Rodger Douglas
Doctor of Medical Heilkunst
psoriasis
n a t u r a l t r e a t m e n t
Psoriasis may appear on the skin, but its origins are buried deep below the surface. The key to successfully treating it is finding its underlying cause.
This tends to be easier said than done. According to the Mayo Clinic, "The cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood. It's thought to be an immune system problem where infection-fighting cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake.”
If a prestigious institution such as the Mayo Clinic can't pinpoint the exact causes of psoriasis, then who am I to claim that I can? Well, with heilkunst, we take a much deeper look at each patient, and I think this gives us a bit of an edge.
My approach brings together three parts: a healthy lifestyle to increase your strength and vitality, homeopathy to treat the root cause, and mindfulness for any underlying emotional issues.
A Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference to your well-being. But first, remember that we are all unique, so we need a solution that is tailored for us. Some people feel better doing gentle stretches, others prefer short walks. Some do well eating more vegetables, while others get well giving up coffee. The body has its own quiet wisdom, and when we honestly listen to what it has to say, that's when healing begins.
In Biochemical Individuality the biochemist Roger Williams explores the concept that individuals have unique nutritional and lifestyle needs based on their genetic makeup. He included several illustrations of human anatomical variations. Here are three examples.
"Human stomachs vary greatly in size and shape... It is evident that some stomachs hold six or eight times as much as others. It is no wonder from this standpoint that our eating "habits" are not all alike. Coupled with the gross differences in stomach sizes and shapes are the well-known wide differences in the emptying time of stomachs as well as other differences..." Biochemical Individuality, p 22
John Pagano was a chiropractic physician who spent 40 years treating people psoriasis. He noticed that his patients tended to suffer from a leaky gut, which led to the organs of eliminations such as the liver and skin becoming overworked. In my practice I begin treatment with a light cleanse to clear the organs of elimination.
2. Nutrition
Over the years I've experimented with many types of diets on myself and on my patients. I've tried raw vegetarian, carnivore and everything else in between. In the end, I found that the best approach is joyful eating. This is eating guided by your heart and not your head.
3. Restful Sleep
There are several benefits to getting a good night’s rest, such as enhanced alertness, energy and mental clarity. During deep sleep your body repairs damaged cells and tissues, and strengthens the immune system. Sleep can repair the skin’s outer barrier retains moisture and keeps irritants out.
4. Movement
Regular movement is a valuable part of psoriasis care. Its clearest benefits are reducing stress, supporting a healthy weight, and protecting cardiovascular health.
Homeopathic Remedies
Psoriases is complex and multi-layered, so successful treatment requires more than a single remedy. While homeopathy forms the foundation of my practice, I also use several related remedy systems that complement it, each with its own unique role.
5. Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an individualised approach in which highly diluted remedies are selected according to a person’s symptoms and overall experience of health. In my practice, I consider your physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and health history when choosing remedies.
6. Sequential Therapy
Sequential therapy is an approach within homeopathy that places particular emphasis on a person’s health history. Together, we develop a timeline of significant events: illnesses, injuries, operations, losses, and other experiences you consider important.
7. Flower Remedies
Flower remedies are preparations made from flowers and traditionally used to address emotional concerns. I select them through discussion of what you are experiencing, such as worry, grief, overwhelm, or difficulty adjusting to change.
8. Cell Salts
Schuessler cell salts are preparations of twelve mineral salts used in homeopathic dilutions. Traditionally selected according to patterns of symptoms, they are distinct from nutritional supplements and do not replace minerals missing from the diet.
Mindful Awareness
To truly heal, you need to understand why you became unwell in the first place. In many cases, the root cause of an illness can be traced back to the mind or emotions. Perhaps you are too nice of a person and let people walk all over you? Maybe you belief you are not worthy of being loved? Or could it be some old forgotten trauma from childhood that is keeping you ill?
Psychology and mindfulness are broad fields of knowledge. I feel that you need to narrow down or you end up being master of none. After12 years of practice I found four approaches that work well in the real world and work well with homeopathy.
Gendlin was a psychotherapist who developed the idea of a felt sense. Think of it as the body, rather than mind, expressing an emotion. A bodily awareness of your situation. By tuning into your body and your skin you become more aware of the underlying cause of your psoriasis.
Dr. Sarno was a back pain specialist. He noticed that many of his patients who would not heal often suffered from suppressed emotions. He turned to therapeutic journaling
11. Slow Down
Professor Grossbart noticed his psoriasis patients seemed to live at an extraordinary pace. They were often capable, intelligent and energetic people, but Grossbart felt that some were living their lives in overdrive. He
12. Inner Work
Professor Grossbart noticed his psoriasis patients seemed to live at an extraordinary pace. They were often capable, intelligent and energetic people, but Grossbart felt that some were living their lives in overdrive. He
Working With Me
I’m glad you’ve gotten this far down the page. If you are wondering what it’s like working with me, here is a step-by-step description of what I do.
Free Call
I suggest starting with a free call. You can chat with me for about 20 minutes and ask me any questions you want to. I will answer them as best as I can. If you liked what you heard in the call please go ahead and book a consultation.
Consultations
The first consultation lasts about 90 minutes. During the consultation we will discuss your main symptoms. We then cover other issues such as sleep, energy, digestion, and past illnesses. We will also talk about lifestyle, relationships, stresses, emotions and personality. These help me understand not simply what is wrong, but how you experience your life.
I need to take a day or two to study everything we talked about so that I can choose the best remedies for you. They usually arrive in about a week depending on where you live. In the meantime, I’ll email you some lifestyle or mindfulness exercises to work on while you wait.
Cost
I work with people worldwide with very different backgrounds and financial circumstances, so I offer 3 different fees. Choose the fee you feel most comfortable with. Every client receives exactly the same high level of care. You do not need to provide any financial information or explain your choice.
Standard Fee
$175
Reduced Fee
$85
Supported Fee
$35
Phone Consultations
Since I live in Japan and most of my clients are in the US, Europe, and Australia, I do my consultations over the phone, usually on WhatsApp. Most people prefer voice calls since there is no traveling or waiting in line. Just sit on your sofa with a nice cup of tea or coffee while chatting to me.
Testimonials
Prefer to write first?
If you have a question about my approach to psoriasis or what a consultation involves, send me a message. I’ll reply by email.
I’m Dr. Rodger Douglas, DMH, B.Psych., a homeopath specializing in skin conditions. With training from the Hahnemann College of Heilkunst (HCH) and a psychology degree from Nelson Mandela University. As a proud member of the tInternational Heilkunst Association (IHA), I follow the highest professional standards.