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Summer is approaching and for those who are prone to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, summer can have a whole other meaning.
Heat stroke can be serious and come on suddenly. It most frequently affects older people, young children and people who exercise in the heat. The skin becomes hot and red, perspiration may be absent or profuse, the pulse fast and strong. There may also be confusion, stupor and even unconsciousness, as well as headaches, nausea and, in extreme cases, convulsions. There is a failure by the body to regulate a normal temperature and it becomes very high (40C or higher).
If this is the case, the body must be cooled immediately, by getting the person to a cool place, immersing them in cool water or rubbing them with a cool wet cloth or ice and fanning them until their temperature comes down. The first priority is to get their temperature down.
In cases of heatstroke and exhaustion people will be abnormally sensitive to heat for sometime afterwards, so avoid exposure.
Homeopathic remedies can be used in cases of acute heatstroke and exhaustion to help relieve immediate symptoms quickly and gently, especially if you are in a remote area far from immediate help, in the case of hiking and biking in the back country or out on a boat or kayak. Belladonna or Glonoine are two common homeopathic remedies that cover the symptoms of high temperature, throbbing headaches, red face and stupor. Veratrum Album or Cuprum Metallicum homeopathic remedies can be given for the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Cuprum is especially helpful for muscle cramps. These remedies can be given immediately and frequently, every 15 minutes, until symptoms are relieved.
For those individuals who have a chronic sensitivity to heat and sun or if you or your child have become sensitive from over exposure to heat or sun, professional homeopathic treatment can help relieve this susceptibility. If chronic, this sensitivity can be treated from a deeper underlying place through homeopathic constitutional treatment.
Homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle for all ages, and can be used effectively in these situations. Especially if you are a parent of a young child, it is good to have these remedies on hand during the hotter months, and when travelling.
Canteris Hartley, DCH, HMC Classical Homeopath has been practicing homeopathy for over 17 years and practices in Gibsons. For more information, contact 604.886.3844 or visit www.
coasthomeopathy.com
