Aromatherapy: "Smell this eucalyptus!" beseeches pretty aromatherapist. "And these geranium, rose and orange oils." If you pour these scents into this one hundred and fifty dollar aromatherapy diffuser I'm about to sell you, I promise you'll be back in two weeks to tell me how much better you feel!!. Unfortunately, I must confess that my place now smells like a whore house in Morocco and I still don't feel any better!

Positive Affirmations: This is a New Age torture that you can do to yourself in privacy of your own home! All you have to do is repeat to yourself again and again, a positive affirmation such as "Every day in every way I am getting better and better." until all other thoughts of unwellness are eclipsed by this one excellent statement. I must confess, that after a few weeks of reciting this again and again that I feel that "every day in every way I am getting more and more repetitive."

Rolfing: "Oh, goody. Time for a pleasant, relaxing massage" you think as you enter pleasant office of professional Rolfer. No. It is time for Spanish Inquisition! The next thing you know, Rolfer has jammed his long sinewy fingers deep into your joints, right into bones and is pulling, squeezing and stretching every sinew of your tissue out of alignment. You feel like each of your limbs as been tied to four horses which are about to run in different directions and while this is happening Rolfer beseeches you to confess, to cry out, to laugh, to release verbally any memory which has been lurking deep inside your muscular tissues. Soon, you find yourself just making stories up, about time you were molested by your hillbilly cousin, just to appease cruel monster if only this torture would please, just, stop. ALL right! I CONFESS! THIS HURTS! Just please make it stop...

Bruising, taking Arnica after bumps or injury can prevent bruises from coming up and soreness associated with it. It helps promotes healing of damaged tissues and helps to control bleeding, making it ideal after surgery or childbirth.

It is useful for joint and muscle problems, such as osteoarthritis and unaccustomed exercise, cramps, bruises and sprains.

Concussion and black eyes are treated well with Arnica.

Overuse is a key word to remember, whether it is overuse of muscles, eyestrain or loss of voice.

Arsencium Album is useful for anxiety and fears, which come from underlying insecurities and over-sensitivities.

Many digestive complaints are treated with Arsencium, especially when symptoms come with a burning sensation and restlessness. Useful for disorders such as food poisoning, diarrhoea, diarrhoea associated with nervousness, indigestion, vomiting, and gastroenteritis. Dehydration caused by fever and diarrhoea, especially in children, does well with treatment of Arsencium.

Nux Vomica can relieve problems caused by over-indulgence of foods, tea, coffee and other stimulants. Nux is widely known as hangover remedy, it can prevent hangover from occurring! The after effects of a hangover can also be remedied with this.

Nux Vomica is good for colds where there is a blocked nose at night, but it is runny during day. For flu, with fever and stiff, shivering, aching muscles, and dry, tickling coughs.

Nux is great for relieving nausea and can prevent vomiting. Great for morning sickness or travel sickness.

Pulsatilla is used for colds, ear-aches, sinusitis, coughing, eye discharges, where there is a thick yellow to green discharge.

When rich and fatty foods, dairy products, etc, cause problems such as nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, vomiting, Pulsatilla is remedy that is often indicated.

Pulsatilla assists with menstrual and menopausal problems that are accompanied by weepiness and clinginess along with a need for comfort and sympathy.

Rhus Tox is mainly used to treat skin complaints that mirror that of symptoms of poison ivy. They are burning, itching, red and swollen and a tendency to scaling. This occurs in case such as herpes, nappy rash, blisters and eczema. It is also used in musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism, restless legs, cramps, sprains and strains.

Sepia acts on vagina, ovaries and uterus and is used for many women’s complaints. Ailments such as heavy bleeding, painful periods, PMT, hot flushes during menopause, thrush, physical and emotional problems during and after pregnancy and from sagging and prolapse uterus.

Silica Used for those who have weakened immune systems and have recurrent infections such as colds, sore throats and ear infections. It is given for Glue ears and chronic catarrh infections.

Unhealthy skin that becomes infected easily, with weak nails and weakened bones. Babies who have slow closing fontanels. Silica is used to dispel objects such as splinters and other foreign objects.

Nervous system problems such as constipation, migraines and insomnia due to stress and overwork can be treated with silica.