Autism is a problem affecting more and more young people. The theories surrounding it’s cause are many. Another, much lesser version of autism is called Asperger’s Disease. A young adult might be functioning pretty well with Asperger’s, yet have social phobias or an inability to succeed at work or school. ADD or ADHD also may play a role.

The following article was sent to me by the company I often use to perform the hair mineral analysis tests for my patients. It’s a particularly interesting case, given the difficulty we normally think of in treating autism.

This case history shows how hair analysis is successful at diagnosing and suggesting treatments for autism. Along with this, I would also always use amino acid therapy, after performing a saliva and urine test to see the deficiencies in the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Additionally, homeopathic medicine has proven successful time and time again at treating a wide variety of behavioral problems, including Autism.

I hope you enjoy this case history from the Analytical Research Laboratories:

Analytical Research Laboratories
Autism - A Case History

Joey, age 3, was diagnosed autistic. He did not speak or interact well with anyone, threw tantrums daily and was severely constipated. His first hair mineral analysis showed a calcium level of 66 mg% (ideal is 40), magnesium of 5 mg% (ideal is 6), sodium of 4 mg% (ideal is 25) and potassium of 16 mg% (ideal is 10.

Vital Ratios

The hair calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium levels indicate a mild slow oxidizer pattern. This is a tendency for somewhat underactive thyroid and adrenal glandular activity. This is uncommon for a three-year-old as most children of this age are fast oxidizers. It indicates some degree of adrenal exhaustion, even at the age of three.

Joey’s calcium/magnesium ratio was slightly high, which is an indication that Joey was overeating on carbohydrate foods. The sodium/potassium ratio was very low at 0.4:1. This indicates excessive tissue breakdown and is also associated with chronic infections, glucose intolerance, kidney and liver stress, and feelings of frustration, resentment and hostility.

Manganese

Joey had a severely elevated manganese level at 0.123 mg% (ideal is 0.04).

High manganese levels are often associated with behavioral problems. ‘Manganese madness’ is a term used to describe the toxicity condition seen in manganese miners.

Aluminum

Joey’s aluminum was also quite high at 3.66 mg% (ideal is 0.05 or less). Aluminum has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps other dementias. However, we find that aluminum can affect mental functioning even in children.

In our experience, aluminum, iron and manganese toxicity are often found together. If any one of these are elevated on a hair mineral analysis, the other two are also present in excess, even if they are hidden. These three minerals are also often eliminated together on nutritional balancing programs.

Lead And Zinc

Joey also had an extremely elevated lead level at 1.54 mg% (ideal is 0.1 or less). Lead toxicity is associated with over 100 symptoms. Prominent among these are hyperactivity, lowered IQ and emotional and behavioral abnormalities. Lead interferes with calcium metabolism, blood formation and a number of critical enzyme systems.

Joey also had a zinc level of 8 mg%. This is very low, with the ideal being 20 mg%. Zinc is critical for over 50 functions. Low zinc is associated with emotional instability, delayed development, slow growth, impaired digestion, skin problems and impaired protein synthesis.

A Corrective Program

The daily nutrient program for Joey included two divided doses of a multivitamin for slow oxidizers, as well as 10 mg of zinc, 1 mg of copper and about 3 mg manganese to help correct his low sodium/potassium ratio.

Let us discuss giving manganese when the level is this high. Some authorities believe that manganese supplements should not be given when manganese is elevated on a hair mineral analysis. However, we consistently find that giving bioavailable manganese will help the hair manganese level return to normal, as occurred with Joey. His elevated manganese is in a biounavailable form. Giving available manganese is helpful in these cases to raise the sodium level and perhaps to provide needed bioavailable manganese as well.

Joey’s daily nutrients also included about 200 mg of calcium and 200 mg magnesium. Calcium is an excellent lead antagonist, and both calcium and magnesium are sedative minerals that can improve hyperactive behavior. Magnesium is helpful for many cases of constipation. Joey also took a small amount of vitamin C and E to help raise his sodium level. Vitamin C can help as a chelator of excessive metals.

Dosing Children

These dosages of minerals may seem large for a three-year-old child. However, we find that often children do well on and sometimes require somewhat larger doses than one would calculate for a child based simply on weight or age. This is an important principle for obtaining the best results with young children.

Results

Joey’s parents made sure he ate well and took his supplements. He improved dramatically. Within four months on a nutritional balancing program he began to speak, his temper tantrums were greatly reduced and he now interacts with people. He will be able to attend a regular kindergarten and is also no longer constipated.

Often the process of correction takes longer, up to several years, and it is often less dramatic. In this case, the chemistry shifted quickly and results followed. We never know which mineral imbalance or other factor is most important and when the body will address that factor. Also in some cases emotional difficulties at home can significantly slow down progress in rebalancing body chemistry.

Retest Mineral Analysis

A retest mineral analysis after Joey was on supplements for four months showed some surprising changes. The electrolyte pattern looked worse in some ways! Calcium was 56 mg%, magnesium was 31 mg%, sodium was 16 mg% and potassium rose to 59 mg%.

Joey became a mixed oxidizer with a fast thyroid ratio (calcium to potassium ratio less than 4:1). A faster oxidation rate means Joey’s energy level improved. This is excellent for general healing. In hyperkinetic children, however, more energy at times means more acting out behavior because more energy is available to the body. This was not the case with Joey, however, as his behavior calmed down.

The calcium/magnesium ratio became extremely low at 1.8:1. This is often due to a magnesium loss. It could have been an elimination of magnesium that for some reason could not be used by the body. This type of change looks worse, but usually resolves itself on later tests.

The Sodium/potassium Ratio

Joey’s sodium/potassium ratio also became much more imbalanced at about 0.27:1. This is extremely low and usually indicates severe protein breakdown or catabolism. Joey showed a pattern we call a double inversion. This is a low ratio of calcium to magnesium combined with a low ratio of sodium to potassium. The double inversion pattern reinforces the low sodium/potassium ratio pattern, associated with excessive tissue breakdown, chronic infections, liver and kidney stress, glucose intolerance and feelings of frustration, resentment and hostility.

In this regard, we have found that on a corrective program, at times the body must go through a stage of breaking down poor quality tissue. This is tissue that may contain toxic metals or toxic chemicals, or tissues infected with bacteria or viruses.

When cells are broken down, potassium and magnesium are released, as these are the primary intracellular minerals. This release is associated with temporary higher hair readings of these two minerals. This in turn can cause a lower sodium/potassium ratio and a lower calcium/magnesium ratio as well.

Other Changes

On the retest, Joey’s lead level was about half of the level on the first test at .84 mg% and aluminum was about 1/3 of his previous test at 1.10 mg%. Manganese was down to 0.078, which is still slightly elevated but much better. These are all excellent changes.

The Zinc Mystery

Joey’s zinc level did not change from the first test to the second. In both cases, the reading was a very low 8 mg%. This occurred in spite of Joey taking a substantial amount of zinc for four months. How can this be?

There are several explanations. First, we know that our bodies will often keep the tissue zinc level low to help raise the tissue sodium level. In Joey’s case, the sodium/potassium ratio was extremely low. The body may not have absorbed the zinc he took to keep the sodium level up, which in turn helps maintain the sodium/potassium ratio. Dr. Eck called this phenomenon a defender. That is, zinc stayed low to defend the sodium/potassium ratio.

Another possibility is that zinc was simply not well-absorbed during this period of time for other reasons. Alternatively, zinc was absorbed, but used up as fast as it was being given.

Finally, we know that zinc is a vital mineral that replaces toxic metals in enzyme binding sites during healing. The zinc level in the hair may have remained low because the zinc Joey took was absorbed and incorporated into the tissues to replace toxic metals that were eliminated. Thus, no extra zinc found its way into Joey’s hair.

By persisting in providing Joey with supplemental zinc in the correct amount, eventually the hair level will rise in our experience. This will mean he is re-establishing his normal tissue stores of zinc.

Does Mercury Cause Autism?

Some health authorities claim that mercury toxicity is the cause of autism. Joey’s mercury level was a very low 0.002 mg% on the first test. It increased five times to 0.01 on the second test. This is still very low reading.

We know that many toxic metals are not revealed on the first hair mineral analysis. They are revealed later as they are mobilized from storage sites deep within the body. Time will tell if Joey will start to eliminate more mercury on future retests.

However, it is clear that other toxic minerals such as lead and aluminum, or vital minerals in excess including manganese, probably played important roles in his behavioral problems. Deficiencies in vital minerals such as zinc also most likely contributed to Joey’s symptoms.

In our experience, it is usually incorrect to blame symptoms on just one metal, as most people have combinations of imbalances.

Conclusion

This case illustrates so many principles that it bears reading a number of times. Perhaps most important, it suggests that autism is not simply an incurable or ‘genetic’ conditions requiring years of therapy to control the symptoms. A hair mineral analysis showed severe mineral imbalances. By following the principles of test interpretation and program design based on the brilliant work of Dr. Paul C. Eck, results were most gratifying.

Although in some ways the retest hair analysis looked worse, another principle is always to ask the patient (or parents in this instance) about symptomatic improvements. In this case, these changes were amazing, reminding us that mineral analysis results may not always correlate with symptoms. Each test uncovers deeper layers of imbalances, and at times the picture may not correlate with how the patient feels. The test results can lag symptomatic changes, or at times test results can anticipate symptom changes as well.

Copyright © 2006 Analytical Research Laboratories, Inc.

This material is for educational purposes only

2225 W. Alice Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85021 (602) 995-1580

www.arltma.com

Acupuncture for Childbirth and Labor by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

Q - I have heard that Acupuncture can be used to induce labor and to reduce the pain of labor, but I’m so afraid of needles, I’m not sure I can handle even more pain from the acupuncture needles — should I try it?

A - To be quite honest, needles give me the creeps too!  I don’t like them either, and I hate blood tests.  But the needles used for acupuncture are so tiny that you can even put one in the hole of a regular needle used for injections or blood tests.  They are about the size of a strand of hair actually.  And you hardly even feel them.

Q - What is your experience in the use of acupuncture during labor?

A - In my experience, it is not uncommon for the entire labor to be extremely quick and easy when acupuncture is used.

Q - How could you ever possibly convince me that I would want to let someone poke LOTS of needles into me?

A - I know that acupuncture seems odd to our Westernized mind, but there is actually a lot of scientific research that supports its use during labor.  Many studies show that those little needles increase endorphins, and it’s your endorphins that actually help you to relax.  So if you want to calm down and feel a bit more relaxed and less stressed during the whole birthing process, acupuncture is actually the best and safest way to go.

Q  - Are there any studies that acupuncture works to help birthing?

A - Yes.  There are many such studies.  Your labor can be significantly shortened if you use acupuncture while giving birth.  One such research study published in “Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation” and reported in Natural Health Magazine stated that out of 120 women, those who received acupuncture treatment during the first stage of labor reduced their labor time from an average of 321 minutes, down to 96 minutes.  In other words, the women in this study who received acupuncture reduced their labor by more than one-third!

Q – In your experience, does acupuncture shorten the time for the labor?

A – Yes, definitely.  The women who I’ve needled during their labor had their babies very quickly.  Everyone was very happy and the doctors were really surprised!

Here is one personal experience:  My office got a call from a very pregnant woman who was referred to us by her obstetrician.  “Anna” was one week overdue and her doctor was going to induce labor if contractions didn’t start within 10 days.  This was Anna’s third pregnancy and the other two had been late as well.

Her doctor had heard of my practice, and me and since another of our mutual patients had experienced great success with acupuncture during her pregnancy and birthing process.  So he told Anna to give me a call and try some acupuncture to induce the labor, before resorting to traditional Western methods.  He figured that she had nothing to lose by trying.

He was right!!!  She came to my office and was very uncomfortable in her body.  It was hard for us to find a comfortable position for her acupuncture treatment.  We settled for having her sit up on the massage table, propped up by pillows.  This worked for her, and also gave me access to all the points on her body that I needed.

We treated Anna three times.  Her fourth appointment was scheduled for the day before her doctor was going to induce the labor and delivery, but she didn’t show up.  My secretary jokingly said, “Well, she probably went into labor after the last acupuncture treatment and is back at home already with the baby!”

And my secretary was right.  When Anna called us a few days latter, she said that contractions began immediately upon leaving the office and continued to get stronger and stronger as the hours went by.  A day later she was in the hospital, and the delivery of her baby began shortly thereafter.  All was a grand success!

Q – Does Acupuncture Help with Deliver of Breech Babies?

Yes it does.  In one study published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy (Nov-Dec 2003; 18(6):418-21, doctors demonstrated that of the 67 pregnant women studied who had babies in the fetal breech position, those who received acupuncture were far more likely to have the baby move to the proper delivery position.  This study showed a difference of 31% in the group that got acupuncture.   I have personally had excellent successes with my acupuncture fertility treatment and with turning the baby in the last few weeks and hours before delivery.

Q – Can Acupuncture also help emotionally if I feel depressed and am full of fear?

Yes – Acupuncture is very successful at increasing endorphins, or the body’s own, naturally occurring stress-relievers.  Because acupuncture works on the energy of the mom and baby, it not only affects the mom physically, but can also relax her and reduce her stress levels.

It’s really important to keep your body/mind/and spirit balanced during the time of birth, and acupuncture can be your friend and ally during this time.

Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, QME, MUP, CCH

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Certified Classical Homeopath

The following options are discussed to help you decide if any holistic methods might be right for you, either to treat a problem you are having, or just to help you acheive the emotional and physical health goals you are currently working on.

De-fin-i-tions
(to be definite; to know; understanding)

1. Classical Homeopathy - the most effective, deepest acting treatment; uses minuscule amounts of plant, animal or mineral substances to stimulate the body to heal itself; the prescription is based on a complete evaluation of all physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual patterns in an individual. In Classical Homeopathy, we use the emotional symptoms to point us in the direction of where to treat the imbalance in the body. Symptoms become metaphors, or symbols, for where imbalances are, either emotionally or spiritually. For example, asthma might be used as an indication of some long-standing unresolved grief or loss; urinary tract infections, a symbol of suppressed anger or resentment; low back pain could be a sign of fear or feelings of being overwhelmed, etc.

Your physical symptoms will all eventually be cured using Classical Homeopathy, but as a part of the process, you will also feel much better and happier emotionally. This type of treatment will take from six months to two or more years. Training to become a Classical Homeopath takes many years of study and is highly specialized. Most good Classical Homeopaths study for at least five years before getting good results. Few homeopaths have the patience to dedicate their lives to this type of intensive in-depth study and discipline.

2. Constitutional Homeopathy - similar to Classical Homeopathy, but in some homeopathic circles, this term is used to describe a method where only one, single remedy is used throughout one’s lifetime. In reality, each person has many constitutional layers and requires many remedies in their life. Constitutional Homeopaths use only one dose of one remedy. In reality, as we evolve, we often need to move from one remedy to the next, (even though in some cases, we may need to stay on only one remedy for a number of years,) and may need to take the remedy daily.

3. Acute Homeopathy - in acute homeopathic prescribing, we don’t place an emphasis on the emotional factors involved in disease; rather, we directly treat, and place our emphasis on removing the physical symptoms as quickly as possible. We do, however, look at the causal factor, which in many cases does include an emotional component. For instance, did the cold or flu begin from the emotional stress of a broken relationship, when out in a cold rain or wind or was the cause from lack of sleep and reduced resistance to infection? Is the constipation caused from a difficulty in letting go, a craving for meat or from not drinking enough water. Acute homeopathy will treat every physical symptom known to man, and treat it quite effectively, and in most cases very quickly. But it won’t be a long-term cure as in Classical Homeopathy.
.
4. Oriental Medicine - This encompasses many disciplines and treatment types, including acupressure massage, acupuncture, Chinese nutritional medicine, Chinese manipulation (similar to chiropractic) and Chinese herbal medicine. There are many different ways to practice Oriental Medicine, including Five Element Theory, Yin/Yang Theory, Acute prescribing and Korean constitutional prescribing. I use TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine most, and place an emphasis on the pulse and tongue diagnostic methods. I do not believe in the use of highly technical computer analysis, but use the more traditional techniques of facial observation and Five Element analysis which have been effectively used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness.

5. Chinese Herbal Medicine - This method of herbal medicine is based on the diagnostic methods described in the paragraph above on Oriental Medicine. In this case, however, we use herbs, in addition to or instead of acupuncture, to create the most dramatic and quick curative action that is possible. Chinese herbology usually utilizes formulas containing many different herbs rather than just the individual herbs used in the Western approach. This method is very effective in treating chronic illness and preventing future illness from occurring. There are wonderful Chinese herbal formulas for almost every type of illness, ranging from high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, PMS, ADD, insomnia, colitis, allergies and many other illnesses that plague modern society and which have no know cure in Western medicine.

6. Western Herbal Medicine - This approach to herbal medicine uses herbs primarily found on the North American and European continents. This method generally uses single herbs in order to achieve very specific results. There are wonderful single herbs such as Vitex, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenseal, White Willow Bark, Milk Thistle and others, which can be used to build immunity, balance hormones and eliminate many types of pain.

7. Five Element Acupuncture - This method of diagnosis and treatment utilizes the Five Elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Metal and Wood. The Five Elements are a metaphor for the five primary organ functions in the body: spleen/stomach, heart/small intestines, kidney/bladder, lung/large intestines, and gall bladder/liver. Each organ and grouping of organs has an emotional component as well. Utilizing this type of understanding, we can treat constitutionally as well as symptomatically.

8. Acute Acupuncture - This method utilize specific acupuncture formulas which are designed to treat the acute problems you want to treat. This is the type of acupuncture that most medical doctors study, since it only requires a few weekends of study. It requires many years of concentrated study to practice the deeper-acting Five Element and Constitutional acupuncture.

9. Constitutional Acupuncture - This method utilizes the tongue and pulse diagnosis to assess and then design a treatment plan to treat from a deeper, more holistic framework than the Acute Acupuncture approach. Many very serious and even life-threatening health problems can be totally cured using this method.

10. Bio-chemical Nutritional Analysis - This method of analysis utilizes the Health Equations Program to assess the functional status of your electrolytes and minerals. We start from a Chem Panel and CBC and then do a comprehensive analysis utilizing the basic data from your blood tests.

11. Body-Type Nutritional Analysis - There are many types of Body-Type Analysis. Just a few of the possibilities are Yin/Yang and Five Element Analysis, Endocrine Organ Analysis and Metabolic Typing, among others.

12. Five Element Nutritional Analysis - This is based on the Five Element Analysis discussed above.

13. Yin/Yang Nutritional Analysis - This is based on assessing your balance of Yin and Yang and working with the diet to change the imbalance in Yin and Yang. If your Yin and Yang is in proper balance, it’s very hard for you to become ill. Balanced Yin and Yang is the foundation and cornerstone of balance and Optimal Health.

14. Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation - In our culture, most people need vitamin and mineral Supplementation because very few of us eat properly. In addition, most of us operate on such a high level of stress that we need more of certain vitamins and minerals than in times past. The soil our food is grown on is also almost totally depleted of organic minerals and because of this we need to supplement our diets. Even most organic food is not as complete as in times past.

15. Neurotransmitter Testing & You take a test kit home and obtain samples of your urine and saliva. These samples will tell the lab which of your neurotransmitters are either high or low. The types of problems that will respond very well to this type of testing include anxiety, insomnia, ADD, ADHD, depression, fear, worry, nervous disorders, headaches, chronic pain, PMS, Irritable Bowel, Panic Attacks, Bulimia, OCD, and substance abuse. The test results will be returned to you with a very specific list of which amino acid supplements to take to increase the neurotransmitters you are low in and to decrease the ones you are too high in.

16. Stool Tests and other Saliva Testing for Hormones & There are an assortment of other tests, which include stool, hair testing, blood testing, and others. These may also be useful in helping to determine where you are out of balance and which treatments will work best to put you into balance.

You Decide:

Educating yourself, knowing which modalities (types of treatments) you want and are most interested in, defining your treatment goals, and knowing what you are willing to do to get there, is all an invaluable portion of becoming healthier and overcoming the obstacles to loosing weight, exercising, eating right and joining in partnership with your health care team. You decide which treatment options are right for you after a discussion with Dr. Martin.

The following three articles I have written for women and the men in their lives.   These three articles address three different issues:  Pregnancy and Childbirth, PMS, and Menopause.  I hope that you find them helpful.  …….Dr. Randy Martin

Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Chinese have a saying that when a baby is born, it is already nine months old.  Actually, the baby is a lot older than this because it has already inherited the genes and constitutional predisposition from both parents, grandparents, etc.  The best thing a prospective mother and father can do for their child is to start homeopathic and acupuncture treatment for a year or so before they conceive their baby.  If both parents are in balance, the baby will be much more likely to be healthy.

The second important factor is the women’s nutritional status and emotional health, both before and during the pregnancy.  It is very important for the woman to take the appropriate supplements during the pregnancy and while nursing. 

It’s also important for the woman to maintain her energy during pregnancy and nursing.  Chinese herbal formulas can increase chi (energy) at the various stages of pregnancy, nursing and for the first few years after birth.

Towards the end of pregnancy, there some specific homeopathic remedies that can be given to make the birthing experience go more smoothly. 

Recent research has shown that women receiving homeopathic remedies before labor and/or during the birth have less complications, shorter labor, less pain, and quicker recuperation time.  Acupuncture is also very effective for relaxation, pain relief, or to hasten a difficult labor. 

Homeopathy for infant and toddlers is invaluable for such problems as ear infections, colic, constipation, diarrhea, skin problems, eye infection, fever, croup, colds, poor sleeping habits, allergy, teething, diaper rash or emotional upset.

PMS

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is one of the most common health problems facing women.  About one third of the female population experience some sort of PMS.   This translates into a lot of missed days at school and work, severe stress on relationships, as well as a lot of needless suffering.

The symptoms of PMS begin ten to fourteen days prior to the start of menstruation and end in the first few days after the onset.  There are more than 150 symptoms that have been associated with PMS.  Listed below are some of the most typical:

         irritability                  anxiety                  moodiness

         anger                           headaches                  skin problems        

         vertigo                  weight gain                  bloating                 

         joint pain                  back pain                  cramps        

         constipation                  diarrhea                  sugar craving        

         sore throat                  vision problems         chocolate craving

What Is The Cause of PMS?

PMS is caused by both psychological and physiological imbalances. Physiologically, the primary cause is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone.  Other secondary causes include poor diet, heredity, and lack of exercise.

From the point of view of Oriental medicine, the primary meridian systems involved in most women with PMS are the Liver, Spleen and Kidneys. 

What Are Some General Treatments for PMS?

Diet is the first and foremost factor that is within your control.    Foods known to increase symptoms of PMS include the following:  caffeine, milk, hard cheese, salt, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, beef, pork, lamb, and pickled foods.

Foods helpful in reducing the symptoms of PMS are the following:  whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, all vegetables, but especially beets, carrots, collard greens, mustard greens, and beet tops;  fish, and all kinds of beans are your best sources of protein.

Certain vitamin supplements are also helpful depending on your particular needs.  The two most important are vitamin B6 for bloating, water retention and magnesium for cramps and uterine pain.  Vitamin C is important to combat stress as are all the B vitamins.  A good, well-rounded multiple vitamin which is high in vitamin B is also a good preventative.

If you suffer from cramps be sure to take twice as much magnesium as you do calcium.  Also take evening primrose oil or black current seed oil.

How Can Homeopathy Help With PMS?

For menstrual cramps there are a number of different remedies.  Colocynth type of cramps are relieved by doubling up, bending forward, applying pressure or warmth, as are Magnesium phosphoricum cramps.

Always stop taking your homeopathic remedy if you feel worse or if the symptoms stop.  When the symptoms decrease, also stop taking the remedy.  If you keep taking the homeopathic remedy after the symptoms stop, you will cause them to come back again.  Note that often only one dose of the correct remedy in the correct potency is all you need.  Remember that homeopathic remedies are not like vitamins or herbs, and you don’t just keep taking them as you would an herb or homeopathic.

For symptoms of fatigue or weakness, try Calcium carbonate.  This remedy will be particulary helpful if you also have headaches, cold hands and feet, sweating and are cold in general.  Also for fatigue is Sepia.  For Sepia to be indicated usually you will also have low back pains, cramping in the lower abdomen, loss of interest in sex and an increase in anger and intolerance for others.  Depression and moodiness are also common, and a desire to be left alone.

For excessive weeping, sadness, or over sensitiveness, a primary remedy is Pulsatilla.  Other indications for Pulsatilla are a desire for company, a desire to be outside or to have windows open, nausea, giddiness, fainting, and unpredictable or changeable moods.

Chamomile is another remedy for excessive moodiness, with fault-finding and snapping over little things.  It will also show symptoms of cramps that feel like labor pains.

The Lachesis personality may be angry and moody with ovarian pains that are worse on the left side.  Dizziness and diarrhea, a dislike for tight clothing or anything tight around the neck are also characteristic of Lachesis.

Psychological Considerations

During the time before a women’s period, many women will feel very sensitive, angry, sad, depressed, or any number of other intense feelings.  In addition, many women may find this time to be filled with increased self awareness and feelings of creativity.  Your inner creative aspect may be ignored much of the time,  due to our culture which places more emphasis on productivity than on creativity and self-expression.  By ignoring this need for self-expression of something deeper, something larger and more all-encompassing than ones small, ego self, a woman may fall victim to even more feelings of sorrow, grief, depression and moodiness.

Psychologist Carl Jung described this dark, repressed, “cut off” or blocked part of a person as their “shadow self”.  And in women, this may be a reflection, more specifically, of their hidden Animus.   According to Jung, the “shadow” is that part of the person which has been repressed, or in someway not fully acknowledged.  And Animus is the yang, or male part of a woman.  To the extent that the shadow part or parts remain unconscious and unexpressed, a woman will be what Jung terms, in an “animus possessed state of judgement and emotionality.”

The animus can be very difficult to contact because of its unconscious nature.  It may only arise during periods of emotional turmoil such as occurs just before the menstrual period begins.  The animus may appear in disguise, often as a sweet, although unreal and superficial cover for moodiness, or as a very moody or angry person afraid to get in touch with their true self.

In terms of Oriental medicine, I have found that the angry animus, cloaked within the shadow, resides in what the Chinese call the wood element.  The other, “sweet” animus, resides most often in the fire element.

The time before menses provides an opportunity for women to turn inward and examine issues in their lives and portions of their psyches that may otherwise not be available for such critical examination or transformational exploration. 

In fact, in the native American culture, this same biologic phenomenon was viewed as a source of self-growth, creativity and empowerment for women and for the community as a whole.  In contrast, in our own culture, PMS is viewed as a negative syndrome; women are “on the rag” and “not to be taken too seriously”.

In his book The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing,  Dr. E.L. Rossi discusses the implications of the hormonal shift which takes place during this biological transformation and its potential to change the personality of the woman.  He states that when these changes go unsupported and misunderstood, they can lead to social and personal maladaption, depression and illness.  But when the changes are welcomed as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation, a new state of consciousness, awareness and development can take place.

PMS As An Opportunity for Growth

Oriental medicine has the capability to catalyze and encourage women with PMS to begin to view it not so much as a problem, but as an opportunity to learn more about an aspect of their femininity, and of their personality.  The process of becoming conscious of the animus and shadow portions of the unconscious can be arduous and yet immensely worthwhile.  Such changes can be very profound.

Happy Women:  Success Stories

“I have never liked needles.  In fact, I was always so afraid of needles I considered myself a needle-phobic.  But after my first acupuncture treatment I realized it was just a breeze.  It was just the thought of needles that bothered me, but they were so small, I never felt anything!”

                                                      –D.R., Financial Analyst

“Having suffered from severe PMS for many years, I doubted that I would ever find relief.  After several months of acupuncture treatments my menstrual cycles are practically symptom free and I am beginning to enjoy my life again”

                                                      –D.B., Accounting Manager

“Thank you for the support….I can barely remember how things were before we met and I started treatment…….Good sign——WOW, what a change!”

                                                      –C.D., Teacher, Homemaker

Menopause Treated Naturally

What Is Menopause?

The word menopause refers to the end of all menstrual bleeding.  It commonly occurs around the age of fifty, but may start as early as age thirty nine.  Other women continue to menstruate and remain fertile into their mid-fifties.

Natural Treatment Approaches

The natural treatment approach to menopause includes working with diet, exercise and managing your stress.  Additional methods of treatment are nutritional supplements, acupuncture, herbs and homeopathic medicine.

The diet for preventing symptoms in menopause varies for each woman, but the basic guidelines are a low fat diet, plenty of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.  Sugar and white flour products will cause toxicity in the liver meridian which is bad for menopausal women.  Other foods to avoid are salt, caffeine, alcohol and dairy products.

Common herbs include dong quai, black cohosh, blue cohosh, red clover, wild yam root and sarsaparilla.  Herbs for emotional issues include oat straw, dandelion, Siberian ginseng, valerian root, passionflower, catnip, red raspberry and chamomile.

Some of the vitamin supplements that are useful in menopause include beta carotene, vitamin B complex, buffered vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin D, dry vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and iodine. 

Some of the most common homeopathic remedies for menopause include Lachesis, Natrum mur, Sepia, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, and Sulphur.  But the homeopathic remedy must be based on very complete information on the women, including a complete history and her emotional makeup.

Acupuncture is also very effective and there are specific points for each symptom.  Women who I have been treating over a period of several months using acupuncture, homeopathy and herbs will testify to doing quite well, with minimal or no symptoms at all in most cases.

Homeopathic Remedies During Pregnancy and Delivery  by Dr. Randy Martin, O.M.D., L.A.C., Ph.D.    I have used homeopathic remedies many times for my patients’ birthing process. Homeopathy not only works well for infertility, and to help people get pregnant, but it also works well during  pregnancy for headaches, hemorrhoids,  nausea, vomiting, constipation, and  lower back pain. Homeopathy also works fabulously and quickly for post-partum depression.  It makes my heart heavy whenever I hear of a woman suffering from any type of problem post-pregnancy, since these natural healing modalities will work so quickly and effectively. SPREAD THE WORD!!!   Homeopathic remedies are very useful before, during and after labor and delivery for both physical and emotional relief. Others involved in the birth, such as birthing partner and baby, may also benefit from these remedies. A woman can ease anxiety and encourage relaxation with a remedy called Aconite. She can also relax and ease discomfort with the very well known chamomile, commonly used in tea. Teething babies are often soothed by chamomile. There are many homeopathic remedies that treat specific areas and types of labor and birthing pain. After baby is born, mom’s fatigue and exhaustion can be treated homeopathically as well. Even post-partum depression can be helped by homeopathic remedies. It’s always best to seek the help of your homeopath. Also, never take anything, including a homeopathic remedy, during pregnancy, or during labor, without your medical doctor’s approval, since if complications occur, you will want to be sure your doctor knows everything you have taken. Teamwork is always the best approach. 

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Update

 

One of the most effective types of treatments I have done over the past twenty plus years has been the treatment of the range of digestive problems called inflammatory bowel disorders.  The range of diagnoses’ that are treated range from colitis, IBD, Crohn’s disease, indigestion, gas, bloating, inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue.

 

I have lectured extensively to support groups and what I always emphasis is the effectiveness of this type of treatment.  I have had patiens who were unable to leave home for longer than a few hours at a time, who, after treatment had absolutely zero limitations on their travel from home.  I have had many patients state that their lives had been totally transformed with holistic treatment. 

 

Most of these patients have been living with these problems for many, many years, and had not realized there were safe, nature, and effective methods for treating their problems.  Although many patients respond to traditional Western treatment, some fail to respond to even thee strongest drugs.  In addition, there are always risk factors and sometimes side effects from the Western pharmaceutacal drugs, where natural treatments rarely have any side effects.

 

There are also causal connections between smoking, nicotine, steroidal drugs, and Ulcerative Colits and IBS.  Diet has also been shown to play a large role in the causation of IBS.  In Chinese medicine, we have our own methods for determining which dietary factos are involved in exacerbating IBS.  We use the tongue and pulse diagnosis.  According to these methods, we can determine which diet would be the best for that particular person.  Common foods which are commonly culprits in IBS and affiliated diseases are the following:  ice cream, iced drinks, raw foods, fruits, and other foods which we label as “Yin” or “Damp” in Chinese medicine. 

 

Correcting nutritional deficiencies or excesses is a major portion of the treatment goal as well.  By analyzing blood and/or hair analysis studies, we can see where the precipitating factors arise in treating IBS, Crohn’s and colitis.  Supplements which are often needed, and are deficient, include Vitamin A and Beta Carotene, DHEA, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and the essential fatty acids, including omega-3, 6 and 9.  Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Clostridia are also very helpful, and also quite deficient in people who suffer from IBS problems.  Also, we use Glutamine, Phosphatidylcholine and anti-inflammatory supplements such as Quercetin and Rutin.

 

In summary, the combined use of both Western and natural methods of treating IBS is quite effective.  Some people respond better to one then to the other types of treatments, but everyone will do well with some combination of both.  

 

Hospital Study Shows Improved Health in 70% of Patients Using Homeopathy

 

The results of a six-year study at the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital in England showed that more that 70 percent of patients with severe illness showed very positive health changes after taking homeopathic remedies prescribed by their doctor.  More than 6,500 patients participated in this study published in the Journal of Alternaitve and Complementary Meidcine (Spence, DS, et al, 2005; 11(5):793-798.)

 

Disease included eczema, asthma, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, arthritis, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  The largest improvements were seen in children.  In fact, over 89 % of children under the age of 16 with asthma reported significant improvement with homeopathic treatments.  Of this group, 75% felt either “better” or “much better”, as did 68% of eczema patients under 16 years of age.

 

Most of the patients in this study had tried conventional treatments first without any success.  This  study was reported in the BBC News, November 21, 2005 and by the British Homeopathic Association.

Here is a good link to an article on Homeopathic Research I wanted to share with you:
 http://www.homeopathic.com/hes/ebook_hfm.php  

Holistic Emergency Medicine 101 - An Introduction on What To Do To Stay Healthy

 

Arnica - don’t leave home without it;  take Arnica 6C - 3X per day for any sprain, accident, bruise, fall, etc.   After surgery to reduce swelling and promote healing.

 

Hypericum - same as Arnica but for injury to nerves, the eye, tips of fingers, elbows, or after dental work.  6C - 3X per day 

 

Aconite - at the begining of colds or flu or for physical or emotional shock or fear.   Works especially well when onset of cold is from being in cold wind the night before.

 

Nux vomica - the most well known homeopathic for digestive problems, constipation, headaches, food poisoning, diarrhea, nausea.

 

Ignatia - to be taken when you cannot sleep from bad news, emotional loss, or grief

 

Magnesium phos - for headaches, muscle cramps, menstrual cramps or spasms

 

Kali phos - low energy, nervousness, poor sleep, feeling run down, twitching, anxiety

 

Apis mel - for insect bites and stings

 

Rescue Remedy - take as directed for any trauma, physical or emotional

 

Traumeel or Arnica Ointment - use topically for any physcial trauma, ache or pain

 

Yin Chiao - Chinese herbal formula to take at the first sign of cold or flu

 

Pill Curing - Chinese herbal formula to be used for any digestive upset or travel

 

Ponay Tea - Chinese weight loss tea and energy tea to burn fat and stimulate metabolism

 

Probiotic - the “friendly” bacteria - always take one per day

 

Vitamin C - take 1,000 mg per day buffered C to keep your immune system working well

 

Theanine - an amino acid very good for anxiety and nervousness

 

5HTP - an amino acid for sleep

 

Make sure you get enough sleep, see your Medical Doctor annually for a physical check up, and blood tests and get monthly massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.  Be sure you exercise daily so you don’t build up excess tension in your body.   Women be sure to get your annual female check-ups.

 

Homeopathic Rules:

 

1.  Dont’ touch the pills.  Tap them into the cap and under the tongue

2.  Nothing in the mouth for 20 minutes before and after

3.  Try to avoid mint, and any other strong smells or flavors while you take the remedy

4.  Stop the homeopathic as soon as you are better, and never take it more than a week, without the advice of a trained homeopath

5.  Take them as directed by your homeopath or 3 pills, 3X per day.  For mild problems, just take them once per day only.  Less is better, with homepathy.

 

Also, always follow your Medical Doctor’s advice and never take any product without the advice of your Medical Doctor or other health practitioner.  Never take yourself off any medication prescribed by your doctor without his or her advice.  Try the teamwork approach to health, using a Medical Doctor, acupuncturist, homeopath, chiropractor, and massage therapist.   Also seek the advice of a spiriual advisor, when in doubt.   A teamwork approach is always best in keeping your optimal health.

 

Have a wonderful Fall Equinox and Full Moon!

 

Today, I received an email from a patient who I am treating for anxiety and depression, as well as for heart palpitations and irritable bowel syndrome.   Something she had not mentioned during my initial consultation with her was that she also had toenail fungus.  

Her email today said she had seen a podiatrist in the morning and he was wanting to have her start using a topical ointment on the toenail fungus.   She was writing to me and asking me for guidance on whether to use it or not.  

This was my response:   While I would love to be able to predict the future and say with certainty what you should do, in fact, there is no way to know to what extent the ointment will interfere or not interfere with your homeopathic treatments.   This is because the human body is very complex and complicated.   

I know many homeopaths who would not treat you homeopathically if you used any topical ointments at all.   But I am not that traditional, nor rigid in my style of homeopathic medicine.  

I always work with each patient and let them decide based on their own treatment goals. In other words, questions you must ask are:    *how bad is the fungus; *am I willing to risk that the homoepathic remedy will work less because of the use of the topical ointment?  

I suggested that she read more about homeopathy on her own so that she can answer the question herself.  In theory, if you suppress symptoms with topical ointments you won’t have the same accurate barometer of how you are really doing.   In other words, how will we know if she is getting better, if she eradicates the symptoms she has with ointments?    
I have had quite a few patients who had nail fungus.  Some of them who stayed with me long enough found that as their overall health improved, the nail fungus also went away also!   

According to theory, to use a topical ointment will drive the imbalance inside to the deeper more emotional or serious levels.  In other words, using homeopathy, we always want to push the symptoms outward, and not drive them back inwards.   Any fungus is an indication of a systemic weakness.   If it grows on you it’s because you are a suitable host, and the object is to build your immunity and to make you unsuitable for fungus to grow on you at all.   So it is just a matter of how urgent this is to you!  If this is really important, then you should use the topical ointment. 

If it’s not a big priority, than allow time to balance the system out and see how well the homeopathic treatment will work in the longer run.  You can do a search on my archives on my website for my articles on warts and moles.   I have written a few articles on that subject.  The theory is pretty much the same.  Either way, whatever you decide, I support your decision.  I do not believe there is one answer for everyone, nor that I know the right answer.  Again, the body is very complex, and the degree of interaction between natural medicine and Western medicine is not fully known.  We are only beginning to explore the compatibilities and to determine how best to integrate all types of medicine into a holistic framework.