CHILDHEN’S SELF COMFORTING HABITS AND HOMOEOPATHY

A habit is a learned behaviour that a person repeats so often that he or she begins to do it without even thinking about it. Certain habits can be helpful, like the habit of brushing teeth before going to bed or buckling seatbelt when get into a car. These are habits that a person builds on purpose, to achieve a positive objective. Other habits may seem to serve no particular purpose, like hair twirling. Parents find many habits and behaviours of their children annoying. When we want to change an unwanted behaviour, it helps to first understand why child is doing it. Bad habits are often just a coping strategy. Child may fall back on these behaviours when they are stressed, bored, frustrated, unhappy, insecure, or tired. Many of these “bad” habits are calming and soothing to the child. These habits often are built unknowingly. They can include behaviour like thumb sucking, nail biting or chewing on the end of a pencil. Such habits may begin as self-soothing forms of behaviour and may help relieve stress. But often, long after the need for that type of soothing is outgrown, the learned habit continues. Some habits are annoying, and some can cause distress or become the focus of teasing. Still others may have harmful effects. For example, thumb sucking, which can go on for years, can cause dental problems.

Aetiology

The causes of habits remain unknown. Their repetitive nature suggests that they serve a soothing or calming process for the brain. Interestingly, even in adulthood many people cling to some of these self-comforting traits during times of stress: sucking on pencil tips or their fingers, pulling their earlobes, fingering their hair.

Common Self-Comforting Habits

Here are some of the most common self-comforting habits of middle childhood that concern parents:

·         Thumb-sucking

·         Body rocking

·         Head banging

·         Fingernail biting

·         Cuticle picking

·         Hair twirling

·         Masturbating

Nail Biting

The other name for nail biting is onychophagia. Those who feel a compulsion to bite nails and fingertips can vary in severity from mild and occasional to persistent nail biting. Severe nail biting is a long-term problem which causes nail deformity and infections around the nailbed.

It is common in all ages, and the exact cause is unknown. It may be due to a troubled relationship with mother during childhood. Nail biting is a symptom of anxiety or a nervous habit. It is induced by nervousness, stress, or boredom, and can be associated with an emotional and psychological problem.

General Management

·         Keep nails short

·         Rule out underlying emotional disorder

·         Habit Reversal Therapy – for school aged children – consists of three components: 1. Increase awareness of habit – e.g. have them look in the mirror while biting their nails 2. Teach a competing response – e.g. chewing gum, blowing air through pursed lips, etc. 3. Teach relaxation techniques – visualization, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation

·         Coat the fingers with neem oil or something that has a bad taste.

·         May refer children over 5 years to an orthodontist for a bite plate

Thumb Sucking

When children are tired, bored or feel discomfort, they show the habit of thumb sucking. It makes the child feel comforted, stimulated, or put to sleep. Naturally, babies have a sucking reflex that makes them put the thumb into the mouth. Thumb sucking babies feel more secure.

Ignore in children under 4 years –will usually remit by 6 years without intervention. Praise and rewards for not sucking thumb Use a bandage on the thumb to remind them not to suck May refer children over 5 years to an orthodontist for a thumb crib.

Nose Picking

Medically it is called as rhinotillexomania. The common cause for nose pricking is when a person is lost in thoughts or out of sheer boredom. This action is comparable to biting the nails or cuticles or picking at a scab absentmindedly. A bored office worker is often caught picking his nose. People who are caught picking their noses are usually embarrassed. So some pick their noses privately. Curious or bored which relieves stress or passes the time. It is not present in over anxious children. In children with allergy, there is a flow of mucus and crusting. This gives them the feeling that it is difficult for them to leave their noses alone. Most children give up the habit on their own due to losing interest or because other kids tease them enough to make them stop.

Hair Twirling and Pulling

Twirling and pulling hair is a nervous habit and self-soothing behaviour. In some cases, hair pulling becomes so severe and can cause trichotillomania, which is the urge to pull hair constantly until it breaks. Some children eat the hair, this behaviour is called as trichophagia. This may appear in early childhood as a precursor to hair pulling, with or without hair loss. This habit will stop as they get older. For those who do not, behaviour modification helps break the habit. Here, the treatment is usually a type of behaviour therapy called habit reversal training. Relaxation of mind and medicines may be part of the treatment. Complications - Infection, skin damage, and permanent hair loss, and sometimes due to loss of hair, there can be a problem with self-esteem and body image.

Grinding the Teeth

Teeth grinding is medically called as bruxism. Kids with bruxism grind and clench their teeth from time to time, causing the teeth the get damaged and other oral health complications. Grinding teeth is usually caused by stress and anxiety. This can lead to abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Chronic teeth grinding causes fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth.

Management -

If stress is causing it, he/she needs stress counselling program, and relaxation therapy is needed as well.

Mouth guards and mouth splints can be custom-made to protect the teeth.

It is important to treat and prevent dental problems.

Head banging, head rolling, and body rocking

Head banging is when a child repeatedly hits their head against a solid object such as a crib. Some children will bang their head as many as 80 times a minute. This can be distressing to the parents or caregivers for concern of injury. Often the child does not appear to be in pain, but rather calm and content. The habit usually begins around the age of 9 months and resolves around the age of 2. Head rolling is when an infant rolls their head from side to side when lying on their back. They may even rub the hair completely off the back of their head. Body rocking is when a child rhythmically rocks while either sitting or resting on their knees or elbows. This behaviour usually starts around the age of 6 months and disappears by the age of 2. Most children rock for 15 minutes or less. Like head banging, it often occurs while listening to music or falling asleep. Head banging, head rolling and body rocking are common childhood self-comforting habits. These behaviours are often harmless, but can be worrisome if your child also has developmental delays

Masturbation

Most children—both boys and girls—play with their genitals (private parts) fairly regularly by the age of 5-6 years. Most often, masturbation is a normal part of childhood development. It is important to remember that at this age, masturbation is not sexual to the child.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy is a safe and natural system of medicine that can be incredibly helpful in treating all sorts of children’s health conditions. Homoeopathic remedies are highly dilute medicines that work by stimulating the body’s own internal healing mechanisms. Due to their high dilution factor, these remedies can be safely used in children of all ages without risk of side effects. Homoeopathic medicines together with counselling of the child to shape desired behaviour are beneficial in treating most of the cases.

Talking about safe and side-effect free treatment options. Homoeopathy scores highest among the various natural and holistic treatment options available. Owing to the safety of Homoeopathy medicines, Homoeopathy is considered to be the ideal treatment option for infants, toddlers and older kids. Millions of people worldwide recognize the effectiveness and safety of Homoeopathy treatment and are resorting to it for their children's health needs. In some countries, it is seen that Homoeopathy is no longer considered as an 'alternative medicine'. It is, in fact, fast becoming the most preferred system of medicine. Homoeopathy is effective in treating variety of troubles that a child faces.

Habit Behaviors	Remedies
Thumb Sucking	Tidy – Ars.Al Artistic – Phosphorus Gentle – Pulsatilla Fidg – Sulphur
Nail biting	Fearful – Arg nit Itching around nails – Amm brom Bite & prick until bleed – Arum tri
Nose picking	Pricks until bleeds – Arum tri Itching nose never satisfied – cina Picking relives – Nat carb Lazy & Fidgety – Sulphur
Bed – Wetting	Fearful About Events to Come – Arg Nit During infections high temps – Belladona Vivid dreams Nightmares – Equisetum Gentle weepy - Pulsatilla
Desire to pull hair	Ars al, Bell, Cina, Tarentula, Lil tig
Desire to pull some one’s hair	Ars. Al, Bart. Carb, Bell, Lach, Lil. Tig
Mastrubation	In Male child – Acon, bufo, Hyos, Puls, Stram In Female child – Hyos, Lach, Merc, Phos
Head banging	Striking his head against wall - Bell, Mill, Tuber, Hyos, Rhustox Strikes her Head with her hands, her body and others - Tarentula
Desires to bites the body parts	Desire to bites the body parts – Acon, bell, Opium, Stram, Tarantula Bites his own arm – Opium Bites around him - Phos
Breath Holding	Dros., Kali nit, Led, Merc, Spig
Swallowing in air	Plat

GET RELIEF FROM CONSTIPATION WITH HOMOEOPATHIC LAXATIVES

Normal frequency of bowel movement or volume of stool varies widely from person to person. A decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, accompanied by prolonged or difficult passage of stools, or a sense of incomplete evacuation are all expressed constipation. Constipation is a common symptom among older people. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another. Usually, this condition is not serious. Older people are five times more likely to complain about the symptom than younger people, possibly because of an undue concern about their bowel movement. To avoid most of the problems related to constipation, it helps to know what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. Experts agree that older people often worry too much about having a bowel movement every day.

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION IN OLDER ADULTS:

Older adults are more likely to have constipation for the following reasons:

Poor diet: Eating foods rich in animal fats (dairy products, meats, and eggs) or refined sugar but low in fiber (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables).

Inadequate fluid intake: Not drinking enough water can lead to hard dry stools. Fluid is absorbed in the intestine, and people who don't drink enough water may not pass enough water into the colon to keep their stools soft.

Caffeine and alcohol: These induce increased urination of water. This leads to (relative) dehydration that increases water absorption from the intestine. This can in turn lead to constipation when not enough fluid is retained in the stool.

Poor bowel habits: Ignoring the desire to have bowel movements may initiate a cycle of constipation. After a period of time, the person may stop feeling the desire to move the bowels.This leads to progressive constipation. For example, some people may avoid using public toilets or ignore going to the toilet because they are busy

Medications: Many medications can cause constipation. Antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide(Alternagel, Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Amphojel, Dialume) and calcium carbonate (Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, etc.), Antispasmodic drugs, Antidepressants, Iron tablets, Anticonvulsant drugs, Diuretics (because they can work like caffeine and alcohol as mentioned previously), Painkillers, narcotic-containing drugs, for example, may suppress bowel function.

Lack of exercise

Prolonged bed rest, for example after an accident or during an illness

Habitual use of enemas and laxatives - The person may eventually require increasing amounts of laxatives to move the bowels. In some instances, the bowel will become insensitive to laxatives and the person will not be able to move the bowels even with laxatives.

Travel: Changes in lifestyle, low fluid intake, and eating fast food may cause constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):  Because of changes in bowel function, if a person has this disorder, he or she may have crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, and constipation, sometimes alternating with diarrhea.

Intestinal obstruction: Mechanical compression and interference with the normal functions of the bowel may occur due to diverticulitis or Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease), Inflammatory adhesions and joining of tissues, Intestinal cancers, Abdominal hernia, Gallstones, Twisting of the intestine upon itself (volvulus), Foreign bodies (swallowed or introduced into the intestine from the anus), Intussusception, Postoperative adhesions

Connective tissue diseases: Conditions such as scleroderma and lupus

SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION

Symptoms of constipation depending on his or her normal bowel habits, diet, and age.

Symptoms includes

• Difficulty in starting or completing a bowel movement,
• Infrequent and difficult passage of stool, Passing hard stool after prolonged straining,
• If the person has irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) then crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, a sense of bloating, and a change in bowel habits,
• If the person has an intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, no defecation, and inability to pass gas, Distended abdomen, headaches, and loss of appetite,
• Coated (furred) tongue, bad breath(halitosis), and bad taste in the mouth

The tests may help diagnose the cause of constipation are Anorectal manometry (pressure measurements of the anus and rectum), Barium enema, Complete blood count (CBC), Blood clotting tests ( PT or PTT), Colonoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy (an examination of the lower bowel), Stool studies, Upper GI series, X-rays of the abdomen

Tips for Preventing and Managing Constipation

Many factors can lead to constipation, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, and overuse of laxatives. We can help prevent or relieve constipation by:

Eating healthfully. Getting plenty of high-fiber food in our diet, including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help stave off constipation. It’s a good idea to avoid high-fat meals, excessive dairy products and eggs, and rich, sugary foods, since these can lead to constipation.

The foods that  all good sources of dietary fibre are Beans, lentils and peas, Fresh and dried fruits - particularly if the skins are eaten, Vegetables - particularly if the skins are eaten, Nuts and seeds, Wholemeal and granary breads, Jacket potatoes, Wholegrain breakfast cereals, Wholemeal pasta and brown rice

Drinking plenty of fluids. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to constipation, so upping our intake of water and other liquids can help keep your bowels moving.

Being careful when using laxatives. If use laxatives or enemas too often, our body can begin to rely on them and stop working the way it should. So talk with doctor about  laxative use.

Exercising regularly. Keeping active on a regular basis can help stay regular.

Going when feel the urge. Waiting too long to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation, so go as soon as sense the need.

Treating medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, including stroke, diabetes, or intestinal blockage, can lead to constipation. Working with our doctor to manage these conditions is important.

Talking with doctor about medications. Some drugs, including certain antidepressants, antacids, supplements, antihistamines, pain relievers, high blood pressure medications, and Parkinson's disease medications, are known to lead to constipation, so talk with doctor to see if adjusting medications would help.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:

Homoeopathic remedies indicated for constipation often work at a deeper level than nutritional supplements and most herbs because they target the mind and the emotions in addition to the physical body. Essentially homoeopathic remedies assist in unlocking the stress that may be underlying the constipation symptoms, ideally leading to a permanent resolution of the problem, since constipation symptoms are often difficult to differentiate on a physical level.

Remedies used for relieving constipation:

The most common and effective medicines to cure constipation are: Aesculus, Aletris, Aloes, Baptisia, Bryonia, Calc carb, Carbo veg, Chelidonium, Collinsonia, Dioscorea, Graphites, Hydrastis, Iris vers, Lycopodium, Natrum mur, Nux vom, Opium , Plumbum, Podophyllum , Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur, Veratrum album.

In old people:

Old people suffering from constipation could be relieved from the complaints by the following medicines:
Aloes, Alumina, Antimonium crudum, Baryta carb, Bryonia, Lachesis, Opium, Phosphorous, Phytolacca, Rhus tox, Ruta.

Person who have habitual constipation:

For habitual constipated persons Abies nigra, Alumen, Alumina, Bryonia, Calc carb, Causticum, Collinsonia, Conium, Graphites, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Sepia, Sulphur.

Persons who lead sedentary life:

Aloes, Bryonia, Iris, Hydrastis, Lycopodium, Nux vomica, Opium, Platina, Podophyllum, Sulphur.

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Alumina:	dry and slow, Confused and depressed, especially in the morning. Mind slows down, forgetful and absentminded. Easily disoriented: gets very distressed if hurried. Skin is dry and itches without an eruption. Severe constipation even with a soft stool. Weakness with trembling. Dry, hacking cough. Bladder weak: urination slow,has to wait for it to start. Aversion to/Aggravation from potatoes. Worse from warmth in general.
Ambra grisea:	erratic and embarrassed, Many bereavements and losses. Forgetful and confused. Easily embarrassed: shy and anxious in company (especially with strangers). “Prattles” and asks questions without waiting for answers. Prefers to be alone. Constipation: with anxiety and ineffectual urging and straining. Can’t pass stool or urine if others are within hearing distance. Dry, nervous cough which is worse from talking and is followed by burping. Insomnia: finds it difficult to fall asleep beforemidnight. Vertigo: with feeling of weakness in the stomach. Numbness, twitching and/or trembling anywhere. Generally worse from company (from conversation) and from music. Symptoms are erratic and worse when lying down.
Arsenicum album	anxious, fussy, and restless Very scared of disease, of cancer, of death. Fears are worse when alone; to the point of despair. Extremely tidy, cannot rest until everything is in its place. Indigestion with burning pains and nausea. Loss of appetite and weight. Diarrhea, which is worse in the morning. Involuntary urination: day and night. Insomnia with restlessness and anxiety. Skin eruptions: itching without eruption. Palpitations with anxiety. Chilly. Burning pains which are better for heat. Symptoms are generally worse from midnight to 3 a.m. Thirsty for warm drinks; sips them frequently.
Baryta carbonica	childish and petty, Absent-minded, confused and forgetful. Revisits childhood in old age. Has great difficulty making decisions. Extremely anxious about little (unimportant) things. Gets upset thinking others are talking about them. Vertigo: when getting up or bending down. Headache when bending. Indigestion and weakness after eating. Constipation with straining and an unfinished feeling. Weak bladder with involuntary urination: frequent urination at night with great urgency. Rattling cough with difficulty coughing anything up. Insomnia: restless sleep, wakes frequently from getting overheated. Much worse from the cold and damp.
Bryonia	This remedy is indicated for constipation with a feeling of dryness in the rectum and large dry stools that are hard to push out, with sticking or tearing pains. The person feels grouchy or out of sorts, and may be tense from businessrelated worries.
Calcarea carbonica	People who need this remedy often feel more stable when constipated, and experience discomfort and fatigue when the bowels have moved. Large stools are hard at first, then sticky, then liquid. The person may feel chilly and sluggish, have clammy hands and feet, crave sweets, and feel weak and anxious when ill or overworked.
Carbovegetabilis	sluggish and gassy, Great indifference and apathy. Sudden, recurring loss of memory and difficulty concentrating. Rude and irritable, especially with relatives. Indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea. Severe, painful bloating with gas, better for burping. Rattling cough with breathlessness, better for burping. Sluggish mentally and physically. Worse eating rich foods and fats; worse overeating. Much worse for getting overheated. Wants to be fanned; wants fresh air and breezes.
Conium maculatum	withdrawn, slow, and dizzy, Absent-minded, forgetful, and confused. Difficulty understanding when reading. Tired of life: becomes withdrawn; doesn’t want company. Superstitious. Everything is slow: thinking, answering, moving. Digestion, respiration, pulse, healing are all slow. Vertigo: worse lying down, when rolling over in bed or turning the head, better for closing the eyes; everything swirls. Dry tickling cough which is worse at night. Weak bladder: frequent, dribbling urination.
Causticum	This remedy may be helpful when stool is difficult to pass, with lots of painful straining. The person's face may turn red from effort, and more success may come from standing up. When it finally emerges, the stool will be narrow and full of mucus.
Graphites	This remedy relieves constipation without urges, very large and dry stools, with feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and often associated with anal itching and burning.
Ignatia amara	loss and grief, Very upset after a loss or a big disappointment. Wants to be alone and doesn’t want any comforting. Finds it difficult to cry but eventually sobs hysterically. Sighs a tremendous amount. Feels as if there’s a lump in the throat. Headache, indigestion, diarrhea, palpitations, insomnia and/or weakness from grief. Twitches and spasms and unexplained numbness anywhere. Contradictory symptoms accompany physical complaints (e.g., cough worse coughing). Can’t stand tobacco smoke.
Lycopodium	irritable, anxious, and gassy, Depressed and anxious: worries about absolutely everything. Any changes or responsibilities are very stressful. Lacks self confidence. Becomes absent-minded and forgetful. Snappy: irritable and critical. Sentimental: cries when thanked. Thin and gassy. Appetite poor: feels full after only a few bites. Everything turns to gas, terrible indigestion with bloating. Frequent urination especially with prostate problems (in men). Rattling cough with lots of expectoration (mucus). Craves sweet things and chocolate. All symptoms are worse between 3 and 4 p.m. and between 4 and 8 p.m.`
Nux Vomica	Anxiety ridden, worries about work and money, stays awake at night thinking of all the work that must be done the next day; extremely irritable when people or situations (traffic, lines, slow clerks, etc) get in the way of them staying on the schedule they had in mind, interfering with their productivity, impacting their ability to make money; also extremely irritable at colleagues and co-workers who don't pay attention to detail, waste time or make mistakes that causes loss of money. Work hard, play hard archetype - always has plans for what to do when not working, the sophisticated and accomplished city dweller. Physical symptoms: chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome; muscle cramps and spasms; lower back pain; tends to run very cold; hypersensitive to noise; craves spicy food; likes alcohol.
Opium	Disconnected and blissed out, often the individual becomes disassociated from their feelings and their physical body following a fright and/or head injury, it's as if they're floating above their body, not really dealing with reality. They may suffer from narcolepsy, and/or painlessness from complaints that are normally painful. Alternatively, the individual may also be a workaholic that is hurried and impatient and has great mental clarity.
Phosphoric acid	weakness and apathy, Overwhelmed by loss especially bereavements. Ailments from grief and disappointment. Forgetful; mind is too weak to even think. Severe weakness. Painless diarrhea, palpitation, headache, and extreme weakness after grief. Headache. Wants refreshing things (like fruit and fruit juices) to eat and drink. Feels better after a nap.
Rhustoxicodendron	restless, stiff, and achy, Anxious and forgetful. Terrible restlessness; can’t rest in any position (because of the aching). Joint and back pains (rheumatism and arthritis) which are worse on first motion and better for continued motion and stretching. Shingles. Symptoms are worse at night; worse for cold and for damp in any form; better for warmth.
Silicea	When this remedy is indicated, the person strains for long periods without success. A "bashful" stool begins to come out, but eventually retreats. People who need this remedy are nervous and mentally acute, but also chilly, physically frail, and easily fatigued.
Sulphur	Dry, hard stools with reddish inflammation of the anus and offensive flatulence suggest a need for this remedy.Constipation may also alternate with diarrhea. People who need this remedy are often "characters" with interesting mental notions, slouching posture, and very little interest in tidiness.