Homoeopathy goes nano

NANOPARTICLES are the latest breakthrough in cancer treatment. They can ferry anti-cancer drugs into the malignant cells while sparing neighbouring healthy cells, thus, eliminating side effects that accompany cancer therapies.

Thalassemia patients might need fewer blood transfusions

thalassemia patients who undergo expensive treatment to remove extra iron from their system may now take to homoeopathy. Scientists have found a homoeopathic remedy that is inexpensive and without side-effects. The remedy, they say, lessens the frequency of blood transfusions.

Healers in arms

Undiluted evidence

researchers have come up with yet another explanation for the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines. An experiment conducted by Louis Rey, the scientific advisor of Switzerland, indicates how the potency of the medicines is maintained even if they are diluted several times during preparation.

In Brief

PILE OF PERIL: Toxic waste from piles of unused pesticides in Africa is threatening people's health and the environment. Despite several clean-up measures by the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), less than five per cent of the stockpiles have been disposed till now.

The forms of alternative medicine

Mind-body intervention psychotherapy: includes combining medication with discussion, listening to the patient or using more active behavioural and emotive psychological methods; can hasten recovery in somatic illnesses. support groups: group therapy and counselling combined with diet and exercise can reverse diseases like angina pectoris. meditation: increases longevity and quality of life, reduces anxiety, blood pressure and serum cholesterol level.

Nectar notes

The US National Cancer Institute has found that Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) 4 and 5, ayurvedic formulations developed by the Maharishi International University, significantly inhibit cancer cell growth in both human tumour and rat epithelial cell systems. Prepared from a wide variety of herbs and spices in a base of wholecane sugar, ghee and honey, MAK has also been found to enhance cognitive functioning, prevent illness and alleviate detrimental effects of the aging process.

Eco-healing

Environmental medicine studies the interfaces among chemicals, food and inhalants in the environment and the biological function of the individual. It was founded in the 1940s by Theron Randolph, who, along with others, developed a new model and associated clinical principles that would help a physician to diagnose an illness by studying the environmental factors affecting the patient. Today, environmental medicine is practised by more than 3,000 practitioners the world over.

The other course

Likes and the unlikely