By Dr. Stuart Garber, DC, PhD

The California Homeopathic Medical Society’s 2015 Annual Spring Conference is now behind us – out of sight perhaps but definitely not out of mind. Without a doubt this was our best conference in years. We had so many last minute registrations, and even some walk-ins, that we had to arrange for a larger meeting room. Luckily the folks at the Corte Madera Inn were able to accommodate us. The weekend started off with a special Friday evening presentation by Drs. Roger Morrison and Nancy Herrick on miasms, followed by a wine and cheese reception sponsored by the CHMS, and culminating on Sunday with another very special presentation by Mellissa Assilem on the Matridonal Remedies. In between we had the opportunity to delve into very practical aspects of treating our aging population with wonderful presentations by Kathleen Scheible, Karen Allen and Gail Wilson, Wanda Smith-Schick and Dana Ullman. I would also like to take this opportunity to again thank our 2015 conference sponsors (alphabetically) Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions, Hahnemann Laboratories, Homeopathy West and Synergy Homeopathic Software. It is through the generous support of sponsor companies that help us put on our annual conferences and I encourage you to show your appreciation by patronizing them in return.

I was very much delighted when Richard Pitt asked me to guest edit this issue of The California Homeopath. I would sincerely like to thank Dr. Farokh Master and Richard Pitt for giving me this opportunity. The theme of this issue is Mother and Child. In this issue of the journal we have tried to cover various scenarios related to the health of Mother and child and its homeopathic and auxiliary management.

“FOR THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE, IS THE HAND THAT RULES THE WORLD” –W. E. ROSS, THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE

“MEN ARE WHAT THEIR MOTHERS MADE THEM” – EMERSON

I was always fascinated by such quotations and the complex relationship between the mother and the child. In the essay written by me, I have highlighted effects of this complex relationship on the health of the child and how, as homeopaths, by a thorough anamnesis, we can cure and prevent diseases in children. I have further given two case examples to highlight this relationship and how we can use the state of the mother during pregnancy to find the correct remedy for the child.

by Dr. Farhad J. Adajania B.H.M.S. (Mumbai)

Summary:

The article gives a differentiation between two very similar looking and frequently prescribed pediatric remedies, Chamomilla and Cina. It becomes difficult many times to differentiate between them at the bedside of the patient. This article gives a clinical and objective differentiation between Chamomilla and Cina.

Key words: Chamomilla, Cina, Compositeae, Carried, Tantrums 

by Dr. Jayesh Dhingreja M.D. (Hom). M.Sc. (Counseling Psychology)

Summary: The case highlights the effects of mother’s state during pregnancy on the fetus. The case also highlights the importance of a thorough anamnesis in a case to arrive at the indicated remedy.  

Key Words: Restlessness, Attention, Stubborn, Fear, Pregnancy, Stramonium.

by Dr. Jayesh Dhingreja M.D. (Hom). M.Sc. (Counseling Psychology)

SUMMARY: The case presentation elicits the importance of the state of the mother during pregnancy and its effects on the state of mind and disposition of the child. The case also elicits some important parameters for a thorough anamnesis in pediatric cases.

KEY WORDS:

Reactive airway disease, vexation, Chamomilla. 

by Dr. Ramesh Bajaj M.D. (Pediatrics)

Colic is a symptom complex of paroxysmal abdominal pain, presumably of intestinal origin, and severe crying. It usually occurs in infants younger than 3 months of age. Attacks commonly occur late in the afternoon or evening and hence known as Evening Colic. The clinical manifestations are characteristic. The attack usually begins suddenly with a loud, more or less continuous cry. The so-called paroxysms may persist for several hours. The face may be flushed, or there may be circumoral pallor. The abdomen is usually distended and tense. The legs may be extended for short periods but are usually drawn up on the abdomen. The feet are often cold, and the hands are usually clenched. The attack may not terminate until the infant is completely exhausted. Sometimes, however, the passage of feces or flatus appears to provide relief.

by Dr. Aditya Tiwari M.D. (Hom.)

Summary:

The article highlights the essentials of communication between parents and their children. With common examples, it gives simple but valuable guidelines on how parents should communicate with children so that they listen and how to listen so that they talk.  

Key words:

Communication, Verbal, Non-verbal, Children, Parents

by Dr. Silloo Patel M.D. (Hom.)

Summary:

The article sheds light on the importance of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in pregnancy. The article also highlights the dietary foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and its daily requirement during pregnancy.

Key words:

Omega-3, Omega-6, Pregnancy, Development, Diet

by Richard Pitt

SUMMARY 

The application of miasmatic theory and the use of nosodes in homeopathy have always been somewhat controversial and reflective of particular interpretations from different homeopaths. However, it is clear that nosodes have a unique and vital role in homeopathic prescribing and open doors in a case where no other remedy will work. Also, miasmatic theory has evolved since Hahnemann’s time and reveals some of the most fascinating homeopathic interpretations of genetic and epigenetic theories. Therefore, this essay explores the situation when nosodes are needed in practice and miasmatic interpretations that enable the justification for their use. 

KEYWORDS Miasms, Classification, Symptoms, Susceptibility, Intrinsic, Compensated, Decompensated stages, Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis, Nosodes, Comparative materia medica, Children

By Richard Pitt

There are a number of factors to be considered when treating children. These considerations have both practical and philosophical implications for wider general practice. Successful treatment of children (and adults) has be prophylactic as well as initially curative.

Constitution: An understanding of the constitutional typology of the child is vital for successful treatment.  

Fundamental Miasms: Miasmatic, inherited tendencies are the next most important thing to consider. These constitute 5 main miasms – Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis, Cancer and Tubercular.  

Acquired Miasms: Certain other influences can be defined as a miasm. These are influences, both inherited and/or acquired, that leave a dynamic influence superimposed onto the constitution of the child.

Aetiology: Significant aetiological factors can be of great importance in understanding the remedies that may be needed. These aetiologies may be both physical and pyschological and can be inherited and/or acquired.

Acute treatment: Understanding how and when to treat acutely in children is important. It’s significance to the underlying constitution also needs to be understood.

By Richard Pitt

An update of the work of the Kenya School for Integrated Medicine.

I have previously submitted a newsletter by Marie Magre, the founder of the 4Kenya Trust and Director of the Kenya School for Integrated Medicine, the school she has started in Kwale, Kenya. A trained homeopath from Holland, she started the school seven years ago and through many trials and tribulations on the way has managed to establish an institution that can now take up to 150 boarding students doing a four year diploma course in homeopathic medicine, as well as a two year program in Nutrition and one year program in Community Health (which is the first year of the homeopathy program).

Recently the school has begun working actively with the local Ministry of Health. We are supporting the Ministry in developing a more comprehensive health information system in the county and we are now planning homeopathic post-graduate programs for doctors and other medical personnel in local hospitals. The Ministry is interested in looking at a more integrated system of medicine, incorporating homeopathy, herbalism and other alternative practices into the district health care system. Our school is working directly with the ministry in this goal and we hope to have some trained homeopathic doctors and also graduates of our school working alongside in local hospitals.