Homeopathy & Over 60s
There’s always a lot to talk about with someone over 60. What distinguishes this age group from younger ones is the fact that most people in this age bracket are living with at least one chronic condition. An estimated 4 million older people in the U.K. (36% of people aged 65-74 and 47% of those 75+) have a limiting longstanding illness. This equates to 40% of all people aged 65+.
Such people may reach a point of no return where they are being prescribed medication mainly on the basis of managing the side effects of previous prescriptions. Liver and kidney damage is commonplace. The more intertwined the symptoms of the various imbalances become, the more complicated and confusing life becomes for patients. Their diaries fill with appointments with one specialist after another. Each specialist, however competent , only prescribes for their particular anatomical or physiological area. The danger is that no one sees or treats the patient as a whole. This is the complete opposite of homeopathic prescribing.
Homeopathy has much to offer seniors and is compatible with conventional medicine. The dilution method used to prepare homeopathic medicines makes it almost risk-free and eliminates the danger of toxic interaction with prescription drugs. Since digestion is often compromised in elderly people, homeopathic preparations also have the advantage of not needing to be absorbed by the gastro-intestinal system. They do not cause constipation or put unnecessary strain on the liver or kidneys. The aim of a homeopathic prescription is always to restore balance to the body, including optimising bowel function.
Here are some of the common complaints people come to discuss in my practice. In all cases people remain under the care of their GP and other health care professionals and continue to consult with them about their medication and treatment plan as necessary.
Constipation
Perhaps the least glamorous aspect of the body and one which may be a bit embarrassing to talk about. Constipation means different things to different people. To some it may mean the inability to empty every day; for others there may be no problem in going daily but it may be a difficult process involving straining and rectal pain, perhaps because of an anal fissure.
Some people say they feel worse when they open their bowels. Others aren’t really bothered and put up with chronic constipation. In such people it may be that all bodily and mental functions are slowing up. They usually complain of feeling cold, are inclined to put on weight and do everything slowly.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint. According to NHS Choices, 10 million people in the U.K. are suffering arthritis. In its most common and troubling forms, arthritis may occur in one or more joints of the body and is usually a long-term condition that may progressively disable and handicap.
Conventional medicine cannot offer any cure but the disease can be controlled. Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed and advice about exercise, rest, heat and devices that help maintain joint function and movement are usually given.
When prescribing for a person with arthritis, the homeopath will be taking into consideration many things about the presentation of the condition. Of importance is the location of the affected joint; some of our medicines have a particular affinity with a specific part of the body. The nature of the pain experienced by the person is extremely useful to a homeopath e.g. sharp, cutting, dull or bruised. Priceless information comes from identifying what makes the condition better or worse. The person whose arthritis causes them to lie perfectly still because they are much worse for any touch or motion will not receive the same medicine as the person who shows signs of stiffness, weakness and restlessness. Homeopathic medicine can’t reverse worn out joints but aims to ameliorate pain and stiffness.
Prostate problems
The first hint that something may be amiss is often a lack of flow when urinating. It is very important to have this symptom checked out by your GP as occasionally it may be a sign of cancer. More commonly the condition is caused by a simple swelling of the prostrate gland. In conventional medicine this goes by the name of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). Some degree of impotence may be experienced with this condition and would yield an important clue to a possible homeopathic remedy.
Sleep
Sleep patterns change as we get older and for some people it is hard to adapt. As we age, we actually need fewer hours sleep at night whilst we also develop a pattern of napping through the day. It is important to identify the cause or causes of insomnia and to deal with them. For example, if the reason for sleeplessness is cramping pain, that has to be addressed directly. If the insomnia has an emotional cause that too must be identified and fixed.
Grief and loss
Death is still largely a taboo subject in our society. With the exception of the burial ceremony or cremation there are few rituals to help people through this period. Everyone has their own way of grieving and takes their own time for their feelings to surface. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, it becomes a significant problem if suffering continues for a long time or becomes so severe that normal life is overwhelmed. Homeopathic medicines do not numb pain or take it away artificially but are prescribed with the aim of restoring calm and helping you come to terms with your loss.
Loneliness
Physical problems such as joint stiffness and pain, or needing to go to the toilet regularly, can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to lead a social life. If you can’t leave your house easily, it may result in an unendurable loneliness. You can consider consulting a homeopath/and or a counsellor if your feelings of loneliness are deep and dark. Don’t hide away. Make sure someone knows you are there.
Women
Homeopathy for Women
I love treating women’s problems with homeopathic remedies because I know they will instantly understand my approach to prescribing.
Men
Homeopathy for Men
Men are reluctant to get help for their health problems. Even though a man’s average life expectancy is six years less than a woman’s, they often delay seeking help until their situation has become serious or can no longer be ignored.
Children
Homeopathy for Children
When most children fall ill, they tend to produce strong symptoms which make homeopathic prescribing relatively easy.
Teenagers
Homeopath for Teenagers
The transition from childhood to adulthood involves many changes and a change is always stressful to some degree.
Pregnancy
Homeopathy for Pregnancy
The gentle, non-invasive, healing approach offered by homeopathy suits many pregnant women. I am frequently consulted by women who cannot or do not want to take a chemical drug whilst pregnant.
Menopause
Homeopathy for Menopause
A transition such as the menopause is always stressful to some degree as it involves physical and emotional changes which need adapting to.