Nearly all problems with the gall bladder are often not recognised specifically or directly as such. Nausea, which is triggered by secreted gall, can originate from the stomach or the pancreas; and dull pains in the upper part of the stomach may also originate from either the stomach or the intestine. Only the symptom of acute gall
bladder colic is unambiguous that it is evi-dent immediately for what it is.
Gall bladder problems more often mani-fest themselves indirectly, e. g. as pains between the right scapula (shoulder blade) and the spine, as a one-sided headache or as a decreased ability to digest fats and gen-eral distaste for fatty food. Thus, always consult a doctor or an alternative practi-tioner at the slightest suspicion of gall blad-der problems in orblad-der to clarify the causes.
Bile itself is produced in the liver and contains – beside water and salts – the gall dye (bilirubin), which has been derived from disintegrated red blood corpuscles, bile acids, cholesterol, lecithin, and other fat-soluble substances. All must be excreted from the body (along with drugs, a range of hormones and various metabolism prod-ucts). The bile fluid is then accumulated in the gall bladder and, when necessary, flows on into the duodenum. There, it serves the digestion of fats, breaking down fats in the food into tiny particles. These themselves are then acted on by adipolytic enzymes and can at last be absorbed into the blood.
Apart from that, bile contributes in two ways to the cleansing and detoxification of the body: Firstly, it carries fat-soluble wastes and toxic substances from the liver into the intestine (see above). Secondly, it also dis-solves similar substances in the intestine, so that they can then be excreted. The bile itself is so precious that only 10% of it is released with the stool 90% being re
-absorbed in the colon and transported to the liver for recycling.
Gall bladder problems may arise when an already weakened gall bladder is over-worked (e. g. because of food that contains too much fat); when there is an inflamma-tion; or when gallstones have been formed.
Such stones irritate the gall bladder or the gall channels, respectively. In the worst case, they can even cause a blockage.
Similar problems may also arise when the gall bladder is under too much pressure through emotional strain or suppressed anger. Basically, an attempt (possibly a failed one) to control one’s emotions or deal with those of others may thus lead to gall bladder problems.
Looking at gallstones specifically, they occur when the composition of the gall fluid is not optimal because of an inappro-priate diet, (e. g. not enough fruit and veg-etables that are rich in enzymes, too much denatured food, etc.), metabolic problems, an overworked liver or the emotional prob-lems described above. Then, not all of the substances remain dissolved, but bind together instead and become crystallised.
Fortunately, the crystallisation process can be reversed in some cases as when the gall fluid regains its correct composition, the stones may then re-dissolve.
Gall stones are responsible almost exclu-sively for the most violent and acute gall bladder problems, called gall colics These are very severe cramp-like pains in the right
upper and central part of the stomach (pains that also radiate into the spine and the right shoulder), restlessness, nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, painful pressure in the upper part of the stomach and defensive tension. They are also sometimes accompa-nied by a fever and collapse of the circula-tion. Depending on the intensity and gravity of the problems, seek medical advice immediately or go directly to hospital. On the way, amber or other crystals can be applied, but otherwise do not hesitate!
Healing crystals serve as an accompany-ing therapy to medical help; but only apply them after securing a professional diagno-sis, and as a supplement to the prescription of a doctor or alternative practitioner.
Amber is the most important crystal for gall bladder problems. It has a pain-reliev-ing effect for colic and will improve the composition of the gall fluid, dissolving many gall stones. Emotionally, it helps with the consequences of grief and fears. These affect not only t the stomach, but some-times also the gall bladder – in particular, in cases of helplessness, impotence and aggression caused by the latter and that is directed inwardly against oneself.
Chrysocolla helps with both inflamma-tion of the gall bladder accompanied by a high fever, and with the consequences of violent emotions or suppressed anger.
Chrysoprase helps with accumulations in the gall system, with nausea caused by an irritated or overloaded gall bladder and,
with any latent aggression resulting from a troublesome conscience or unresolved con-flicts.
Dumortierite relieves cramps, pains and nausea caused by gall bladder prob-lems. Furthermore, as the “take-it-easy-crystal”, it helps alleviate possible disease sources, such as strain, suppressed anger, exaggerated control etc.
Emerald helps with colic, as well as with inflammations, that are a consequence of stress, or (perceived) injustice. Emerald is also a helpful crystal for any gall bladder problems that seem to appear when other people (members of the family, subordi-nates, colleagues etc), start to ‘get on your nerves”.
Heliotrope is applied for acute inflam-mations of the gall bladder and system.
Emotionally, it helps with general irritabil-ity caused by too many interruptions and other external influences.
Magnesite relieves gall bladder colic and also helps dissolve some gallstones.
Furthermore, it helps with nausea accom-panying severe emotional strain, excite-ment and stress.
Malachite helps with gall bladder colic and releases suppressed feelings, repressed irritations, anger and aggressions. There-fore, it is particularly good when gall blad-der problems occur as a consequence of such suppression and external psychologi-cal and emotional pressures. It helps one avoid unnecessary argument, but also
enables us to tackle the unavoidable ones both courageously and emphatically.
Ocean Jasper with a predominantly green colour helps with acute and chronic inflammations of the gall bladder and with the consequences of strain, unresolved con-flicts, lack of recovery and disturbed sleep.
Peridot supports the long-term regula-tion of the gall fluid, so that gallstones are no longer formed. In order to reduce exist-ing tendencies of gall stone formation, it should be applied regularly for several months. It can be placed in something like high quality sunflower oil, which is later used for salad dressings, etc. As this Peridot oil detoxifies very gently and improves the metabolism, the whole family can partici-pate in this “cure”.
For all the above, place or fix a crystal directly over the gall bladder; or wear a bracelet, a necklace, or a pendant on the body. You can also take gem essence (3-7 drops, three times daily), or gem water (100–200 ml taken in small sips during the course of a day.
Ganglia
A ganglion is a non-malignant abscess, which, in most cases, appears on the back of the hand, the foot or in the hollow of the knee. It is a form of cyst or protuberance of the internal skin tissue of a joint, sinew or the tendon sheaths. It has a gel-like content
and is caused by degeneration of the con-nective tissue.
In general, although it may be unsightly, the visible, taut, elastic bulge that is a ganglion causes no problems, but it can cause undue pressure, pain and sense dis-turbances if a nerve is trapped by the gan-glion.
Seemingly, ganglia are caused by an interplay and interaction of different fac-tors. All the way from overstrained joints or sinews, through bad posture, to misaligned vertebrae. Additional causes can be an inad-equate supply to and/or cleansing of the connective tissue – as a result of accumula-tions of toxins and waste, post-injury defects in blood vessels, general stress or metabolic problems.
See also: Cysts
The traditional medical treatment for a ganglion is physical exercises, in order to strengthen the musculature; or surgical removal.
Alternative treatments tend to be more comprehensive (see Detoxification) in order to improve the supply of essential nutrients to the tissue. Any such treatment is best complemented by therapeutic corrections to posture and the spinal column (e. g. cranio-sacral therapy, osteopathy, Dorn-Breuss method, etc.).
It is worth considering other factors too.
It is a fact that a ganglion mostly occurs between the ages of 20 and 30, precisely that phase of life when there is still the youthful
ambition and drive but also the start of other commitments (house, family, job, business, etc.). Therefore, whilst still fed by that early youthful energy, we still believe we can accomplish everything through effort and sheer will power. However, this increasing tension between two aspects of life is the precise recipe that can cause a ganglion to appear. Always take into account – the pressure, effort, and emo-tional and psychological stresses – when dealing with a ganglion.
Based on all of the above it becomes pos-sible to influence the shrinking of the gan-glion with herbal applications of comfrey and rue, homeopathic remedies or crystals.
Fluorite is by far the best healing crystal for treating ganglia. Also called “calcium fluoricum” in homeopathy, Fluorite regu-lates the supply of energy to the tissue and aids removal of toxins and waste. Being composed of calcium and fluorine, it induces a more relaxed, open and flexible attitude. As a mineral with a natural cubic crystal configuration, it boosts our capacity to become more flexible emotionally, espe-cially if we end up with heavy commitments too early in life. Its calcium content also helps with rebuilding of joint and sinew tissue.
Apatite is the second choice. As a crystal of calcium phosphate, it has a wide range of influence on bones, joints, sinews and mus-cles. In homeopathy, Apatite is referred to as
“calcium fluoricum” and with its
hexago-nal crystal configuration; it encourages an
“upright” or “straight” attitude, both men-tally and physically. Beside that, being also a phosphate, it helps in the development of the energy we all need for the tasks of life.
Whilst relieving stress and worry, Apatite simultaneously strengthens the muscula-ture. In turn, this eases any strain on sinews and joints. Finally, Apatite also improves the supply of tissue nutrients as a direct result of its calcium content, and also furthers rebuilding of joint substance and sinews.
Place slices/sections of crystals, or flat tumbled stones, as close as possible to the ganglion, fixing them there with a sticking plaster or bandage. It is also possible to wear the crystals as bracelets, necklaces, or pendants – in which case, this should be worn twenty-four hours a day for the best effect.
As a supplementary treatment, or as an alternative, take as gem essence (3-9 drops, every hour), or gem water (100–300 ml taken in small sips over the course of the day). Both fluids can also be rubbed into the affected skin.
Amazonite, Chrysocolla, Ocean Jasper and Green Tourmaline are also recommended although work with them in this context is till in its early stages. (See:
Joint Pains; Synovitis; Tennis Elbow)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the result of a high inner pres-sure in the eye. This curbs the blood circula-tion in the optic nerve head, thereby reduc-ing the field of vision. In the worst case, it leads to permanent damage of the sight nerve and to blindness. It can have many causes; blocked channels that drain fluid from the eye, diseases of the heart and cir-culation, severe nearsightedness, severely hardened eye muscles, chronic inflamma-tions in the inner eye, and formation of cysts among others.
Glaucoma often develops rather slowly and insidiously. However, sometimes there can be an acute attack, which is often accompanied by considerable pain, severe reddening, an enlarged pupil and palpably hardened eyeball. In this case, a specialist or doctor should be consulted immediately.
Raised pressure in the inner eye fluid (the aqueous humour), is the common fac-tor in all cases of glaucoma, this can be treated immediately. Traditionally, the pres-sure is regulated by the use of medication
and surgical procedures. Nevertheless, glau-coma can also be dealt with by means of alternative treatments and the application of crystals.
In addition to these measures, one should first and foremost also treat the causal factors or those likely to lead to a progression of the disease – such as regula-tion of fluid in the eye (which is improved significantly through detoxification), inner tensions (fear, stress, etc.), heart diseases, circulation problems and, of course, any other eye complaints.
Chalcedony and Noble Opal improve the regulation of the fluid in the eye as well as overall lymph flow. Provided that a ther-apy addressing the causes is initiated at the same time, both have an immediate reliev-ing effect and can be applied for longer periods leading to a permanent improve-ment.
Chrysoprase, like Chalcedony is rich in the metal nickel. It has the same effect as Chalcedony and Opal, but is also a strong aid in detoxification, which always has a positive impact on glaucoma. Contrary to
Fig. 8: Sardonyx that has been polished especially for healing eye complaints.
Onyx (black) Sard (brown) Chalcedony (grey)
F R O N T A L V I E W S I D E V I E W
the other mentioned crystals, it is often bet-ter to place it on the liver, which has a close holistic energy connection with the eyes.
Ocean Jasper is also a Chalcedony and so regulates the fluid balance and, at the same time, relieves inflammatory states.
Consequently, it can also be applied for acute attacks of glaucoma, when the inner eye is inflamed simultaneously.
Sardonyx is also one of the best crystals for use in cases of glaucoma. It improves fluid regulation because of its Chalcedony (light areas) content, encourages detoxifi-cation via its Onyx (red areas) content and the blood circulation due to Sard (red areas). This combination of different vari-eties of Chalcedony also leads to improve-ments on a causal level. Particularly good results may be obtained with Sardonyx, which has a natural eye signature, or with crystals that are ground like a cabochon. In that form, the black Onyx is in the centre of convexity, like a pupil, which again is sur-rounded by Sard (like the iris), which again is surrounded by the grey chalcedony corre-sponding to the eyeball (see Fig. 8).
In most cases, unpolished or tumbled stones are placed on the eyes (except for Chrysoprase) and either gem essence (3-7 drops, 3-5 times daily) or gem water (100–300 ml, taken in small sips over the course of the day) is taken with Chryso-prase, however, 20–50 ml is the correct amount to take.
All of these crystals mentioned are
Chalcedonies or akin to Chalcedony (Noble Opal), so their use and application can also be combined and, for example, be worn in the form of a necklace.
Goitre
see Thyroid Problems