ‘proven’ (tested) on a group of healthy individuals.  The  patterns of symptoms arising in the healthy (supplemented with toxicological data and clinical experience) will stimulate the healing process in patients suffering similar symptoms. 

In short this  is the Law of Similars.  

Totality of Symptoms (Holistic)

The concept of ‘totality’ acknowledges that each of the trillions of cells in your body is connected. 

Modern medicine is increasingly divided into specialities (cardiologists, rheumatologists etc.), but to the homeopath it is illogical to divorce, say, a skin symptom from other symptoms elsewhere in the body .   

Sherr’s prose is again illuminating:

 “To understand what totality of symptoms means, we must first discuss their nature. There are two ways of understanding a symptom. Conventional medicine sees each symptom as the whole disease, a random, isolated and unfortunate event that happened to the patient.

Essentially, it views the symptom as a local accident. The logical extension of this thinking is that the symptom should be destroyed by chemicals, or cut out. This is similar to riding in a car and seeing a little red light go on in the dashboard. The red light is irritating, we don’t know what it means, and we become anxious. Therefore, we respond by cutting the wire! The red light vanishes, and we can breathe a sigh of relief until the engine blows. 

“From a homeopathic perspective, the red light is only a signal that something is wrong with the interior of the engine. We cannot see the engine, but the light is a message that there is something wrong with it. 

“We need to fix the engine, and that is going to need a more thorough approach, because the engine is a complex mechanism in which each part affects the other. Human beings are much more complex than an engine. They certainly cannot be cured by destroying red lights or symptoms. 

“The second way of understanding a symptom is as an intelligent attempt of the organism to defend itself. This is an extension of the well-known principle of Homeostasis, the body’s ability to maintain a constant internal environment by adjusting its physiological processes.

Homeostasis is the function of a complex and intelligent system, which is able to regulate its equilibrium by means of multiple dynamic adjustments.”

Individuality

Homeopathy recognises individuality.  This is not so surprising as we all react differently to different stimuli.  One of my teachers (Dr Banerjea) taught that you can split the long list of homeopathic remedies almost down the middle according to the reaction of the patient to temperature.  Some wear a pullover in summer and others a T-shirt and shorts in winter!   Some remedies are characteristically chilly and some hot.

Minimum Dose

On this topic it is best to read my earlier blog on the nature of homeopathic medicines.  Suffice to say, that nearly two centuries of experience by thousands of homeopaths shows that homeopathic remedies work energetically and not biochemically.  They are quite distinct from modern pharmaceutical drugs.  

Society of Homeopaths (SoH) and The Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

I wish to conclude this article reference to a disagreement which led to a parting of ways between the above organisations back in 2021 as it is pertinent to the theme of this article. 

For the sake of brevity, I only cover the essence.  The Directors of the Society committed many hours to resolving the issues and ‘explaining homeopathy’ was a core issue (in my view).

Overview

The PSA is a regulatory oversight body. It sets general standards for those working in healthcare that are not otherwise regulated by law.  One largest membership body is those offering counselling therapy. A range of other therapy groups from Reiki to massage are also listed. 

The PSA does not profess expertise in any therapy, that is for the individual therapy groups. Its focus is in areas of common interest, such as patient safety etc.

The Society joined this body back in 2014, but chose to end their affiliation in 2021. The unresolved issue was a disagreement over what homeopaths could and could not say on their websites.  The PSA was resistant to any indication of homeopaths offering treatment for  conditions requiring – to quote just one phrase –  ‘medical supervision such as depression, autism, hyperthyroidism and arthritis’.   

Explaining Homeopathy

From what I have written above it should be clear that homeopathic approach disease is different.  Homeopaths do not treat according to diagnostic labels, though of course they take cognisance of the diagnosis.  As already said, it is rare indeed for a patient to consult a homeopath without having received a diagnosis from their practitioner or specialist.  

It is also worth saying that it is unethical to alter medication prescribed by a patients GP or specialist – that is a matter solely between the prescriber and patient.  

Homeopaths, be they medically qualified or lay, undertake many years of study and understand their limitations. 

They will direct the patient back to their medical practitioner if required.  It may be that homeopathic treatment is inappropriate (which is one reason for the ‘discovery call’). 

Nonetheless, homeopathy is a comprehensive system of medicine. Consequently it can treat many conditions including those mentioned above, typically in a complementary manner.

Simply put, homeopathy treats the person not a diagnostic label.

One long experienced Society member, expressing dismay at the PSA position at the time, wrote “Our beautiful, dynamic art / science is too precious to be chained down by external regulation”.  

Simply put, the demands of the PSA felt like a straightjacket.

It was not a happy time.  Today, the Society of Homeopaths is part of the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative, an body better aligned to the values of the Society.

Challenge

Now, websites are written in language which those reading can understand. Inevitably, diagnostic labels are used, as that is the language of currency.   When prospective patients make that ‘Discovery call’ this is the opportunity to explain homeopathy.  

In my experience, they pick up the phone with clear understanding of their situation including diagnostics.  But as succinctly put by a colleague, they either seek a solution or the solution given falls short in some regard. 

By way of closing example, I worked with patient on long term prescribed thyroid medication.  This was neither the main presenting issue nor my focus, but over an extended period of homeopathic treatment, her medication was reduced by her medical practitioner. 

It wasn’t something I expected, but reflects a general improvement in health. This is what holistic homeopathy is about.

In general, the homeopath cannot say with certainty what the outcome of treatment will be.   It is not quick fix medicine, but neither is it superficial.   

It is a voyage of discovery – a return to homeostasis as best possible – which takes time and patience.

***

If care to explore whether homeopathy can help with your health, please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

Should you be in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me

The post EXPLAINING HOMEOPATHY appeared first on Allan Pollock.

To briefly recap, my main reference is two small booklets on children’s types. Neither are in still in print which is a pity as they share great wisdom. One was written by a Dr Borland (1885-1960) who was clearly a remarkable physician. In Children’s Types he groups common homeopathic remedies into five groups. These (in the language of his time) are:

1. Fat, fair, chilly, lethargic
2. Delayed development
3. Skins
4. Warm blooded
5. Nervy

The second written by retired GP Dr Anne Wynne-Simmons is shorter and considers just six remedies that characterise six common children’s types.

Children’s ‘Types’ or ‘States’

It is important to note that constitutions are more variable than the term ‘type’ suggests.  Perhaps ‘state’ is a better word choice.  The word ‘type’ suggests permanence whereas ‘state’ is something more fluid. States change according to life circumstances, something that is all too apparent when we see the impact of famine or war on populations on the television.

Nonetheless, we humans share certain archetypical characteristics of our ancestors. The ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans observed this. So it is nothing new.

Group 1 – ‘Fat, fair, chilly, lethargic’

In this group we looked last time at Calcarea Carbonica or calcium carbonate (limestone).

Specifically this remedy is made from the inner layer of the shell of an oyster. Many young children or babies can go through a Calc.carb phase, with the common characteristics of chubbiness and a certain lethargy.

In my earlier blog, I omitted to mention a couple of points.  Physiologically, calcium is an essential element in the body, and vital in the mineralisation of the bones. Thus, one physical aspect of the Calc.carb constitution is slower than normal skeletal development. 

On the mental / emotional front Calc salts are very sensitive to criticism and worry about what others think about them. 

By analogy, ‘oysters’ don’t tend to move about much and they hide within their shell (protected from the world).  This is home and the archetypal Calc.carb is a good homemaker.

Note the combination of both calcium and carbon.  Calcium makes up about 2% of body mass (mostly in the bones) and Carbon 18%.  Jan Scholten, is a doctor, homeopath and modern author / researcher who perceives self-worth as a main mental / emotional theme of carbon. It will be a common theme in this article.

CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA

Another Group 1 remedy mentioned by Borland is Calcarea phosphorica or calcium phosphate.  Physically this is a rather leaner picture. The Calc.carb child may segway into a Calc phos. state as they grow.

Borland notes a tendency to growing pains of a muscular nature, and a tendency to headaches if overworked at school.  Calcium phosphate is important in the mineralisation of the outer matrix of bones and tooth enamel. 

To quote Havant based Dr Jonathan Hardy, this remedy comes into usefulness “at any time in life when nutrition and growth are especially important”.  I recall one remarkable case on video (Dr Banerjea) of the transformation a young child with some form of mysterious muscular wasting disease after this remedy was given.   

Phosphorus for Jan Sholten suggests a sympathetic and outgoing nature. Friends are made easily.  Though more outgoing than the Calc.carb. child, the sensitivity to criticism and fearful ness is still there (calcium).  This fear of criticism can lead to overwork at school (a compensation). Headaches may result – even burn-out. 

Calcium and phosphorus are somewhat a combination of opposites. Calcium more grounded than the effervescent nature of phosphorus (think of the phosphorus content of matches or fizzy drinks).

The combination of two elements is always more than the sum of the parts.

Group 2 – ‘Delayed Development’

In my earlier blog I selected Natrum muriaticum (Nat.mur for short) which is a homeopathic preparation of common salt (sodium chloride).  Nat.mur is the responsible yet emotionally closed child. Dr Wynne-Simmons thought a ‘state’ the befalls the eldest sibling in the family.

This time I consider Baryta Carbonica (Baryta carb.) which is barium carbonate.   Another carbon. 

BARYTA CARBONICA

Dr Borland uses the term ‘dwarfish’. He claims that he never saw a Baryta carb child who was up to standard height (though they may be standard weight).

In general everything is late (speaking, walking, dentition and so on).  Excessive shyness is a keynote.  These children are forgetful also and lack concentration.  There can be a tendency to tonsillitis.  Their energy is low. 

Jumping forward in time, Jan Scholten suggest that the Baryta type is a more extreme Calcarea.  He writes “Whilst Calcarea is afraid of what others will think about them, Baryta is convinced that others think them to be worth nothing”.  So they hide themselves away.  They are prone to influence.  They may act silly. Their fears and anxiety means that they only feel secure around their mother and in the home. 

Group 3 – ‘Skins’

Last time I looked at Graphites and graphite is pure carbon.  Dr Borland writes of uncertainty, hesitation, and hopelessness (back to self-worth again).  The Graphites child dreads going to a new school. ‘They are always looking for trouble’, he says.  

The ‘carbon’ perception of self-worth is either solved by acceptance and just getting on with things (hence a dullness in outlook). But if there is no resolution, there is instability, leading to easy upset.   

The Graphites skin tends to crack on exposure to cold.   Graphites may be the archetype but all the ‘carbons’ can have skin issues. 

Now, I’d like to introduce the remedy Petroleum (aka crude oil which is a hydrocarbon – carbon again).

PETROLEUM

Dr Borland perceived Petroleum children as thin and hungry, and often hungry between meals.  These children are sensitive to noise and cold.  Skin eruptions are common at the back of the ears, with cracks, oozing and bleeding.  The fluid which oozes forms a crust.  The itch is worse during the day.  In cold weather the skin of the hands tends to crack, especially at the finger tips.  Itchy eyes, blepharitis or conjunctivitis are common. 

Sea or travel sickness is common with a characteristic headache starting at the back of the head.  

A strange mental symptom – more applicable to adults – is disorientation in familiar places.  

Homeopath Jeremy Sherr creates a nice mind-picture for Petroleum.  He observes that petroleum derivatives (petrol, diesel) allow us to travel.  Yet the petroleum ‘type’ suffers travel sickness and disorientation.  We can travel but we no longer know where we are!  Petroleum is a metaphor for our age. 

Which is why emigrés make communities with fellow travellers. 

To travel is perhaps a search for self worth, or to fulfil a need to work (‘carbons’ find meaning in work)  

Group 4 – ‘Warm Blooded’

Last time I introduced Sulphur and Pulsatilla.  Sulphur being ‘the ‘ archetype of the warm blooded type.  

Next I introduce Iodum (Iodine), one of the halogens in the period table of elements.  Iodine is an important element for the regulation of the thyroid gland. 

IODUM

Dr Borland says that Iodum children are thin and constantly on the move – two keynote features. Despite their hunger they lose rather than gain weight.   Always busy, they are aggravated by heat of any kind.

He teaches us that these children are irritable . Without reason they break out into violence and hitting their brother or sister.  Then they become depressed and lose interest in things.

Scholten tells us that they just cannot keep up with all that is going on in their mind.  So they forget things. This in turn can lead to a certain obsessiveness. 

Catarrhal, asthmatic and abdominal complaints are typical.

Group 5 – ‘Nervy’

Arsenicum and Chamomilla were the ‘types’ of interest in the previous blog.  Both highly strung types, Arsenicum in a more general way, and Chamomilla most notably in its disproportionate response to pain (a tantrum remedy).

I shall close this article with another ‘carbon’ in this group, namely Magnesium Carbonicum (Mag.carb). 

MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM

We now know something of the Carbonicum state, namely the shyness, the importance of self-worth and by extension the dedication to work (which provides meaning).

Here, Borland speaks of a lack of stamina and poor muscular power.  Sleeplessness is a problem. Often they cannot get to sleep at all! 

Mag.carbs have a complete aversion to vegetables. However, they like fruit and have a marked craving for meat, he says.  They are also very sensitive to touch.

Borland does not mention aggressiveness, but Scholten does.  These are perpetually awkward children. From Scholten we learn that this had been the remedy of choice (J.T. Kent) for rebellious children in orphanages back in the 19th century. 

It is one of two magnesium remedies to consider for children of divorced parents (the other being its ‘cousin’ magnesium muriaticum).  The Mag.carb child’s anxiety stems from a feeling that that the parents are quarrelling because of them.   Despite their own temper, these children are peacemakers at heart. Because of the trouble they cause they fear that that Mum and Dad may leave.

***

I hope this and the earlier article give you some insight into the relevance of homeopathy for children, whether their issues are emotional, behavioural or physical – or more likely some combination.

Should you care to explore the power of homeopathy please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me (allan@allanpollock.co.uk)

The post What is the Nature of a Child?- part 2 appeared first on Allan Pollock.

From ‘man’ to ‘men’ and plus an ‘e’ gives a title I could not resist, and an opportunity to introducuce to two homeopathic superheroes.

There have been many notable physicians who chose to put into practice the teachings of the Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who set down the principles of homeopathic practice in the early 19th century.

Clarke’s and Kent’s fame derives from their writing which remains of significance to this day.

John Henry Clarke (1852-1931)

Clarke, born in Lincoln, went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh achieving his M.D. status in 1877. He went briefly to New Zealand, returning to Liverpool where he planned to set up in practice. There he took the opportunity to learn something of homeopathy from a pharmacy in that city. Subsequently he worked in Ipswich and studied at the London Homeopathic hospital.

By the 1880’s he had relocated to London and was much involved with various homeopathic organisations both at home and abroad.

He was a member of what came to be known as the ‘Cooper Club’. Four notable homeopathic physicians who began meeting over dinner to discuss their cases.

Named after Dublin educated, Robert Thomas Cooper MD (1844-1903), the other founding members were Clarke, Thomas Skinner MD (Edinburgh) (1825-1906), and James Compton Burnett (Glasgow) (1840-1901).

All physicians all of some note, not to mention prodidious workers.

Apparently, Clarke visited his patients in a horse-drawn carraige fitted with a writing desk as he never missed an opportunity to work on his books. No mobile phone distractions then!

The three volume ‘dictionary’ pictured below is his magnum opus. Produced, he reportedly said, to save himself work! It is still in print and available online. Below is an extract of Clarke’s description for Arnica, by way of example (Arnica is No1 for deep bruising).

Clarke: man of opinion?

Clarke was a man of strong opinions and a powerfull pen. He crossed swords not only with the orthodoxy of the time but also homeopathic establishment. The latter he felt failed to stand up for their profession leading to its eclipse.

The fate of homeopathy has always ebbed and flowed. There was a period of decline after the Great War and Clarke’s willingness to teach the lay practitioner was significant. The establishment of such as The Society of Homeopaths results from this lineage.

His later political booklets were controversial. Some were anti-semitic. But I feel these have to be seen in context. At this distance it is hard to imagine the impact of 800,000 British lives lost. Clarke disliked Germans and argued that Germany and Prussia were Judaic nations whose action risked English Christian culture. He was a man of his time.

Given the subsequent consequences of Naziism this seems a stange view. Yet, if you visit German WW1 cemeteries as I have, you find a significant number Jewish graves, which is counter-intuitive given what was to come during WW2. Though relatively few in number (about 1% of the German population), the Jewish population were influential.

Perhaps that is the point he makes? Actually Britain was quite anti-semitic in the 1930’s. Indeed my late mother told be the Jews were barred from membership at her local tennis club. Hard to imagine.

James Tyler Kent (1849-1916)

And so to Superman 2 – if you excuse the pun! Kent’s early history is somewhat enigmatic.

He was born in New York and possibly the result of an incestuous relationship. Be that as it may he was a good student qualifying (Ph.B) in philosophy in 1868 at the young age of 19 in 1868. He gained his medical qualifictions at the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati in 1871.

His first wife died in 1872 when just 19 years of age. A couple of years later he remarried moving St. Louis Missouri, where he taught anatomy.

When his second wife became ill, and his attempts to help her failed, he summoned the local homeopathic physician who cured her. This led to his conversion to homeopathy around 1878. Various posts followed and in 1890 he founded The Post-Graduate School of Homeopathics in Philadelphia.

Funding for that school came from the founder of Pittsburg Plate Glass, a certain John Pitcairn, who was also a notable member of the Swedenborg Church. Swedenborg was a 18th century Christian Mystic and polymath whose thinking influenced Kent’s understanding of homeopathy. Kent clearly saw parallels with Hahnemann’s expressed view that (1) there is an animating life force which (2) when disturbed causes symptoms (disease).

Kent’s Repertory

Be that as it may, his greatest contribution was to compile The Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica a task that took some twenty years.

A repertory is simply a compilation of remedies having correspondence with particular symptoms. Hence, it is an aid to finding the appropriate homepathic remedy. I stress the word aid as the result of repertorisation is one of possibility only. Reference then has to be made to the full remedy picture found in the Materia Medica.

Here is a small example:

Baring minor corrections, Kent’s Repertory was the primary reference work for homeopaths for half a century. The late 20th century saw updates and corrections. As you can see, it is – in modern terminology – a database. Consequently, it lends itself to computerisation and even AI. Type this question into Google AI: “what is a good homeopathic remedy for deep bruises?” and you get this:

Not bad. Now what would Kent have made of this!

Many notable homeopaths crossed the pond to study with Kent. Amongst them Sir John Weir, Physican to the Royal Household and Douglas Borland whom I mention in my article titled “The Nature of the Child”.

The above are but two notables in the field of homeopathic medicine and more can be gleaned from the anals of Hahnemann House Trust should you be interested.

***

Needless to say I stand but on the shoulders of giants, but should you care to explore the power of homeopathy please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me.

The post Clark(e) Kent – Supermen (in Homeopathy) appeared first on Allan Pollock.

Back in 2018 I attended a conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London under the banner New Horizons in Water Science – Evidence for Homeopathy at which Jerry Pollack spoke. Being near namesakes, I took particular interest in what he had to say and could not resist introducing myself! He was most congenial which comes across in his writing.

As I write I find that the presentations from the various notables are still to be found on YouTube. Sadly, several are no longer alive, including (Lord) Kenneth Ward-Atherton and Prof. Luc Montagnier. Saddest of all was the loss of Dr Peter Fisher, homeopath and physician to Queen Elizabeth who was killed shortly after the event in a cycling accident in London.

The Book – The Fourth Phase of Water

Although almost thirteen years since first published, Prof. Pollack’s book remains a seminal work on the science of water.  Nicely illustrated throughout by his son Ethan, this book is very readable and intentionally aimed at the non-specialist reader.  As the author says, “if you understand that positive attracts negative and have heard of the periodic table, then you should be able to get the message”.   

You may think that for a substance as ubiquitous as water, all that can be known would now be known. This could not be further from the truth.  Water behaves in very strange ways, and its peculiarities are considered in the chapters of this book.   Moreover, there would be no life without water and as mentioned in an earler article we are mostly water!

The Fourth Phase – ‘Easy’ Discovery?

Well, not that easy. Pollack tells us of past discoveries in water chemistry that ended badly (you could say in tears). Angels may fear to tread – see the section ‘Homeopathy’ below.

The key theme in this book is EZ water – shorthand for ‘exclusion zone’. In Anerican pronounciation EZ is conveniently E-zee (‘Easy’) water.  It is so named due to the ability of this zone to exclude practically everything. 

This zone is present where there is an interface with any hydrophilic (water attracting) surface.  Most surfaces are hydrophilic from ships hulls to blood vessels. On the other hand materials such as Teflon© (as in non-stick) are hydrophobic (water repelling).

Charge of The Light (Brigade)

A water molecule (H₂O net charge = 0) has no charge, but in the EZ charge separation results. The interfacial zone becomes negative (H₃O₂ net charge = -1) and is balanced by a corresponding positive zone (H₃O net charge = +1) in the bulk water. 

The atomic structure in the EZ is stacked honeycomb like, and similar – but not identical – to that of ice.  It is not solid like ice nor vapor. It is liquid but not H₂O; it is a distinct  “Fourth Phase”. 

This charge separation of electrons (-ve) and protons (+ve) creates a pseudo battery. And batteries are energy storage devices.   External energy sources, most notably infra red energy from sunlight, can maintain this state providing energy for useful work. 

One – among many – curiosities of water is that is has a high specific heat compared to most liquids. The specific heat is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature by one degree centigrade. This anomaly may be explained by the fact that some of that energy is used instead to charge the pseudo battery.

Water, Water Everywhere

And it is. You and I are two-thirds water for a starter.

What is more it holds many mysteries. Here are a few mentioned in the first chapter of The Fourth Phase of Water:

• You sink when stepping on dry sand but hardly sink in wet sand at the waters edge (hence wet sand makes better sandcastle than dry)
• Gelatin desert (Jelly) is mostly water, so you would expect a lot of leakage but none occurs
• Solid materials don’t usually slide past one another, but ice is slippy, as the competitors at the currernt winter olympics amply demonstate
• Similarly some feature of water permits minimal friction in a healthy joint (knee etc.)
• Solid water (ice) is strangely less dense than liquid water such that it floats
• There are many unexplained characteristics of clouds, droplets and more besides

The EZ is key to explaining the above as the later chapters in his book explain.

Homeopathy

Few scientists study water, which as the good professor writes, you may find hard to believe. Scientists also. One wrong assumption is that everything about such a common substance must be known. A second is its mystical and sacred qualities, from “holy water” to throwing coins in a fountain.

Pollack summarises one incident in the last category well, and this concerned the work of a respected French immunologist, Jacques Benveniste on the biological activity of ultra high dilutions, whose work suggested that water had the ability to store information – to “remember”.

Water Memory?

Benveniste and his team experimented with ultra high dilutions similar to those found in homeopathic medicines. Beneveniste, as Dr Pollack notes was “less interested in homeopathy than in science”. His team surprisingly found that the ultra high dilutions continued to have biological impact.

The then editor of the scientific journal Nature thought this impossible, despite replication of the experiment findings by three other laboratories. Beneveniste’s paper was published in Nature but with the caveat that Nature was allowed to investigate the scientists work. The appointed “committee of peers”, so called, comprised the then editor, Sir John Maddox, a specialist in scientific fraud, Walter Stewart and a “world class” stage magician James Randi. The initial experiments went well, but when repeated by the visitors it failed. Humiliation followed. It was, as Pollack notes, “not a happy time for French science”.

I cannot tell you whether Beneveniste’s experiments were flawed or not. On the other hand, given Benveniste’s credentials, he surely warranted greater respect. Perhaps he was in error, but there was never any evidence of fraud. He died in 2004. Others have replicated his results since, but as I said, angels fear to tread…

The Fourth Phase of Water stands in tribute to the University of Washington team who had the courage to take a step back and forge a new path to better understand the social (bulk) behaviour of water.

At the London conference Prof. Pollack did hypothesise that the EZ molecular structure was not dissimilar to that of silica and consequently may indeed have information storage potential in the manner of a memory stick. This is not in the book, but the EZ may play a part in many phenomena. Possible candidates are ranked under “out of a limb meter” – some further out than others.

Science Under the Microscope

What makes this book truly important is Prof. Pollack’s assessment of current scientific endeavour.  

He laments the shift away from a focus on “foundational mechanisms” during his forty year career; “a quest for detail seems to have supplanted the quest for simple unifying truths”, he says.  Drawing analogy with the tree of knowledge, science today “focuses on the twigs assuming the supporting limbs are robust”.  For this reason “scientific truth” is to be found in the study of the water molecule and not bulk water phenomena. 

This standpoint seems to me to be analogous to the thrust of current ever-reductionist medical research in contrast to the holism of homeopathy.  It was not always thus, and Pollack gives dues credit to the observations by Russian scientists during the Cold War era and others since (West and East) who postulated the same novel properties now re-discovered and summarised in this book.

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Needless to say, my personal experience of homeopathy is positive, were it not so I would do something else! So, should you care to explore the power of homeopathy please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me.

The post Dr Gerald Pollack The Fourth Phase of Water appeared first on Allan Pollock.

On my bookshelves I have two small booklets on children’s types which I will use as a guide to this short introductory article. Neither are in still in print which is a pity as they share great wisdom. One was written by a Dr Borland (1885-1960) who was clearly a remarkable physician. Titled Children’s Types he groups common homeopathic remedies into five groups. These (in the language of his time) are:

1. “Fat, fair, chilly, lethargic”
2. “Delayed development”
3. “Skins”
4. “Warm blooded”
5. “Nervy”

The second written by retired GP Dr Anne Wynne-Simmons is shorter and considers six remedies that characterise six common children’s types.

Constitution and The Nature of the Child

Homeopaths talk about the ‘Constitutional’ Remedy which is where is an affinity between the nature of the person and a particular remedy. I have written before about how each homeopathic remedy or medicine has a picture. This picture comprises the mental emotional sphere as well as affinities to general or physical states. Constitutional prescribing is about matching remedy ‘pictures’ to the ‘picture’ of the patient. Classical Homeopathy is – in general – about observation and pattern recognition. Hence the natural Law of Similars (Homeo = similar; pathy = suffering).

A pure match with any single remedy is rare if not impossible. In truth we are all mongrels and our ‘picture’ changes over time dependent on what comes our way in life. But there may be a dominant theme.

With children you see what you get. Life’s journey has just begun. In contrast, adults are less open. In order to get on in society, adults learn to conceal their natures to some degree. We control our tempers and tears, for example. The young child does not.

Dr Wynne-Simmons relates the story of two five-year-olds in the same class at school with eczema. From a conventional medical perspective both, having the same problem, would receive the same treatment – let’s say a steroid cream.

The homeopathic perspective is different because the nature of the two boys was quite different. One was shy and anxious about starting school; the other quite boisterous, who settled into his new environment with enthusiasm. Although each child had the same physical symptoms, each case was opened with a different homeopathic remedy. This reflects the holistic approach in homeopathic practice, which means looking at the totality of the symptom picture (not just the troubling symptom). In short we are all unique.

The upside to this is that the healing is deeper. The downside is it can take a bit of trial-and-error to find the remedy or remedies that work. As ever practice makes perfect, and the skill of these doctors was built on years of observation.

Some Common Constitutional Remedies

In what follows I will pick the headline remedy from each of Dr Borland’s groups (plus a couple).

Remember that homeopathic medicines are made by specialist pharmacies. The are potentised ultra-dilutions. You can find more on this in an earlier post. If you are new to homeopathy, please understand remedies such as Arsenicum album do not contain material doses of arsenic!

CALCAREA CARBONICA (Group 1)

This is calcium carbonate, its origin comes from the inner surface of the oyster shell. Calc.carb for short.

Many children will go through a Calc.carb phase. Borland writes that these children are tend to be “over-fat, chilly, lethargic” – bring to mind the easy going placid chubby baby. As toddlers they happily await the world to come to them rather than be explorers. They are not energetic nor sporty and may be a bit slow at school – though thorough in their task. Like the oyster (should you try to prise one from the sea bed) there is an obstinate streak. Generally speaking, they are content and undemanding children. They love eggs but can be constipated. The back of the head can be sweaty – noticeable from the wet pillow at night.

NATRUM MURIATICUM (Group 2)

This is sodium chloride, better known as common salt. Nat.mur for short.

Dr Wynne-Simmons is of the opinion that children are not born to this constitutional type but develop a Nat.mur. protective layer in response to their environment. Perhaps, where a parent is overburdened and the child feels they are not getting the attention they wish. Thus the Nat.mur child may be the older child of the family.

This type is very responsible and quite emotionally closed (keep things to themselves). “They have a dislike of being handled”, says, Dr Borland, and what first appears as shyness is actually anger. “Soothing the child may make matters worse – it is best to be firm”. This child may have a strong sense of justice and Dr Wynne-Simmons writes that the “it’s not fair” phase (common in children) may be more pronounced. This sense of justice may make it difficult to make friends at school as they may be little ridgid and less able to give and take. Later on at school the Nat.mur child may be prone to headaches (frontal) brought on by concentrating too much – working too hard.

GRAPHITES (Group 3)

This is pure carbon, a key component in the human body (19% by weight) and fundamental to life.

This remedy heads Dr Borland’s skins group, though – as he points out – eczema can respond to remedies from other groups (e.g. Calc.carb, Sulphur etc.). You will note that Calcarea carbonica also has a carbon element, and therefore it comes as no surprise that this child may also be on the heavy side, chilly and often constipated.

Borland says (perhaps uncharitably) that Graphites children can be a bit miserable, always looking on the hopeless side of things. They show a lack of assurance. At school they hesitate in replying to a question, and have an aversion to work. They blush easily. However, this constitutional type is often very caring especially to members of their own family.

A notable difference between this type and the Calc.carb is the skin. In the latter it is soft and sweaty whereas the Graphites child has harsh dry skin which tends to crack. Cold weather and playing in water leads to chapped hands and bleeding.

Homeopaths learn that the eruptions requiring Graphites ooze a sticky honey like discharge, the problem areas often being where the skin folds (back of the ear, around the wrists and so on). There can be similar nasal discharges, and eye lids that stick together in the morning.

Though hungry children, they do not like eating fish. Borland also mentions that acute acne with (surprisingly) an aversion to sweets in adolescence can be a pointer to this remedy.

SULPHUR (Group 4)

This is indeed sulphur, the yellow mineral with which we are all familiar.

Sulphur is perhaps ‘the’ archetypal remedy in homeopathy. It’s picture is so broad that the tendency is to dismiss it from consideration.

If you think of a volcano and the sulphurous fumes during a fiery eruption, you come quickly to the picture of heat, hence Dr Borlands classification of “warm blooded”. Calc.carb children tend to be chilly, but Sulphur children are quite the opposite. They cast clothes off if overly wrapped up.

These are not tidy children – if there is a toy box present, it will soon be emptied all over the floor as Dr Wynne-Simmons observes. And he or she will be into everything given half a chance.

Like the explosive nature of the volcano, they are apt to lose their temper but it tends to subside. These children like rough and tumble, are intelligent and enthusiastic about their interests. They may appear lazy, but Dr Borland notes that this could be lack of stamina, as the Sulphur type tires easily.

PULSATILLA (also Group 4)

This a flower, also known as pasque or wind flower. I include this second remedy from Group 4 as alongside Calc.carb it is a classic children’s remedy. The flower likes chalky soils and chalk is calcium carbonate!

It has large flower heads that sway in the wind. Whilst exceptions prove the rule, it is classically associated with the temperament of a girl. The pulsatilla child is affectionate and tearful (alternating with laughter) who wants to please. Typically small children with fine skin and hair, they are quite shy and will hold her parents hand. They like attention and don’t like being ignored. Rich foods (fat) tend to disagree.

Whist the above is the stereotypical picture Dr Borland records a second Pulsatilla type. This child is slightly fatter, less fair, and more inclined to be tearful and irritable, a type easily overlooked when one has the more common picture in mind.

As is expected for this Group, the common theme is the reaction to heat as both types flag in hot weather. A sudden chilling during hot weather can lead to digestive upsets.

Pulsatilla children have a tendency to catarrhal states such as earaches often brought on by exposure to cold. Eye troubles such as conjuctivitis and styes can also trouble.

ARSENICUM ALBUM (Group 5)

The origin of this remedy is indeed arsenic (arsenic trioxide to be precise) and Ars.alb for short. Agatha Christie’s favourite poison! But homeopathy turns swords into ploughshares.

Dr Borland’s Group 5 are ‘nervy’.

Dr Wynne-Simmons observes that these children have a fine build and are neatly dressed. They tend to play quietly and constructively. They don’t like a mess or make a lot of noise. Indeed noise distracts them. Arsenicums like their bedrooms tidy. Very different from the Sulphur type for example. These children can set high standards for themselves and may be good organisers.

Dr Borland, writes that the Ars.alb child is highly strung, finely made and possibly the most attractive of children. But they are easily scared and can suffer from night terrors. There is a restlessness and they never spend time doing nothing. As a consequence, they tire easily. He says ‘inordinately’ tidy – even small boys. These children are upset if they spill jam over themselves and get into a mess; the distress is disproportionate to the cause.

Exposure to cold, makes Arsenicums liable to catch ‘cold’; a watery discharge from the nose that burns the lip the result. These children can be asthmatic, which given their nervy nature, if very frightening. They are also prone to digestive upsets and diarrhoea after eating fruits or ice cream (Ars.alb is the No1 for diarrhoea and vomiting due to food poisoning when on holiday – adults included).

CHAMOMILLA MATRICARIA (Group 5)

Chamomilla sits in the same group, and I mention it also – but only briefly. Its origin is the plant commonly known as German Chamomile (as used in Chamomile tea).

The keynote here is extreme sensitivity to pain, and a consequential “frenzy of rage” (to quote Borland). This child will strike out. It is, he says, almost universal for the furious teething child with tender swollen gums, that are one sided as shown by redness on that cheek. You can soothe a Chamomilla baby by jogging him/her in your arms – but you’ll frighten an Arsenicum!

Of course the above is just an introduction.

***

Should you care to explore the power of homeopathy please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me.

The post What is the Nature of a Child? appeared first on Allan Pollock.

I touched on this topic in July and return to it from time to time. It is so central to the understanding of homeopathy that I think it a good revision topic to open the New Year.

Given the billions of pounds / dollars spent on conventional medicine, both in terms of research and day to day practise, homeopathy has to be radically different in some way.

There is clearly common ground in such as anatomy and physiology for example.

The difference arises in the understanding of the nature of disease.

And life…

What is Life?

Science writer Philip Ball in his book How Life Works, tells us that despite the remarkable  discoveries, 21st century science still cannot explain life. 

We learn that humans comprise around 40 trillion cells, and billions of miles of DNA (who worked that out?), carrying far more information that the most advanced computer.  Moreover, we are about 70% water by weight; more fluid than solid.  

When death comes, we dissolve back into the elements of which we are composed.

My godmother passed away this past week aged ninety-six. Sad, but she had a full life and little sickness beyond recent frailty. We know she is no longer alive, but what does this mean?

Science

The successes of modern medicine arise from the valid perception of our bio-chemical nature.  The domain of science is the material world; the concept of an invisible (non-material) harmonising and maintaining life force, does not appeal to current scientific thinking.

For the most part modern medicine perceives us as sophisticated chemical plants.  A reasonable stance from the standpoint of a career chemical engineer (ret’d) like myself, but not entirely satisfactory in my opinion!

Dr Samuel Hahnemann

German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), argued that symptoms are but an expression of a disturbed invisible life force. The meticulous Dr Hahnemann, set down the precepts of Homeopathic medicine.

His profound book titled The Organon of Medicine is still in print.  It is not a ‘bible’, but the great homeopaths of the last two centuries (mostly medical doctors) find little to fault even to this day.

In fact the great American homeopaths of the early twentieth century dedicated a monument to Hahnemann. It is but a stone’s throw from the White House in Washington D.C. Apparently the first monument to a non-American in that city and the only monument to a physician in the USA.

For sure Hahnemann did not have the sophisticated technologies of 20th / 21st century medicine, but it would seem that he had something to say that remains pertinent. Strange then that his work barely gets a mention in medical schools.

Back in the 1990s or thereabouts, British physician and homeopath Dr David Taylor-Reilly once said that if only 5% of all that has been written on Homeopathy was valid it would still be worth taking note. Given the weight of books on my shelves, I can vouch for that.

Twenty-first Century Homeopathy

It is a valid criticism that the mechanism of homeopathic medicines is not understood. Research is needed, but it is a costly business. The pharmaceutical industry fund this by patententing new drugs which generate huge profits. Homeopathic medicines – quite different in nature from modern drugs – have, for the most part been around for years, are not patentable so money is tight.

But research is happening. The HRI established a decade or so ago is the main coordinating body and below is a summary for 2025 from their website.

Homeopathy and its Principles

It is a reasonable proposition that life events, acquired or inherited, disrupt the desired natural harmonious state and by extension the life force postulated by Hahnemann.

Harmony needs to be restored.   Vitality and health return.

Central tenets of homoepathic medicine are (1) individuality and the (2) totality of symptoms. 

Your life experience is unique (individuality). The totality of your symptoms (mental, emotional, physical, historical, inheritance) has meaning beyond inconvenience. It is the total expression of the efforts of the life force to harmonise those trillions of cells. 

This leads to another principle, (3) the law of similars. In other words it is better to support these healing efforts rather than suppress then. This contrasts the anti-pathic approach of convential medicine.

This is not to deny the virtue of (say) antibiotics (note ‘anti’), but it is another way of thinking that warrants reflection not dismissal.

The last key principle is (4) less is more when it comes to medicines. Modern medicine treats with more not less (extra strength pain relief say), so this is a controversial subject.

Hahnemann, was physician, liguist and chemist – a polymath of his time. Through experimentation he moved from the material medicines of his day (herbal and mineral) to ever smaller concentrations and got results.

Simply put, he found that the less material the medicine the better it acted on the non-material life force. It is a good place to start. Considering the growing resistance to antibiotics alone, it would be better to reserve their use for heroic medicine where it is needed.

Homeopathy is generally not quick-fix medicine. The timeline for decline and recovery in health are proportional.

The goal is cure and not symptom management.  Of course, we are dynamic beings living in space and time, and our health-span is not without limits.  Nonetheless, the foundations built though childhood and middle years are reflected in later life.

New Year brings my wishes for your good health and happiness.  If disharmony is affecting your health in 2026, consider Hahnemann’s wisdom and homeopathic medicine.

The post PRINCIPLES OF HOMEOPATHY appeared first on Allan Pollock.

The psychic and physical inimical influences that we encounter in the world and that we call disease agents do not have an absolute power to untune our organism. We fall ill under their influence only when the organism is disposed and susceptible enough to their attack for its feelings and functions to be altered and untuned from the normal. Thus these agents do not make everybody sick each time. [Organon of Medicine: aphorism 31 translation by Künzli et al (1989, Gollanz)]

In this short article I consider the nature of susceptibility and then share an interesting example from my own case load.

Susceptibility to Disease – unsolved mystery

Science writer Philip Ball in his recent book titled How Life Works opens with a true story of two people who caught Covid – one elderly, frail and asthmatic, who suffered from a lung disease (COPD), the second, a fifty-six-year-old in good health. One quicky recovered, the other sadly died. Unremarkable were it was not for the fact that it was the one in good health who succumbed.

Ball goes on to write, “the pandemic reminded us…how little we understand about our bodies and about how they are assailed by the slings and arrows or outrageous fortune.”

This anecdote is an excellent recent example of our susceptibility. Hahnemann recognised this two centuries ago and thus our individuality is one cornerstone of homeopathic prescribing. We are all different and consequently have different vulnerabilities. Some people are prone to respiratory illness, some gastric, some migraines and so on. Such vulnerabilities are – it seems – part of our inheritance. In case taking it is interesting to see how patterns are present across the generations. Hahnemann’s meticulous observations of these patterns across a vast case load led to his concept of ‘miasm’ on which subject I have written before.

Susceptibility, Predisposition and Disease

Simply put, susceptibility is our weak spot – the degree to which we are vulnerable to a particular outside influence. This does not have to be something in nature – perhaps a virus or bacteria or even particular foods – it could be someone! Fear, anxiety, grief – even attraction are very real events, that impact.

Nor are our susceptibilities static through time. The diseases or anxieties of childhood are often not those of out adult years. Like it or not, we will all be susceptible to some morbific (disease causing) influence at some stage in out lives, and the greater that susceptibility the more likely we succumb.

Predisposition typically refers to our inherited traits and tendencies – often perceived through the patterns in disease and in familial medical history. The goal of effective homeopathy is to eradicate or at least calm the influence of this predisposition. It goes further than just strengthening immunity though that can certainly be understood as a core objective.

One important point – applicable to all medicine – it to address ‘maintaining causes’. Diet, stress, living conditions all have the potential to increase susceptibility to ill health. Much of the burden on the NHS stems from these factors alone. Part of the homeopathic practitioners role is at least to have a conversation (not to lecture) around these matters. This is one reason for the emphasis on understanding the ‘totality‘ of a person during the homeopathic consultation – that is to say understanding the whole person and not just the presenting symptoms (another tenet of homeopathic practice).

A Interesting Case of Glue Ear

I recently had a interesting case which demonstates the above. It does touch on the subject of vaccination, which risks generating more heat than light. Two points here. Firstly, this article is about susceptibility not vaccines (on which I have written previously). Secondly, vaccination actually follows the homeopathic principle of like-curing-like or the law of similars. Thirdly, The Faculty of Homeopathy the body representing the medically qualified homeopaths (Doctors for the most part) support immunisation.

Anyway, a young child was brought to me with ‘glue ear’. This is where there is a catarrhal state affecting the ear and the draining tube (eustachian) gets blocked. This tube is small in a small child and more prone to blockage. The risk is hearing loss and sometime grommets are inserted temporarily to help with drainage.

Measles – Susceptability

Today we vaccinate against the measles virus. It is actually a live attenuated vaccine (as opposed to a killed vaccine). So in effect a mild dose of measles is given to stimulate and immune response and protect against the more severe effects of catching the wild virus.

Measles – which is very infectious – is known for its rash (see photo), and it was rather a right of passage for my age group.

It is also a very catarrhal disease, and in days gone by, the number one homeopathic remedy was Pulsatilla known for its ability to resolve catarrhal states (in young and old).

(The late Dr Andrew Lockie in his book The Family Guide to Homeopathy (1989 ElmTreeBooks/Penguin) tells us that in measles there is a pre-rash stage with fever, sore throat, cough dry or with phlegm, watering eyes followed by the rash lasting for 2-3 days after which the temperature returns to normal. I wrote previously on the subject of fever in children here).

Homeopathy

With hindsight, Pulstatilla is the remedy that I should have opened the case with. Instead I gave a related remedy, which did bring some improvement. However, Pulstatilla is really a remedy given at the time of the active disease, which the vaccinated child does not have. For the longer standing (chronic) condition, the remedy is Silica, which the child was subsequently given to good effect.

Given the timeline, my hypothesis is that this catarrh was a reaction to the vaccine – a mild pseud-measles. Had she – as in days of old – caught wild measles then she likely would have been very catarrhal. That was her susceptibility. However, because children don’t get measles any more it wasn’t noticed. In fact it was Grandma who suspected that the child was not hearing so well.

In my past life as a Chemical Engineer, the work of safety specialist Trevor Kletz was was essential reading. He is no longer with us, but one key theme was our – or an organisation’s – ability to forget the past. Something no longer commonplace becomes forgotten.

***

Should you care to explore whether homeopathy can help with your health please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me.

The post Susceptibility to Disease appeared first on Allan Pollock.

Comparing Allopathic and Homeopathic Medicine

Before I look at acne specifically, I want briefly to consider the philosophical differences between conventional (allopathic) medicine and homeopathic medicine. Both approaches have validity but the philosophies are different.

Homeopathy has four main laws, working together synergistically:

• The Law of Similars (like cures like) – symptoms recognised as the body’s attempt to cure
• The Totality of Symptoms (mental / emotional; general – your nature; and physical)
• Individualisation (your qualities are unique)
• Medication as necessary to stimulate a harmonising immune response within the organism – minimum dose to stimulate the life force (see below)

Behind these laws there is a fundamental principle that disease is a disturbance of the life force and that pathology (acne in this case) is not ‘the’ disease but the physical expression of that disturbance.

In contrast conventional medicine, takes a different view, though mostly not explicitly stated:

• The ‘law’ is of opposites (hence the prefix anti- before many drug groups) – symptoms represent disfunction
• Its focus is specifics (acne); the totality is of relatively modest importance*
• Disease is generalised – as expressed in diagnostic terms
• Medication acts directly on the symptom – dose proportional to severity

(*lifestyle / hormonal factors would be considered in acne)

Conventional medicine has no concept of life force, but lacks any explanation as to how the trillions of cells in the human body dance is harmony.

What is Acne

The Medscape webpages provide a useful overview of Acne Vulgaris (‘vulgaris’ meaning common). There are other forms of Acne, but the most common is Acne Vulgaris and this will be our focus. It is a chronic condition (meaning not self limiting) caused by excess production of sebum, a natural oily substance, produced by glands on the skin (pores). The majority are associated with hair follicles. The Cleveland Clinic gives a nice overview on their website.

When pores block, the result is that oil is trapped. Bacteria naturally occurring on the skin multiplies and infection can follow. The result is pimples and pustules often containing pus. When the cells rupture around the hair follicles deeper in the skin the term cystic acne is used. The result is painful boil like lesions which risk scarring. If the acne is mild, as is more often the case, it is no big deal, but if it is painful and disfiguring, that is another matter.

Teenage acne is quite common and related to the hormonal changes at puberty. Acne developing after the teenage years is termed adult acne. Severe acne would appear to be in the order of single figure percentages but numbers apprear to be increasing according to this article by the British Association of Dematologists.

Genetic predisposition is – as in most things – a factor that must be considered. It is not unusual to find a pattern across the generations.

Conventional – Treatment for Acne

In the more severe cases where treatment is warranted GPs or specialists will prescribe any of the following where appropriate:

• Salicylic Acid (exfoliates and unclogs pores)
• Benzoyl Peroxide (antibacterial lotion)
• Antibiotics
• Vitamin A derived drugs (Retinoids) – oral or topical
• Hormone treatments such as oral contraceptives

Side effects vary from mild (e.g. redness / dry skin) to potential mood effects with the oral retinoids. This acne support website indicates benefits accruing after 12 weeks of treatment.

Homeopathy – Treatment for Acne

Homeopathic medicine regards acne as a symptom of fundamental imbalance, so the treatment is primarily constitutional. Homeopathy is not quick fix medicine – it takes time – but as mentioned above conventional treatments take time also, but unlike homeopathy the orthodox focus is more on the symptoms than the totality.

Homeopathy takes a particular interest in genetic predisposition. This is the study of ‘miasm’ on which I have written before here and here.

Where infection is present remedies such as Silica and Hepar Sulph may be prescribed. Where pus is not present, then Sulphur might be considered, or Kali Bromatum. But within the realm of constitutional prescribing there are many more possibilities.

Do remember that homeopathic medicines are energetic (I like to say ‘informational’) and not biochemical. I have a blog on this subject which is quite important to understand.

In researching this article, I came across another article titled ‘How Homeopathy Can Help Tackle Acne’ which I judge give a realistic assessment of both the nature of the indivdualisation in homeopathy and duration of treatment.

One Case

In the early days of my practice I did treat a young lady (20s) with quite bad acne. It was interesting because there had been quite a lot going on in her life that was clearly a contributing factor. There was clear hormonal component as well, as the condition worsened around the time of her period. One might think it irrelevant that she often came to that appointment after a stint in the gym, but these two factors alone pointed to the homeopathic remedy Sepia and she made some progress on this.

Unfortunately, she wanted quicker results than I could give (though we had barely reached the 12 weeks advice for orthodox treatment). Looking back, I wonder whether such as Folliculinum (oestrogen in homepathic potency) might have improved matters further – but this is just speculation.

At any rate, one learns. Not just the homeopathic method but setting our expectations at the outset.

There is a high probabilty of success using homeopathy but it takes time.

Lifestyle

Whichever approach is followed, lifestyle factors cannot be ignored. A fundamental tenet in homeopathy is the need to address any exciting cause be diet or drugs (medicinal or recreational) or other factors. The liver in particular has a key role in detoxification so this organ needs to be funtioning well and homeopathy can assist in improving liver function.

***

Should you care to explore whether homeopathy can help with your health please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me (allan@allanpollock.co.uk).

The post Homeopathy treatment for Acne appeared first on Allan Pollock.

• we have more cells in our body than stars in the milky way (40 trillion)
• every second ten million of them die and are regenerated
• our cells are 90% water and we are about 70% water by weight
• our body contains 120 billion miles of DNA (who worked that out?)
• DNA carries a hundred trillion pieces more information than the most advanced computer

We like to believe that we are solid – it hurts if you bang into a table, after all. In fact we are fluid, flowing through space and time. If you doubt this look at a picture of yourself when you were young!

And when the time comes – as it must – that we die, the physical body decomposes back to the elements from which it was made.

It amuses me when folk say their hip has worn out. The X-ray does not lie, of course. But the truth is that it is the ability to repair that has failed. Your bones are not like those in the grave – like everything else in the body they are in a state of continuous flux – were it not so broken bones could not heal.

Modern Medicine

Modern medicine has advanced our knowledge of our physical existance remarkably in the last 150 years or so. Like most – if not all – scientific endeavours medicine has its focus on the material world. It started with disection in the 19th century leading to a riskly if profitable trade in dead bodies by the likes of the infamous Burke and Hare with the notable Gray’s Anatomy being published in 1858. Just over a century later (1962) Crick, Watson and Wilkins win the Nobel Prize for Medicine for their discovery of the structure of DNA. And less than a half century thereafter (2003) the human genome project concludes. Impressive – I’ll say!

But for all that – as I wrote back in July – we still are pretty clueless as to how life works. And back in January my reflection was on the man as machine model which distilled down is rather how modern medicine perceives our being.

It was I think biologist Rupert Sheldrake who made the analogy with the news reader on the television. Seen by someone unfamiliar with the device, they would conclude that the news reader is inside the television and set about trying to find him or her. A reasonable hypothesis in the absence of greater knowledge. And so science continues its search to explain the origin of life inside us. But maybe … just maybe … it is not.

The Pendulum Swings

Today science is all powerful, but not so long past it was religion that held sway. This is the non-material world of spirit and soul. Religious thought continues to have many adherents though somewhat fragmented according to ones tribe. Much in early herbalism stemmed from religious communities as notable figures such as Hildegard of Bingen.

The late Stephen Jay Gould (a paleontologist) once said that religion and science were two nonoverlapping magisteria (NOMA) separating fact from values, establishing a sort of cease-fire between the respective parties. Good effort but perhaps a bit optimistic, if not naive.

Interesting?

Jean-Yves Le Loup sums up the problem rather nicely in his commentary to Logion 29 of the Gospel of Thomas, one of the gnostic texts discovered by chance in 1945 at Nag Hammadi, which coincidentally I happened to read this morning.

In Logion 29 Yeshua (Jesus) says this:

“If flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of flesh, it is a wonder of wonders. Yet the greatest of wonders is this: How is it that this Being, which Is, inhabits this nothingness.”

Le Loup then comments:

“For spiritualists, matter is a devolved, frozen form of spirit. Spirit is the fundamental reality vibrating at different frequencies, one of the slowest of which produces the phenomenon of matter.

For materialists, on the contrary, spirit and mind are merely products of the increasing complexity of matter. Only chance and necessity rule the behaviour of our synapses and dance of particles that compose us.”

These opposites have their own logic and reason….“but the real marvel is that there is something instead of nothing!”

Homeopathy

I give a brief introduction to homeopathy on this website. There are four governing principles:

• the law of similars (the presenting ‘picture’ of the patient is matched to that of the medicine)
• the totality of symptoms (mental/emotional; general; particular)
• the individuality of the patient
• minimum dose to effect cure

Importantly, Homeopathy perceives disease as a disturbance to the life force. Here are Hahnemann’s words again (see my July blog).

“In the state of health the spirit-like vital force animating the material human organism reigns in supreme sovereignty. It maintains the sensations and activities of all the parts of the living organsim in a harmony that obliges wonderment. The reasoning spirit who inhabits the organism can thus freely use this healthy living instrument to reach the lofty goal of human existence.“

There remains much huffing and puffing by materialists over the nature of homeopathic medicines.

That they cannot work biochemically (like orthodox drugs) is not in question. But experience over 200 years indicates an effect. By analogy, this appears to be informational in quality. Why not? This is the age of information after all.

A More Holistic Perspective

Pictorially I suggest something like the picture below

Homeopathy is usually defined as complementary or alternative medicine. This is fair enough if there was not a pejorative undertone. There is, needless to say, a vast research budget on the right hand side of the diagram and a paltry amount on the left. The consequence is to deny the true potential of homeopathy. The patents problem does not help.

Solution

In India they have two government departments for health: the modern and the traditional. That would be a good start, but power and money rule the day. So don’t hold your breath.

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Should you care to explore whether homeopathy can help with your health please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.

And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me.

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Drawing on Dr Roger Morrison’s Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology, in this blog I will consider bruises and wounds.  

The goal of homeopathic treatment is accelerated healing.   The management of injuries as followed in general medical practice, and taught by first aid organisations still applies.

The Homeopathic Remedy

Homeopathic remedies are potentised ultra-dilutions.  They are not bio-chemical medicines. Rather they act energetically or (I prefer) informationally to stimulate the innate healing potential of the body.  By analogy in this information age, a software download. Thus, they are of particular value where the healing process is slower than anticipated.   Homeopathic remedies are not generally required for minor incidents.  

Homeopathic Treatment of Injury and Plant Families

With a few exceptions the majority of homeopathic remedies used in treating injury (termed vulneraries) are of plant origin.  Interestingly, several sit within a single plant family – the Asterales, also known as the Compostitae.     That this should be so, surely indicates that Creation is anything but haphazard.   Here are the main examples:

• Arnica montana (wundkraut)
• Bellis perennis (common daisy; bruisewort)
• Calendula officinalis (marigold; cat’s claw)
• Chamomilla vulgaris (German chamomile

As an aside, recall from your childhood the relationship between the nettle (Urtica urens) and the common dock (Rumex). You ease the sting of the nettle by rubbing with the dock leaf. In this case different plant families, yet often found growing together. (Homeopathically both remedies have itching of the skin as a keynote; a small example of the like cures like homeopathic principle).

Let’s consider some plants in homeopathic practice that are beneficial in treating injury:

ARNICA MONTANA FOR BLUNT TRAUMA

Even those unfamiliar with homeopathy, have likely heard of arnica. Commonly, used as a cream or ointment containing tincture of the plant and used for strains, contusions and muscle soreness. 

A tincture is usually an extraction of the plant (or part of) preserved in an alcohol water mixture. Tincture in 10% alcohol is a typical starting point in the homeopathic process of making a potentised remedy. 

Do not use Arnica tincture or herbal cream on an open wound as will cause irritation.

The guide word for arnica is BLUNT trauma.  Minor bruises do not need homeopathic treatment though topical use of a salve will do no harm.  

Homeopathic arnica comes into its own after severe trauma leading to deep bruising. The sort of trauma following a fall, car crash or surgery.  In such cases it is the No.1 remedy.  In the event that shock is predominant then first give Aconite (see later).   

Interestingly Arnica also has an affinity to past trauma.   I recall a case taken by the remarkable Prof. George Vithoulkas (still working and in his 90s) when attending a course at his academy in Greece.  The patient had been badly assaulted years ago.  She had not been well since. Vithoulkas opened the case with homeopathic Arnica!

BELLIS PERENNIS FOR TAUMA TO SOFT ORGANS

This is the common daisy. Similar to Arnica, but it has particular affinity in cases of surgery to soft organs and blunt trauma to the abdomen or pelvis (including the womb – say, in pregnancy). 

It is also a remedy where there has been injury to the nerves. 

Apparently, the late Dr James Compton-Burnett, spoke of it being a ‘princely remedy for old gardeners’. In other words of benefit to those overusing their muscles a great deal.  Perhaps less of a hazard in this machine age.  In my text book I find this remedy also as the No.1 for twisted ankles.

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FOR WOUNDS

The marigold. ‘The’ remedy to prevent infection and promote healing in clean cut wounds. Also valuable in slow healing ulcers and simple (first degree) burns. 

It can be used externally (topically) as tincture or salve and/or internally in homeopathic potency. 

Various creams are available over the counter. However, a few drops of mother tincture in boiled and cooled (i.e. sterile) water dabbed onto the wound is equally effective. 

An eyewash prepared in a similar way, can ease abrasion of the eye. Ditto a mouthwash after dental procedures (it has haemostatic – stops bleeding – qualities).

CHAMOMILLA FOR PAIN

Camomile – more familiar as an infusion, perhaps. Another daisy. In this case to calm pain.

Dr Margaret Tyler was another famous homeopath from the past suggested and alternative name, “cannot bear it”.  Chamomilla is a remedy for pain.  The general keynote is sensitivity beyond that which might be expected.   Hahnemann apparently said not to give chamomilla where sickness is borne with calmness and patience.  It gains its place in settling teething children who are unconsolable.  Given a toy they throw it away.  Only when the child is carried around is there relative ease. 

Similarly the adult in pain must pace the floor, so one might think of its use in certain type of toothache.  

HYPERICUM FOR CRUSH INJURIES TO NERVES

We move to a different plant family. If you are a gardener, you will be familiar with Hypericum or St. John’s Wort.

This remedy is for wounds to areas dense in nerves.  Think of crushing wounds such as fingers caught in a closing door. 

Mentioned also is pain lingering after an epidural or episiotomy or even an amputation.

LEDUM PALUSTRE FOR STINGS

Sometimes known as Marsh Rosemary and in the Rhododendron family.

In common with hypericum, this remedy is for puncture wounds. No.1 for the effects of bites or stings (insect or animal) or stepping on nails, staple guns or such like.

Can be useful in Plantar Fasciitis (heel and arch pain in the sole of the foot)

HAMAMELIS FOR TRAUMA TO VEINS

Better known as Witch Hazel. What arnica is to soft tissue, hamamelis is to oozing congestive haemorrhages such as inflamed veins and surrounding tissues.   Varicose veins come into this category and haemorrhoids (piles) which are simply varicose veins of the rectum.

A specific remedy for bleeding inside the eye after trauma. 

SYMPHYTUM FOR TRAUMATIC FRACTURE

This plant better known to gardeners as Comfrey is also worth a mention. Its specific ‘talent’ is in the healing of fractures (after properly set in place by the orthopaedic department).

To quote “In the case of a fracture a surgeon’s aid is indispensable. At all events, a few doses of Arnica should be administered as it does good in many ways. After the bone has been set …symphytum should be administered internally for a … week or more”. The late Dr Bhanja of Calcutta (The Homeopathic Prescriber).

ACONITUM NAPELLUS FOR SHOCK FROM TRAUMA

Finally, I wish to mention Aconite Not in the specific context of physical trauma, but SHOCK following trauma. The mental keynote for Aconite is “anguish of mind and body; the restlessness; the disquiet not to be allayed.” Ailments caused by fear and fright; fear of death.

Give Aconite first if there is shock. Arnica can follow.

GIVING HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Standard advice is to give nothing by mouth whilst awaiting the paramedics etc. Homeopathic remedies can still be given in this spirit. If you have a homeopathic first aid kit, one pill can be put in a little water and a teaspoon given. Or just moisten the lips. And if there’s no water to hand, a tiny pill popped into the mouth still presents no hazard.

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Should you need advice on recovery from some trauma, be it physical or emotional please get in touch. I offer a free half-hour discovery call which you can book via my website. Or send an email to info@allanpollock.co.uk

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