M. Tech. / Onychocryptosis is the diagnostic term for an ingrown toenail. It is a common and painful condition that occurs either when the nail grows into the skin on the lateral or medial side of the toe, or if the skin on the side of the toenail grows over the edge of the nail. Magnetis Polus Australis is a homoeopathic remedy recommended in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica specifically for the treatment of onychocryptosis. In previous studies, Rohl (2003) used the remedy Magnetis Polus Australis in a 7cH and a 30cH potency whereas Khan (2004) used it in a 200cH and a 1M potency. Their studies showed promising results but had sample sizes too small for definitive conclusions. In their respective studies, they recommend using Magnetis Polus Australis 2M in a single dose. The present study was aimed at determining the efficacy of Magnetis Polus Australis in treating symptoms of onychocryptosis such as pain in the big toe (hallux), tenderness to pressure, infection, erythema and oedema of the lateral nail fold in two different potencies, namely 30cH in repeated doses and 2M in a single dose. This study was a six week double-blind, placebo controlled study involving forty participants. Pre-diagnosed onychocryptosis participants were recruited and randomly divided into three groups. The first experimental group received a once-off dose of Magnetis Polus Australis 2M powder and a 50ml bottle of placebo liquid. The second experimental group received a once-off placebo powder and a 50ml bottle of 30cH Magnetis Polus Australis liquid. The control group received a once-off placebo powder and a 50ml bottle of placebo liquid. All powders were taken immediately in the presence of the researcher, whereas the 50ml liquids were taken home to be taken as ten drops under the tongue twice daily for the total six week study. After the initial consultation, there were two more follow-up consultations at three weekly intervals. At each follow-up consultation all symptoms of the condition were observed, namely pain in the big toe (hallux), tenderness to pressure, infection, erythema and oedema of the lateral nail fold, and were recorded in respect of each participant (Appendix D and E). At the end of the clinical trial all the recorded data were analyzed and compared using Fisher Exact Tests (FET) according to the symptoms of onychocryptosis. Results showed no significant difference between the experimental and control group and therefore did not confirm the efficacy of Magnetis Polus Australis as a specific treatment for the symptoms of onychocryptosis. The only finding was that the control had a significant improvement in pain as opposed to the experimental group. A possible explanation is that the experimental groups, especially the 2M group, demonstrated a homoeopathic aggravation. Further research on this topic is required with a larger sample group over a longer time period.

M.Tech. / Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of lumbar spine and/or pelvic manipulation, and lumbar spine and/or pelvic manipulation in conjunction with the application of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® in the treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain with regards to pain, disability and lumbar spine range of motion. These effects were evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and an Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire, and by measuring lumbar spine range of motion using a digital inclinometer. The questionnaire was completed and the range of motion readings were taken prior to treatment on the first, fourth and seventh consultations. Method: Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were stratified in number and gender between two groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group one received spinal manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints followed by the administration of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel®. The second group received spinal manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints. Participants were treated six times out of a total of seven sessions, over a maximum three week period. Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth consultations, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and an Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire in order to assess pain and disability levels. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth session, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer in order to assess lumbar spine range of motion. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. Results: Clinically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the duration of the study with reference to pain, disability, and lumbar spine range of motion. Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with reference to pain and disability, and in group 1 with reference to lumbar spine range of motion. vi Conclusion: The results show that both spinal manipulation, as well as spinal manipulation in conjunction with subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® are effective treatment protocols (as demonstrated clinically, and to a lesser extent, statistically) in decreasing pain and disability, and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in patients with mechanical low back pain. However, neither treatment protocol proved to be preferential. The results carry a possible suggestion that chiropractic manipulation (common to both groups) is effective in ameliorating participant-rated pain and disability, and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in the case of chronic mechanical low back pain.

The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of parents with children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres using Over the Counter (OTC) homeopathic remedies, specific to the Pretoria East region. Secondary objectives included determining the extent of use of OTC homeopathic remedies, the perceptions of parents regarding homeopathy and natural remedies as well as the positioning of homeopathy. The research was designed around descriptive and exploratory methods using quantitative research techniques. Aspects such as demographic information and the general health of families, attitudes, perceptions and opinions specific to homeopathy, natural remedies and conventional medicine, as well as details on remedy usage and brands, were addressed. From the findings of the study a clear profile could be identified. Further to the profile, the perceptions of respondents regarding OTC homeopathic remedies as well as reasons for using these remedies are discussed. The positioning of OTC homeopathic remedies was done based on spider graphs, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Several recommendations were made to the homeopathic industry, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, Medical Aid Schemes, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the Department of Social Development. The study concludes with details specific to the limitations of the study and further research suggestions. / Economics / M.A. Commerce (Business Management)

The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of parents with children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres using Over the Counter (OTC) homeopathic remedies, specific to the Pretoria East region. Secondary objectives included determining the extent of use of OTC homeopathic remedies, the perceptions of parents regarding homeopathy and natural remedies as well as the positioning of homeopathy. The research was designed around descriptive and exploratory methods using quantitative research techniques. Aspects such as demographic information and the general health of families, attitudes, perceptions and opinions specific to homeopathy, natural remedies and conventional medicine, as well as details on remedy usage and brands, were addressed. From the findings of the study a clear profile could be identified. Further to the profile, the perceptions of respondents regarding OTC homeopathic remedies as well as reasons for using these remedies are discussed. The positioning of OTC homeopathic remedies was done based on spider graphs, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Several recommendations were made to the homeopathic industry, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, Medical Aid Schemes, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the Department of Social Development. The study concludes with details specific to the limitations of the study and further research suggestions. / Economics / M.A. Commerce (Business Management)

My thesis is divided into three parts. In the technology part are summarized knowledge of homeopathy and its principles with regard to research in this area, in the second part is mapped the availability of entities of homeopathic treatment. The last part focuses on the cost effectiveness of treatment of acute illnesses typical for winter season.