Understanding the UNDA Numbers: A Gentle Approach to Biotherapeutic Drainage
Key Concepts:
Detoxification: The body's inborn metabolic processes which reduce toxic qualities. This process is primarily completed by the liver.
Depuration: The actual removal of toxins from the body, often through external means like IV chelation, binders or dry sauna.
Drainage: A physiological action facilitating toxin elimination without pushing the body beyond its natural capabilities.
Emunctories: Tissues that allow toxins to leave the body. These are divided into primary and secondary emunctories.
Primary Emunctories: Skin, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract (including liver), vagina, brain (emotions).
Secondary Emunctories: Mucous membranes, musculoskeletal system, skin (when functioning as a compensatory route), emotions (when manifesting as mood disorders). When primary emunctories are overburdened, the body may resort to secondary emunctories, potentially leading to various health issues.
If you are a patient of Dr. Chris Chlebowski, you are familiar with the small, brightly colored bottles bearing a single number prescribed in sets of two to four. These are the UNDA numbers, a key component in treatment at Ashland Natural Medicine, and a gentle, effective method for supporting the body's natural removal of toxins.
The Origins of UNDA Numbers
The UNDA numbers, homeopathic remedies known as "biotherapeutic drainage remedies", have their roots in early 20th century France. The concept was pioneered by Dr. Antoine Nebel and later refined into a complete system by George Discri and Dr. Louis Reuter in the 1920s and 1930s. The UNDA numbers are the result of extensive experimentation by Discri and Dr. Reuter - 1002 formulas were tested before settling on the current 76 remedies. The UNDAs were created out of necessity - these homeopaths recognized that it was often difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to use a single homeopathic remedy to achieve a cure in complex cases. Therefore, they worked to come up with a complete system that could help achieve their clinical goals.
The idea behind biotherapeutic drainage is that toxins accumulate over years into the deepest levels of our cells. These toxins block proper physiological action and keep people unwell. When implemented correctly, homeopathic drainage remedies slowly and safely coax those toxins from our systems, eliminating them, without over stressing the bodies’ inborn physiological capabilities.
The name "UNDA" means "undulating water" or "wave water," reflecting the energetic nature of these remedies - a characteristic which is imparted into the carrier solution of alcohol and water through classic homeopathic means. The UNDAs were formulated using a combination of anthroposophical theory as well as Chinese medicine principles. All 76 remedies are made from dilutions of unique minerals and plants. The formulations of the remedies have not changed for the last hundred years and they are still made in Belgium under the strictest of circumstances with the exact methodology known only to the chemists at UNDA.
The four types of UNDA numbers:
1. Organ Remedies (numbers 1-13)
2. Miasmatic Remedies (numbers 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 48, 49, 202, and 700)
3. Functional and Elimination Remedies (the other 52 remedies)
As you have probably noticed Dr. Chlebowski most commonly prescribes three remedies at a time. The first remedy is the Organ Remedy - the primary organ we are trying to affect.
The second remedy is the Miasmatic or Functional Remedy - we are either attempting to address a primary miasm (an inherited state of disease predisposition) or the primary function which is out of balance (heartburn, cough, sciatica, etc.) The third remedy is the Elimination Remedy, a remedy to affect the major route of elimination for the stored toxins (digestive, cardiovascular, emotional, etc.)
The Importance of Drainage in Biological and Naturopathic Medicine
As Dr. Chlebowski’s teacher Dr. Dickson Thom explains in his book "UNDA Numbers: An Energetic Journey to Homeostasis and Wellness," drainage is a complex process that supports the body's natural progression and maturation throughout life. It helps process and integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences”. Therefore, biotherapeutic drainage is not simply detoxification or depuration - it is a much more comprehensive approach to homeopathy, toxin removal, and wellness care.
When Dr. Chlebowski started to use biotherapeutic drainage in his practice he began to see a much deeper levels of healing in his patients in shorter periods of time. It also allowed him to use his most effective tool, homeopathy, in a much broader way. Although classical homeopathy is a still a foundational approach in his treatment of patients, drainage allows for more flexibility in use of homeopathic remedies.
Comprehensive Organ System Support
Drainage, performed over time, supports the health and function of all 11 organ systems. This holistic approach ensures that:
· The liver can efficiently process and eliminate toxins
· Kidneys maintain optimal filtration capacity
· The lymphatic system flows freely, aiding in toxin removal
· The digestive tract functions properly, reducing the burden on other elimination pathways
· Skin health improves, enhancing its role as an elimination organ
· Old traumas resurface so as not to later become potential causes of degenerative disease
· Stored emotions are realized and then processed in a healthier manner
Gentle and Gradual Healing
Although depuration is needed at times, one of the key advantages of drainage is its gentle approach. Unlike detoxification or depuration methods that can potentially overwhelm the body's systems, drainage works at a pace that is appropriate for each individual. Although this process ultimately takes more time, it allows the body to eliminate toxins without triggering severe reactions which can be painful, disturbing, and sometimes disruptive to long term treatment goals.
Cellular-Level Impact
Biotherapeutic drainage works at the cellular level, which is crucial for addressing chronic health issues. By supporting toxin removal from inside the cells drainage helps to:
· Improve cellular energy production
· Enhance nutrient absorption
· Improve mitochondrial function
· Optimize waste elimination at the deepest level
· Support cellular repair and regeneration
Sustained Health Improvements
The gradual nature of drainage allows for sustained consistent improvements in health over time. This approach leads to:
· Reduced inflammation throughout the body
· Enhanced immune function
· Improved energy levels
· Reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases
· Better sleep quality
· Enhanced mental clarity
· Healthier emotional outlook
· Increased longevity
How Dr. Chlebowski Prescribes the UNDA Numbers
Unlike classical homeopathy where the “totality of symptoms” is discovered to find a single remedy, Dr. Chlebowski prescribes UNDA numbers based on his findings in blood microscopy analysis, tongue diagnosis, energetic bioscans, conventional blood work and testing, as well as your presenting symptoms. After assessing what appear to be the most “out of balance” organ at the time, the remedies are choose to serially "drain" organs of toxic matter, promoting a higher state of health and wellness.
At subsequent visits Dr. Chlebowski is observing your blood under the microscope to look for changes and progression in the healing of the organs to then decide which organ is to be treated next. He then carefully chooses from the 76 remedies a set that is most appropriate. By using the UNDA numbers, Dr. Chlebowski aims to address complex chronic diseases at its root.
Because they are homeopathic the UNDA numbers are safe for everyone. Children, pregnant women and animals can all benefit from these carefully constructed formulas to help alleviate current health conditions and prevent further ones from developing.
Customized Treatment
Biotherapeutic drainage is highly individualized. Throughout drainage therapy Dr. Chlebowski is developing customized treatment protocols based on each patient's unique needs. The same set of UNDA’s is rarely used by different patients! This personalized approach ensures that the drainage process addresses specific health concerns and supports the body's unique healing processes.
Conclusion
The importance of drainage in biological/naturopathic medicine lies in its ability to support the body's natural healing processes gently and effectively at the pace which is appropriate for each patient. By working at the cellular level and supporting all organ systems, drainage provides a foundation for comprehensive health improvement addressing not only physical but mental, emotional and spiritual issues.
Although we have many tools at Ashland Natural Medicine to support people at any stage of their health journey the UNDA numbers are one of the most commonly prescribed due to their versatility and ability to increase vitality in so many ways.