Gymnura
natalensis (Gymno-n)
= Stingray/= Rochen/= Butterfly Ray/= Diamond Ray
https://ir.dut.ac.za/bitstream/10321/369/1/Naidoo_2008.pdf
Vergleich: Urol-h. (= round stingray)
Comparison: of Gymnura natalensis and
Lac dolphin
Comparison of Gymnura natalensis and others
Siehe: Meeresgruppe +
The stingray swings its tail upward and forward in a reflex action, either
producing sword like lacerations or driving the spine into the limb or body of
the victim”
(Edmonds, 1995:71).
[Trishal Pater]
Sting:
Pain is experienced immediately and increases over 1 - 2 hours and eases
after 6 - 10 hours but may persist for a few days. The pain may be constant,
pulsating or lancinating.
The pain may be aggravated by secondary infection.
Bleeding may be profuse and may relieve the pain. A mucoid secretion may follow. The area is
swollen and pale, with a bluish rim.
The swelling or oedema present in the vicinity of the wound may persist
due to lymphatic obstruction that is believed to be caused by inflammation and
damage to the
lymphatics and supporting tissues (Halstead, 1970:62).
There is local necrosis of fat and muscle with ulceration +/o. secondary
infection commonly occurring.
Osteomyelitis in the underlying bone has been reported. Symptoms that
can persist for weeks after an injury include a dull ache and swelling over the
area of the sting.
(Edmonds, 1989:70)
GENERAL:
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Frequent urination
Salivation
Extension of pain to the area of lymphatic drainage
Muscular cramps
Tremors
Paralysis in the affected limb and surrounding areas
Fainting
Palpitations
Hypotension
Heart rate irregularities and cessation of heart activities are
possible.
Difficulty in breathing
Cough
Pain on inspiration
Fever during the night with copious sweating
Nervousness
Confusion
Delirium
Fatalities may occur immediately or within 2 weeks if the spine
penetrates the pericardial, peritoneal or pleural cavities. (Edmonds,
1989:70-71)
The venom glands of stingrays are not distinct and therefore, the
extraction of the venom is difficult. A
great portion of the venom‟s toxicity is lost by freeze drying.
The above facts have hindered research into the effects of the venom of
stingrays (Meier and White, 1995:137).
Stingray venom is primarily cardiotoxic and cytotoxic.
The venom is composed of the enzymes, 5-nucleotidase and
phosphodiesterase and the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin causes smooth muscle to contract,
which
is primarily responsible for the symptom of pain (Layton, 2006).
The venom also contains a large water-soluble protein that is destroyed
by heat. It is therefore suggested that
a wound caused by a stingray sting be washed in hot water
(about 50° C) until the pain subsides (Tricas, et al. 1997:126).
The venom does not block neuromuscular transmission but is responsible
for the cardiac and circulatory disturbances that may occur in the victim
(Meier and White, 1995:137).
Large doses of the venom causes vasoconstriction in blood vessels
(Halstead, 1970:68). The venom affects
the respiratory centers of the medulla in the brain
causing symptoms of respiratory depression. The cardiovascular changes due to the venom,
may also contribute to the respiratory depression (Halstead, 1970:68).
Stingray venom occasionally causes convulsive seizures which may be due
to a direct effect of the venom on the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of the how
the venom causes such seizures is unclear (Halstead, 1970:68).
The enzymatic components of the venom causes both cellular and tissue
death (Layton, 2006).
The tissue necrosis found in the victim, in the area of the stingray
injury, suggests that the venom possesses proteolytic properties (Halstead,
1970:63). The lethal dose for
stingray venom has been calculated as 28mg dried crude venom per
kilogram mice (Halstead, 1970:67).
2.3
TOXICOLOGY
“Toxicology is the study of the toxic properties of poisonous
substances” (Swayne, 1998:217).
According to Riley (1996:4), one can use information from toxicological
studies to infer the possible indications of a homoeopathic remedy. Coulter (1981:45-46) suggests that during the
provings of potentized poisonous substances, the toxicological symptoms appear
in a milder form.
The toxicology of a venom along with the proving symptoms of a
homoeopathic remedy prepared from that venom and the observations made from the
clinical use of that
remedy will establish the remedy in homoeopathic medicine (Bonnet,
2000:112)
. The above mentioned factors
will not only establish a homoeopathic remedy but will also assist in the
understanding and development of that remedy (Riley, 1997:225).
Sherr (1994:88) states that the addition of the toxicological symptoms
of a substance to the proving symptoms of that substance will result in the
formation of a complete, well
-rounded remedy picture. The toxicological symptomatology of a stingray
envenomation is described in detail in section 2.2.7 of this study.
[Vanishree Naidoo]
A double-blind; placebo controlled trial.
During the course of this study provers experienced a wide range of
symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical spheres.
There was a predominance of symptoms on the mental level and emotional
spheres. Provers experienced varying
degrees of anxiety, irritability, dissatisfaction and depression.
The depression was noted to be experienced with feelings of detachment,
disconnection, isolation and a desire to be alone. Provers noted prostration of mind, both
improvement
and decrease in their concentration levels and unstable moods. There was
difficult concentration with inability to focus + a spaced out feeling.
On the physical level, many provers experienced headaches of varying
types and intensity.
There was vertigo and dizziness.
Provers experienced breathing difficulties, palpitations and increased
heart rate. Pain and cramping was seen in the back and extremities with sensations
of heaviness and prickling.
Sleep was widely affected with insomnia, disturbed sleep and
restlessness.
Provers also noted fluctuations of body temperature and heat flushes.
There was general tiredness, weakness and low energy levels which affected
normal physical activity.
Symptoms obtained from the proving of Gymnura natalensis were analysed
as part of a comparative study with other remedies derived from sea animals.
The group analysis aimed to highlight similarities and differences
between this „family‟ of seemingly similar remedies.
A study of this nature serves to help differentiate and improve the
understanding of the precise therapeutic indications of similar remedies.
The results indicate a strong similarity between the symptoms of Gymnura
natalensis and certain remedies of the same natural family grouping of aquatic
substances.
This was particularly evident in the themes of altered mental function
e.g. spaciness of the mind, poor concentration and slow understanding,
separation and a detached feeling;
individuality and a desire to be detached/disconnected; mental and
physical weakness and an affinity for the female genital and hormonal systems.
The investigation supported the hypothesis that Gymnura natalensis would
produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy proving
volunteers. Furthermore, the
subsequent group analysis and comparative study with
Ambra grisea (whale secretion)
Galeocerdo cuvier hepar (tiger shark liver)
Lac delphinium (milk of dolphin)
Medusa (jelly-fish)
Murex purpurea (purple fish)
Sepia officinalis (cuttlefish)
highlighted the similarities and differences between these remedies and
Gymnura natalensis.
Sociable animals with a reasonable learning capacity. They are generally non-aggressive but males
tend to display aggression during the mating season/tends to be shy and depart
rapidly if approached (Deacon et al., 1997).
Most stingray attacks occur when the animal is threatened in its
environment causing it to reflexively raise its tail above
its head and thrust a spine into the victim (Auerbach, 2006).
Normally solitary, Gymnura natalensis have been found in large shoals
often comprising animals of one sex.
Single rays tend to be found on the seabed, whereas shoals are often
found in the midwater region (Campagno, 1989: 110).
Normally solitary, Gymnura natalensis have been found in large shoals
often comprising animals of one sex.
Single rays tend to be found on the seabed, whereas shoals are often
found in the midwater region (Campagno, 1989: 110).
2.3.2.7
Movement Stingrays move by vertical undulations of the disc and are
adapted to ripple and glide through the water with very little effort. Propulsion is mainly achieved by
lateral and horizontal movements of the tail or vertical movements of
the pectoral fins. In the case of
Gymnura natalensis, movements of certain parts of the well-developed
disc enable it to dive, climb, turn or stop, offering a great advantage
when seeking prey. The flattened disc
also enables it to glide for long distances without any active
movements (Deacon et al., 1997).
2.3.2.8
Venom and stinging apparatus
The venom apparatus of stingray. consists of the caudal appendage, a
bilateral spine which is covered by an integumentary sheath and associated
venom glands, and
the cuneiform area of the integument with which the sting is in contact
when at rest (Halstead, 1970:29). The
caudal appendage is cylindrical and showing tapering in
cross-section. The caudal fin is
present as a cutaneous fold or is may be indistinct. The cuneiform are not usually well developed
(Halstead, 1970:29).
The spine is attached to the tail of the stingray by dense connective
tissue.
The spines have a serrated edge with two grooves on the underside which
house the venom glands (Auerbach, 2006).
All stingray venoms are very similar.
They contain serotonin, 5-nucleotidase and phosphodiesterase.
The latter two enzymes are responsible for the necrosis and tissue
breakdown seen in stingray envenomations (Auerbach, 2006).
The envenomations by a stingray usually occur when the animal is
disturbed, it reflexively whips its tail upwards and thrusts a spine or spines
into the victim, producing a
puncture wound or laceration.
The sheath covering the spine ruptures and the venom, along with mucus
and fragments of the sheath and spine are released into the tissue surrounding
the wound.
This results in intense pain, oedema and variable bleeding. The venom
causes tissue damage by means of proteolytic enzymes and therefore heating the
venom to a
temperature above 50º C diminishes some of its biologic effect
(Auerbach, 2006).
Reported systemic effects of stingray envenomations include:
diaphoresis, nausea, cardiac arrhythmia (flattened and biphasic T-waves),
anxiety, headache, tremors,
skin rash, diarrhoea, generalized pallor, delirium, neuritis, limb
paralysis, paresthesias, lymphangitis, abdominal pain, arthritis, fever,
hypertension and hypotension, dyspnoea,
congestive heart failure and syncope.
Some of these effects can be due to allergy to the venom and
psychological reactions to attack (Edmonds, 1995:72).
Penetration of the body cavities (chest, abdomen and groin) is a serious
medical emergency (Edmonds, 1995:71).
Introduction of the ray's necrotising venom directly into the body
cavity of a person has been known to cause insidious necrotizing effects on the
heart and other internal organs,
and death is often inevitable.
Tissue necrosis and subsequent secondary bacterial infection that occurs
as a result is extremely difficult to treat (Auerbach, 2006).
Repertory:
MIND: aversion to COMPANY
CONCENTRATION - active/difficult cannot fix attention
Want of self confidence
DESPAIR
DETACHED – sensation of being
DISCONTENTED
DOUBTFUL of imself
DULLNESS (“As if ntoxicated”)
DYSLEXIA
FORSAKEN – sensation of isolation
IRRITABILITY (morning/easily/from trifles)
MISTAKES in writing
MOOD – alternating/changeable
PROSTRATION
RESTLESSNESS (in bed)
SADNESS (extreme/gloomy)
SPACED OUT feeling
SPEECH – low, soft voice
STUPEFACTION
THOUGHTS – rush, flow of from causes
WEEPING from despair
VERTIGO: + pain in head/+ blurred vision
CLOSING eyes >
INTOXICATED, as if
SITTING >
TURNING; “As if head is turning round”
WALKING while
HEAD: EMPTY, hollow sensation
HEAVINESS (bending forward/in forehead/in temples)
LIGHTNESS; sensation of
PAIN <(<(<( viele )>)>)>
PULSATING
EYE: desires to close the eyes
CLOSING the eyes involuntary
DISCOLOURATION red
FULLNESS, sensation of
HEAVINESS
OPENING the eyelids difficult hard to keep the eyes open
PAIN – r./”As from sand” (r./morning)/sore (r./morning on
waking)/pulsating
WARMTH - sensation of
VISION: BLURRED + vertigo
FACE: DISCOLORATION red
THROAT: DRYNESS/sensation of a FOREIGN body
INFLAMMATION – painful/on waking
PAIN – swallowing/l. tonsil
PRICKLY
TICKLING (in throat/at night)
STOMACH: APPETITE – diminished/easy satiety/increased
THIRST [extreme (on waking)/drinking (cold) water]
ABDOMEN: PAIN – sharp
RECTUM: “As if a ball in rectum”
CONSTIPATION
STOOL: THIN after eating
BLADDER: PAIN burning during urination
URINATION – frequent
URINE: BURNING
FEMALE ORGANS: LEUKORRHOEA (bloody/brown/cream like/thick)
MENSES – too short, two days
RESPIRATION: ANXIOUS
DEEP >
DIFFICULT (> deep breathing/DIFFICULT (at
night/inspiration/lying/> yawning)
COUGH: in general/at night/> DAYTIME/DRY/TICKLING
in throat
CHEST: CONSCIOUS of heart’s action
OPPRESSION – with difficult respiration
PALPITATION - with anxiety/of heart
BACK: ERUPTIONS (sand like/pimples/painful
pustules/red)
HEAT in spine
PAIN [aching in dorsal region between scapulae/in cervical region ext.
occiput/in lumbar region (r./cutting/dull /descending/rising from a
seat/walking)/rising from sitting/
descends/between scapulae/ext. glutei muscles and thighs)/rising from
sitting/walking/stitching in r. dorsal region/ext. down back]
TIGHT feeling
EXTREMITIES: CRAMPS (in calf ext. heel/l. foot/leg/in calf
> motion/> stretching/lower limbs)
HEAVINESS - in lower limbs/in shoulder
ITCHING – in lower limbs/burning/in gluteal region
PAIN [cramping in l. foot/cutting in (r.) calf/sore (upper arm/on
motion]
TINGLING – hand/foot (lying in bed)
SLEEP: ANXIOUS/DEEP/DISTURBED (from anxiety/by
dreams/by heat/by the slightest noise/by perspiration)
FALLING ASLEEP difficult (from a rush of thoughts)
INTERRUPTED (by urge for micturition/by restlessness)
LIGHT
NEED OF SLEEP great
RESTLESS
SLEEPINESS (evening/overpowering)
SLEEPLESSNESS (from anxiety/from dreams/from from slight noise/from
palpitation/from perspiration/from restlessness/with sleepiness/from activity of
thoughts/
with urging to urinate/in spite of weariness)
WAKING - by dreams/easy
DREAMS: ACCIDENTS with a
car/ACQUAINTANCES/AMOROUS/BOOKS/CONVERSATION/(impending) danger/dead
pets/DOGS/DRIVING a car/past
EVENTS/of impending evil/FANTASTIC/old FRIENDS/FRIGHTFUL (waking
him)/like the house of youth/LUCID/MANY/people not seen for years/PLEASANT/
RELATIONSHIPS/REPEATED/ROBBERS (detecting
robbers)/SAD/SCHOOL/SEA/SEXUAL/STRANGE/SWIMMING/THREATS/UNREMEMBERED/VIVID/
WATER/TIME OF YOUTH
FEVER: # chills/HEAT
PERSPIRATION: COLD
PROFUSE - at night (with sleeplessness)/during sleep
SKIN: HEAT without fever
ITCHING burning
GENERALS:
Excess of energy
FOOD & DRINK:
Desires: cold drinks (water)/fish/salt;
<: cold food;
HEAT in flushes (with palpitation)
HEAT sensation of
HEAVINESS
LASSITUDE (must lie down)
PRICKLING
SLEEP – after sleep – < in morning on waking
TEMPERATURE changes
WEAKNESS
WEARINESS
Feeling disconnected from everything or detached from others. These
symptoms + feelings of worthlessness, loneliness and isolation.
Irritability and dissatisfaction
There were varying degrees of irritability accompanied by
dissatisfaction. The irritability was
described as low tolerance levels, getting easily annoyed, very moody and
snappy and increased in the morning.
There was oversensitivity and dissatisfaction that leads to irritation.
Prover 11M in particular expressed his dissatisfaction as a feeling of
missing or wanting something and reflected on things from the past that he
wished he could redo.
Spaced out feeling and difficult concentration
There was difficulty focusing + a feeling of being „spaced out‟.
Provers also experienced prostration of the
and body with tiredness and exhaustion. The spaced out feeling
was described as “like I’m in a dream”
“like I’m in a dwaal” or on drugs.
These symptoms indicate that normal activity of the was affected to some extent and this was
evident in Prover 04M who experienced
dyslexia-like symptoms. These
were noted as the mixing up of letters and words when typing which was
perceived as dyslexic by the prover.
Improved concentration
There was increased concentration and productivity, mental energy levels
a feeling of being very awake and alert.
Prover 18F described alertness and improved concentration (at night).
Mood changes
Provers noted ups and downs in their mood with a feeling of instability.
The mood changes were accompanied by irritability and being snappy with
others. Prover 24F noted that her normal
premenstrual “mood swings” had decreased whilst Prover 06F
experienced an improvement in overall mood in the mornings.
5.3.2.
VERTIGO
There were sensations of vertigo typically described as light-headedness
and dizziness. The vertigo + feelings of
tiredness and low energy.
losing balance and instability on the feet and a feeling as if almost
drunk.
Prover 17M noticed vertigo while walking with blurred vision and a heavy
sensation in the limbs which seemed > sitting and closing the eyes.
5.3.3.
HEAD
The majority of provers experienced headache of varying types at some
point of the proving.
Most provers noted the onset of headaches in the afternoon.
Headaches occurred predominantly on the right side and seemed > when
pressure was applied. The sensation of
the pain experienced incl. throbbing, dull, pulsating, pressing, pounding.
The main area of involvement was the occipital region of the head:
radiating from the right occiput, travelling up towards the front of the
occiput or sub-occipital headache
Frontal headaches were noted on the right side of the forehead. Temporal headaches involved both temples.
The sensations were emptiness/lightness and heaviness.
The emptiness was described as “feel light-headed almost drunk” and
heaviness was experienced as pressure behind the eyes, and when leaning forward
and as a heavy
bursting feeling.
5.3.4.
EYE AND VISION
Provers experienced an extreme need to close the eyes or battled to keep
the eyes open. This was accompanied by a
burning, gritty feeling in the eyes .and tiredness and sleepiness.
One of the provers described this as, “difficult to keep my eyes open
and look at things.”
The eyelids felt heavy with a desire to close them and a feeling of
fullness and heaviness around the eyes.
Eye pain was experienced to some degree by certain provers. The pain was
described as a “throbbing in the right eye with no redness or burning
and a soreness in the right eye.
There was a sharp sensation behind the right eye and a sensation of
pressure behind both eyes in one prover which was accompanied by light-sensitivity.
The eyes felt gritty with burning and soreness as if a piece of grit was
in the eye.
5.3.5.
THROAT
The throat was described as feeling dry and a dry cough was
experienced. There was a sensation of
something pokey lodged in the throat causing a tickling sensation.
Sore throat was experienced as prickling in the left tonsil worse on
swallowing. A slight cough experienced due to a tickling sensation at the back
of the throat < at night.
5.3.6.
STOMACH
Appetite was reported as both increased or lost appetite with no desire
to eat. Increased appetite was described
as a strong appetite, that persisted the entire day.
A peculiar polarity was noted in Prover 03F who initially experienced a
decrease in appetite with easy satiety at the beginning of the proving followed
by an increased appetite
for sweet and salty foods later on.
There was a pronounced increase in thirst that occurred in many provers,
typically thirst for cold water, with drinking large amounts and even waking up
feeling extremely thirsty,
5.3.7.
BLADDER
There was an increase in urinary frequency with an urge to urinate
several times even though no liquid had been drunk to cause this.
Provers reported burning on urination with pain above the pubic bone and
burning on starting to urinate.
5.3.8.
FEMALE
Overall provers noted a marked reduction or improvement in usual
premenstrual symptoms. This was reported
as no usual warning signs such as breast tenderness noted prior to
onset of menstrual period
Prover 10F noted the absence of premenstrual ovulation pain that is
usually experienced every month.
There was also a reduction in the duration of the menstrual period from
5 days to 2 days.
5.3.9.
RESPIRATION
There was difficulty breathing (on inspiration).
Breathing was described as restricted with a sensation of a weight on
the chest preventing breathing.
There was a feeling as though sufficient air could not get in and this
was ameliorated by deep breaths and yawning.
5.3.10.
CHEST
There were heart palpitations + anxiety and anticipation. The palpitations were described as a
sensation of acute awareness of the heart in the chest.
Provers also noted an increase in heart rate despite no strenuous
activity.
Prover 19M experienced an unusual sensation/pain on the right side of
the heart that felt like little nails or pins were being pressed onto the
heart.
5.3.11.
BACK
Back pain specifically experienced in the lower lumbar region, between
the shoulder blades and in the middle of the back. The pain was described as aching, stitching
and sudden,
sharp nerve-like. There was a tendency of pain to move downward i.e.
from scapula to posterior superior iliac spine and from lower back down the
right thigh.
Two provers developed a similar pimple-like eruption of the back. The peculiar sensation was as though the back
was covered with sand.
This particular symptom lead to the creation of a new rubric.
5.3.12.
EXTREMITIES
Provers experienced pain of both the upper and lower limbs, cramping in
the calf muscles and the left foot with increasing pain.
The pains were described as sharp and occurred predominantly on the
right side of the body.
Sensations included prickling, tingling, stinging and heaviness which
was experienced in both the right hand and right foot.
5.3.13.
SLEEP
Many provers experienced some sort of sleep disturbance.
Prominence of sleeplessness and sleepiness that was experienced
repeatedly by the provers. Sleepiness
was described as “almost like being intoxicated” (16M 03:03:XX),
“strong desire to sleep”, and
feeling consumed by the need to lie down and sleep. There was a general feeling
of being very tired but unable to sleep.
Sleep interrupted by dreams and the need to urinate. There was restlessness with tossing and
turning and active thoughts.
A polarity of initial sleeplessness followed by sleepiness experienced
later on in the proving was noted.
5.3.14.
DREAMS
Many provers described dreams as being both vivid and as unremembered.
There were a variety of themes that emerged from dreams. The most prominent of these were dreams of
the past; of old acquaintances and friends.
There were dreams of swimming and of impending danger.
5.3.15.
FEVER
Prover 07F noticed raised body temperature.
Prover 13M reported fluctuating body temperatures of feeling hot and
then cold.
5.3.16.
GENERALS
Tiredness and low energy were prominent symptoms. The tiredness was described as extreme,
overwhelming and experienced as a feeling of lethargy and exhaustion.
There were general sensations of heat seen in heat flushes experienced
throughout the proving and the skin feeling hot to the touch.
Provers 03F and 14M experienced the extreme tiredness and low energy as
well as increased energy.
There were food cravings for salty foods, for raw fish (sushi) and an
increased desire for cold water
There was a general sensation of prickling in the throat resulting in
cough and prickling pains with sore throat.
The prickling sensation was also experienced in the right foot and both
hands by Prover 24F. A sensation of
heaviness was noted around the eyes.
Provers also reported heaviness in the lower limbs, and in the
shoulders.
5.4.
ANTIDOTE
The symptom experienced by provers on both the verum and placebo were of
a mild nature. The researcher was not
required to provide an antidote to any of the provers
for the duration of the proving.
In the event that any signs +/o. symptoms attributed to the proving
substance, (whether mental, emotional or physical in nature),
caused excessive discomfort for the prover, the following steps would
have been implemented (Kerschbaumer, 2004):
A. ahomoeopathic similimum based on the totality of symptoms of both the
preproving case history and the proving would be provided
B. If Method A. was ineffective, the provers “constitutional‟ ‟
homoeopathic remedy would have been administered.
If it were unknown, it would have been ascertained from the pre-proving
case history.
C. If Method B. was ineffective, an “acute” homoeopathic remedy would
have been prescribed according to the smaller presenting totality of the
proving symptoms.
D. If Method C. failed, the commonly known methods of antidoting i.e.
applying camphor, coffee, mints etc. would have been used.
5.5.
ESSENCE OF THE REMEDY
A review of the major themes of the remedy illustrated a possible essence
or state as one of „alternation‟.
The alternation or oscillation of states is clearly evident in the
mental and physical spheres of Gymnura natalensis and is represented by
symptoms produced by many provers. On
the mental level, there was an alternation between
the present and going back to the past, which is clearly depicted in the
dream state.
The alternation of mental function was evident in the symptoms of
clarity of versus „spaciness‟. There was an oscillation between states of
sleeplessness and sleepiness.
On the physical level, there was an alternation of states of tiredness
and increased energy. The alternation is further confirmed by the fluctuation
in body temperature
noted by Prover 03F and 13M. “My
temperature regulation has changed – I seem to oscillate very easily – if it is
a colder day I am dressed with fewer clothes than
normal and if it is slightly warmer I am dressed with more clothes. It is out of kilter. Feels like a backward mercury thermometer.”
“Fluctuating temperatures i.e. my entire body feels hot then cold.”
5.6.
POSSIBLE CLINICAL CONDITIONS
It is of the researcher’s opinion, that Gymnura natalensis possibly has
specific indications in the treatment of disorders of the female hormonal
system.
This is evident from prover reports citing specific symptoms such as
breast tenderness related to premenstrual syndrome and heat flushes.
This is yet to be verified through clinical trials and the use of the
remedy in homoeopathic practice.
Additional conditions that could be indicated:
Anxiety
Palpitations
Lower back pain
Insomnia
5.6
SUMMARY OF THE CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS
The evaluation of the proving symptoms of Gymnura natalensis yielded the
following prominent themes.
Anxiety
The most prominent theme to emerge from this study was that of anxiety.
The central feeling of the anxiety of
nervousness and not being in control.
This is then reflected as an increased sensitivity to the environment –a
„pseudo-paranoia.‟ There is also
an element of self-doubt and lack of self-confidence
experienced with the anxiety.
Disorientated
The second theme that can be considered important to this remedy is that
of disorientation.
There is a central idea of disorientation of the with loss of control or
composure.
This was seen in the inability to focus, relatively poor concentration
or difficulty carrying out normal tasks.
It is reflected as a feeling of being „spaced out‟ similar to that
of intoxication with drugs.
A feeling as if in a dream-like state.
Irritability and dissatisfaction
The central feeling is one of being dissatisfied - in a situation, with
others or with events of the past.
There is a decrease in tolerance levels leading to instability of mood
and irritability.
There may be associated frustration.
Depression and sadness
The central idea of depression is a perceived sense of „doom‟ or
„gloom.‟ It is expressed as heavy
sadness and may be significant enough to cause one to isolate
themselves despite there being some degree of loneliness.
The feeling may be expressed as „disconnected and detached.‟ There is despair and associated negativity.
Connection to the past
There is an element of „going back to the past‟. This theme was clearly portrayed as the
central focus of the dreams.
It was depicted by way of going back to one’s childhood – a situation of
being back at school or in the childhood house.
There was a tendency to dream of people, acquaintances and friends from
the past with the resurfacing of sad events and past relationships with people.
Tiredness and weakness
A prominent theme of the remedy was prostration of the and body.
There was a significant amount of tiredness and weakness experienced as
exhaustion
and lethargy. This lassitude is
characterised by a loss/lack of energy making physical activity difficult.
https://openscholar.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/463
[Thrishal Pather]
Evaluation of the randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial.
proving of Gymnura natalensis in light of a Doctrine of Signatures analysis and
a comparison between the proving symptomatology and venom toxicology.
This study was conducted concurrently with another proving study of
Gymnura natalensis by Vanishree Naidoo, using the same proving methodology used
in this study.
While this study focussed on analysing the proving symptoms of Gymnura
natalensis in light of the Doctrine of Signatures and the toxicological
symptoms of stingray
envenomation, the research of Naidoo (2008) was directed at comparing the
proving symptom picture of Gymnura natalensis to that of other homoeopathic
remedies
derived from sea animals.
(Sind die drei eine Familie im Sinne of Will Taylor?)
Ocypus o. Staphylinus oleus = Schwarze Moderkäfer/= Devil.s’s coach horse. Arthropoda. Vergleich: Scor. (bedroht durch Hinterleib hoch und zum Kopf hin zu strecken + sticht)/
Ocypus reagiert auf gleiche Weise und beißt/riecht faul./lebt von moderndes Holz)/Gymnu-n. [“The stingray swings its tail upward and forward in a reflex action, either producing
sword like lacerations or driving the spine into the limb or body of the
victim” (Edmonds, 1995:71)];
The anatomical part of the animal that was required for the remedy
manufacture included the poisonous spine located on the tail of the stingray.
The spine was then carefully removed from the live animal by the marine
biologist in such a way as to prevent any excessive haemorrhaging and
discomfort to the animal.
2.2.7
Symptoms of Envenomation by a Stingray
Damage to a victim by the sting of a stingray can be caused either by
the spine or from the venom of the spine, or both (Edmonds, 1995:71).
Clinical features:
LOCAL:
Pain experienced immediately and increases over 1 - 2 hours and eases
after 6 - 10 hours but may persist for a few days. The pain may be constant,
pulsating or lancinating.
The pain may be < secondary infection.
Bleeding may be profuse and may relieve the pain. A mucoid secretion may follow.
The area is swollen and pale, with a bluish rim.
The swelling or oedema present in the vicinity of the wound may persist
due to lymphatic obstruction that is believed to be caused by inflammation and
damage to the lymphatics
and supporting tissues (Halstead, 1970:62).
There is local necrosis of fat and muscle with ulceration and/or
secondary infection commonly occurring.
Osteomyelitis in the underlying bone has been reported.
Symptoms that can persist for weeks after an injury include a dull ache
and swelling over the area of the sting. (Edmonds, 1989:70)
GENERAL:
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Frequent urination
Salivation
Extension of pain to the area of lymphatic drainage
Muscular cramps
Tremors
Paralysis in the affected limb and surrounding areas
Fainting
Palpitations
Hypotension
Heart rate irregularities and cessation of heart activities are
possible.
Difficulty in breathing
Cough
Pain on inspiration
Fever during the night with copious sweating
Nervousness
Confusion
Delirium
Fatalities may occur immediately or within 2 weeks if the spine
penetrates the pericardial, peritoneal or pleural cavities. (Edmonds, 1989:70 -
71)
The venom glands of stingrays are not distinct and therefore, the
extraction of the venom is difficult. A
great portion of the venom’s toxicity is lost by freeze drying.
The above facts have hindered research into the effects of the venom of
stingrays (Meier and White, 1995:137).
Stingray venom is primarily cardiotoxic and cytotoxic.
The venom is composed of the enzymes, 5-nucleotidase and
phosphodiesterase and the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin causes smooth muscle contraction
which is primarily responsible for the symptom of pain (Layton,
2006).
The venom also contains a large water-soluble protein that is destroyed
by heat. It is therefore suggested that
a wound caused by a stingray sting be washed in hot water
(about 50° C) until the pain subsides (Tricas, et al. 1997:126).
The venom does not block neuromuscular transmission but is responsible
for the cardiac and circulatory disturbances that may occur in the victim
(Meier and White, 1995:137).
Large doses of the venom causes vasoconstriction in blood vessels
(Halstead, 1970: 68). The venom affects
the respiratory centers of the medulla in the brain
causing symptoms of respiratory depression. The cardiovascular changes due to the venom,
may also contribute to the respiratory depression (Halstead, 1970:68).
Stingray venom occasionally causes convulsive seizures which may be due
to a direct effect of the venom on the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of the how
the venom causes such seizures is unclear (Halstead, 1970:68).
The enzymatic components of the venom causes both cellular and tissue
death (Layton, 2006).
The tissue necrosis found in the victim, in the area of the stingray
injury, suggests that the venom possesses proteolytic properties (Halstead,
1970: 63).
The lethal dose for stingray venom has been calculated as 28mg dried
crude venom per kilogram mice (Halstead, 1970:67).
2.3
“Toxicology is the study of the toxic properties of poisonous
substances” (Swayne, 1998:217).
According to Riley (1996:4), one can use information from toxicological
studies to infer the possible indications of a homoeopathic remedy. Coulter (1981:45-46) suggests
that during the provings of potentized poisonous substances, the
toxicological symptoms appear in a milder form.
The toxicology of a venom along with the proving symptoms of a
homoeopathic remedy prepared from that venom and the observations made from the
clinical use of that
remedy will establish the remedy in homoeopathic medicine (Bonnet,
2000:112). The above mentioned factors
will not only establish a homoeopathic remedy but will also
assist in the understanding and development of that remedy (Riley,
1997:225).
Sherr (1994:88) states that the addition of the toxicological symptoms
of a substance to the proving symptoms of that substance will result in the
formation of a complete,
well-rounded remedy picture. The toxicological symptomatology of a
stingray envenomation is described in detail in section 2.2.7
of this study.
2.4.2
Characteristics of Stingrays
The ancestry of rays dates back to more than 150 million years ago
(Tricas, et al. 1997:118). Ferguson and
Cailliet (1990 :10) refer to stingrays as peaceful animals.
Edmonds (1995 :70 - 71) describes stingrays as gentle, delicate and
non-aggressive animals. Smaller
stingrays tend to be shy and will depart if rapidly approached (Tricas,
et al. 1997:131) yet large stingrays are often inquisitive but cautious
(Tricas, et al. 1997:132).
In terms of defence flight is preferred rather than attack (Ferguson and
Cailliet, 1990:34).
These creatures are highly instinctual and can be territorial and
threaten intruders by quickly raising their tails like a scorpion in order to
protect themselves (Tricas, et al. 1997:132).
Edmonds (1995:70 - 71) states that stingrays are capable of protecting
themselves against intruders.
The venom apparatus is used more as a protective measure than a
mechanism to incapacitate prey (Edmonds, 1995:59).
Rays have flat bodies that are often submerged in the sand or mud at the
floor of the waters in which they are found.
When submerged in the sand, they are hardly detectable (Edmonds,
1995:69).
The ray’s ability to avoid and ward off predators is vital to its
survival. By lying concealed in the
substrate at the bottom of the water, rays can make themselves undetectable to
predators (Tricas, et al. 1997:126).
The movements of a stingray can be sudden and fast yet elegant as
displayed by the gentle flapping of its wings (Edmonds, 1995:69). All rays ripple and glide with seemingly
effortless grace. This powerful motion
is made possible by the well developed disc and the tail (Tricas, et al.
1997:128).
Rays can be pelagic and swim tirelessly and actively in midwater, or
they can lie on or bury themselves in the substrate at the bottom of the water
and only swim off the bottom
to browse for food, reproduce or escape from predators (Tricas, et al.
1997:122).
The structure of the ray facilitates a wide range of movement
capabilties for the animal enabling it to dive, climb, turn, bank or stop. Low-speed, finely controlled movements,
make rays incredibly maneuverable (Tricas, et al. 1997:129).
Rays lack the swim bladder and large oily liver that help other bony
fishes to maintain neutral buoyancy so unless they swim, they will sink to the
bottom (Tricas, et al. 1997:129).
Stingrays can either be sociable or loners (presumably only socializing
to mate) (Tricas, et al. 1997:131).
Solitary members of this species are usually found on the shallow and
deeper sandbanks however shoals may be seen swimming together in midwater
(Cliff and Wilson, 1986:37).
The sensory capabilities used for sight and smell, and the detection of
vibration, touch, electrical and magnetic impulses are well developed and
assist the organism in finding and gathering food and detecting predators, prey
and other members of the same species (Tricas, et al. 1997:127). It has also been noted that the skin of rays
is markedly sensitive to touch (Tricas, et al. 1997:130).
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum