Complementary Therapy: Homeopathy, Bach Remedies & Aromatherapy Flashcards
what are the different forms of medicine?
- Complementary therapy
- Alternative medicine
- Holistic medicine
- Natural therapies
- Allopathic medicine
- Western medicine
- Orthodox medicine
what is the scope of complementary therapies?
- Homeopathy
- Aromatherapy
- Bach Remedies
- Herbal medicine
- Hypnotherapists
- Acupuncture
- Osteopaths
- Chiropractice
- Shiatsu
- Psychotherapy
how are complementary therapists regulated?
Regulation of Complementary Therapists
• The General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies
– The GRCCT have:
• a Code of Conduct and Ethics
• a Requirement for member to complete CPD
• a complaints procedure
• produced National Occupational Standards (NOS)
– NOS have been published for aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, massage, reflexology, Reiki
– Registration and regulation is voluntary
what are the main ailments that are consulted with complementary therapy?
- Back pain
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Severe headache or migraine,
- Stomach or intestinal illnesses
who founded homeopathy?
• Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1846) – Believed medical interventions should not be harmful – Adopted a scientific approach: • observation • hypothesis • testing
what are the principles of homeopathy?
• Observation
– He took cinchona bark - used to treat fever
– He developed symptoms of fever
• Hypothesis
– Remedy effective against a disease would produce symptoms resembling those of the disease when given to a healthy person.
• Testing
– He repeated the tests on his family
– He also tested other products
• Similia similibus curentur
– Let like be treated with like
– Treatments stimulate the body in a way which oppose the disorder
– Homeopathic medicines become more effective with:
• Dilution
• Shaking (succussion)
what are the types of homeopathy preparations?
- Preparation of mother tincture
– source material
• If soluble, with alcohol/water
• If insoluble, triturated with lactose until can be suspended - Mother tincture diluted to required potency
– Succussion
– Diluted homeopathic liquid added to blank pellets, dried and packaged
what are the dilutions in homeopathy?
1x = 1 in 10
3x = 1 in 10 followed by 1 in 10 followed by 1 in 10
1c – 1 in 100
6c = 1 in 100 followed by 1 in 100 followed by 1 in 100 followed by 1 in 100 followed by 1 in 100 followed by 1 in 100
what are the pharmaceutical considerations for homeopathy productd?
• Storage – Protect from sunlight and strong smelling substances • Quantity – 1g = 10 tablets – 7g = 50 tablets • Administration – Not handled – Suck or chew – Avoid taking anything oral within 15 minutes
is homeopathy available on the NHS?
not widely and is recommended that GPs and other prescribers should stop prescribing it
how is homeopathy diagnosed?
• A Holistic view is taken: – Patient evaluation • Observation • History taking • Physical characteristics – Symptom evaluation • Sensation • Modality • Location
how do you manage minor ailments/
• Many homeopathic remedies are available for self management by patients
• How would you advise a patient which to take?
– Complete a diploma in Homeopathy
– Homeopathic formularies
what are the homeopathy organisations?
• The Society of Homeopaths – Society for professional homeopaths • The Faculty of Homeopathy – Regulator for homeopathic training for health professions – DFHom – MFHom • The British Homeopathic Association – Lay members plus health professionals
what are the bach flower remedies?
– He believed diseases arose when there was a disharmony between mind and body
• defined 7 negative states of the mind
• his remedies work on the negative state of the mind
– The practitioner assesses the patient’s feeling and behaviour and match those to the appropriate remedy
how do you prepare a bach flower remedy?
- Flowers floated on spring water and exposed to sunlight
- Diluted 50% with brandy
- Further diluted with water and brandy
how to you admin a bach flower remedy?
- Several drops taken in spoonful of water at least four times a day
- Can be applied to lips, temples, wrists or behind ears
what is aromatherapy?
• Volatile oils were used by ancient civilisations but their use declined with the introduction of more modern drugs.
• In the 1920s Rene-Maurice Gattefosse
– working in a perfume factory, burned his hand.
– Added neat lavender oil and found it healed more quickly
– He then investigated other oils and published a book on aromatherapy in 1928
what is philosophy?
• Health is a balance of emotional, mental and physical states
– ill health arises when there is an imbalance
what is aromatherapy?
– is a holistic approach
– Essential oils have a systemic action to balance toxic effects and restore balance
• Aromatherapists:
what is an aromatherapist/
– usually administer essential oils via massage (or by inhalation)
– May also provide lifestyle advice
what are the types of oils?
– Essential oils or essences obtained by distillation or extracted by pressure
– Infused oil – infuse into base oil
– Oils are then diluted with a base or carrier oil
what is the safety with essential oils?
• Essential oils – Lipid soluble extracts, more concentrated that whole herb • Children – Peppermint oil, chamomile oil • Topical application – Allergic reactions – Photosensitisation (e.g. bergamot, rosemary, ylang ylang) • Inhalation – Asthmatic trigger
how should oils be stored?
- Dark glass containers
- Child Resistant Cap
- Store away from heat and light (refrigerator is sealed plastic bag)
