Homeopathic Injections for Pain- The Who, What, When & WHY?
My mentor, Dr. Leon Hammer, who was a Psychiatrist long before apprenticing himself to Dr. John Shen to learn Chinese Medicine used to say, “All illness is mental illness, especially pain.” What he meant was that if any condition goes on long enough, it’s only a matter of time before it starts chipping away at our psyche.
This is all too common with chronic pain. Every time we move, or try and do something we used to be able to do with our body and the pain reminds us to stop, the mind begins to trigger negative thoughts eventually making us feel terrible about ourselves and our potential to heal. That’s why we take a holistic approach to addressing pain asking not only about your physical pain but your mental emotional wellbeing.
Bodywork therapy such as massage, cupping, gua sha and acupuncture are gain changers for most of our patients when it comes to recovering from acute and chronic pain, but what happens when it’s not 100%? That’s when we bring in the homeopathic injectables. In some individuals homeopathic injections can dramatically speed up the healing process by drastically decreasing inflammation. They also make incredible alternatives to using steroids, NSAIDS, and narcotics to control pain without the side effects of ulcers, adrenal fatigue, addiction and personality changes.
What bodily systems can homeopathics effect?
Homeopathic medication can affect all systems of the body from the nervous system to the immune system and everything in between. We currently offer Traumeel, Zeel, and Spascuspreel as singles or in combination for the treatment of muscular, joint or bone pain. We also offer Calmvalera and Gelsemium for the treatment of the nervous system and Engystol to aid the immune system.
How do homeopathic injections for Pain work?
ZEEL
Zeel is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms of osteoarthritis including mild to moderate pain, articular stiffness (joint pain) and inflammation.
While the exact mechanism of action of ZEEL is not fully understood, in vitro data indicates that the ingredients in ZEEL may reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation in arthritic joints via immuno-modulation. Hence, it has been shown that ZEEL inhibits activity of the leukocyte elastase. This enzyme is released during inflammatory reactions and attacks the articular cartilage which is rich in proteoglycans. 2 A study of human whole blood cultures demonstrated that certain plant extracts contained in ZEEL (e.g. Rhus toxicodendron, Arnica montana) stimulate lymphocytes to release the transforming growth factor-(beta). 3 The protective effect of ZEEL upon cartilage has also been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. 4,5,6 The clinical effectiveness and tolerance of ZEEL has been demonstrated in randomized, blind, multi-center, controlled clinical trials as well as uncontrolled post-marketing physician surveys.
For those experiencing chronic joint pain of the joints of the extremities or the vertebrae of the spine we find this injection to be a game changer in 2/3 of the patients that try it.
Those that have known allergies or adverse reactions to arnica or who have had severe incidences of poison oak should error on the side of caution and avoid use. It is otherwise well tolerated, much more so that continued use of NSAIDS with longer lasting effects.
TRAUMEEL
Traumeel injections are a highly sought after natural treatment for conditions that cause painful inflammation. It is primarily comprised of the homeopathic version of arnica montana root, a plant extract that is commonly found in creams and tablets, Traumeel injections are considered a first line of defense for acute injuries especially those with excess swelling or i patients that are not a candidate or weary of taking traditionally prescribed NSAIDS to reduce inflammation.
When the body is injured the immune system begins its response to injury with inflammation. The swelling a snd warmth experienced in these times is cause by increased blood flow both eh area and blood vessels diffusing at the site of the damaged tissue. The body does this in order to begin the repair process which is all well and good, except when our body over reacts or does not have enough yang qi to move out the damaged tissue and decrease the swelling.
The mechanism of action of TRAUMEEL Injection Solution does not appear to be the result of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition, as is the case with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). TRAUMEEL Injection Solution does not inhibit the arachidonic acid pathway of prostaglandin synthesis. Instead, the mechanism of action of TRAUMEEL Injection Solution appears to be the result of modulation of the release of oxygen radicals from activated neutrophils, and inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators (possibly interleukin-1 from activated macrophages) and neuropeptides (7).
In vitro studies show that the ingredients in TRAUMEEL Injection Solution are noncytotoxic to granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and endothelia, which indicates that the defensive functions of these cells are preserved during treatment with TRAUMEEL Injection Solution (8).
The anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and anti-exudative effects of TRAUMEEL Injection Solution have been demonstrated in clinical trials as well as in in vivo experimental models including the carrageenin-induced edema test and the adjuvant arthritis test (8).
We have successfully used trammel injections to reduce pain in swelling in patients with acute pain due to falls, bike accidents, car accidents in 90% of the cases where it was administered.
TRAUMEEL Injection Solution is indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with inflammatory, exudative, and degenerative processes due to acute trauma (such as contusions, lacerations, fractures, sprains, post-operative wounds, etc.), repetitive or overuse injuries (such as tendonitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, etc.), and for minor aches and pains associated with such conditions. TRAUMEEL Injection Solution is also indicated for the treatment of minor aches and pains associated with backache, muscular aches, and the minor pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
While Traumeel is generally well tolerated, those with known allergies or adverse reactions to arnica, calendula (marigold), chamomile, daisy, or echinacea should error on the side of caution and avoid use of this product.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A HOMEOPATHIC INJECTION FOR PAIN?
You should expect to see a drastic improvement in your pain symptoms unfold over the course of 72 hours post injections. Immediately after your treatment, you’ll be able to resume your normal daily activities without any restrictions. You may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days, but it should subside very quickly.
References
The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS), 8 th Edition. Falls Church, Virginia, 1979 and the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States Revision Service (HPRS), 1988.
Stancikova M. Inhibition of leucyte elastasis in vitro with Zeel and its various potentized components - a preliminary report. Biologische Medizin . Vol 28 (2) 1999, 83-84.
Heine H. The working mechanisms of Antihomotoxic Potentized Preparations. Biomedical Therapy . XVII (4) 1999, 117-120.
Weh L, Froeschle G. Incubation in Preparations as a Means of Influencing cartilage mechanics: A mechanical study. Biological Therapy . VIII (4) 1990, 91-93.
Stancikova M et al. Effects of Zeel on Experimental Osteoarthritis in Rabbit Knee. Research Institute of Rheumatic Diseases. Slovakia, 1999. Data pending publication.
Orlandini A, Rossi M, Setti M. The Effectiveness of Zeel and new Research Methods in Rheumatology. Biologische Medizin . Vol 26 (4) 1997, 164-165.
Data on file, Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany.
Conforti A, et al . Experimental Studies on the Anti-inflammatory Activity of a Homeopathic Preparation. Biomedical Therapy XV No.1:28-31, 1997.
Drugs.com- please visit for more detailed analysis of each
We will cover the specifics of Calmvalera, Gelsemium and Engystol in another article.
If you or someone you know is experiencing acute or chronic pain we invite you to book today with one of skilled practiotners. If injections are thought to be clinically indicated for your specific case they will be offered. And if you have questions feel free to call us and speak to a practitioner directly before booking.