Homeopathy is a medical science developed by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (755-1843). It is based on the principle ‘Similia similibus curentur’ meaning ‘Like cures like’. This Homeopathic axiom expressing the law of similar basically means that any substance capable of producing symptoms on a healthy individual will relieve the same symptoms in a diseased individual. As a practicing Homeopath, with 15 years of experience I helped patients with various diseases ranging from minor ailments to chronic hereditary conditions. In this article, I want to share how the art and science of homeopathy helped a 4 year-old girl with a case of Autism.
According to Homeopathy, a disease originates from a disturbance of the patient’s vital force, a life force energy that sustains life. It is this disturbance/imbalance that a Homeopath aims to restore through gentle energetic medicine, treating the individual as a whole, holistically. In all cases an individual’s constitution plays an important part in helping me select the right remedies. Constitution is defined as a person’s mental makeup, aversions, intellectual capacity and emotional reactions.
Aliyah was 4 years old and had not reached normal speech milestones. After ruling out any hearing disabilities, her pediatrician had assessed her to be on the spectrum. A normal milestone for 4 year-old kids includes sentence structures which may include five or more words. However, Aliyah spoke 1 or 2 unclear words.
In addition, she had a temper which would flare easily and would ask for a toy only to throw it away. She had several meltdowns during the day. She was averse to certain foods and had a very specific limited diet. All these symptoms are typical manifestations of individuals in the spectrum. I noticed that she made good eye contact and was highly intelligent. My approach with Aliyah was to help increase her focus and help her relax.
I prescribed Baryta Carbonica 30 C indicated, which is often use to help with concentration, particularly in children. I also gave the Homeopathic remedy called Chamomilla in 30 C potency to help with her level of irritability. People with autism usually have sensory overload and Chamomilla helps sooth the senses
Along with Homeopathic medicines, I suggested the daily use of essential oils to further help with focus and relaxation. Specifically, I suggested frankincense and lavender essential oils mixed with base oil to be applied to the occipital area and the base of the neck. Research has shown the relaxing effect of Lavender oil on children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Frankincense oil helps improve focus and brain function.
After a month of this treatment, Aliyah was able to pronounce words more clearly. Shortly after, she could complete a sentence, sometimes including four clear words. Her mother was delighted. Though a positive sign, Aliyah was now presenting symptoms of Echolalia which includes repeating phrases that others say or ask. I reduced the doses of Chamomilla and recommended using it only on an as-needed basis. Also, I added a homeopathic remedy called Zincum Phosphoricum, which I prescribed in 200C potency. I advised a single dose once a week for 1 month.
After three more months, Aliyah was speaking more normally and the Echolalia episode practically faded away. Also, her appetite improved as well and she allowed a more varied diet in her meals. Her social interactions were reportedly more open as well. I saw Aliyah for a follow-up and she had a calm demeanor, which confirmed the progress. While her mother realizes that there’s no real cure for Autism, she felt homeopathy made Aliyah’s symptoms more manageable and less limiting. Homeopathy can do absolute wonders when the selection of remedy is correct, like in this case of autism. That’s when it becomes not only a science and a philosophy but an art.
Dr. Tashika Shah
Homeopath and Yoga Instructor – London, Middle East and Pakistan
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