Deeper questioning will most likely reveal that their labour was induced because the baby was past the “due” date or was heavy. They will also admit to taking the epidural analgesia because the pain was becoming unbearable – of course, adding that doctor assured them that the epidural would not harm them or the baby, as it would be administered by a skilled physician. Once the baby was born, the umbilical cord was quickly cut and the baby whisked away for cleaning and some standard tests, before finally meeting the mother. This is the typical scenario of today’s normal births.

The word “normal,” is defined as “conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.”  Now, if we were to ask our grandmothers what a normal delivery means to them, they would reveal quite a different scenario. Most would recount how once the labour pains started naturally, they carried on with the usual housework and at the same time, paid attention to the signals their bodies were giving them. When it was time to deliver, they would assume whatever position was comfortable and gently push the baby out. Once the baby was born, she was put on the mother’s chest for some quiet bonding time.

Between these two scenarios, what is normal? It seems that what has become normal is our inability to trust our bodies and endure the pain.  We are so used to popping painkillers at the slightest cramp or ache that the pain of childbirth seems unendurable. As women, we cannot be blamed for these choices. After all, we do depend on our obstetricians and doctors to guide us. If they choose to promote such “overmedicalisation,” deeming that it is perfectly safe for both mother and baby, why should we think twice?

The epidural – the modern “saviour” during labour is not all that safe. For mothers, although the pain is reduced, taking an epidural increases the chances of a prolonged labour because of the inability to feel the contractions, nausea and vomiting, drop in blood pressure, and long-term backache, amongst other problems. Babies have a higher chance of experiencing foetal distress, due to changes in their heart rate and lower oxygen supply because of the epidural.

There are many natural alternatives to managing labour pain. Breathing and relaxation techniques are extremely effective in calming down the mother during contractions and to ensure that all the cells of her body are properly oxygenated for optimal functioning. Breathing in deeply during each contraction and visualising the cervix dilating are the basic ways to manage the pain and to promote opening of the cervix. The pain will still be there but the mother will feel more empowered to deal with it

This technique can be used along with homeopathic medicines, which will stimulate the mother’s strength and vitality for a safe and effective birth.

The following list presents some of the most common homeopathic remedies that are indicated in labour, along with a brief description of each. They are generally taken in the 30C potency in water. However, for best results, do consult a qualified homeopath before taking the remedies as the symptoms of the remedy need to match your presenting complaints.

During labour

• Aconite – Distressed, anxious, fearful before labour
• Carbo vegetabilis – Exhausted, desires fanning during labour
• Caulophyllum – Labour pains too weak, irregular
• Chamomilla – Impatient, violent, with intolerable pains
• Cimicifuga – Pain from hip to hip
• Gelsemium – Weakness, trembling, dizziness during labour
• Ipecacuanha – Nausea and vomiting during labour
• Kali carbonica – Back pain, weak labour pains
• Kali phosphorica – Mental exhaustion, fatigue during labour
• Phytolacca – Electric-shock like labour pains with pain in breast
• Pulsatilla – Ineffectual, changeable pains during labour
• Secale – No expulsion action during labour
• Sepia – Violent, upward, stitching labour pains
• Staphysagria – Burning urethra with labour pains

Post delivery

• Arnica – Bruised, tired feeling from overexertion
• Bellis perennis – Sore, bruised feeling after caesarian
• Calendula – Raw, inflamed, stinging labour wounds
• Hypericum – Shooting pains after instrumental delivery

Often, I have seen in my practice, skin eruptions developing after a person has taken a heavy dose of antibiotics. Besides suppressing the immune system, antibiotics put a heavy load on the liver, thus reducing its efficiency in detoxification. The most common type of skin eruptions that appear after the use of antibiotics is rashes. In certain individuals with a weaker immune system, fungal eruptions may also manifest.

It is not surprising that in today’s world, with widespread use of antibiotics, there are many individuals who suffer from “unexplained” itchiness or skin problems. Allopaths simply label these ailments as “idiopathic” (meaning: of an unknown cause or origin). However, there is a clear causative factor. Thus, caution must be exercised in the use of antibiotics.

In homeopathy, a remedy that is commonly used to counter the ill-effects of antibiotics is Sulphur. However, the use of Sulphur requires careful analysis and individualisation of a person’s symptoms, just like with any other homeopathic remedy. If you develop skin ailments immediately after, or even several weeks after taking a course of antibiotics, help is available.

In order to eradicate an ailment, we must strive to understand why it has manifested in the first place. Physical problems manifest due to some suppressed emotions or negativity. Our bodies are not designed to “house” negative emotions. Hence, to establish order, the body is intelligent enough to “throw out” the negativity in the form of some physical ailment.

In the case of heart “burns”, it manifests because of suppressed fear. If you were to have an intimate chat with an individual who suffers from chronic heartburn or other digestive problems, you will come to understand that there is a lot of fear or insecurity harboured in the emotional plane. Once this fear is addressed, the physical ailment will be alleviated.

The part of the body or chakra (energy meridian) that holds on to fear is the solar plexus. It is also this chakra that is connected to the digestive system. If an individual has a lot of fears and anxieties, the solar plexus will generally be blocked or choked. This blockage, in turn, has an adverse effect on the digestive organs.

In Reiki therapy, energy is directed more towards the solar plexus with the intention that it works on addressing the core emotions behind the heart “burn”. After a session, a client may become more aware about emotions that were previously suppressed and be more empowered to let them go. This process generally takes time. However, the first step is definitely awareness of the problem and this, in itself, is therapeutic.

Homeopathic remedies work beautifully with Reiki in order to hasten the healing process. Since we are on the subject of emotions behind digestive problems, it would be worthwhile to examine the personality profiles of two homeopathic remedies that are prominent in treating such problems.

Arsenicum album (Ars alb) is a very useful remedy for gastric derangements. Ars alb individuals have a tendency towards intense, burning pains and indigestion from cold foods, vinegar, acidic fruits, etc. Personality wise, they have a deep-seated insecurity with fears of being alone, death, poverty. They are also extremely stingy with money and material possessions and tend to be very selfish individuals. It is not wonder that they also have intense anxiety that is felt in the pit of the stomach – the exact location of the solar plexus!

Another remedy worth examining is Nux vomica. This personality typifies the modern, competitive man, leading a sedentary life. Individuals for whom Nux vomica is suited are ambitious and competitive to a pathological degree. Their fear is that they are going to be left behind in the rat race. They tend to overindulge in coffee, alcohol, sex, spicy foods and have a rather short temper. Since their mind is so “inflamed”, they are prone to inflammatory disorders such as gastritis and ulcers.

I have found that by combining Reiki and Homeopathy, a powerful synergy of healing energy is created, and this has proven to be invaluable in my personal practice.

She added that the pain was better with pressing and massaging and also better with hot applications. Moving about made the pain worse. Casually, she mentioned that it could be due to the cold, rainy weather as she did tend to have such pains when the weather became cooler.

I gave her one dose of Formica rufa 30C and within an hour, the pain subsided.

Formica rufa, a remedy made from ants, is very effective for rheumatic pains that are better with warm application and pressure. It also has an affinity to the right side of the body. The person may complain about the suddenness of the pain and show marked restlessness.

He was given Apis mel 30C, 3 pills every half hour for up to two hours. By the next morning, the swelling had completely subsided.

Apis mel is a remedy made from the sting of the honey bee. It is especially indicated in swellings after insect bites, where there is pain, redness and soreness. The pain is aggravated from touch and pressure on the affected part.

Upon examination, the region was red and dry. It looked like a fungal infection. She had been managing the itching with an anti-fungal ointment all this while.

Based on the redness, burning and itching in the warmth of the bed, I gave her 2 pills of Sulphur 30C on the tongue and told her to keep me updated on how she felt.

The itching gradually reduced and when I examined the area two days later, the patch was less red and much smaller. I have not repeated the remedy as it is still working in her system. Perhaps another dose of Sulphur 30C may be required after several weeks to give her permanent relief from the problem.

An important thing to note when taking homeopathic remedies is that as long as the first dose is giving relief or showing improvement, there is no need to repeat the remedy. Only when progress stops, should a second dose be given.

Patients do sometimes wonder why their practitioner is being “stingy” with the remedies. It is anything but that as hasty repetitions do spoil a well-progressing case.

Nausea with or without vomiting is a common symptom in the early stages of pregnancy. It happens mainly due to a surge in pregnancy related hormones. Generally, the nausea is most intense upon rising in the morning but can be triggered by the sight or smell of certain foods. For some women, it can also intensify when in a moving vehicle. Generally, the pattern varies from person to person.

There are some important things to keep in mind if you are experiencing nausea with frequent vomiting. It is important to keep replenishing fluids into your system as frequent vomiting leads to dehydration, which can pose a lot of problems during this delicate time. It is also important to take small but frequent meals.

Nausea and vomiting can be alleviated easily with certain homeopathic remedies. Although the remedies are very safe to be taken during pregnancy, it is advisable that you do not exceed the 30C potency when self medicating. The best option, of course, would be to see a qualified practitioner.

Suggested remedies:

Ipecac – For severe nausea that is not relieved even after vomiting. The tongue is generally clean.

Colchicum – Nausea from the smell or sight of food. The woman is generally very sensitive to very faint smells.

Nux vomica – Nausea that is worse on rising in the morning. This is generally suited to women who have a strong urge to vomit but it is not possible.

Cocculus – Nausea and vomiting which is worse in a moving vehicle.

All this internal turmoil is perfect breeding ground for acne vulgaris or pimples, as we normally call it. You may wonder at this point, isn’t acne a result of overactive glands, build-up of bacteria and dead skin? Yes. But this is only one side of the story.

We must appreciate the fact that all physical problems stem from an underlying emotional or mental disturbance. Once the conflict on these subtler planes is cleared, the physical problem will automatically melt away. This aspect of disease is explained very well in the Science of Metaphysics.

With this in mind, acne is actually a physical manifestation of “self dislike” or an inability to accept ourselves the way we are. This emotion is perfect soil for the development of acne, which is literally an “outburst” (of self-disapproval) on the skin.

I suffered from severe acne during my adolescent years. Until I changed my perception of myself, my skin did not clear.

It is very likely that a teenager with severe acne is grappling with self disapproval, the most common reasons being grades or relationships. Until I get As in all my subjects, I am not good enough. Until I have a boyfriend or girlfriend, I am not good enough. Until I lose all this weight, I am not good enough. These are some of the most common thought patterns seen in teenagers with skin problems.

There are some excellent Tissue salts and Bach Flower remedies that are not just effective in treating acne but also help to bring about a positive shift in the way we look at ourselves. In this way, the mental and emotional patterns which precede the physical manifestation are healed.

One of the most common flower remedies for skin eruptions is Crabapple. It aids in cleasing and detoxification but more importantly, deals with the mental pattern of self hatred. Persons requiring this remedy would typically be over-conscious about their appearance and complexion, wanting to get rid of what they deem to be undesirable.

In combination with Crabapple, which works more on the emotional side, Biochemic tissue salts such as Calcarea Sulph 6x, Natrum Mur 6x and Natrum Sulph 6x will help to clear up the skin.

Such circumstances usually come with financial worries, future uncertainties and additional responsibilities to family members. It is almost as though the atmosphere at home has become gloomy.

In such situations, it is necessary for us to maintain equanimity and try to create a positive vibe at home so that recovery can quickly ensue. It is crucial that we do not neglect our own well-being as this will further dampen the spirit of our loved one.

A particular combination of Bach Flower remedies is very beneficial in such situations. It helps to renew a sense of hope and restores our energy balance.

The remedies in this combination are as follows:

Gorse – This remedy helps to restore a sense of hope and optimism about the future.

Red Chestnut – This is indicated when one is excessively worried or fearful about the well-being of a loved one. It takes away the irrational fears and forebodings, thus helping to restore equanimity.

Olive – It helps in situations of extreme exhaustion, where it is difficult for the mind to function. It helps to restore spiritual and emotional energy.

The remedies can be taken in combination, four times a day at an interval of 3 to 4 hours for up to 3 weeks.

Depending on your preference and comfort level, the practitioner will place his or her hands just below your naval and the Reiki energy will begin to flow. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with hands-on therapy, you must voice this out immediately. Most Reiki practitioners have done the Second degree course which enables them to give distance healing. In addition, they will always seek permission from you before placing their hands on your body.

Reiki is intelligent and will work only towards your highest and greatest good. Reiki directs itself automatically to the part that requires the healing. For example, if you are having a bad bout of cold along with the menstrual cramps, the therapist will not consciously need to direct the Reiki to your nose and lungs.

The energy will stimulate your body’s own innate healing powers so that you can experience relief quickly and easily. Some individuals do report that after receiving Reiki, certain pent-up emotions, that they thought they had put behind them, resurfaced. It is likely that the pain was due to suppression of these very emotions. Hence, it is not possible to predict how Reiki will work for you and the course it will take. What is important to keep in mind is that Reiki will always work towards the outcome that is best for you.

If you are specifically seeking treatment for menstrual cramps, you may experience a more profuse flow of menstrual discharge in the same period or the next one, after receiving Reiki. Discharges are the body’s natural and most efficient way of eliminating toxins. Some individuals may also observe a change in the colour of their menses. These changes are part of the healing process. Hence, do not be alarmed by them. Always keep your Reiki practitioner well-informed about your progress and concerns.