Most of our patients at Insights to Health have experienced the process of biotherapeutic drainage using the UNDA numbered compounds and phytogens. Many of you have had questions regarding the background of this system and how the UNDA compounds work. For your convenience, this document aims to clarify the work and to answer some of the more frequently asked questions, particularly because most all of the literature on drainage available today is written in French.
First: why do we use the UNDA numbered compounds with our patients? Quite simply, they, along with the phytogens, are the most powerful tool we have experienced for shifting biochemistry, and for restoring optimal physiology and balance in the body-mind continuum. Their ability to recreate health is extraordinary. Our mentor is the world expert in the use of the UNDA numbers, and all the physicians at Insights to Health were fortunate to learn directly from him over the course of several years. This study was done in addition to the regular naturopathic medical curriculum, so the doctors at Insights to Health, in addition to their regular medical training, also have extensive knowledge of how to prescribe these incredibly effective remedies.
The UNDA numbers where created over almost 60 years ago in France by a man named Georges Discri. They are made from plant and mineral substances and are homeopathically prepared into each unique compound, of which there are 76. Homeopathic remedies are extremely safe and non-toxic but immensely potent medicines. As such, they have profound implications for virtually all states of disease, or imbalance, in the body.
The UNDA compounds are unique in that they combine diluted forms of plants and minerals, which give them a dual action. The plant part of the medicine (or remedy as we say in homeopathic terms) has an affinity for certain organ systems in the body. For example, the plant Chelidonium majus has an affinity for the liver whereas the plant Cratageus oxycantha has an affinity for the heart and cardiovascular system. The plants also possess unique characteristics in terms of the way they affect an organ or organ system. For example some plants may have a stimulating action whereas others will calm or sedate an organ’s function.
The minerals in the compound have an affect on the way our cells carry out chemical reactions. Basically, every cell in our body is like a tiny, individual engine. Engines process different reactions and then eliminate the waste products left over from their work. Different metals enable the cells to carry out their functions. When used in homeopathic dilutions this is an energetic stimulus.
The plants guide the remedy to the appropriate organ system, be it digestive, cardiovascular or respiratory and the minerals help change the way the cells are biochemically functioning. Because this is the case, these remedies are actually helping the body detoxify by helping all the individual engines (our cells) work more efficiently, especially with regard to eliminating waste effectively. That is why drainage is called drainage. The body is aided in the elimination of waste.
Through what routes is this accomplished? The body has a number of ways it rids itself of toxic accumulations. Primarily the liver, kidneys, intestines and lungs are used to excrete waste. When these routes are overwhelmed, or not functioning adequately, secondary routes are established because the body will do whatever it can to eliminate waste. These secondary routes are the skin, mucous membranes of the nasal sinuses and the vaginal tract for women. This is why chronic irritation of the sinuses and chronic vaginitis are so common. They are emergency routes of elimination, established when the liver, intestines and kidneys cannot handle the job. Please see information on probiotics for a better understanding of how intestinal health is crucial to overall good health.
How are toxins created? Where are they coming from? Most of us are aware by now that the world we are living in is toxic. On a daily basis, each of us is exposed to any number of potentially harmful substances, all of which the body, especially the liver, must properly handle. In addition, poor nutritional habits, lack of sufficient water intake, stress and other emotions can contribute to toxicity in the body if not properly eliminated. As you can see, all of us have some measure of toxicity and even healthy individuals should do some internal cleansing two to three times per year.
Yet another fascinating aspect to biotherapeutic drainage is the flexibility to address mental/emotional aspects of healing. Most of the UNDA compounds have the ability to facilitate both emotional and physical healing when needed. Because the root of so much dis-ease in the body is related to stress or trauma, this is a key element in the deep healing ability of these remedies.
The implications of drainage for health and healing are enormous. The body’s ability to properly eliminate, and to moderate the effects of stress, plays a large part in determining the status of health. In other words, health is restored when the body is able to rid itself of toxins that naturally accumulate in the cells, and when it can relax enough to truly heal. But cleansing and unwinding are just the first steps in attaining the higher goals of preventing disease and maintaining health. Our teacher, Dickson Thom, DDS, ND, has taught us that we must also rebuild immunity, improve circulation, prevent aging, and protect and nourish the nervous system for a truly holistic approach to health.
Common Questions:
What kind of things can I expect after I start using the UNDA numbers??? Our patients report any number of “detox” reactions, ranging from mild to moderate. Mild symptoms might include a change in the frequency, color or odor of urination or defecation. Sometimes an increase or change in perspiration can occur. Some patients have reported a mild headache or feeling of fatigue for just a few days when beginning treatment, or a change in their menstrual cycle, but more frequently than not patients report an INCREASE in energy and feeling of well-being after one to two weeks.
What if I get an acute illness? ??Please contact us if an acute illness should arise. Sometimes the process of detoxifying can cause what I call a “discharge reaction”. In other words, it is an attempt by your body to rid itself of toxins and can sometimes appear to be a cold, sinus infection or vaginal infection in women. There are options for treatment besides antibiotics in most cases. Many of my patients need to avoid antibiotic treatment whenever possible and therefore I will do my best to see you as soon as possible. If you cannot reach me, please contact your primary-care physician or proceed to the nearest emergency room if necessary.
How long does it take to see results?/ How long do I have to take UNDA compounds??? Every person is a unique individual and it is impossible to predict how quickly or in what fashion your health process will unfold. Having said this, I have seen patients who immediately see positive changes and others for whom changes have occurred gradually over a period of months. Depending on the severity of your illness and the healing capacity of your body, drainage remedies may be employed for short or much longer periods of time. Ultimately, you should only need maintenance visits.
Are these products regulated? ??Homeopathic medicines are regulated through the Food and Drug Administration and each product is assigned a National Drug Code (NDC) number. The specific indications you see on each compound are part of the regulatory process. **Please note, each UNDA compound covers many more problems than what is written on the box.??
Will the UNDA numbers interact with my medications? ??These compounds will NOT interact with your medications but they may change the physiology of your body so that less medication will be needed in certain individuals. For example, if you are currently using lipid-lowering agents, such as Lipitor, the compounds may support your liver so that the liver is handling the metabolism of cholesterol more effectively and less medication is necessary. This is why we request that you inform your other physicians, especially those that have prescribed medications for you, that you are under our care. We are happy to work in conjunction with other doctors, if needed, so that you get the best treatment possible. Many of our patients are able to eliminate medications as their bodies become healthier, but this must be carefully done under either our or another doctor’s supervision.
I’m familiar with various vitamins and supplements. Why haven’t I heard of the UNDA numbers before? The process of learning how to facilitate biotherapeutic drainage using the UNDA numbers and phytogens is lengthy and specialized. It is based on an understanding of how healing occurs that takes years to learn; it also requires knowledge of the mental/emotional aspects to healing as well as the physical elements. As such, there are a limited number of doctors who undertake this training in addition to their standard medical training. Facilitating healing in this way is just as much art as science, and is much more complex than the model of prescribing a supplement or vitamin instead of a drug. As such, it is only practiced by a select number of physicians who customize treatments for each of their patients after a detailed, comprehensive assessment. It is therefore less well publicized than the mainstream mass nutritional supplement use you may read about in a magazine or on the internet. In fact, nutritional deficiencies develop in large part as a result of larger problems with the body’s function; UNDA numbers facilitate treatment of the deeper imbalances so that extensive supplemental treatments are not needed long term.
*Adapted from Ginger Nash, ND