Adam and Mark Reeves

Tribute to Vivienne Silver-Leigh

On June 14 Vivienne Silver-Leigh, our mother and regular contributor to Positive Health passed peacefully and gracefully into spirit. Vivienne meant so much to so many people, and we, as her sons, would like to share with PH readers something of her life and death.

Allan Rudolf

1997, Me and Body Therapy

What kind of a year was 1997 for me? To put it succinctly, it was a year where, thank God, there were only three hundred and sixty-five days!

Bert-Ola, My New Friend and Teacher

Werner Erhard, the founder of EST, once said that if you put a rat in a maze with cheese in the centre, the rat will keep trying various possibilities until it eventually figures out how to get the cheese; however, most human beings often will forever keep repeating patterns over and over again despite there being no cheese (a metaphor for happiness) at the end. I notice this with some clients.

Body Parts and Body Problems

Body Therapy, Ethics and Quantum Mechanics

A few months ago, I was having tea near St. James Park in London with friends who were far more knowledgeable about the politics of body therapy and alternative medicine. I'm certainly not naive about such matters but I was surprised at the extent of infighting, backbiting and name calling.

Bodywork and Baking Bread

I have a good friend named Donna (not her true name) who started studying body therapies about twenty years ago. The first therapy she learnt was a form of structural bodywork, an offshoot of Rolfing. She was a very serious student taking copious notes all the time.

Creating Creativity in Body Therapy

I've been involved in body therapy for about twenty-five years and although I have studied many systems and styles of body therapy my main practice has always been Rolfing. Being a Rolfer, doing the same thing for so long, can get boring. I place a high priority on keeping my work interesting to me. I have seen too many therapists suffer burn-out to ignore this issue; I find that when I start getting bored I start getting depressed.

Eulogy for a Book

Every once in a while I come across a book which is relatively unknown, possibly out of print, and which has an important influence on my bodywork practise.

For Back Pain Look to the Front of the Body Too

Bodyworkers can divide their clients loosely into two (not necessarily exclusive) groups. There are clients who want to relieve general stress and be more relaxed. And there are clients who are in pain. By far the most common type of pain is back pain. Moreover, it is the most common cause of worker absenteeism in industrial societies. You can make a difference as a bodyworker by being able to work more effectively on back pain.

Learning from the Masters

Allan studied with many of the originators and founders of bodywork systems. Among them was Ida Rolf, Moshe Feldenkrais and Lauren Berry. In this article he talks about some of their (surprising) life-styles.

Million Dollar Health Secrets – Standing Meditation

In my twenty-five years as a body therapist I have come across the words "million dollar health secret" three times. The term denotes a simple technique or practice which can easily make a major difference in a person's health.

My China Experience (Part One)

The question mark after 'Part One' is not a printer's error. It is there because the experience hasn't really been crystallised fully in me yet; it is still evolving.

My China Experience (Part Two)

My China story continues (see Positive Health January/ February 1997 for Part One). Let me recap very briefly before continuing. I went to China last year for a month to immerse myself in Taiji. My purpose in going was to learn Taiji in a concentrated way from a genuine master.

Psychotherapy and Bodywork

This month's column will be a special one, written by me and a friend and colleague who works in the related field of psychotherapy – Dr Sheldon Litt. Dr Litt trained with the founder of Gestalt Therapy, Dr Fritz Perls, and is the author of Humanistic Psychology and Gestalt Therapy (in Swedish). He is in private practice and offers seminars. This article discusses the crucial relationship between Dr Litt's work – the field of psychology – and mine – bodywork.

Reading and Misreading the Body

Therapists, whether they focus on the physical mental or spiritual can only be readily certain about the physical aspects of their clients; the body never lies.

Reading and Misreading the Body (part 2)

In my previous column I suggested there are too many pitfalls (at least for me) to make informed judgements about a client's psychological condition or spiritual state from their physical structure and I also pointed out that, in all likelihood, this type of body-reading will often lead to mistaken interpretations.

Remembering Dr Rolf

May 1996 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr Ida P Rolf, one of the leading contributors to body therapy in the 20th century, who was born in May 1896. Although Dr Rolf had a European demeanor about her, she was actually born in New York City.

Some myths about practice building

For most adults, their single most time-consuming activity is work. Yet unfortunately very few people find full satisfaction in theirs. I believe lack of satisfaction in work is a major problem in our society.

The Anatomy and Physiology of Sex, a Eulogy and other matters

What do sex and pain have in common? Each person can answer this in their own way; there are lots of possibilities. For me, they are both subjects on which so much has been written and so little known.

The neglect of the body in psychotherapy

This month's column continues on a theme discussed in a previous issue – the interactive aspects of Bodywork and Psychology.

Angela Hicks

Show Me Your Tongue

This column focuses on the importance of the tongue as a diagnostic tool for signs of disease even before symptoms manifest. It is one of the few places where Chinese Medicine practitioners can see the state of their patients’ internal organs.

Ann Crowther

Putting Your Back into IT

This column focuses on correct posture and the ‘forward head’ problem which the author describes as the 21st century posture phenomena, due to the inordinate amount of time spent at the desk and on computer screens. To prevent this phenomena, she advises getting to grips with our core stability, the deep abdominal muscles that are crucial when practising Pilates techniques for one.

Pycnogenol – Nature’s Most Powerful Antioxidant

This column discusses free radicals and the super antioxidant Pycnogenol, a natural extract from the bark of French maritime pine trees, which is scientifically proven to have a profoundly important effect on one’s health.

Q10 – The Provider of Life

This column focuses on Ubiquinone Q10, a naturally occurring substance and a necessary part of the cells’ energy metabolism, without which the cells cannot produce the energy that is needed for the multitude of activities that take place within the body.

The Feel Good Factor

The author points out the prevalence of environmental toxins. In the seas and oceans there are high levels of man-made toxins in the waters, and in the plant and animal life – seaweeds, fish, shellfish. Atmospheric pollution generated by industry is absorbed by rain, which then enters the food-chain of plants and animals and thence to humans. We are directly affected by toxins such as toluene, found in everything from nail varnish to building materials and common household materials: paints, polishes, carpets etc.

Toxic Teeth

In this column on dental health, the author explains why many of us, in spite of using water filters, air cleaners, eating organically grown produce and taking herbal and alternative health products, still walk around with what is considered to be a toxic time bomb in our mouths. She blames this on silver amalgam fillings and looks at how they affect our teeth and health in general.

Use It or Lose It

This article discusses the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, how they are designed to work as a complete unit and the benefits of Pilates on these muscles. According to the author Pilates not only gives a great body but also leads to substantially heightened sexual pleasure through a combination of exercises and a better acquaintance with the 'pubococcygeus' muscles.

Anne McIntyre

Amalaki: The Amazine Indian Gooseberry Emblica officinalis/Phyllanthus emblica

Anne McIntyre looks closer at the healing properties of Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry. It is an Ayurvedic herb and is known as one of the best rejuvenative tonics in Ayurvedic medicine. She looks at the main constitutes of the herb as well as talking about some of the conditions it can help to treat such as: lowering cholesterol and acting as an anti-inflammatory, laxative and diuretic. From an Ayurvedic perspective it can enhance immunity, energy, fertility and is balancing to all three doshas.

An Ayurvedic Approach to the Treatment of Eczema

This column focuses on Ayurvedic and dietary treatment for skin problems, such as eczema, a condition which the author broadly categorizes into three types (doshas) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  She also explains how the condition of the skin is affected by each of these doshas, and recommends some general as well as specific treatments for each type.

Are There Herbs for Low Self Esteem?

In this Expert Column, McIntyre recognizes that while low self esteem is not a disease, it can be incredibly crippling. She asks the rhetorical question as to whether herbs can help boost our confidence and turns to the Indian system of Ayurveda for the answer.

Ashwagandha: Winter Cherry – Withania Somnifera

Ashwaganda, sometimes called Indian Ginseng, is a herb native to India, North Africa and the Middle East, and is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. In India it is renowned for its rejuvenating properties, promoting energy and vitality in cases of weakness and debility, and prescribed for many problems associated with old age.

Cardamom: Elettaria Cardamomum

Regular contributor Anne McIntyre looks at cardamom. Cardamom pods have long been esteemed for their ability to lift the spirits, reduce pain, restore vitality and induce a calm, meditative state of mind. The author notes that she has observed that they are highly effective as an antispasmodic. They also have a fragrant flavour and aroma.

Gotu Cola: The Amazing Brain Tonic

This article focuses on Gotu cola (Centella asiatical/Hydrocotyle), a well-known Ayurvedic herb that's gaining popularity among Western herbalist as a brain tonic. In addition to being an excellent nerve tonic with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, it is a good cardio-tonic, immune stimulant, febrifuge, alterative, diuretic, anthelmintic, vulnerary, and rejuvenating. It enhances wisdom and intelligence and is especially useful for children with learning difficulties and mental problems. It also helps with concentration and improves memory.

Herbal Help for PMS

Anne McIntyre begins by highlighting that the menstrual cycle is a reflection of the other cyclical changes of the earth. The delicate hormone balance can have profound effects on women – 70-90% of menstruating women suffer from PMS and 30-40% of these have symptoms so severe they interfere with their normal lives.

Herbal Support for Stress

The dynamics of the mind-body relationship are explored here in terms of the ability of negative thoughts and feelings to result in physical illness, and vice versa with physical symptoms influencing the way we think and feel. The author refers to a large Finnish study of 22,461 men which suggests that dissatisfaction has an adverse effect on the health of men and shortens their life expectancy. "Happiness" she infers "does indeed seem to promote health!"

Herbs for Mother and Baby

Anne McIntyre describes how breast milk can be regulated through Ayurvedic principles of medicine and how this can improve the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Ayurveda views our health in the light of three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If these become imbalanced in the mother due to poor diet, environmental, climatic or psychological factors, it will affect the quality of her breast milk and thus the baby.

Keep Cool With Coriander

In this month’s column, Anne McIntyre extols the therapeutic properties of coriander. First mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating back 7000 years, and a favourite of the ancient Egyptians, coriander leaf is used for balancing the flavour of hot spicy dishes in the cuisines of India, Morocco, Mexico and Africa, amongst others.

Preparing for the cold season

As the autumn weather sets in, people are more likely to succumb to cold and flu viruses. Although the immune system can become compromised by certain lifestyle factors and health problems, low digestive energy can also lower our resistance. It is therefore important to improve digestion and assimilation and to detoxify the system.

Rasayana: The Ayurvedic Path to Rejuvenation

This column focuses on the ancient science of rejuvenation known as Rasayana, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda.

The Therapeutic Value of Sesame Oil

The properties of sesame oil has been recognized for thousands of years and is particularly popular in India, used in oil massage and also as an important aspect of Ayurveda. The seeds have long been used to make tahini and halva, both believed to increase strength, vitality, longevity and youthfulness. Those who use sesame oil regularly today also report benefits in terms of increased energy and rejuvenation.

The Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The author of this article has practised as a medical herbalist for twenty years, and ten years ago became interested in Ayurvedic medicine as a useful adjunct to her herbal therapy treatments.

Treating Behavioural Problems in Children

Treating behavioural problems in children often means having to cope with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both are noted by restlessness, distraction, sleeplessness, tantrums, disruptive behaviour on the part of the child at an unacceptable level. Causes have been said to be food sensitivities, fatty acid deficiencies, food additives and too much refined sugar.

Treating Sleep Problems with Herbs

In this article, the author focuses on herbal remedies for insomnia, which has its origin in many different problems of both mind and body and predisposes us to further health problems. Although insomnia is caused largely by stress and tension, she says there are other contributing factors like menopause, allergies, hypoglycaemia, nutritional deficiencies, overwork, overtiredness, physical problems such as pain, skin rashes, heat and cold, acute infections, coughs, headaches, digestive problems, asthma or catarrh causing difficulty breathing. According to Ayurveda, sleep problems can also be caused by disturbance of one of the doshas, particularly Vata.

Turmeric – An Amazing Healer

Often regarded simply as a spice for flavouring and colouring curry, Anne McIntyre highlights the vast number of therapeutic properties attributed to turmeric. Usually obtained in powder form, its properties have long been recognized in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and has been found to possess antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing qualities.

Women and Herbs – The Art of Artemis

In this column the author touches on the various myths and legends behind the relationship between women and the moon and their connection to fertility and the Greek goddess Artemis, before taking us on an herbal journey from cradle to paradise with herbs that aid children and women through their various cycles.

Anthony Aurelius

Life Balance

The author asks: “Where are you in your life? ...  Are you feeling something is missing? … Or are you feeling excited, satisfied or balanced?” Then he explains that to feel fulfilled we need a feeling of wholeness in all areas of importance to us: health, wealth, relationships. And that Life Coaching is the way to bring out the best in people who want to achieve more in their lives. He stresses that Life Coaching isn’t counselling or therapy, but a series of procedures including simple exercises under the guidance of a trained coach.

Life Coaching for Emotional Health

In this article Anthony Aurelius discusses the benefit of Life Coaching on our emotional and mental health. He argues that many of our problems stem from the fact that we are not reaching our full potential in some aspect of our lives. The job of a professional life coach is to help us identify these areas and give us the skills and confidence to make the necessary changes.

Attilio D'Alberto

Eating Right for Your Climate

This column looks into the Diet Therapy offered by Chinese Medicine practitioners.

The Withering of Yin: A Mid-Life Crisis

In this column the author explains how Yin and Yang energy work in our daily lives – from diet, sleep and emotions to sex and our environment  – and how we can benefit for understanding these ancient Chinese concepts.

Weight Loss Using Chinese Medicine

This article focuses on how Chinese remedies and therapies, such as Herbal medicine and Acupuncture help with weight loss, and offers some advice on diet and exercises such as fast walking or Tai Chi to burn off calories and raise energy levels.

Barbara Payne

Appreciating Spring-Time and Its Uplifting Attributes

Spring is the time when we all can benefit from longer and lighter days, bird song, warmer temperatures.  Even in the city, we see flowering trees and shrubs in public areas.  If we have our own garden, our feelings are intensified, because it is our ‘territory’.  Even in densely populated areas, we can see squirrels, frogs, hedgehogs and the odd fox.

Are You Ready to Spring Forward?

Regular columnist and aromatherapist Barbara Payne reminds us that Spring is the time of year to nurture our integument system – the skin, nails and hair – which we have probably overlooked due to the extra clothing, harsh winds and cold, and central heating of winter. She gives us recommendations for natural remedies we can make to feed, heal and nurture our integument system at the winter’s end.

Aromatherapy and Flower Posies – Two Healing Supports

Holistic aromatherapist, Barbara Payne, highlights how aromatherapy and flower posies can be used as healing aids during the busy ‘spring fever’ time of year, when we become particularly susceptible to aches and pains.

Autumn Gold to Winter Silver –

Aromatherapist Barbara Payne looks at the uplifting and reviving essential oils that reflect the vibrancy of the autumn season and which can help to ward off viruses.

Blossom Oils For Blooming Summer

With summer almost upon us, the author focuses on sweet summer fragrances such as rose blooms in the garden and aromatherapy oils. She says that through the sense of smell we can achieve a more relaxed and positive life by environmental fragrancing and making our own products to enhance a feeling of well-being.

Early Spring – Give Yourself The 'Gift' Of An Hour

Barbara Payne, a PH Expert Regular Columnist, encourages us to take just an hour of our time and use it in the garden. At this time of the year, she tells us, you can catch a glimpse of birds building their homes, early flowers bursting with colour and the beautiful fragrance of herbs.

Enjoy Winter With Plants and Aromatherapy

This column looks at plants and essential oils that help to dispel stress and create positive feelings.

Fennel, the Roman Candle of Autumn

Fennel is a fernlike hardy perennial that grows well in UK gardens from early spring to late autumn. It has been known about for centuries. Roman soldiers used to carry its seeds to nibble as a digestive and mild appetite suppressant when they needed to press on and had too little time to eat properly. As recently as the nineteenth century, its use as a cure for eye problems was celebrated by the American poet Longfellow, of Hiawatha fame:

Full of the Joys of spring

Barbara Payne discusses the value of Rosemary as one of the joys of spring. It makes one feel mentally and physically on top of the world. As an evergreen it remains unchanged throughout the year. Its flowers range from white, to pink to light or dark blue depending on the species. Rosemary is easy to grow either by seed or propagation.

Gift Ideas

Regular columnist Barbara Payne says that the days of November and December are ideal for making gifts from your garden and your stock of essential oils and herbs. She presents three ideas for such gifts.

Herbal Beauties in Late Summer

In this column the author shares tips on how to keep gardens looking pretty, with Aromatherapy Fragrances, in a shabby-chic kind of way in the late summer, a season when most people find their gardens looking quite worn.

Herbal Essential Oils For Winter Cheer

Barbara Payne shares her love for nature by growing herbs and organising botany sessions in her garden. Now with winter fast approaching, and forced to spend more time indoors, she suggests some fragrant ways to keep warm and stay cheerful.

High Summer – A Time to Recoup and Restore

Although we all look forward to warm summer days, we can various problems associated with the summer season. Aromatherapist Barbara Payne outlines some useful coping strategies to make life more enjoyable in the heat:

Lavender – Summer's Precious Jewel

Regular contributor, Barbara Payne, explores the benefits and uses of lavender. Lavender has been celebrated for thousands of years by various civilisations. There are different species and colours, all with a strong floral aroma, and it is easy to grow. Lavender is used medicinally, cosmetically, culinarily and aesthetically, either fresh, dried or as an oil.

Lazy Days of Summer

This column focuses on the extra little things one can do to make life more enjoyable in summer, with flowers, herbs and gardens.

Reaping the Bounties of Autumn

In this Expert Column the author offers some comforting solutions from garden blooms of fruits and herbs to please the senses as the days get shorter and cooler.

Spring – A Time of Regeneration and Rebirth

This article provides a stimulus for initiating change in our lives. Just as we nourish seeds and young plants in spring, we all need to learn how to nourish ourselves, regenerate our reserves, encourage restoration, and nurture inner peace.

Summer – And Its Aromatic Bounties

Barbara Payne describes the many different ways we can enjoy aromatic summer herbs, fruits and flowers, not simply by inhaling their beautiful aromas as they grow in our gardens or lighting scented candles, but by a variety of innovative ideas for foods, drinks, lotions and sprays to keep us feeling relaxed, refreshed and serene.

The Pleasant Pastime of Growing Herbs

Barbara Payne describes how herbs are low maintenance, beautiful and useful and can be taken as remedies for simple things like upset stomach (in the form of peppermint tea) and headaches (in the form of lemon balm tea).

The Recuperative Power of Plants

This column looks at the recuperative power of plants damaged by floods in the author’s Aromatherapy Fragrance Garden.

Use The Dark Days To Lighten Up

Barbara Payne points out how outside influences and emotional ups and downs create chemical changes within, which in turn affect the way we feel and ultimately define our health status. We are really affected by the seasons especially the shortened dark days of December.

Beata Bishop

A Glimpse of the Psyche: It's All Too Easy

The author takes a stab at the commercial world's key word "easy" to advertise products from bestselling books (easy to read), garments in fashion catalogues (easy to wear) and latest make-up (easy to apply to internet purchases (easy to order) and gourmet meals (easy to produce by just removing the packaging and popping it into the microwave).

Back to Reality

Beata Bishop draws on her experiences as a psychotherapist, and highlights the fact that an increasingly common factor behind client's anxieties and problems is a sense of isolation and collective loneliness.

Beware – Dictators at Work

Beata Bishop uncovers some of the hidden dictators of today – not recognizable tyrants such as Attila the Hun and Hitler, whose power was limited geographically, by the passing of time and by mere mortality, but much more subtle, faceless, and global dictators – multinational corporations which may attempt to influence the medical profession, governments and medical journals.

Build Your Own Bridge

Beata Bishop uses two powerful examples to demonstrate how we all need to establish our autonomy and ensure that we march to our own drumbeat rather than being overwhelmed by the influence of role models such as parents, teachers or partners.

Clobbering The Symptom

Beata Bishop takes a look at how people who suffer from depression are treated by doctors. She talks about the way in which few doctors attempt to uncover the cause of the problem instead choosing to cover it up by prescribing anti-depressants. The author tells us that there is a way to break free of depression that is more cost effective than the current method – human contact.

Faith – Does it Work?

Beata Bishop investigates the role of faith in self-healing. Though we live in an age of 'miracle' drugs, researchers into Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) have found that positive thinking, confidence, hope and trust trigger biochemical processes, which reinforce the immune system, and thus the chances of recovery.

From Trance to Truth

Beata Bishop is a psychotherapist who has to treat many patients who are suffering from wakeup calls in the form of unexpected redundancy, relationship break-ups, serious illnesses, financial loss and other events that appear cataclysmic.  She says “They need to be woken up gently and eased out gradually from their light trance.  “But” she goes on “in order to live consciously, we needn’t wait for a rude awakening.  It’s far better to prevent it.

Fuelled by Passion

This feature addresses the issue of our lack of energy which can lead to a lack of action, lethargy and general disinterest. The author talks about some of the great talents of this world and links their longevity to the fact that they had a passion – Picasso, who lived to 92; Mother Theresa, who died at the age of 87; and Pablo Casals, the great cellist and conductor, who reached the age of 97.

Half Full or Half Empty?

The author looks into the psyche of people, and how they create the world they live in. Having worked with a variety of clients over the years, she says she has noticed how some of them had built themselves a virtual fortress of negativity, resentment and general gloom, and also how reluctant they were to move out of it.

Hamstrung by Habit

Beata Bishop gives us examples of how people become fixed in rigid habit patterns. She says the key words to listen out for are 'always' and 'never'. People who say they always do something or never do it and creating their own form of bondage.

Healing with Laughter

This Column gets into laughter and its power to heal. Humans are probably the only creatures for whom laughter is the greatest and most necessary free spice of life, says the author. So is a sense of humour in its many varieties; some of them universal, others only comprehensible to a limited public.

Hunting the CatEx

The author of this short article, a psychotherapist who works along Jungian and transpersonal lines, gives a brief insight into the causes and negative effects of CatEx, or catastrophic expectation. This is a self-sabotaging attitude in which negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies, as the majority of transmitted and received non-verbal communications are of the CatEx variety and lead to negative responses and a great deal of anxiety and distress.

In Praise of Curiosity

Curiosity:  from Latin curiosus. meaning inquisitive or assiduous.  It is a great gift of mankind, driving creativity and inventiveness, art and science.  “What if....”, leading us to try out new possibilities.

In Praise of Risk

According to the author, risk-taking is part of the inner journey and a life without risks lacks colour, zest, adventure and eventually results in an overdose of boredom. Without risks there is no growth, no development. A life without risks can also make us scared of change.

Junk is the Enemy

Regular contributor Beta Bishop discusses the hanging-on versus letting-go conflict, which operates powerfully over all age groups and can cause real problems. She says our personal possessions, once desired and useful but now redundant can be describes as 'junk'. We have an instinct to hold onto this junk, which ends up taking up all the spare space in our homes, because it gives us a tangible proof of our past.

Looking for a Fix

It's possible to get addicted to anything, not only alcohol, drugs, tobacco. A middle-aged man is reported to have got hooked on cough remedy. The author saw a woman popping throat lozenges at an alarming rate – two boxfuls on a short train journey.

Lost for Words

The author was inspired to write this column after reading a small news item on how many parents don’t talk to their young children at all, and as a result these kids are barely able to speak when they first start school.

The Either-Or Fallacy

Beata Bishop draws on her own experiences of dealing with cancer 20 years ago to explain the dangers of ‘either-or’ thinking in one’s approach to healing.

The Hamster on the Wheel

Beata Bishop uses the image of a hamster on a wheel, climbing endlessly and getting nowhere, to symbolize the pitfalls of circular thinking.

The Uses of Silence

Beata Bishop points out that noise has become an increasing part of today’s society, particularly for young people; silence is scary and needs to be filled. Yet this silence is essential if we want to listen to and communicate with our inner selves and get in touch with our bodies, which are sending us message that we often do not hear.

Trapped by Assumptions

This column focuses on the Assumption Trap, a powerful fallacy that makes us reach cast-iron conclusions about a person or situation, without testing what the reality might be.

Who, Me?

Beata Bishop highlights a major theme in today’s world – the blame culture, and from her own observations of society and in her psychotherapy practice she illustrates how blaming has become a common coping mechanism.

Brian Isbell

Does Naturopathy have a place in Integrated Medicine?

In the Integrated Medicine column this month Dr Isbell looks at Naturopathy and what role it might have in the integration of complementary and conventional medicine.

Integrating Complementary Therapies into Mainstream Education

Over the past decade approximately ten universities in the UK have become involved in developing degree courses in complementary therapies.

The Importance of Professional Organizations in Integrated Medicine

For as long as there have been complementary therapists, there have been organisations formed by individuals or groups to promote that therapy. Frequently, early professional organisations were highly conservative and did little to bring together those practising a particular therapy, and little to promote educational and training standards.

Why develop degrees in Complementary Therapies?

By September 1998 at least ten Universities in the UK were enrolling students in degrees on Complementary Therapies. Some of the universities were offering places on up to six different courses. Most of the courses are in the more established therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, acupuncture and homeopathy.

Carole Preen

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Is It Really Necessary?

The author looks into the importance of personal growth and development for alternative / complementary therapists / practitioners, and questions whether this Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as she refers to it, is really necessary.

More on Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy (NSRT)

This is a follow-up to a recent expert column in Positive Health where Carole Preen discussed neuroskeletal re-alignment therapy (NSRT) and cited some case studies. In this article she expands on the treatment of postural damage in osteoporosis, spondyloliesthesis, strokes and brain injury and refers to the role of Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger Point Therapy.

Neuro-Skeletal Realignment Therapy

Carole Preen describes the benefits of Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy. Having been a massage practitioner for many years, she was searching for an effective way of managing patients' back pain. She eventually trained in the therapy whilst in Australia. It is a very gentle non-invasive therapy, which can treat any musculo-skeletal/neurological condition. It can re-align muscle, tendon, ligament and bone through the central nervous system and can be used on people of all ages. She commonly helps conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, babies who have difficulty settling to sleep and even the joint problems of dogs.

Neuroskeletal Alignment Case Studies

This column focuses on the effectiveness of Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy through four case studies, conducted by some graduates at Morely College.

Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy (BSRT) Case Studies Revolutionizing the Treatment of Back Pain

This article is a set of case studies by the author’s students of Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy at Morley College in London, and the Kevala Centre.

Neuroskeletal Re-Alignment Therapy (NSRT) and Neck Pathology

This column focuses on Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy, which can be used for a wide range of back, neck and joint problems. The therapy works through the Central Nervous and Meridian systems to help the body gently back into balance without the need for any forced manipulation.

Neuroskeletal Realignment Therapy for Stroke

This column focuses on Neuroskeletal Realignment Therapy treatment for strokes.

Regulation of Group 2 Complementary Therapies

Carol Preen tackles the regulation of three Group 2 therapies which she practises, Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology, and how they will affect the business of these therapists. She contacted the Aromatherapy Consortium (AC), The General Council for Massage Therapy (GCMT) and The Reflexology Forum (RF), and provides an overview of their current position and progress below:

Using Remedial Massage with Neuroskeletal Re-Alignment Therapy

As a massage therapist the author got into Neuroskeletal Re-Alignment Therapy (NSRT) in 1997 (a technique which she has written about in an earlier issue of PH) because she found regular massage did not help clients with their back problems, joint pains, etc. With NSRT she can treat the muscles and get the body back into complete balance.

Voluntary Self-regulation of Complementary Therapies

This article discusses the issue of multi-disciplinary establishments that have sprung up over the past few years to cater to the concerns of multi-disciplinary therapists about having to register with several different regulatory bodies.

Caroline Barrow

Bodywork: The Relevance of Subclavius

This article touches on the importance of small muscles in the body such as the pectoralis minor, sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, etc., and focuses on the subclavius, a small, long, triangular muscle that sits under the clavicle and in the front of the first rib arising mainly from the cartilage of the first rib.

The Relevance of Piriformis

This Expert Column is a must read for anyone involved in treating people with lower back pain, leg pain and sciatica. Caroline discusses the possibility that these problems may be connected to the piriformis muscle, and tells us that it is not that uncommon for this to be the case.

The Relevance of the Diaphragm

This column focuses on the anatomical diaphragm in relation to its respiratory function.

The Relevance of the Viscera

This column focuses on the connection between musculoskeletal issues and our internal organs and the discovery made by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral when exploring the anatomy of these viscera to see how relevant they were.

The Relevance of the… Sympathetic Nervous System

This column looks at the body’s Sympathetic Nervous System, how it affects us and how this particular range of nerves gets around the body.

The Relevance of … Ribs

This column focuses on the relevance of our ribs and the small joints associated with them, including their function and interplay with other organs in the body, namely the lungs and breathing.

The Relevance of….The Parasympathetic Nervous System

This column follows on from an earlier column (in Issue 142 of PH - December 2007) by the author on the Relevance of the Sympathetic Nervous System.

The Relevence of… the Diaphragm

Wander-Full, Wonder-Filled Thinking

The author starts enthusiastically by discussing the different passions that people have from golf and fishing to crochet and knitting. Yet, how often does one take time to think about what they do as a Practitioner? She says that some therapies rely on the thinking process together with listening and application of knowledge; such as Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Chiropractric and Homeopathy. Others require a more intuitive process once learned. Either way, Caroline maintains that however practitioners treat a patient there are always new ways to look at how the patient responds in the way they do; and what is going on in mind-body-spirit.

Clare Maxwell-Hudson

Facing It

Regular columnist Clare Maxwell-Hudson examines how face massage can be a powerful tool and that there is more to it than beauty. Applying sensitive touch to the face can overcome resistance towards relaxation during a body massage.

Nothing New Under The Sun

Dr James Mennel, Head of the Department of Massage at St Thomas’ Hospital (London) early in the last century, first brought out his book on massage in 1934. In this, her first column for Positive Health entitled ‘A Licence to Touch’, Clare Maxwell-Hudson, who runs her own massage school and is an acclaimed writer on massage, compares Mennel’s general rules of massage with the qualities that she has noticed amongst her own most successful students.

The Power Of Voluntary Work

Regular contributor Clare Maxwell-Hudson shows how voluntary work has been a valuable part of societies all over the world. A large study in Michigan found that those who did voluntary work had death rates two and a half times lower than those who did not.

David Malin

Accessing All 12 of Our Chakras

This column focuses on the chakra system, as a lens for understanding our times and current human condition. The author shares his observations on the profound changes in the very nature of this chakra system, which has seen an expansion from seven to 12, and how rapidly all this has been accelerating.

Global Changes

Planetary changes in the past several decades have become quite profound. In fact, it is very difficult to be human and not be aware of such changes anymore.

Virtue of the Heart

This column looks at what our world honours and values in this day and age and questions why, unlike mental intelligence, physical intelligence, spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence is far less recognized or understood and why so many people struggle with matters of the heart.

David Taylor

A Fishy Tale and a Drop of Oil

As more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of diet and are sampling the plethora of supplements available in order to improve their health, David Taylor stresses the importance of dietary considerations in the prevention of illness, particularly during pregnancy, to ensure the good health and development of the newborn infant.

Are All Fish Oils Equal? – Part I

In this first in a series of articles on fish oils, the author focuses on Omega 3 and what to look for when buying this oil.

Breath Testing for Development Disorders?

Regular contributor David Taylor discusses dyspraxia, a childhood neuro-developmental disorder that is thought by some to affect around 5% of the population. The disorder is characterized by poor motor co-ordination. Some of the clinical signs in infancy include, hyperactivity, sleep problems, repetitive behaviour and colic. Later problems include concentration problems, language difficulties and digestive problems. The cause is unknown, but some of the symptoms may be the result of fatty acid deficiencies.

Learning Disabilities and Fatty Acids

The link between fatty acids and learning is currently generating considerable media interest as the result of a study recently completed in Durham. This is the first trial of its kind and involves administering a high-EPA marine oil and some evening primrose oil to a group of dyspraxic schoolchildren. This article looks at the evidence backing the trial and considers the preliminary findings.

Omega-6 Is Good for the Skin

Omega-3 fatty acids are constantly in the news. Omega-6 fatty acids are equally important according to David Taylor in keeping us healthy. The key one is linoleic acid (LA), the precursor of all other omega-6s, called essential because the body can't manufacture it so an outside source is essential. Good sources are nuts, sesame and sunflower seed and most cooking oils.

Preventing Prostate Cancer Through Diet

Prostate gland problems affects 30% of men aged 20-40, 50% of men by 60, rising to 80% by 80, and prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men in the UK. Author David Taylor points out that prostate health should be a top priority for all men and that prevention is better than cure. Extensive evidence exists for the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This article provides men with top tips for a healthy prostate.

Prevention or Cure: Are all Fish Oils Equal? Part II

In the second part of David Taylor's Expert Column about fish oils, he looks at how we should take fish oils, whether they contain any contaminants and finally how well they work.

Prevention or Cure: What's the Problem with Milk?

The author looks at milk and why, like other white dietary products – salt, sugar, white flour, white rice, and white pasta – it should be excluded from our diet. He explains that current research has linked Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), found in milk, to prostate cancer, pre-menopausal breast cancer and colon cancer, despite arguments that the increased risks of contracting these cancers may be programmed from early life. Authors like Professor Jane Plant, however, argue that all dairy should be cut from the diet entirely.

Tom's Story

In this case study David Taylor discusses Irlen (Scotopic Sensitivity) Syndrome and the effect it had on one particular child. Irlen Syndrome is complex condition, which often coexists with other learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysphasia or hyperactivity.

Dorothy Rowe

A Balanced Life

Regular contributor Dorothy Rowe describes her experience of the Alexander Technique, having received her first Alexander lesson from her friend, Jeannie MacLean, an experienced teacher.

Being Listened To

Dr Dorothy Rowe looks at how the elderly and mentally ill are looked upon by would-be helpers and family members. She writes of her own experience of growing old. Although she feels she is the same person she has always been, she observes how those around her change their view of her and her abilities as she grows old.

Escaping the Prison of Depression

Dorothy Rowe, researcher and prolific author about depression for 35 years, writes in her column that many people who are depressed present images of being trapped and alone when asked, "if you could paint a picture of what you're feeling, what would you paint?". Depression presents a barrier between an individual and the rest of the world.

Extreme Ideas

This article looks into extreme beliefs, which the author says allows no exceptions, no matter what the circumstances. They never reflect reality and always lead to suffering. Our fantasies about our future life always go to extremes.

Identity and Immunity

The author identifies that stressful situations like moving house or exams make one more likely to pick up every flu bug or cold. Research undertaken into the efficient functioning of the immune system indicated that a bereavement or period of depression can result in illness.

Our Best Drug

This article points up the difference between old and new methods of psychiatric drug research. Most important is the way new methods emphasize the importance of placebos, following their success in clinical trials, taking into account the status of the prescriber, the method of drug delivery, even colour of the pill. So a consultant is more likely to be believed than a nurse, an i/m injection of placebo is more effective than a placebo pill and a pinky red pill works better than a blue one.

The Myth of Chemical Imbalance

Dorothy Rowe discusses the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) report on the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs (SSRIs such as Seroxat and Prozac), published last December, in which MHRA advised these drugs not be prescribed in cases of mild depression or anxiety, but seemed to have ignored what is, in fact, the greatest problem with these drugs.

Understanding Ourselves: Do You Deserve a Treat?

Fancy a cream cake? Could you buy one without feeling guilty? Should you have to establish first whether you deserve one? In this article, Dorothy Rowe relates our shiver of guilt at feeling undeserving and the Freudian concept of Ego, Superego and Id. Just as she draws a line back to childhood resentment at being told what to do, so she regards Freud's patients as children in whom the childlike Id is battling with the parent-like Superego while the poor Ego fails to control the other two.

What We Fear The Most

Clinical psychologist Dorothy Rowe, well known for her work on depression and her many books on the subject, explores our fears about ill health and dying.

Dr Angela Jones

A Barn Door Case

In her column this month Dr Jones looks at a case that was uncannily typical of the remedy that she needed.

A Case for Tarentula hispanica

GP and homeopath, Dr Angela Jones, looks closely here at the case of one of her patients whose serious mental condition was finally brought under control by the medicine, Tarentula hispanica. This medicine is made up of the venom of a poisonous spider whose bite causes delirium in its victims.

A Case of Apis mellifica

I would like to share a recent case which came to me a few months ago and which has proceeded elegantly and fascinatingly so far. It concerns a charming self-employed bodywork therapist by the name of Esther. She had been diagnosed as suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in May 1996, having had problems of pain and intermittent swelling and stiffness of the left index finger for many years.

A Case of Bloody Diarrhoea Responds to Homoeopathy

Adam was in dire straits when he came to see me. He had been suffering from diarrhoea for nine months and was getting nowhere with conventional therapy.

A Case of Complete Exhaustion

As a general practitioner, I frequently have patients whose chief complaint is that they are tired all the time. As you can perhaps imagine, it is a symptom to strike horror into the heart of any busy GP, who instantly knows that this will not be a quick consultation.

A Mercurial Cure for Colitis

Joan had suffered from ulcerative colitis for sixteen years when she came to see me. This particularly nasty bowel disease causes heavily blood-laden diarrhoea and can necessitate total removal of the large bowel in severe cases. It can even be fatal as it can be complicated by perforation of the colon and peritonitis.

A Subtle Cuttlefish Case

The name Eira means "snow" in Welsh. The brunette in front of me in my consulting room explained that she had had white hair as a baby, hence the appellation, which had subsequently become less appropriate as her hair transmuted to its present colour during childhood. The problem which she presented with was one of troublesome urinary frequency and urgency.

A Toxic Cure for Fibromyalgia

This article presents a case study of a nurse who, in addition to degenerative arthritis of the spine as a result of a back injury which was being treated with pain management techniques, developed a persistent chest infection, leg cramps, food poisoning symptoms such as acute diarrhoea at night, subsequently diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sweats, burning indigestion, and burning and tingling in all the muscles of her body. The latter was diagnosed as fibromyalgia, and was alleviated by the application of heat. In addition, she suffered a general malaise and terrible bouts of restlessness.

A Tricky Case of Eczema – or 'If at First You Don't Succeed...'

Homeopath Angela Jones describes the treatment of a case of childhood eczema that proved to be particularly challenging.

Ailments from Grief

One of the great strengths of homeopathy as a therapeutic tool is that it is ideally suited to the treatment of problems which cannot be given a medical diagnosis.

An Homeopathic Footnote

Tim is forty eight years of age and a successful businessman. He set up his own financial advice service ten years ago after being made redundant from his previous employment in insurance. He now employs thirty people and business is booming.

An Unusual Case

This case, though not stunningly exciting, is none the less an important demonstration of how homeopathic treatment sometimes has to progress. One cannot always find THE REMEDY straight away for a patient, particularly in adults with chronic disease. Instead the prescription of a remedy at a medium potency for the symptoms that are surfacing at the time allows the case to unfold so that, slowly but surely, progress can be made.

Another Case of Depression

It is interesting to ponder on the statistics regarding depressive illness. 20 to 30% of the population are thought to suffer from symptoms of depression in the course of one year. Most cases are mild but one person in 20 will be moderately or even severely depressed. However, only one in five of the severely depressed will seek medical help and indeed, doctors often "miss" the diagnosis in patients consulting for other problems.

Another Childhood Eczema Case

Childhood eczema is an aggravating skin condition involving itching, bleeding and scratching, which is usually only controlled rather than cured with conventional treatments such as antibiotics and steroids.

Another Headache Solved by Homeopathy

Darren has migraine – or at least, he had migraines for the last five years. It had the typical features of associated nausea and dislike of the light, but no visual symptoms. Sometimes it was on the left, sometimes on the right, but always after too much sleep or missing meals.

Another Headache Solved With Homeopathy

Homeopath Angela Jones presents a case study of a woman suffering from long-standing migraine, illustrating that perseverance is sometimes needed in finding the perfect homeopathic treatment for a patient.

Another Urinary Dilemma

The patient in this case study had suffered from endometriosis and from bowel symptoms; however, it was her urinary symptoms that had brought her to seek the help of a homeopath.

Anxiety

Like the majority of my patients, Lisa came to me because she had found that her doctors could not help her any further with her problems. Her story began the previous year when she had been sent to a gynaecologist because her periods were getting heavier and heavier.

Anxiety

Anxiety afflicts us at all times. It is part of normal life, a natural sequel to caring and responsibility. Usually, we can overcome our anxieties and continue with our lives undaunted. However, for the unfortunate few, anxiety is a source of terrible disability. One such lady came to see me last year in the hope that homeopathy could once again restore her to health.

Aurum and Despair

In her Case Study this month Dr Jones looks at several different issues in the case of a woman who had had serious surgery in the past and had got through it relatively easily. She was now driven to absolute despair by much minor ailments and was convinced that she would be dead by Christmas.

Case Studies on Homeopathy – Four Cases of Eczema

Eczema is the external or skin manifestation of allergy and, as such, can often be influenced by dietary manipulation. This approach is fraught with difficulties and frustrations and can leave the sufferer on a very restricted diet which is not necessarily healthy in other ways. It also begs the question as to why the person with eczema is allergic in the first place.

Different Approach to Urinary Tract Infection

Melanie was a chronic cystitis sufferer. She had had bouts all her life, but, over the year prior to her first consultation with me, the situation had deteriorated significantly. In previous years, she had always found Cantharis 6c very effective. She had chosen this with the help of a complementary self help guide on the basis that her main symptom was severe burning. Cantharis is the Spanish fly and its bite results in terrible burning which in turn is characteristic of conditions which respond to Cantharis homeopathically.

Eczema

One of the cruelest things about the skin condition, psoriasis, is that it can go on to cause a particularly destructive form of arthritis, known as "psoriatic arthropathy". Peter a pharmaceutical salesman, came to see me, seeking help with this condition which had troubled him intermittently for about 5 years but had recently become far, far worse.

Eczema

This month's case is a success story where conventional treatment had failed to help the patient in any long term way.

Folliculinum in Prolonged Stress

Those of you who read this column regularly may remember the case of Colin, a middle aged man with arthritis in the neck. He was experiencing severe depression due to an ongoing situation with his ex-wife who is an alcoholic and whom he has to continuously bail out of horrendous situations due to her drinking.

Harnessing the power of a grain of sand – Case studies of silica

One of the fascinations of homoeopathy is the extraordinary power that is produced in otherwise inert and everyday substances, by the potentisation process.

Homeopathic Help for the Menopause

I have to admit that I was quite shocked and worried by Mary's account of her menopause when she first came to see me. Seven years previously, she had been a fit and active forty one year old woman, running a large house, garden and family happily and energetically.

Homeopathy and Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the result of a combination of factors, such as inherited predisposition, unsuitable diet, kidney disease, pregnancy problems and stress.

Homeopathy for School Phobia

The author describes how, through homeopathy, she successfully treated a nine-year-old girl, Julia, who was displaying the physical symptoms of school phobia: daily headaches, weekly right-sided migraines, irritable bowel problems and a dramatic increase in her epileptic fits, which had been previously well controlled. This was despite that fact that she loved her new school, had made lots of friends and was not the subject of bullying.

Homoeopathic Dog's Milk for PMT

Jane had always had premenstrual problems. As a teenager, she had been very tired and moody for a few days prior to her period; natural enough in an adolescent. However, after her two children were born in her early twenties, the situation began to deteriorate. When she first came to me in 1994, she was having seven to ten days of "hell".

Homoeopathy and Asthma

Homoeopathy and Grief

One of the problems with being a homoeopath is that, so often, patients approach you as a last resort. By the time they reach your door, they have explored many avenues both conventional and alternative and are desperate to find a solution to their problem. I find this aspect of my practice particularly stressful. However, the other side of the coin is the joy when homoeopathic treatment succeeds where all else has failed.

How can this be used as evidence?

Simon did not feel well. He found it difficult to describe, to explain or quantify; he just did not feel well. He had felt like this on and off for almost as long as he could remember, even as a child. He was now going through a particularly bad patch and was finding it increasingly difficult to cope at work where he was under considerable stress. When he felt well, the stress did not bother him – he thrived on it, in fact – but now he feared that he might lose his job through his inability to cope.

If at first you don't succeed...a case of hypertension and headache

Marilyn came to see me with a two year history of raised blood pressure which had been successfully managed with a mild diuretic tablet.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It is difficult to be sure whether irritable bowel syndrome is becoming more common or whether it is simply becoming more readily recognised by both the medical fraternity and patients alike. The symptoms can range from the irritating to the severely debilitating and often medical investigation will be necessary to rule out more sinister causes such as inflammatory colitis or cancer.

Isopathic Treatment of Rhinitis

This regular column by Dr Angela Jones describes the homeopathic treatment prescribed for a teenage boy with persistent rhinitis, which caused chronic nasal obstruction, bouts of sneezing and headaches above the eyes. He also suffered from acne, was very thin despite a good appetite, had a tendency towards constipation and suffered from very smelly, sweaty feet. Character-wise he was obstinate and prone to anxiety.

Lichen Planus Helped by Apis Mellifica

This is an amazing story of how a notoriously stubborn skin condition has responded to the homeopathic medicine derived from the bee, Apis mellifica. The patient in question, Sharon, came to see me with a two year history of this problem which consists of excruciatingly itchy patches, usually affecting the arms and legs. The patches, classically purplish brown in colour and slightly raised, are irritating and unsightly.

Musings on Eczema

In her column this month Dr Jones considers eczema in general and gives details of a successful case.

Never Well Since…

As a conventionally-trained doctor, the concept of "never well since" was one of the aspects of homeopathy that first appealed to me, and it remains, for me, one of the most valuable tools in the therapeutic process.

Not Simply a Sore throat

Among the most irritating and distressing of symptoms are those related to the ears, nose and throat (or ENT as they are known in the trade).

Nux vomica and Bowel Symptoms

Evelyn was referred to me by her general practitioner, who described, in his letter, a history of abdominal symptoms dating back over fifteen years. Furthermore, Evelyn and many members of her family suffer from the condition known as familial polyposis coli which predisposes to the development of bowel cancer. She has to undergo annual examinations of the bowel and, understandably, any bowel symptoms cause terrific anxiety which further exacerbates the bowel symptoms.

Osteoarthritis – a happy result!

I was going to write about Irritable Bowel Syndrome this time. However, that will now have to wait. Instead, I feel that I must share my delight with you regarding a case which I followed up yesterday.

Poison Ivy Strikes Again

This article, by one of our regular feature writers, examines the case of Ann, who had been plagued by psoriasis for twenty years. Her body was marked by large, scaly patches of thickened and inflamed skin, on which all sorts of creams and 'miracle cures' had had little effect.

Polymyalgia rheumatica succumbs again!

Susan came to me eight months ago, more or less in despair. She had been diagnosed as suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica eighteen months beforehand. Her story started three years previously when her husband died. About a year later, she and her relatives noticed that she was steadily declining in health and certainly not functioning like the hale and hearty seventy-five year old that they knew and loved.

Prescribing on a Keynote

Choosing a homoeopathic medicine on the basis of a single keynote symptom is neither recommended nor reliable. However, there are instances when a keynote symptom can be an important guide to the simillimum.

Success with Recurrent Viral Infections

One of the areas where homeopathy has a useful role is in the management of nonspecific ill health, where a person feels generally unwell and is often prone to recurrent viral infections. Furthermore, they tend to have difficulty shaking off these infections and feel more ill still for some time after them.

Take Another Dose of Salt

Ellen had a miserable time with endometriosis for many years. She had been treated with danazol, then had difficulty conceiving, but eventually achieved pregnancy with the help of fertility drugs. Now, ten years later, she was suffering from bouts of prolonged period-type pain, but lasting for up to two weeks before her period. She had no benefit from analgesia of any kind.

Tale of My Root Canal

Homeopath Angela Jones shares her own experiences of a painful infected root canal which, after initial dental drilling, washing out and dressing, she successfully treated herself with homeopathy.

The Challenges Posed by Homeless People

In her final column, Dr Angela Jones talks about her experiences working as a GP at a specialist GP practice for homeless people.

The Power of Constitutional Medicine

I have treated Elizabeth for over five years now, on an intermittent basis. She first came to see me for her arthritis, which was causing her absolute misery. It affected her chiefly in the neck and this was resulting in great difficulty because of her occupation.

Treating Alopecia Areata

Hair loss is one of the most distressing symptoms a patient can have, not because of its life-threatening nature, but because the fear of baldness, and its accompanying social stigma, is so great in our society.

Treating Children with Homoeopathy

Our children are our most treasured possessions, or should I say our most valued charges. It is the natural wish of a parent that their child should have the best of everything, including, and especially, health.

Treating Verrucas – to Burn or Not to Burn?

The author presents a homeopathic approach to treating the viral condition of verrucas, or plantar warts, as an alternative to conventional treatment with freezing, burning, cutting or applying caustic preparations.

Two Catarrhal Tales

I have always thought of catarrh as being extremely unglamorous, as well as somewhat boring, from the medical point-of-view. As a general practitioner, there is not a lot that one can do for the catarrh sufferer apart from handing out decongestant or steroid nasal sprays, antibiotics or sympathy (or a combination of the three!).

Two Intractable Complaints

I have just heard about the death of one of my patients. Even homeopathy cannot prevent this inevitable event. Sarah was seventy-five, alert and active. She suffered a massive heart attack while cooking Sunday lunch for her family, a characteristically homely task.

Unblocking a Nasal Allergy with Homoeopathy

Susan always had a tendency to a blocked nose. It had become worse recently and was more obviously aggravated by exposure to house dust. Indeed, skin tests performed at the local hospital had been positive to house dust and house dust mites. The treatment recommended was the same as Susan had used for many years – a steroid nasal spray which was reasonably effective but which only worked while it was used regularly. Once discontinued, the rhinitis would return with a vengeance. So, she decided to see if homeopathy might be a solution to her allergy.

Warts and All

There are few things more irritating than a wart. Though seemingly trivial, they are unsightly and embarrassing.

What a Headache!

Fiona had finally had enough of her headaches. She had suffered with them for years and years and always took her maximum daily allowance of 8 co-codamol tablets. She described them as 'tension' in the front and back of her head, especially marked at the temples.

Dr Daniel Benor

Common Denominators Across Healing Modalities

This article discusses the elements common to the various alternative/complementary therapies. The author says between Acupuncture and Zen, one's problems may be addressed at many possible levels within the wholistic spectrum. Each modality has its unique characteristics and blends of elements to address our ills - through body, emotions, mind, relationships (with other people and environment) and spirit.

Self-Healing with WHEE™ – (The Wholistic Hybrid of EMDR and EFT)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an empowering, self-healing therapy that helps to release negative feelings and beliefs, no matter how intense, and transform them into positive ones, by stimulating the left and right sides of the body while mentally focusing and stating a problem. Dr Daniel Beror has found this technique highly effective on children with post-traumatic stress disorders and is open to teaching them how to practise it on themselves because they respond to this approach very quickly.

The Growth and Evolution of Spiritual Healers

Dr Daniel Benor looks at the gift of spiritual healing and discusses whether it is something natural and intuitive, or whether it can be practised and developed. Having spoken to hundreds of healers he concludes that it is very similar to musical or sporting ability. However natural the gift, it can be practised and improved upon.

The Healer as an Instrument for Wholistic Healing

Regular columnist Dr Daniel Benor looks at how many caregiver factors contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of clinical intervention. The effectiveness of caregiving can be enhanced with a wholistic approach. The author describes ways in which this can be done:

The Healing Potential in a Word – Part I

In the first of this two-part series on words, the author explains that the words we use shape our perceptions and our interactions with the world. Through words we are taught to label the myriads of stimuli that enter our sensory portal. The words and labels we learn to use come to identify who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how we relate to each other individually and collectively, and how we interact with to the environment.

The Healing Potential in a Word – Part II

In the final of this two-part series on words, the author discusses aggressive language in treatment and the world of matter and separate realms of the mind and spirit.

The Healing Potential in a Word – Part III

The author continues his series of articles on healing words by looking into the value of words in general as well as those related to therapies.

The Healing Potential in a Word – Part IV

The author continues his series of articles on healing words by focusing on the many terms that exist for those who offer treatments as well as those who seek them.

The healing Potential in a Word – Part V

The author continues his series of articles on healing in this issue by sharing his views on the meaning of Complementary / Alternative / Integrative, Holistic/Wholistic and Integrative Care. He also provides some insight into Abbreviations – by internet users and medical profession as a form of time-efficient communication.

The Inner Voice of Clinical Intuition

This column looks into intuition, an ability which the western world seems to value the least, and is often perceived as or accompanied by an inner uneasiness, which when responded to can often reward us with important messages and inspirations.

Wholistic Integrative Care

The author uses the word 'wholistic' to provide a single alternative to the many meanings of holistic and integrative care. He settles for the treatment of body, mind and spirit in a comprehensive programme which may include one or more complementary/alternative medicines (CAM), such as Acupuncture from Traditional Chinese Medicine or Homeopathy, Herbalism, Vegetarian diet and Fitness Programmes in the context of Naturopathic Medicine.

Working as a Doctor and as a Healer

Doctor and healer, Daniel Benor tells the story of his path from sceptical orthodox medicine to becoming a practitioner of spiritual healing.

Dr David Peters

A University Polyclinic at Westminster

On 14 May HRH the Prince of Wales opened the University of Westminster's new clinic of complementary therapies. Acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, therapeutic bodywork, herbal medicine and nutritional therapy are all represented at the clinic.

Healing Research

At a recent colloquium organised by the National Federation of Spiritual Healers regarding research into spiritual healing, I was asked to summarise the themes emerging through the day. Initially, it seemed impossible to bring together the keynote presentations, because although the three speakers spoke the same language, they had three quite different ways of thinking about and researching Healing.

The Challenge of Working and Learning Together

Complementary medicine is a relative newcomer to the NHS. CM works better for some problems (and for certain kinds of people) than it does for others and is most effective in the hands of practitioners with real knowledge and skill.

We have to educate to integrate

Integration is the new buzz-word: the argument being that non-conventional therapies are here to stay, so why not put them to work in the mainstream?

Why Research?

As we enter this hazardous age of 'Integration' (with a capital I) there's a great deal of ambivalence about what it might imply. We may be less alternative than we were, but wisely we remain unsure that we want to risk entangling with the complexity and stress of mainstream health care delivery!

Dr Donn Brennan

The Need of Our Time

In his first PH Expert Column, Dr Donn Brennan focuses on the benefits of Ayurveda. He tells us that it is undergoing a revival as it is able to bring about better health without relying on medicine.

Yoga and Ayurveda

This column looks at Yoga and Ayurveda, part of the ancient Indian Vedic tradition.

Dr Neil Slade

A Case of a Stubborn Anal Fissure

This column focuses on homeopathic treatment for a 30-something woman plagued by an anal fissure for some years who, despite undergoing surgery twice for her condition, was still experiencing sharp, searing pain every time she had a bowel movement. In addition to this fissure symptom, the client was also experiencing bouts of depression and irritability.

A Case of Angelman’s Syndrome

This column presents a case summary of a baby with Angelman’s Syndrome. As the condition is not widely known, the author explains what it is and how the baby was diagnosed with it.

A Case of Chronic Psoriasis

In his Regular Expert Column, Dr Slade looks at the homeopathic treatment of psoriasis, demonstrating that it can be extremely effective.

A Case of Treating a Fœtus

The author presents the case of a pregnant client diagnosed to be carrying a foetus with lung problems – specifically Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation.

Homeopathy & Colitis

Eminent homeopath Dr Neil Slade gives us the case history of Emily, a 45-year-old mother suffering from acute ulcerative colitis. At the time of her first consultation, her symptoms were ten bowel movements a day, most of them of pure blood and preceded by severe cramping and great urgency. She always carried Immodium and spare knickers in her bag but dared not move far from her home. She used oral steroids and steroid enemas and ate little. She had come for homeopathic treatment in an attempt to avoid the surgical removal of her bowel.

Organ Remedies, Complex Homeopathy and Infertility

Regular contributor Neil Slade looks at the ongoing argument between 'classical homeopathy' (prescribing one remedy) and 'complex homeopathy' (prescribing more than one remedy). The author gives the case study of Susan, who had moderate polycystic ovary syndrome. She had tried fertility treatment, but it had failed.

Rugby Players, Homeopathy and a Painful Coccyx

This article focuses on homeopathic treatment for a painful coccyx sustained by a fall on concrete steps.

The Case of a 'Naughty Boy'

In this article the author, a Homeopath, presents his case study of a highly destructive five year-old boy – whose behaviour became more extreme as he got older – i.e. shouting back and smacking his parents for telling him off – and his treatment. The boy's mother opted for homeopathy when she heard it could treat behavioural difficulties in children and also address such things as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), even though the boy had not been diagnosed with either of these.

The Case of the Concert Pianist

In this study, Neil Slade discusses the case of a concert pianist who had an unfortunate accident in which he sliced his thumb, palm and two fingers with glass. Several tendons and a couple of nerves were completely severed and he had to undergo surgery. Determined to get his career back, the patient had come to Slade in the hope that homeopathy could improve the healing outcome.

The Case of the Reluctant Alcoholic

In this column the author gets to the root of a client's alcoholic problem – a well-groomed and stylish, 30-something banker who had risen up the corporate ladder quite rapidly, enjoyed sports and would swim or train on a daily basis. Despite his fine appearance and professional success, the client would keep falling into a state of depression and shut himself away with feelings of worthlessness and suicide. He also experienced constant ache with stabbing pains in one of his testicles.

The Case of the Stubborn Verrucas (& Asthma & Stress Anxiety)

In this column the author shares how his homeopathic remedies helped a client, referred from a local chiropodist, with his verrucas, asthma and anxieties.

The Case of The Stuck Man

In this column the author says homeopathy, like many of the energy medicine therapies, assumes that good health equates to a free flow of energy through the body.  Homeopaths refer to this as a correct functioning vital force or life energy.  If this energy is stuck and not free-flowing then this equates to disease-producing signs and symptoms.

The Role of Homeopathy in Grief

This Column begins by saying that we all will be faced with loss and grief at some time in our lives, whether suddenly, or expected. In either case, the grief can be overwhelming, both at the time and for years to come. It can affect a person psychologically and physically.The author felt inspired to write about this when a client was suffering from the loss of her beloved, elderly pet dog. Losing a pet can be just as traumatic as losing a family member.

The Use of Homeopathy in a Case of Cancer

When Harriet attended the author's clinic, she was 35 years old and had been suffering from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) for eighteen months. The primary tumour was growing round a major blood vessel, which contra-indicated surgery in favour of chemotherapy. The treatment had been successful, but then she began to feel unwell with night sweats and slightly swollen face and neck.

Vaccination Damage and Homeopathy

The patient, an eight-year-old girl, had been diagnosed with epilepsy following a meningitis C vaccination. During her first consultation with Dr Slade, a homeopath, she had five fits. Each fit showed by rigidity, clawed hands and spasms of the whole body.

Dr Robert Verkerk

EU Plans to Ban Therapeutic Dosages of Food Supplements

In this column on plans to ban therapeutic dosages of food supplements, the author discloses that, based on ANH’s examinations, the type of risk assessment being applied to food supplements is very different to that being applied to other classes of food and so is deeply inappropriate.

How Sustainable is Orthodox Healthcare?

This article looks at how sustainable our healthcare system is, and questions what is being done with the 8.1% of our GDP that we spend on healthcare here in the UK.

The Need for a New Paradigm in Healthcare?

Dr Verkerk discusses the concept of ‘sustainability’, as defined by the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Why is Natural Healthcare So at Risk?

The author, Executive Director of the Alliance for Natural Health, writes about the EU as the single source of legislation most likely to inhibit the practice of natural healthcare throughout the world. He points to the Food Supplements Directive, the Human Medicinal Products (Pharmaceuticals) Directive, the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive, the Sports Nutrition Directive and the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations, of which he regards the former as the 'Big Daddy' of them all, as a major worldwide influence on the thinking of professional bodies, such as the UN's Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Frances Coombes

Creating the Circumstances