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d 2.00 • US $ 2.00 • CAN $ 3.00<br />

Journal of<br />

Biomedical<br />

Therapy<br />

Volume 3, Number 1 ) 2009<br />

Integrating Homeopathy<br />

and Conventional Medicine<br />

Neuroendocrine<br />

Dysfunction<br />

• Psychogenic Factors in Gastrointestinal Pathology<br />

• Bioregulatory Treatment of Dysautonomia


)<br />

Contents<br />

In Focus<br />

Applied Bioregulation in Neuroendocrine Disease:<br />

Chronic Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4<br />

What Else Is New? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8<br />

Fr o m t h e P ra c t i c e<br />

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Associated<br />

With Pseudarthrosis: Presentation of a Clinical Case . . . . . . 10<br />

Around <strong>the</strong> Globe<br />

Verona – More Than Just Romeo and Juliet ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15<br />

Practical Protocols<br />

Bioregulatory Treatment of Dysautonomia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16<br />

In memoriam<br />

Professor Michael F. Kirkman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17<br />

Re f re s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y<br />

Psychogenic Factors in Gastrointestinal Pathology . . . . . . . 18<br />

M a r ke t i n g Yo u r P ra c t i c e<br />

Communication in Your <strong>Practice</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20<br />

Specialized Applications<br />

The Acupuncture Approach to <strong>the</strong><br />

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22<br />

Making of ...<br />

Manufacturing of Traumeel Injection Solution<br />

Part I: <strong>From</strong> Work Preparation to Filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26<br />

Meet <strong>the</strong> Expert<br />

Dr. Arturo O’Byrne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29<br />

Cover photograph © Sebastian Kaulitzki/Fotolia.de<br />

Research Highlights<br />

Nervoheel N vs. Lorazepam for Mild Nervous Disorders . . . 30<br />

) 2<br />

Published by/Verlegt durch: International Academy for Homotoxicology <strong>GmbH</strong>, Bahnackerstraße 16,<br />

76532 Baden-Baden, Germany, e-mail: journal@iah-online.com<br />

Editor in charge/verantwortlicher Redakteur: Dr. Alta A. Smit<br />

Print/Druck: VVA Konkordia <strong>GmbH</strong>, Dr.-Rudolf-Eberle-Straße 15, 76534 Baden-Baden, Germany<br />

© 2009 International Academy for Homotoxicology <strong>GmbH</strong>, Baden-Baden, Germany


)<br />

Stress and <strong>the</strong> Immune System<br />

Dr. Alta A. Smit<br />

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)<br />

has come a long way since Walter<br />

Cannon’s early work with animals.<br />

Cannon observed that any<br />

change in emotional state (such as<br />

anxiety, distress, or rage) was accompanied<br />

by total cessation of stomach<br />

movements. Cannon’s research culminated<br />

in his seminal work, Bodily<br />

Changes in Pain, Hunger, Fear and<br />

Rage, published in 1915. 1<br />

Hans Selye <strong>the</strong>n drew on Cannon’s<br />

research for his own animal experiments.<br />

Selye subjected animals to a<br />

variety of adverse physical and mental<br />

conditions and observed consistent<br />

adaptations that allow <strong>the</strong> body<br />

to heal and recover. The General<br />

Adaptation Syndrome Selye described<br />

is still important in bioregulatory<br />

medicine today. 2<br />

Even conventional medicine increasingly<br />

recognizes <strong>the</strong> mind-brain<br />

connection and psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology<br />

(PNEI). For instance,<br />

stress at work is associated<br />

with cardiovascular risk factors such<br />

as BMI, hypertension, and lipid levels.<br />

The Whitehall studies examined<br />

this possible larger relationship between<br />

work stress and cardiovascular<br />

disease in depth. 3<br />

Bioregulatory medicine recognizes<br />

and tests for autonomic dysfunction<br />

as one of <strong>the</strong> main obstacles to regulatory<br />

ability in patients. For example,<br />

heart rate variability is one of<br />

<strong>the</strong> main risk factors for cardiac disease.<br />

4<br />

In this issue, we present a variety of<br />

articles on <strong>the</strong> effects of stress on <strong>the</strong><br />

immune system, which have been<br />

well-known for decades. In <strong>the</strong> focus<br />

article, Dr. Jesús Agudo gives a<br />

general introduction to <strong>the</strong> subject.<br />

Dr. Mónica Name presents a case<br />

study demonstrating <strong>the</strong> effect of<br />

bioregulatory medicines on bone<br />

healing. Dr. Butch Levy examines<br />

<strong>the</strong> role of acupuncture in <strong>the</strong> treatment<br />

of autonomic dysfunction, and<br />

Dr. Bert Hannosset contributes a<br />

treatment protocol for dysautonomia.<br />

In Research Highlights, we present <strong>the</strong><br />

results of a study investigating <strong>the</strong><br />

effectiveness of Nervoheel in mild<br />

nervous disorders, and our marketing<br />

specialist offers tips on successful<br />

communication with your patients.<br />

We also examine how ampoule<br />

medications are manufactured (Part<br />

1) and continue our Meet <strong>the</strong> Expert<br />

series with an introduction to Dr.<br />

Arturo O’Byrne of Colombia.<br />

It is with great sadness that we remember<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r expert, Professor<br />

Michael Kirkman. His sudden death<br />

this year leaves a huge void in <strong>the</strong><br />

world of homotoxicology. Dr. Damir<br />

Shakambet, who worked closely<br />

with Professor Kirkman in <strong>the</strong> UK,<br />

contributes a heartfelt obituary.<br />

Dr. Alta A. Smit<br />

References<br />

1. Quick JC, Spielberger CD. Walter Bradford<br />

Cannon: Pioneer of stress research.<br />

International Journal of Stress Management.<br />

1994;1(2):141-143.<br />

2. Selye H. A syndrome produced by diverse nocuous<br />

agents. Nature. 1936;138(3479):32.<br />

3. Marmot M. UCL Department of Epidemiology<br />

and Public Health: Whitehall II Study.<br />

2008. UCL web site. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/<br />

whitehallII/. Updated February 27, 2008.<br />

Accessed July 14, 2009.<br />

4. Institute of HeartMath Research Staff. Science<br />

of <strong>the</strong> heart: exploring <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong><br />

heart in human performance. Institute of<br />

HeartMath web site. http://www.heartmath.<br />

org/research/research-science-of-<strong>the</strong>-heart.<br />

html. Accessed July 14, 2009.<br />

) 3<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) In Focus<br />

Applied Bioregulation in Neuroendocrine Disease<br />

Chronic Stress<br />

By Jesús Agudo, MD<br />

) 4<br />

Chronic stress is often a reaction to <strong>the</strong> stimuli of a more<br />

or less hostile environment, to which most people living<br />

in <strong>the</strong> 21st century have succumbed. With increasing<br />

clarity, chronic stress is shown to be a causative agent of<br />

numerous diseases, especially those of neuroendocrine<br />

origin. A new cross-functional medical specialization is<br />

appearing, propelled by increasingly detailed knowledge<br />

about <strong>the</strong> biological foundations of <strong>the</strong> relationship<br />

between stress and a variety of diseases: psychoneuroimmunology.<br />

The history of medicine has been<br />

a constant struggle between<br />

monism and dualism, between those<br />

researchers who consider <strong>the</strong> human<br />

being to be a unit and those who see<br />

in <strong>the</strong> individual <strong>the</strong> confluence of<br />

2 separate entities: physical and<br />

spiritual, material and immaterial,<br />

metabolism and emotions, body and<br />

soul.<br />

If we go back some 2,600 years,<br />

Hippocrates had already declared<br />

that health was a state inherent to<br />

<strong>the</strong> individual, whom nature had endowed<br />

with self-healing abilities.<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, while a person lived in<br />

harmony with nature, his or her<br />

health would be maintained or, were<br />

it lost, could easily be recovered.<br />

Disease was only an imbalance resulting<br />

from a failure to observe <strong>the</strong><br />

rules of Hygeia. Thus, <strong>the</strong> physician’s<br />

mission would be to help individuals<br />

recover <strong>the</strong> lost equilibrium<br />

and teach <strong>the</strong>m to live in<br />

accordance with <strong>the</strong> laws of nature<br />

(vis medicatrix naturae).<br />

In contrast, students of <strong>the</strong> school of<br />

Aesculapius believed that for every<br />

disease <strong>the</strong>re was a determined<br />

cause, a separate treatment, and<br />

some organs or systems involved,<br />

and that <strong>the</strong> most prestigious physician<br />

was <strong>the</strong> one who made <strong>the</strong> diagnosis<br />

and prescribed <strong>the</strong> correct<br />

treatment. This compartmentalized<br />

and highly specialized vision is that<br />

which now dominates “modern”<br />

medicine, one in which <strong>the</strong> idea of<br />

<strong>the</strong> individual is, incorrectly, not<br />

considered to be an indivisible entity,<br />

a single unit with one material<br />

component and ano<strong>the</strong>r apparently<br />

immaterial component.<br />

Fortunately, in <strong>the</strong> second half of<br />

<strong>the</strong> 20th century, <strong>the</strong> development<br />

of that highly specialized and fragmented<br />

medicine, with an impressive<br />

ability to delve into <strong>the</strong> core of<br />

<strong>the</strong> most subtle physiological processes,<br />

converged with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

more humanist medicine descended<br />

from Hippocrates, which pays attention<br />

to <strong>the</strong> psycho-emotional aspects<br />

of humankind. We could say that<br />

<strong>the</strong> more cartesian-reductionist and<br />

more fiercely material medicine has<br />

discovered <strong>the</strong> influence of <strong>the</strong> human<br />

soul on physiopathological<br />

processes.<br />

It is, <strong>the</strong>refore, absolutely fascinating<br />

that more than 2,000 years ago,<br />

<strong>the</strong> pineal gland was described by<br />

Galen, who credited it with <strong>the</strong> ability<br />

to regulate <strong>the</strong> flow of thought;<br />

in <strong>the</strong> 17th century, it was described<br />

by Descartes as <strong>the</strong> seat of <strong>the</strong> rational<br />

soul. What is surprising is <strong>the</strong><br />

insight, from ancient times, that this<br />

area would be <strong>the</strong> gateway between<br />

body and soul and <strong>the</strong> approximation<br />

of what was being described to<br />

what we know today about <strong>the</strong> interrelationships<br />

between emotions<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir physical responses.<br />

The study of <strong>the</strong> relationships between<br />

mind and body has been<br />

termed psychoneuroimmunology,<br />

and what we are truly faced with is<br />

<strong>the</strong> most refined, holistic concept of<br />

medical science.<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) In Focus<br />

Stress<br />

Brain<br />

A<br />

Adrenaline<br />

ACh+ 5-HT+ IL-1+ CRH+ GABA- NA+/–<br />

+<br />

–<br />

IL-1 RA<br />

NA<br />

ACh<br />

GABA<br />

Noradrenaline<br />

Acetylcholine<br />

γ-Aminobutyric acid<br />

Hypothalamus<br />

CRH+<br />

AVP+<br />

Pituitary<br />

–<br />

–<br />

IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a<br />

Monocytes<br />

Macrophages<br />

5-HT<br />

5-Hydroxytryptamine<br />

IL-1 RA Interleukin 1<br />

receptor antagonist<br />

TNF<br />

IL<br />

ACTH<br />

Tumor necrosis factor<br />

Interleukin<br />

Corticotropin<br />

NA/A+<br />

ACTH+<br />

AVP<br />

Arginine vasopressin<br />

Adrenal gland<br />

Cortisol +/–<br />

CRH<br />

Corticotropinreleasing<br />

hormone<br />

Figure 1: Relationship between <strong>the</strong> cortex, hypothalamus, pituitary gland,<br />

and adrenal glands (after Lack and Wright 1 )<br />

The hypothalamic-<br />

pituitary-adrenal system<br />

The stimuli generated in <strong>the</strong> cerebral<br />

cortex by adverse situations such as<br />

stress or various pathological mental<br />

processes will create a response in<br />

<strong>the</strong> limbic system that triggers <strong>the</strong><br />

release of several neurotransmitters<br />

(e.g., acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytrypta<br />

mine, interleukin [IL] 1, corticotropin-releasing<br />

hormone [CRH],<br />

γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA], and<br />

noradrenaline). These neurotransmitters<br />

will ultimately activate <strong>the</strong><br />

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis<br />

according to <strong>the</strong> cascade described<br />

later (Figure 1).<br />

Corticotropin-releasing hormone<br />

and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are<br />

produced in <strong>the</strong> paraventricular nuclei<br />

of <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus. These substances<br />

are carried to <strong>the</strong> anterior<br />

pituitary gland, where <strong>the</strong>y regulate<br />

<strong>the</strong> secretion of adrenocorticotropic<br />

hormone (ACTH or corticotropin).<br />

Adrenocorticotropic hormone travels<br />

through <strong>the</strong> bloodstream to <strong>the</strong><br />

cortex of <strong>the</strong> adrenal glands, where<br />

it stimulates <strong>the</strong> syn<strong>the</strong>sis and release<br />

of glucocorticoids (GCs).<br />

In turn, <strong>the</strong>se GCs exert a negative<br />

feedback on several targets, including<br />

<strong>the</strong> adrenal cortex, inhibiting<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir own secretion; <strong>the</strong> pituitary<br />

gland, inhibiting ACTH production;<br />

and even <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus itself,<br />

down-regulating <strong>the</strong> release of<br />

ACTH and AVP. Glucocorticoids<br />

also act on <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus<br />

through <strong>the</strong> production of GABA,<br />

which ultimately inhibits this organ’s<br />

syn<strong>the</strong>sis of CRH and AVP.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r intermediate feedback regulator<br />

of <strong>the</strong> release of CRH in this<br />

process would be <strong>the</strong> one exerted on<br />

<strong>the</strong> noradrenergic and serotonergic<br />

neurons. 2<br />

Finally, we must not forget that <strong>the</strong><br />

brain will also exert an influence on<br />

<strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic and endocrine system<br />

by means of <strong>the</strong> CRH that regulates<br />

<strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic nervous system.<br />

This has nerve endings in <strong>the</strong><br />

bone marrow, thymus, and spleen,<br />

which are <strong>the</strong> cell factories responsible<br />

for cellular and humoral immunity.<br />

The psychoneuroimmuno<br />

logy of stress<br />

It is now clear that CRH plays a<br />

fundamental role in <strong>the</strong> response to<br />

stress. Administration of CRH produces<br />

a broad suppression of immune<br />

functions similar to that observed<br />

in depression or chronic<br />

stress.<br />

Corticotropin-releasing hormone<br />

regulates immune functions through<br />

a central pathway and a peripheral<br />

pathway. By means of <strong>the</strong> central<br />

pathway, it notably suppresses <strong>the</strong><br />

proliferation of lymphocytes and<br />

phagocytosis by neutrophils while<br />

increasing <strong>the</strong> number of neutrophils<br />

and cellular aggregation. It also<br />

decreases <strong>the</strong> quantity and activity<br />

of natural killer (NK) cells and<br />

IgG levels. In <strong>the</strong> peripheral pathway,<br />

its activity is based on <strong>the</strong> CRH<br />

receptors that exist on macrophages,<br />

monocytes, and helper lymphocytes.<br />

Corticotropin-releasing hormone<br />

reduces <strong>the</strong> replication and survival<br />

of spleen cells while simultaneously<br />

encouraging <strong>the</strong> migration of monocytes.<br />

) 5<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) In Focus<br />

) 6<br />

We have already seen how stress activates<br />

<strong>the</strong> production of CRH directly<br />

in <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus and indirectly<br />

through noradrenergic and<br />

serotonergic neurons. However, it<br />

also activates <strong>the</strong> autonomic nervous<br />

system. For <strong>the</strong>se tasks, mediation<br />

by intermediaries such as acetylcholine,<br />

IL-1, and serotonin is required.<br />

Meanwhile, to balance this reaction,<br />

stress-inhibiting substances are also<br />

present, such as GABA; opioid peptides,<br />

whose producing neurons are<br />

closely related to CRH-producing<br />

neurons to establish an equilibrium;<br />

and a third group (e.g., adrenaline/<br />

noradrenaline) that acts on various<br />

senses.<br />

With respect to <strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic nervous<br />

system, we could say that in<br />

states of stress it will be activated by<br />

CRH, and on being stimulated, it<br />

will produce adrenaline and noradrenaline.<br />

Peripherally, <strong>the</strong>se substances<br />

will trigger a series of actions,<br />

such as an increase in blood<br />

pressure, blood glucose, heart rate,<br />

alertness, and vigilance, and inhibit<br />

<strong>the</strong> sensation of hunger and growth<br />

through <strong>the</strong> suppression of growth<br />

hormone (GH).<br />

Stress affects various<br />

vital areas<br />

The immune system<br />

According to recent studies, <strong>the</strong> role<br />

of cortisol in <strong>the</strong> inhibition of <strong>the</strong><br />

immune system appears to consist of<br />

suppressing <strong>the</strong> ability of immune<br />

cells to activate <strong>the</strong>ir own telomerase<br />

to reproduce <strong>the</strong>ir telomeres each<br />

time <strong>the</strong> cell divides. The telomere<br />

would, <strong>the</strong>refore, be shortened, a<br />

characteristic observed in pathological<br />

conditions, such as human immunodeficiency<br />

virus infection, osteoporosis,<br />

coronary heart disease,<br />

and even aging. 3<br />

Cancerous diseases<br />

Stress significantly reduces <strong>the</strong> activity<br />

of NK cells. 4 In laboratory experiments<br />

on animals subjected to<br />

stress, <strong>the</strong> rate of pulmonary metastases<br />

from induced breast cancers<br />

doubled.<br />

Studies of women who underwent<br />

surgery for carcinoma of <strong>the</strong> breast<br />

have also shown a significantly reduced<br />

NK cell count in patients with<br />

high stress levels compared with<br />

those who controlled <strong>the</strong>ir stress, resulting<br />

from uncertainty about <strong>the</strong><br />

treatment or prognosis of <strong>the</strong>ir disease.<br />

5<br />

Infectious diseases<br />

In laboratory experiments on animals<br />

subjected to stress conditions,<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir response to <strong>the</strong> flu virus decreased<br />

significantly. Along with<br />

high levels of plasma corticosterone,<br />

a decrease in <strong>the</strong> mononuclear cell<br />

population and a 60% to 95% decrease<br />

in IL-2 production in lymphoid<br />

organs were observed.<br />

In preschool-aged children subjected<br />

to various situations of environmental<br />

stress, several changes in <strong>the</strong><br />

CD4, CD8, and NK cell counts were<br />

observed, which have been correlated<br />

with respiratory diseases. 4<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r experiment conducted on<br />

astronauts found that during periods<br />

of stress, <strong>the</strong>re was a decrease in antibodies<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Epstein-Barr virus<br />

nuclear antigens, along with an increase<br />

in adrenaline and noradrenaline<br />

in <strong>the</strong> urine and a decrease in<br />

virus-specific T lymphocytes. This<br />

led to <strong>the</strong> reactivation of <strong>the</strong> Epstein-Barr<br />

virus in 11 of 28 astronauts.<br />

6<br />

Wound healing<br />

There also appears to be evidence<br />

from in vitro studies showing that<br />

fibroblasts would be less effective in<br />

matrix repair for recovery from injuries<br />

and wounds in situations of psychological<br />

stress, precisely because<br />

of <strong>the</strong> presence of high tissue levels<br />

of corticosteroids. In one study of<br />

student volunteers who underwent<br />

small incisions on mucous membranes,<br />

<strong>the</strong> healing time was 40%<br />

longer during examination periods<br />

than during vacation periods. This<br />

longer duration was associated with<br />

a 30% decrease in IL-1 levels during<br />

examination periods. 7<br />

Stress and allergies<br />

In a joint experiment, physicians<br />

and psychologists studied <strong>the</strong> relationship<br />

between stressful situations<br />

and an increase in <strong>the</strong> most common<br />

signs of allergies (rhinitis, sneezing,<br />

coughing, and conjunctivitis), along<br />

with <strong>the</strong> peculiarity that <strong>the</strong> allergic<br />

symptoms worsened in <strong>the</strong> following<br />

days while <strong>the</strong> stress stimulus<br />

continued. Analytically, this translates<br />

to a significant increase in IL-6<br />

and catecholamines in <strong>the</strong> blood of<br />

stressed patients with symptoms of<br />

allergies.<br />

There is ano<strong>the</strong>r mediator, vasoactive<br />

intestinal polypeptide, that has<br />

been found in increased quantities<br />

in children who have experienced<br />

significant stress (typically parental<br />

separation) and that is closely linked<br />

to sensitization and <strong>the</strong> onset of allergic<br />

phenomena. 9<br />

In ano<strong>the</strong>r recent experiment performed<br />

in Canada, 10 it was found<br />

that maternal stress in <strong>the</strong> first 7<br />

years of <strong>the</strong> child’s life has a significant<br />

influence on <strong>the</strong> rates of childhood<br />

asthma because mo<strong>the</strong>rs in<br />

this situation are less likely to interact<br />

with and show affection to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

children. This is recognized by <strong>the</strong><br />

child’s immune system, which could<br />

be considered an “affective” transmission<br />

of stress.<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) In Focus<br />

Systemic lupus ery<strong>the</strong>matosus,<br />

depression, and stress<br />

Distinct immunological changes<br />

have been found in patients with depressive<br />

syndromes of various degrees<br />

and clinical manifestations. 11<br />

In contrast to healthy control subjects,<br />

an increase in B lymphocytes,<br />

antinuclear antibodies, and serum<br />

immunoglobulins can be observed<br />

in patients with depressive syndromes.<br />

Thus, depressive illnesses<br />

can demonstrate a certain relationship<br />

to autoimmunity. Also, many<br />

autoimmune diseases are characterized<br />

by major episodes of depression,<br />

especially systemic lupus ery<strong>the</strong>matosus,<br />

regardless of treatment<br />

with GCs.<br />

With depression in general, prolonged<br />

activity in <strong>the</strong> adrenal cortex<br />

is a factor that makes recovery notably<br />

difficult. These are patients in<br />

whom <strong>the</strong> administration of corticosteroids<br />

does not exert a negative<br />

feedback on <strong>the</strong>ir own cortisol levels.<br />

12<br />

Growth and stress<br />

As previously mentioned, sustained<br />

stress causes high levels of CRH,<br />

which in turn inhibits GH and insulinlike<br />

growth factor 1. The circulating<br />

corticosteroids also exert a<br />

negative feedback on GH production<br />

by <strong>the</strong> pituitary gland. 2<br />

Stress and sleep<br />

Patients experiencing stress have a<br />

poor quality of sleep as a cause and<br />

a result of stress. 5,13 Failure to follow<br />

circadian rhythms due to a lack of<br />

sleep reduces <strong>the</strong> amount of melatonin<br />

in <strong>the</strong> blood to below required<br />

levels. It is, <strong>the</strong>refore, presumed that<br />

its antioxidant activity cannot be<br />

performed. Also, melatonin’s likely<br />

activity of promoting immunity by<br />

inhibiting <strong>the</strong> production of gonadotropins<br />

is inhibited. 1,14<br />

Bioregulatory approach to<br />

stress<br />

A fascinating opportunity remains<br />

open for bioregulatory medicine to<br />

establish treatment protocols consisting<br />

of immune regulatory medicines<br />

(e.g., Echinacea compositum<br />

and Engystol), medicines supporting<br />

brain function (e.g., Cerebrum<br />

compositum, Thalamus compositum,<br />

Ypsiloheel, Neuro-Injeel, Tonico-Injeel,<br />

Nervoheel, and Ignatia-<br />

Homaccord), and <strong>the</strong> classic<br />

organoregulators, such as Ovarium<br />

compositum, Pulsatilla compositum,<br />

Coenzyme compositum, Hepar<br />

compositum, Testis compositum,<br />

Thyreoidea compositum, Galium-<br />

<strong>Heel</strong>, and Ubichinon compositum.<br />

Neurexan, a medication for nervousness<br />

and insomnia, has recently been<br />

shown in preliminary studies to be<br />

possibly useful in anticipatory anxiety.<br />

15 |<br />

References<br />

1. Lack LC, Wright HR. Chronobiology<br />

of sleep in humans. Cell Mol Life Sci.<br />

2007;64(10):1205-1215.<br />

2. Rosales Estrada M. Síndrome de inflamación de<br />

las mucosas: tratamiento antihomotóxico. Colombia:<br />

M. Rosales Estrada; 2005.<br />

3. Choi J, Fauce SR, Effros RB. Reduced telomerase<br />

activity in human T lymphocytes<br />

exposed to cortisol. Brain Behav Immun.<br />

2008;22(4):600-605.<br />

4. Song C, Leonard BE. Fundamentals of Psychoneuroimmunology.<br />

Chichester, England:<br />

Wiley & Sons; 2000.<br />

5. Andersen BL, Farrar WB, Golden-Kreutz<br />

D, et al. Stress and immune responses after<br />

surgical treatment for regional breast cancer.<br />

J Natl Cancer Inst. 1998;90(1):30-36.<br />

6. Stowe RP, Pierson DL, Barrett AD. Elevated<br />

stress hormone levels relate to Epstein-Barr<br />

virus reactivation in astronauts. Psychosom<br />

Med. 2001;63(6):891-895.<br />

7. Glaser R, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Stress-induced<br />

immune dysfunction: implications for health.<br />

Nat Rev Immunol. 2005;5(3):243-251.<br />

8. Stress, anxiety can make allergy attacks even<br />

more miserable and last longer. ScienceDaily<br />

Web site. http://www.sciencedaily.com/<br />

releases/2008/08/080814154327.htm.<br />

Published August 17, 2008. Accessed July<br />

14, 2009.<br />

9. Stress during childhood increases <strong>the</strong> risk of<br />

allergies. e! Science News Web site. http://<br />

esciencenews.com/articles/2008/06/18/<br />

stress.during.childhood.increases.risk.allergies.<br />

Published June 18, 2008. Accessed<br />

July 14, 2009.<br />

10. Kozyrskyj AL, Mai XM, McGrath P, Hayglass<br />

KT, Becker AB, Macneil B. Continued<br />

exposure to maternal distress in early life is<br />

associated with an increased risk of childhood<br />

asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med.<br />

2008;177(2):142-147.<br />

11. Eiguchi K, Soneira SG. Psiconeuroinmunoendocrinología<br />

en enfermedades autoinmunes<br />

(LES). Archivos de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica.<br />

2002;33(suppl 1):S8-S16.<br />

12. McEwen BS. Physiology and neurobiology<br />

of stress and adaptation: central role of <strong>the</strong><br />

brain. Physiol Rev. 2007;87(3):873-904.<br />

13. Zisapel N. Sleep and sleep disturbances: biological<br />

basis and clinical implications. Cell<br />

Mol Life Sci. 2007;64(10):1174-1186.<br />

14. Plant TM. Hypothalamic control of <strong>the</strong> pituitary-gonadal<br />

axis in higher primates: key<br />

advances over <strong>the</strong> last two decades. J Neuroendocrinol.<br />

2008;20(6):719-726.<br />

15. Dimpfel W. Psychophysiological effects of<br />

neurexan on stress-induced etropsychograms:<br />

a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled<br />

study in human volunteers.<br />

NeuroCode-AG Web site. http://www.<br />

neurocode-ag.com/Poster%20Stresskongress%20Teil%20A.pdf<br />

and http://www.<br />

neurocode-ag.com/Poster%20Stresskongress%20Teil%20B.pdf.<br />

Accessed July 14,<br />

2009.<br />

) 7<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


Hearing voices when <strong>the</strong>re is nobody<br />

around? A recent study suggests that<br />

high caffeine consumption may<br />

increase a pre-existing tendency<br />

to hallucinate.<br />

Getting a good night’s sleep reduces<br />

<strong>the</strong> risk of catching a viral infection.<br />

Link between caffeine and<br />

hallucinations?<br />

The more expensive<br />

<strong>the</strong> better?<br />

For good health,<br />

get enough sleep<br />

) 8<br />

A new research study, conducted at<br />

Durham University, UK, examines a<br />

possible link between high caffeine<br />

consumption and an increased tendency<br />

to hallucinate. The study assessed<br />

typical caffeine consumption<br />

of 200 students, along with stress<br />

levels and proneness to common<br />

hallucinatory experiences such as<br />

hearing voices when no one is present.<br />

“High caffeine users” consuming<br />

more than <strong>the</strong> equivalent of<br />

seven cups of instant coffee a day<br />

were three times more likely to hear<br />

voices than “low users” consuming<br />

less than one cup-equivalent.<br />

What’s <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ory behind this research?<br />

As a result of traumatic<br />

events in <strong>the</strong>ir past, many hallucination-prone<br />

individuals respond to<br />

current stress by producing increased<br />

amounts of <strong>the</strong> stress hormone cortisol.<br />

Caffeine consumption fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

increases release of <strong>the</strong> stress hormone,<br />

and this extra cortisol boost<br />

might exacerbate a pre-existing tendency<br />

to hallucinate.<br />

The authors call <strong>the</strong> findings a first<br />

step in better understanding how<br />

nutrition affects hallucinations. More<br />

research is needed to see if changes<br />

in caffeine intake might help people<br />

to better cope with distressing hallucinations<br />

or reduce <strong>the</strong> frequency<br />

of <strong>the</strong>se experiences.<br />

Personality and Individual Differences.<br />

2009;46(4):562-564.<br />

“If it’s not expensive, it can’t be any<br />

good.” Many people seem to approach<br />

medical care with this attitude. In an<br />

American study, 82 healthy volunteers<br />

were given what <strong>the</strong>y thought<br />

was a new pain reliever. In reality, all<br />

of <strong>the</strong> subjects received identical<br />

placebos, but half of <strong>the</strong>m were told<br />

that <strong>the</strong> price per tablet was $2.50,<br />

while <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs were allowed to believe<br />

<strong>the</strong> medication was very lowpriced.<br />

The analge sic effects of <strong>the</strong><br />

fake medication were <strong>the</strong>n tested using<br />

mild electrical shocks to induce<br />

pain. Subjective sen sations of pain<br />

were significantly reduced in <strong>the</strong><br />

group receiving <strong>the</strong> supposedly<br />

more expensive medication in comparison<br />

to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r group.<br />

JAMA. 2008;299:1016-1017<br />

Enjoy food and lose weight<br />

Eating rapidly to <strong>the</strong> point of satiety<br />

increases <strong>the</strong> risk of obesity. When<br />

3,287 Japanese women and men<br />

were surveyed about <strong>the</strong>ir eating<br />

habits, respondents who said <strong>the</strong>y<br />

tended to eat fast until <strong>the</strong>y felt full<br />

were three times more likely to be<br />

overweight than people who ate<br />

slowly and enjoyed <strong>the</strong>ir food. It<br />

seems that weightwatchers should<br />

not only pay attention to what <strong>the</strong>y<br />

eat but also to how <strong>the</strong>y eat.<br />

BMJ. 2008;337:a2002<br />

People who sleep well and long<br />

enough are less susceptible to viral<br />

infections, according to a study of<br />

153 healthy men ranging in age<br />

from 21 to 55 years. The subjects<br />

were surveyed about <strong>the</strong> quantity<br />

and quality of <strong>the</strong>ir sleep over a 14-<br />

day period, after which <strong>the</strong>y were<br />

infected by administering nose<br />

drops containing rhinoviruses. Researchers<br />

found that subjects who<br />

slept longer and better got sick less<br />

often than participants who slept<br />

less. For example, participants who<br />

got eight hours of sleep or more<br />

were approximately 2.94 times less<br />

likely to catch colds than those who<br />

slept for seven hours or less. The effects<br />

of sleep efficiency (actual sleeping<br />

time as a percentage of total time<br />

in bed) were even greater: Participants<br />

with 92 percent efficiency or<br />

less were 5.5 times more likely to<br />

develop a cold than those with 98<br />

percent efficiency or more. The immune<br />

system appears to need adequate<br />

sleep to effectively fend off<br />

germs.<br />

Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(1):62-67<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) What Else Is New?<br />

During a coughing attack, airborne<br />

pathogens will be propelled into <strong>the</strong><br />

surrounding air for about four meters.<br />

Sexy women wear red<br />

“Red-light” districts and sexy red<br />

lingerie suggest that <strong>the</strong> color red<br />

has long been associated with male<br />

sexual drive, but this connection had<br />

never been scientifically confirmed.<br />

To test men’s responses to <strong>the</strong> color<br />

red in relationship to women’s sexual<br />

attractiveness, participants were<br />

shown photos of women in front of<br />

different colored backgrounds. O<strong>the</strong>r<br />

pictures showed <strong>the</strong> women wearing<br />

different colored tops. The study<br />

found that men saw women posing<br />

in front of a red background or<br />

wearing red tops as sexually more<br />

desirable than <strong>the</strong> same women in<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r photos. Red had no effect on<br />

<strong>the</strong> men’s assessment of <strong>the</strong> women’s<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r qualities such as intelligence<br />

or kindness. Women shown <strong>the</strong><br />

same photos seemed to be colorblind<br />

when it came to rating <strong>the</strong> attractiveness<br />

of o<strong>the</strong>r women.<br />

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2008;95(5):1150-<br />

1164<br />

Communicating with<br />

patients through positive<br />

images<br />

We humans still think best in images,<br />

and abstract numbers are difficult<br />

for most of us to remember. Health<br />

care practitioners should also use<br />

this fact to <strong>the</strong>ir advantage and enhance<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir communication with patients<br />

by using pictures and graphic<br />

elements. Researchers from New<br />

Zealand recently investigated <strong>the</strong><br />

best way to convey important information<br />

about treatments to patients.<br />

Two-thirds of <strong>the</strong> patients questioned<br />

preferred graphically presented<br />

information to pure numbers<br />

and percentages. Positive formulations<br />

were also considered help ful.<br />

In o<strong>the</strong>r words, it is generally better<br />

to emphasize <strong>the</strong> benefits of a particular<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapy instead of stressing<br />

<strong>the</strong> possible risks of leaving a condition<br />

untreated.<br />

Ann Fam Med 2008;6(3):213-217<br />

Keep your distance to<br />

stay healthy<br />

Many diseases are transmitted by<br />

airborne drops. At work, in <strong>the</strong> subway,<br />

while shopping – wherever we<br />

meet o<strong>the</strong>r people, we are bombarded<br />

with germs. People who are already<br />

sick and coughing are especially<br />

likely to contaminate <strong>the</strong> air<br />

with germ-filled spray. A recent<br />

study investigated how fast this<br />

cloud spreads around a cougher.<br />

Scien tists from <strong>the</strong> USA calculated<br />

<strong>the</strong> speed of spread at up to eight<br />

meters per second over a period of<br />

approximately half a second. This<br />

means that an attack of coughing<br />

propels germs into <strong>the</strong> surroundings<br />

for about four meters. Anyone who<br />

wants to make it through cold season<br />

unsca<strong>the</strong>d would do well to<br />

keep <strong>the</strong>ir distance from o<strong>the</strong>r people.<br />

N Engl J Med. 2008;359(15):e19<br />

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY<br />

The information contained in this journal is meant for professional use only, is meant to convey general and/or specific worldwide scientific information relating to <strong>the</strong><br />

products or ingredients referred to for informational purposes only, is not intended to be a recommendation with respect to <strong>the</strong> use of or benefits derived from <strong>the</strong><br />

products and/or ingredients (which may be different depending on <strong>the</strong> regulatory environment in your country), and is not intended to diagnose any illness, nor is it<br />

intended to replace competent medical advice and practice. IAH or anyone connected to, or participating in this publication does not accept nor will it be liable<br />

for any medical or legal responsibility for <strong>the</strong> reliance upon or <strong>the</strong> misinterpretation or misuse of <strong>the</strong> scientific, informational and educational content of <strong>the</strong><br />

articles in this journal.<br />

The purpose of <strong>the</strong> Journal of Biomedical Therapy is to share worldwide scientific information about successful protocols from orthodox and complementary practitioners.<br />

The intent of <strong>the</strong> scientific information contained in this journal is not to “dispense recipes” but to provide practitioners with “practice information” for a better<br />

understanding of <strong>the</strong> possibilities and limits of complementary and integrative <strong>the</strong>rapies.<br />

Some of <strong>the</strong> products referred to in articles may not be available in all countries in which <strong>the</strong> journal is made available, with <strong>the</strong> formulation described in any article or<br />

available for sale with <strong>the</strong> conditions of use and/or claims indicated in <strong>the</strong> articles. It is <strong>the</strong> practitioner’s responsibility to use this information as applicable<br />

and in a manner that is permitted in his or her respective jurisdiction based on <strong>the</strong> applicable regulatory environment. We encourage our readers to share<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir complementary <strong>the</strong>rapies, as <strong>the</strong> purpose of <strong>the</strong> Journal of Biomedical Therapy is to join toge<strong>the</strong>r like-minded practitioners from around <strong>the</strong> globe.<br />

Written permission is required to reproduce any of <strong>the</strong> enclosed material. The articles contained herein are not independently verified for accuracy or truth. They have<br />

been provided to <strong>the</strong> Journal of Biomedical Therapy by <strong>the</strong> author and represent <strong>the</strong> thoughts, views and opinions of <strong>the</strong> article’s author.<br />

) 9<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) <strong>From</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders<br />

Associated With Pseudarthrosis<br />

Presentation of a Clinical Case<br />

Mónica Name Guerra, MD<br />

Bone fatigue is a considerable risk factor causing fractures<br />

in high-performance athletes, as a result of many extrinsic<br />

and intrinsic factors. This article describes a 13-year-old<br />

girl, a professional skater with a fracture of <strong>the</strong> femur and<br />

atrophic pseudarthrosis 10 months after initial surgical<br />

treatment. A metabolic disturbance was found at <strong>the</strong><br />

biological medical consultation; this was managed<br />

holistically, and <strong>the</strong> patient’s fracture healed after<br />

2 months of antihomotoxic and integrative treatment.<br />

The use of unsuitable equipment,<br />

very intensive training schedules,<br />

and inappropriate diets are<br />

among <strong>the</strong> external risk factors that<br />

predispose towards bone pathology<br />

in athletes. Age; mechanical biophysical<br />

factors arising from <strong>the</strong><br />

bone-muscle relationship, which alter<br />

physiological alignment; bone<br />

density; and metabolic or hormonal<br />

imbalances are intrinsic causes of<br />

stress fractures and pseudarthrosis.<br />

Prepubertal girls and women, as a<br />

result of <strong>the</strong> physiological changes<br />

inherent to <strong>the</strong>ir sexual development<br />

and monthly hormonal fluctuation,<br />

are a population especially at risk. 1<br />

In 1986, <strong>the</strong> US Food and Drug<br />

Administration defined pseudarthrosis<br />

as nonhealing of a fracture<br />

9 months after injury. However, depending<br />

on <strong>the</strong> bone and <strong>the</strong> site of<br />

<strong>the</strong> injury, this period may vary. In<br />

fractures of <strong>the</strong> long bones in <strong>the</strong><br />

middle third of <strong>the</strong> femur, a waiting<br />

period of 6 months is allowed,<br />

whereas neck fractures should heal<br />

within 3 months after <strong>the</strong> trauma. 2<br />

Although <strong>the</strong> exact cause of pseudarthrosis<br />

is not clear, it is believed that<br />

local factors (e.g., infection and poor<br />

vascularization) and systemic factors<br />

(e.g., nutritional state and hormonal<br />

balance) contribute to nonhealing of<br />

fractures. Although <strong>the</strong>re are opposing<br />

opinions, <strong>the</strong>re is considerable<br />

bibliographic evidence implicating<br />

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory<br />

drugs and corticoids as important<br />

factors in fractures that are not healing.<br />

3<br />

Pseudarthrosis can be hypertrophic<br />

or hypervascularized and atrophic<br />

or avascular.<br />

Figure 1: Fracture<br />

Figure 2: Intramedullary pin<br />

(June 26, 2004)<br />

Figure 3: Pseudarthrosis at follow-up<br />

) 10<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) <strong>From</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />

Figure 4: Second operative procedure<br />

Figure 5: Postoperative view 5 months<br />

after <strong>the</strong> second operative procedure<br />

Clinical case<br />

The patient is a 13-year-old sportsperson<br />

who, on June 25, 2004, experienced<br />

a displaced fracture in <strong>the</strong><br />

middle third of <strong>the</strong> right femur (Figure<br />

1), which required surgical treatment<br />

with an intramedullary pin<br />

(Figure 2).<br />

A 5-month postoperative followup<br />

X-ray showed pseudarthrosis<br />

(Figure 3). Thus, from an orthopedic<br />

viewpoint of <strong>the</strong> mechanical instability<br />

and hypertrophic pseudarthrosis,<br />

a fur<strong>the</strong>r intervention changing<br />

<strong>the</strong> pin for one of a larger<br />

diameter with double distal locking<br />

was performed on November 17,<br />

2004 (Figure 4).<br />

Five months after <strong>the</strong> second operative<br />

procedure, <strong>the</strong> fracture was classified<br />

as atrophic pseudarthrosis<br />

(Figure 5), and <strong>the</strong> treating orthopedic<br />

surgeon proposed a third intervention.<br />

The patient decided to consult<br />

a biological medicine specialist<br />

to obtain a second opinion.<br />

The consultation on April 13, 2005,<br />

showed that <strong>the</strong> patient was in pain,<br />

with no support from <strong>the</strong> lower<br />

right limb, and had a high consumption<br />

of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory<br />

drugs.<br />

The results of <strong>the</strong> Meridian Stress<br />

Assessment (developed by Reinhold<br />

Voll) were pancreatic and splenic<br />

dysfunction (Table 1); <strong>the</strong>refore,<br />

clinical laboratory tests were performed<br />

to complete <strong>the</strong> investigation<br />

(Table 2). These test results<br />

showed a state of hypercortisolism<br />

with a normal basal insulin level (no<br />

postprandial insulin test result was<br />

available). The postprandial glucose<br />

response at 30 minutes was normal;<br />

however, at 1 hour, it was very low.<br />

The thyrotropin level was in <strong>the</strong><br />

normal range, <strong>the</strong> free thyroxine<br />

level was normal, and <strong>the</strong> triiodothyronine<br />

level was not obtained. The<br />

parathyroid hormone level was normal;<br />

<strong>the</strong> result of bone densitometry<br />

showed osteopenia.<br />

Organ Right side Left side<br />

Lymphatic deg. 48 46<br />

Lung 54 46<br />

Large intestine 34 56<br />

Central nervous<br />

system deg.<br />

42 46<br />

Circulation 46 48<br />

Allergy deg. 42 42<br />

Parenchyma deg. 34 42<br />

Endocrine 46 46<br />

Heart 52 46<br />

Small intestine 44 58<br />

Pancreas 18<br />

Spleen 16<br />

Liver 44 46<br />

Joint deg. 46 36<br />

Stomach 54 52<br />

Fibroid deg. 58 48<br />

Skin deg. 66 58<br />

Fat deg. 56 58<br />

Gallbladder 70 52<br />

Kidney 54 52<br />

Bladder 48 56<br />

Uterus/prostate 48 54<br />

Laboratory test Patient value Reference value<br />

Urinary cortisol, µg/24 h 60.86 5-55<br />

Basal blood glucose, mg/dL 79 70-105<br />

Postprandial blood glucose at 30 min, mg/dL 125 > 110<br />

Postprandial blood glucose at 1 h, mg/dL 74 120-170<br />

Postprandial blood glucose at 2 h, mg/dL 94 70-120<br />

Thyrotropin, µUI/mL 2.40 0.35-5.50<br />

Free thyroxine, ng/dL 1.06 0.93-1.70<br />

Parathyroid hormone, pg/mL 31.3 11.0-79.5<br />

Basal insulin, µU/mL 5.02 2.60 -24.90<br />

Table 1:<br />

Meridian Stress Assessment results*<br />

Table 2:<br />

Clinical laboratory results<br />

* Normal values, 40-60; Irritation, 61-80;<br />

Inflammation, 81-100; Weakness, 31-39;<br />

Degeneration, < 30<br />

) 11<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) <strong>From</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />

Figure 6: Consolidated fracture (June 23,<br />

2005)<br />

) 12<br />

Treatment was started as follows:<br />

• Osteoheel,<br />

1 tablet 4 times per day<br />

• Strumeel,<br />

1 tablet 4 times per day<br />

• Momordica compositum,<br />

1 ampoule twice weekly,<br />

10 doses<br />

• Placenta compositum,<br />

1 ampoule twice weekly,<br />

10 doses<br />

• Acidum citricum-Injeel,<br />

1 ampoule twice weekly,<br />

10 doses<br />

• Lymphomyosot, 1 ampoule<br />

twice weekly, 10 doses<br />

Nutritional changes reducing <strong>the</strong> intake<br />

of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates<br />

(refined sugars) and avoiding<br />

high-sodium processed foods (ready<br />

meals and fast food) were recommended.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> 2-month clinical follow-up,<br />

pain was absent, normal electrical<br />

measurements of <strong>the</strong> pancreas (44)<br />

and spleen (48) were noted, and radiography<br />

showed healing of <strong>the</strong><br />

fracture (Figure 6); <strong>the</strong>refore, <strong>the</strong> intramedullary<br />

pin was removed (Figure<br />

7). Laboratory findings at <strong>the</strong><br />

end of treatment were normal.<br />

Discussion<br />

According to <strong>the</strong> Meridian Stress<br />

Assessment, this patient had an abnormality<br />

of <strong>the</strong> pancreas. Her low<br />

glucose level, using <strong>the</strong> result of <strong>the</strong><br />

oral glucose tolerance test at 60<br />

minutes, indicates hypoglycemia and<br />

a state of chronic hypercortisolism.<br />

This state of transitory hypoglycemia<br />

leads to a functional imbalance<br />

of <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal<br />

cortex axis 4-6 ; <strong>the</strong>refore, <strong>the</strong> response<br />

is an increase in β-adrenergic<br />

activity in <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus, with<br />

<strong>the</strong> release of <strong>the</strong> growth hormones<br />

somatotrophin and corticotropin<br />

and increased secretion of cortisol<br />

and epinephrine. 5,6<br />

The cortisol acts like a counterregulating<br />

hormone and induces <strong>the</strong><br />

production of glucose, activating <strong>the</strong><br />

gluconeogenesis pathway. If <strong>the</strong> hypoglycemia<br />

persists, <strong>the</strong> level of cortisol<br />

rises, conforming a state of<br />

chronic hypercortisolism.<br />

The increased cortisol levels in this<br />

patient could be secondary to <strong>the</strong><br />

hypoglycemia and stress produced<br />

by competitive exercise and <strong>the</strong> influence<br />

of interleukin 6 as a chronic<br />

inflammatory cytokine. 7<br />

Intense exercise by high-performance<br />

athletes suppresses <strong>the</strong> function<br />

of <strong>the</strong> T cells and natural killer<br />

cells and increases <strong>the</strong> release of<br />

cortisol and interleukin 6 proinflammatory<br />

factors. 7<br />

Cortisol causes a reduction in bone<br />

formation and an increase in resorption<br />

by various mechanisms<br />

(Figure 8). 8<br />

Cortisol antagonizes <strong>the</strong> action of<br />

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3<br />

or calcitriol,<br />

which acts on <strong>the</strong> osteoblast by<br />

increasing <strong>the</strong> syn<strong>the</strong>sis of tissue<br />

growth factor β (TGF-β) and raising<br />

<strong>the</strong> number of insulinlike growth<br />

factor receptors, whose anabolic effect<br />

regulates bone growth and tissue<br />

repair. 8-12 Vitamin D 3<br />

increases<br />

<strong>the</strong> syn<strong>the</strong>sis of osteocalcin and osteopontin<br />

by improving <strong>the</strong> mineralization<br />

of <strong>the</strong> collagen fibrils of<br />

<strong>the</strong> bone when <strong>the</strong>y are depleted.<br />

9-12<br />

The formation of hydroxyapatite alters<br />

with sodium/calcium interchange<br />

in <strong>the</strong> renal distal tubules,<br />

where phosphorus and magnesium<br />

are also lost. Each gram of sodium<br />

ion in urine corresponds to 26.3 mg<br />

of lost calcium; <strong>the</strong>refore, salty and<br />

fast food diets are not recommended.<br />

13<br />

Ingesting oily seeds and extra virgin<br />

vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated<br />

fatty acids and conjugated linoleic<br />

acid increases <strong>the</strong> absorption<br />

rate of calcium in <strong>the</strong> cells and reduces<br />

osteoclastogenesis. 14<br />

Acidification secondary to <strong>the</strong> ingestion<br />

of refined sugar and proteins<br />

with sulfur atoms (methionine and<br />

cysteine) alters <strong>the</strong> mineralization<br />

and metabolism of <strong>the</strong> bone. 9<br />

The concentration of protons in <strong>the</strong><br />

plasma and in <strong>the</strong> extracellular fluid<br />

is about 40 nM, corresponding to a<br />

pH of 7.4; to stabilize and alkalize<br />

this, <strong>the</strong>re are systems that include<br />

balancing phosphate with calcium<br />

and magnesium ions originating<br />

from <strong>the</strong> bone matrix at <strong>the</strong> expense<br />

of weakening <strong>the</strong> bone. 9<br />

According to <strong>the</strong> personal analysis<br />

that I have made of this clinical case,<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) <strong>From</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />

Figure 7: Fracture without intramedullary<br />

pin (November 28, 2006)<br />

antihomotoxic medications could<br />

hypo<strong>the</strong>tically have acted in <strong>the</strong> following<br />

manner in healing <strong>the</strong> fracture:<br />

1. Antihomotoxic medications,<br />

which contain low doses of antigens,<br />

could have stimulated <strong>the</strong><br />

production of TGF-β from <strong>the</strong><br />

lymphocyte line T-helper cell 3.<br />

This TGF-β intervenes in <strong>the</strong> reconstruction<br />

of <strong>the</strong> bone matrix<br />

by inhibiting <strong>the</strong> activation of<br />

<strong>the</strong> osteoclasts and stimulating<br />

<strong>the</strong> action of <strong>the</strong> osteoblasts,<br />

promoting <strong>the</strong> healing of <strong>the</strong> tissue<br />

and <strong>the</strong> resolution of <strong>the</strong> inflammation.<br />

15-18<br />

2. The bioregulatory effect of Momordica<br />

compositum in <strong>the</strong><br />

pancreas in controlling hypoglycemia<br />

and secondary hypercorti<br />

solism could be <strong>the</strong> result<br />

of a possible improvement in <strong>the</strong><br />

expression of glucotransporters<br />

in <strong>the</strong> cells and hypo<strong>the</strong>tically<br />

might increase <strong>the</strong> secretion<br />

of amylin and preptin. These<br />

2 polypeptides are cosecreted<br />

with insulin from <strong>the</strong> β cells of<br />

<strong>the</strong> pancreas; <strong>the</strong>ir function is to<br />

stimulate osteoblastic proliferation,<br />

reduce osteoblastic apoptosis,<br />

and inhibit osteoclastic activity.<br />

19-25<br />

3. Possibly, Acidum citricum-Injeel,<br />

a Krebs cycle catalyst and calcium<br />

metabolism regulator that<br />

improves <strong>the</strong> absorption of vitamin<br />

D, could act in <strong>the</strong> renal tubule<br />

cells by stimulating <strong>the</strong> mitochondrial<br />

1a-hy droxylase res<br />

pon sible for transforming 25-<br />

hydroxycholecalciferol (in acti ve)<br />

into 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol<br />

(active) or calcitriol.<br />

Figure 8: Effects of cortisol on bone 8<br />

GI Ca absorption<br />

Renal Ca absorption<br />

Bone resorption<br />

LH – FSH<br />

Testosterone<br />

Estrogen<br />

Cortisol<br />

Osteoprotegerin<br />

Osteoporosis<br />

Muscle strength<br />

Osteoblastic<br />

apoptosis<br />

GI<br />

Ca<br />

Gastrointestinal<br />

Calcium<br />

Bone formation<br />

LH<br />

Luteinizing<br />

hormone<br />

Growth factors<br />

FSH<br />

Follicle-stimulating<br />

hormone<br />

) 13<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) <strong>From</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />

) 14<br />

Conclusion<br />

Antihomotoxic treatment drains <strong>the</strong><br />

matrix (Lymphomyosot), regulates<br />

<strong>the</strong> endocrine function of <strong>the</strong> pancreas<br />

(Momordica compositum),<br />

regulates thyroid function (Strumeel),<br />

solves <strong>the</strong> problem of avascular atrophic<br />

pseudarthrosis (Placenta compositum),<br />

and re-establishes <strong>the</strong><br />

metabolic balance of bone, <strong>the</strong> intrinsic<br />

calcium metabolism, and vitamin<br />

D absorption (Osteoheel and<br />

Acidum citricum-Injeel).<br />

Pseudarthrosis is not an exclusively<br />

mechanical problem. It must be confronted<br />

integrally, from <strong>the</strong> profession<br />

or lifestyle to <strong>the</strong> metabolism of<br />

<strong>the</strong> organism, <strong>the</strong> diet, <strong>the</strong> neuroendocrine<br />

system, and immunological<br />

modulation. “The whole organism<br />

suffers with <strong>the</strong> fracture of a long<br />

bone.” 26 |<br />

References<br />

1. DeFranco MJ, Recht M, Schils J, Parker RD.<br />

Stress fractures of <strong>the</strong> femur in athletes. Clin<br />

Sports Med. 2006;25(1):89-103, ix.<br />

2. Cleveland KB. Delayed union and nonunion<br />

of fractures. In: Canale ST, Beaty J, eds.<br />

Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed.<br />

Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2007:chapter 56.<br />

3. Koester MC, Spindler KP. Pharmacologic<br />

agents in fracture healing. Clin Sports Med.<br />

2006;25(1):63-73, viii.<br />

4. Fruehwald-Schultes B, Kern W, Born J,<br />

Fehm HL, Peters A. Hyperinsulinemia<br />

causes activation of <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal<br />

axis in humans. Intern J Obes.<br />

2001;25(suppl1):S38-S40.<br />

5. Arias P, Arzt E, Bonet E. Estrés y procesos de<br />

enfermedad. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Biblos;<br />

1998.<br />

6. Suliman AM, Freaney R, McBrinn Y, et al.<br />

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia suppresses<br />

plasma parathyroid hormone levels in patients<br />

with adrenal insufficiency. Metabolism.<br />

2004;53(10):1251-1254.<br />

7. Rosales Estrada M. Síndrome de inflamación<br />

de las mucosas: tratamiento antihomotóxico.<br />

2nd ed. Colombia: M. Rosales Estrada;<br />

2005.<br />

8. Rubin MR, Bilezikian JP. The role of parathyroid<br />

hormone in <strong>the</strong> pathogenesis of<br />

glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: a reexamination<br />

of <strong>the</strong> evidence. J Clin Endocrinol<br />

Metab. 2002;87(9):4033-4041.<br />

9. Koolman J, Röhm K. Bioquímica: texto y atlas.<br />

3rd ed. Stuttgart, Germany: Panamericana;<br />

2004.<br />

10. Clark R. The somatogenic hormones and<br />

insulin-like growth factor-1: stimulators of<br />

lymphopoiesis and immune function. Endocr<br />

Rev. 1997;18(2):157-179.<br />

11. Kurtz A, Matter R, Eckardt KU, Zapf J.<br />

Erythropoiesis, serum erythropoietin, and serum<br />

IGF-I in rats during accelerated growth.<br />

Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1990;122(3):323-<br />

328.<br />

12. Gómez JM. The role of insulin-like growth<br />

factor I components in <strong>the</strong> regulation of vitamin<br />

D. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2006;7(2):125-<br />

132.<br />

13. Shortt C, Madden A, Flynn A, Morrissey PA.<br />

Influence of dietary sodium intake on urinary<br />

calcium excretion in selected Irish individuals.<br />

Eur J Clin Nutr. 1988;42(7):595-603.<br />

14. Bhattacharya A, Banu J, Rahman M, Causey<br />

J, Fernandes G. Biological effects of conjugated<br />

linoleic acids in health and disease.<br />

J Nutr Biochem. 2006;17(12):789-810.<br />

15. Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Inmunología<br />

celular y molecular. 6th ed. Barcelona,<br />

Spain: Elsevier Saunders; 2008:3-16, 243-<br />

263, 267-301.<br />

16. Heine H. Homotoxicología: Una síntesis de las<br />

orientaciones médicas basadas en las ciencias<br />

naturales. 3rd ed. Baden-Baden, Germany:<br />

Aurelia-Verlag; 2004:79-85.<br />

17. Weiner HL, Mayer LF. Oral tolerance: mechanisms<br />

and applications. Ann N Y Acad Sci.<br />

1996;778:1-451.<br />

18. Weiner HL, Friedman A, Miller A, et al.<br />

Oral tolerance: immunologic mechanisms<br />

and treatment of animal and human organspecific<br />

autoimmune diseases by oral administration<br />

of autoantigens. Annu Rev Immunol.<br />

1994;12:809-837.<br />

19. Cornish J, Callon KE, Bava U, et al. Preptin,<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r peptide product of <strong>the</strong> pancreatic<br />

β-cell, is osteogenic in vitro and in vivo. Am<br />

J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007;292(1):<br />

E117-E122.<br />

20. Dacquin R, Davey RA, Laplace C, et al. Amylin<br />

inhibits bone resorption while <strong>the</strong> calcitonin<br />

receptor controls bone formation in<br />

vivo. J Cell Biol. 2004;164(4):509-514.<br />

21. Valenzano KJ, Heath-Monnig E, Tollefsen<br />

SE, Lake M, Lobel P. Biophysical and biological<br />

properties of naturally occurring high<br />

molecular weight insulin-like growth factor<br />

II variants. J Biol Chem. 1997;272(8):4804-<br />

4813.<br />

22. Buchanan CM, Phillips AR, Cooper GJ.<br />

Preptin derived from proinsulin-like growth<br />

factor II (proIGF-II) is secreted from pancreatic<br />

islet β-cells and enhances insulin secretion.<br />

Biochem J. 2001;360(pt 2):431-439.<br />

23. Alam AS, Moonga BS, Bevis PJ, Huang CL,<br />

Zaidi M. Amylin inhibits bone resorption by<br />

a direct effect on <strong>the</strong> motility of rat osteoclasts.<br />

Exp Physiol. 1993;78(2):183-196.<br />

24. Cornish J, Callon KE, Cooper GJ, Reid IR.<br />

Amylin stimulates osteoblast proliferation<br />

and increases mineralized bone volume in<br />

adult mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.<br />

1995;207(1):133-139.<br />

25. Cornish J, Callon KE, King AR, Cooper GJ,<br />

Reid IR. Systemic administration of amylin<br />

increases bone mass, linear growth, and adiposity<br />

in adult male mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol<br />

Metab. 1998;275(4, pt 1):E694-E699.<br />

26. Sodi-Pallares D. Magnetoterapia y tratamiento<br />

metabólico. Publisher unknown; 1994:84.<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Around <strong>the</strong> Globe<br />

Verona – More Than<br />

Just Romeo and Juliet ...<br />

By Anita Bania, MD<br />

<strong>From</strong> November 6 to 8, 2008, in<br />

Verona, Italy, <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Academy for Homotoxicology presented<br />

a practice-based training for<br />

Polish doctors whose practices combine<br />

conventional medical training<br />

with elements of homeopathy, homotoxicology,<br />

acupuncture, homeosiniatry,<br />

and meso<strong>the</strong>rapy. The small<br />

group of students, all experienced<br />

clinicians, included three internal<br />

medicine specialists and two pediatricians.<br />

The training took place in Dr. Ivo<br />

Bianchi’s private medical practice,<br />

which he runs toge<strong>the</strong>r with his wife<br />

and daughter. Dr. Bianchi sees patients<br />

of virtually all ages, ranging<br />

from infants to geriatric patients.<br />

The group had close contact with<br />

selected patients, had access to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

histories, and was able to examine<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. Each patient was <strong>the</strong>n discussed<br />

in detail to determine individually<br />

optimized <strong>the</strong>rapies and<br />

recommendations.<br />

Dr. Bianchi had invited two guest<br />

speakers to contribute to <strong>the</strong> training.<br />

Dr. Lugero Graziolli gave a lecture<br />

and practical demonstrations on<br />

“Es<strong>the</strong>tic Biological Medicine: Diagnosis<br />

and Therapies,” placing particular<br />

emphasis on biochemical and<br />

electromagnetic homeostasis in <strong>the</strong><br />

Sightseeing in Verona<br />

human body and <strong>the</strong> loss of normal<br />

matrix functions in <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong><br />

aging process. Professor Sergio Serrano<br />

introduced <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapeutic use<br />

of biophotons and singlet oxygen<br />

and demonstrated <strong>the</strong>ir practical applications<br />

in traditional meso<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />

and biomeso<strong>the</strong>rapy to <strong>the</strong> group.<br />

Dr. Bianchi is a seasoned expert on<br />

Krebs cycle catalysts and enthusiastically<br />

endorses <strong>the</strong>ir use in <strong>the</strong>rapy,<br />

both in his youngest patients (such<br />

as low birth-weight babies) and in<br />

mature and elderly patients. We analyzed<br />

individual clinical case studies<br />

under Dr. Bianchi’s guidance. <strong>From</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> perspective of conventional<br />

medicine, all of <strong>the</strong>se cases were at<br />

least very interesting and often very<br />

challenging. All of Dr. Bianchi’s patients<br />

had undergone very thorough<br />

diagnosis, often in university hospitals,<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir discharge summaries<br />

and hospitalization information<br />

were available. Dr. Bianchi conducted<br />

detailed repertorization of each<br />

individual patient, applying <strong>the</strong><br />

rules of classical homeopathy and<br />

homotoxicology, and determined<br />

<strong>the</strong> position of each patient’s condition<br />

on a neurovegetative outline he<br />

has developed and enriched with<br />

additional elements drawn from homotoxicology,<br />

Chinese medicine,<br />

and conventional medicine.<br />

The training itself was very intense<br />

but well-organized, and <strong>the</strong> sessions<br />

were just <strong>the</strong> right length. Between<br />

sessions, we were also able to enjoy<br />

<strong>the</strong> charming sights of <strong>the</strong> town of<br />

Verona and see <strong>the</strong> international<br />

horse show gala HORSELYRIC, for<br />

which Verona is now famous.<br />

We found participating in this training<br />

to be highly rewarding and recommend<br />

it to all practitioners interested<br />

in homotoxicology and holistic<br />

medicine.|<br />

For more information on<br />

practice-based training in<br />

bioregulatory medicine,<br />

please contact <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Society of Homotoxicology<br />

and Homeopathy at<br />

info@isohh.de<br />

At <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> training, <strong>the</strong><br />

participants received certificates<br />

(far left and right: Dr. Ivo Bianchi<br />

and his wife Marina).<br />

) 15<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Practical Protocols<br />

Bioregulatory Treatment<br />

of Dysautonomia<br />

By Bert Hannosset, MD<br />

Dysautonomia, formerly called<br />

neuras<strong>the</strong>nia, exists in two<br />

forms: familial dysautonomia and<br />

non-familial dysautonomia.<br />

Familial dysautonomia is an autosomal<br />

recessive genetic disease, <strong>the</strong><br />

result of mutation in <strong>the</strong> IKBKAP<br />

gene on chromosome 9. It occurs<br />

exclusively in Ashkenazi Jews; <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are currently 350 known living cases<br />

worldwide. To date, <strong>the</strong> disease<br />

remains incurable.<br />

Non-familial dysautonomia, a disease<br />

or malfunction of <strong>the</strong> autonomic<br />

nervous system, is much more<br />

common. In this disorder, <strong>the</strong> human<br />

body fails to properly regulate<br />

blood pressure (e.g., orthostatic hypotension),<br />

heart rate (e.g., postural<br />

orthostatic tachycardia syndrome),<br />

temperature, vascular constriction/<br />

dilation, and blood supply to <strong>the</strong><br />

brain. The results are unpredictable<br />

fainting, low blood pressure, ligh<strong>the</strong>adedness,<br />

dizziness, problems<br />

with concentration (“brain fog”),<br />

headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations,<br />

exercise intolerance, insomnia,<br />

hot flashes, chills, weakness, seizures,<br />

pain, and disability. The causes<br />

of non-familial dysautonomia are<br />

not fully understood but are thought<br />

to include viral infections, exposure<br />

to toxic chemicals, genetic factors (a<br />

variation in <strong>the</strong> angiotensin II type I<br />

receptor gene), autoimmune disorders<br />

(antibodies to neuronal nicotinic<br />

acetylcholine receptors of <strong>the</strong><br />

autonomic ganglia), adrenal disorders,<br />

and trauma (injury or emotional<br />

trauma, which damages <strong>the</strong> autonomic<br />

nervous system). (See protocol<br />

in Table 1.)|<br />

DET-phase<br />

Basic and/or<br />

symptomatic<br />

Regulation <strong>the</strong>rapy*<br />

Optional<br />

Sympathicodermal<br />

Impregnation<br />

• Ignatia-<br />

Homaccord<br />

D&D<br />

IM<br />

• Advanced supportive<br />

detoxification and drainage<br />

followed by <strong>the</strong><br />

• Detox-Kit<br />

• Tonsilla compositum<br />

• Vertigoheel (dizziness)<br />

• Tonico-Injeel (exhaustion)<br />

• Cralonin (cardiac weakness)<br />

• Aurumheel (low blood pressure)<br />

• Traumeel (injury)<br />

OR<br />

• Sympathicus suis-Injeel<br />

if available; if not, use<br />

• Engystol (post-viral)<br />

• Cerebrum compositum<br />

Notes: Ignatia and Moschus = basic homeopathic treatment for dystonia. Advanced supportive detoxification and drainage consists of<br />

Hepar compositum (liver), Solidago compositum (kidneys), and Thyreoidea compositum (connective tissue; also regulates glandular<br />

functions [e.g., pineal body, thyroid, and adrenals]); Coenzyme compositum and Ubichinon compositum for cellular detoxification and<br />

drainage. The Detox-Kit consists of Lymphomyosot, Nux-vomica-Homaccord, and Berberis-Homaccord. Tonsilla compositum downregulates<br />

<strong>the</strong> Th-2 pathway and supports adrenals. Sympathicus suis-Injeel supports <strong>the</strong> autonomic nervous system. Cerebrum compositum<br />

supports <strong>the</strong> central nervous system and improves blood flow.<br />

Dosages: Ignatia-Homaccord: 15 drops 3 times per day. Regulation <strong>the</strong>rapy: 1 ampoule of each medication 1-3 times per week. Detox-Kit:<br />

30 drops o f each medication in 1.5 liters of water; drink throughout <strong>the</strong> day.<br />

) 16<br />

Table 1: Protocol for dysautonomia<br />

* Antihomotoxic regulation <strong>the</strong>rapy consists of a three-pillar approach: detoxification & drainage (D&D), immunomodulation (IM),<br />

and organ regulation (OR)<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


In memoriam<br />

Professor Michael F. Kirkman<br />

died on Saturday, January 18 on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.<br />

He had lectured at St. Andrew’s<br />

Medical School; his medical knowledge<br />

ranged from pathology and<br />

tropical diseases to homeopathy, homotoxicology,<br />

and nutrition. He was<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> first doctors to apply an<br />

integrative concept of medicine that<br />

included environmental factors and<br />

detoxification.<br />

He had <strong>the</strong> courage to challenge<br />

medical conventions and found<br />

himself in <strong>the</strong> first line of attack for<br />

his use of homeopathic sarcodes and<br />

nosodes. Like Drs. Reich, Gerson,<br />

Bach, and Reckeweg before him, his<br />

dogged persistency, academic ability,<br />

and zeal to advance <strong>the</strong> “art of medicine”<br />

enabled him to carry on with<br />

his mission. He wrote a textbook on<br />

tissue microenvironment and lectured<br />

and published articles worldwide.<br />

He was one of <strong>the</strong> first certified<br />

lecturers of <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Academy for Homotoxicology (IAH)<br />

and won an award for <strong>the</strong> best lecture<br />

at <strong>the</strong> first IAH rollout in Baden-<br />

Baden, Germany in April 2003.<br />

He founded not only one of <strong>the</strong> first<br />

nutritional colleges in <strong>the</strong> UK (<strong>the</strong><br />

European College of Nutrition at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Royal Society for Public Health)<br />

but also <strong>the</strong> first College of Homotoxicology<br />

in <strong>the</strong> UK; with colleagues,<br />

he started <strong>the</strong> first postgraduate<br />

course in bioregulatory<br />

medicine. Last but not least, he was<br />

involved in teaching a course in bioregulatory<br />

medicine at <strong>the</strong> Biomedic<br />

Centre in <strong>the</strong> UK in collaboration<br />

with two colleagues, Drs Shakambet<br />

and Bosh.<br />

Professor Michael F. Kirkman<br />

(1936 – 2009)<br />

His guidance and support were crucial<br />

to those following this path,<br />

and he was full of warmth and enthusiasm<br />

for new projects. His mentorship,<br />

wise guidance, and friendship,<br />

along with his witty and<br />

creative mind, will be greatly missed.<br />

His funeral was held on February 4,<br />

2009 on <strong>the</strong> Isle of Wight. Professor<br />

Kirkman is survived by his wife<br />

Muriel.<br />

Damir A. Shakambet, MD<br />

Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Award 2010<br />

Join in – have your experience rewarded<br />

<strong>Heel</strong> annually honors outstanding scientific research in<br />

<strong>the</strong> field of a unique homeo<strong>the</strong>rapeutic system (homotoxicology)<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Award.<br />

The main award (€ 10,000)<br />

is presented for scientific work of fundamental <strong>the</strong>oretical<br />

and/or practical significance in antihomotoxic<br />

medicine in <strong>the</strong> fields of human and veterinary medicine.<br />

The incentive award (€ 5,000)<br />

is presented for promising results arising from clinical,<br />

case-based or fundamental research in antihomotoxic<br />

medicine in <strong>the</strong> fields of human and veterinary medicine.<br />

The prize money is intended to fund fur<strong>the</strong>r research.<br />

Both prizes are awarded for research carried out in a<br />

laboratory or registered practice. All results must be<br />

new, convincing and previously unpublished, and research<br />

should not have involved animal testing.<br />

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2010.<br />

For more information contact:<br />

<strong>Biologische</strong> <strong>Heilmittel</strong> <strong>Heel</strong> <strong>GmbH</strong>,<br />

Department of Research,<br />

76532 Baden-Baden, Germany<br />

Phone +49 7221 501-227,<br />

Fax +49 7221 501-660, info@heel.de,<br />

www.heel.com<br />

) 17<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y<br />

Psychogenic Factors in<br />

Gastrointestinal Pathology<br />

By Bruno Van Brandt<br />

Medical Education Manager of <strong>the</strong> IAH<br />

) 18<br />

Is half a glass of water half full or half empty? Although <strong>the</strong><br />

reality remains <strong>the</strong> same, <strong>the</strong> way individuals look at it will<br />

definitely change <strong>the</strong>ir emotional state. Half full or half<br />

empty makes <strong>the</strong> difference between positivism and negativism,<br />

between stress and inner peace, between psychogenic<br />

factors that will, over <strong>the</strong> ideomotorical rule in psychology,*<br />

enhance or inhibit physical condition or strength.<br />

Emotional triggers of immune<br />

disorders are very well-known<br />

in modern medicine, especially<br />

where psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological<br />

(PNEI) effects are seen<br />

as a major trigger within psychosomatic<br />

diseases. 1 Serotonin, adrenaline,<br />

dopamine, and glutamate are<br />

major neurotransmitters in <strong>the</strong> central<br />

nervous system. Serotonin and<br />

adrenaline especially are secreted in<br />

response to stress and emotion. All 4<br />

neurotransmitters mentioned are<br />

also present in a second, almost prehistorical,<br />

and often forgotten brain,<br />

called <strong>the</strong> enteric brain.<br />

This enteric nervous system, located<br />

in <strong>the</strong> gastrointestinal (GI) tract<br />

(more precisely in <strong>the</strong> epi<strong>the</strong>lial lining<br />

of <strong>the</strong> esophagus, stomach, and<br />

small and large intestines), is a major<br />

subject in <strong>the</strong> study of neurogastroenterology<br />

and plays an important<br />

role in irritable bowel syndrome<br />

(IBS). According to some researchers,<br />

up to 95% of <strong>the</strong> serotonin<br />

available in <strong>the</strong> body is located in<br />

<strong>the</strong> GI tract; of this 95%, 90% is in<br />

<strong>the</strong> enterochromaffin cells, and <strong>the</strong><br />

remaining 10% can be found in enteric<br />

neurons. Serotonin plays a key<br />

role in <strong>the</strong> initiation of peristaltic<br />

and secretory reflexes. 2<br />

Although <strong>the</strong> enteric brain is described<br />

as part of <strong>the</strong> peripheral nervous<br />

system, it is also defined as <strong>the</strong><br />

second brain, 3 in addition to <strong>the</strong> primary<br />

central brain. The central nervous<br />

system can influence <strong>the</strong> enteric<br />

brain and vice versa. 3 This<br />

could be a possible explanation as to<br />

why an emotional stressor or anxiety<br />

can indirectly induce IBS.<br />

During stress, <strong>the</strong> brain will induce,<br />

over <strong>the</strong> brain-gut axis, mast cell degranulation<br />

in <strong>the</strong> intestinal tract.<br />

By this degranulation, histamine<br />

and phospholipids are set free in<br />

large numbers, inducing inflammatory<br />

pathways. Activation of <strong>the</strong> gut<br />

immune system may disrupt normal<br />

gut motility, leading to common<br />

symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping,<br />

and bloating. 4<br />

The inflamed tissues render <strong>the</strong> enteric<br />

nerves overly sensitive and<br />

overactive, deregulating <strong>the</strong> production<br />

of serotonin. Both low and<br />

high levels of serotonin can cause<br />

problems. The same molecule, when<br />

available in a too low or a too high<br />

concentration, may induce <strong>the</strong> same<br />

clinical symptom: cramps. As Paracelsus<br />

already stated centuries ago,<br />

“<strong>the</strong> dose makes <strong>the</strong> poison.”<br />

Low levels of serotonin are not only<br />

associated with depression, shortterm<br />

memory, and concentration<br />

deficits, but also, at <strong>the</strong> level of <strong>the</strong><br />

enteric nervous system, with bowel<br />

problems such as constipation with<br />

spasm (IBS-C). Emotional stress,<br />

over <strong>the</strong> PNEI system, can thus induce<br />

changes within serotonin levels<br />

at <strong>the</strong> level of <strong>the</strong> GI tract and can<br />

induce spasms (Figure 1). A stressrelated<br />

nervous or anxious state will<br />

increase <strong>the</strong> prevalence or intensity<br />

of intestinal spasm over <strong>the</strong> braingut<br />

axis. 5<br />

Increased levels of serotonin are associated<br />

with intestinal problems<br />

too, such as is seen in diarrhea<br />

accompanied by cramps (IBS-D). 6<br />

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor<br />

package inserts often mention<br />

both symptoms as possible adverse<br />

effects because of <strong>the</strong> medicationinduced<br />

decreased reuptake of serotonin<br />

and thus <strong>the</strong> increased serotonin<br />

availability and activity levels.<br />

* Every thought or idea makes <strong>the</strong> body gravitate to fulfill that thought or idea. William James, The Principles of Psychology (1890)<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y<br />

The conventional medical approach<br />

to IBS is often <strong>the</strong> use of antispasmodic<br />

agents, such as hyoscine butylbromide,<br />

to relieve spasms and<br />

cramps. Research in conventional<br />

medicine also reports <strong>the</strong> symptomrelieving<br />

effects of benzodiazepines<br />

in patients with IBS, 7,8 pointing at<br />

<strong>the</strong> psychogenic factors that increase<br />

<strong>the</strong> physical symptoms over <strong>the</strong><br />

brain-gut axis. A combination <strong>the</strong>rapy<br />

of an antispasmodic medication<br />

with a benzodiazepine seems to<br />

have synergic <strong>the</strong>rapeutic effects in<br />

<strong>the</strong> relief of IBS symptoms. 9 Treatments<br />

aimed at <strong>the</strong> gut-brain interface<br />

are in development, but have<br />

been difficult to establish because of<br />

adverse effects. 10<br />

Bioregulatory treatment<br />

It is thus interesting to look at a bioregulatory<br />

approach in <strong>the</strong>se patients.<br />

In a comparative study, Nervoheel<br />

was found to be noninferior<br />

to lorazepam, a benzodiazepine prescribed<br />

worldwide, in <strong>the</strong> treatment<br />

of mild nervous disorders. 11 Spascupreel<br />

is a bioregulatory antispasmodic<br />

medication that will induce<br />

symptomatic relief of spasmodic<br />

conditions of <strong>the</strong> intestinal tract. In<br />

a comparative study versus hyoscine<br />

butylbromide, it was shown to possess<br />

a noninferior <strong>the</strong>rapeutic effect<br />

in treating intestinal cramps. 12 This<br />

effect of Spascupreel can be used in<br />

conditions such as IBS, and, if it is<br />

applied toge<strong>the</strong>r with a psychogenic<br />

relaxing drug such as Nervoheel, a<br />

synergistic action on <strong>the</strong> gut-brain<br />

axis may be possible. In this way, a<br />

bioregulatory alternative can be offered<br />

for <strong>the</strong> combination of antispasmodic<br />

agent–tranquilizer in<br />

conventional <strong>the</strong>rapy of IBS.<br />

Given <strong>the</strong> PNEI link between <strong>the</strong><br />

central and enteric brain and <strong>the</strong> experience<br />

in conventional medicine<br />

(i.e., antispasmodic drugs in combination<br />

with tranquillizers have a<br />

stronger symptom-relieving effect in<br />

IBS), it can be stated that Nervoheel<br />

might play an important <strong>the</strong>rapeutic<br />

role in <strong>the</strong> bioregulatory relief of<br />

IBS symptoms. Although some benzodiazepines<br />

are known to be addictive,<br />

13 to my knowledge, no such<br />

risk has ever been reported for Nervoheel.<br />

Thus, Nervoheel is a safe alternative<br />

to benzodiazepines. In <strong>the</strong><br />

same way, Spascupreel is a safe and<br />

effective alternative to hyoscine butylbromide<br />

in <strong>the</strong> symptomatic relief<br />

of patients with IBS. Known adverse<br />

effects of hyoscine butylbromide include<br />

constipation, dry mouth, trouble<br />

urinating, and nausea. O<strong>the</strong>r adverse<br />

effects, which are very unlikely<br />

but reported, include rash, itching,<br />

swelling of <strong>the</strong> hands or feet, trouble<br />

breathing, increased pulse, dizziness,<br />

diarrhea, vision problems, and<br />

eye pain. To my knowledge, none of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se adverse effects have ever been<br />

reported with Spascupreel.<br />

In conclusion, bioregulatory treatment<br />

may offer a viable alternative<br />

Stress<br />

Mood disturbances<br />

• Anxiety<br />

• Depression<br />

Central nervous system (brain)<br />

Autonomic nervous system<br />

in <strong>the</strong> management of conditions in<br />

which <strong>the</strong> gut-brain interface causes<br />

deregulation of <strong>the</strong> enteric nervous<br />

system, <strong>the</strong> second brain.|<br />

References:<br />

1. Sivik T, Byrne D, Lipsitt D, Christodoulou G,<br />

Dienstfrey H, eds. Psycho-Neuro-Endocrino-<br />

Immunology (PNEI). Amsterdam, <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands:<br />

Elsevier; 2002. Excerpta Medica<br />

International Congress Series 1241.<br />

2. Grider JR, Kuemmerle JF, Jin JG. 5-HT released<br />

by mucosal stimuli initiates peristalsis<br />

by activating 5-HT4/5-HT1p receptors<br />

on sensory CGRP neurons. Am J Physiol.<br />

1996;270(5 pt 1):G778-G782.<br />

3. Gershon MD. The enteric nervous system:<br />

a second brain. Hosp Pract (Minneap).<br />

1999;34(7):31-32, 35-38, 41-42 passim.<br />

4. Törnblom H, Lindberg G, Nyberg B, Veress<br />

B. Full-thickness biopsy of <strong>the</strong> jejunum<br />

reveals inflammation and enteric neuropathy<br />

in irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology.<br />

2002;123(6):1972-1979.<br />

5. Taché Y. Stress and irritable bowel syndrome:<br />

unravelling <strong>the</strong> code. International Foundation<br />

for Gastrointestinal Disorders Web<br />

site. http://www.iffgd.org/store/viewproduct/211.<br />

Accessed July 14, 2009.<br />

6. Singh RK, Pandey HP, Singh RH. Correlation<br />

of serotonin and monoamine oxidase<br />

levels with anxiety level in diarrhea-predominant<br />

irritable bowel syndrome. Indian J Gastroenterol.<br />

2003;22(3):88-90.<br />

7. Tollefson GD, Luxenberg M, Valentine R,<br />

Dunsmore G, Tollefson SL. An open label trial<br />

of alprazolam in comorbid irritable bowel<br />

syndrome and generalized anxiety disorder.<br />

J Clin Psychiatry. 1991;52(12):502-508.<br />

8. Leventer SM, Raudibaugh K, Frissora CL, et<br />

al. Clinical trial: dextofisopam in <strong>the</strong> treatment<br />

of patients with diarrhoea-predominant<br />

or alternating irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment<br />

Pharmacol Ther. 2008;27(2):197-206.<br />

9. Ritchie JA, Truelove SC. Treatment of irritable<br />

bowel syndrome with lorazepam, hyoscine<br />

butylbromide, and ispaghula husk. Br<br />

Med J. 1979;1(6160):376-378.<br />

10. Sanger GJ. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and <strong>the</strong><br />

gastrointestinal tract: where next? Trends<br />

Pharmacol Sci. 2008;29(9):465-471.<br />

11. van den Meerschaut L, Sünder A. The homeopathic<br />

preparation Nervoheel N can offer<br />

an alternative to lorazepam <strong>the</strong>rapy for mild<br />

nervous disorders. Evid Based Complement<br />

Alternat Med. Published October 25, 2007.<br />

doi:10.1093/ecam/nem144.<br />

12. Müller-Krampe B, Oberbaum M, Klein P,<br />

Weiser M. Effects of Spascupreel versus hyoscine<br />

butylbromide for gastrointestinal cramps<br />

in children. Pediatr Int. 2007;49(3):328-334.<br />

13. Cappell H, Busto U, Kay G, Naranjo CA,<br />

Sellers EM, Sanchez-Craig M. Drug deprivation<br />

and reinforcement by diazepam in a<br />

dependent population. Psychopharmacology<br />

(Berl). 1987;91(2):154-160.<br />

Enteric nervous system<br />

Figure 1: Stress alters <strong>the</strong> function<br />

of <strong>the</strong> gastrointestinal tract via <strong>the</strong><br />

Intestines<br />

brain-gut axis.<br />

Smooth muscle<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1<br />

) 19


) M a r k e t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e<br />

Communication in Your <strong>Practice</strong><br />

By Marc Deschler<br />

Marketing specialist<br />

) 20<br />

An American study shows that faulty communication is<br />

management’s biggest problem. As a physician, you probably<br />

spend 90 percent of your working time communicating,<br />

both consciously and unconsciously. In <strong>the</strong> long term,<br />

miscommunication that leads to actual misunderstandings<br />

can put your practice at risk.<br />

Review <strong>the</strong> requirements of<br />

good communication and make<br />

improvements as needed:<br />

1. Good communicators are made,<br />

not born. Every day brings new<br />

opportunities to practice and refine<br />

this ability.<br />

2. We communicate even when<br />

we’re not saying anything. For<br />

example, if you keep your eyes<br />

fixed on <strong>the</strong> patient’s chart,<br />

you’re giving him <strong>the</strong> (mistaken)<br />

impression you are not really interested<br />

in his problem – his most<br />

important problem, o<strong>the</strong>rwise he<br />

wouldn’t be <strong>the</strong>re! Pay careful<br />

attention not only to what you<br />

say, but also to what you do.<br />

3. Most of <strong>the</strong> information that gets<br />

stored in <strong>the</strong> brain is received<br />

through visual channels, and you<br />

can take advantage of this fact by<br />

using written information to<br />

supplement your words. Informational<br />

materials give patients<br />

a second chance – if <strong>the</strong>y didn’t<br />

understand something completely,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y can read about it later.<br />

An additional tip: To reinforce<br />

your competence in your patients’<br />

minds, print all informational<br />

materials on your own letterhead.<br />

4. Assume that anything you’re trying<br />

to say can always be misunderstood.<br />

This will lead to better<br />

communication on your part,<br />

since you will choose your words<br />

differently and observe reactions<br />

more closely.<br />

5. Not everything you say has to be<br />

print-ready and error-free. It’s<br />

more important that your patients<br />

understand what you’re<br />

saying. Avoid pretentious technical<br />

jargon.<br />

6. Defining an illness is no help to<br />

<strong>the</strong> patient. She wants to know<br />

what it means for her, and she<br />

needs to be able to interpret your<br />

message correctly.<br />

7. It’s not what you say, but how<br />

you say it. Pay attention to how<br />

you say something and to how<br />

you reinforce it with body language<br />

because nonverbal communication<br />

is by far <strong>the</strong> most<br />

important contributing factor.<br />

8. On <strong>the</strong> phone, nonverbal communication<br />

is eliminated, so you<br />

and your team should make a<br />

special effort to use visual imagery<br />

when you speak.<br />

Repeatedly monitor <strong>the</strong> communication<br />

behavior of your staff and offer<br />

training and suggestions for improvements<br />

as needed.<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


A clear structure, whe<strong>the</strong>r in<br />

communication, documentation, or<br />

filing, will save you time and money.<br />

The answering machine<br />

No one likes talking to a machine.<br />

Not surprisingly, according to one<br />

study, almost 60 percent of callers<br />

hang up when <strong>the</strong>y get a machine,<br />

and of those who do leave a message,<br />

only 16 percent are identifiable.<br />

Clearly, though, your answering<br />

machine is one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />

important advertisements for your<br />

practice. What do you need to keep<br />

in mind when recording your message?<br />

1. Include your name in your greeting.<br />

For example, “Hello, this is<br />

John Sample at XYZ practice.”<br />

2. Meet <strong>the</strong> caller halfway: “Thank<br />

you for calling. Even though we<br />

can’t answer <strong>the</strong> phone right<br />

now, we’re still here for you.”<br />

3. Suggest an action: “Please don’t<br />

hang up, but …”<br />

4. In closing, thank <strong>the</strong>m again for<br />

calling.<br />

Your phone message should be wellprepared,<br />

not just an afterthought.<br />

Write out an appropriate text and<br />

read it in a clear and friendly voice,<br />

quietly and not too slowly. Your message<br />

should flow, so concentrate on<br />

what you’re saying but don’t rush it.<br />

Check your machine now and <strong>the</strong>n<br />

by calling yourself. Your voice will<br />

sound different over <strong>the</strong> phone than<br />

it does when you’re recording. The<br />

tapes in analog machines eventually<br />

wear out; replace <strong>the</strong>m periodically.<br />

To make sure you get <strong>the</strong> information<br />

you need from your callers, try<br />

handing out cards to your patients<br />

with <strong>the</strong> most important “W” questions<br />

you need in order to return<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir calls:<br />

• Who is calling? (name)<br />

• What are you calling about?<br />

• Where can you be reached?<br />

(phone number? E-mail address?)<br />

• When is a good time to reach<br />

you?<br />

Even if you choose not to offer patients<br />

<strong>the</strong> option of leaving a message,<br />

your recorded statement should<br />

be appropriate and convincing and<br />

leave <strong>the</strong>m with a professional impression<br />

of your practice.<br />

Optimizing record-keeping<br />

It’s always worth looking for opportunities<br />

to improve <strong>the</strong> organization<br />

of your practice, including patient<br />

chart management, which can be a<br />

half-time job in itself if poorly designed.<br />

To avoid unnecessary expense<br />

to your practice, follow <strong>the</strong>se<br />

rules for chart management:<br />

1. The fewer files you have, <strong>the</strong><br />

faster you can find any individual<br />

chart. Make sure to keep all of<br />

each patient’s information toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

in one place!<br />

2. Sort through <strong>the</strong> files regularly.<br />

Inactive folders simply slow<br />

down your search.<br />

3. Alphabetization is almost always<br />

<strong>the</strong> best filing system. Using as<br />

many index cards/tabs as possible<br />

makes it easier to find what<br />

you need quickly.<br />

4. Re-file charts as soon as possible<br />

after adding to <strong>the</strong>m. Don’t leave<br />

<strong>the</strong>m lying around for someone<br />

to deal with later.<br />

5. Formats and labeling should be<br />

kept consistent so you know<br />

where to look for what you need<br />

without searching.<br />

6. More than three identifying characters<br />

(first and second letter of<br />

last name, first letter of first<br />

name) get unwieldy. Color coding<br />

(for example, for year of<br />

treat ment) can speed up access.<br />

7. File tabs or insert cards should<br />

be used to indicate status.<br />

8. Documentation should be completed<br />

immediately after a service<br />

is rendered. Here, too, a<br />

well-conceived and consistent<br />

structure is important.<br />

9. For preparing patient charts,<br />

you’ll need a date stamp, a stamp<br />

for diagnostic reports, etc. Charts<br />

prepared for house calls must<br />

also include a blank prescription<br />

form.<br />

10. A quick glance before re-filing<br />

<strong>the</strong> chart should be enough to<br />

ensure that all necessary entries<br />

have been made.<br />

If you have <strong>the</strong> equipment and technical<br />

know-how, by all means get rid<br />

of paper charts a.s.a.p. You will eliminate<br />

a lot of administrative work,<br />

and that expensive EDP system will<br />

finally pay for itself ! In many cases,<br />

<strong>the</strong> improved work flow even makes<br />

additional investment in new EDP<br />

work stations worthwhile.|<br />

) 21<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Specialized Applications<br />

The Acupuncture Approach to <strong>the</strong><br />

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis<br />

and Its Interaction With <strong>the</strong><br />

Sympa<strong>the</strong>tic and Parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic Systems<br />

By Butch Levy, MD, LAc<br />

) 22<br />

In contemplating this article, I was struck by <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />

to connect and integrate an approach to a Western<br />

anatomical/physiological concept while reflecting on <strong>the</strong><br />

use of Chinese medicine and homotoxicology. The sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

system, or autonomic nervous<br />

system (ANS), can be translated into paradigms of activity<br />

and interaction using <strong>the</strong> Oriental construct of acupuncture<br />

tsubos, or holes, and using homeopathic combinations as<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapeutic interventions. This combined usage is called<br />

homeosiniatry*.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> US perception of acupuncture,<br />

points reflect an anatomical<br />

location where a needle is inserted.<br />

Changing <strong>the</strong> rotation of <strong>the</strong> needle<br />

infers a method of enhancing or diminishing<br />

its effect (i.e., clockwise is<br />

tonification and counterclockwise is<br />

sedation).<br />

The Japanese approach to needling<br />

technique views acupuncture locations<br />

as specific holes. The needle is<br />

inserted along a vector, with a direction<br />

and depth. This requires palpatory<br />

acumen that translates into a<br />

precise connection into <strong>the</strong> path of<br />

flow desired.<br />

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is<br />

<strong>the</strong> common conduit for <strong>the</strong>rapy, be<br />

it physiological stimulation of <strong>the</strong><br />

nervous system, <strong>the</strong> Yin and Yang<br />

energies of Asian medicine, or <strong>the</strong><br />

electrical signature of natural molecules,<br />

as is seen in homeopathy. 1<br />

Within <strong>the</strong> ECM lie <strong>the</strong> biological<br />

features that allow nerve impulses to<br />

signal and transmit information for<br />

homeostasis. Layered on that, <strong>the</strong><br />

similar concepts of Yin and Yang<br />

<strong>the</strong>ory are reflected within <strong>the</strong> same<br />

ECM, with cylindrical spirals of<br />

acupuncture holes acting as a transit<br />

system, via <strong>the</strong> meridian system, for<br />

similar information transmission<br />

concerning <strong>the</strong> body’s balance. 2<br />

Within <strong>the</strong> Oriental system, <strong>the</strong><br />

ECM represents an equivalent concept,<br />

expressed as <strong>the</strong> Triple Heater.<br />

It is said to convey <strong>the</strong> Qi that is essential<br />

in energy transformation and<br />

metabolism. It is considered to be<br />

<strong>the</strong> fluid interface surrounding cells;<br />

in modern interpretation, it is considered<br />

to be <strong>the</strong> extracellular environment<br />

of <strong>the</strong> cell.<br />

The importance of <strong>the</strong>se statements<br />

is to act as <strong>the</strong> starting point to treating<br />

patients with problems of <strong>the</strong><br />

sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic system,<br />

by being able to act in creative<br />

ways based on <strong>the</strong> practitioner’s assessment<br />

of <strong>the</strong> patient. It is often<br />

<strong>the</strong> situation that a single paradigm<br />

of <strong>the</strong>rapy is inadequate to treat <strong>the</strong><br />

complexity of issues generated within<br />

<strong>the</strong> body. This certainly is true<br />

regarding <strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

system influences within<br />

us. To integrate <strong>the</strong>se unique <strong>the</strong>rapies<br />

requires a brief review of <strong>the</strong><br />

connections that make <strong>the</strong>m compatible<br />

for <strong>the</strong> treatment of sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic,<br />

or ANS,<br />

imbalance.<br />

Autonomic nervous system<br />

The aspect of <strong>the</strong> nervous system<br />

that is involved in our discussion is<br />

<strong>the</strong> ANS. Originating in <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus,<br />

fiber tracts from <strong>the</strong> various<br />

nuclei (e.g., medial, lateral, anterior)<br />

travel from <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus<br />

into <strong>the</strong> intermediate brain and<br />

through <strong>the</strong> lower brain, making<br />

connections with multiple o<strong>the</strong>r nuclei<br />

<strong>the</strong>re before descending into <strong>the</strong><br />

spinal cord. These o<strong>the</strong>r nuclei also<br />

contribute essential information for<br />

ANS regulation. These pathways are<br />

called <strong>the</strong> hypothalamospinal tract<br />

* “Homeo” from homeopathy, “sin” from sinology = study of Chinese culture, and “-iatry” from Greek iatros = healer (figuratively: medicine)<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Specialized Applications<br />

Acupuncture needles are inserted<br />

into specific points on <strong>the</strong> body in<br />

order to relieve pain and/or restore<br />

health and well-being.<br />

© iStockphoto.com/Wolfgang Amri<br />

(HST) and carry information that<br />

activates, stimulates, inhibits, or balances<br />

sympa<strong>the</strong>tic and parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

signals. The sympa<strong>the</strong>tic system<br />

dominates during activity in <strong>the</strong><br />

body and is energy consuming. The<br />

parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic system dominates<br />

when <strong>the</strong> organism is in resting<br />

phases, including digestion and<br />

sleep cycles.<br />

The sympa<strong>the</strong>tic nervous system is<br />

under <strong>the</strong> direct control of corticotrophin-releasing<br />

hormone (CRH)<br />

in <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus. Its stimulation<br />

creates an excitatory response in <strong>the</strong><br />

sympa<strong>the</strong>tic system while turning<br />

off parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic responses, in<br />

preparation for <strong>the</strong> fight, fright, or<br />

flight response. Some of <strong>the</strong> direct<br />

effects seen via increased norepinephrine<br />

(adrenaline) are stimulation<br />

of cardiac muscle, an increase in<br />

heart rate and breathing, an increase<br />

in blood glucose, sweating, and vasoconstriction.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> same time,<br />

blood volume is expanded via <strong>the</strong><br />

CRH activation of <strong>the</strong> renin-angiotensin-aldosterone<br />

system. When<br />

situations of perceived threat occur,<br />

anticipatory readiness is also reflected<br />

in increased muscle activity and<br />

visual acoustic startle, reduced appetite,<br />

and an inherent protective anxiety<br />

to “get out of town” or leave <strong>the</strong><br />

scene quickly. To assist <strong>the</strong>se preparations,<br />

<strong>the</strong> visceral tissues become<br />

quiescent, until <strong>the</strong> danger has<br />

passed.<br />

The spinal parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic system<br />

is composed of <strong>the</strong> cranial division<br />

(cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X)<br />

and <strong>the</strong> sacral division (S2-S4).<br />

These cranial nerves interconnect<br />

with <strong>the</strong> HST fibers via <strong>the</strong>ir nuclei,<br />

located in <strong>the</strong> midbrain, pons, and<br />

brainstem. The principal HST parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

functions include pupillary<br />

and lens adjustments, salivation,<br />

heart rate, movement and<br />

secretions in <strong>the</strong> gastrointestinal<br />

tract, urination, defecation, and erection.<br />

Specifically, cranial nerve IX<br />

influences <strong>the</strong> carotid body and sinus<br />

and <strong>the</strong> pharyngeal mucosa.<br />

Cranial nerve X is related to <strong>the</strong> larynx<br />

and trachea and <strong>the</strong> thoracoabdominal<br />

viscera to <strong>the</strong> level of <strong>the</strong><br />

splenic flexure. The sacral plexus involves<br />

<strong>the</strong> colon distal to <strong>the</strong> splenic<br />

flexure, <strong>the</strong> rectum, and <strong>the</strong> bladder.<br />

The HST of <strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic system<br />

extends from T1 to L2/3. The fibers<br />

exit <strong>the</strong> spinal cord as preganglionic<br />

fibers that release acetylcholine,<br />

which innervates <strong>the</strong>ir nearby<br />

preaortic and paravertebral postganglionic<br />

receptors, which <strong>the</strong>n release<br />

norepinephrine. These chemical<br />

transmitters <strong>the</strong>n affect <strong>the</strong> pupils,<br />

sweat glands, blood vessels, lungs,<br />

abdominal viscera, and gastrointestinal<br />

tract. The ANS helps coordinate<br />

and regulate stimuli coming<br />

from <strong>the</strong> external and internal environment.<br />

Asian medicine<br />

The seemingly opposite parts of <strong>the</strong><br />

ANS imply energies of mutual dependence<br />

when considered within<br />

<strong>the</strong> paradigm of Asian medicine. It<br />

is <strong>the</strong> Yin and Yang that are considered<br />

as <strong>the</strong> framework of movement<br />

and stillness, night and day, light<br />

and dark, with each aspect requiring<br />

a comparison to its counterpart to<br />

make sense. Although <strong>the</strong> final step<br />

for our consideration of homeosiniatry<br />

is specific injection of tsubos, or<br />

holes, <strong>the</strong>re are essential constructs<br />

in Asian practice that <strong>the</strong>mselves can<br />

act to create an enhancement of energy<br />

or <strong>the</strong> opposite effect of reducing<br />

or dampening energetic effects.<br />

The movement of energy, or Qi, is<br />

considered to travel unidirectional<br />

under normal circumstances, along<br />

each specific meridian pathway.<br />

Needling a tsubo along this direction<br />

of flow is considered tonifying<br />

or sympa<strong>the</strong>tically stimulating. Needling<br />

techniques that are in <strong>the</strong> direction<br />

opposite or counter to established<br />

meridian flow will slow or<br />

reduce <strong>the</strong> energy flow, are considered<br />

sedating or quieting to <strong>the</strong> system,<br />

and would be considered parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic.<br />

In protocols using electrical stimulation,<br />

a sympa<strong>the</strong>tic or parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

effect can be created via <strong>the</strong><br />

circuits used. Electrical charge travels<br />

from negative (silver needle or<br />

black grip) to positive (gold needle<br />

or red grip), and electrical flows can<br />

be used to augment or diminish energy<br />

solely by adjusting <strong>the</strong> direction<br />

of flow of <strong>the</strong> electricity. Practitioners<br />

can also influence <strong>the</strong><br />

activation of sympa<strong>the</strong>tic activity by<br />

) 23<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Specialized Applications<br />

Figure 1: Back Shu points used in<br />

treating disorders of <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal–sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/<br />

parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic system.<br />

low-frequency electrical stimulation<br />

in <strong>the</strong> range of 2 to 10 Hz. These<br />

frequencies are used, for example, in<br />

facial nerve palsies and for historic<br />

treatments that were designed to upregulate,<br />

so to speak, weak energy<br />

systems within <strong>the</strong> body. To create a<br />

parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic flow, high-frequency<br />

electrical stimulation can be used,<br />

ranging from 100 to 200 Hz for local<br />

myofascial injury to 1500 Hz for<br />

sedation of <strong>the</strong> central nervous system,<br />

<strong>the</strong>reby affecting higher brain<br />

centers for pain regulation (and a<br />

down-regulation of pain).<br />

BL 13 Lung<br />

BL 14 Pericardium<br />

BL 15 Heart<br />

BL 16 Governing vessel<br />

BL 17 Conception vessel<br />

BL 18 Liver<br />

BL 19 Gall bladder<br />

BL 20 Spleen<br />

) 24<br />

Injection sites<br />

The classic choices for acupuncture<br />

holes that may be integrated to synergistically<br />

relate to homeosiniatry<br />

might include <strong>the</strong> 8 extra vessels,<br />

back Shu points (Figure 1), and<br />

source and auricular points. The extra<br />

vessel meridians of Yin/Yang<br />

Wei (Pericardium 6 and Triple Heater<br />

5) connect and distribute all <strong>the</strong><br />

Yin and Yang, respectively. The Yin/<br />

Yang Qiao vessels (Kidney 6 and<br />

Urinary Bladder 62) balance all <strong>the</strong><br />

Yin and Yang for muscle coordination<br />

in <strong>the</strong> body. Also, <strong>the</strong> Du Mai<br />

channel, <strong>the</strong> source of all Yang Qi,<br />

or sympa<strong>the</strong>tic energy, can be augmented<br />

by needling from <strong>the</strong> lower<br />

spine up and can be quieted or sedated<br />

by needling from <strong>the</strong> scalp<br />

down. For <strong>the</strong> sympa<strong>the</strong>tic concept,<br />

this would mean increasing <strong>the</strong><br />

movement in <strong>the</strong> Yang organs; for<br />

<strong>the</strong> parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic concept, <strong>the</strong> Qi<br />

energy would be augmented in <strong>the</strong><br />

Yin organs.<br />

The use of auricular points adds an<br />

essential synergism for balance<br />

within <strong>the</strong> brain and ANS. Using a<br />

point locator allows exact locations<br />

for treatment. Traditional interpretations<br />

used to imply that when one<br />

BL 21 Stomach<br />

BL 22 Triple heater<br />

BL 23 Kidney<br />

BL 25 Large intestine<br />

BL 27 Small intestine<br />

aspect of <strong>the</strong> ANS was on, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

was off, and vice versa. Our society<br />

today creates levels of continuing<br />

stressors, and often <strong>the</strong> continued<br />

pressure on both aspects of <strong>the</strong> ANS<br />

results in imbalances that do not fit<br />

conventional rules. Using such a<br />

testing device, areas such as <strong>the</strong> pi-<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Specialized Applications<br />

In homeosiniatry, bioregulatory<br />

medications are injected into<br />

acupuncture points.<br />

© iStockphoto.com<br />

tuitary, hypothalamus, preganglionic<br />

and postganglionic nerves, vagus,<br />

parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic nerves, and amygdala<br />

can be accessed and <strong>the</strong>rapeutically<br />

used.<br />

The back Shu points represent a<br />

level of interaction that would be<br />

used to affect <strong>the</strong> individual organs<br />

that are influenced by <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal–sympa<strong>the</strong>tic/parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

system. The first<br />

line relates to organ dysfunction,<br />

whereas <strong>the</strong> second line has great<br />

benefits in emotional issues that affect<br />

its adjacent organ.<br />

Practical application<br />

Some practical examples of homeosiniatry<br />

that have application in <strong>the</strong><br />

clinic would include <strong>the</strong> following.<br />

Starting at <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus, it<br />

would be ideal to directly affect its<br />

function! Tonsilla compositum contains<br />

hypothalamus and can act toward<br />

directly targeting at <strong>the</strong> hypothalamic<br />

level. Its effect would,<br />

<strong>the</strong>refore, generalize to <strong>the</strong> entire<br />

system. Points of injection should<br />

be ones that have general regulatory<br />

ability, such as Stomach 36 or Spleen<br />

6. More often, <strong>the</strong>rapy must be designed<br />

to indirectly affect <strong>the</strong> system,<br />

at <strong>the</strong> feedback loop to <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus<br />

or at <strong>the</strong> organ itself.<br />

Because hypothalamic CRH controls<br />

<strong>the</strong> production of cortisol, <strong>the</strong><br />

negative feedback loop to CRH<br />

is activated when <strong>the</strong> hypothalamus<br />

senses increased cortisol. Therefore,<br />

using medications that contain<br />

cortisol will reduce <strong>the</strong> production<br />

of CRH and slow or regulate <strong>the</strong><br />

fight or flight response (i.e., sympa<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

outflow). Tonsilla compositum<br />

(for overall immune stimulation),<br />

Thyreoidea compositum (for<br />

connective tissue metabolism), and<br />

Pulsatilla compositum (for support<br />

during chronic inflammation) all<br />

contain cortisone in dilution and<br />

can be used to reduce <strong>the</strong> output of<br />

CRH and with it sympa<strong>the</strong>tic activity.<br />

Major organs that are activated by<br />

sympa<strong>the</strong>tic stimulation are <strong>the</strong><br />

heart, lungs, and <strong>the</strong> associated circulatory<br />

system. To affect <strong>the</strong>se organs,<br />

especially in chronic conditions,<br />

<strong>the</strong> back Shu points can be<br />

injected. Because fight or flight is an<br />

excess condition, <strong>the</strong> points chosen<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Urinary Bladder line (Urinary<br />

Bladder 14, Pericardium; and Urinary<br />

Bladder 15, Heart) are tight<br />

and tense, indicating overactivity.<br />

Chronic myocardial weakness or<br />

coronary circulatory problems can<br />

be treated with Cactus compositum.<br />

Cor compositum can be used for<br />

palpitations, and Cralonin can be<br />

used for chest pains. The lung area,<br />

Urinary Bladder 13, can receive<br />

treatment for bronchospasm, using<br />

Mucosa compositum for wheezing<br />

and cough, Traumeel for inflammation,<br />

or Engystol for immune stimulation.<br />

In contrast, when sympa<strong>the</strong>tic activation<br />

is quieted down, ideally <strong>the</strong><br />

parasympa<strong>the</strong>tic system is activated.<br />

Their innervations primarily involve<br />

smooth muscle contraction and<br />

movement within many hollow organs.<br />

The Master Point of <strong>the</strong> Yin<br />

Qiao, Kidney 6, is considered regulatory<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Vagus, and Atropinum<br />

compositum is very useful for cramping<br />

and imbalanced peristalsis. Point<br />

choices might also include <strong>the</strong><br />

source points or back Shu points for<br />

<strong>the</strong> large and small intestines, <strong>the</strong><br />

spleen and stomach, and <strong>the</strong> urinary<br />

bladder and gallbladder. Spascupreel<br />

is effective for intestinal cramps and<br />

bladder spasm and irritability.<br />

In conclusion, any discussion regarding<br />

<strong>the</strong> hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal–ANS<br />

really requires<br />

chapters to credibly explain each of<br />

<strong>the</strong> topics mentioned in this brief<br />

discussion. What I have attempted<br />

to relate is that <strong>the</strong> complexity of<br />

disease and our rapidly expanding<br />

technology have created a need to<br />

look beyond individual areas of<br />

focus and embrace a new holism<br />

of care. It is necessary to integrate<br />

multiple disciplines, concepts, and<br />

images to achieve results that succeed.<br />

|<br />

References<br />

1. Oschman J. Energy Medicine. Dover, NH:<br />

Churchill Livingstone; 2008:141.<br />

2. Pischinger A. The Extracellular Matrix and<br />

Ground Regulation. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic<br />

Books; 2007:106.<br />

) 25<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Making of …<br />

Manufacturing of<br />

Traumeel Injection Solution<br />

Part I: <strong>From</strong> Work Preparation to Filling<br />

By Larissa Wörthwein-Mack<br />

) 26<br />

To minimize <strong>the</strong> risk of contamination with microorganisms,<br />

special requirements apply to <strong>the</strong> manufacture of<br />

sterile medications. The standards are high, both for spatial<br />

and technical conditions and for employee qualifications.<br />

For example, manufacturing must take place in so-called<br />

cleanrooms of <strong>the</strong> appropriate classes, and spatial separation<br />

of <strong>the</strong> different production steps is required.<br />

Modern homeopathic combination<br />

products like Traumeel<br />

(which is used to treat inflammation<br />

and injuries) contain multiple ingredients.<br />

In Traumeel injection solution,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are 14 different active<br />

in gredients, primarily plant substances<br />

such as arnica, chamomile,<br />

and calendula. These raw materials<br />

are processed into mo<strong>the</strong>r tinctures<br />

and single potencies in accordance<br />

with current regulations of <strong>the</strong> German<br />

Homeopathic Pharmacopeia<br />

(HAB) and <strong>the</strong> European Pharmacopeia<br />

(Ph. Eur.).<br />

Production of a sterile<br />

dosage form<br />

All manufacturing steps involving<br />

open containers must take place in<br />

Class C cleanrooms, which can be<br />

accessed only through airlocks and<br />

in appropriate protective clothing.<br />

High performance filters reduce <strong>the</strong><br />

particulate count in <strong>the</strong> air, and <strong>the</strong><br />

rooms are under positive pressure<br />

with more than 20 air exchanges<br />

per hour. Pressure differentials of<br />

10-15 Pa between cleanrooms of<br />

different classes ensure that when<br />

<strong>the</strong> door of a cleaner room is opened,<br />

<strong>the</strong> air streams out and contaminated<br />

air cannot flow in. The air is tested<br />

at regular intervals for particulate<br />

counts and microbiological loads.<br />

All exposed surfaces in <strong>the</strong> cleanrooms<br />

must be smooth and easy to<br />

clean. The special requirements that<br />

apply to employees engaged in manufacturing<br />

sterile products include<br />

regular training in sterile manufacturing,<br />

hygiene, and microbiology.<br />

Of course high standards of personal<br />

hygiene are also a must, and inside<br />

<strong>the</strong> cleanroom, employees are<br />

not allowed to wear jewelry or<br />

make-up! Regular medical checkups<br />

are also required.<br />

The steps in <strong>the</strong> production of sterile<br />

ampoules are: work preparation,<br />

bulk production, filtration, filling,<br />

ste ri lization, inspection, labeling,<br />

and packaging. Each individual production<br />

step takes place in accordance<br />

with clearly defined procedures<br />

and current GMP (Good<br />

Manufacturing <strong>Practice</strong>) guidelines.<br />

Written production instructions for<br />

each product detail all of <strong>the</strong> individual<br />

steps in its production. The<br />

production instructions are based on<br />

<strong>the</strong> company’s manufacturing specifications,<br />

<strong>the</strong> CTD-HD (Common<br />

Technical Document – Manufacturing<br />

Documentation), which is submitted<br />

to <strong>the</strong> regulatory agency.<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Making of …<br />

Producing potency mixtures from<br />

individual potencies according to<br />

manufacturing specifications<br />

Specially trained employees conduct<br />

in-process controls (IPC) at regular<br />

intervals during production. These<br />

controls serve to monitor and direct<br />

<strong>the</strong> production process, ensuring<br />

high quality and compliance with<br />

all requirements at every stage of<br />

processing.<br />

The production process<br />

The first step takes place in <strong>the</strong> Work<br />

Preparation department, where<br />

batch-specific production instructions<br />

are drawn up. In <strong>the</strong>se documents,<br />

employees will record every<br />

detail of <strong>the</strong> processes involved in<br />

producing <strong>the</strong> batch.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> Bulk Production department,<br />

<strong>the</strong> 14 active ingredients (mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />

tinctures, single potencies, and triturations)<br />

are manufactured in accordance<br />

with <strong>the</strong> production guide.<br />

Ethanol-water mixtures in varying<br />

concentrations are used as <strong>the</strong> potentizing<br />

medium.<br />

The next step is production of <strong>the</strong><br />

so-called bulk solutions. The individual<br />

potencies and triturations are<br />

combined into potency mixtures,<br />

which are <strong>the</strong>n fur<strong>the</strong>r potentized<br />

with water for injection. The resulting<br />

intermediate products are <strong>the</strong>n<br />

mixed in large stainless steel tanks,<br />

and a specific amount of sodium<br />

chloride is added to produce an isotonic<br />

solution.<br />

IPC workers take samples of <strong>the</strong> finished<br />

bulk solution and test for a<br />

variety of parameters including pH,<br />

isotonicity, and appearance. The<br />

bulk solution is released for fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

processing only if all values fall<br />

within <strong>the</strong> required ranges. This step<br />

Manual potentization of<br />

a potency mixture<br />

Stainless steel batching tank for<br />

producing <strong>the</strong> solution<br />

Filtering <strong>the</strong> bulk solution through<br />

a sterile membrane<br />

) 27<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Making of …<br />

Interim storage of <strong>the</strong> bulk solution<br />

in sterile disposable containers<br />

is followed by bulk filtration, which<br />

removes suspended matter and reduces<br />

germs. The filter is a sterile<br />

membrane filter with a pore size of<br />

0.22 µm. The filtered solution is<br />

filled into sterile, flexible, disposable<br />

containers.<br />

The used filter is <strong>the</strong>n tested for integrity,<br />

and if it passes <strong>the</strong> test, <strong>the</strong><br />

filtered batch of bulk solution is<br />

transported to <strong>the</strong> filling equipment<br />

in disposable containers with capacities<br />

ranging from 10 to 50 liters.<br />

The containers are connected to <strong>the</strong><br />

filling equipment, and <strong>the</strong> required<br />

quantities of glass ampoules are prepared.<br />

Before <strong>the</strong> actual filling takes<br />

place, a test run of a certain number<br />

of ampoules is filled to check for accuracy<br />

of <strong>the</strong> fill quantity.<br />

If <strong>the</strong> fill quantities match <strong>the</strong> target<br />

value, <strong>the</strong> machine is cleared for filling.<br />

Precisely measured fill quantities<br />

are <strong>the</strong>n pumped into <strong>the</strong> sterile<br />

glass ampoules through six filling<br />

nozzles. Finally, a blowpipe is used<br />

to seal <strong>the</strong> open ampoules by melting<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir necks to create a closure.<br />

Each machine can fill up to 18,000<br />

ampoules per hour.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> next issue, you will learn<br />

about <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r steps required to<br />

produce a finished, customer-ready<br />

product.|<br />

) 28<br />

Filling and heat sealing <strong>the</strong> sterile glass<br />

ampoules<br />

Photos by Sonja Bell<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Meet <strong>the</strong> Expert<br />

Dr. Arturo O’Byrne<br />

By Ca<strong>the</strong>rine E. Creeger<br />

Arturo O’Byrne was born in<br />

1951 in Cali, Colombia, into a<br />

long line of medical doctors. He received<br />

his first practical instruction<br />

in surgery from his fa<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

family-owned clinic.<br />

Young Arturo was very interested in<br />

photography and designing educational<br />

materials, and in college he<br />

collaborated with many of his professors<br />

on audiovisual presentations<br />

for classes. This skill in developing<br />

innovative educational tools would<br />

later become one of <strong>the</strong> foundations<br />

of his professional activities. He<br />

graduated from <strong>the</strong> Universidad del<br />

Cauca in Popayán, Colombia in<br />

1976 with a diploma in surgery.<br />

During his student years, <strong>the</strong> climate<br />

in Popayán aggravated <strong>the</strong> asthma<br />

he had suffered from since childhood.<br />

His search for better health<br />

led him to <strong>the</strong> Colombian physician<br />

Dr. Germán Duque, who pioneered<br />

biological medicine in South America.<br />

Duque’s treatments produced a<br />

lasting cure within a few months.<br />

This introduction to alternative<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapeutic methods, including homeopathy<br />

and homotoxicology,<br />

marked a radical and irrevocable<br />

turning point in Dr. O’Byrne’s life.<br />

On Duque’s advice, Dr. O’Byrne<br />

travelled to Europe to learn about<br />

integrative biological medicine firsthand.<br />

(Later, as medical director of<br />

Santa Margarita Hospital in La<br />

Cumbre, he would become <strong>the</strong> first<br />

to obtain authorization for a pilot<br />

program in biological medicine in a<br />

National Health Service hospital.)<br />

Back in Colombia, he studied sports<br />

medicine and nutrition in Cali,<br />

where he later also held professorships<br />

in biology and physiology.<br />

<strong>From</strong> 1987 to 1989, as medical director<br />

of <strong>the</strong> professional cycling<br />

team “Café de Colombia,” he based<br />

<strong>the</strong> athletes’ training and maintenance<br />

program on biological medicine.<br />

During this time, <strong>the</strong> team<br />

achieved international standing in<br />

particular in mountain racing, resulting<br />

in first places in <strong>the</strong> 1987<br />

Vuelta a España and <strong>the</strong> 1988 Dauphiné<br />

Libéré and a third place in <strong>the</strong><br />

1988 Tour de France. His work with<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r sports teams had similar results<br />

and generated considerable interest<br />

in biological <strong>the</strong>rapies in<br />

sports medicine in Colombia.<br />

In 1989, Dr. O’Byrne founded <strong>the</strong><br />

teaching hospital “Centro de Medicina<br />

Biológica Dr. O’Byrne” in<br />

Cali and began giving courses and<br />

talks for doctors. Since <strong>the</strong>n, his ongoing<br />

efforts in disseminating homotoxicology<br />

and biological medicine<br />

have led him to travel widely,<br />

especially in Latin America. Over<br />

<strong>the</strong> course of seventeen years, he has<br />

logged more than four million flight<br />

miles and given more than 650 seminars!<br />

Throughout this time, he has remained<br />

dedicated to producing<br />

state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art educational material.<br />

In 2007, with his son Daniel, he<br />

founded BioMD-SA, an academic<br />

services center focusing on professional<br />

production of high-definition<br />

3D animation, medical illustration,<br />

etc. His home workstation has three<br />

LCD screens (internet, PowerPoint,<br />

and Photoshop) in use simultaneously.<br />

For entertainment on his long<br />

trips, he downloads music of all<br />

genres to his I-pod. (The airlines<br />

serve vanilla ice cream with Baileys<br />

Irish Cream, which also helps to<br />

pass <strong>the</strong> time!) Dr. O’Byrne enjoys<br />

playing guitar at family ga<strong>the</strong>rings<br />

and is a natural at salsa dancing, but<br />

he is always eager to get back to his<br />

medical projects as soon as <strong>the</strong> festivities<br />

are over. This is <strong>the</strong> mark of<br />

a true scientist!|<br />

) 29<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Research Highlights<br />

Nervoheel N vs. Lorazepam for<br />

Mild Nervous Disorders<br />

By Mary A. Kingzette<br />

) 30<br />

Introduction<br />

Complementary and alternative<br />

medicine (CAM) is being used more<br />

often, both in Europe and in <strong>the</strong><br />

United States. One of <strong>the</strong> main reasons<br />

for <strong>the</strong> increase in CAM is <strong>the</strong><br />

adverse effects seen with conventional<br />

medications, leading to <strong>the</strong><br />

withdrawal of some of <strong>the</strong>se drugs<br />

from <strong>the</strong> market. It is believed that<br />

CAM medications are better tolerated<br />

than conventional medications.<br />

One of <strong>the</strong> frequent uses of CAM is<br />

for treatment of functional nervous<br />

disorders, including insomnia, distress,<br />

anxiety, restlessness, and burnout.<br />

In this study, Nervoheel N, a<br />

CAM medication, was compared<br />

with lorazepam, a conventional benzodiazepine,<br />

for <strong>the</strong> treatment of<br />

functional nervous disorders. Specifically,<br />

<strong>the</strong> effectiveness and tolerability<br />

of <strong>the</strong> 2 medications were<br />

compared. The purpose of <strong>the</strong> study<br />

was to show <strong>the</strong> noninferiority of<br />

Nervoheel N vs. lorazepam.<br />

Nervoheel N is a preparation based<br />

on <strong>the</strong> principles of homotoxicology.<br />

Lorazepam has a relatively short<br />

half-life and is favored over longacting<br />

benzodiazepines for <strong>the</strong><br />

short-term relief of anxiety. Benzodiazepines<br />

are contraindicated for<br />

long-term use because of <strong>the</strong>ir addictiveness<br />

and adverse effects.<br />

The present study was a preliminary<br />

open-label prospective nonrandomized<br />

cohort investigation. To our<br />

knowledge, it is <strong>the</strong> first study to<br />

evaluate <strong>the</strong> effectiveness of Nervoheel<br />

N in a clinical setting.<br />

Methods<br />

This study was performed in 39<br />

centers in Belgium and <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands;<br />

<strong>the</strong>se centers offer both conventional<br />

and CAM <strong>the</strong>rapy. Patients<br />

enrolled were18 years or older and<br />

suffered from headache, heart palpitations,<br />

backache, indigestion, lack<br />

of appetite, mild sexual dysfunction,<br />

fatigue, listlessness, sleep disturbances,<br />

restlessness, or lack of concentration.<br />

Patients excluded were<br />

those who were unable or did not<br />

want to participate in <strong>the</strong> study and<br />

those taking both Nervoheel N and<br />

lorazepam.<br />

The study duration was a maximum<br />

of 4 weeks. Patients were examined<br />

at <strong>the</strong> start of treatment, after 2<br />

weeks of treatment, and after 4<br />

weeks of treatment.<br />

Physicians decided <strong>the</strong> treatment<br />

used for each patient (after discussion<br />

with <strong>the</strong> patient), and any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

medications taken were not changed<br />

during <strong>the</strong> study. The dose of Nervoheel<br />

N given was 1 tablet 3 times<br />

a day; <strong>the</strong> dose of lorazepam given<br />

was 2 to 3 mg daily for sedation and<br />

anxiety and 2 to 4 mg nightly for<br />

insomnia. Variations in <strong>the</strong> dose<br />

were allowed if determined to be in<br />

<strong>the</strong> patient’s best interest.<br />

The effects of treatment were determined<br />

in conversation between <strong>the</strong><br />

practitioner and <strong>the</strong> patient. The severity<br />

of symptoms was evaluated<br />

on a 4-point scale (0 indicates<br />

asymptomatic; 1, mild; 2, moderate;<br />

and 3, severe). The overall effect of<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapies was evaluated on a<br />

5-point scale (excellent, good, satisfactory,<br />

no improvement, and worsening<br />

of symptoms). Tolerability<br />

was determined by patient-reported<br />

adverse events evaluated by <strong>the</strong> physician.<br />

Overall tolerability of <strong>the</strong><br />

treatments was evaluated as excellent,<br />

good, moderate, or poor.<br />

Results<br />

A total of 248 patients were included<br />

in this study (136 in <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel<br />

N group and 112 in <strong>the</strong> lorazepam<br />

group). After 2 weeks of<br />

treatment, 128 patients in <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel<br />

N group and 106 patients in<br />

<strong>the</strong> lorazepam group were examined.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> final 4-week examination,<br />

<strong>the</strong> numbers of patients included<br />

were 134 and 111, respectively.<br />

There were several differences between<br />

<strong>the</strong> 2 groups at enrollment:<br />

Patients in <strong>the</strong> lorazepam group<br />

were older and were more likely to<br />

be men, to smoke, and to use alcohol<br />

or coffee regularly than patients<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel N group. However,<br />

none of <strong>the</strong>se differences were statistically<br />

significant.<br />

There was also no significant difference<br />

in <strong>the</strong> number of nervous disorders<br />

between <strong>the</strong> 2 groups (predominately<br />

2-4 disorders). In both<br />

groups, <strong>the</strong> most common com-<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


) Research Highlights<br />

Sepia, one of <strong>the</strong> ingredients of<br />

Nervoheel N, is prepared from <strong>the</strong><br />

secretion of <strong>the</strong> inkgland of <strong>the</strong><br />

cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis).<br />

© cherie/Fotolia.de<br />

plaints included emotional distress,<br />

jitteriness, and anxiety; and <strong>the</strong> most<br />

common reasons given for <strong>the</strong> complaints<br />

included work-related anxiety,<br />

stress, and family-related anxiety.<br />

Most patients in both groups<br />

(> 70%) had not received previous<br />

treatment for <strong>the</strong>ir condition.<br />

In both groups, <strong>the</strong>re were significant<br />

differences from baseline: The<br />

sum of symptom scores improved by<br />

4.4 points in <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel N group<br />

and by 4.2 points in <strong>the</strong> lorazepam<br />

group. However, <strong>the</strong>re was not a<br />

significant difference between <strong>the</strong><br />

2 groups.<br />

For both groups, <strong>the</strong> greatest symptom<br />

improvement was seen at <strong>the</strong><br />

2-week examination, with slight<br />

continued improvement until <strong>the</strong><br />

4-week examination. Even though<br />

most patients chose to maintain<br />

treatment for longer than 4 weeks,<br />

less than 10% did so for longer than<br />

6 weeks. The average duration of<br />

treatment was 31 days in <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel<br />

N group and 29 days in <strong>the</strong><br />

lorazepam group.<br />

There was no significant difference<br />

between <strong>the</strong> 2 groups in overall<br />

<strong>the</strong>rapeutic results (rated as excellent<br />

to good by 72.1% of <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel<br />

N group and 73.7% of <strong>the</strong> lorazepam<br />

group; P = 0.84).<br />

The tolerability of both treatments<br />

was very good, with only one patient<br />

in each group experiencing an<br />

adverse event (both considered unlikely<br />

to be treatment related).<br />

Notably, <strong>the</strong> overall patient-assessed<br />

tolerability was significantly better<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Nervoheel N group vs. <strong>the</strong><br />

lorazepam group: Tolerability was<br />

rated as excellent in 81.9% vs. 45.5%<br />

of patients (P < 0.001).<br />

There was no significant difference<br />

between <strong>the</strong> 2 groups in compliance<br />

scores (P = 0.35), with compliance<br />

ratings of excellent or good for approximately<br />

90% of both groups.<br />

Discussion<br />

This study showed that Nervoheel<br />

N, a homotoxicological medication,<br />

can effectively treat mild nervous<br />

disorders, including aches, palpitations,<br />

indigestion, lack of appetite,<br />

mild sexual dysfunction, fatigue,<br />

listlessness, sleep disturbances, restlessness,<br />

and lack of concentration.<br />

The study indicated that Nervoheel<br />

N was better tolerated than lorazepam,<br />

a traditional benzodiazepine<br />

medication used to treat <strong>the</strong>se disorders.<br />

This being an open-label observational<br />

trial, <strong>the</strong>re are limitations to<br />

such a study that are inherent in <strong>the</strong><br />

design. First, <strong>the</strong> enrollment criteria<br />

for mild nervous disorders are somewhat<br />

subjective because <strong>the</strong>re are no<br />

standardized rating scales for <strong>the</strong>se<br />

disorders.<br />

Second, <strong>the</strong> evaluations were left<br />

mostly to <strong>the</strong> physician’s discretion,<br />

which could result in greater physician<br />

bias. However, <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong><br />

enrolling centers offer both complementary<br />

and conventional medicine<br />

may reduce this factor in this case.<br />

Third, baseline differences between<br />

groups are inherent in <strong>the</strong> design of<br />

observational studies, as was also<br />

found in <strong>the</strong> present study.<br />

There were also o<strong>the</strong>r differences<br />

between <strong>the</strong> 2 treatment groups<br />

(older patients and more male patients,<br />

with different lifestyle habits,<br />

in <strong>the</strong> lorazepam group), which were<br />

addressed with propensity score<br />

analysis but would not exclude all<br />

bias.<br />

However, <strong>the</strong> strength of observational<br />

studies is not so much to show<br />

efficacy, but to show effectiveness in<br />

a practice-based setting and to demonstrate<br />

tolerability, in which this<br />

study succeeded.<br />

In conclusion, this 4-week study<br />

showed that Nervoheel N (a homeopathic<br />

treatment) was not inferior<br />

to lorazepam (a conventional benzo<br />

diazepine treatment) for <strong>the</strong><br />

short-term relief of mild nervous<br />

symptoms. In addition, significantly<br />

more patients rated <strong>the</strong> tolerability<br />

of Nervoheel N as excellent compared<br />

with <strong>the</strong> tolerability of lorazepam.<br />

|<br />

Reference<br />

van den Meerschaut L, Sünder A. The homeopathic<br />

preparation Nervoheel N can offer an alternative<br />

to lorazepam <strong>the</strong>rapy for mild nervous<br />

disorders. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.<br />

Published October 25, 2007. doi:10.1093/<br />

ecam/nem144.<br />

) 31<br />

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2009 ) Vol. 3, No. 1


IAH Abbreviated<br />

Course<br />

An e-learning course leading to<br />

certification in homotoxicology<br />

from <strong>the</strong> International Academy for<br />

Homotoxicology in just 40 hours.<br />

1 Access <strong>the</strong> IAH website at www.iah-online.com.<br />

Select your language.<br />

2 Click on Login and register.<br />

3 Go to Education Program.<br />

4 Click on The IAH abbreviated course.<br />

5 When you have finished <strong>the</strong> course, click on Examination.<br />

After completing it successfully, you will receive your<br />

certificate by mail.<br />

For MDs and licensed healthcare practitioners only<br />

Free of charge<br />

) 32<br />

www.iah-online.com

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