Tag Archives: homeopathy

Do We Judge Others’ Because We Dislike Ourselves?

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October 15, 2018 (posting November 7, 2018)

Emotional Dissonance

I work with a lot of people who have dissonance between what they want out of their lifestyle, career, relationship, or health, and what they have become or are expected/pressured to be. Then, they project outward or judge others.

I use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT tapping) and homeopathy to help each person discharge emotions and have the power to step into the life they want–without feeling judged. I have been observing in different cultures and situations how people subtly judge, and wanted to write a bit about it today.

Hiking up Fairy Hill with the group

I went to an event outside of Dublin called “Hammered Hiking.”  It was advertised as a walk to a local pub, a 4-hour challenging hike through the hills, a brief stop at another pub, then a walk back to the meeting location.  It sounded like a lovely way to meet some people in a casual atmosphere. What surprised me was the number of people in the group who did not drink. It came up in casual conversation as someone passed around a small flask, and three of the 10 of us did not drink at all.  We got into an amazing and eye-opening conversation about judgements and social expectations of others. The question all the “non-drinkers” have been asked/hassled about/judged around: Why don’t you drink?

You Don’t Drink Alcohol?

It’s a question I have heard myself.  When I traveled to California and was on a detox, people were astounded I would go there and not have any wine.  “What? We are near Napa! You can’t go home without having a glass of wine with me!” I also was asked by a couple of people if I was pregnant.  Because WHY would I CHOOSE not to drink? The women I was with were astounded to see that I danced, laughed, and engaged as much or even more than if I had been drinking.  I know people who will carry around drinks at parties and pretend they are drinking in order to deflect the social pressure. There can be a strong undercurrent of judgement as well.  I.e. If you don’t drink, you must have a Problem with drinking.  (If someone is respecting themselves and the others around them by honoring their choice of sobriety, we should be applauding them, not judging them!!)

Others look for a Reason beyond just the fact that one doesn’t want to drink that day/week/month/ever. My clients and friends report having to make excuses (I have to drive, I’m not feeling well, I’m on a detox, it interacts with my medication, I’m trying to lose weight, etc.) for it to be socially acceptable not to drink. One friend of mine in Minneapolis quipped, “if I say I’m not drinking alcohol, people wonder why and judge me. If I say I’m straight-edge, I’m a cool part of the culture.”

View over Dublin area

One person in the hiking group said “I feel split from myself when I am drinking.  I don’t like that feeling.” Another woman just doesn’t like the taste of alcohol. Both of them reported being pressured to drink over and over.  As if the people they were with were not comfortable unless everyone is drinking. One said, “I don’t pressure others not to drink because I’m not. Why do they feel they should pressure me to drink?”

Here’s What You Should Eat

I hear the same thing said about food judgments.  I know a woman who has an extremely high metabolism who has a hard time gaining weight.  People say things such as: “Really, you are just going to eat a salad?” “You’re so skinny-why don’t you eat a sandwich!” With the increased allergies in our society, the people with serious food allergies versus just intolerances are not always taken seriously.  “Oh, you’re one of THOSE gluten-free people.”

Maybe We Can Try Being Supportive First

Why do we judge and make these negative sounding comments towards people for their choices instead of being supportive?  Are we trying to feel better about our own habits and choices? I know in Minnesota we have a mentality where we have to offer food or drinks of any sort over and over again to feel hospitable.  “Are you sure you don’t want anything?”   I have friends who don’t like chocolate. They get comments like, “who doesn’t like CHOCOLATE! That’s _(insert word of choice).”

Being A Judge is Tiring

I really think that we don’t realize we are making comments that are negative and tiring to others.  Perhaps we think we are being playful. Regardless, the words we say have an impact on others. My challenge for myself and for you this week is to watch how you engage with people about their choices.  Are the words you are using implying judgement or support?

Resting after hiking 3 mountains in Connemara, Ireland

If you are ready to make changes in your life and let go of the emotional and social ties around it, send me a message and we will set up a complimentary 30-minute talk to explore how I can help you. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share and heal.  I look forward to our conversation.

With Love,

Dawn

P.S. Comment below to share other ways you observe judgement in everyday conversation.  

Homeopathic Help for Ear Infections, Part II

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massage, earsIn Homeopathic Help for Ear Infections, Part I, I discussed types of ear infections and some of the remedies that can be used for them. This week I will include four other possible remedies.

Pulsatilla – This remedy is one of the most often used remedies in children in general—for ear infections, teething, and colds. It is indicated when the child wants affection and physical contact. The child may be very clingy and seeks attention in a soft and sweet way (Chamomilla is demanding, as mentioned last week—see the link above). The child may have yellow-green mucus. Pain may be worse in a warm room or at night. Symptoms are usually better when the child is moving slowly (being gently rocked or walking around.)

Hepar Sulph– This remedy is indicated when the symptoms come almost out of the blue. Typically, the child wakes between midnight and 2:00 A.M., screaming in pain with a sharp, severe earache. The intense pain creates intense screaming. Nothing relieves in the moment (unlike symptoms when Chamomilla is indicated, which can be a bit better if you are trying everything). This remedy is used often when there is tonsillitis with the ear infection.

Mercurius Solubilis– This remedy is used when the ear infection is associated with salivation, swollen glands, and smelly breath and discharges, due to the intensity of the infection in the body. Redness or pus may be present in the middle ear. The child may have enlarged glands or pus on tonsils (white or yellow coat on throat). The child can chill or get overheated easily, and it seems hard to regulate the child’s temperature.

Silica– This is used in later stages of an earache. Physical weakness and tiredness accompany the earache. This remedy is great for children who have repeated infections. They may have crackling or popping noises in the ear. You may also notice your child is not properly responding to noise because the ears are stopped up. Also, moving air creates pain.

For help on how to take remedies, see my article on HOW TO SELECT AND USE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES. For information on dosing, see my article titled DOSING AND STRENGTH OF REMEDIES.

If you have any specific questions, need help selecting a remedy, or need to purchase a remedy, please call my personal line at 651-246-1209.

Helping Your Body Heal Itself Naturally,

Dawn

Homeopathic Help for Ear Infections, Part I

Touch Remedies Posted on by

Many children suffer from occasional ear infections (A.K.A. Otitis Media). There are various manifestations of these infections that I would like to address in order to help you take charge of an ear infection and help your child heal without use of medications.

The rate of healing of an ear infection will depend on your child’s vitality (think energy and immune system responsiveness), history of infections, and depth of infection. Acute ear infections that come on quickly and include lots of pain also tend to clear quickly with the correct remedy. An ear infection that comes on after a cold, followed by congestion and achiness can take a bit longer, and will take even more time if it is your child’s second, third, fourth, (etc.) infection. These require a bit more time for the body to fully resolve the whole infection, including the cold. A third type of ear infection is what used to be called “Glue Ear.” This is when the fluid in the ear becomes very thick and sticky, interfering with hearing. I recommend scheduling a full consultation for the “Glue Ear” situation, as it will require more individualized treatment.

This week I will provide information about four remedies often used for ear infections. Next week I will discuss four others. Please be aware that these are not the only eight remedies that will work for ear infections, but they are the ones most often indicated.

Belladonna – Belladonna is indicated for severe ear pain that is usually throbbing in nature. The child may have flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, and sometimes a high fever. Even so, the child will usually have no thirst. Symptoms may be worse at night, may be caused from teething, and can be irritated by noise.

Ferrum Phos – Used for early stages of an earache before pus is formed. Less severe pain, fever, or intensity than when Belladonna is indicated. Give if Belladonna seems indicated but does not work. Child may be thirsty.

Aconite – Symptoms start suddenly after child has been chilled, or there is a sudden weather change from hot to cold. Symptoms of fear, anxiety, fever with sweating, and great thirst. Child may also have one pale cheek and one red cheek (like Chamomilla-see below).

Chamomilla – This is a remedy that is also used often in children for teething and illnesses. Child may be restless, oversensitive, and may scream with pain. When this remedy is indicated, the child may seem angry, temperamental, and demanding. Your child may ask for a toy or food, then push it away angrily. It’s as if all the child wants from you is to do everything you can to make them comfortable, but nothing helps. Ear or cheek may be red.

Other Helpful Solutions: Using warm oil in the infected ear can relieve pain while you are waiting for a remedy to act. I like using mullein oil, olive oil, or garlic oil for this soothing solution. Use a dropper to put a few drops in the affected ear.

For help on how to take remedies, see my article on HOW TO SELECT AND USE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES. For information on dosing, see my article titled DOSING AND STRENGTH OF REMEDIES.

If you have any specific questions, need help selecting a remedy, or need to purchase a remedy, please call my personal line at 651-246-1209.

Helping Your Body Heal Itself Naturally,

Dawn

Dosing and Strength of Homeopathic Remedies

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Determining the dosing and the potency (strength) of your remedy is important. Finding a balance is key. You need to make sure the body is not pushed too hard, causing symptoms to get more intense (also called an aggravation). Yet, you need to ensure that it is supported well enough to heal at a good pace.

How potent is the remedy? What do the numbers and letters mean?

The higher the number, the stronger and more energetic the remedy is. For example, a 12c is a lesser strength than a 30c. The letters also indicate strength. Think of the Roman numeral system: X=10, C=100, M=1,000. The higher the number, the more potent and more energetic the remedy is; so a 12x is a lesser strength than a 12c.

The remedies can be safely used in conjunction with conventional medication; there is no known interaction.

The number of times you take a remedy will depend on the severity of symptoms and the potency you have available. In general, the more intense and severe the symptoms are, the higher the potency or frequency of the dose. For general colds, teething, fevers and illnesses, if you have a 12c or 30c, take the remedy 3 to 4 times per day, dissolving under the tongue. Avoid eating or drinking at least 10 minutes before and 5 minutes after taking the remedy.

For very high fevers or injuries, you can take the remedy as often as needed. The general rule is to take it more often for a more severe fever or injury.

Two Examples:

  • If a child has a mild fever of 100° or 102°, you may give a 30c of the indicated remedy 3 to 4 times per day, realizing that the remedy will not necessarily take down the fever, but will support it and the healing. If the same child has a fever of 104° or more, you may take the indicated remedy every 5 minutes until the fever drops to a safer level.
  • If you get hit on the leg with a baseball, you might take Arnica 30c every half hour for a couple hours to minimize pain and bruising. If the same baseball hits the head, you would want to take it every 2 to 3 minutes for the first 10 minutes, and every 10 to 20 minutes thereafter for a couple hours.

For help with choosing remedies, see my article on HOW TO SELECT AND USE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES.

If you have any specific questions, need help selecting a remedy, or need to purchase a remedy, please call my personal line at 651-246-1209.

Helping Your Body Heal Itself Naturally,

Dawn

How to Select and Use Homeopathic Remedies

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Proper remedy selection is the most important part in homeopathic home care.  Selecting the wrong remedy will not cause damage and is not dangerous, but it can delay the progression of the healing process. Below are a few keys to choosing the proper remedy for an acute illness.

1.  Look for the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. Usually the most important symptoms are how the individual feels mentally and emotionally. Consider what things make the individual feel better or worse. If you are differentiating between two remedies that are indicated by similar symptoms, consider the emotional state of the person. If you cannot decide based upon that, look at the symptom that is most severe, and choose from there.

2.  It is important to take only one remedy at a time. Taking multiple remedies can muddy the picture and delay healing.

3.  Wait for a clear picture before beginning a remedy. If the cough is mild and unremarkable, the mucus is clear and ordinary, and there is no clear mental or emotional state, then use other home treatments to start.

4.  If there is no response to the remedy after 24-48 hours, consider another remedy and/or seek help from a professional homeopath such as myself.

5.  STOP taking the remedy when the patient is 90-95% back to normal. (If symptoms begin getting worse again, the remedy can be resumed.)

Do you have questions about how often to take a remedy? See my article titled DOSING AND STRENGTH OF REMEDIES.

If you have any specific questions, need help selecting a remedy, or need to purchase a remedy, please call my personal line at 651-246-1209.

Helping Your Body Heal Itself Naturally,

Dawn