I would like to introduce a concept that is not so popular nowadays, but seems more relevant as the study of genetics progresses. There was a time in medicine when physicians referred to an individual's "constitution." Homeopaths have used the concept and term since their science began.

The constitution of an individual referred to his or her general tendencies to disease. Someone with a weak constitution tended to be sick more often than others and not recover completely or as quickly when compared to one of a strong constitution. Homeopaths have added to the concept of constitution by taking into consideration those "irritants" to which one is sensitive, the nature of the patient, and any disease tendencies. For example, certain constitutional types are more sensitive to hot weather than to cold. Some constitutions are easily offended or insulted. Some are introverts, while others extroverts. One tends to have digestive problems while another runs toward bladder infections. Most of what we see that makes an individual "individual" is part of the constitution.

How has modern genetics research contributed to this idea? The latest information indicates that much more of personality, temperament, and nature are programmed into DNA than previously suspected. One's genes control all of the above traits. Each individual comes into the world with strengths and weakness in their physical structure as well as how they will tend to react in certain situations. Anyone who has raised more than one child or animal will tell you how each is different and how the differences are visible long before the effect of the environment can take hold. If everyone were a product of nurture instead of nature, there would be much less distinction between those who grow up in the same home. Yet, the difference can be dramatic. Conversely, studies of human twins show tremendous similarities in their lifestyles, etc., even those separated at a very young age.

It is important to understand that not all genes are expressed. Many lay dormant for a long time or may never be activated. If they are activated, they can result in serious disease. Cancer is the classic example of this type of situation. The genes for cancers are present at birth. Yet, it is usually years (if ever) before they are expressed and tumors appear. Most life-threatening, chronic diseases occur in those with a genetic predisposition toward them. That is why there are families of people or breeds of animals in which certain conditions are common (Boxer dogs tend to get brain tumors, for example.) This also explains why some people can smoke tobacco for decades and never get lung cancer. Perhaps they just don't have the genes for it. However, a percentage may get emphysema while others have strokes, etc. It depends on their constitution. From this perspective, we can understand why cancer and similar serious chronic diseases are difficult to cure. It actually requires changing the expression of the genes of the patient. Otherwise, the condition persists or returns.

Fortunately, it appears that homeopathy can change genetic expression. This means that the correct remedy has the potential to cure serious gene-based diseases. This requires that the "healthier" gene be present. For example, if a gene is missing, resulting in a disorder from the time of birth, the result will be a condition that is not curable.

There are many documented cases of cancer, neurological conditions, etc. being cured with homeopathy. Understanding the individual constitutions of those around us and especially those for whom we are responsible, enables us to deal with each according to their needs and sensitivities. While we cannot change the nature of an individual, we can work to maximize their potential. Homeopathy brings into the mix the ability to strengthen the constitution. This results in a healthier and more stable individual, physically and emotionally.

-Dr. Russell R. Swift has a holistic house call practice in South Florida. He is available to clients outside the house call area for phone consultations. Dr. Swift uses nutrition and classical homeopathy in the treatment of all types of animals. He can be reached at (561) 391-5615 or at drswift@therightremedy.com. Dr. Swift's website is www.therightremedy.com.