Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

244 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPEMOTIONAL PROBLEMSHomeopathy is well suited to the treatment of emotionalproblems. As a holistic form of medicine, it examines allaspects of an individual—physical, intellectual, andspiritual—and a practitioner does not separate theseelements when prescribing treatment. Homeopathicpractitioners do not delineate where one ends and the otherbegins. The investigation of a person’s experience ona number of levels is helpful in dealing with ailments thatDISORDERINSOMNIAInsomnia describes a persistent pattern of intermittent sleep thatleaves the sufferer feeling tired and unrefreshed. It may occursimply because the bedroom is too hot or airless, or because ofhaving to get up during the night to urinate. It is more likely to bethe result of being unwell or of pain—to which oversensitivity maydevelop—or of disturbed sleep patterns and exhaustion caused byregular sleep deprivation. Insomnia can also be caused by an excessof caffeine or alcohol, food allergy, overexcitement, stress, shock,anxiety (see below), or depression (see page 212).SELF-HELP Increase the amount of exercise you take during the day,and avoid eating late in the evening. Stop work or any other activityan hour before bedtime. Drink a relaxing herbal tea or hot milk, takea warm bath, and read something light and entertaining. With all thehomeopathic remedies suggested, take the dose for ten consecutivenights (unless normal sleeping patterns are restored), and repeat thedose if you wake up during the night and cannot get back to sleep.CAUTION If there is no improvement within three weeks,consult a doctor.SPECIFIC AILMENTInsomnia with inabilityto relaxInsomnia with irritabilityInsomnia with great fearInsomnia with fear ofnever sleeping againPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Sudden onset of insomnia• Sleep occurs eventually but is fitful• Oversensitivity to light, smell, noise, and touch• Headache resembling a nail being driven intothe head• Wakefulness between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., thenmore settled sleep just before it is time to get up• Craving for stimulants, especially coffee duringthe day and alcohol in the evening• Constipation with ineffectual urging• Sudden onset of insomnia• Fitful sleep associated with acute pain causedby injury, surgery, or exposure to biting wind• Numbness in the limbs• Continuous yawning but inability to get to sleep• Lump in the throatIRRITABILITY & ANGERThese emotions are often a response to events that are perceived tobe physically or psychologically threatening. They can be broughton by overindulgence, overwork, or exhaustion, or they may beassociated with digestive ailments and, in men, prematureejaculation or impotence. Such feelings may lead to depression.Physical manifestations include an increased pulse rate, flutteringfeelings in the stomach, and tense muscles.SELF-HELP Get more exercise and practice relaxation techniques,meditation, or movement therapy such as tai chi (see page 217).Assertiveness training may help to overcome feelings of insecurity.ANXIETYAnxiety, or worry, consists of both an emotional and a physicalimbalance, and tends to be provoked by overwork, stress, fear, orinsecurity. It may be accompanied by an increased pulse rate,clammy skin, irregular sleep patterns, and appetite disturbance.SELF-HELP Avoid stressful situations and caffeine. Practice relaxationtechniques or meditation (see page 217).CAUTION If you are feeling very anxious, with no obvious cause,see a doctor. If anxiety is accompanied by serious chest pains,call 911.Irritability withovercritical attitudeAnger with insecurityAnxiety with restlessnessAnxiety relieved byreassurance• Sensitivity to the cold• Desire for alcohol and fatty or spicy foods• Craving for sweet foods• Feeling of hunger but full after a few bites• Physical restlessness• Chilliness • Exhaustion• Possible craving for fatty foods• Possible burning pains• Desire for small sips of fluid• Strong craving for cold drinks and ice cream• Burning feeling in the hands and up the back,particularly between the shoulder blades• Palpitations