Homeopathy for Seniors: Acute Illness, Injury and Palliative Care Jackie Krammer Classical Homeopath

My Background and Training Graduate of Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy Nationally certified through the Council of Homeopathic Certification In private practice since 2002 in Minneapolis Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Objectives Explain the basics of homeopathy Describe how homeopathy approaches acute illness, injury and palliative care Describe how homeopathy addresses chronic conditions versus acute illness Describe how Arnica addresses injuries & surgery Describe how to look for a professional homeopath in the community Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

What Homeopathy Isn’t Not vitamin or mineral supplements. Not herbal preparations, although some remedies are made from plants. Not a diet or exercise program. Not a lifestyle change. Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

What is homeopathy? Systematic form of healing that stimulates body’s innate ability to restore health Approaches health and illness at the energetic level, similar to acupuncture, quigong Addresses underlying susceptibility and fixed patterns Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Ancient Roots Not a new concept Welcomes traditional healing power of nature Practiced by ancient Greeks. Dates back to Hippocrates (460–377 BCE) Saw patient as a whole entity, promoting a holistic approach in medical science Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Example: Allium Cepa Made from red onion Remember the symptoms you get when slicing a strong onion? burning, watery eyes, mucus from nose Helpful for colds, sinus problems, hayfever, allergies – when the symptoms agree Modality: Discharge from the nose is acidic and makes the surrounding skin burn. Discharge from the eyes is bland.

Homeopathy treats the whole person, rather than the disease Diagnosis is just the beginning Can treat even if no clear diagnosis “It isn’t a ‘disease’, but I don’t feel right” A variety of ‘unrelated’ symptoms or symptoms Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

How we understand the whole person Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual expressions See symptoms as body’s attempt to restore balance Remedies are chosen based on the individual not the diagnosis

Acute versus Chronic illness Time limited illness Expect rapid decrease in intensity and duration of symptoms Self prescribing possible with good reference books and an acute class to help with remedy selection Illness of months to years duration Understand patterns and big picture Medications & surgeries impact response Expect gradual return to health Professional consultation highly recommended Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Examples Chronic high blood pressure arthritis acid reflux, digestive problems anxiety, depression insomnia Acute urinary tract infections influenza surgery injuries

Treating Acutes and Injuries For ongoing clients can be done by phone or an office visit Talk with client or caregiver Need to know more than the diagnosis Specific symptoms, when they started, what makes the symptoms better or worse What stands out, what is unusual

Promoting recovery from illness & surgery Homeopathic treatment after surgery helps reduce swelling, bruising, trauma to tissue and clears anesthesia Homeopathic treatment of acute illness & surgery can hasten healing and reduce need for medication With less medication, seniors can recover more quickly, more alert, less groggy Reduce side effects of medication e.g. constipation from narcotics Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Palliative Care Healing does not always mean curing Homeopathy can soothe and bring comfort without pharmaceutical intervention or along side of drugs Can help patients prepare for death and enjoy the last days of life Reduces side effects of medication and/minimizes need for medication Reduces fear and anxiety

Palliative Treatment For ongoing clients can be done by phone Talk with client if they are able Talk with caregiver: requires observation and careful reporting What I need to know: what stage of decline, what medications are being given Specific symptoms: agitation, anxiety, restlessness, constipation from morphine,

Example Carla Initially came at age 70 for arthritis, vertigo, scratchy eyes, depression: improved over time Able to stay active in the community and continue living independently Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 75 & decided to forgo conventional treatment Her intent to die in her own home, not in a hospital nor in an opiate haze. She was chiefly cared for by daughters & nephew Palliative treatment helped her accept her imminent death, reduced anxiety, minimized pain At her funeral, her nephew related how Carla died without pain and in peace.

Who Should Consider Homeopathy Resonates with some seniors e.g. this reminds me of what my mother did Are open to doing something different than what the doctor recommends Would like to reduce use of medication Have declined conventional treatment e.g. Carla decided not to do chemo for her cancer

Challenges in Treating Seniors Accurate description of symptoms by client Picture can be blurred by medication and memory loss Progress can be gradual due to previous treatments e.g. medication and surgeries Family interference vs family support Need transportation to my office

When you visit a homeopath Total person and all symptoms taken into account to treat chronic ailments In-depth interview lasts up to 2 hours Describe: chief complaint, other physical, mental and emotional concerns, your nature, what is typical for you Investigate health and family history, previous treatments Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Continued Care & Ongoing Management For acute illness, client/caregiver can be in touch by phone if there is not clear improvement. Improvement can be rapid or take a few days For palliative care, ongoing conversations with caregivers are recommended. Different remedies may be needed as person declines. Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Complementing Other Treatment Homeopathy doesn’t replace conventional medicine Can work alongside allopathic drugs and may lessen need for allopathic medicine and treatment Wonderful complement to massage and chiropractic Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Arnica: One Remedy to Have Classic first aid remedy Great for bumps, bruises, falls, sprains 30C potency for everyday use Head injuries & concussions: consult a professional Wonderful for surgery: reduces pain and swelling Minimizes need for pain medication. Consult a professional 2-3 weeks before your surgery Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

How to take remedies Shake pellets directly into the cap then into mouth. Dissolve under tongue. Neutral mouth. Refrain from food, beverages, gum, mouthwash, toothpaste for 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after taking the remedy. For acute illness: dose is 2-3 pellets. Take up to four doses in 24 hours. Discontinue as soon as you see improvement. Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Key things to remember Treats the whole person and is highly individualized Continued care & management is essential Homeopathy can be integrated with conventional treatment Consult with a professional for ongoing, chronic concerns Injuries, acute illness, infections can be treated with homeopathy Palliative treatment can minimize pain and reduce anxiety Arnica is the go to remedy for trauma, injury & post surgery Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Finding a Homeopath Online directories: Minnesota Homeopathic Assn www.mnhomeopathicassociation.org National Center for Homeopathy www.homeopathic.org North American Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy.org

Information Sources Reichenberg-Ullman, The Patient’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine Dooley, Timothy: Homeopathy Beyond Flat Earth Medicine Cummings,Stephen & Ullman, Dana: Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathy Lansky, Amy: The Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

Contact Information Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55409 612-824-7808 jackie@homeopathyminneapolis.com www.homeopathyminneapolis.com Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808