‘Traumeel’ – for the treatment of sports-injuries

Traumeel is a homeopathic complex preparation indicated for use in the treatment of trauma and injuries contracted in the process of physical activity [1]. It matches, in a broader sense, the symptomatology that may result from the conduction sports.

Traumeel is one of the most extensively researched homeopathic formula [2]. Trials and studies investigating the efficacy of Traumeel came to conclude that it can in fact be described as the ‘Diclofenac’ of homeopathy [3]. It´s treatment effect, tolerability and compliance, have been found to be equivalent, if not superior to that with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as is for example ‘Diclofenac’ [4, 5, 6].

Traumeel is a protected brand, manufactured by Heel. It is a composition of 14 natural extracts that have been homeopathically potentised to decimal dilutions, or are included in the concoction as mother-tincture [7]. These components in combination are stronger than the single constituents when used separately [8]. Traumeel is marketed as a topical ointment or gel, injections, and for oral administration as drops or tablets. [8].

As a complex preparation Traumeel cannot be classed as a classic homeopathic medication. Complex formulations are designed to be prescribed in a generalized manner and do not follow the doctrine of individualization that is paramount in classical homeopathic prescribing. The aim of such poly-remedy prescribing is for the treatment compound to match the broad spectrum of symptomatology expressed for a specific condition [9].

Traumeel is used for the alleviation of limitations caused by pain and inflammation in muscular tissue and joints, and is as such indicated for musculoskeletal conditions that affect all major joints, the back, neck, foot, knee, arms etc.. The treatment with Traumeel is effective, gentle, and devoid of adverse effects [8].

References:

[1] Orchard, J., Best, T., Mueller-Wohlfahrt, H-W., Hunter, G., Hamilton, B., Webborn, N., Jaques, R., Kenneally, D., Budgett, R., Phillips, N., Becker, C. & Glasgow, P. (2008) ‘The early management of muscle strains in the elite athlete: best practice in a world with a limited evidence basis ‘, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(3), pp. 158-159 [Online]. Available at: doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.046722 (Accessed: November 2009).

[2] Bemm, T. (2009) Leistungssteigerung mit der Homöopathie, Available at:http://www.aponeo.de/themenwelt/bewegung-und-sport/homoeopathie-im-sport/beitraege/leistungssteigerung-mit-der-homoeopathie/ (Accessed: April 2013).

[3]  DZS (2009) Individuell trainieren – Prof.Dr. P. Billigmann im Interview zum Thema Fussball, Available at: http://www.zeitschrift-sportmedizin.de (Accessed: March 2010).

[4]. Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser M. (2004) The homeopathic preparation Traumeel S compared with NSAIDs for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 8(02n03),119-128 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1142/S0218957704001284 (Accessed November 2009).

[5]. Schneider C, Klein P, Stolt P, Oberbaum M. (2005) ‘A homeopathic ointment preparation compared with 1% Diclofenac gel for acute symptomatic treatment of tendinopathy’. Explore, 1(6), pp.446-452 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2005.08.010 (Accessed: November 2009).

[6] Gonzalez de Vega,C., Speed,C., Wolfarth, B., Gonzalez, J. (2013) ‘Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and improving ankle mobility after acute ankle sprain: A multicentre, randomised, blinded, controlled and non-inferiority trial’, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, 67(10), pp. 979-989 [Online]. Available at: doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12219 (Accessed: January 2016).

[7] Heel (2009) Gebrauchsinformation Traumeel S, Available at:http://www.heel.de/upload/Traumeel_S_Tabl_K_014558_03_BPZ_7_1564.pdf(Accessed: January 2016).

[8] Heel (n.d.) Traumeel, Available at: http://www.traumeel.com/Traumeel-com-Home.html?ActiveID=10008080 (Accessed: January 2016).

[9] Pflüger (n.d.) Homöopathische Komplexmittel, Available at:http://www.homoeopathie.de/komplexmittel.html (Accessed: April 2013).

92% of football teams in the German Bundesliga use Homeopathy

Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels.com

In the Bundesliga, the German football league, 92% of clubs treat their players with homeopathic remedies. In particular complex homeopathic preparations are employed in the treatment of the league professionals. About 76% of clubs use homeopathic combination/complex preparations [1].

In the professional sports industry where recuperation time is restricted [2], and players are faced with the constant demand for peak performance, treatment choices are dictated by gentle and rapid therapeutic onset and the absence of adverse effects from medication [3, 4, 5]. Homeopathic remedies meet this demand and are on top of regular benefits, devoid of falling under doping restrictions [1, 2, 6].

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References:

[1] Meyer, D. (2008) EM-Profis setzen auf sanfte Medizin [online] last accessed 13 August 09 at URL http://www.spiegel.de

[2] Zittlau, J. (2008) Blut an den Stollen [online] last accessed 14 November 09 at URL http://www.welt.de

[3] DZS (2009) Individuell trainieren – Prof.Dr. P. Billigmann im Interview zum Thema Fussball [online] last accessed 20 March10 at URL http://www.zeitschrift-sportmedizin.de

[4] Schepper, L. (unknown) Sports Injuries: Going for Gold with Homeopathy! [online] last accessed 11 October 09 at URLhttp://www.drluc.com

[5] Wellnessing (2007) Naturheilmittel – Umfrage unter den Mannschaftsärzten der ersten und zweiten Fussballbundesliga [online] last accessed 14 November 09 at URL http://www.wellnessing.de

[6] Pressetext.austria (2009) Homoeopathie als Doping-sichere Sportlerbehandlung [online] last accessed 08 November 09 at URL http://pressetext.ch

Mood-swings and the Pause

Menopause, whether at the peri-, mid- or post- stage, is not only a change occurring to the hormonal household or the physical body, it also impacts and has an altering effect on the emotions of women transitioning.

The disequilibrium of hormones, the fluctuation between dominance and deficiency, can cause upheaval and havoc resulting in mood swings and not seldom in extremes that can mount to depression or melancholy.

Homeopathic remedies have potential to, not only ease the effects from the change on a physical level, but can also moderate the emotions and harmonize the mood.

The table below highlights a number of homeopathic remedies that can be used to restore the equilibrium in mind and emotion.

Argentum nitricumGreat agitation, nervous excitement & fear. Hysteria. Melancholy, apprehensive of serious disease. Impulsive.
Arsenicum albumWorried, irritable, restless, anxious. Fear, preoccupied with disease and death. Compulsive, perfectionist.
Aurum metallicumBad tempered, deeply depressive, melancholic. Lacks self-confidence. Anxious.
BelladonnaEasily excited, sensitive. Restless. Changeable, disinclined to talk. Desires to escape.
Calcium carbonicumGreat anxiety, stressed, overworked. Mentally run down. Great weakness. Low spirited.
Cimicifuga racemosaSensation of carrying the ‘head in the clouds’. Fears impending evil. Agitated. Depressed, excitable.
GraphitesSadness, melancholy, hopelessness and indecision are marked.
IgnatiaDepression and fluctuations of mood with weeping and deep sadness are characteristic. Hyper-sensitive. Nervous. Wants to be left alone, does not want to engage with others. Mood changes suddenly from happiness to sadness. Sighing. Irritable.
LachesisDepression with aversion to socialising, wants to run away from the rest of the world. Suspicious, jealous, irritable. Bad tempered. Aversion to daily routine. Anxiety.
LycopodiumLack of motivation, low stamina, depression. Fear of failure. Unwilling to engage in activities. Easily discouraged.
MancinellaExtreme sadness, changeability of mood. Is very still and silent.
Natrium muriaticumBottles up her feelings, explodes after slight provocation. Cannot forgive. Self-blaming, dwells on past hurts, cannot forgive. Depressive, weeps easily.
Nux vomicaTired out by the menopause, over-born. Angry, competitive, irritable. Over-sensitive.
Platinum metallicumDepressive, unable to express emotions. Chagrin, wounded pride.
PhosphorusFearful, anxious, lack of self-confidence, fear of crowds.
PulsatillaSudden changes of mood, easily weeps. Emotionally unstable. Consolation ameliorates.
SepiaChangeable temperament, irritability, lack of affection for her family, indifference, sadness with no desire of distraction. Depressed. Frequently complaining. Aversion to work.
SulphurExplosions of passion, either energetic or lacking vitality.

References:

Boericke, W. (1999) Homeopathic Materia Medica, Available at: http://www.homeoint.org/ (Accessed: January 2019).

Castro, M. (2018) Sailing Through Menopause, Available at: https://www.mirandacastro.com/homeopathy-and-menopause/ (Accessed: January 2019).

Ikenze, I. (1998) Menopause & Homeopathy, Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books.

Kent, J.T. (2000) Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica, Available at: http://www.homeoint.org/ (Accessed: January 2019).

Sharma, V. (2019) Beat your Climacteric Blues with Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Menopause, Available at: https://www.drhomeo.com/menopause/homeopathic-remedies-for-menopause/ (Accessed: January 2019).

There is homeopathy…for arthritis and related conditions.

There are a variety of conditions of the joints that fall into the category ‘arthritis’. Actually there are over 100 types identified today. The label as such therefore refers to inflammatory processes of one or more joints, however the causes of these can be manifold. These can be an infection, a metabolic disorder, a disease, a hereditary defect or an auto-immune response of the immune system.

The inflammation of an arthritic condition is typically characterized by pain, tenderness, stiffness, heat, weakness, and swelling at the affected joint or joints. The symptoms may fluctuate in intensity, may come and go, but are progressive with the condition becoming worse over time. The damage of arthritis may be permanent resulting in limited mobility, hence restricting everyday life.

Arthritis may affect children and adults alike, and may occur in men and women without restriction.

The most common forms of arthritis are:

Degenerative Arthritis – Osteoarthritis: This is an inflammation caused by overuse of the affected joint. It is the natural wear and tear of the cartilage, the protective layer covering the bones of the joint. It diminishes with age, leaving the bones unprotected. This happens when stress has been exerted on a joint such as from an injury or from bearing a weight, as in long standing obesity for example. This form of arthritis commonly occurs in the spine, hips, knees, but also in the finger joints.

Inflammatory Arthritis – Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder. The normally protective immune system of the body hereby mistakenly attacks the own system. The joints are hereby greatly affected with erosion and deformity occurring in the joints. This form of arthritis may also affect the skin and diverse internal organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, nerves and eyes.

Metabolic Arthritis – Gouty Arthritis (Gout) : An excess of uric acid is to blame for this form of arthritis. Here inflammation is caused by crystalline deposits of uric acid in the affected joint. Commonly only one joint is affected.

Infectious Arthritis: A fungus, virus or bacteria triggers this joint inflammation. It is known to be caused by a contamination, or an infection elsewhere in the body that spreads to the site of the joint, causing the characteristic inflammation there. Even food poisoning and sexually transmitted diseases can be the origin of an infectious arthritis.

The treatment of arthritis depends on the form of arthritis the sufferer is complaining of. And while there may be physical therapies to retain mobility of an affected joint, the conventional treatment principally focuses on alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. However some forms of arthritis, and the degree of progression, may require surgery to alleviate the suffering.

Homeopathy has diverse remedies at its disposal to alleviate the symptomatology of arthritic conditions. This requires the appraisal of a thorough case-history of the sufferer to identify the most specific prescription for the individual patient.

Remedies with indications for arthritic symptomatology include:

Apis, Benzoicum acidum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Cardiospermum, Caulophyllum, Colchicum, Dulcamara, Guaiacum, Harpagophytom, Hypericum, Kalmia, Kalium bichromicum, Ledum, Pulsatilla, Rhododendron, Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta, Sticta.

Bibliography:

https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php

https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/understanding-arthritis-basics#1

https://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm#what_causes_arthritis

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/

https://www.rdch.org/different-types-arthritis-explained/