Breast cancer in South Africa has become one of the most prominent cancers affecting women. Worldwide, breast cancer results in more deaths amongst women than any other cancer (Vorobiof, 2001). Chemotherapy has become one of the most effective and commonly used adjuvant forms of treatment in breast cancer. However, despite its effectiveness, it has a variety of side effects ranging from nausea, fatigue, vomiting, alopecia to many others. Due to the significant levels of discomfort and disability associated with chemotherapy, patients often seek additional treatment to assist with these side effects. Many individuals combine complementary and alternative therapies with conventional treatment of their cancer (Breasthealth, 2005). Homoeopathy is often used to alleviate the side-effects resulting from the chemotherapy treatments (Diamond and Crowden, 1997). This research involved the individualized treatment of patients experiencing side effects from chemotherapy, employing homeopathic medicine. The study involved ten participants who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and who were scheduled for at least four chemotherapy treatments. The participants did not receive any homoeopathic remedies to assist with the side effects following the first chemotherapy treatment. The results from the first chemotherapy treatment were utilized to establish each individual’s control results against which, future results would be compared. Participants received their homoeopathic similimum remedies to assist with their second, third and fourth chemotherapies. The appropriate homoeopathic remedy was determined using each patient’s distinguishing, mental, emotional and physical symptoms following each chemotherapy treatment. Each participant completed the Researcher’s Questionnaires (Appendix B) following their chemotherapy treatments and recorded the severity of their nausea, fatigue, vomiting and general symptoms experienced after each of the four chemotherapies. These were handed to the researcher at each follow-up consultation. These results, together with the holistic progress as noted by the researcher at every consultation, were used to determine the efficacy of homoeopathy on the side effects of chemotherapy treatment. This study aimed to reduce the severity and duration of side effects resulting from chemotherapy treatment using individual homoeopathic remedies prescribed. The severity of side effects was graded and monitored for each patient following each chemotherapy session. Of the ten participants involved in this study, eight participants completed all their scheduled chemotherapy sessions. Two of the participants completed only three chemotherapies as their conditions had improved drastically and were not compelled to complete their remaining chemotherapies. Compliance with the homoeopathic treatments was thus effectively 100%. The results of this study indicated that all of the participants reported a statistically significant decrease in side effects after taking the similimum homoeopathic remedies and they also experienced a shorter duration of side effects. All patients in this study were better able to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy whilst taking the similimum Homoeopathic remedies. / Dr. N. Wolf Dr. C.A. Benn Dr. K. Peck

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment to auricular acupuncture in smoking cessation. The study was a clinical trial, in which the two different treatment forms were compared. The study required sixty participants. The participants were paired and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received homoeopathic treatment, whilst the second group received auricular acupuncture treatment. The study took place over a six-week period, in which each participant completed a one-week screening period before and after the four-week treatment period began. During the initial consultation, participants were required to complete a questionnaire under the researcher's supervision. The questionnaire included the Fagerstrom tolerance test to determine the participant's dependence on nicotine. Each participant recorded a daily cigarette consumption log before, during and after treatment. Median values of the daily cigarette consumption were calculated and then statistically analysed. Prior to treatment, no significant different in daily cigarette consumption was found between the two groups. Consequent to treatment, both the auricular acupuncture group and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group were found to show a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked. At 6 weeks the cessation rate for the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group was 20%, and that of the auricular acupuncture group was 16.7%. Although there was no statistical difference between the two groups after treatment, the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment group showed a 3.3% improvement over the auricular acupuncture group. From the results, it was apparent that both the auricular acupunture treatment and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment were effective in smoking cessation.

M.Tech. / The development of wrinkles is an aspect of ageing that causes people to become dissatisfied with their appearance. The most obvious or noticeable wrinkles on a person's face are those around and between the eyes. Treatment of, for example the wrinkles between the eyes, such as the most prominent frown lines, leads to a visible improvement of appearance ...

M.Dip.Tech. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Tech. / Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity that manifests in early childhood. The symptoms of ADHD affect cognitive, behavioural, emotional and social functioning (Sadiq, 2007). Conventional treatment of this disorder is predominantly through the use of psycho-stimulants, with methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®) often considered the drug of choice. Concerns about potential adverse effects include anxiety, anorexia, tacchycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, increased blood pressure, dysphoria, dizziness, growth suppression and dyskinesias (Sadock and Sadock, 2007). Dreyer (1996) mentions the irritability, fatigue and melancholy, which often follows the use of these medications. Parents concerned about the side effects and long term use of medications are increasingly seeking out alternatives to pharmacologic treatment (Sadiq, 2007). Homoeopathy is a therapeutic approach of preventing and treating disease; it consists of a medical philosophy based on defined laws and principles (Eizayaga, 1991). Homoeopathy is asserted to influence disease with the use of highly diluted substances; the specific remedy is chosen to correspond according to the characteristic individual symptoms of the patient presenting with ADHD (Frei, et al., 2006). The aim of this study was, by means of case studies, to determine the effect of the homoeopathic simillimum treatment using LM potency in children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Ten children, males and females between the ages of 5 to 10 years old who had been diagnosed with ADHD and were on a balanced, restricted sugar, high complex carbohydrate diet - low in additives, preservatives and food dyes (Rothenberg, 1997) - were recruited via advertisements (Appendix C) in the Gauteng region with permission from specific remedial and primary schools (Appendix F). In addition, an advertisement (Appendix C) was displayed on the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support group of South Africa (ADHASA) website (Appendix D) and in psychologist and occupational therapist practice rooms. The study took place at the University of Johannesburg, Homoeopathy Health Centre, as well as at the participant’s and researcher’s homes.

No description available.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / According to the World Health Organisation (2008), an estimated two billion individuals globally, are infected with Hepatitis B (HBV). South Africa reported 864 notified new cases between 2001 and 2004 (Department Of Health, 2005), with an estimated 3-4 million chronic HBV infected black South Africans (Kew, 2008). Kwa-Zulu Natal and Free State were the most affected provinces; while 20-39 years was the most affected age group as of 2005 (Department Of Health, 2005). Workers in the health industry, intravenous drug users and children of women who have Hepatitis B are at the most risk for contracting this disease from blood products and body fluids (Immunization Action Coalition, 2007; Boon et al., 2006), where contraction of the disease can lead to liver cirrhosis, fibrosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma (Highleyman, 2008). The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) of the South African Department of Health (2009) suggests vaccination for Hepatitis B should be administered at six, ten and fourteen weeks, or a dose every month for 3 months. Adverse reactions associated with the vaccine include “Guillain-Barre Syndrome, arthritis, demyelinating nervous system disease” (Pratt, 2008) and anaphylaxis (Danis & Halm, 1997). Alternatives that may assist in avoiding such symptoms include: waiting until adolescence to vaccinate (Slonim et al., 2005); only vaccinating high risk groups (Francois et al., 2002); or researching an alternative (Romm, 2001). Homeoprophylaxis is the use of homeopathy to prevent the contraction or development of disease (Zoltan, 2000) and its successful use has been recorded in various disease types and locations. There have been very few studies to show the effect of individual homeopathic nosodes used as prophylactic treatment in their related diseases, with almost none of these utilising any means of serological testing (Bevan-Jones, 2009; Frost et al., 2003; Sheffield, 2006). The aim of this study was to determine the production of the antibody to the surface antigen of Hepatitis B (anti-Hbs) due to Hepatitis B 12cH nosode administration.   Forty-three participants ranging, in ages 18 to 65 years, who tested negative for the presence of anti-HBs, took part in this four week long, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Participants were randomly placed into either the Verum or Placebo group, each group receiving four lactose powders to be taken weekly for four weeks. The Active group received lactose powders medicated with Hepatitis B 12cH, whereas the Placebo group received lactose powders medicated with 96% alcohol. Participants underwent a repeat of the serum/plasma antibody testing at the conclusion of the study to determine if there were anti-HBs present in their blood. The results were then statistically analysed using nonparametric testing: Chi-squared independent test, Mann-Whitney test and Sign test. These showed that there was no change measurable effect on the surface antigen of hepatitis B (anti-HBs) of either the Verum (active medication) or Placebo group. Primary preventative medicine is becoming increasingly popular (Kuehlein et al., 2010). Both vaccination and homeoprophylaxis are examples of primary preventative medicine, where the aim is to prevent future disease. Vaccinations encourage the production of antibodies via the activation of T-helper cells and B-lymphocytes, thus providing a template for immunity against future infections (Miller, 2000; Janeway et al., 2001). While the mechanisms of vaccination are well understood, those of homeoprophylaxis are still being investigated. One theory is that nosodes enable the body to overcome diseases. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of nosodes (Bracho et al., Prophylactic vaccination against human papilloma virus infection and disease in women: a systemic review of randomized control trial.; Gosavi et al., 2012; Shuller, 2010) and have shown favourable results in the prevention of diseases associated with those homeopathic nosodes. However, only two studies have investigated the effects that nosodes have on the antibodies of the immune system (Hoover, 2006; Neustaedter, 2002) showing the need for further studies conducted in this area. The study showed that homeopathically prepared Hepatitis B 12cH nosode is not capable of eliciting an immune response that would result in the production of the antibody to the surface antigen of Hepatitis B, and thus not able to provide immunity against Hepatitis B.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Haemostasis is defined as the arrest of bleeding by formation of a haemostatic plug or clot. The herb Arnica montana interferes with this process thus resulting in increased bleeding. Homoeopathic physicians use Arnica montana in a potentised form for the treatment of post-operative swelling, pain and ecchymosis but little is known on what effect this potentised form of Arnica montana has on blood coagulation and bleeding time. This study forms part of a three part in vivo study to determine the effects of various homoeopathic potencies of Arnica montana on blood coagulation. This was done by measuring the Bleeding Time (BT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and the International Normalised Ratio (INR) of Prothrombin Time (PT). The aim of this particular study is to investigate the in vivo effect of Arnica montana 30C on blood coagulation and Bleeding Time. This study is a double blind, placebo controlled study that took place over a period of two weeks. A total sample group for the three part study consisted of eighty healthy participants between the ages of eighteen to thirty five. Consenting participants that met the criteria were randomised into four groups of twenty each. One group for each part of the three part study were the experimental group and one group was allocated to the placebo group that was shared by all three studies. BT was taken as well as blood samples which underwent coagulation tests (aPTT and INR). Twenty participants received Arnica montana 30C in 20% ethanol and twenty participants received an identical bottle containing 20% ethanol. After two weeks another blood sample was taken where all three coagulation test measurements were repeated. The results of the BT, INR and aPTT were analysed using Statkon Statistical Package for Social Sciences. This showed no statistical difference between the experimental or control group with regard to BT, INR and aPTT. The results indicate that Arnica montana 30C appears to have no effect on Bleeding Time..

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of herbal extracts of certain Labiatiae species (Rosmannus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris) in the inhibition of in vitro growth of Candida albicans as compared to ethanol as a control and nystatin in terms of the disc diffusion test. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Diploma in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1995. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of the homoeopathic remedy, Staphylococcinum and the antibiotic Penicillin G, on Staphylococcus aureus, with respect to its growth parameters and enzyme producing ability, in order to determine the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies on living organisms and to attempt a better understanding of how these remedies work. The hypothesis put forward was that the homoeopathic remedy would have an effect on the growth parameters and enzyme producing ability of the organism, but that the effect would be more subtle than that of Penicillin G. / M