Homoepathy offers help for School Anxiety
As youngsters start school for the first time, and many more change classes or schools, homeopathy is great to help youngsters struggling to cope.
Anxiety about starting school is normal, but for some children the stress of a new school or teacher can be overwhelming. For those starting for the first time, they will have to become more independent, sit still for long periods, take instructions given to the whole class and cope with what can be the frightening hustle and bustle of the playground.
Symptoms can include behavioural problems such as aggression, or clinginess, digestive upsets, headaches and problems sleeping, sometimes with nightmares.
Homeopathic medicines, known as remedies, can be used at home to help with minor short-lived problems, but for longer term problems coping with the stress of school, a registered homeopath should be consulted.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which is thought to trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.
Homeopathic remedies can be used at home to help youngsters through the difficult transition period. In selecting a remedy, individual characteristics are taken into consideration, as each homeopathic remedy presents uniquely. The best way to work is to study a few of the suggestions below and see if any of these resemble your child. Here are just a few remedies and their situations which might be useful.
Argentum nitricuma child needing this remedy will be hurried, with lots of fears and anxieties, always asking “what if…” Physical symptoms include loud wind, twitching, diarrhoea and periodic weakness.
Lycopodium this child will lack confidence and doesn’t like doing new things, but can be assertive and bossy at home. Physical symptoms include bloating, huge appetite, heartburn with sour burping and waking as if from a fright.
Silicathis child is nervous, sensitive and excitable and lacks confidence, with a fear of new things. They can be obstinate, with fixed ideas. Physical symptoms include cracked dry skin, cutting abdominal pain with rumbling and headache which extends to forehead and settles over one eye.
Arsenicumthis child is restless, fears failure, worries about burglars and their health, won’t be left alone, likes to plan and tidies up after themselves. Physical symptoms include: diarrhoea from anxiety, with thirst, has trouble swallowing food, and burning pains.
If you want to know more why not give me a call.
NOTES:
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has over 1,500 registered members.
Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths have agreed to practice and abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the code is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org.
Interest in homeopathy is growing – a Mintel report in 2007 reported that the sale of homeopathic treatments had seen a 24 per cent growth since 2002, and in a survey of 3,373 on behalf of Nelsons in January 2009, 50 per cent said they would like to know more about homeopathy and 79 per cent said they would like to access complementary treatment on the NHS.
Homeopaths offer alternative help for menopause symptoms
As a new study(1) puts British women at the top of the list for suffering symptoms of menopause, many are turning their backs on Hormone Replacement Therapy and turning to homeopathy for help.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on the patient’s experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match them with the most appropriate medicine.
The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, night sweats, headaches and mood swings. Homeopathic treatment has been shown to be effective for hot flushes and sweats, tiredness, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, mood swings and headaches. In a study carried out at an NHS well-woman clinic in Sheffield, 81 per cent of 102 patients reported improvement of these menopause symptoms after homeopathic treatment.(2)
“Studies have shown there are health risks associated with HRT, including an increased risk of of breast cancer, and many women struggling with symptoms are looking for an alternative. In homeopathy, we look at the whole person, taking into account the unique symptoms of each individual, before we decide on a prescription.”
Two large studies have demonstrated the dangers of HRT and led to significant changes in the way it is prescribed.
A major US research project involving over 16,000 women looked at the effects of the most commonly used form of HRT – pills known as ‘combined HRT’. In 2002 this trial had to be stopped early because of the health risks to the women involved. The researchers concluded that although this form of HRT gives protection against osteoporosis and bowel cancer, these benefits are outweighed by an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, heart attack and stroke.(3)
In 2005 results of the NHS-led ‘Million Women Study’ confirmed the link between breast cancer and combined HRT, with researchers estimating that 20,000 cases of breast cancer over the last decade have been due to HRT use. It was also found that oestrogen-only HRT carries a significant risk of endometrial cancer.(4)
References:
1. Ward T, Scheid V, Tuffrey V. Women's mid-life health experiences in urban UK: an international comparison. Climacteric, 2010; 13 (3): 278-288
2. Relton C, Weatherley-Jones E. Homeopathy Service in a National Health Service community menopause clinic: audit of clinical outcomes. Menopause Int, 2005; 11(2): 72-3
3. Writing Group for the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results from the WHI randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2002; 288: 321–333
4. Million Women Study Collaborators. Endometrial cancer and hormone-replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. Lancet, 2005; 365: 1543-51
