Winchester homeopath helps exam stressed teens

Homeopathy in WinchesterMel Owen-Browne, our Homeopath here at Winchester Sports & Spine is going to write a series over the coming months on teenager s and some of the common issues they and their parents face.Subjects will include:

• Exam and performance nerves
• Bullying
• Acne
• Chronic fatigue
• Eating issues
• Glandular fever
• Hormonal imbalanc/menstrual problems
• Mood swings/depression

Exam and Performance nervesThese days, our children are subjected to some many tests and examinations and competition to perform is becoming fierce.  In addition to academic success, many students choose to learn a musical instrument, dance, play sport competitively or perform on the stage.Many children (and adults) can become extremely nervous before taking part in these activities to the point where they feel completely debilitated.  There are a number of remedies that can help alleviate some of the nerves, aiding better or more enjoyable performance in these situations.Some are listed below and can be bought in any good health food store or from our clinic.Arg Nit 30 is a remedy to consider if your child worries a lot prior to an exam or performance.  They may get into such a state that they fail to perform and completely go to pieces under the pressure.  Some gastric upset may be present including pre-exam diarrhoea or churning stomach.  The anxiety may start many days before the exam with lots of ‘what if? Questions.  This remedy is very effective if given before the event – a few doses a couple of days prior as the anxiety builds.  Try it am and pm initially and stop with improvement.Gelsemium  30is the remedy required if your child seizes up with anxiety prior to the exam and can tremble with fear.  They may not be able to complete the task and may also suffer with diarrhoea.  Gemsemium is also very good for stage fright.  It is best given the night before and on the morning of the performance.Aconite 30 or 200 is very effective if your child is in a complete state of fear or panic during the exam.  Use a closes as possible to the exam to calm and reassure.Lycopodium 30 is good for anticipatory anxiety due to lack of inner confidence.  Your child may use attention seeking tactics to get reassurance and often will come across to the casual observer as over confident.  Usually your child will be fine during the exam or performance and will do very well but the days prior may be very fraught for all concerned.Triple A  200 is a good combination remedy for anticipatory anxiety.  Not just for children performing but for adults too who get into a state before certain events may benefit from this remedy.  Suck on as needed for this type of anxiety.Rescue Remedy is always useful to have at hand for any kind of nervous anxiety.  Put a few drops straight onto the tongue or into a water bottle which your child can sip throughout an exam or before a performance.  Rescue remedy can work well alongside the chosen remedy.If you think you would like further help with your child’s exam or performance nerves, please do consider booking in for constitutional treatment.  This deeper form of treatment will make an individual assessment and treat the underlying issues that provoke such anxiety attacks.If you would just like some guidance as to remedy choice, please don’t hesitate to call Mel on her mobile: 07919261639 or call the clinic to speak to her any  Tuesday or Wednesday.Please read the newsletter next month if you would like to read about the homeopathic approach to bullying in schools.