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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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,

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. Finding a Homeopath
Online directories: Minnesota Homeopathic Assn National Center for Homeopathy North American Society of Homeopaths

26. 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

27. Contact Information
Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath
4306 Bryant Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath
4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis