Homeopathy treats excessive, unwanted sweating

We are an extremely adaptive species. We are constantly evolving and maintaining our balance and harmony. This process is constant. For example, in the tropics, on a hot, sunny day, we sweat profusely. In extremely cold weather, we shiver. The endocrine and nervous systems are primarily involved in mediating the manner in which our body makes certain small, subtle adjustments. This is called homeostatic balance. The outcome of this reaction is presented in the form of symptoms, the basis of homeopathic treatment.

There are scores of people who suffer from excessive sweating for no real reason — in summer, or winter. Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis — it highlights sweating that is far beyond what the body, on an average, needs. Most people who suffer from excessive sweating are often normal — although some may be anxious, restless and more than lacking in terms of self-confidence. Excessive sweating often creates a stigma — with one’s damp, dripping hands, feet and armpits. It makes the sweaty individual 'freeze' before a handshake, or uncomfortable at the workplace or during social interaction.

Homeopathy looks at the type of sweating and its unique nature, not just sweating in isolation. It aims at understanding the cause. For example, excessive sweating in a sensitive individual may be due to extreme anxiety or apprehension of an approaching event, a job-interview, or something one can’t comprehend. The fact is the trigger exists somewhere, deep inside the body and mind. This is a key area a professional homeopath would analyse while treating the sweaty distress.

The homeopathic medicine, Silicea, for example, is most useful in individuals who are visibly hypersensitive and suffer from foot sweats with an extremely foul odour. Acidum Hydrofluoricum is, likewise, useful in individuals who have excess sweating of palms and feet, but feel better in cool, open air, or under a ceiling fan. Calcarea Carbonica is effective in overweight individuals presenting symptoms of profuse, uncontrolled sweating. Salvia Officinalis is a handy remedy in generalised, excessive sweating. Iodum is useful in excessive sweating in humid conditions. It suits individuals who constantly try to keep themselves cool. Jaborandi, in its mother tincture form, is also useful in copious sweating.

Article by Dr Mukesh Batra
L.C.E.H., F.H.M.A. (U.K.), F.R.S.H. (Med) P.(Lon), M.D.H. (U.S.A.), F.B.I.H.(U.K.)
Published in Times of India on 31 May 2010