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Biomedical
J o urnal o f Volume 2, Number 2 ) 2008

Therapy Integrating Homeopathy

and Conventional Medicine

Chronic
Inflammation
• Biomodulation of Osteoarthritis
• Lumbosacral Pain Syndrome – A Case Study
 )

Contents

I n Fo c u s
Biomodulation of Osteoarthritis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

W h a t E l s e I s N e w ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Specialized Applications
Biopuncture Protocols for the Treatment
of Chronic Inflammatory Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Movement and the Matrix: The Importance of
Biomechanical Signals in Matrix Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Around the Globe

Evidence-Based Homeopathy –
More Than Results of Double-Blind Studies! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

M a r ke t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e
Getting Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

N e w Pe r s p e c t i v e s
Sulfur in Health and Disease:
A Hypothesis on Sulfur Intoxication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

From the Practice

Whiplash – Acute Inflammation Becomes Chronic . . . . . . . . 24
Lumbosacral Pain Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Making of ...
Suis-Organ Products in Antihomotoxic Medicine . . . . . . . . . 26

Published by/Verlegt durch: International Academy for Homotoxicology GmbH, Bahnackerstraße 16,
) 2 76532 Baden-Baden, Germany, e-mail: journal@iah-online.com
Editor in charge/verantwortlicher Redakteur: Dr. Alta A. Smit
Print/Druck: VVA Konkordia GmbH, Dr.-Rudolf-Eberle-Straße 15, 76534 Baden-Baden, Germany
© 2008 International Academy for Homotoxicology GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany

A Holistic Approach
to Chronic Inflammation
T here is no longer any question
that chronic inflammation is
the common denominator in almost
all chronic illnesses, including sys-
temic diseases such as arteriosclero-
sis and metabolic syndrome.1 In this
issue, though, we examine chronic
inflammation’s role in disorders of
the structured connective tissue of
the musculoskeletal system. Such
disorders fall into the next to last
column of the Disease Evolution
Table, i.e., the degeneration phase.
We cannot embark on this journey
without venturing into the fascinat-
ing world of the extracellular ma-
trix. Although long known to prac-
titioners of biological medicine as
the crux of cell and organ health, it
is now also being recognized by
mainstream medicine. In particular,
the molecular basis of matrix re-
modeling – after injury and as a
normal physiological process – is
under increasing scrutiny. This ana-
)
Dr. Alta A. Smit
bolic/catabolic balance depends on
delicate interactions among the im-
mune, endocrine, vascular, and ner-
vous systems, so the complex multi-
target interventions available to
bioregulatory medicine are especial-
ly suited to restoring the balance.
Dr. Martin Plotkin, an orthopedic
surgeon and co-author of the focus
article, uses such medications exten-
sively in his practice. The focus ar-
ticle concentrates on the modern
pathophysiology of cartilage degen-
eration, but as connective tissue uses
the same mechanisms in both struc-
tured and nonstructured matrix, the
story becomes fascinating once we
examine the effects of mechanical
forces on matrix remodeling (see
Refresh Your Homotoxicology).
Antihomotoxic medicines offer a
holistic approach to disorders of the
musculoskeletal system, and case
studies and protocols demonstrate
the practical applications. Dr. Den-
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
nis van Aswegen, D.C. speaks out of
long experience with such disorders
in two cases from his practice. Dr.
Edgar Estrada introduces the con-
cept of sulfur “intoxication” and
highlights a form of suppression
that has not yet been widely recog-
nized. Dr. Peter Smith reports from
the LIGA conference in Oostend,
Belgium. Lastly, Dr. Wilfried Stock
continues the Making of … series
with the suis organs, part 2 – an ar-
ticle that is well-placed in this issue,
given that organ support is one of
the main pillars of antihomotoxic
treatment in the degeneration
phase.
Alta A. Smit, MD
Reference:
1. Edwards T. Inflammation, pain, and chronic
disease: an integrative approach to treat-
ment and prevention. Altern Ther Health Med
2005;11(6):20-27.
) 3
 ) I n Fo c u s
Biomodulation of Osteoarthritis
Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, dis-
abling condition that affects synovial
joints. Its pathogenesis involves mul-
tiple etiologies, including mechani-
cal, genetic, and biochemical factors.
OA is generally described as “nonin-
flammatory” arthritis in contrast to
rheumatoid arthritis, but this is in-
creasingly recognized as a misno-
mer, since inflammation does indeed
contribute to both the symptoms
and the progression of OA.1 Morn-
ing or inactivity stiffness is a com-
mon symptom in OA, but acute in-
flammatory flares with all the clinical
signs (redness, warmth, swelling,
and further loss of function) are also
common in OA patients.
Figure 1: Degradation and repair in the
matrix. In osteoarthritis, the catabolic/
anabolic rhythm is disturbed.
Interleukin-1 Bone Morphogenetic
Interleukin-6 Proteins (Transforming
Tumor Necrosis Factor
Metalloproteinases
Tissu e I nflammation
an d Degradation
) 4 (Free radicals)
Osteoarthritis
By Martin Plotkin, MD, and Alta A. Smit, MD
From the homotoxicological per-
spective, OA falls into the degenera-
tion phase on the Disease Evolution
Table and shares many of the char-
acteristics of degenerative disease
processes, namely, chronic inflam-
mation accompanied by the release
of dangerous free radicals such as
peroxynitrite, disturbance of the
normal cycle of degeneration and
repair, and disturbance of angiogen-
ic balance in the direction of inap-
propriate vascularization.
Inflammation in osteoarthritis
The effects of subclinical chronic in-
flammation in OA are now increas-
ingly being recognized.2 The onset
of acute inflammation is generally
sudden, with the above-mentioned
symptoms developing in a matter of
minutes or hours. Neutrophils are
Chondrocyte
Antimetalloproteinases
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
the most abundant cells and proin-
flammatory cytokines such as IL-1,
TNF-α, and IL-8 are the most
prominent. In contrast, chronic in-
flammation develops over a longer
period of time and may persist for
weeks, months, or years. Markers of
chronic inflammation such as C-re-
active protein (CRP) may be elevat-
ed in patients with OA and may be
mediated by IL-6, which is the ma-
jor cytokine secreted by macrophag-
es. IL-6 may also play a role in an-
giogenesis, which is another factor
contributing to the pathology of OA
(see below).
The outcome of acute inflammation
is elimination of the irritation, fol-
lowed by restoration of the tissues
to their original state. In chronic in-
flammation, on the other hand, in-
flammation and repair occur concur-
rently, and the joints remain
Growth Factor β)
Tissu e Repai r
Tissue healing

Matrix fragments
Excessive mechan ical force
Damaged matrix and ROS production
Increased ROS production Degradative pathways stay on
Activation of catabolic signaling
pathways and inhibition of
anabolic pathways
Chronic inflammation
abnormal even after the inflamma-
tion subsides. In chronic inflamma-
tion, the cells that predominate are
macrophages and often lymphocytic
infiltrates. Chronic inflammation can
therefore be seen as a misguided at-
tempt on the part of chondrocytes
and other cells to eliminate damaged
tissue and to effect repair.
Anabolic/catabolic imbalance
Oscillation between degradation
and repair is a normal occurrence in
the matrix. Although the extracellu-
lar matrix is the functional unit in
this process, homeostasis is affected
by chondrocytes. Matrix metallo-
proteinases (MMPs) are stimulated
by inflammatory cytokines and ma-
trix degradation products to induce
degradation of older or damaged
tissues and are counterbalanced by a
number of growth factors, notably
also members of the TGF-β family,
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
Matrix
Degrade damaged matrix
Activation of signaling pathways
Cytokines, chemokines, growth
factors and proteolytic enzymes
U n balanced chon drocyte
metabolic activity
Catabolic > Anabolic
Angiogenesis
VEGF, FGF
Figure 2: Molecular pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (adapted from Loeser 1)
(BMPs), which reciprocally inhibit
the actions of the MMPs and there-
fore induce tissue healing. This cata-
bolic/anabolic oscillation is of vital
importance in normal tissue integri-
ty.3,4 When the process is disturbed
(due to continuous tissue damage,
either by mechanical stressors or
toxins) or the body’s ability to trig-
ger repair reduced (due to either a
deficiency of growth factors or an
inability to respond to them, as is
seen in old age), an overactive cata-
bolic/anabolic cycle results (see Fig-
ure 1).
To better understand cartilage de-
struction, at least inasmuch as it is
mediated by chondrocytes them-
selves (sometimes called chondro-
cytic chondrolysis), we must study
the molecular mechanisms that dis-
rupt the balance between chondro-
cyte catabolic and anabolic activity.
Since chondrocytes are lost to cell
death at some point in the process of
cartilage destruction, it is also im-
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
Growth factor release
Aged Cell
Poor response to growth factors
Continued matrix destruction
Osteophytes
Pain
portant to know whether these mo-
lecular factors also contribute to cell
death.
The cause of chronic synovitis in
OA is not well understood. Debris
or parts of cartilage may be found in
the synovium, where they provoke
typical responses to foreign bodies.
Mechanical injury can also lead to
the secretion of free radicals or reac-
tive oxygen species (ROS).
ROS and chronic cartilage
destruction
The role of ROS in cartilage damage
remains controversial. Recently,
Green et al. added to the literature
describing the role of ROS release
after mechanical injury in the pro-
gression of cartilage destruction.5
Nitric oxide in particular is impli-
cated in this process and may com-
bine with other ROS to form the
) 5
highly toxic compound peroxyni-
trite.
 ) I n Fo c u s
ROS also will induce inflammatory
mediators, such as NF-κB, IL-1, and
IL-6. ROS have been implicated in
chondrocyte senescence.6 ROS may
also have a direct influence on the
production of Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor (VEGF), a powerful
stimulator of angiogenesis and
chronic inflammation.7
Angiogenesis and chronic
inflammation
The formation of new blood vessels
is essential during fetal development
but rarely occurs in adults except in
overzealous attempts at remodeling
and regeneration, as in OA. Inflam-
matory mediators can stimulate an-
giogenesis either directly or indi-
rectly. Inflammatory cells that
pro­duce this effect include mac-
rophages and mast cells, which are
present in the OA synovium. Mac-
rophages are generally found wher-
ever abnormal angiogenesis occurs,
as in synovitis and tumors. Angio-
genesis may be important in poten-
tiating or perpetuating inflamma-
tion, rather than initiating it. On the
other hand, angiogenesis may be in-
directly self-perpetuating because it
increases inflammatory cell infiltra-
tion and thus increases the cells that
secrete angiogenic factors such as
VEGF and Fibroblast Growth Factor
(FGF-1).8
Vascularization of normally avascu-
lar cartilage and at the osteochon-
dral junction is a feature of OA. In
growing individuals, angiogenesis is
required for normal endochondral
ossification to close long bones. This
process is mediated by VEGF from
hypertrophic chondrocytes. In OA,
however, growth through osteo-
phytes at the joint margin also oc-
curs through osteochondral ossifica-
tion. Cartilaginous extensions of the
) 6 articular surface become invaded by
blood vessels, and bone extends
from the subchondral structures.
Neoinnervation also follows angio-
genesis and may contribute to pain
in chronic synovitis (see Figure 2).
Targeting these aspects could lead
to novel approaches to treating OA.
The fact that Zeel, a homeopathic
combination medication, is formu-
lated to address these aspects, along
with its excellent tolerability, makes
it an ideal option for treating the
chronic inflammation seen in OA.
Bioregulatory treatment of OA
We have seen in the previous section
that OA is characterized by chronic,
low grade inflammation with fre-
quent flare-ups of acute inflamma-
tion. Conventional treatments
(NSAIDs, paracetamol/acetamino-
phen, and/or intra-articular corti-
costeroids) act to suppress only cer-
tain aspects of the inflammation and
have significant side effects.
Intra-articular administration of
hya­luronic acid attempts to supply
the cartilage with proteoglycan sup-
port.9 Combinations of chondroitin
sulfate and glucosamine have long
been used for this purpose in treat-
ing OA, with variable evidence of
efficacy.10,11,12 Some promising new
treatments use autologous serum.13
The use of antioxidants in OA has
not been proven to be beneficial and
remains controversial.14
In view of the pathogenesis outlined
above, the use of low-concentration
antigens with a multi-target regula-
tion such as is seen in the antihomo-
toxic repertoire becomes interest-
ing.
Traumeel and Zeel as
combination therapy in OA
Traumeel has been shown in studies
to be both clinically efficacious and
an immune-modulating medica-
tion15-21 and should be considered
for its immune-regulating proper-
ties, which promote repair while
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
permitting a certain level of inflam-
mation so that degradation of debris
can occur.
Zeel has been used for degenerative
arthritis for many years; empirical
evidence indicates that it is as effec-
tive as Cox-1 and Cox-2 inhibitors
in treating OA.22 However, it may
have a special role to play with re-
gard to the pathophysiology of
chronic inflammation. Many of its
ingredients, such as Rhus tox, con-
tain flavonoids, known for their an-
tioxidant effects.23 Rhus tox and Ar-
nica also have been shown to have
effects on IL-6, which is secreted by
macrophages and may play a central
role in chronic inflammation and an-
giogenesis. In an animal study,
Stančíková demonstrated that when
rabbits with experimentally induced
arthritis were treated with either
Zeel or a solvent (reference sub-
stance), the Zeel group developed
far fewer erosions and less hypertro-
phic cartilage than the solvent
group.24 Histochemical analysis also
revealed significant vascularization
of the deeper layers of cartilage in
the animals treated with the solvent,
whereas the Zeel group developed
only a few capillaries. (In view of
the central role that angiogenesis
appears to play in the pathophysiol-
ogy of OA, this is a very important
finding.) And finally, the arrange-
ment of chondrocytes was also much
more structured in the verum group.
It is interesting to note that the alka-
loid sanguinarine, found in Sangui-
naria canadensis (one of Zeel’s in-
gredients), has been shown to
inhibit VEGF.25,26
Conclusion
Ongoing research is clarifying the
complex pathophysiology of OA.
Disruption of the catabolic/anabolic
cycle of the cartilaginous matrix ap-
pears paramount. New evidence

Osteoarthritis is generally described as “non-inflammatory” arthritis,
but acute flare-ups with clinical signs of inflammation such as redness,
warmth, swelling, pain, and loss of function are common in OA patients
(here: inflamed elbow joint).
suggests that both the generation of
ROS (through mechanical pressure)
and angiogenesis contribute signifi-
cantly to the development of chron-
ic inflammation, tissue destruction,
and pain. Standard treatment with
NSAIDs aims primarily to reduce
inflammation and control pain. Sub-
stances that inhibit MMPs are cur-
rently deemed too toxic to be of any
use in OA. Viscosupplements, chon-
droitin sulfate and glucosamine, and
some other novel treatments are also
used, with variable evidence of effi-
cacy.
Due to the different effects of the
two antihomotoxic medications
Traumeel and Zeel on acute and
chronic inflammation, it is feasible
to administer these two products in
combination: Zeel for long-term
treatment, Traumeel at the begin-
ning of treatment and for acute
flare-ups. Both of these medications
have been shown to have excellent
tolerability profiles. Further research
is warranted to clarify the exact ef-
fect of Zeel on angiogenesis and the
effect of the medication on ROS in
chronic inflammation.|
References
1. Loeser RF. Molecular mechanisms of carti-
lage destruction: mechanics, inflammatory
mediators, and aging collide. Arthritis Rheum
2006;54(5):1357-1360.
2. Bonnet CS, Walsh DA. Osteoarthritis, an-
giogenesis and inflammation. Rheumatology
2005;44:7-16.
) I n Fo c u s
3. Aigner T, Soeder S, Haag J. IL-1ß and BMPs
– interactive players of cartilage matrix deg-
radation and regeneration. Eur Cell Mater
2006;12:49-56.
4. Yasuda T, Poole AR. A fibronectin fragment
induces type II collagen degradation by col-
lagenase through an interleukin-1-mediated
pathway. Arthritis Rheum 2002;46:138-148.
5. Green DM, Noble PC, Ahuero JS, Birdsall
HH. Cellular events leading to chondrocyte
death after cartilage impact injury. Arthritis
Rheum 2006;54:1509-1517.
6. Yudoh K, Nguyen T, Nakamura H, Hongo-
Masuko K, Kato T, Nishioka K. Potential
involvement of oxidative stress in cartilage
senescence and development of osteoar-
thritis: oxidative stress induces chondrocyte
telomere instability and downregulation
of chondrocyte function. Arthritis Res Ther
2005;7(2):R380-R391.
7. Fay J, Varoga D, Wruck CJ, Kurz B, Gol-
dring MB, Pufe T. Reactive oxygen species
induce expression of vascular endothelial
growth factor in chondrocytes and human
articular cartilage explants. Arthritis Res Ther
2006;8(6):R189.
8. Mentlein R, Pufe T. New functions of angio-
genic peptides in osteoarthritic cartilage. Curr
Rheumatol Rev 2005;1:37-43.
9. Bellamy N, Campbell J, Robinson V, Gee
T, Bourne R, Wells G. Viscosupplementa-
tion for the treatment of osteoarthritis of
the knee. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;
19;(2):CD005321.
10. Barnhill JG, Fye CL, Williams DW, Reda DJ,
Harris CL, Clegg DO. Chondroitin product
selection for the glucosamine/chondroitin
arthritis intervention trial. J Am Pharm Assoc
2006;46(1):14-24.
11. Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glu-
cosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in
combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.
N Engl J Med 2006;354(8):795-808.
12. Hochberg MC. Nutritional supplements
for knee osteoarthritis – still no resolution.
N Engl J Med 2006;354:858-859.
13. Wehling P, Moser C, Frisbie D, et al. Autolo-
gous conditioned serum in the treatment of
orthopedic diseases: the orthokine therapy.
BioDrugs 2007;21(5):323-332.
14. Henrotin Y, Kurz B. Antioxidant to treat os-
teoarthritis: dream or reality? Curr Drug Tar-
gets 2007;8(2):347-357.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
15. Heine H, Schmolz M. Induction of the im-
munological bystander reaction by plant ex-
tracts. Biomed Ther 1998;16(3):224-226.
16. Porozov S, Cahalon L, Weiser M, Branski D,
Lider O, Oberbaum M. Inhibition of IL-1β
and TNF-α secretion from resting and ac-
tivated human immunocytes by the homeo-
pathic medication Traumeel® S. Clin Dev Im-
munol 2004;11(2):143-149.
17. Lyss G, Knorre A, Schmidt TJ, Pahl HL, Mer-
fort I. The anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene
lactone helenalin inhibits the transcription
factor NF-kappaB by directly targeting p65.
J Biol Chem 1998;273(50):33508-33516.
18. Zell J, Connert W-D, Mau J et al. Treat-
ment of acute sprains of the ankle. Biol Ther
1989;7(1):1-6.
19. Schneider C, Klein P, Stolt P, Oberbaum M.
A homeopathic ointment preparation com-
pared with 1% diclofenac gel for acute symp-
tomatic treatment of tendinopathy. Explore
2005;1(6):446-452.
20. Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser
M. The homeopathic preparation Traumeel
S compared with NSAIDs for symptomatic
treatment of epicondylitis. J Musculosekelet Res
2004;8(2-3):119-128.
21. Singer SR, Amit-Kohn M, Weiss S, Rosen-
blum J, Lukasiewicz E, Itzchaki M, Oberbaum
M. Efficacy of a homeopathic preparation in
control of post-operative pain – A pilot clini-
cal trial. Acute Pain 2007;9(1):7-12.
22. Birnesser H, Stolt P. The homeopathic an-
tiarthritic preparation Zeel comp. N: a re-
view of molecular and clinical data. Explore
2007;3(1):16-22.
23. Mersch-Sundermann V, Kassie F, Böhmer S,
et al. Extract of Toxicodendron quercifolium
caused genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity in
bone marrow cells of CD1 mice. Food Chem
Toxicol 2004;42(10):1611-1617.
24. Stančíková M, Bély M, Metelmann HW, et
al. Effects of Zeel comp. on experimental
osteoarthritis in rabbit knee. Rheumatologia
1999;13:101-108.
25. Basini G, Bussolati S, Santini SE, Grasselli
F. Sanguinarine inhibits VEGF-induced an-
giogenesis in a fibrin gel matrix. Biofactors
2007;29(1):11-18.
26. Basini G, Santini SE, Bussolati S, Gras-
selli F. Sanguinarine inhibits VEGF-induced
Akt phosphorylation. Ann N Y Acad Sci
)
2007;1095:371-376.
7

Myths in medicine
Even western medicine is not always
strictly rational, and little headway
has been made against its unfounded
myths and preconceptions. For ex-
ample, the claim that only 10 per-
cent of the human brain is utilized is
demonstrably false. There is also no
scientific evidence to support the re-
peatedly postulated health-promot-
ing effects of drinking a daily mini-
mum of eight glasses of water. Hair
and fingernails do not continue to
grow after death, nor does shaving
make hair grow back faster and
thicker. Ophthalmologists agree that
reading by flashlight under the cov-
ers at night will not ruin your eyes,
and eating turkey will not make you
sleepy any faster than other, simi-
larly fatty or heavy foods. Forbid-
ding the use of cell phones in hospi-
tals may be conducive to patients’
recovery, but to date there is no
proof that radiation emitted by the
phones makes medical equipment
malfunction. In tests, interference
has been noted only in rare instanc-
es when mobile phones and medical
electronic devices were in very ex-
tremely close proximity.
BMJ 2007;335:1288-1289
) 8
) What Else Is New?
Children who are given honey
before going to bed cough less
than those who receive a cough
suppressant or no medication at all.
Honey for coughs
Honey relieves coughs in children,
according to a randomized study in
which 105 children with upper re-
spiratory infections were given hon-
ey, a cough suppressant, or no medi-
cation at night before going to bed.
The children who received honey
fared the best not only in terms of
frequency and severity of coughing
but also with regard to quality of
sleep (both their own and their par-
ents’).
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med
2007;161(12):1140-1146
Mozart as medicine
Not only is Mozart’s music beauti-
ful, it also has its uses in the ICU. In
one study, 10 patients on artificial
respiration listened to slow move-
ments from Mozart’s piano sonatas
through earphones for one hour on
the first day after surgery, with as-
tonishing effects. In comparison to
the control group, the patients who
received “Mozart therapy” experi-
enced decreases in heart rate and
blood pressure and required signifi-
cantly less sedation.
Crit Care Med
2007;35(12):2709-2713
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
Couch potatoes age faster
It has long been known that regular
exercise has positive effects on
health, but now a study conducted
at King’s College in London has
shown that physically active people
also seem to be biologically younger
than their nonathletic age peers.
Scientists used leukocyte telomere
lengths to determine the biological
age of more than 2,400 subjects
ranging in age from 18 to 81. Te-
lomeres are the terminal sections of
DNA that protect chromosomes
from destruction. Over the course of
a lifetime, telomeres become shorter,
leaving the chromosomes more sus-
ceptible to damage and disease. Sci-
entists found that older but more
active subjects had the same telo­
mere lengths as younger people who
were inactive. It seems, therefore,
that lack of physical exercise accel-
erates the aging process.
An active lifestyle that includes ade-
quate exercise is both “good medi-
cine” and a cost-effective anti-aging
strategy. Science has now provided
couch potatoes with one more bit of
motivation to become active.
Arch Intern Med
2008;168(2):154-158
 ) What Else Is New?

New scientific findings show that

regular physical exercise slows down
the aging process.
Contrary to popular belief,
women do not talk more than men.
However, there are significant
variations within each gender.

Taciturn or talkative? Fear increases Plush bacilli and

sensory acuity huggable microbes

Gender has no bearing on how
much a person talks, according to a
study conducted by Texas scientists
who recorded snippets of students’
conversations. They found that in
the course of a day, men talk just as
much as women – roughly 16,000
words, on average, although there
were significant variations within
each gender. Taciturn men and
women alike got by on approxi-
mately 8,000 words per day, while
chatterboxes of either sex let loose
24,000 words during the same time
period.
New Scientist 2007;195(2612);18
Being afraid heightens your sense of
smell. That was the admittedly over-
simplified conclusion of an Ameri-
can study that investigated the con-
nection between olfactory acuity
and emotional stress in 12 young
adults. Subjects were asked to iden-
tify the non-matching substance in a
series of three chemicals that smelled
very similar. Results improved sig-
nificantly during the second round
of smell testing, when the partici-
pants were exposed to stress in the
form of mild electric shocks. The in-
vestigators interpreted this mecha-
nism as a survival strategy that helps
humans sort out dangerous “mes-
sages” from an overabundance of
sensory stimuli.
There’s nothing new under the sun:
Stuffed animals are now available in
the shape of viruses, microbes, and
other germs. The selection of 15
cm-long “GIANTmicrobes,” as the
American manufacturer calls its cud-
dly bacilli, includes Helicobacter
pylori, the syphilis germ, and the
AIDS virus (complete with its own
red AIDS ribbon) – to name just a
few. Prices for these monster mi-
crobes begin at $7.95 US (7 euros).
The real items are usually free, but
they’re harder to get rid of than
stuffed animals.
www.giantmicrobes.com

Science 2008;319(5871):1842-1845

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) 9
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Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2

 ) Specialized Applications
Biopuncture Protocols for the Treatment
of Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
Introduction
Biopuncture is the injection of bio-
therapeutics into indication or tis-
sue-related zones or points on the
body, as determined through clinical
and functional diagnosis.1 The ther-
apeutic agents may be administered
subcutaneously or injected into
joints, muscles, or ligaments.2 Ad-
ministering the medications in the
right spots or in the relevant body
zone enhances the clinical effect. In-
creasing numbers of physicians are
realizing that such injections can ex-
pand the scope of their practice.3
Biopuncturists use both antihomo-
toxic medications and hyaluronic
acid.4,5,6 Lymphomyosot is used for
lymphatic drainage and matrix de-
toxification and Traumeel is used to
regulate the inflammatory response.
Spascupreel is injected for muscular
For subcutaneous injections
For soft tissue injections (e.g., tendon)
For intramuscular injections
(overuse/posttraumatic)
For intramuscular injections (spasms)
For ligament injections
For chronic inflammation (cellular)
For chronic inflammation (joint degeneration)
) 10 Table 1: Examples of standard combinations commonly used by biopuncturists
By Jan Kersschot, MD
spasms and Coenzyme compositum
for tissue repair (damage on the cel-
lular level). Zeel and hyaluronic acid
are used for chronic joint pain in the
elderly and for degenerative joint
disease (cartilage damage). Many
doctors combine several ampoules
in a single injection to achieve better
results (see Table 1).
Local anesthetics can be added as
modulators of neural information
and to make the injections less pain-
ful. Biopuncturists use low concen-
trations of local anesthetics such as
0.5 percent procaine or 0.25 percent
lidocaine.7 Hypertonic dextrose can
also be added to stimulate healing
of injured connective tissues such as
capsules, fascia, ligaments, and pe-
riosteum.
Lymphomyosot + Traumeel
Lymphomyosot + Traumeel
Lymphomyosot + Traumeel
Lymphomyosot + Spascupreel
Traumeel + dextrose
Traumeel + Coenzyme compositum
Traumeel + Zeel
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
Frequency and location
of injections
Biotherapeutic agents are adminis-
tered once weekly by injection into
zones or points related to the indi-
cation or affected tissue. In selecting
injection sites, we opt for either lo-
cal injections (e.g., in the pain zone)
or distant injections (e.g., in trigger
points) and select one of four tissue
types for injection:
1. subcutaneous,
2. intramuscular,
3. soft tissues (e.g., a bursa or
around a tendon),
4. a ligament, enthesis, or
periosteum.
Different steps of
local injections
When dealing with chronic inflam-
matory disorders, a step-by-step
procedure enhances clinical results.1
We begin, for example, with local
administration of a lymphatic drain-
age agent to cleanse the local matrix.
For this purpose, we use local subcu-
taneous injections with Lymphomy-
osot (phase 1 product). Traumeel is
then used for local immunomodula-
Zeel is used to treat chronic joint pain
in elderly patients and for degenerative
joint disease with cartilage damage.

Phase 1 product: Lymphomyosot

phase 1 and phase 2 products, a
mixture of Lymphomyosot and
Phase 2 product: Traumeel Traumeel is administered once
weekly for two weeks. These medi-
Phase 3 products: Spascupreel or a Homaccord ampoule
cations are usually injected either
Phase 4 products: Coenzyme compositum or other compositum or Zeel subcutaneously or into the soft tis-
sues surrounding the site of chronic
inflammation. In step 2, Traumeel
Table 2: Phase products used in biopuncture (or Lymphomyosot and Spascupreel)
can then be injected into the myo-
fascial pain points or myofascial
Step 1: Once weekly for two weeks: Subcutaneous or soft-tissue injections of trigger points. When painful spots
Lymphomyosot and Traumeel in the pain zone
are found in ligaments, Traumeel
Step 2: Once weekly for two weeks: Intramuscular injection of Traumeel and dextrose are injected into
(or Lymphomyosot + Spascupreel) into myofascial pain points or trigger
points. Alternatively, injection of Traumeel and dextrose into ligaments
these spots. In step 3, a mixture of
Traumeel and Coenzyme composi-
Step 3: Once weekly for two weeks: Deeper injections of Traumeel + Coenzyme
tum or Zeel and Coenzyme com-
compositum into the above-mentioned points
positum is used.

Table 3: Example of a standard step-by-step biopuncture treatment for chronic Clinical applications of
inflammatory disorders biopuncture in treating chronic
inflammatory disorders

tion (phase 2 product). At a later
stage, we can inject more specific,
symptom-related medications such
as Spascupreel or a Homaccord am-
poule if available (phase 3 products).
Finally, we work on a deeper (cellu-
lar) level with injections of medica-
tions such as Coenzyme composi-
tum, Zeel, or Discus compositum
(phase 4 products). (See table 2).
The step-by-step strategy is not set
in stone but can be adapted to each
patient’s specific situation. Begin-
ning with Lymphomyosot is espe-
cially important for hyper-respond-
ers (sensitive patients). The three
steps and six weekly sessions shown
in Table 3 are a typical example of
step-by-step biopuncture treatment
of chronic inflammatory disorders.
In the first step, which combines
In cases of chronic inflammatory
disorders, we usually administer six
weekly injections and then give the
body six weeks to respond and
achieve bioregulation and complete
healing. If necessary, the whole pro-
cess (another series of 6 injections)
may be repeated.

) 11

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2

 ) Specialized Applications
Chronic shoulder pain
Here are three examples of chronic
disorders: in the shoulder, in the
knee, and in the Achilles tendon.
Chronic shoulder pain
We begin by injecting Traumeel and
Lymphomyosot subcutaneously into
the pain zone (step 1). If the biceps
tendon is tender upon clinical ex-
amination, we also administer an-
other injection near the tendon. This
treatment is repeated one week later.
In the third and fourth sessions (step
2), Lymphomyosot and Traumeel
(or Spascupreel) may be injected
into several different muscles (e.g.,
pectoral, trapezius, infraspinatus: see
Figure 1, deltoid) and/or Traumeel
and dextrose may be injected into
the shoulder ligaments (e.g., AC lig-
ament, coraco-clavicular ligament)
or into the joint capsule. In the fifth
and sixth sessions (step 3), injections
of Coenzyme compositum (or Zeel,
in the case of degeneration of the
shoulder joint) may be administered
on several different levels per ses-
)
12
Chronic knee pain
sion: subcutaneously in the shoulder
pain zone, into muscles or near ten-
dons, and/or into ligaments.
Chronic knee pain
We usually begin with two sessions
of subcutaneous injections of
Traumeel and Lymphomyosot in the
pain zone (step 1). If the patellar
tendon is tender, the same combina-
tion is also injected near the tendon.
In the third and fourth sessions (step
2), Lymphomyosot plus Traumeel or
Spascupreel may be injected i.m.
(e.g., into the quadriceps) and/or
Traumeel and dextrose may be in-
jected into the collateral ligaments
or the pes anserinus (see Figure 2).
In the fifth and sixth sessions (step
3), Coenzyme compositum (or Zeel
in elderly patients or in cases of de-
References
1. Kersschot J. Biopuncture – A New Clinical
Guide. Aartselaar, Belgium: Inspiration Pub-
lishing; in press.
2. Kersschot J. Biopuncture and the Manage-
ment of Sports Injuries. Albuquerque, NM:
Jaysea Press; 2008.
3. Barkauskas D. Biopuncture in Family Prac-
tice. Paper presented at: HSA Congress 2008;
June 8, 2008; Drakensberg Mountains, South
Africa.
4. Smit A, O’Byrne A, Van Brandt B, Bianchi
I, Küstermann K. Introduction to Bioregulatory
Medicine. Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme Pub-
lishers; in press.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
Chronic Achilles tendinosis
generative joint disease) may be in-
jected into the above-mentioned
sites.
Chronic Achilles tendinosis
Step 1 consists of two sessions of
injections of Traumeel plus Lym-
phomyosot administered s.c. and
around the tendon (Figure 3). In the
third and fourth sessions, Traumeel
may be injected into soft tissue clos-
er to the tendon while Lymphomyo-
sot plus Traumeel (or Spascupreel) is
injected into the calf muscle (step 2).
In the fifth and sixth sessions, Coen-
zyme compositum may be injected
near the tendon and into the calf
muscle (step 3).|
5. Kersschot J. Biopuncture in General Practice.
Aartselaar, Belgium: Inspiration Publishing;
2004: 56-57.
6. Arnold W, Fullerton DS, Holder S, May CS.
Viscosupplementation: managed care issues
for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Manag Care
Pharm 2007;13(4)(suppl):3-19.
7. Iwama H, Akama Y. The superiority of water-
diluted 0.25% to neat 1% lidocaine for trigger-
point injections in myofascial pain syndrome:
a prospective, randomized, double-blinded
trial. Anesth Analg 2000;91(2):408-409.
 ) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y

Movement and the Matrix

The Importance of Biomechanical
Signals in Matrix Remodeling
By Alta A. Smit, MD

tricity.5 This is the working mecha-

nism postulated to explain the recent
To stay healthy, the extracellular matrix (ECM) must
discovery that rotational field quan-
renew itself constantly. The anabolic/catabolic cycle of tum magnetic resonance (RFQMR)
tissues is one of the body’s homeostatic mechanisms that can be used to regenerate cartilage
in osteoarthritis of the knee joint.6
follow a biorhythm. All such processes involve close The major stimulus for bone and
orchestration among different systems, namely the cartilage formation is a piezoelectric
signal generated when the bone or
immune system, hormonal system, and local mediators.
cartilage is subjected to tension or
Various triggers for remodeling have been postulated, compression. This knowledge is
widely used today in orthopedics,
ranging from denatured tissue to mechanical forces.1
where it is known that bone atro-
phies, as during space travel or when
immobilized or not used. In these

T he role of the connective tissue

as a body-wide signaling net-
work has been recognized by the
ancient cultures and has been re-
cently revisited by authors such as
Langevin.2 She also makes the con-
nection between the connective tis-
sue planes and the meridians, there-
by offering an explanation of
phenomena observed in daily prac-
tice when working with acupunc-
ture points.3
The role of mechanical forces on the
ECM is also becoming clearer, al-
though the exact mechanism of ac-
tion is still not completely known.
In the past two decades, research has
determined that many cells are sen-
sitive to mechanical forces and can
change their phenotype as well as
the structure of the surrounding
connective tissue. Of even greater
interest, cells that share a common
ECM may alter their mechanical en-
vironment by inducing other cells to
remodel the ECM, as happens in
lung tissue where fibrosis is the out-
come, even if there is no inflamma-
tion in the environment.4
According to Langevin and others, a
number of possibilities emerge when
looking for possible signals sensitive
to mechanical forces:
1. Electrical signals
Szent-Györgyi used the term “bio-
energetics” to refer to energy not
confined in biomolecules but emit-
ted or absorbed directly by tissue.
As early as 1941, Szent-Györgyi
proposed that electrons can propa-
gate through crystalline structures
both within and between molecules,
forming semiconducting currents
entirely separate from the movement
of ions, previously assumed to be
the only possible basis for bioelec-
cases, therefore, movement is en-
couraged to support better healing,
and ultrasound or other devices may
be used to simulate the piezoelectric
signal. Transmission of this piezo-
electric signal is also impaired fol-
lowing joint injury and trauma or in
diseases such as osteoarthritis.7
2. Cellular signals
Connective tissue fibroblasts have
been shown to become active after
mechanical stretching,8 and sports
medicine has documented the effect
of stretching on healing tendons
and other structures.9,10 Even ionic
membrane pumps and cytoplasmic
enzyme reactions have been shown
to respond to mechanical stimuli.
Recent evidence suggests that
stretching may even attenuate in-
flammatory signals in osteoarthritis
) 13
joints.

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2

 ) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Data suggest that constant applica-
tion of cyclic tensile strain (CTS)
blocks IL-1β-induced proinflamma-
tory genes at the transcriptional
level. The signals generated by CTS
are sustained after its removal, with
their persistence dependent on the
length of CTS exposure. Further-
more, the sustained effects of me-
chanical signals are also reflected in
their ability to induce aggrecan syn-
thesis. These effects were seen on
transcription factors of inflammato-
ry mediators on chondrocyte stretch
in vivo. These findings, extrapolated
to human chondrocytes, may pro-
vide the insight needed to achieve
optimal sustained effects of physical
therapies in the management of ar-
thritic joints.11
3. Plasticity signals
Structural change of an organism is
closely related to the cell’s ability to
modulate its pericellular environ-
ment, whether in the normal process
of growth, in maintaining homeo-
stasis, or as part of a disease process.
This response of connective tissue to
mechanical stress is well-known.
According to Langevin, it takes
place over days or weeks following
a change in posture or a new activi-
ty. It follows remodeling of the ECM
with changes in the collagen matrix
as well as viscoelasticity. Matrix re-
) 14 modeling is an example of a cata-
bolic/anabolic cycle: Proteolytic
Microscopic view of
the extracellular matrix
enzymes stimulated by tissue dam-
age or inflammatory mediators are
counteracted by antiproteases acti-
vated by substances such as TGF-β.12
To date, these effects had been not-
ed only in specialized connective
tissue. The possibility that they will
also be found in loose connective
tissue suggests an overall plasticity
reflecting an individual’s overall
movement patterns and would also
explain the effect of local inflamma-
tory foci on the entire body, known
empirically to practitioners of bio-
logical medicine. Oschman also ex-
amines this phenomenon in an arti-
cle reviewing the role of free
electrons and their antioxidant ac-
tivity.13
In conclusion, movement of the ma-
trix plays an important role in its
remodeling and regeneration. We
would do well to include stretching
or even aerobic exercise as part of
our patients’ treatment.14 The need
is especially great in cases of tissue
damage that require remodeling, as
in fractures, osteoporosis, and even
tendon injury.
Supportive bioregulation
As mentioned above, matrix remod-
eling is a complex process relying
on multiple factors: the immune sys-
tem for controlled inflammation and
repair, the action of amino acid-de-
pendent proteases and metallopro-
teinases, normal cortisol diurnal
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
rhythm, and normal angiogenic bal-
ance. The three pillars of antihomo-
toxic therapy (detoxification and
drainage, immunomodulation, and
organ regulation) are essential to en-
sure matrix health.
It can be postulated that many envi-
ronmental toxins carry electrical or
chemical charges that may disrupt
subtle piezoelectric signals and af-
fect transcription of mediators, thus
affecting plasticity. The example of
the zebra fish tail, which regener-
ates completely after being severed,
shows that adult zebra fish have the
capacity to regenerate the caudal fin,
a process that is inhibited by expo-
sure to the ubiquitous environmen-
tal contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro­
dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Fin
re­ge­neration is a complex process re-
quiring precise regulation of several
processes including wound healing,
ECM production, revascularization,
innervation, and bone formation.
TCDD, a persistent organic pesti-
cide, directly inhibits this process.15
The practice of advanced supportive
detoxification with subsequent
drainage is thus recommended for
matrix health. Antihomotoxic medi-
cine combined with proper nutrition
can support this process. Medica-
tions such as Thyreoidea composi-
tum and Pulsatilla compositum are
especially suitable for supporting
the matrix biorhythm. Immune
modulation that down-regulates in-
flammatory mediators and secretion
 ) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Attribution 3.0 Unported (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/3.0/), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:WVSOM_
Photo by Wbensmith; licensed under the Creative Commons
Submandibular_Gland.JPG
of TGF-β (part of the working References
mechanism of Traumeel) is also of 1. Abraham LC, Dice JF, Lee K, Kaplan DL.
benefit. These interventions support Phagocytosis and remodeling of collagen
matrices. Exp Cell Res 2007;313(5):1045-
matrix remodeling and form the 1055.
backbone of treatment of many 2. Langevin HM. Connective tissue: a body-
chronic diseases. Together with ad- wide signaling network? Med Hypotheses
2006;66(6):1074-1077.
equate movement and nutrition and 3. Langevin HM, Yandow JA. Relationship of
restoration of sleep/wake cycles, acupuncture points and meridians to connec-
tive tissue planes. Anat Rec 2002;269(6):257-
they may ensure normal matrix plas- 265.
ticity and restore anabolic/catabolic 4. Swartz MA, Tschumperlin DJ, Kamm RD,
cycles.| Drazen JM. Mechanical stress is communi-
cated between different cell types to elicit
matrix remodeling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
2001;98(11):6180-6185.
5. Szent-Györgyi A. The study of energy-levels
in biochemistry. Nature 1941;148:157-159.
6. Vasishta VG; Kumar RV; Pinto LJ. Rotational
field quantum magnetic resonance (RFQMR)
in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
joint. Ind J Aerospace Med 2004;48(2):1-7.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
7. Gierse H, Breul R, Faensen M, Markoll R.
Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST) stimulates mi-
tosis of human chondrocytes in culture. In:
Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference
on Biomedical Engineering. Singapore: Humani-
tas Press, 2000:473-474.
8. Langevin HM, Cornbrooks CJ, Taatjes DJ. Fi-
broblasts form a body-wide cellular network.
Histochem Cell Biol 2004;122(1):7-15.
9. Zeichen J, van Griensven M, Bosch U. The
proliferative response of isolated human ten-
don fibroblasts to cyclic biaxial mechanical
strain. Am J Sports Med 2000;28(6):888-892.
10. Timmons JA, Jansson E, Fischer H, et al.
Modulation of extracellular matrix genes re-
flects the magnitude of physiological adapta-
tion to aerobic exercise training in humans.
BMC Biol 2005;3:19.
11. Madhavan S, Anghelina M, Rath-Deschner
B, et al. Biomechanical signals exert sus-
tained attenuation of proinflammatory gene
induction in articular chondrocytes. Osteoar-
thritis Cartilage 2006;14(10):1023-1032.
12. Holmbeck K, Szabova L. Aspects of extra-
cellular matrix remodeling in development
and disease. Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today
2006;78(1):11-23.
13. Oschman JL. Perspective: Assume a spheri-
cal cow: The role of free or mobile elec-
trons in bodywork, energetic and movement
therapies. J Bodywork Movement Ther 2008;
12:40-57.
14. Carmeli E, Moas M, Lennon S, Powers SK.
High intensity exercise increases expression of
matrix metalloproteinases in fast skeletal mus-
cle fibres. Exp Physiol 2005;90(4):613-619.
15. Andreasen EA, Mathew LK, Tanguay
RL. Regenerative growth is impacted by
TCDD: gene expression analysis reveals
extracellular matrix modulation. Toxicol Sci
2006;92(1):254-269.
Structure of the extracellular matrix
) 15
 ) Around the Globe

Evidence-Based Homeopathy
More Than Results of Double-Blind Studies!
63rd Congress of the Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis

By Peter Rae Smith, MD

sessions at the end of each day pro-

vided a useful overview of the prog-
From May 20-24, 2008, some 800 delegates met in
ress of the conference.
Ostend, Belgium, to participate in the 63rd conference
of the Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis Opening ceremony

(LMHI). The overall theme of this years’ conference was Liga president Dr. Ulrich Fischer
“Evidence-based homeopathy – more than results of gave the opening remarks, followed
by a moving tribute by David Owen
double-blind studies.”
to the many great British homeo-
paths and administrators who died
in a plane crash in 1972 on the way

T he lovely seaside resort of Ost­

end is tailor-made for such
gatherings. The Kursaal conference
center, where the lectures were held,
is located right on the beach, mid-
way along the broad promenade
that stretches for several kilometers
in either direction – an ideal site for
walking, jogging, cycling, or roller-
blading. The conference also coin-
cided with a four-day gathering of
sailing ships from all over Europe.
A long tradition
Belgium has a long homeopathic
tradition and has hosted no less than
five LMHI (“Liga”) conferences in
the past. The 2008 event, organized
to celebrate the 20th anniversary of
the Unio Homoeopathica Belgica
(the Belgian professional organiza-
tion for medical homeopathy), was
truly international in content and at-
tendance. The conference aimed to
give an overview of effective ho-
meopathic methodologies and strat-
egies that have stood the test of
time. Well-known specialists (in-
cluding university professors) gave
presentations on provings, clinical
cases, clinical studies, and pharma-
co-epidemiological studies. There
were always five or six different con-
current sessions to choose from,
forcing the delegates to make some
difficult choices. Feedback reporting
to the last LMHI conference held in
Belgium. Jacques Imberechts inau-
gurated a commemorative plaque to
George Jahr, the great Belgian ho-
meopath and student of Hahne-
mann. Ton Nicolai, President of the
European Committee of Homeopa-
thy, then awarded the “Globular
Politics Award” to Michel Van Was-
senhoven, the Chairperson for the
63rd congress. This is given to “phy-
sicians who, in addition to their
day-to-day work as a homeopathic
doctor, have been instrumental in
the social-political area and apply
the homeopathic principles in all
areas of their lives.”

Queen Paola of Belgium and her

physician, Dr. Maurice Jenaer

) 16 (to her left), surrounded by participants

at the Liga congress.

This year’s Liga congress took place
at the Kursaal conference center
in Ostend, Belgium.
Some highlights of
the conference
Among the many highlights of this
conference, here are a few of special
interest: The first plenary session, on
the “Politics, History and Econom-
ics of Homeopathy,” included Ton
Nicolai’s talk on the current status
of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) in the European
healthcare system and Christian
Boiron’s “Homeopathy is a lan-
guage.”
In another plenary session on “Re-
search – from proving to double-
blind,” Prof. Claudia Witt presented
an important paper on the treatment
of atopic eczema in children. Dr.
Witt is the first person to hold the
Chair for Research in Complemen-
tary/Alternative Medicine, recently
endowed by the Karl and Veronica
Carstens Foundation, at the Charité
University Medical Center in Ber-
lin.
Dr. Michel Van Wassenhoven,
chairman of the 63rd Liga congress,
received the “Globular Politics Award.”
) Around the Globe
To the surprise and delight of the
participants, Queen Paola of Bel-
gium paid an unannounced visit to
the conference, sitting in the audi-
ence and listening intently to an in-
teresting presentation by her ho-
meopathic physician, Dr. Maurice
Jenaer, on microimmunotherapy. A
report of her visit aired on local
television that evening. What a won-
derful show of support for home-
opathy!
A variety of intriguing workshops
dealt with different clinical methods
such as the Masi method, Sankaran’s
“Bombay method,” the Vithoulkas
method, etc., while others looked at
actual provings of a broad range of
new (and old) substances. Jan Schol-
ten led a number of sessions on his
work with the Lanthanide remedies.
The provings of this series of 15
“rare earth” elements appear to show
affinity for the immune system.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
Dr. Ulrike Keim’s satellite sympo-
sium, “Is there a synergy between
classical homeopathy and homeo-
pathic combination preparations?”
was well attended. Dr. Keim, known
to BT readers as a specialist on met-
abolic syndrome (see BT issue
1/2008), skillfully interwove the
principles of classical homeopathy,
such as miasmatic theory, with the
practical applications of antihomo-
toxic combination medicines.
Dr. Robbert van Haselen, Head of
Research at Biologische Heilmittel
Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, gave an
interesting talk entitled “Detoxifica-
tion and drainage – historical per-
spectives and the current scientific
state of the art,” which was well re-
ceived by the audience.
Although the Liga is predominantly
a classical homeopathic organiza-
tion, presentations dealing with ho-
motoxicology were well received by
the delegates. The next congress will
be held in Warsaw, Poland, in Sep-
tember 2009.|
Dr. Ulrike Keim gave a satellite
symposium on the synergy
between classical homeopathy
and homotoxicology.
) 17
 ) M a r k e t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e

Getting Organized
Professional file management and
returning phone calls
By Marc Deschler
Marketing specialist

Learn to manage files

proactively
In this issue, we’ll deal with two topics: how to use
professional file management to aid in efficient decision- At some point, all of us have made
making in your practice and how to deal with constant, very quick decisions about questions
with significant financial impact,
annoying phone interruptions during office hours. such as buying a car or hiring staff.
On the other hand, we often put off
making much less important deci-
sions for days or even weeks, and
the stack of unanswered mail keeps
on growing. What things do you
leave lying around to deal with later
– a whole newspaper with a single
interesting article in it? A letter from
a patient that you want to discuss
with your team?
These steps will help you get the
problem under control:

1. Confront your procrastination

consciously and note what types
of things you tend to leave for
later.
2. Set a time to tackle your entire
“to do” pile and don’t stop until
you have made all necessary de-
cisions.

Do not allow yourself to be interrupted

) 18 by patient phone calls during an

appointment. Patients deserve your
undivided attention, whether in person
or on the phone.

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2


A professional filing system will help you
in your daily decision-making process.
3. On each piece of mail, note what
action it requires: Do you need
to make an appointment, place
an order, discuss it in a team
meeting, file it for future refer-
ence?
4. Starting right now, make all such
decisions immediately.
Organized decision-making requires
an appropriate filing system. Estab-
lish folders for interesting topics
you want to be sure not to forget,
such as:
• items for your next team meeting
(for example, discuss this col-
umn!)
• tax tips to bring up at your next
meeting with your tax advisor
• patients’ complaints that you
need to address
Set deadlines for dealing with the
contents of these folders so nothing
gets forgotten.
Of course there are some decisions
that cannot be made on the spot.
For example, you receive informa-
tion about some very interesting
new electroacupuncture technology,
but there’s no place for it in your in-
vestment plan at the moment. Make
a habit of saving such materials in a
file cabinet that is located as far from
your desk as possible and that only
you use, so simply filing or retriev-
) M a r k e t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e
ing the information will take enough
time to allow you to think about
your indecision. If you then go
through the file at regular intervals,
you’ll find that most of these materi-
als can simply be thrown out.
I’ll call you back!
Many practitioners accept calls from
patients even during office visits.
This practice has at least three dis-
tinct disadvantages:
1. You may need to interrupt the
patient you’re with in the middle
of a very personal conversation.
2. The patient you’re with may
overhear confidential informa-
tion about the patient on the
phone.
3. Your work flow is disrupted.
As a general rule, do not allow your-
self to be interrupted by patient
phone calls during office hours. This
is especially important during ap-
pointments because an interrupted
conversation is much less satisfying
to the patient than even a brief con-
sultation in which he or she can
count on your undivided attention.
Furthermore, privacy of information
is very high on most patients’ prior-
ity list, so it should be preserved at
all costs.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
The solution? Institute an efficient
system for returning calls. Your of-
fice staff notes all incoming calls and
pulls those patients’ charts so they
are immediately available when you
have fifteen minutes free to return
calls. If you don’t have to search for
missing information, you’ll spend
less of your precious time on the
phone. Another plus: You get to de-
cide whom you talk to, what you
talk about, and when.
Here are some general rules:
• To avoid scheduling conflicts,
make a habit of returning calls at
certain set times. Note these
times in your daily calendar.
• Make sure your employees tell
patients when your call-back
time is so they will be available
when you call.
• Your office staff should make a
list that includes each caller’s
name and phone number and the
time and subject of the call.
• If no one is available to answer
the phone during office hours,
record an appropriate message
on your answering machine.
If you follow these guidelines,
you will always be able to give
each patient the attention they de-
serve, whether in person or on the
phone. |
) 19
 ) Ne w Perspectives

Sulfur in Health and Disease

A Hypothesis on Sulfur Intoxication
By Edgar Estrada Serrato, MD
Orthopedist – Traumatologist
Biological Medicine

proteins that subsequently go on to

form part of various cell membrane
Since antiquity, sulfur has been used as a homeopathic
receptors.
medicine in various conditions. Its use has been empirical The efficient formation of disulfide
in nature, it being given in accordance with its various bonds in the lumen of the RER de-
pends on the enzyme protein disul-
homeopathic effects when administered to sick patients. fide isomerase (PDI). This enzyme
Advances in the study of basic sciences now enable us to catalyzes the formation of disulfide
bonds, which catalyze the protein
understand many of these empirical applications, giving
folding of many proteins. In this
them new-found scientific validity. Sulfur plays an active process, PDI catalyzes the cleavage
of some disulfide bonds and the for-
role in numerous metabolic processes in the healthy
mation of others, which implies an
human body. interchange between pairs of disul-
fide bonds in the polypeptide chain.
PDI is found in all eukaryotic cells,

S ulfur is a non-metal, lemon yel-

low in color, with atomic num-
ber 16 in the periodic table of the
chemical elements. Its symbol is S
and it is situated next to phosphorus
(P, atomic number 15) to its left and
chlorine (Cl, atomic number 17) to
its right. The element immediately
above it is oxygen (O, atomic num-
ber 8) and the element immediately
below it is selenium (Se, atomic
number 34).
It is characterized by high electro-
negativity and consequently gains
electrons more easily than it loses
them. Its oxides are acidic and tend
to form anions and oxyanions in
aqueous solution. Solutions in water
are acidic (pKa1 = 7.00).
The essential amino acid methion-
ine, which is apolar and hydropho-
) 20 bic, contains a sulfur atom in its side
chain. It is converted to homo-
cysteine and combines with the
nonessential hydrophilic amino acid
serine to form cysteine, a special
nonessential amino acid. The side
chain of cysteine contains a sulfhy-
dryl (-SH) group, also known as a
thiol group, which can undergo oxi-
dation to form a covalent disulfide
bond (-S-S-) with a second cysteine
from the same or a different poly-
peptide chain.
The disulfide bonds form in the lu-
men of the rough endoplasmic re-
ticulum (RER) of the cell in which
oxidizing conditions predominate,
unlike in the cytosol where the pre-
vailing reducing conditions main-
tain cysteine residues in the reduced
state (-SH). Disulfide bonds (S-S)
are essentially found only in secre-
tory proteins and in the exoplasmic
domains of membrane proteins. The
RER is also the site of synthesis of
particularly in organs such as the
liver and pancreas.
Glutathione and the enzyme gluta-
thione reductase are other enzymes
involved in the formation of the ap-
propriate disulfide bonds in many
proteins and polypeptide hormones.
Similarly, they have been shown to
be involved in the metabolism of xe-
nobiotics. Thus the disulfide bonds
of cysteine contribute to the forma-
tion of the three-dimensional struc-
ture of the various protein chains.
The sulfate present in urine thus
comes entirely from oxidation of L-
cysteine.
The following list shows where sul-
fur is found in bodily metabolism:
• in the structure of the amino
acids methionine, cysteine,
homocysteine, and taurine
• in the structure of proteins

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2

) Ne w Perspectives
Sulfur, in its native form,
is a yellow crystalline substance.
• in various roles in the immune
system (immunoglobulins,
cytokines)
• in adhesion molecules
(cellular = CAM and
intercellular = ICAM)
• in membrane receptors,
such as insulin
• in leukotrienes, such as LTD4
and LTE4
• in the structure of growth
hormone, calcitonin, dehydro­
epiandrosterone, insulin, pro­lac­
tin, somatomedin, somatostatin,
synthesis of T3 and T4
• in the peptides activin, inhibins,
atrial natriuretic peptide, brain
natriuretic peptide, C peptide,
relaxin, arginine-vasopressin,
oxytocin
• epidermal growth factor, nerve
growth factor, platelet-derived
growth factor, erythropoietin
• leptin, cholecystokinin
• in the structure of collagen
fibers, desmosine, elastin,
fibrillin, fibronectin, integrin,
laminin, osteonectin, keratin
• in the structure of articular
cartilage and glycosaminogly-
cans, chondroitin 4-sulfate
and 6-sulfate, keratan sulfate I
and II, heparin, heparan sulfate,
dermatan sulfate
• constituent of the structure of
the vascular wall, endothelins
• in the coagulation cascade,
structure of fibrinogen
• as a catalyst in the respiratory
chain of the citric acid cycle
• in cellular apoptosis (caspase
enzymes)
• S-adenosylmethionine, synthesis
of epinephrine, creatinine,
melatonin
• hepatic metabolism of cyto-
chromes and action on xeno­
biotics
• in gastric fluid and pancreatic
fluid
• vitamins, such as thiamine,
biotin
• Shigella toxin, diphtheria toxin,
immunotoxin
• in the pharmaceutical and food
industry and in agriculture
The sources of the sulfur entering
the body are diverse, and the ab-
sorption occurs via a number of car-
riers, including food and the envi-
ronment. Indirectly, we ingest sulfur
in the form of toxic by-products of
fuels derived from coal and petro-
leum, which on combustion produce
sulfur dioxide. Direct ingestion of
sulfur occurs primarily in our daily
diet with the consumption of foods
rich in the sulfites used in the food
industry as preservatives and color-
ing agents to improve shelf life and
color fixation, or with the ingestion
of refined sugar, which is found in a
high percentage of the food and
drink that we consume each day, or
with foods contaminated with pesti-
cides.
The principles of Rudolf Arndt and
Hugo Schulz, which demonstrate
the linear pharmacological relation
between dose and effect, give rise to
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
the basic biological rule which states
that the physiological action of a
cell increases or decreases in relation
to the intensity of the stimulus:
Weak stimuli stimulate the life func-
tions, moderately strong stimuli ac-
celerate them, strong stimuli act as
inhibitors, and the strongest stimuli
suspend the life functions.
The high consumption of sulfur en-
tering the body is probably trans-
formed into an intense stimulus that
displaces the equilibrium of the ma-
trix and the membrane receptors, a
phenomenon leading to modifica-
tions in the network of information
received and transported through
the matrix in the intranuclear, intra-
cytoplasmic, and extracellular spac-
es.
A cascade effect then ensues that
leads to a change in biochemical,
immunological, and hormonal re-
sponses. This also destabilizes the
three-dimensional structure of pro-
teins, which, as we have already
seen, need the presence of the disul-
fide bonds to maintain their stereo-
chemical presentation and recogni-
tion at the cell membrane.
Similarly, changes are produced in
the assembly of collagen and elastin
fibers. Destabilization of the proteo-
and aminoglycans that form the hy-
drated fibrous framework for the
extracellular matrix results in com-
petition between the H+ ions of the
weak acid of H2O and the hydrogen
) 21
ions of the strong acids SO42- of sul-
furic acid H2SO4 and HPO42- of
 ) Ne w Perspectives
phosphoric acid H3PO4. Proteogly-
cans and aminoglycans are substanc-
es that readily undergo electrolytic
exchange. Their alteration destroys
their capacity to retain water in the
cartilage and extracellular matrix,
changing their state of fluidity to a
state of desiccation or gel formation;
the end result of this alteration is a
loss of the ability of the body to ex-
change information between differ-
ent compartments, leading to loss of
the state of systemic equilibrium.
These alterations predispose the pa-
tient to chronic conditions such as
diabetes, rheumatic disease, osteo-
porosis, and arthritis.
What happens in this information
exchange? We do not know exactly,
but can postulate one of the follow-
ing:
• A change in body pH alters the
behavior of the disulfide bonds,
making them more rigid, the re-
sult being that the protein chain
loses its capacity to adjust to the
membrane receptor.
• An increase in these bonds causes
changes in the three-dimensional
structure of the protein chain.
• A loss of the capacity to form
disulfide bonds causes the pro-
tein chains to break.
• A loss of cohesive strength of the
disulfide bonds makes them
cleave easily.
We do not know exactly how this
destructive process occurs, but we
are familiar with the catastrophic ef-
fect of sulfur consumption on the
body. Within a few years, research
will surely reveal to us in detail how
the destructive effect of excessive in-
take of sulfur on bodily metabolism
occurs.
) 22
Contrast this with the pharmaco-
logical viewpoint and therapeutic
indication of allopathic medicine, in
which the damage caused by an ex-
cess of sulfur is treated with sulfur-
based drugs that the patient takes in
high doses, causing a high degree of
intoxication and consequent wors-
ening of the disease. Although there
may be a relative improvement due
to an initial mechanism, what is seen
long-term is a worsening of symp-
toms and a chronification of the ini-
tial disease process, each time neces-
sitating more combinations of
medicines. We can take as an exam-
ple the profile and timescale of a
chronic condition such as diabetes.
For chronic diabetic illness, treat-
ment is commenced with sulfonyl­
ureas, which are briefly effective.
However, in time the body ceases to
respond to these drugs, making it
necessary to add another oral antidi-
abetic such as metformin or rosigli-
tazone, with the patient ultimately
becoming dependent on insulin in
order to manage symptoms and
without this curing the disease. We
return then to the patient as a chron-
ic consumer of pharmacological
substances that provide no cure
but continually exacerbate
the disease course and
the permanent sulfur
intoxication. |
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
References
1. Cooper GM, Hausman RE. La Célula. 4th ed.
Madrid, Spain: Marbán; 2008.
2. Esteller M. Epigenetics in cancer. N Engl J
Med 2008;358(11):1148-1159.
3. Etezad-Razavi M, Mahmoudi M, Hefazi M,
Balali-Mood M. Delayed ocular complica-
tions of mustard gas poisoning and the re-
lationship with respiratory and cutaneous
complications. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol
2006;34(4):342-346.
4. Fessenden R, Fessenden J. Química Orgánica.
2nd ed. Mexico City, Mexico: Grupo Edito-
rial Iberoamericana; 1984.
5. Foye WO. Principios de Química farmacéutica.
Barcelona, Spain: Reverté; 1984.
6. Ganong WF. Fisiología médica. 19th ed. Mexi-
co City, Mexico: Manual Moderno; 2004.
7. Goldsby RA, Kindt TJ, Osborne BA, Kuby J.
Inmunología. 5th ed. McGraw Hill; 2004.
8. Lodish H, Berk A, Matsudaira P, et al. Biolo-
gia Celular Y Molecular. 5th ed. México City,
Mexico: Editorial Medica Panamericana;
2005.
9. Meyers F, Jawetz E, Goldfien A. Farmacología
Clínica. 3rd ed. Mexico City, Mexico: Manual
Moderno; 1977.
10. Murray RK, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell
VW. Bioquímica de Harper. 15th ed. Mexico
City, Mexico: Manual Moderno; 2001.
11. Nussey SS, Whitehead SA. Endocrinology: an
integrated approach. Oxford, UK: BIOS Scien-
tific Publishers Ltd; 2001.
12. Reckeweg H-H. Materia Medica – Homoeo-
pathia Antihomotoxica. 4th ed. Baden-Baden,
Germany: Aurelia; 2002.
13. Schmid F, Rimpler M, Wemmer U. Medicina
antihomotóxica. Vol. I – Principios – clinica –
práctica. Baden-Baden, Germany: Aurelia;
2004:51-88.
14. Scientific opinion of the Panel on Food Ad-
ditives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and
Food Contact Materials (AFC) on a request
from the Commission on the results of the
study by McCann et al. (2007) on the ef-
fect of some colours and sodium benzoate
on children’s behaviour. The EFSA Journal
2008;660:1-54.
15. Vannier L. Compendio de Materia Médica Ho-
meopática. 4th ed. México City, Mexico: Por-
rúa, 1998.
16. World Cancer Research Fund/American In-
stitute for Cancer Research. Food, Nutrition,
Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer:
A Global Perspective. Washington, DC: AICR;
2007:35-37.
IAH Abbreviated
Course

An e-learning course leading to

certification in homotoxicology
from the International Academy for
Homotoxicology in just 40 hours.

1 Access the IAH website at www.iah-online.com.

Select your language.
2 Click on Login and register.
3 Go to Education Program.
4 Click on The IAH abbreviated course.
5 When you have finished the course, click on Examination.
After completing it successfully, you will receive your
certificate by mail.

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www.iah-online.com
 ) From the Practice
Whiplash – Acute Inflammation
Becomes Chronic
Whiplash is a term used to describe an injury to the soft
tissues – the muscles, ligaments, and nerves – of the neck.
Many people fail to relate their symptoms to a car
accident because the symptoms often begin days, months,
or even years after the accident.
T his patient, referred to me by a
local family physician, present-
ed with secondary whiplash symp-
toms presumably due to an automo-
bile accident several years ago. After
the accident, treatment with NSAIDs
and physical therapy adequately re-
lieved the acute pain of the patient’s
whiplash, but she remained con-
stantly aware of discomfort in her
neck. As time passed, she continued
to take medication for this chronic
pain, but her symptoms gradually
worsened and eventually became
unmanageable.
History
Fifteen years ago, this female patient,
now 48 years old, had been involved
in an auto accident without wearing
her seat belt and suffered whiplash
and minor cuts and bruises as a re-
sult. After the accident, she com-
plained of severe headache and nau-
sea and was hospitalized for two
days. She was given a neck brace to
wear for a minimum of 4-6 weeks
and medication to address possible
inflammation.
She was left with chronic symptoms
) 24 (pain in her neck, shoulder, and
arms; stiffness; headaches; restless-
By Dennis van Aswegen, DC
ness) that varied in frequency, some-
times appearing daily, sometimes
with symptom-free intervals of up
to a month. Several months ago,
however, the pain became more pro-
nounced and the pain-free intervals
less frequent. Because the pain pre-
vented her from sleeping, she also
suffered from severe fatigue and ir-
ritation.
Examination
An initial examination revealed:
• decreased range of motion in the
cervical spine
• swelling and inflammation in the
cervical and surrounding muscula-
ture
• tenderness and pain around the
cervical facet joints
• active myofascial trigger points
• cervicogenic headache
Upper cervical evaluation revealed
an upper neck injury that had not
been addressed by previous practi-
tioners. Jackson’s Compression Test
and the Valsalva maneuver were
positive. An MRI revealed a small
hernia between C5 and C6, poste-
riolateral to right. X-rays showed
early-stage degeneration of the facet
joints.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008
Treatment regimen
Treatment required a combination
of chiropractic (to restore normal
joint mobility and range of motion)
and physical therapy (to restore
muscle flexibility and movement). In
addition, several antihomotoxic
medications were administered:
• Spascupreel and Zeel were inject-
ed twice weekly into trigger points
along the lumbar vertebrae to im-
prove paraspinal muscular spasms
and myofascial trigger points.
• Gelsemium-Homaccord and Lym-
phomyosot were injected twice
weekly into the painful area to re-
lieve cervical pain and inflamma-
tion and cervicogenic headache.
• Oral Gelsemium-Homaccord was
also prescribed (10-15 drops 3-4
times per day).
The patient initially reported an in-
crease in pain (possibly due to a re-
action phase) but then reported
gradual improvement in the pain
and other symptoms from the 2nd to
3rd week. With less pain and irrita-
tion, she was able to relax, and her
sleep pattern improved. Upon con-
clusion of treatment, she felt ener-
getic, was no longer experiencing
mood swings, and reported excel-
lent concentration at work. Her
quality of life has greatly improved,
as has her family life.|
) Vol. 2, No. 2

Lumbosacral Pain
Syndrome
“Treatment for lower back pain is not a single therapy but
rather an integration of several therapies.”
T he patient, who suffered from
longstanding back pain and
had consulted numerous specialists,
had decided to endure his condition
with the help of medication for as
long as possible before resorting to
surgical intervention. As a result, he
became a walking illustration of the
well-known statistic: Back pain is
second only to the common cold as
a cause of lost work time and results
in more lost productivity than any
other medical condition. His condi-
tion was interfering not only with
his work but also with his general
day-to-day activities and family life
and even forced him to give up most
of his sporting/outdoor interests.
History
The patient is a 43-year-old male
with a long history of lower back
pain, which began at a very young
age after various childhood mis-
haps and enthusiastic participation
in contact sports. Treatment with
NSAIDs was initially effective in
combination with physical therapy,
but as the years passed, the pain be-
gan to move into his legs, although
it rarely radiated below the knees. As
a result, treatment became less effec-
tive, and the symptom-free intervals
between bouts of pain/restricted
movement became shorter. At a later
stage, even slight abnormal biome-
) From the Practice
By Dennis van Aswegen, DC
chanical movements triggered pain-
ful symptoms. The patient described
the pain as burning, sharp, shooting,
or “pins and needles.” It intensified
with long periods of activity such
as walking or cycling. Additional
symptoms included pain-related
insomnia and a painful sensation
when bearing down during bowel
movements.
Examination
On initial physical examination, the
following orthopedic tests were po­
si­tive, suggesting an L4/5 disc lesion:
• decreased range of motion in ac-
tive flexion/extension and rota-
tion
• straight leg raising (especially the
right leg, above 70 degrees)
• Bragard’s test
• Valsalva maneuver
X-ray and MRI studies of the lum-
bar spine revealed:
• disc herniation at the levels of L4
and L5 (more pronounced at the
L5 level and on the right, but with
minimal pressure on the thecal sac)
• early facet degeneration from L2
to L5, both left and right
• active myofascial trigger points in
the lumbar paraspinal and gluteal
muscles
• flattening of the lumbar lordosis
• irritation and inflammation of the
lumbar facet joints
Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2
©2008 JupiterImages Corporation
Treatment regimen
Treatment required a combination
of chiropractic and physical therapy.
In addition, several antihomotoxic
medications were prescribed:
• Spascupreel was injected twice
weekly into trigger points along
the lumbar vertebrae.
• A mixture of Zeel and Discus com-
positum was injected twice weekly
into the paravertebral muscles to
relieve chronic inflammation and
degeneration of the facet joints
and intervertebral disc.
• Colocynthis-Homaccord (which
could also be mixed with Zeel and
Discus compositum) was injected
twice weekly into sites along
the paraspinal muscles to relieve
symptoms of sciatica and neural-
gia.
• Traumeel tablets were prescribed
for general inflammation and pain
(1 tablet 3 times per day for six
weeks).
The patient reported a 60 percent
improvement in both pain and range
of motion after four weeks of treat-
ment and an additional ten percent
improvement after six weeks. He has
been able to resume his day-to-day
activities and looks forward to tak-
ing up some of his previous sporting
and outdoor pursuits again in the
near future.|
) 25
 ) Making of …

Suis-Organ Products in
Antihomotoxic Medicine
Part 2: Production and Quality Control
By Wilfried Stock, PhD

tered out. The resulting filtrate is the

mother tincture used in the produc-
Suis-organ preparations, an important component of
tion of further dilutions.
antihomotoxic therapy, are administered especially to Method 42b applies specifically to
patients with chronic diseases to stimulate and reactivate the production of injectable medica-
tions (as defined in HAB 2007,
the homologous human organs or tissues. Homeopathi- Method 11) and eye drops (Method
cally prepared extracts of more than seventy different 15). The manufacturing process dif-
fers from that described in Method
organs are available for specific organ support.
42b only in that one part of the
finely ground raw material is first
mixed with 2.1 parts of 85 percent

T he manufacturing of suis-organ
preparations is strictly regulat-
ed to ensure their safety. Before pro-
Homeopathic extracts

Production of homeopathic extracts

duction of the mother tincture be-
gins, the identity of the raw material
of animal origin is first confirmed
by a veterinarian. A number of tests
are then performed, including a his-
tological examination. Additional
tests for zoonoses are conducted in
specialized laboratories to ensure
that the animal tissues contain no
pathogens that infect humans. All of
the test results are documented and
archived and must be available be-
fore the animal material is processed
further.
from freshly slaughtered animals or
their organs follows manufacturing
methods 42a or 42b of the Ger-
man Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia
(HAB).1 In accordance with the
2007 HAB, one part of the animal
ingredient is diluted with nine parts
of 85 percent glycerol (Method
42a). The initial mixture is allowed
to stand for at least five days, after
which the coarsest particles are fil-
glycerol and succussed; for injection
purposes, the first decimal (D1) di-
lution is then produced using three
parts of this mother tincture and
seven parts water, while the D2 di-
lution uses one part D1 and nine
parts water.
In accordance with Method 42a,
potentization stages up to and in-
cluding D2 always involve a 1:10
mix with either 85 percent glycerol
or 15 percent ethanol; beginning
with D3, the carrier is 15 percent
ethanol. The potentized suis-organ

“Isoelectric focusing,” a technique

for separating different molecules
according to electric charge differences,
is used to confirm the identity of
suis-organ mother tinctures. The
photograph shows a flatbed system

) 26 for horizontal applications with

integrated cooling plate and an
external power supply unit.

Journal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 2

 ) Making of …

A lab assistant positions a precast

polyacrylamide gel on the cooling
plate.

extracts are then further processed
into antihomotoxic medications in
accordance with the relevant manu-
facturing guideline of the HAB.
Quality assurance
In addition to the above-mentioned
microscopic histological examina-
tion of the animal raw material, ad-
ditional analytical testing of finished
mother tinctures takes place in Heel’s
quality control lab. In particular, the
identity of the mother tincture is
confirmed through “isoelectric fo-
cusing,” a specialized electrophore-
sis technique applied in accordance
with the European Pharmacopoeia.2
Isoelectric focusing makes it possible
to identify the various components
of a biological material as shown on
an electropherogram. Com­parison
to previous production runs then
ensures the uniformity of the current
batch of mother tincture.
Other physical characteristics (color,
opalescence, relative density) of the
mother tincture are also tested.
Viral and bacterial safety
The special conditions under which
donor animals are raised (see Part 1:
Breeding and Raising the Donor
Pigs,“ BT 1/2008, pp. 24-25) and
extensive testing of the animal tis-
sues for zoonoses ensures that the
quality of the suis-organ extracts
meets modern standards of safety.
The European Pharmacopoeia’s
general monograph on homeopathic
preparations requires that animal in-
gredients be free of viral and bac­
terial agents to avoid infecting
patients. An assessment report, re­
gularly updated, evaluates the viral
safety of the hog tissue.
Because the animal tissues used in
the manufacture of suis-organ medi-
cations are derived exclusively from
hogs, which have no known suscep-
tibility to spongiform encephalopa-
thy (BSE), there is no danger of
transmitting the disease. Thus the
suis-organ preparations manufac-
tured and marketed by Heel meet all
the requirements of the law and the
pharmacopoeia with regard to bio-
logical materials of this type.|
References
1. Homöopathisches Arzneibuch 2007. Stuttgart,
Germany: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag,
2007.
2. European Pharmacopoeia. 6th ed. Strasbourg,
France: Council of Europe, 2007.

Electropherogram of splen suis mother

tincture. Proteins appear as distinct,
sharp zones. The resulting pattern is
unique to a given substance, thus
permitting unambiguous identification.
) 27
Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg
Award 2009
Join in – get your experience rewarded

Outstanding scientific research deserves to be acknowledged, and rapid international distribution

of the results provides a useful service to both researchers and potential consumers. In the field of
homotoxicology, Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH offers such support in the form of the annual
Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg award.

The main award

valued at € 10,000, will be given for completed scientific work of fundamental theoretical and/
or practical significance in antihomotoxic medicine in the related fields of human and veterinary
medicine (no research involving animal testing).

The incentive award

valued at € 5,000, will be given for results arising from clinical, case based or fundamental research
in antihomotoxic medicine in the related fields of human and veterinary medicine that invite further
investigation (no research involving animal testing). The prize monies are intended to be invested in
ongoing research into the particular research subject.

The prize will be awarded for results arising from research carried out in a registered practice or
in a laboratory. In either case the results have to be new, not published before and convincing.
Homotoxicology is one of medicine‘s great success stories. Originally conceived as a model to explain
the outstanding efficacy of a distinct class of homeopathic medications, homotoxicology has grown
into a comprehensive theory of disease.
The deadline for submissions is May 31. An independent panel of reviewers will allocate the awards.
The review panel maintains the right to allocate either of the awards to any of the entries. The review
panel‘s decision is final.

Interested parties are welcome to ask for entry details and conditions:

Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Department of Research,76532 Baden-Baden, Germany

Phone +49 7221 501-227, Fax +49 7221 501-660, info@heel.de, www.heel.com