Acute Prescribing vs Constitutional Treatment
When a mom calls in the night for something for her child's earache, I prescribe an acute remedy, based on the symptoms which are obvious—pain in right ear, worse lying down, high fever, etc. This is called acute prescribing. Remedies chosen solely to match physical symptoms can work well but often provide only temporary relief. A remedy based on a much fuller picture would relieve the ear pain, help prevent future infection, and maybe even make the child easier to live with. But in the middle of the night, it is not easy to get a full case, unless you already know the child and parents.
Constitutional Homeopathic Treatment
A constitutional remedy—carefully chosen to match the unique way you express physically, mentally, and emotionally—will act to stimulate healing at much deeper levels. Not only will physical symptoms subside, but the mental and emotional states which have made you susceptible to illness will shift. Constitutional treatment can break up obstacles to health and wellbeing. Most often the same constitutional remedy can be taken for acute illnesses (colds and flus), for general health enhancement and for chronic illness.
Because this kind of homeopathy also takes into account the health histories of parents and grandparents, a constitutional remedy can help you avoid the illnesses they had. Parents often notice that children who are treated constitutionally are sick less often than children who were not treated.
I enjoy the in-depth casetaking of constitutional homeopathy but will prescribe acutely in an emergency. It's good to come in later for a constitutional case-taking. For young children whose cases I've taken, I'm able to make up an emergency kit of remedies which will work for middle-of-the-night acutes.
The Initial Consultation
Plan to spend about 1 1/2 hours with me for our first consultation (less for children). I want my clients to feel safe and respected and to know that I am interested in details. It is the odd and peculiar details which help me find the right remedy for you. Bring recent diagnostic test results if you like. It's also helpful for you to bring in medications and supplements which you are currently taking.
I will not ask you to fill out lengthy questionnaires. I listen and take notes into my computer and type faster than you can write. I like to hear all about what is going on with you now, when symptoms started, what makes them better, what makes them worse, how you react to your condition. I also want to know about childhood illnesses, your family health history, and whatever you feel like sharing about your emotional self. Who are you and how do you relate to the world? Some clients are very open and easily relay information. Others are not, which is perfectly okay, as this is true of certain remedy "types". If I need more information I will ask.
My intent is to listen very carefully during this interview. I schedule time after the appointment to study your case and decide on a remedy. I call later that day, or the next day, to let you know what the remedy is and where to get it. Sometimes, after the interview, while I am studying your case, I will call and ask a few more questions.
Sometimes I will prescribe pleomorphic isopathic/homeopathic remedies for treatment of acute inflammation and infection. These are remedies made from lower valent forms of micro-organisms that all humans (actually, all mammals) carry in our bodies. In short, the pleomorphic remedies I prescribe break down specific fungae and bacteriae, reducing inflammatory reactions and assisting lymph drainage of waste products. These remedies are prepared in Germany according to homeopathic principles.
Your remedy will probably come as a bottle of tiny pills to dissolve under the tongue. For young children or babies I often dissolve the pills in a dropper bottle of distilled water with a couple of drops of alcohol to prevent deterioration. You will be given instructions about dosage and how often to take the remedy. Nothing else should be put in your mouth for 20 minutes before or after taking a dose of your remedy
It is helpful for you to keep notes on changes which you notice for week or so after taking your remedy. I will want to talk with you briefly by phone or in the office three weeks to a month after you begin treatment. During this follow-up, we will decide if you need to repeat the remedy or switch.
You may notice some changes or experience a period of exceptional well being. Some clients are sensitive to even subtle changes and feel the effects immediately. Many are not, and that's fine. When I do your follow-up I will ask you about the signs and symptoms I have prescribed on to see if things are shifting.
I do not expect to see aggravations (or worsening of symptoms) but it is possible as your Vital Force is stimulated to heal. If this happens I want to hear from you so we can adjust the potency of the remedy. Sometimes a cold or rash or another form of discharge may appear as your system is going through a clearing phase. This is a good sign that the remedy is taking effect. Similarly, old symptoms can reappear for a short period of time. These symptoms will pass and should not be suppressed. This is an important part of the healing process. If you are concerned, contact me. There is no point in suffering if a change in potency will ease the transition to health.
How long treatment will take depends on what sort of health problems you are dealing with. A complaint that you have had for many years will not disappear immediately although there will likely be some improvement very soon after taking the remedy. It is helpful to understand the natural process of healing, as opposed to western medicine's mode of quick suppression of symptoms, which leads to deeper forms of disease.
I keep a stock of high quality homeopathic remedies. If I do not have the specific remedy I prescribe for you I will order it from Hahnemann Pharmacy or from Pleomorphic Products Sanum, Inc., or I will send you to a local store.
Avoid strong smelling essential oils—peppermint, camphor, eucalyptus, menthol—as these can interfere with the remedy. Before you take your remedy, buy a non-mint toothpaste and put your other brand away. Mild mints in teas are not a problem. Strong breath mints should be avoided.
Certain substances are used medicinally to antidote the effects of other medicines. Coffee is one of these substances which can antidote many different remedies. If you want to optimize your treatment, avoid coffee. If you must have a caffeine fix, use black tea instead of coffee. If you are not able to avoid coffee, let me know so I can adjust your remedy dosage.
I may make suggestions about diet and lifestyle changes if these appear to be obstacles to cure. Good food, free of chemical and hormonal toxins, is essential for good health. For clients who come specifically for nutritional therapy, I may suggest that you begin the nutritional component before taking a constitutional remedy.
Please tell me about any medicines which have been prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter medications which you take regularly. If you develop a rash, or cold, or flu, please discuss them with me before treating with medications. Your first line of defense is to repeat your constitutional remedy.
Likewise, let me know when you have dental treatment. We may need to repeat the remedy.
Store leftover homeopathic remedies in a cool, dark place, away from strong smelling substances.
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