This article will focus on endometriosis and how this insidious disease negatively impacts the lives of millions of women world-wide. Many aspects of the condition will be discussed, including symptoms and possible causes, with conventional treatment options.  Given the complexity of the disease, and the difficulty many have in reducing symptoms and healing the disorder, I feel it is essential to offer holistic advice which could benefit the patient, which will include lifestyle and dietary changes which could help, in addition, homeopathic remedies, which have been seen to dramatically improve the condition in many patients.  As always, an integrated approach to treatment may be beneficial.

Over the last few days, the devastating impact the gynaecological condition endometriosis is having on the lives of thousands of women in the UK has been revealed; it affects over 1.5 million women in the UK. Awareness is being raised, following a research study conducted by the BBC, having consulted more than 13,500 women, and the debilitating effect it is having on their education, career, sex life, and mental health, with around half stating they have experienced suicidal thoughts.  Described by suffers as: ‘A bursting of darkness that stops you in your tracks, excruciating pain, irregular bleeding, pain ‘like hot knives stabbing through me, like fireworks going off inside me, like something twisting and stretching and taking over me.’ ‘Pain is like barbed wire wrapped around your insides and someone's pulling it while at the same time an animal is trying to eat its way through you.’ Unimaginable pain, therefore, which has to be seriously acknowledged and effectively treated.

There is a huge call to address the situation with the diagnosis time an unacceptable 7.5 years on average. Clearly, given the devastating impact on physical and emotional health, this must be dramatically reduced.  Minister for Women’s Health Caroline Dinenage said: ‘Too often across society women's bodies are seen as an inconvenience, with their symptoms and health concerns not taken seriously enough. Thankfully, awareness of endometriosis and other painful and debilitating menstrual conditions is increasing – but there is still a long way to go.’ (Endometriosis UK:2019.)

What is it?

Endometriosis is an often-painfuldisorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs. Withendometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. (Mayo clinic)

Symptoms

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.


• Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.


• Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.


• Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).


• Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.

Other signs and symptoms.arefatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.(Mayo Clinic)

Risk factors

Several factors place you at greater risk of developing endometriosis, such as:

• Never giving birth


• Starting your period at an early age


• Going through menopause at an older age


• Short menstrual cycles — for instance, less than 27 days


• Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days


• Having higher levels of oestrogen in your body or a greater lifetime exposure to oestrogen your body produces


• Low body mass index


• One or more relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis


• Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body

(Mayo Clinic)

Conventional Treatment

Conventional options include pain medication, hormone therapy, including hormonal contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, progestin therapy, aromatase inhibitors, surgery. For in-depth details on all of these options please refer to Mayo Clinic website.

The homeopathic and holistic approach

Treatment, as ever, from a homeopathic and holistic point of view, would focus on the whole person and their unique symptoms. A full case would be taken which would involve everything, physical and emotional concerning the patient, and what is ‘peculiar’ to their individual experience. A constitutional remedy would be given. (This is a remedy which covers the person, in their totality.) Sometimes, other remedies will be given to cover the acute phase of the illness. Progress will be monitored on a regular basis.  There are many remedies with an affinity to the female reproductive system, but they would have to fit the presentation of the presenting symptoms, there is no one size fits all. For example, in cases where fertility is impaired remedies such as oophorinum and folliculinum have been seen to encourage ovulation, with successful outcome. (British Homeopathic Association: 2001) Other remedies seen to be effective, (both locally and constitutionally) in specific cases following an audit were, apis, for pelvic pain, candida 30c, carcinosin for one woman who had a strong family history of cancer, lachesis, pulsatilla, sepia, sulphur, nux vomica and calcarea carbonica. In addition, cimicifuga, an interesting symptom of which is ‘the more the flow, the greater the pain’ has also seen to be effective in these circumstances. (British Homeopathic Association: 2006) Homeopathy, using potentised oestrogen has also proven to be effective in reducing endometriosis induced pelvic pain, according to a double blind, placebo control study: (Homeopathy for endometriosis pain:2017)

Lifestyle advice

The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist guidelines for the ‘Investigations and Management of Endometriosis (2006) state: ‘Many women with endometriosis report that nutritional and complementary therapies such as homeopathy, reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine or herbal treatments, do improve pain symptoms. They should not be ruled out if the woman feels they could be beneficial for her overall pain management and/or quality of life, or work in conjunction with more modern medical therapies’ (Royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists:2006.)

General lifestyle changes should involve reducing stress and simplifying day to day existence as far as possible. Incorporate gentle exercise, and time to yourself, however making sure you integrate with friends, laugh and play, this is not just the premise of children! This also applies to crying, should you feel you need to. Try not to let the illness define you; you are not a label, you are unique, and so is your presentation of this condition, which is why it important for your healthcare provider to listen to your concerns, both emotional and physical. We are not a collection of parts, we are thoughts, feelings, emotions, which more often than not, affect our physical body.

To help reduce pain and inflammation and oxidative damage, diet, supplements and physical therapies can be incorporated. It is found that a holistic, body-system-based functional medicine approach to healing the root causes of endometriosis to be the most effective in reducing pain and unhealthy tissue, and healing damage. Unlike a pharmaceutical or surgical approach, this is a long-term, sustainable approach and includes reducing inflammation and oxidative damage (the tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation), supporting healthy hormone levels, and improving the body’s natural detoxification processes—through diet, supplements, and physical therapies.

Dr Aviva Rom, midwife and MD, (https://avivaromm.com/about/) uses the following anti-inflammatories supplements, to treat her patients:

• Curcumin (an extract from turmeric, also a great antioxidant)—1200-2400 mg/day


• Bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple)—200-800 mg/day


• Quercetin (an extract from apples, onions, and omega 3 fats from fish oil)—250 mg three times/day


• Omega 3 fats from fish oil (a DHA and EPA combination)

She then recommends a combination of these antioxidants to help prevent and reverse local tissue damage from inflammation:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)—600 mg three times/day


• Pine bark (pycnogenol)—30 mg twice/day


• Green tea (ECGC)—up to 300 mg three times/day

As an experienced expert in this field, she also suggests that a diet that is anti-inflammatory and low in toxins is essential, which could involve removing known triggers such as dairy produce, gluten, corn, sugar and possibly red meat, opting rather for chicken or fish, which tends overall, to be less of a cause of inflammation in those with endometriosis.  but again, check if these are applicable to you first by consulting an allergy specialist or nutritionist. Caffeine may add to endometriosis symptoms in some women, so if you’re drinking coffee each day, try a couple of months without it. Green tea is a good antioxidant-rich alternative if you just must have some caffeine. (https://goop.com/wellness/sexual-health/a-guide-to-understanding-and-holistically-treating-endometriosis/)

To conclude, I would suggest a multimodality, individualised approach to treatment, which could include all of what has been mentioned above, certainly any therapeutic method which improves the physical and emotional health of the patient. It is also essential that a woman be listened to and nurtured, her concerns discussed and not dismissed. I also feel it is essential that education and training for those in the medical sphere should be improved for this condition, given that it is often missed, and dismissed, for more than seven years, on average. Training in complementary therapies to help support the complexities included in the diagnosis, where clearly the strict drug approach is inadequate is necessary, failing this, appropriate referrals. Quality of life could be vastly improved for those afflicted by adopting this approach and clearly that is a wonderful step forward.

To contact a homeopath in your area, please visit www.findahomeopath.org

Gill Graham

www.consultanthomeopath.com

References

British Homeopathic Association, (2001): Endometriosis[on-line] Available at:  https://www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/womens-health/endometriosis-2/

British Homeopathic Association, (2006 )Endometriosis:[on-line] Available at:  https://www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/conditions/e/endometriosis-3/

Contemporary Obgyn, (2017) [on-line] Available at: Homeopathy for endometriosis pain: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/endometriosis/homeopathy-endometriosis-pain

Endometriosis UK, (2019) [on-line] Available at:https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/news/bbc-research-announced-today-wake-call-provide-better-care-15-million-endometriosis-37606#.XZuml-dKhn0

Mayo Clinic. Endometriosis.[on-line] Available at:   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

Royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists (2006) The investigation and management of endometriosis[on-line] Available at:  https://www.pelvicpain.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/InvestigationEndometriosis2006-guidelines.pdf

I had Chronic Pressure Urticaria (CPU) for 15 years, I had seen several Doctors and finally two Consultant Dermatologists with no relief, a colleague is a Homeopath and felt that she could help me.

I was prescribed anti-histamines by the Doctors and Consultants, which I constantly took. The anti-histamines became less effective then was prescribed steroids and after this my last alternative was immunosuppressents.

I looked to alternative sources, the Homeopathic remedies given to me have completely relieved me of ALL symptoms. It is only very occasionally that I get the itchy hives/swellings that plagued me before my treatment and when I do get them I just get a top to my treatment.

www.findahomeopath.org to find a homeopath near you.

Cervical cancer prevention week (21 to 27 January2019) 

Public Health England (PHE) are launching a campaign, starting in March 2019 to bring awareness to cervical cancer screening. This week however starts a campaign aimed at prevention of this insidious disease.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the current conventional approach to treatment whilst outlining government guidelines.  The intention is to demonstrate how an integrated approach to prevention and treatment could benefit the patient; for this reason, homeopathic, nutritional and naturopathic advice is given adding a different perspective, taking into account mind/body influences. It has been written to help further educate patients in their own self-care. In no way is the information given here meant to take the place of that of your primary physician, it should be seen as a useful adjunct.

The article is divided into sections, government guidelines/screening tests, what is cervical cancer and its possible causes, symptoms, risk factors, leading onto conventional /homeopathic treatment and nutritional and naturopathic support.  

Government Guidelines - Cervical Screening Tests

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has made a significant impact on cervical cancer mortality since it was established in 1988, saving an estimated 5,000 lives a year. However, coverage is at a 20-year low. Figures published by NHS Digital show that, at 31 March 2018, the percentage of eligible women (aged 25 to 64) screened adequately was 71.4%.  It is the intention of the campaign to encourage woman to attend screening and undergo smear tests.  The campaign will:

• Highlight the risks of cervical cancer


• Highlight the preventative benefits of the often-misunderstood screening test


• Encourage women of all ages to respond to their screening invitation


• Encourage women to consider booking an appointment if they have missed previous invitations


• Aim to tackle issues of fear and embarrassment

(Stubbs, R. November 2018)

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancer cells. (Mayo Clinic)

Symptoms

Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause


• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour


• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

(Mayo Clinic)

Causes

It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most women with the virus never develop cervical cancer. This means other factors, such as your environment or your lifestyle choices, also determine whether you'll develop cervical cancer.

Risk factors

Risk factors for cervical cancer according to the Mayo Clinic include:

• Many sexual partners.The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.


• Early sexual activity.Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.


• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.


• A weak immune system.You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.


• Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.

In addition, according to Dr Andrew Weil of The Arizona Centre for Integrative Health, suggests the following factors could be implicated:

• Birth control pills: A 2003 scientific review of 28 studies found that compared to women who never took oral contraceptives, those who were on the pill for less than five years had a 10 percent increased risk of cervical cancer; those who took it for five to nine years had a 60 percent increased risk. The same study found that the risk returns to normal 10 years after a woman stops taking oral contraceptives.


• Pregnancies: More than three full term pregnancies are associated with an increased risk. The reason is unknown.


• DES: Daughters of women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy between the years 1940 and 1971 may be at increased risk of a rare form of cervical cancer. DES is no longer given to pregnant women.

Prevention

• Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Long before any symptoms occur, a Pap test may reveal abnormal cell growth in the cervix (this is called cervical dysplasia), which causes no symptoms but is considered a precancerous condition.


• Most medical organizations suggest women begin routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every few years.


• Practice safe sex. Using a condom, having fewer sexual partners and delaying intercourse may reduce your risk of cervical cancer.


• Don't smoke.


• The Government advise getting vaccinatedagainst HPV.(Before doing this, I would strongly suggest that extensive research is done as to any side effects that could affect your child,taking into account your child’s current state of health. I propose that this is the responsible approach.)  Vaccination is available for girls and women ages 9 to 26.

(Mayo Clinic)

Conventional Treatment of cervical cancer

Treatment - Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used.

Surgery -Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and prevent recurrence. But removing the uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Simple hysterectomy.The cervix and uterus are removed along with the cancer. Simple hysterectomy is usually an option only in very early-stage cervical cancer.


• Radical hysterectomy.The cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the area are removed with the cancer.

Minimally invasive surgery may be an option for early-stage cervical cancer.

Surgery that preserves the possibility of becoming pregnant also may be an option, if you have very early-stage cervical cancer without lymph node involvement.

(Mayo Clinic)

The homeopathic and holistic approach and how it can complement the conventional route to treatment.

You are unique, the condition manifests in a way that is peculiar to just YOU. The homeopathic approach is highly individualised. The presenting symptoms of the disease, in this case cervical cancer, will be seen in conjunction with all other factors, mind, body, spirit, and the correct remedy prescribed on this totality of symptoms. On many occasions’ homeopathy is used alongside the conventional approach; this is a route chosen by many patients.

Basic homeopathic facts

In order to fully embrace homeopathy, it is helpful to understand basic homeopathic philosophy. With patients, and those that wish to learn, I repeatedly refer to the mind/body connection and how symptoms should be treated in their totality as opposed to being seen as separate problems.  The fundamental tenet of homeopathic medicine is to treat any imbalances in the body leading to ill health as a whole, ideally with one remedy which matches the symptoms of the mind, body and spirit (this remedy is known as the Simillimum.) This is known as ‘classical homeopathy’ where each person is seen as a unique individual; even if they have the same physical condition, the remedy given will invariably be different in each case, as the mind symptoms and aetiology (cause) are most likely unique to the individual who presents with the physical disease. Conventional (allopathic) medicine generally focuses on treating a patient’s physical symptoms, without also taking into consideration the presenting mental and emotional state. This is where both systems of medicine could work beautifully together.  Homeopathy does not seek to remove or suppress symptoms. Its goal is to recognise and remove the underlying cause of these symptoms. This is why a homeopath will work toward understanding the whole person, including their body, mind and emotional state before prescribing a remedy. In other words, a homeopath would prescribe on the ‘totality of symptoms’ as opposed to seeing each part of the body as separate to the rest. This approach could hugely benefit a worried cancer patient, and help to balance the body. 

Other homeopathic routes in the treatment of cancer

Banerji Protocols

There are specific homeopath protocols for the treatment of cancer as practiced and researched by 2 Indian Doctors, Dr Prasanta Banerji and Dr Pratip Banerji at The Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation, India. Details can be found here: https://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/26491/InTech-Homeopathy_treatment_of_cancer_with_the_banerji_protocols.pdf

Dr AU Ramakrishnan

In addition, Dr AU Ramakrishnan, author of “A Homeopathic Approach to Cancer” is one of the most well-known specialists in the treatment of cancer worldwide. Over the last thirty years, he has treated more than 15,000 cancer patients and has developed a highly specific homeopathic method for treating different kinds of tumours including his famous plussing method. You can find his book here: https://homeopathic.com/product/cancer-my-homeopathic-method/

Adjunctive advice - Lifestyle and a holistic approach to prevention and during treatment

The NHS centre for Integrative care in Glasgow frequently cites the work of Dr Andrew Weil, an MD in Arizona who encourages and integrated ‘whole person’ approach to all medical treatment.  Details can be found here:  Dr Andrew Weil Arizona Centre for Integrative Medicine https://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/He states: ‘Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasises the therapeutic relationship, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.’

What therapies does Dr Weil recommend for cervical cancer?

It is Dr Weil’s opinion that the first line of treatment in cervical cancer should be conventional treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, he strongly recommends that patients seek treatment from an integrative oncologist, who can combine conventional treatment with complementary therapies, including acupuncture, mind body medicine, and medical marijuana.

Dr Weil recommends the following Dietary Changes: 

• Eat a plant-based diet focusing on a wide variety of coloured fruits and vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain a cancer-preventing compound so potent that is being investigated as a chemotherapy agent. Berries are rich in beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants. Overall, a diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, cold water fish that provide omega-3 fatty acids (fish eaters have a reduced risk of cancer) is the best nutritional strategy.


• Decrease your intake of animal fats in general and red meat and dairy products in particular to control cancer-promoting inflammation in the body.


• Avoid refined sugar and highly processed carbohydrates, which are not beneficial for individuals living with cancer because of their effect on insulin production and insulin-like growth factors, which promote inflammation and are also associated with cancer cell division.


• Choose organic fruits and vegetables. While expensive, they are the best options for cancer patients, not only because they’re grown without pesticides and other agricultural chemicals but because plants grown outdoors organically need to protect themselves from other plants, predators (insects, birds and animals) and the sun. Organically grown plants do this by producing more intense protective chemicals, known as phytonutrients, which are beneficial to us.

(Weil, A: Cervical Cancer)

A naturopathic approach could also focus on the supplementation of specific vitamins and minerals in addition to overhauling the diet.  These could include:

• Folate: Studies have shown a connection between folate deficiency and an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. In two separate double-blind trials and one uncontrolled trial, doses of 5-10 mg per day for one to three months were found to be effective for cervical dysplasia in women taking oral contraceptives. Dosage: 2-10 mg daily for treatment, or 1-3 mg for prevention.


• Vitamin C: Vitamin C exerts both anticancer and antiviral effects. It's also involved in collagen synthesis and helps to detoxify potential carcinogens. Dosage: 1,000-5,000 mg daily to bowel tolerance.


• Vitamin B12-Methylcobalamin: Vitamins B12, B6, and folate help to decrease homocysteine levels. When elevated, homocysteine has been associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of B12 because it is utilized more efficiently in the body.


• Carotenoids: Studies of cervical dysplasia and carotenoids indicate that low concentrations of selected serum carotenoids (alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and beta cryptoxanthin) are associated with an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. Dosage: 75,000 IUs of mixed natural carotenoids twice daily for treatment Flaxseed and/or Pure Fish Oil:


• Essential fatty acids, in the form of flaxseed or uncontaminated fish oil, decrease the formation of PGE2, a type of prostaglandin that acts as a messenger molecule to promote inflammatory pathways in the body. Some prostaglandins can actually inhibit cancer growth and support healthy immune function, while other prostaglandins promote cancer. Omega-3s (found in fish oil and flax oil) support the "healthy" prostaglandin pathways, preventing disease and abnormal cell growth. Dosage: Take up to 2 Tbs. of flax oil daily and/or up to 3,000 mg fish oil daily with a minimum of 1,000 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA.


• Vitamin E-Mixed Tocopherols:Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, and low levels of this vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of all stages of cervical dysplasia. Supplementing with vitamin E to raise serum levels is associated with a decreased risk. Vitamin E also promotes tissue healing. Dosage: 400-800 IU daily.


• Selenium-L-selenomethionine: Selenium is another important antioxidant that protects against many cancers, including cervical cancer. It is an important mineral for activating optimal immune functioning. L-selenomethionine is more bioavailable and more easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.


• Dosage: 200-400 mcg daily.


• Zinc: This is another important immunity-building mineral. It also helps heal tissue.


• Dosage: 30 mg daily.


• Probiotics-Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp.: Probiotics are known to have an important role in the maintenance of normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract. They are also essential for the detoxification of excess oestrogens from the body through the bowel along with dietary fibre. Probiotics also support optimal immune function, as 70 percent of our immune cells reside in the gut.


• Dosage: at least 10 billion CFU daily with food.


• Green tea extract: This has been shown to prevent and/or treat HPV-related lesions. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits cervical cell proliferation and induces cell death (apoptosis) for cancer cells. It therefore possesses antitumor effects.


• Dosage300 mgs daily.


• Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C):This chemical compound is found in cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. I3C has been shown to prevent abnormal cell growth and tumor progression. 13C increases the protective 2-hydroxyestrone without increasing the other harmful oestrogens.

(Schauch, M: 2017)

To conclude, a comprehensive outline has been given as to the possible causes, treatment and the prevention of cervical cancer, on every level, conventional, integrative and holistic. The advice given here is to acknowledge that treatment or prevention does not have to be confined to one modality. Integration of the best of both the conventional and holistic approaches has proven in many conditions to be beneficial and positive outcomes are our only concern.

Should you wish to consult a registered homeopath, please go to: www.findahomeopath.org.

Gill Graham www.consultanthomeopath.com

 

 

References:

 

Cervical Cancer, Mayo Clinic, [on-line] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501

 

Homeopathic treatment of cancer with Banerji protocols [online]  Available at:  https://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/26491/InTech-Homeopathy_treatment_of_cancer_with_the_banerji_protocols.pdf

 

Weil, A. Cervical Cancer. [on-line] Available at: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/cancer/cervical-cancer/

 

Schauch, M (2017) Cervical Dysplasia & Cervical Cancer: Natural Therapies for Treatment and Prevention [online] Available at: https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/cervical-dysplasia-cervical-cancer-treatment-prevention

Stubbs, R. November 2018, NHS cervical screening Programme. [on-line] Available at:  https://phescreening.blog.gov.uk/2018/11/30/phe-to-launch-national-cervical-screening-campaign-in-march-2019/

 

 

 

 

Just One Drop tells a no-holds-barred look at the most controversial form of medicine ever invented. Homeopathy treats the entire person, not just the disease. It’s a specific form of medicine that uses minute doses of a highly diluted substance that stimulates the body to cure itself. It is these tiny doses that causes the most controversy. Researchers believe there is a release of energy in water that becomes mysteriously dynamic. Others think it’s purely psychological or worse, a form of deception or quackery. Yet millions claim homeopathy cures even though there is not yet a satisfying scientific explanation. It remains a mystery.



 

Watch the movie trailer:
www.justonedropfilm.com/trailer/

Public screenings around the UK are as follows:

Date: 7^th April
GRASSINGTON NR. SKIPTON
Time: 7pm for refreshments; 7.30pm start
Hosted by: Em Colley
Price: Free
Contact: Em on em@emmacolley.co.uk
Venue: Octagon Theatre, Devonshire Institute, Main Street, Grassington, BD23 5AA
Refreshments available from 7pm and a short Q&A after the film.

Date: 7th April
EDINBURGH
Time: 7-9pm
Hosted by: Margaret Wyllie
Price: Donations
Contact: BHA beforehand - info@britishhomeopathic.org or call 020 3640 5903
Venue: St Andrew's & St George's West Church, George St (5 mins' walk from station)
Refreshments on arrival
Q&A session following screening 

Date: 8th April
STROUD
Time: 7.30pm
Hosted by: The School of Homeopathy
Price: £4.00 - book online before the event
Contact: jennie@homeopathyschool.com or 01453 765 956
Venue: The School of Homeopathy, Hawkwood College, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Q&A to follow with filmmaker Laurel Chiten and Gerry Dendrinos (from Australia, featured in the film.) 

Date: 9^th April
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Time: 17.30
Hosted by: Mary Ellis
Price: Free
Contact: mhellis62@gmail.com or 07711418430
Venue: Salomons, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Well, Kent

Date: 10th April
LONDON
Time: 6-8pm
Hosted by: The Friends, Faculty and BHA
Price: Must email or call to get tickets.  Limited number available.
Contact: info@britishhomeopathic.org or call 020 3640 5903
Venue: Artworkers' Guild, 6 Queen Square, London
Light refreshments served

Date: 10th April
BRIGHTON
Time: 21.00
Hosted by: Hilary Dorrion
Price: £11 includes post film discussion with the filmmaker
Contact: hilerydorrian@aol.com
Venue: Komedia Cinema, 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton and Hove
Q&A to follow with filmmaker Laurel Chiten and Gerry Dendrinos



 

About the film maker: Laurel Chiten
Laurel Chiten has been critiquing and influencing social issues for over 25 years. Her high-profile films have screened at film festivals around the world; at universities and medical schools; won numerous awards; been nominated for an Emmy and been broadcast on PBS’s Emmy winning national series, Independent Lens, and POV. Her previous films have gained her acknowledgment and respect from doctors, researchers and institutions including Harvard Medical School, UCLA, MIT, and Harvard University

Her films include: Twisted (2006) about people with the neurological disorder, dystonia. Touched, (2003) about people who think they have had contact with aliens and the Harvard psychiatrist who believed them. The Jew in the Lotus (1999), about a group of rabbis that met with the Dalai Lama, and Twitch and Shout (1994) about people living with Tourette Syndrome, nominated for a national Emmy. The intention in all her work is to entertain her audiences while educating them.

‘Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.’  -Mahatma Gandhi.

Many of you will have spent January detoxing or abstaining from alcohol or rich food, or at least aware that that you should be more careful with your diet and lifestyle following any potential holiday excesses’.  So, if we see January as more of a physical body detox, then, all the historic evidence implies that February is perhaps a month for spiritual cleansing.

Here are the facts. The etymology of the word February suggests it is from the late 14th century and ultimately from the Latin februarius mensis, meaning, ‘month of purification’ Also, februare ‘to purify,’ and februa meaning ‘purifications, expiatory rites.’ (An expiatory right is like offering an olive branch, an outstretched hand, or the dove of peace etc.)  I see it as balancing the soul to be in harmony with the body, striving for complete homeostasis and state of being; the body having been cleansed, this is a time for an emotional, spiritual purification.

The Romans saw February as a month of purification.  Originally the Roman calendar only had 10 months. March being the first month, December the last.  January and February were eventually tagged onto the end of the year and seen as lifeless, almost boring months, so they used February as a month to atone for their sins. Herein lies the link to the word ‘februum’ which means purification.  Februus was the Roman God of purification.  The Romans, as many of us are aware had their own unique way of doing things, and saw making animal sacrifices in order to please their ancestors as a way of atoning; they would also pray. Purity was not all abounding however as February 13-15th heralded the pagan festival of Lupercalia, known for its wild orgies.  It involved much debauchery, nakedness and strange customs. This is probably not the place to discuss, but interesting we now have valentines on the 14th, with its almost polite quaint customs, by comparison. Valentines was first acknowledged in the 14th century at the time when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote poetically about courtly love and later in the 18th century the tradition of sending flowers and love notes to one’s beloved became common practice.  Again here, we see evidence of birth of a new start, or love.

Imbolc, or  Brigid’s Day to the ancient Celts, is an ancient  Midwinter Festival of Lights.  This special day occurs halfway between winter solstice and the spring equinox, generally February 2^nd. Much of the Imbolc celebrations revolved around fire, which was sacred and involved bonfires being lit at sundown to burn away the ‘old year’ and make was for new growth, fertilizing the earth and inviting the rejuvenating, life giving power of the sun and new light. Women would invariably dress up in white robes, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Early spring flowers were collected, candles lit; colour and light suddenly giving hope in the darkness, of a new dawn.

So, in a month when many are struggling with winter blues and feeling there is no end in sight to the darkness, have faith!  February symbolises the start of new vibrancy, where the sun and the light feature figuratively and symbolically. Should you need help in order to balance both your emotional and physical health, consult a homeopath at www.findahomeopath.org. You are unique, so are your symptoms.  Homeopathy strives to treat everyone as an individual, through in-depth consultation. Significantly still relevant today, words from the Ancient Greek Philosopher, Plato, embody fundamental homeopathic philosophy:

‘The cure of the part should not be attempted without treatment of the whole, and also no attempt should be made to cure the body without the soul, and therefore if the head or body are to be well, you must begin by curing the mind: that is the first thing … For this is the error of our day in the treatment of the human body, that physicians separate the soul from the body.’  (Plato, Chronicles)

 

 



Gill Graham

www.consultanthomeopath.com