Hope you all had a good Christmas break and looking forward to Hogmanay. We have a 'do' down at the local pier, a couple of miles away. There is no electricity or sanitation but could be great fun - there will be a bonfire at least to keep everyone warm. The big talking point here is the weather. Skye is having its coldest spell in 20 years. We are now in our 8th year here and never before have we not been able to leave our house or be unable to open the garage or byre doors as they have been frozen up! Generally our winters arn't nearly as bad as the mainland as we have the 'Minch' influence and are affected by the Gulf Stream. Let's hope it starts to warm up a bit over the next dew days.
I have finally completed the article I have written for the AACP journal on 'Pain relief and the Minor Chakras' and will be posting it off as soon as the weather eases. The next project is to make a start on the Holistic Spine book. I do not yet have a publisher but will get cracking on that one after 2 or 3 chapters have been written. I shall be proof reading the 'Concise book of Acupoints' very shortly and that one will be published by the Summer - much later than we anticipated.
I am now five weeks post surgery and things are improving quite well. I have less referred pain and parasthesia in the arms but the neck is a bit sore - Andrea is going to give me some massage later to try and ease up the residual congestion - it's great having a wife who is also a physio!!!
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Stress in the holiday season
Once more it is that time of year - can it really be 12 months since last Christmas? We were going to do our last minute shopping in the one and only supermarket - the Co-op (their slogan is 'We go further so we can rip you off some more')which is 30 miles away in Portree. The naughty council had seen fit NOT to grit the road (even though we are a classified B road) until after 1130. We tried to drive out of the Glen at 1015, and even with a 4 wheel drive, the roads were too bad. We finally made it out at lunch time to do some essential minor shopping in Dunvegan which is 9 miles away.The forecast is not too good over the next few days but we are far better off than most of you in southern Scotland or England/Wales.
The final part of the pre holiday tutorial is how to treat stress with touch therapy. There are scores of acupoints all over the body that deal with relaxation but the most 'powerful two ones are also anterior chakra points ('naturally' - I hear you cry).These points are best treated in lying or relaxed sitting.
CON 6 - anterior Sacral chakra (the Hara point). This is located about two finger widths below the tummy button (umbilicus) on the central line. Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth making sure that the breath OUT is longer than the breath IN. So if the breath out is to a count of 6, make sure the breath in is to a count of 4. Place either the whole of one hand over CON 6 of both hands either side with the touching middle fingers over the point. When you breath in the tummy should rise and when you breath out it should fall - this is very similar to diaphragmattic breathing. You should feel much more relaxed within about half a minute but carry on with this routine for a couple of minutes. By the way this is an ideal way to commence meditation.
CON 17 - anterior Heart chakra. This is located half way down the sternum on the central line. You may use exactly the same holds as per previously and this point may be used either as a continuation of CON 6 or as a stand alone. This point relaxes the mind as well as the body as it probably has a direct link with the parasympathetic nervous system. Utilise some breathing techniques with it and try it initially for about 5 minutes - you will feel great and will be able to conquer anything - including all those boring friends and relatives. You may even get to like compulsory enjoyment!! Happy Christmas
The final part of the pre holiday tutorial is how to treat stress with touch therapy. There are scores of acupoints all over the body that deal with relaxation but the most 'powerful two ones are also anterior chakra points ('naturally' - I hear you cry).These points are best treated in lying or relaxed sitting.
CON 6 - anterior Sacral chakra (the Hara point). This is located about two finger widths below the tummy button (umbilicus) on the central line. Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth making sure that the breath OUT is longer than the breath IN. So if the breath out is to a count of 6, make sure the breath in is to a count of 4. Place either the whole of one hand over CON 6 of both hands either side with the touching middle fingers over the point. When you breath in the tummy should rise and when you breath out it should fall - this is very similar to diaphragmattic breathing. You should feel much more relaxed within about half a minute but carry on with this routine for a couple of minutes. By the way this is an ideal way to commence meditation.
CON 17 - anterior Heart chakra. This is located half way down the sternum on the central line. You may use exactly the same holds as per previously and this point may be used either as a continuation of CON 6 or as a stand alone. This point relaxes the mind as well as the body as it probably has a direct link with the parasympathetic nervous system. Utilise some breathing techniques with it and try it initially for about 5 minutes - you will feel great and will be able to conquer anything - including all those boring friends and relatives. You may even get to like compulsory enjoyment!! Happy Christmas
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Treatment of headaches using acupressure
When I started this venture, I wasn't sure whether or not to call it a Blog or an Advice Line. Some blogs can be very boring, I really don't want to know who had what for breakfast. I guess it's a bit of both - I am used to running advice lines and I know that many of you are interested in our life in the Isle of Skye. Please email me for anything specific. Anyway, to carry on with the previous theme - touch therapy guide to holiday exceses.
Headaches fall into two main types at this time of the year, although, of course, there may be hundreds of causes generally. One type is due to eating too much rich food and the other is stress related. When we eat stuff that we may not be used to e.g. lots of sugar, chocolate, heavy carbohydrates, booze etc. the liver tries to rid itself of some of the toxins. This often materializes as a headache - it is one that typically settles behind the eyes and you feel muzzy and a bit groggy. I have already told you of the wonderful affects of Nux Vomica, but in touch therapy the ideal acupoint needs to be positioned on the liver meridian. The best point is the Source point of the liver (the point that has a direct influence on an internal organ). In the case of the liver it is LR 3. This point is situated in the web between the big toe and its neighbour. Find the web and take the finger towards the ankle and the point is found at the upper extremity of the web. It is best treated sitting up in bed and leaning forward with the knees bent. Try some very gentle circling massage of each of the points (left and right feet) and carry on for about 2-3 minutes until the headache eases. With excess fat intake, the best point is GB 41 which is located in the web between the little toe and the 4th toe. This type of headache is classically 'hemicranial' i.e. on the side of the head. You feel nauseas and are also irritable.
Stress headaches may be treated with the same two points, but one of the best combination of acupoints for stress headaches is to press both LI 4 and Yintang at the same time. LI 4 is located in the muscle between the thumb and forefinger and Yintang is located directly above the ridge of the nose in between the eyebrows in the central line. This acupoint is also the anterior ajna chakra. Sit in a chair or lie down and gently press Yintang with the pad of the middle finger. Then introduce the pad of the other middle finger to LI 4 of the hand that is holding Yintang - that sounds as clear as mud but hopefully you get the idea. If you are relaxed, this is a great combination of points to ease the mind and may be used in meditation techniques.
Headaches fall into two main types at this time of the year, although, of course, there may be hundreds of causes generally. One type is due to eating too much rich food and the other is stress related. When we eat stuff that we may not be used to e.g. lots of sugar, chocolate, heavy carbohydrates, booze etc. the liver tries to rid itself of some of the toxins. This often materializes as a headache - it is one that typically settles behind the eyes and you feel muzzy and a bit groggy. I have already told you of the wonderful affects of Nux Vomica, but in touch therapy the ideal acupoint needs to be positioned on the liver meridian. The best point is the Source point of the liver (the point that has a direct influence on an internal organ). In the case of the liver it is LR 3. This point is situated in the web between the big toe and its neighbour. Find the web and take the finger towards the ankle and the point is found at the upper extremity of the web. It is best treated sitting up in bed and leaning forward with the knees bent. Try some very gentle circling massage of each of the points (left and right feet) and carry on for about 2-3 minutes until the headache eases. With excess fat intake, the best point is GB 41 which is located in the web between the little toe and the 4th toe. This type of headache is classically 'hemicranial' i.e. on the side of the head. You feel nauseas and are also irritable.
Stress headaches may be treated with the same two points, but one of the best combination of acupoints for stress headaches is to press both LI 4 and Yintang at the same time. LI 4 is located in the muscle between the thumb and forefinger and Yintang is located directly above the ridge of the nose in between the eyebrows in the central line. This acupoint is also the anterior ajna chakra. Sit in a chair or lie down and gently press Yintang with the pad of the middle finger. Then introduce the pad of the other middle finger to LI 4 of the hand that is holding Yintang - that sounds as clear as mud but hopefully you get the idea. If you are relaxed, this is a great combination of points to ease the mind and may be used in meditation techniques.
Monday 14 December 2009
Self treatment of gastritis and nausea using acupressure
The second of these blogs deals with how you can ease the symptoms of gastritis, indigestion and nausea with acupressure.
The 'local' point in gastritis and indigestion is CON 12 which is located just below the tip of the sternum in the midline. Do not stimulate or massage this point in acute gastritis as you will make things worse. Lie on your back with the knees bent up - then place the pad of the one of the middle fingers on this point and hold it with slight pressure for up to five minutes. The best two 'distal' points for nausea are PC 6 and ST 36. PC 6 is located about three finger widths above the anterior wrist crease in the centre of the forearm. The point should be pressed quite hard and GENTLY stimulated at a slow rhythym for up to four minutes. PC 6 works well in motion and morning sickness as well. ST 36 is harder to find, but the point will be tender in all cases of gastritis and nausea. It is located below the knee joint on the outer aspect of the tibia. Do not stimulate this point in acute conditions as it will make things worse - treat it as you would PC 6. It is, though an excellent point to use when you are feeling weary and tired - here it needs to be stimulated!
Next blog is the treatment of headaches and hangovers with touch therapy.
The 'local' point in gastritis and indigestion is CON 12 which is located just below the tip of the sternum in the midline. Do not stimulate or massage this point in acute gastritis as you will make things worse. Lie on your back with the knees bent up - then place the pad of the one of the middle fingers on this point and hold it with slight pressure for up to five minutes. The best two 'distal' points for nausea are PC 6 and ST 36. PC 6 is located about three finger widths above the anterior wrist crease in the centre of the forearm. The point should be pressed quite hard and GENTLY stimulated at a slow rhythym for up to four minutes. PC 6 works well in motion and morning sickness as well. ST 36 is harder to find, but the point will be tender in all cases of gastritis and nausea. It is located below the knee joint on the outer aspect of the tibia. Do not stimulate this point in acute conditions as it will make things worse - treat it as you would PC 6. It is, though an excellent point to use when you are feeling weary and tired - here it needs to be stimulated!
Next blog is the treatment of headaches and hangovers with touch therapy.
Saturday 12 December 2009
Christmas Excesses
Although I work mostly in physical medicine these days, I used to be a homoeopath as well. Please note that the spelling is correct - only in the USA and Canada do they spell the word without the first 'o', i.e. 'homeopath'. Anyway - this will be the first of a few blogs leading up to the holiday season on how to combat the excesses of eating, how to treat a upset tummy, headaches etc. Today will deal with homoeopathy.
Two homoeopathic remedies spring to mind - NUX VOMICA and ARSENICUM ALBUM. They are both polychrest remedies in that they are used in several different conditions (remember though in homoepathy it is the person who is treated not just the presenting symptoms). NUX VOMICA is excellent for indigestion, eating too much, bloatedness, feeling out of sorts, hangover, irritability and feeling 'yucky'. ARSENICUM ALBUM is first class in nausea, diarrhoea, burning, heartburn, eating foods that are 'off' or stale. Doses should be taken every half hour until symptoms ease - then stop taking it! In really acute symptoms you may take a dose every five minutes for the first half hour, then half hourly. They may easily be found in a health food shop, chemist or drug store and are usually sold in a 6c potency. If you can get hold of a 30c potency (and if the symmptom picture is correct) the 30c works quicker than the 6c. Do NOT attempt to take a remedy with a higher potency unless you have received professional guidance.
Better still - enjoy yourselves but don't drink alcohol!!
Two homoeopathic remedies spring to mind - NUX VOMICA and ARSENICUM ALBUM. They are both polychrest remedies in that they are used in several different conditions (remember though in homoepathy it is the person who is treated not just the presenting symptoms). NUX VOMICA is excellent for indigestion, eating too much, bloatedness, feeling out of sorts, hangover, irritability and feeling 'yucky'. ARSENICUM ALBUM is first class in nausea, diarrhoea, burning, heartburn, eating foods that are 'off' or stale. Doses should be taken every half hour until symptoms ease - then stop taking it! In really acute symptoms you may take a dose every five minutes for the first half hour, then half hourly. They may easily be found in a health food shop, chemist or drug store and are usually sold in a 6c potency. If you can get hold of a 30c potency (and if the symmptom picture is correct) the 30c works quicker than the 6c. Do NOT attempt to take a remedy with a higher potency unless you have received professional guidance.
Better still - enjoy yourselves but don't drink alcohol!!
Monday 7 December 2009
Books and Posters
This blog is unashamed advertising, especially with Christmas (sorry - the holiday season to be PC - (yuk)) just around the corner.
On my web site - www.johncrossclinics.com you will find some books and posters for sale. I apologize that my first two books are now out of print and that my last one still is yet to be published but at least you have a choice of three books and two clinical posters. Although you can purchase my books elsewhere, I am the only place where you can get it signed!!! Plus I am the only place where you can purchase my two posters. I expect the orders to come flooding in now
The neck is improving day by day and in the new year I shall start the task to work out my workshops for the year. If anyone out there wants me to visit them to give a workshop or lecture, please let me know. I have already received several inquiries that are being followed up. All the workshops will be listed on my web site as they are confirmed.
On my web site - www.johncrossclinics.com you will find some books and posters for sale. I apologize that my first two books are now out of print and that my last one still is yet to be published but at least you have a choice of three books and two clinical posters. Although you can purchase my books elsewhere, I am the only place where you can get it signed!!! Plus I am the only place where you can purchase my two posters. I expect the orders to come flooding in now
The neck is improving day by day and in the new year I shall start the task to work out my workshops for the year. If anyone out there wants me to visit them to give a workshop or lecture, please let me know. I have already received several inquiries that are being followed up. All the workshops will be listed on my web site as they are confirmed.
Saturday 5 December 2009
London buses
You've heard the one about waiting for London buses - none come for ages , then 3 all at once. It's a bit like that here in Skye with workmen -(see an earlier blog on Skye Workforce). One day last week we had one guy laying our new track in white Skye marble, another putting caps on four chimneys that were redundant and another building me a new door for the byre. Andrea was very busy making tea and coffee (with biscuits) all day. We have been wanting a top surface of a few centimetres for our 250 metre long track for over a year as it was down to bedrock in several places and had dirty great potholes that filled up with water when it rained. It looks so good now that it ressembles a ski slope! Following our newly installed oil central heating there was no need to keep chimneys open to the elements, apart from one in the sitting room where a coal/wood fire is laid when it gets very cold. The byre door has been falling apart for the past 8 years. I hope to complete the painting of that in slow time.
The metal staples were removed yesterday and the clinic gave me an 'I was brave visiting the doctor today' sticky label for all to see! It is very early days but I am cautiously optimistic that the surgery will be a success - it is still mega painful but I had been warned that it would be so am not that perturbed.
The metal staples were removed yesterday and the clinic gave me an 'I was brave visiting the doctor today' sticky label for all to see! It is very early days but I am cautiously optimistic that the surgery will be a success - it is still mega painful but I had been warned that it would be so am not that perturbed.
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