Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 ADD/ADHD-Homeopathic Treatment Book - Ritalin-Free Kids - available thru my webpage http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/bookstor.htm#homeopathy http://www.healthyhomeopathy.com/ritalinfreekids/rfk/pg01.htm An Alternative to Ritalin Homeopathy as a Highly Effective Treatment for ADD Can we, however, lump all of these children together under one diagnostic category? Can a child who lashes out at his family, peers, and teachers in a violent, destructive manner and has no interest in his schoolwork fit into the same diagnostic group as a sweet, gregarious child who simply cannot pay attention in class? Conventional medicine would say that, based on their scores on standardized ADD tests, both children could indeed have ADD. Homeopathy would say that these are two distinct children whose problems and temperaments are as different as night and day. A homeopath would prescribe very different medicines for the two children, rather than giving them both stimulants. And what about the many conditions that mimic ADD, such as dyslexia and other learning disabilities, vision and auditory problems, epilepsy, developmen- tal disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, food allergies, lead poisoning, caffeinism, anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder, just to name a few? It is essential to understand and differentiate each individual child, not only from the viewpoint of psychological testing, but also to comprehend deeply the physical symptoms, experience, feelings, beliefs, and motivations of each child. Unlike many other syndromes there is no physical examination or laboratory test that definitely confirms the diagnosis of ADD. While some psychologists and educators use the Conners’ Rating Scales, others, including physicians, often base the diagnosis on the subjective reports of parents and teachers. The inconsistency of diagnostic criteria and apparent overdiagnosing in this country has led many to question the diagnosis of ADD. Some educational experts acknowledge that “The position that ADHD is not a proven syndrome has many advocates, physicians as well as educators. However, whether or not a syndrome exists, it is clear that many children have difficulty in school because of an inability to attend to tasks. The ideal would be to describe each child’s strengths and weaknesses and offer an individualized program.”13 We would like to take this a step further: Offer an individualized medicine as well as a learning program tailored to the needs of the individual child. The Homeopathic Approach to ADD Homeopaths are able to treat ADD effectively in many cases by bringing the individual into balance. Homeopaths treat people with ADD, not the ADD itself. For a homeopath, what needs to be treated is the specific pattern of symptoms which an individual presents. Only the one homeopathic medicine that specifically matches the unique symptoms of the individual will allow the person to live in a functional way. Each of these individuals included in this book is unique, and it is that uniqueness that leads to the homeopathic prescription in such a different way than with conventional medicine. Our clinical experience, presented in the case studies in this book, as well as the published experience of other homeopaths, suggests strongly that homeopathy is a useful treatment for ADD. Homeopaths always take the whole person into account. If the chief complaint of the person is his inability to sit still, difficulty concentrating, or other symptoms of ADD, these behaviors would certainly be taken into account, but in combination with all the person’s other symptoms. The homeopath would note anything unusual about that person. That might include a history of scarlet fever during childhood, a strong fear of birds, recurrent dreams of falling out of bed at night and no one coming to the rescue, or a craving for persimmons. The homeopath sincerely seeks to understand the uniqueness of the patient. Why Choose Homeopathy over Conventional Medicine for ADD? • The most common reason patients choose homeopathic treatment is the positive results they have heard from others with similar problems or because they have been referred by another physician or practitioner who is familiar with homeopathic treatment of ADD. • The patient or parents have read about homeopathy, and the philosophy and approach make more sense to them than conventional medicine. • Many adults and parents choose homeopathic treatment because it is safe, nontoxic, and effective. • Conventional medications for ADD act very briefly. A dose of Ritalin, for example, lasts only about four hours. One dose of the correct homeopathic medicine usually lasts at least four to six months. • Homeopathic medicines often result in growth spurts in children and never suppress a child’s normal development. Nor do they cause such side effects as tics, appetite suppression, and insomnia. • Homeopathic medicines are very inexpensive. The only significant cost of homeopathic treatment is office visits. Once the person has responded well to the homeopathic medicine, appointments are infrequent. • Homeopathy treats the whole person. Not only do learning and behavioral problems improve, so do most or all of the other physical, mental, and emotional complaints of the person. Conventional medication for ADD works only on specific learning and behavioral problems. Sally , a parent of an ADD child formerly on Ritalin, describes this phenomenon by holding up a ruler and pointing to the one-inch mark: “Ritalin makes you available to learn. You and your parents and teachers have to work on all the rest.” • Homeopathy will not make a child depressed or dull. Parents sometimes complain that, although stimulant and antidepressant medications have eliminated some of the more severe problem behaviors, their children’s spirits seem dampened and they do not seem like their former selves. • Homeopathic medicines are generally given infrequently and over limited periods of time. Conventional medications put only a temporary lid on ADD symptoms. Doctors often recommend that these medications be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. What Can I and My Family Expect from Homeopathic Treatment? Homeopaths have high expectations for their patients. We generally do not consider a homeopathic medicine effective for a patient unless the person’s symptoms are at least 50 percent (usually 70 percent or more) improved and this improvement lasts for a year or more. This requires that the patient stay with homeopathic treatment for at least a year. The homeopath keeps a careful record of all of the symptoms and characteristics that were elicited during each interview. As treatment progresses, these symptoms should get better and better. An improvement can usually be noticed within one month, and often within days or weeks. A patient can expect his energy and overall sense of well-being to improve as well as an improvement in most or all of his mental, emotional, and physical complaints. This means, as you will see over and over in the cases that we present in this book, that not only does attention and behavior improve, but headaches, growing pains, constipation, nailbiting, and other symptoms improve after the homeopathic medication has been prescribed. Can Homeopathic and Conventional Medicines Be Used Together? This is one of the most common questions we are asked by adults or parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADD. This is ultimately a decision between the patient and the prescribing physician. A general guideline is to assess whether the prescription medication is effective. In cases where the patient sees no improvement from the medication that has already been prescribed, the prescribing physician and patient generally agree to stop the medication and to try homeopathy instead. In other cases, the medication is working but the side effects are disturbing. With still other patients, the prescription medication is having a positive effect, but the patient or parents do not like the idea of staying on medication and seek a more natural alternative. In these situations, the patient or parents may inform the prescribing physician that they wish to discontinue the medication long enough to try an alternative. Another category of patients feels that their symptoms of ADD are so severe that they dare not discontinue their medications until they have found another therapy that is effective. In such a case, many homeopaths will prescribe the homeopathic medication in addition to the prescription drugs the person is already taking. As the homeopathic medicine works and the patient improves, the patient can work with his physician to taper off the prescription medication. This process requires knowledge and experience and is another compelling reason to seek an experienced homeopath. What If My Doctor Does Not Believe in Homeopathy? From the time that homeopathic medicine was first brought to this country in the early 1800s, there have been many skeptics among medical doctors. Homeopathic philosophy is very different from what is taught in conventional medical schools. When homeopathy is mentioned in a medical history class, it is generally dismissed as an aberration of the past. With the growing interest in homeopathic medicine and with the disillusionment about the side effects and short-term benefits of much of modern medical treatment, a growing number of conventional doctors are opening their minds to homeopathy. Some medical doctors are incorporating homeopathy into their conventional practices or referring to other homeopathic practitioners. In our practice, we receive many referrals from medical doctors and osteopaths. Many conventionally trained physicians and other licensed healthcare practitioners have studied homeopathy in the courses that we teach through the International Foundation for Homeopathy. Many physicians, although they may know nothing about homeopathy, encourage their patients, especially children, to use any therapies that are of real benefit to that person rather than, or in combination with, conventional medicines. If your physician or your child’s physician is adamantly opposed to you trying homeopathy and it is your choice to do so, you can try to educate him or her about homeopathic treatment of ADD or you can find a physician who is more supportive of your freedom of choice. Homeopathic practitioners are generally happy to educate conventional physicians about homeopathic philosophy and treatment. Even a skeptical person may be convinced of the possible benefits of homeopathy if he or she reads case studies, attends a homeopathic case conference, or sees the results of successful homeopathic treatment. Using Homeopathy Along with Other Therapies Homeopathic medicine is very compatible with many other treatment modalities. Family and individual counseling is often much more effective and proceeds more quickly when one or more family members are under homeopathic treatment. When the whole person is in balance, his mind is generally clearer and he is much more able to move forward in his life. Therapies such as chiropractic, craniosacral, auditory integration, psychotherapy, and biofeedback are fine to pursue along with homeopathy. Once the correct homeopathic medicine has been given, many patients find that they no longer need to follow strict allergy rotation diets, receive desensitization injections, take megadoses of numerous vitamins and minerals, and use other therapies aimed at treating individual symptoms. It is very understandable that individuals with ADD want to try anything that has the possibility of helping them, but using too many therapies, conventional or alternative, at the same time can make it very difficult to discern what effect each specific therapy is having. When a person receives the correct homeopathic medicine, she knows it. She feels an improvement in energy, physical ailments, concentration, attitude, and creativity. Once she feels so much better, she generally no longer needs lots of other therapies. Are There Any Things I Can’t Do During Homeopathic Treatment? There are certain substances and exposures that consistently interfere with homeopathic treatment. Most practitioners will advise you to avoid the following substances: coffee, eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, recreational drugs, and electric blankets. You will be asked to avoid using topical medications such as topical steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, and to use oral antibiotics and cortisone products only after consulting your homeopath, except in cases of emergency. Acupuncture, although a treatment of tremendous value, is not recommended during homeopathic treatment. Nor are other treatments, which are prescribed in order to remove specific symptoms without treating the whole person. Can Homeopathy Help Me or My Child? Most people are potential candidates for homeopathic treatment. As with any treatment, you must make a commitment to follow the recommendations of your homeopath. You must be willing to follow these guidelines: 1. You should stay with homeopathic treatment for a minimum of six months to one year before seeking out other therapies. 2. You, as a patient or a parent or family member, need to provide thorough and honest information to the homeopath. The better the homeopath understands the patient, the more likely the best medicine can be found and a lasting cure can result. 3. You need to inform the homeopath of any medications that you or your child is taking. Once there has been improvement with homeopathic treatment, prescription medications for ADD are generally unnecessary. A growing number of conventional physicians are encouraging parents to seek alternative treatment for ADD in hopes that the children will not need to be medicated throughout childhood and sometimes throughout much of their lives. 4. There are a small number of substances and influences, such as coffee and recreational drugs, which are likely to interfere with homeopathic treatment and which you will need to avoid. Homeopathic practitioners will make their own recommendations regarding this matter. 5. You need to come for scheduled appointments and to inform the homeopath of any significant changes in your health during the course of homeopathic treatment. Homeopathic follow-up appointments are generally every six weeks to three months. Once you are doing well, follow-ups are generally scheduled less frequently. The Limitations of Homeopathic Treatment Homeopathic treatment is not for everyone. The following are factors that prevent a person from being a good candidate for homeopathic treatment: 1. There are some children, particularly teenagers, who are so opposed to anything their parents recommend that they will sabotage homeopathic treatment, either by refusing to go to appointments or take the medicines or by intentionally using substances that interfere with homeopathic treatment. Similarly, both parents need to be convinced that homeopathy is a valid treatment or willing to try it for at least six months. 2. Some people have such severe behavioral problems that they need to be in an institution, such as a jail or drug or alcohol treatment center, rather than outpatient treatment. We are aware of only one such institutional program, which offered homeopathy as part of a research study and hope others will in the near future. 3. Individuals who are unwilling to avoid those substances which interfere with homeopathic treatment, such as coffee or recreational drugs, are not good candidates for homeopathy. 4. Homeopathic medicines may not act as quickly initially as prescription drugs, though the positive effects last much longer. This requires patience and a willingness to stick with the treatment process. Why Not Treat Yourself or Your Family? As you read through the cases in this book, you will probably think of someone you know who may have a very similar symptom picture. You may even be tempted to try to find the medicines mentioned in this book and administer them yourselves. Please heed our advice regarding self-treatment. There are many classes available on prescribing homeopathic medicines for acute illnesses such as colds, flus, and minor infections. We encourage you to take these classes, to read more about acute prescribing, to buy a homeopathic home kit, and to try homeopathic medicines on yourself and your family for minor illnesses. If the person treated does not improve in a day or two, be sure to consult your homeopathic or conventional physician. The conditions mentioned in this book are not acute conditions. These are chronic states and need to be handled much more carefully. There are over 2,000 homeopathic medicines. It takes years of homeopathic study and practice to make the fine distinctions about when to prescribe which medicine. Although homeopathic medicines do not have long lists of side effects like many conventional medicines, it is also possible to experience a reaction to the medicine. IN ANY CHRONIC CONDITION, WHETHER PHYSICAL, MENTAL, OR EMOTIONAL, DO NOT TREAT YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILD. Find an experienced homeopathic practitioner. We have received a number of calls from people who have read our articles on ADD, thought they recognized themselves or their children, and gone out to find the medicine themselves. Invariably they have called us for treatment because they did not select the right medicine or did not know how to administer the medicine at the right frequency or potency. If you were considering brain surgery, you would not read a book or two, buy a set of scalpels, and start cutting. Homeopathy is just as complicated an art as neurosurgery. Just because homeopathic medicines are widely available does not mean they are easy to use. Please do not experiment on yourself or your family members for ADD. Find an expert. How Can I Find a Homeopath? A growing number of health care practitioners, including medical doctors (M.D.), naturopathic physicians (N.D.), osteopathic physicians (D.O.), chiropractors (D.C.), family nurse practitioners (F.N.P.), physicians’ assistants (P.A.), acupunturists (L.A., C.A., or O.M.D.), and veterinarians (D.V.M.), practice homeopathic medicine. Most homeopaths have a family practice. We know of no experienced homeopaths in the United States who focus solely on patients with ADD. Since a home- opath always treats the whole person, such specializa-tion is not necessary to find good treatment. What is most important is to find a practitioner who special-izes in classical homeopathy, who spends at least an hour with each new patient, prescribes one homeo- pathic medicine at a time based on a detailed inter- view rather than a machine, and waits at least five weeks before assessing the progress of the patient. If at all possible, find a homeopath who is board certified. It is not always possible to find a homeopath in your immedi- ate area, or even your state. You will be likely to find much better results, even if you need to travel or do your homeopathic consultations by telephone, than to go to someone in your area who knows some home- opathy, but is not experienced and does not specialize in homeopathy. We treat many patients by phone, though we prefer to do the initial interview in person if at all possible. In the appendix you can find the names and addresses of organizations that publish directories of homeopathic practitioners in the United States. It is still wise to speak to the practitioner directly to make sure he or she meets the guidelines we have suggested. http://www.healthyhomeopathy.com/ritalinfreekids/information/alternative.htm Homeopathy as An Alternative to Ritalin • Treats the whole person at the root of the problem • Considered safe, without the side effects of Ritalin and other medications • Uses natural, nontoxic medicines • Treats each person as an individual • Heals physical as well as mental and emotional symptoms • Lasts for months or years rather than hours • Is inexpensive • Is cost-effective http://www.healthyhomeopathy.com/ritalinfreekids/information/faq1.htm Many of these questions are answered in detail in the book. We have compiled these summaries for your convenience. Can homeopathy help me or my child with ADD? Most children with ADD can potentially benefit from homeopathic treatment; however, each case is individual. The cases in this book cover a wide range of behaviors and problems and provide a good idea of the scope of homeopathic practice. If you have reservations, specific questions, or your or your child's case is very complicated, call the homeopath first to make sure he or she feels that there is a good chance of homeopathy benefiting you. My child's psychiatrist says his ADD is caused by a biochemical imbalance. Can homeopathy help him? Homeopathy believes that any biochemical imbalance is a result of an overall imbalance in a person rather than the cause of ADD. It is through bringing the whole person into balance that not only can the symptoms of ADD be improved, but most of the individual's other complaints as well. The goal of homeopathy is to bring deep and long-lasting balance into the person's life and health rather than just to regulate serotonin, dopamine, or some other neurotransmitter or chemical. When the person becomes balanced, the body's chemistry will automatically normalize as part of the overall healing process. How long will I have to continue homeopathic treatment? Most patients need to continue under the care of a homeopath for at least two years. Significant progress is often noted within the first one to three months, as is evident in many of the cases that we have presented. Many people who are pleased with the results of their homeopathic treatment choose to use homeopathy for the rest of their lives. How often will I need to see my homeopath? When first starting homeopathic treatment, visits are usually scheduled every five to eight weeks. After you or your child has responded well to treatment, your homeopath may only need to see you or your child two to three times a year to help you stay as healthy as possible and prevent future illness. How often will the homeopathic medicine be given? Homeopathic medicines may be given in single doses, in which case the medicine will only be repeated or changed when symptoms arise. As long as you are responding well to the medicine you have been given, your homeopath will wait and let the healing process that has already begun continue to proceed. The medicines are also commonly prescribed on a daily or weekly basis. If you have been given a daily dose of homeopathic medicine, your homeopath may ask you to continue taking the medicine for weeks or months. What is the difference between taking a single homeopathic medicine and the combination homeopathic medicines that I have seen in my health food store? There is only one homeopathic medicine at any point in time that will have the most dramatic effect on your healing. A trained and experienced homeopathic practitioner seeks to find that one specific medicine that most closely matches your symptoms. This exact or close match can produce profound and lasting healing. Combination medicines contain a variety of common homeopathic substances that have been found useful for such conditions as colds, flus, and sore throats. If the one medicine that you need is contained in that combination, you will respond well. If not, you will have no response or a partial response to the medicine. Combination medicines should only be used for acute conditions when no qualified homeopath is available but should never be used for chronic or recurring conditions such as ADD and the other conditions mentioned in this book. The same is true of chronic physical ailments such as asthma, headaches, eczema, and arthritis. For such conditions, find a trained homeopath and you will be much more likely to be relieved of your suffering. Are there side effects from homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines are safe and gentle yet can produce powerful changes in people. There are no lists of side effects from particular homeopathic substances such as those from conventional medicines listed in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR). There are certain symptoms that a person may experience as part of his or her healing process. These include an aggravation (brief flare-up of already existing symptoms within the first week of taking a homeopathic medicine) and a return of old symptoms (brief re-experiencing of symptoms that you have had in the past). Both an aggravation and a return of old symptoms are usually an indication that the medicine is a good match for you and will be generally followed by a significant improvement in your chief complaint and overall state of health. On rare occasions an individual may experience a new symptom after taking a homeopathic medicine. If this happens, call your homeopath. Can I begin homeopathic treatment while I am still taking conventional medication? The answer is generally yes, but this should be discussed with both your homeopathic practitioner and your prescribing physician. How long do I need to avoid the substances and influences that interfere with homeopathic treatment? It is important to avoid these influences as long as you are being treated homeopathically. There have been reports of symptoms returning after exposure to such influences up to two years after taking the homeopathic medicine. If you have been helped significantly by homeopathy, it is probably best to play it safe and continue to avoid such exposure. What if my child or I have food or environmental allergies? Homeopathy treats the whole person. When you are given a homeopathic medicine that closely matches your symptoms and state, you will experience greater energy and vitality and your immune system will become stronger. It is typical for patients who respond well to homeopathy to be able to go back to eating or being exposed to substances that bothered them prior to homeopathic treatment. I can't get my son to stop eating junk food. Will homeopathy still work for him? Although it is much healthier for children to eat fresh, whole foods and to avoid the empty calories found in high sugar, fat, and processed foods, the right homeopathic medicine will still be effective for junk-food addicts. Your cases sound extreme. Can homeopathy work for more " normal " children? Homeopathy can be beneficial to many people. Those with very extreme, intense symptoms tend to need medicines made from more intense substances in nature, such as rattlesnake, scorpion, rabies, and tarantula. Other milder, more even-tempered people may need more gentle medicines such as those made from flowers. How can I find a qualified homeopath in my area? See " Referral Sources for Homeopathic Practitioners " in the Appendix. What if there is no experienced homeopath in my area? Some homeopaths, such as ourselves, are very willing to treat patients by phone. They do so through exactly the same interview process as if you were to visit them in their offices. We have found the results are generally just as good as conducting the interview in person. http://www.healthyhomeopathy.com/ritalinfreekids/successstories/tentimes.htm Homeopathy Success Stories Jeff jumped up every few minutes to sharpen pencils or chatter with his friends. Anything and everything distracted him. His mind drifted constantly. His mother told us, " He can even hear the grass grow. " Jeff simply could not hang on to directions. He talked out in class on a regular basis. His teachers lost patience with Jeff because of his interruptions and inability to focus. Jeff was quite a storyteller. He would also conveniently forget to tell his mother when he got into trouble at school. His academic abilities were a real problem. He was held back in the first grade because he could not read. When we first saw Jeff, he had just started the second grade and was writing his numbers and letters backwards. Jeff's parents divorced when he was three. It was an awful time for him. He continued to act like a baby for several years. Jeff did not want to stop nursing. He was very insecure, " a momma's boy. " He became frightened very easily. He acted in a charming, sweet manner with adults and younger children, but he was shy with kids his age. Jeff had a very hard time making friends. He was afraid to try anything new. He could never get enough attention and always insisted, " Watch me, watch me! " Jeff experienced enormous mood swings. His mother described his as " happy as a lark or mad as a hornet. " He cried, screamed, swore, slammed doors, and alternately told his mother that he loved and hated her. When he was angry, he became wild, throwing things on the floor and ripping up paper. Life was scary for Jeff. He was afraid to look out of the windows at night. He slept in bed with his brother until recently because he was afraid to be alone. Jeff held his mother's hand while watching scary movies until he was seven. He did not like the dark and slept with a night light. He complained of diarrhea, stomach aches, and a constant runny nose. He loved chicken, sweets, and hamburgers. Jeff became wound up and wild after eating sugar. His ears and face turned bright red and he could not stop talking. The medicine that benefited Jeff the most was Lycopodium (Club moss). This medicine can help fearful children who act immaturely and try to cover up their mistakes. They make every effort to appear courageous and powerful, but inside they are timid and afraid. Kids like Jeff often feel more comfortable playing with younger children rather than their peers, because they feel older and can boss the younger children around. These children are very concerned with what others think and try to look cool at all costs. A deep insecurity inside often causes them to feel very anxious about performing in public or taking examinations where their inner weakness or lack of mastery might be revealed. There may also be a tendency to dyslexia and dis-tractibility. These children often go wild for sweets but can also have a bad reaction to sugar, physically or behaviorally. Two months after he was given the medicine, Jeff got his highest marks ever in school. His dyslexia was improving. He was able to sit still, raise his hand, and pay attention in class. Over the next eighteen months, Jeff's behavior steadily improved. He was able to make new friends more easily. The other children started to look up to Jeff because he was so agile in physical education. He acted less impulsively and his teachers reported that he was extremely well behaved. He accomplished two years of math in six months. For the first time, the teachers recognized that Jeff was very bright. They removed him from special education classes where had been placed due to his unruly behavior. Now, three years after beginning homeopathy, he continues to do very well in a regular classroom. Links at webpage The Digeridoo Kid from Down Under - 22 months old He Gets Sidetracked from a Simple Command - Age 3 The Little Girl That Couldn't Sit Stilll - Age 6 A Sweet Kid Who Just Could No Pay Attention - Age 6 She Can't Sit Still for Even a Minute - Teenager -------------------------------------------------------- Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Nevada City CA & Wales UK Vaccines - http://www.wellwithin1.com/vaccine.htm Vaccine Dangers & Homeopathy Online/email courses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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