Monday, January 18, 2016

Kathleen Scheible









Kathleen Scheible
Bernal Homeopathy
www.bernalhomeopathy.com
406 Cortland Ave
San Francisco
CA 94110
                                        415-647-7919


I became interested in homeopathy because of what it did for my kids, both having suffered with chronic health issues. 

I was working as an engineer in Silicon Valley, and my son had developed glue ear, asthma and eczema by the time he was 10 after having had many antibiotics for ear infections when he was very young.  I wish I had known about homeopathy back then, as I now know he likely could have avoided or minimized the antibiotics...  After seeing a homeopath, all three of his conditions were improved greatly within a month, after only two doses of a homeopathic remedy that was matched to him (his whole health history).  
It was such a relief for both of us!  He didn't need more homeopathic care until he was quite a bit older.  

After such good results my partner and I decided to take my step-son to the homeopath, as he had been out of school for six months suffering with chronic migraine headaches and debilitating nausea after being diagnosed with viral spinal meningitis.  He tested negative for the meningitis by then, and UCSF doctors could not explain his lasting symptoms. His individualized homeopathic remedy brought about relief very quickly, and he was back in school within 3 days, with no more headaches or nausea, and his energy back.  I was so amazed at this effective and natural relief, that I had to find out more about homeopathy.  Within a year, I was studying it.  

That was over ten years ago, and my son and step-son both went on to become college athletes, and my son is now a professional dancer.  I believe homeopathy gave them both a better future.

I have a family practice in the Bernal Heights district of San Francisco, where I work with families and individuals. I have a very pragmatic approach, and keep in touch with clients.
I specialize in homeopathy for infertility, stress-induced chronic health issues such as anxiety and insomnia, and ADD/ADHD and OCD.

Homeopathy continues to impress and amaze me. 

Case:
A 30 year old woman Elle (not her real name) came to see me because of infrequent periods, only three in the past year.  Elle and her husband were trying to have a baby.  She had not yet had medical intervention for infertility, but had been taking fertility herbs for some time.  She had been off of birth control for over a year, and her periods had not been the same since birth control.

Elle felt that two things had negatively affected her ability to ovulate:  having been on birth control for over ten years, and the death of her father about a year prior.  Elle had a lot of grief, work stress, dark circles under her eyes and some exhaustion.  Less important to her, but characteristic in her case, she experienced leg and foot cramps at night regularly, and dry skin.

I gave a remedy in part based on Elle’s health history of fevers and not well since a grief or trauma, and her family health history of multiple early life-threatening cancers.  Another factor in the remedy selection was current characteristics like her strong craving for sweets especially chocolate, and more importantly her temperament being very responsible in general, and extremely anguished at how her mother was dealing with her father’s death.  I began the case with the homeopathic remedy Carcinosin.  This remedy can be indicated with menstrual irregularity, but the other aspects of the case have to fit the remedy,  such as being stuck in profound grief, and a family history of cancer is strongly confirming that it can be a helpful remedy.

After two doses of the remedy, one month later her energy had improved and dark circles were gone.  She was able to have some emotional space from her grief.  She had been crying frequently, with no relief, but now could experience grief in a more balanced way, having more perspective.  She felt generally positive.

Based on the symptoms which remained:  lack of ovulation (which can be caused by hormonal therapy such as birth control), skin symptoms, watery eyes, motion sickness, I gave the homeopathic remedy Sepia.

After one week, she ovulated.  We were not sure if this was an improvement, since it had been roughly three months since the last time, which was her pattern.
Elle was also sleeping better, feeling more rested.

A month later Elle had had her period, and was feeling much better in many aspects, especially overall energy.  However, some old issues came up about overthinking about negative thoughts.

We continued with Sepia in a low potency on a daily basis, with Carcinosin once per week.  She became noticeably less sensitive to motion sickness.  She ovulated for the second month in a row, which is definitely progress.  She was also diagnosed with PCOS.

At this point I believed that she needed a protocol more specific to the PCOS “layer” of symptoms (though still individualized):  daily repetition of the Carcinosin remedy for a short time, in liquid form and also had her take a very low potency of a glandular/ endocrine “tonic” remedy Spongia tosta (in low potency) twice daily.  

In the following month, she conceived.  Though her leg cramps had improved a bit after the Sepia remedy, they came back consistently during her pregnancy, and I recommended Mag Phos cell salts (a low potency homeopathic remedy), which worked immediately.

Elle carried to term and she and her husband have a healthy baby.


Sunday, January 17, 2016

Homeopathy and Beyond - Women's Health Issues


Yoga for Menopausal Symptoms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBjPHIxDk7U



Nutrition
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/relieve-menopausal-symptoms.html

Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment--results of an observational study.

 2008 Jan;97(1):10-5. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2007.11.005.

Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment--results of an observational study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: 

There is great controversy concerning treatment for menopausal symptoms. We evaluated homeopathic treatments for hot flushes and their effect on quality of life in menopausal women.

METHODS: 

Open, multi-national prospective, pragmatic and non-comparative observational study of homeopathic treatments prescribed and their effectiveness, observing their impact on quality of life.

RESULTS: 

Ninety-nine physicians in 8 countries took part in this study and included 438 patients with an average age of 55. Homeopathic medicines were prescribed to all patients; 98% of the prescription lines were for homeopathic medicines. Lachesis mutus, Belladonna, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur and Sanguinaria canadensis were the most prescribed. A non-homeopathic treatment and/or food supplement prescribed for 5% of the patients. This observational study revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the frequency of hot flushes by day and night and a significant reduction in the daily discomfort they caused (mean fall of 3.6 and 3.8 points respectively, on a 10cm visual analogue scale; p<0.001). Ninety percent of the women reported disappearance or lessening of their symptoms, these changes mostly taking place within 15 days of starting homeopathic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The results of this observational study suggest that homeopathic treatment for hot flushes in menopausal women is effective. Further studies including randomized controlled trials should be conducted.
PMID:
 
18194760
 
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Rebecca Billings





Rebecca Billings
Homeopathic Wellness
1654 University Avenue
Berkeley CA 94703
www.rebeccabillings.com
510-747-8297



I first found homeopathy years ago during my search for better health. I was diagnosed with asthma in my early 30's and was told it was a permanent condition. I found as time went by I used my inhaler more and more often. Worst of all there was no hope offered for any improvement. I tried all sorts of lifestyle changes, medications and supplements with no real change.

Like so many others, I found homeopathy when I had exhausted all of the more familiar options available. I decided to take a chance because I didn't have much hope left, but was determined to get rid of my inhaler. Initially I saw improvement in the seasonal allergy attacks I suffered each Spring and Fall. Over time I saw my health get better and better. After a number of remedies I was given one which made the biggest difference - over a span of months I was able to get rid of my inhaler permanently. 

Overcoming a condition which is considered permanent and utterly incurable solidified my confidence in Homeopathy. It wasn't long after I started this process that I began studying it. The beauty and complexity of homeopathy drew me in. Seeing people overcome physical or mental health obstacles is continually inspiring. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself! 

Homeopathy has become my passion, and I am fortunate to be able to share the journey of my clients on their quest for better health.  I combine empathetic listening with the precision learned in my engineering background to find the best possible remedy for each individual.  I support my clients in finding relief from symptoms and greater freedom on both physical and mental levels.  I welcome clients of all ages and backgrounds into my practice.

Case:
K is a 36 year old woman who came into my office with fibroids, irregular periods, acne and depression.  

K has had irregular periods since she was a teenager. She had been diagnosed with fibroids a few years prior and was concerned as she wanted to have another child. In addition she was feeling angry about the way she was being treated at work and in her relationship. She admitted that while it wasn’t as important to her health, having acne as an adult embarrassed and upset her.

We had a long talk about hormonal balance and the relationship between her symptoms.  It is not uncommon to suffer from all of her symptoms with PCOS, although she had never been diagnosed with this disorder. Homeopathy treats each person based on the symptoms they present, so no formal diagnosis is needed for healing.

She described a very busy and high stress lifestyle. She was completing a higher level degree while working full time and functioning as a single parent. She avoided all conflict in pursuit of harmony.  She often put her needs aside for family, work and friends. This left her feeling angry but unable to express it, and also depleted and depressed. In spite of this she was pursuing a degree and had moved away from her family without their approval. She insisted that finding herself and being in school was more important than anything else.

Many of her symptoms, including the acne, began after she quit birth control pills two years prior.  Her desire to find herself along with the change in symptoms two years prior lead me to the remedy Folliculinum. It was confirmed by her feeling drained and angry, in addition to almost all of her physical symptoms and modalities.

After her remedy she showed some improvement but also had one incident of hives. She hadn’t had hives since she was a child. While certainly distressing to the client, it wasn’t dangerous and cleared up quickly. In homeopathy it is seen as a positive sign when issues come up from many years prior, as it’s the body’s way of doing deep internal healing. 

After four months of treatment her periods became regular for the first time in her life. Not only that, she quit a job that she disliked, was working on her relationship and was doing well expressing her thoughts and feelings. She was also relieved to see her skin looking smoother.  Her depression and anger were lifted, and she was happy with where her life was headed. This was a great example of healing that happened on both internal and external levels, leaving the client happier with herself as well as her improved health.

Shana Sturm










Shana Sturm
Classical Homeopathy
4287 Piedmont Ave #107
Oakland 94611

I first became interested in homeopathy in my 20’s.  I was dissatisfied with my own health care. When I complained of frequent colds and flu, my doctor told me to wash my hands more. The doctor didn’t really have any tools with which to address my concerns. I ran into my doctor on BART and greeted her with a big hello but she didn’t know who I was. That was a turning point for me and I started to seek out health care that felt more holistic, personalized and real. I was introduced to homeopathic treatment and it worked well for me and changed my health for the better. I was inspired and captivated. I had to know more about this mysterious and implausible medicine! I eventually studied homeopathy at the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy in San Francisco and graduated in 2003.  


The growth of my practiced paralleled the growth of my children, also born in 2003, so my practice has naturally gravitated towards working with pregnancy, postpartum, nursing issues for mothers, infant care, children and now teens as well.  I specialize in pediatric work, as well as mastitis prevention in nursing mothers.


As my children grow  and my parents and I age, I am fascinated with the idea that a life of homeopathic care can actually strengthen the vital force over time. These days, I am thinking a lot about the homeopathic process as it applies to preventative health care over the lifetime of a person and our different stages of development.


I welcome all ages of people into my private practice in Oakland.  I do constitutional care, as well as a lot of acute care for children and nursing moms.


Case of a nursing mother with pre-mastitis symptoms:


A mother is nursing two children, one of which is a 3 month old. She has a history of horrible mastitis with the first child. 2 weeks ago she developed a plugged duct with a hard lump. One week ago she developed a cold with a cough, sore throat and body aches all over with a low- grade fever. Her right breast is warmer. The left breast feels weaker and produces less milk. The plug feels gone but the right breast is tender and at night she experienced a shooting pain deep in the breast which went up into the armpit.  

My prescription  was Phytolacca 1M every hour until symptom free.  I also prescribed total rest, lots of hot showers or baths and fully draining both breasts when nursing.   Mastitis is an incredibly fast-paced infection which needs very close monitoring by any homeopath. I ask clients to check in with me as frequently as once an hour for follow up.  Homeopathy is frequently an effective solution and will keep a mother’s nursing efforts alive longer than the road of antibiotics (which very frequently result in secondary problems which end up terminating the nursing all together). This case, like many, cleared within a day although close follow up for several days is best.  She went on to successfully nurse the two children.  

Friday, January 15, 2016

Remedies for Hot Flashes during Menopause

 Remedies for Hot Flashes during Menopause



Physical Symptoms
Mental Symptoms
Other Symptoms
Remedy
Hot flushes during early morning hours
Anxious, worries maybe even eccentric
Throws off the bed covers from overheating
Messy habits
Sulphur
Alternating heat and chills and lack of thirst

Changeable moods tendency 
to weep
Feels better in fresh air
Pulsatilla
Irregular periods with headaches or backaches

Reserved and brooding

Craves salt and feels worse in sun

Natrum muriaticum

Intense hot flushes with red or purplish flushing, palpitations, and feelings of pressure, congestion, and constriction

Talkative, jealous suspicious personality
Cannot tolerate 
tight clothing
Lachesis



Remedies selected based on hot flash symptoms only may relieve symptoms temporarily. For a more permanent relief consider meeting a Homeopathic Practitioner. He or she will select a remedy based on your health and family health history, which may prevent symptoms from returning.


Please use common sense and judgement and seek medical attention if need be

Science behind Hot Flash