May 2008 My Arizona Homeopath.com Alternative Medicine for a Healthier Lifestyle Looking to cure your Anxiety? OCD…? Sufferers of anxiety experience a variety of distressing emotional feelings such as: Apprehensiveness & uneasiness Fearfulness, Panic & Phobias Insecurity & loss of confidence Irritability & Restlessness Often these feelings are accompanied by other symptoms such as: Sleeping problems Palpitations, Breathlessness Trembling, dizziness, weakness Weight gain, Sweating Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting Inability to concentrate or think clearly Muscle tension Short periods of anxiety are experienced by almost everyone, but some individuals are more inclined to be troubled with this problem. In cases of acute conditions there are homeopathic remedies available at most natural food stores that can be readily purchased. One example of these remedies is Argentum Nitricum. It can be helpful in an instance when a short period of anxiety is developed as a result of preparing for a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearance or social engagement. The physical symptoms include dizziness and diarrhea. People who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and suggestible, with a tendency toward peculiar thoughts and impulses. They often crave sweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse). In cases, where the anxiety has become chronic, meaning that it has lasted more than a few days or weeks then a visit to a professional homeopath is the answer. Ours has been called the Age of Anxiety, with pervasive personal and societal reasons for insecurity and doubts. In fact, anxiety is the second most common psychological problem, next to alcoholism. Yet only 23% of those afflicted are ever treated. Most people put up with their anxiety and never seek treatment and live unaware that for as long as the stress and anxiety go untreated the likelihood of a more complicated disease becomes much higher. Anxiety is common in adolescence and is largely responsible for the tripling of the suicide rate in that age group over the last decades. Phobias are also common, taking the form of specific fears, social phobias, agoraphobia (fear of going out), etc. A special category of anxiety is obsessive compulsive disorders, with drives, impulses and ritual behavior that must be performed in order to ease impending anxiety. OCD is now considered to be 25 to 60 times more prevalent, affecting 4 to 7 million Americans. Here is an example of an individual suffering from OCD: “I couldn’t touch any doors or countertops in public areas. I was terrified of germs that could kill me. If I had touched any thing, I would have to wash myself for hours. Sometimes I washed so much that my skin would become red, raw and bleed.” It is important for someone with OCD to be treated early because approximately 70% of adults with the disorder have an episode of major depression at some point in their lives. The solution that mainstream medicine has offered for anxiety including OCD are drugs such as: Anafranil, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, or Luvox. Unfortunately, these medicines have life threatening side effects. A Harvard psychiatrist, Dr. Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., in his book entitle Prozac Backlash has this to say on the account of the dangers of Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and other antidepressants: “In recent years, the danger of long-term side effects has emerged in association with Prozac-type drugs, making it imperative to minimize one's exposure to them. Neurological disorders including disfiguring facial and whole body tics, indicating potential brain damage, are an increasing concern with patients on the drugs.... Sexual dysfunction affects 60% of people. There is evidence that they may effect a "chemical lobotomy" by destroying the nerve endings that they target in the brain... And startling new information on Prozac's precipitating suicidal and violent behavior has come to light.” Here is a condition where a homeopathic treatment can do wonders for the patient. This "energetic" type of medicine helps the body re-establish balance and homeostasis. In fact, in the case of OCD’s, Dr. Todd Rowe, M.D., psychiatrist comments that “Not only does homeopathy treat the existing symptoms, but it also offers the possibility of a permanent cure.” Consider the non-invasive, safe, non-toxic and yet most effective nature of a homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy is a holistic, and most complete system of medicine, based on an understanding of the interconnection between mind and body. It’s aim is to treat the whole person, not just the disease. Instead of attacking symptoms with strong drugs, homeopathic remedies aim to stimulate and strengthen the immune system, thereby helping the body's natural tendency to heal itself. And unlike strong antidepressants or tranquillizers, homeopathic remedies do not have any side effects, and are not addictive. They contain a very diluted amount of active ingredient and can be safely used alongside other forms of medical treatment and many patients become well enough to reduce or come off prescribed medicines. The visit to a homeopath is also a wonderful experience in itself. Unlike a visit to an Allopathic physician, a visit to a homeopath is comfortable, therapeutic and calming and will make you feel at ease. If suffering from anxiety, what are you waiting for? Call our clinic today. We are committed to helping you live your life to the fullest. You are worth it. - Ben Ta’ati Homeopathy Care, LLC 2001 W. Camelback Rd. Suite #150 Phoenix, AZ 85015 480-626-8485 www.MyArizonaHomeopath.com This Article has been Prepared by: Ben Ta’ati H.M.A., M.S.A., Faculty member of the American Medical College of Homeopathy. With years of experience in this field he has helped many patients who have suffered from a variety of ailments such as: Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, High Blood Pressure, Ear Infection, Colic, Digestive Problems, Glaucoma, Psoriasis, Urinary Tract Infection, Migraine Headaches, Allergies, and many more using purely Classical Homeopathy. He is available to answer any questions that you may have: [email protected].