Alopecia Areata (Hairloss) & its Treatment in Homeopathy

Introduction
  Alopecia Areata is the loss of hair from the scalp. It can affect other parts of the body as well. The hair loss from the scalp is usually gradual over a period of few years. It affects both men and women. Homeopathy treats hair loss in a natural manner by removing causative factors responsible for it.

  Hair follicles go through cyclic phases of activity and inactivity in their lifespan. Each cycle comprises of three phases:
a. Anagen or growing phase lasting for 2-5 yrs, the average being 3 yrs. It is the longest phase of all.
b. Catagen or middle (transitional) phase, lasting for 1-2 weeks.
c. Telogen or resting phase, lasting for 3-4 months.

    The normal human scalp has about 100,000 hairs in which 90% of the hair is in 'anagen phase' (growing phase) while 10% are either in 'catagen' or middle phase at any given point of time. About 80-100 hairs are shed everyday and this is considered normal.

Types
There are about 40 different types of hair loss, commonest types are described below:
a. Androgenic Alopecia(AGA): Affects men & women both and is accounts for 95% of hairloss cases.    
   Occurs primarily due to male hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).

b. Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): Typically noticed as a 'receding hairline' on the temples with balding at   
    the top of head. 

c. Female Pattern Baldness: This type is also known as 'Alopecia Diffusa' and is characterized by gradual thinning of hair at the front, sides and crown of the scalp.

d. Alopecia Areata: This is hair loss from scalp in coin-shaped patches.

Risk factors

• Men and Women are affected
• Teens are more prone to hair loss
• Pregnancy & child birth
  
• Sometimes, it is associated with thyroid diseases
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Stress, worries, tensions, conflicts, etc.
• Risk factors are addressed effectively using Homeopathy

Male Pattern Baldness

Risk Factors

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Testosterone
• Immune system abnormalities
• Skin changes
• Iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, etc.
• Certain drugs, chemicals, etc.
• Frequent changes in hair shampoo, hair gels,
• Ageing
• Trichotillomania or purposeful hair-pulling
• Menopause
• Cancer therapy

Symptoms

• Greying of scalp hair
• Thinning of scalp hair
• Gradual loss of hair in patches
• Appearance of single to multiple bald patches
• Reduction in hair density & volume of hair
• Complaints are noticed after applying shampoo, combing hair, etc.
  

  The current theory is that the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles and destroys them which prevent further hair growth

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is finding exclamation point hair on areas of hair loss on the scalp. Hair follicle analysis or biopsy may be done.

Some common hair loss patterns...
Alopecia Areata: Loss of hair in patches on the scalp.
Alopecia Totalis: Total hair loss on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata Barbae: Loss of beard hair.
Alopecia Areata monolocularis: In this condition, there is a single bald spot on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata multilocularis: In this condition, there are multiple bald spot on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata universalis: In this condition, all body hair, including pubic hair, is lost.
Traction alopecia: In this condition, alopecia develops along the frontal margins and temporal margins of the scalp due to constant tension on the hair from being tied very tightly.

  Regular Homeopathic treatment increases volume of scalp hair and hence treats hair loss in men and women efficiently.

Homeopathy increases the hair volume & thus treats hairloss effectively

Do’s and Dont's

• Do not change soaps, shampoos, hair oils, frequently
• Choose a shampoo which suits your hair
• Eating a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoiding stress

Role of Homeopathy
Homeopathy has good scope in treating different varieties of hairloss in both men and women. Constitutional treatment is offered to people suffering from hair loss.

How Homeopathy helps..
Hair loss can be effectively controlled using homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines significantly slows down the thinning of hair thus controlling hair loss.

  Also homeopathy balances altered hormonal levels in the body brought on due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, etc and thus helps to treat hair loss & minimizing it in the longterm.
 
  In cases, wherein the hairloss is not responding positively to conventional treatment, homeopathic medicines will provide nourishment to the hair follicle and thus strengthen the scalp hair from its roots.

  Homeopathic treatment works best in those people who have time and patience to follow the practitioner’s plan exactly to provide a whole-body approach to their hair loss.

   Herbal remedies, stress-reduction such as yoga and improving your nutrition also will be suggested parts of treatment for your hair loss.

Article written by

Experts at Basil wellness

www.basilwellness.com

Ph: 022 41227500/01

Email: ask@basillifecare.com

Anxiety Disorders & Homeopathy

Introduction
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly seen mental disorders. They are a part of today’s fast moving life. Studies find that older adults especially women frequently suffer from anxiety disorders. Homeopathy prepares the body to combat anxiety situations effectively and is thus useful in treating the affected patient.

There are many types of anxiety disorders that include panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Homeopathy has a good role in treating such disorders as it addresses symptoms effectively to treat the disorder-affected patient.

 Causes

• Women and older adults are more predisposed than men
• Traumas like accidents, natural disasters like earthquakes
• Change in life events like onset of puberty, birth of a child, are the likely causes
• Failures in examinations, job interviews
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Homeopathy removes these causes and thus removes anxiety disorder from its roots.

Symptoms
    Symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder, but general symptoms include:

• Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• Compulsive behaviors such as repeated hand washing
• Sleeping disorders like oversleeping, lack of sleep, snoring
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
• Shortness of breath, palpitations
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Eating difficulties like nausea, overeating 
• Homeopathy gives symptom-based treatment in treating anxiety disorders and treats the above complaints effectively.
  
  Dos and Dont's
• Regular exercise
• Yoga and meditation should be done under guidance
• Adapt  a balanced lifestyle
• Stop smoking and drinking

Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by asking medical history and performing physical examination to rule out ailments like asthma, etc.

If the above complaints occur recurrently disturbing daily routine, only then the diagnosis should be established.

Role of Homeopathy

Homeopathy treats the person and not the disease. It treats the individual suffering from the disease and not just the diseased individual.

It takes into account the patient’s medical history, life situations, etc. Symptoms so obtained are assessed and a remedy is chosen which covers all the symptoms of the patient.

How Homoeopathy Works in Anxiety Disorders?

Homeopathic Medicines act upon the PNIE axis i.e. Mental-Emotional-Immunity-Hormonal Axis to cure diseases. They work effectively by stimulating the body’s own defence mechanisms. Homeopathy has a major role in preparing the individual to fight stress more effectively.

Homeopathy helps the person to cope up better with stressful situations of life. Thus it gives good, long-lasting relief in anxiety disorders.

Homeopathic medicines are completely safe, gentle and effective. They are side-effect free and are not habit-forming. They act very well on adults and children and are not contraindicated during pregnancy.

Article written by

Experts at Basil wellness

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Ph: 022 41227500/01

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Role of Homeopathy in Bone Diseases

Bone, is a constantly changing tissue and has several functions. The bones give us the basic structure of the body and the joints give us the flexibility. This assembly gives us both firmness and suppleness. Bones also protect the delicate internal organs of the body.

Bones also play a major role in maintaining the body’s calcium levels. In children some bones have areas known as growth plates till the time the child attains full height these grow and when the full height is achieved they ossify or close. After this the bones will grow in thickness based on the body’s need for bone strength. Along with this the bone also provides a space for the bone marrow which is an important part where blood cells are developed.

Bones are majorly of two shapes

·         Flat

·         Tubular

Flat bones such as the plates of the vertebrae and skull

Tubular bones like the Humerus (arm bones) and Femur (Thigh bones etc.)

The bone structure of all the bones is essentially same. It is divided into the cortical bone which is the hard outer part which consists mostly of proteins such as collagen, and a substance called hydroxyapatite which is mainly of calcium and other minerals. This mainly gives the strength and density to the bones.

The trabecular bone which forms the inner part of the bone is softer, less dense then the outer part. The spaces in the trabecular bone are filled by the bone marrow. The bone marrow contains specialized cells including the stem cells that produce the blood cells. The bone is supplied by blood via the blood vessels and also the nerve supply surrounds the bone.

Some of the amazing facts are that the bone structure adjusts throughout the life to the activity and the stress that the body undergoes. The bones undergo a process of remodeling in which the old bone tissue is gradually replaced by new bone tissue. The body requires adequate supply of calcium, vitamin D, and a balanced release of hormones like the growth hormone, parathyroid hormone, calcitocin, testosterone, and estrogen.

With a balanced release of hormones, vitamins and minerals the trabecular bone develops into a complex lattice structure which is lightweight and strong.

Periosteum is a thin membrane which covers the bone. In this layer the nerves are located and when there is injury to the bone the pain will be transmitted thorough these nerves. Also blood enters bones through blood vessels that enter through the Periosteum.

Role of Homeopathy in Bone diseases

The role of homeopathy lies in the fact that it can bring back the lost balance in the human body which is in a diseased state. Homeopathic remedies act at the Psycho-Neuro-Endocrinal axis. In other words it stimulates the human body which in turn will take care of the disease.

So the first step in treating any Bone disease is a correct case history. Human body is a complex network and the human mind can play a major role in defining any disease. So we have to know the emotional nature in details all the events that have happened which have affected the patient have to be mentioned in details.

The patients should give all the details avoiding any conflicts. As the homeopath believe to treat the man in disease and not the disease in man. The emotional aspect, intellectual attainments any conflicts have to be explained to the best of patient’s ability. As it is important to know the causative factor that has brought in the present situation.

Homeopathy has excellent scope in the maintenance of this firmness and suppleness of bones and joints. Following is the brief explanation of role of Homeopathy in bone diseases.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

One of the most common complaints seen of bones is Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. Calcium and phosphorus are the major constituents of bone. Homeopathic remedies increase the absorption of calcium into the bones thereby increasing the calcium content of the bones. It thereby decreases its susceptibility to fractures. One of the important remedy in our materia medica is Calcarea phos where we see intense aching boring pain in the long bones and it also helps in healing non union fractures. The scope of homeopathy in fractures is undeniable. Homeopathic medicines like Symphytum play a major role in the course of bone healing and normal bone fusion

Calcaneal spur

Another very common condition frequently seen in women of middle and older age group is Calcaneal spur. Homeopathic remedies when accurately chosen and administered reduce the inflammation in the surrounding tissues caused by the spur. It also stops further growth of the bone. In many cases it has been observed that this spur also dissolves under homeopathic medication. Some of the useful remedies for calcaneal spur are Calcarea flur, Hypericum, Rhus tox.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of joints is also very common in the middle and older age group. If treated in the early stages, homeopathic medication arrests the degenerative process in the cartilage and synovial tissue. Thus the pain and inflammation reduces. If treated at a later stage, it can prevent disability and improve movement.

Prolapsed intervertebral disc                                                                                     Homeopathic remedies work effectively in cases of prolapsed intervertebral disc. If there is slight herniation of the pulp, the medicines help that part to regress back into its original place and also helps strengthen the ligaments. If the herniation occurs with damages to the ligaments, then the medicines reduce the impingement of the pulp on the nerves and also helps heal the ligaments. Thus the medicines also help in decreasing the pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Along with homeopathic medicines, rest and other lifestyle changes is very important in the management of PID.

Tumors

A strong family history of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is also instrumental in the manifestation of various bone diseases. Homeopathy has very effective treatment in the removal of theses genetic hurdles that often tend to hinder the process of treatment.

Tumors of the bone are also frequently seen now-a-days. They could be noncancerous or cancerous. Inherited gene mutations, radiations or trauma could be the possible causes. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce the size of benign tumors and the effects associated with it are also managed well. Homeopathy can also be hugely effective in treating bone cancers.

In cancer, there is an uncontrolled and erratic multiplication of the cells of the bone. The immune system that seems to have been subdued or gone dormant due to various factors is aroused up by the homoeopathic medicines. They thus stimulate the cells to grow, develop and multiply normally. In cases where surgical removal of the cancerous focus has been done, the homoeopathic medicines rectify the defect in the system and help to prevent further metastasis.

A feeling of despair, depression and hopelessness, anxiety, mood changes often accompany a cancer patient. Homoeopathic medicines also deal with this disturbed mental state associated with cancer.

Bone infections

Infections of bones may spread to the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or from another part of the body through the bloodstream. People who are at risk for contacting bone infections include those with poor circulation, recent injury or diabetes. The ability of an infection to persist and spread indicates an incompetent immune system. So when the immunes system cannot function up to its capacity, these infections get a chance to feast further and involve other tissues. The homeopathic constitutional remedy acts on this very crippled immune system and strengthens it to fight against the bacterial, fungal or viral infection.

Homeopathic remedies can also be used effectively in the acute stages of bone infections to reduce the pain, fever and other subjective symptoms of the patient. When high blood sugar levels are the cause of bone infections, homeopathic remedies can also help to reduce the sugar levels in the blood effectively. Homeopathy along with proper diet and lifestyle changes can help to control diabetes.

Thus Homeopathy being a holistic method of treatment and has proved its scope in every type of bone disease. Homeopathic medicines should be taken under supervision of a qualified homeopath.
So we have to understand that the homeopathic remedies act at a very deep level and if the line of treatment is managed properly we can get amazing results.

Important Points to remember:

·         Bone diseases can be effectively handled through right Homeopathic medicines

·         A complete case history of the patient is a must to achieve the desired results

·         Acute pain can also be handled through the acute phase remedies

·         Constitutional Homeopathic remedies can be useful in reducing the hereditary diseases

Patient on homeopathic medicine feel effectively better not only in their symptoms related to Bone diseases but also at emotional and physical aspects and brings a general wellbeing in the true sense.

Article written by

Experts at Basil wellness

www.basilwellness.com

Ph: 022 41227500/01

Email: ask@basillifecare.com

Acid reflux disease or Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Introduction
It is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when the acid in the stomach flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus).
This acid irritates the inner lining of food pipe and causes symptoms. It may be occur without any symptoms but at times it can cause distress. This disease can occur at any age. Homeopathy treats acidity and gives relief to the patient irrespective of his diet and food habits.

 How does acid reflux disease occur?
Oesophagus (food pipe) is a hollow muscular organ of digestive system which is specially designed for passing food, saliva and water from mouth to stomach for digestion. It is connected with the pharynx at the upper end and with the stomach at the lower end.

It is guarded by two muscular valves at the upper and lower ends which helps to close the connection with stomach and pharynx.  It only opens during swallowing of food and water. Afterwards it closes automatically.

When this muscular valve fails to close normally due to weakness, acid from stomach can travel back to the oesophagus. This backward movement of acid is called reflux. If this persists for a long time, it causes irritation to the mucosal lining of oesophagus and it becomes inflamed.

Overtime, the inflammation can eat up the oesophagus and produces various symptoms and complications.

 Causes
Abnormal relaxation or weakness of oesophageal muscle is responsible for acidity and acidity-like symptoms.

Risk factors

• Overweight, obesity 
• Certain foods such as spicy food, chillies, fried food, chocolate, coffee, tea, onions and garlic
• Hiatus hernia (It is a stomach abnormality in which the stomach moves above the diaphragm, allowing reverse flow of acid.)
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Dry mouth
• Alcohol
• Prolonged stress
• Diabetes
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (produces excessive acidity, lying down or bending at waist shortly after meals
• Heavy meals at night
• Laborious physical activity after eating
• Certain medicines like sedatives, aspirin

Symptoms

• Burning sensation in chest and throat after eating
• Difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia
• Vomiting of undigested food
• Chest pain
• Excessive saliva secretion
• Nausea
• Sour and bitter taste  in mouth 
• Complaints may be worse at night
• Vomiting of blood and black stool
• Pharyngitis
• Bad breath

    Symptoms in children

• Repeated vomiting
• Effortless spitting
• Cough
• Difficulty in breathing
• Inconsolable & persistent loud crying
• Failure to gain weight
• Bad appetite
• Bad breath
• Belching

Complications

1. Narrowing of oesophagus
2. Oesophageal ulcer
3. Barrett oesophagus

Diagnosis

• X-ray - To see the shape and condition of oesophagus and confirm the diagnosis.
• Endoscopy- To examine stomach and oesophagus and also to collect tissue for further investigations and confirmation of diagnosis.
• Ambulatory acid probe test- It is test useful to identify when and for how long acid from the stomach regurgitates into the oesophagus.

Prevention

• Avoid food for at least 4 hours before bed time
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Eat small meals at short intervals
• Maintain regular food timings
• Avoid eating spicy, fried and fatty food
• Take plenty of water or fluids
• Treat acidity with proper homeopathic medicines
• Use extra pillows under the head
• Do proper exercise and avoid stress

 Role of Homeopathy in acid reflux diseases

Acid reflux disease is a very common disease among the people of today’s time.

Constitutional treatment is most effective to treat cases of acid reflux disease. The correct constitutional medicine acts on the lower oesophageal valve and restores its normal function so that it remains closed preventing rise of acid into the throat. 

Therefore, the acid does not regurgitate into the oesophagus.

Homeopathic medicines also promote speedy healing of the damaged tissue of oesophagus.

To arrive at the correct homeopathic remedy, the doctor takes a detailed interview of the patient at the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels.  Person's behavior during stress, struggle, failures, adjustments, and sorrow in his life also other physical symptoms like desires, aversion, perspiration, menstrual discharge, stool, urine, sleep, dreams and reactions to temperature should be known.

As homeopathic medicines treat the disease from its roots, frequent relapse of symptoms can be prevented and its effect remains permanent. Thus it saves money, strength and valuable time of the patient.

With the help of medicines we can successfully control the progress of disease. Thus, many complications like narrowing of oesophagus; cancer etc. can be prevented.

Homeopathic medicines are the best and safest choice for infants and children as they have no side effects and these pills without creating any scene. Homeopathy is a safe bet during pregnancy.

The acute symptoms of acid reflux disease like chest pain, burning, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting etc. can be managed well with homeopathic medicines.
They reduce the severity, duration and frequency of symptoms and offer comfort to patient. Thus need of antacids and painkillers can be reduced.

Other benefits of homeopathy..

It can be taken for long time without creating any side effects as it is non toxic.
It is well indicated in children and pregnant women
It can be taken along with other conventional medicines especially in diabetic and high BP patient
Homeopathic medicines should be taken under supervision of a registered homeopath.

Written by Experts at BASIL Wellness,

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Lifestyle Diseases

   Disease resulting by way of our living and habits are known as lifestyle diseases. Industrialization has given a standard of living to common person. But on other hand it has come with many lifestyle diseases due to vast civilization. 

 Lifestyle diseases are diseases that appear to become ever more widespread as countries become more industrialized. They have precipitated from changes taking place due to sudden lifestyle changes in diet, changes in personality, stress at the work place and erratic time schedules. Inappropriate relationship of people with their environment results in lifestyle diseases. 

    Lifestyle disorders are different from other diseases because they are potentially preventable, and can be lowered with changes in diet, lifestyle, and environment.

    The onset of these lifestyle diseases is insidious, they take years to develop, and once encountered do not surrender themselves to cure. Growing incidence and prevalence of lifestyle disease is a major concern today.

Primary causes of lifestyle diseases are:

• Sedentary life
• Smoking
• Irregular eating habits
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Long working hours
• Running against the biological clock
• Substance abuse, alcohol, etc.

    People under stress have started opting for habits like smoking, alcohol consumption and other drug abuse. Today’s lifestyle has resulted in taming individual with these habits.

   Diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease, obesity, acid-peptic disorder, depression, chronic backache, various allergies and many more are all consequences of our modern method of living. Lifestyle diseases are preventable disorders. Factors that are catalyst of these diseases are modifiable. 

   In India, the health scenario is quite alarming and the diseases are fast-catching mostly in cities. The World health Organization (WHO) has identified India as one of the countries that is going to have most no. of hypertension disease-affected people in the future. 

   Already considered the diabetes capital of the world, India now appears headed towards gaining another dubious distinction, the credit of becoming the lifestyle-related disease capital as well.

  Nowadays, not only are lifestyle disorders becoming more common, but they are also affecting younger population. Hence, population at risk shifts from 40+ yrs. to maybe 30+ yrs. or even younger.

    Proper alterations in diet and way of living can immensely help them to live healthy and successful. Hence, one’s health is in own hand. Besides this, many therapies are helpful like:

•   Homeopathy
•   Ayurveda
•   Psychology & Counseling
•   Nutrition
•   Yoga

    The above therapies like homeopathy are useful in relieving most complaints related to lifestyle diseases. As a result, the person is able to maintain a normal life, both mentally and physically.

   Also, ‘Being aware’ is a vital contribution one can give to themselves for good health and avoiding lifestyle diseases. One has to be aware of bodily and emotional needs, like maintain proper posture while working, taking proper rest to replenish them, food that we eat, etc. Inclusion of regular walking, climbing-up stairs instead of elevator, having regular meals, adequate sleep, and etc. into daily life prevent such diseases to a large extent. 

Article written by

Experts at Basil wellness

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Ph: 022 41227500/01

Email: ask@basillifecare.com