The Weather

Q: Why do the British talk about the weather so much? A: Because there is so much to talk about!! Here in the UK we are gripped in arctic weather with airports closed, roads closed and nothing getting through. I am presently looking at about 10cms. of snow outside my window and another blizzard is about to descend. I should have seen half a dozen patients today but all cried off - I accept it as one of the joys of self-employment! It looks as if this weather system is staying around for a couple more weeks until the new year. We were due to visit Portree on Monday for a Christmas lunch, but that is looking dodgy at the moment.

As many of you know I am a bit of a cricket nut. I'm busy in watching the ashes match from Perth W.A. at the moment. One of the nicest aspects is to watch players performing in 34 degrees C whilst outside here we are minus 5. I shall take advantage of my unexpected day off to write a few more golden words on the manuscript for the 'Light Touch Reflextherapy' book. I'm well into the 3rd chapter and it is beginning to take shape - I just need a publisher! I am also expecting a telephone consultation with my consultant neurosurgeon to see where we go from here with my cervical spine.

If I don't manage to write again before the festivities commence - have a great Christmas break and a happy new year ('hogmanay' here in Scotland)- JRC

Moving with the times

Hello all - sorry for lack of postings lately - put it down to lack of time and coping with all the bad weather we are experiencing here in the UK. The Skye workshop went well even though there were only four delegates. If I run another one on the island it will be at a more favourable time of the year.

The selling of my books and posters through my web site has always been a low priority on my time and effort and resources, perhaps I should have tried harder to sell my stuff! Because of the low turnover I have always shied away from using credit/debit cards, as they are incredibly expensive. Now Paypal have introduced a system whereby you may purchase goods using either your credit/debit card or Paypal on business web sites for those of us whose turnover is slightly less than the national debt! It took me a little while to upload the data, but now it is there for all to see. Anyone may purchase a poster or book through my 'Contact us' page and just follow the links. I have already done quite a bit of business. This all shows that I really needed to get into the 21st century and embrace the technology that was out there. It also shows that folks will purchase goods only if they have to perform a couple of 'clicks' with the mouse instead of writing boring and tedious emails or, heaven preserve us, from making a telephone call!

Because trade is so brisk (maybe it's Christmas), I am negotiating another reprint -the 5th in 15 years - of the 'Healing with the Chakra Energy System' colour poster. I only have a few left. It has been a wonderful seller for me over the years and it is now available all over the world and has even been translated into French. Must go as I need to shovel some more snow away!! Stay warm.

Coventry and the ageing process

This week I have been telling my patients that my wife is finally sending me to Coventry. For my non UK readers, this is an expression meaning that you are being ignored! Seriously though, I was due to travel to Coventry in the west midlands to attend a physiotherapy meeting and practical workshop where I was to due to meet up with a few people in my role as Chairman of ACPEM (physiotherapists in energy medicine). Either due to working too hard treating folks or extra gardening, the cervical spondylosis had become so bad that the thought of riding on public transport (especially buses) to get there was not at all appealing. So I sent my apologies and stayed home. It could be over £200 down the river as all flights etc. had to be up-fronted. I may grovel to our treasurer - he's a really NICE man. Apparently I didn't miss much in any case and the wind is blowing into a storm force, with the Skye bridge in danger of being closed so it may be a blessing in disguise that I didn't go.
So it's a check X-ray and a possible visit down to Newcastle to my neurosurgeon to see where we go from here. One thing that I am constantly being told by friends is that I have the skills to help others but not apparently myself! I can see where they are coming from when they say this, but I did not have much say in the matter. I was born with a roto-scoliosis of the thoracic spine which has become both unstable and arthritic - this, in turn has affected the neck due to an alteration in the weight bearing line. So I have to grin and bear it - and try and grow old(er) gracefully. Andrea is always getting on at me to do less - I might start listening for once!!!

Surgery versus Conservative Treatment

Over my long career, it has never ceased to amaze me how very little the average doctor knows about physical therapy and what the physiotherapist is capable of in the conservative treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions. When the average Jo or Jane hurts themselves or suffers pain due to accidents, injuries or even wear and tear in the joints - the first port of call is usually the family physician or (in the U.K.) the GP. I could write the book (maybe number 9) on the awful diagnoses I have encountered that GP's have given patients, which usually goes with terrible advice. When, however the doctor is unable to cope with the patient's symptoms, they are often referred to a specialist. That would be great - if the specialist were a physician who had more knowledge of the particular condition than the GP. But the patient usually ends up on the doorstep of an orthopaedic SURGEON. Now I have known some really great 'orthopods' but, equally, have also known some who are very anti (mostly due to ignorance) any kind of physical medicine.

Surely it makes sense that a patient is treated with physio (or osteopathy, etc.) before surgery is attempted yet, sadly, surgery is often used as the first option. Why is there no such doctor as an orthopaedic PHYSICIAN? A surgeon quite naturally thinks in terms of surgery. One can easily recover from unsuccessful physical therapy (you can't win 'em all), but you cannot easily undo surgery. As a physiotherapist, I spend a great deal of time in trying to 'make the most of a bad job' for those who have had surgery that has not worked. I am then treated as a last resort instead of a first resort.

A case in point is the way that Freddie Flintoff was handled. I am biased towards this case as I am a cricket 'nut' and feel we have lost one of the best cricketers of the last generation. I do not know what the original ankle injury was that Freddie sustained and I am sure that he received excellent care by the medical team who looked after him. It seemed to me though that he was subject to the surgeon's knife within a very short time of the original problem. A further operation was required before he returned, tentatively to cricket. Then, lo and behold, he started getting knee pain. This is not exactly a revelation as the surgery would have tightened ligaments and altered the weight bearing line in the lower leg thus inflaming the knee. The knee was then operated on (three times) before time was called on his career. If only conservative treatment had been given a longer run in the first place - who knows what the eventual outcome would have been.

Having said all that, surgery is, obviously, the ONLY way forward in some conditions and is very successful. I suppose if I were a surgeon this blog would be putting the other side of the argument!! Keep well - JRC

French translation

Sorry for the gap since last posting - have been very busy! Disappointed with the 'Hands on Skye' practical workshop next month - it is on but we only have four delegates - and one of those is coming from Rumania! Next year is already shaping up, one in London in January, one in Glasgow in March, the ACPEM conference in April for starters. Neck is no worse!!! I wish I could say it was better - but I have been pushing it more than usual lately with end of season gardening.

One of my 'fans' in France has decided to translate the 'Acupuncture and the Chakra Energy System' book into French as North Atlantic Books didn't think it would take off there (foolish lot). Why it has been translated into Czech, Portugese and Estonian and not French is beyond me, but I am not a publisher thank goodness. He has asked hundreds of questions along the way but has now almost completed the task. He is hoping to get a French publisher to print it for him. One of the many queries that he had was the fact that I stated that in my opinion many allopathic medicines are suppressive in nature and are detrimental to our Vital Force. I thought there was nothing wrong in stating what, after all, is main stream naturopathic thought. Apparently the French Medical Council could sue me for stating such blasphemy. What a load of cods.......! I'm not sure if I should tell them to get lost or tow the line. My chakra chart is available in French and no-one has complained about that. How do Canadians who write in French get on. Suggestions please on a post card. Bye for now - JRC

Update

It's great to be back and I trust you are all refreshed with your Summer breaks. Just an update this blog before getting down to serious stuff .

1. I am recovering from having received a series of epidural injections into my neck to help with the pain of my spondylosis - fingers crossed!! I had to journey about 5 hours away to the other side of Scotland as, obviously, there is nothing more local.

2. I am at last running a local workshop here in Skye. It is called HANDS ON SKYE and is being held at the Skeabost Country House Hotel near Portree on 19-21 November. It is essentially a practical workshop for hands on therapists teaching them how to use acupressure, reflextherapy, cranio-sacral therapy and bodywork in the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions. Bookings slow but it is ON.

3. Today sees the publication of my 6th. book - 'A Concise Book of Acupoints' - published by Lotus Publishing of Chichester U.K. This is superbly illustrated and has been quite an ordeal to write as I had not originally intended to do this one. Lotus asked me to do it following the death of the guy who should have done it!

4. I am writing my 7th book called 'Light Touch Reflextherapy' at the moment. It should be published next Summer.

5. I continue to receive some brilliant emails from practitioners and the like from all over the world - the problem is to find time in replying to them!!

Will write as soon as I can

Break

I am taking a break from postings for a couple of months in order to catch up on the enormous amount of writing and admin that I need to do before the autumn. Essential bits and pieces will be put on my web site - have a good summer! JRC

Update

Sorry for lack of postings but I have been a bit poorly. My chest infection was followed by bronchitis which was followed by a reaction to the antibiotics!! I am just about back in the land of the living. I shall save dealing with the Crown chakra until next time. For now, though, I want to share a couple of observations in my profession that have been apparent over the past few years and which continue to surprise me (although I should be used to it by now).

1. I try and help my patients as conscientiously as I can and I remain extremely busy even though the financial climate is hard in the U.K. I think I get results - why is this? It is a combination of 2 things - experience and common sense! As I've been in practice for over 40 years - mostly in the private sector, I have become experienced in many different techniques ( a few I have invented myself) and have learnt to take some diagnostic short cuts that make for fewer treatment sessions. I attempt to treat the CAUSE of something, be it musculo-skeletal, organic or emotional. Often it isn't rocket science!!! I am continually staggered by tales of other practitioners just alleviating symptoms without even looking to find the true aetiology - in other words taking the easy option and trying to prolong the treatment sessions. Being true to your patient, listening to them carefully (they know about their body far more than doctors and others give them credit for) and being totally professional is something that we should all strive for.
2. My original profession of physiotherapy has changed out of all recognition over the past 10 years or so. Gone are the days when the topic of Massage and Touch was taught at under graduate level and it is now considered to be 'fringe' by many health authorities. It can only be learnt on specialist post graduate courses and programmes - what a sad indictment! Public funded physiotherapy seems to rely on exercise therapy and electrotherapy - the patient is hardly touched at all!!
3. Many physiotherapists practise do acupuncture - but it is generally Western medical pin sticking that uses formulae. It is almost impossible to receive traditional acupuncture in the pubic sector. By just treating symptoms by using formulaic acupuncture, you are reducing the practitioner to being an automaton.

Maybe I am just a grumpy old man - but I know what I would rather be doing and I shall shout from the rooftops where I think injustices occur - Keep well!!! JRC

Baby germs et al

No medical posting this week as I am laid low with a chest infection due to a combination of getting dust in my throat whilst clearing out the byre (large shed) and a strep. infection courtesy of my granddaughter! So it is lots of Vitamin C, garlic, and throat pastilles before commencing on a rare course of antibiotics.

My poor wife Andrea now has to telephone all my patients whom I should have seen tomorrow and try and rearrange them - not so easy as we have very few spaces, so we shall have to work on our days off.

A double blow as we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversay this w/e and had been invited out for a slap up lunch - we can always go later on and be like the Queen by having several celebrations!!

The Mental Body

Firstly apologies for late posting - we have been 'south' for a few days visiting family and celebrating one of our grandchild's baptism + our anniversary.

The Mental body can be approximately 12 inches to 3 feet away from the physical The sensation of 'congestion' or energy imbalance in this body is felt by slight electric shocks or tingling under the fingers. As with the Emotional body, ascertain the exact area of imbalance by doing gentle sweeps with the dominant hand. The sensations are VERY subtle. Even though the sensation is more subtle than the denser bodies, do not get lulled into a situation that nothing is occurring - healing at this level is very powerful. At this level there is no need to balance with the coupled area of the body - for once the non-dominant hand is redundant. Hold the hand steady in the 'tingling' area and the sensation should disappear within a minute or two. This is often heralded by the client yawning or sighing! Feel around for any other tingly regions and 'treat' those. If it is at practical, the next stage would be to 'energy balance the region with the Crown chakra - but that is a discussion in its own right which we shall cover next. Feedback always welcome - JRC

Emotional Body Healing

As you have gathered, life has been very hectic here, what with dealing with the sudden explosion of grass and weeds, clinical work, book writing and generally messing about!! It is pleasing that several of you actually read this stuff and many thanks for all the favourable comments.

The Emotional Body in the aura ranges from approximately 4 inches to 12 inches (10 cms. to 30 cms.) above the physical body. The area of imbalance to be ascertained is therefore quite substantial. To assess energy imbalance, the body needs to be swept with long and very slow rhythmical sweeps with just the dominant hand. The imbalance will show itself as 'fizzing' or 'buzzing'. When you have found this point, keep the dominant hand quite still whilst the other hand is positioned at the exact same area of the coupled chakra. If, for instance the 'congestion' is found at nine o'clock region of the Throat chakra then the other hand is placed (in the emotional body) at nine o'clock in the Sacral chakra. Keep both hands in place for as long as you can before a 'sameness' sensation occurs under each. The fizzing or buzzing under the dominant hand will then go away and both hands will become warm and comfortable. Do NOT stimulate the area - the healing, at this level, has to be done with the hands perfectly still. It is very much more powerful than it may seem or feel. You client will often show a sigh or yawn to signify energy balance and the treatment coming to fruition. Next time - Mental Body

Etheric Body Treatment

Weather slightly better now!!

So, armed with the information you've gleaned with the etheric assessment, how do you start treatment withing the etheric body? There are basically two different ways.

1. If, on assessment, there was a 'hot spot' that indicated an acute condition, then all you need do is to keep the hand or finger directed exactly on the hot spot for as long as the sensation changes. Your hand will suddenly go cooler or the tissues appear to relax. The pain that the patient is feeling usually disperses.

2. If, on assessment, there was a coldness or 'fizzing', that indicated a chronic condition, place the 'doing' hand in the position as detailed above and give some gentle circular motions to try and 'stir' the etheric energy at that point. Once that has been done for a minute or so, place the other hand over the 'couple' of the first one. This is the most complicated part to do as it is so variable. If you are balancing a major chakra, then the couple will be the chakra couple. If you are not on an obvious chakra or acupoint then the coupled area will be either the exact same position on the opposite side of the body e.g. left elbow and right elbow OR the parallel area e.g. shoulder to hip, elbow to knee, hand to foot etc. The treatment is completed when the sensation under the hands feels the same. For more details -etheric healing is detailed in the 'Healing with the Chakra Energy System' book. Next time - Emotional body.

Etheric assessment

Here is Skye it is 7 degrees and sleeting. I did manage to give the grass its first cut today but it is freezing cold - so much for global warming! Sorry about the lack of postings but life is very hectic at the moment, so I do what I can.

Before you even think about working off body, you need to do an assessment of what needs treating or balancing afterwards. There are many ways to do etheric scanning but the following is my method. Firstly you must have focus and intention and stand relaxed. Your patient can either be prone or supine - it doesn't matter (this is NOT reiki)! Remember you are feeling energy imbalances through and around the body at any given part. I always start at the feet and place the palm of my right hand about two inches (five centimetres) above the sole of foot. Dwell there for about half a minute to gauge the energy there and make first 'contact' (or should that be first non-contact?) then SLOWLY take the hand up the leg to the groin, the scan the other leg to the groin, then the individual organs to the shoulders, from the hands to the neck and finally the head. If they are lying supine and you want to assess the spine -just 'think spine' and not internal organ. It is ESSENTIAL that you know your anatomy!!! So, what do you feel? A myriad of things. Some areas will be hot, others cold, others will be like electric shocks or tingling. Cold sensation usually means a chronic long standing condition whilst hot means acute. The areas that require treatment are those places that feel different to the norm. The treatment (next blog) will differ depending on how you assess it. Why not try it out on your significant other , or the dog, or one of your plants!! Everything has life force.

I'm off to walk the dog with six layers of clothing on - JRC

Etheric Healing Part 1

I'm often asked about off body work on patients. Questions range from 'does it work?' and 'what is the point of doing it?' to 'am I insured to do it?' and 'am I good enough to do it?'. Today I'll spell out the whys and wherefores.

1. Anyone can learn to do off body 'healing'. Some folk are naturally more adept than others and just seem to have a gift. Like anything else though it takes time to learn and perfect.

2. It is NOT just a question of waving the arms in the air seeking divine guidance - nothing can be further from the truth. This aspect of healing is based upon strict protocol and is an art, just like hands on bodywork, that has to be learnt.

3. When you are working in contact with your client/patient, there is sometimes a kind of 'force that almost feels as if your hands are being repelled away from the body. If this occurs it is usually a sign that hands off work would be better for that particular patient.

4. ALWAYS tell your patient what you intend to do and obtain permission. Working away from the body can be more 'powerful' that hands on. Your patient should feels what you are doing and sometimes get certain aggravations following it so they must be warned.

5. I never usually perform any off body work with straight forward musculo-skeletal conditions. One golden rule to remember is that if there is an underlying mechanical misalignment, then no amount of working off body is going to address this - this requires your usual physical therapeutic skills.

6. I reserve off body work for non musculo-skeletal work, such as hormonal imbalance, chakra balancing, clearing viruses, strengthening internal organ energy and emotional imbalance.

7. There are different protocols for working with the physical etheric, etheric emotional, emotional and mental bodies. These have to be learnt, but please go to a reputable teacher who will outline some of the pitfalls as well as the advantages. Start by working in physical etheric about two inches (five centimetres) away from the body. Try this out on several patients before progressing to the more subtle bodies.

8. Working off body is more powerful that its on body counterpart. It is still the patient's own vital force that you are effecting - NOT YOURS. You have to ground yourself and everything has to be done with focus and intention as with on body work.

9. If you practice body work by a recognized professional organization, then it is highly unlikely that your professional insurance will cover you for off body practice. This has to be checked out and further insurance obtained if necessary.

Next posting on etheric assessment. JRC

Intuition and the Heart

I had an eventful time last week. Because of the volcano ash I was forced to take the train all the way to Tring via London, but did manage to fly back from Manchester to Inverness once flying had re-commenced. Easy jet do not make it easy to try and collect any refunds!! The weather here today is awful - very different to the rest of the country which is bathed in sunshine, but in Skye it is wet, cold and miserable - so whats new you ask.

I am often asked by my students and colleagues if I treated my patients intuitively. The simple answer to a very complicated question is - yes. Intuition though comes with experience!! For the practitioner to be intuitive there has to be good knowledge base to back up the intuitive process. Intuition does NOT though come from the 'gut' - as in 'gut feeling'. It is derived from the Heart chakra. I have found over many years that when there is empathy and 'love' for the patient, intuition becomes much more 'natural'. Please do not confuse this with taking the patient's symptoms 'on board' - this is a very dangerous thing to do. Compassion and empathy has to be tempered by staying aloof - not always easy to do. As I have stated many times before, you never utilise your own vital force in any therapy. The Heart chakra represents the very 'centre' or 'heart' of the person and any analysis treatment administered via the Heart chakra is truly 'heartfelt' . The Heart chakra resonates at 7.86 hertz (cps) that is exactly the same as the mean vibration of the earth (Scheurmann's resonance), so it represents a much more natural way to analyse. Using the heart in this way will enable you to pick up the vibrational nuances that your patient is attempting to portray at the consultation. During my last w/e workshop in Aylesbury I covered this way of analysis on the Sunday morning. It was astonishing how many times that people got the answers right when 'silent' questions were asked, just by using love and empathy via the Heart centre.

I apologise about the continued inability to produce diagrams in the postings and until I can I shall write about topics that do not require visual aids. I shall cover some aspects of etheric healing next blog.

Update

Today is glorious in Skye - 18 degrees and wtw sunshine. Took advantage by doing lots of small jobs outside. To think we were having snow just 10 days ago! I am off to Aylesbury this w/e to do a workshop on the chakra energy system. This will be followed by a trip to mid Wales and I won't be home until the end of next week. I'll send the next practical posting after that. JRC

Hiatus

Sorry there have been no postings lately - a) I have been very busy and b) I am still trying to upload diagrams. It is useless trying to explain things without a visual aid. I shall work on it this w/e. Better weather in Skye today after the horrible winds and rain over the past couple of days - is Spring in the air?? I'm trying to sort out some good speakers for next year's ACPEM conference on the theme of 'Touch and Movement' - any suggestions would be welcome. It is the kind of stuff that I could do but I may be limited to giving just one practical workshop as I shall be busy with Chair's duties. Have a nice day wherever you are - JRC

Reflected chakras on the foot - Part 2

Sorry I cannot seem to upload any diagrams - my system won't allow it. Today we shall talk about treatment of individual reflected foot chakras. You know roughly which ones will be in a state of imbalance and require treatment from having taken a case history, doing analysis through the heels and lastly by attempting to balance them. The ones that do not balance need treatment. This can be achieved by doing four manoeuvres following the initial balancing.

1. Gently massage around the reflected organ or body on whichever foot or feet the organ is reflected. During this phase you should be able to sense that there is a tender point within the reflected area. This is sometimes called the 'ouch point'

2. Balance this ouch point with the reflected chakra - it may be on the same foot but make sure you are posturally comfortable whilst doing this. These two points are held for as long as there is a change of emphasis under the fingers - it could take up to 2/3 minutes - remember from previous postings and those of you who have been astute enough to read the book, that this where you and the patient are harmonizing at the A/T state (Alpha/Theta at 7.8 cps). Once you are through this (it feels as if your finger goes deep into the tissues and feels very warm and comforting), you may hold these points for up to another minute - this is the most important phase of the session.

3. Balance the reflected chakra with each of the associated minor chakras e.g. if treating the Brow chakra, the minors are the Groin and Clavicular.

4. Finally, balance the reflected chakra with the Base chakra. If it is the Base you are treating then balance it with the Base on the opposite foot OR the Crown chakra. Next time the posting will be on the lesser known reflected chakras on the arms and legs.

Reflected major chakras on the feet - Part One

It looks as if Spring has sprung although it is still very cold at night here (as well as the usual gale force winds and rain).

This posting is the first of a few on the reflected chakra points that are found on the feet, hands, legs and arms. We shall discuss where they are and how to use them. There is, of course, no substitute for using the main chakra points on the body, but reflex therapists who may not be comfortable with using body points and areas can use these points to attain great results. The reflected major chakras on the feet are all positioned on the medial aspect except for the Crown which is on the tip of the great toe and the Brow which is positioned in the centre of the great toe (the pituitary point). Only light touch should be used but in chronic illness initial gentle massage is allowed - especially on the Base chakra. The first thing that needs to be done is to 'energy balance' the chakras before treatment of an individual energy centre can be treated. This should be done two ways - balancing left foot with the right foot and balancing the couples. When balancing left to right, place the middle finger pad of one hand on the Base chakra and the other middle finger pad on the opposite foot. It does not matter if you cross you arms as it is less tiring to do so. Hold the points for the length of time it takes to achieve a 'one-ness' or similarity of sensation. This may take up to a minute. Move on to the Sacral chakra, followed by the Solar Plexus and so on.

When balancing the couples, start with balancing Heart with Solar Plexus, followed with Throat and Sacral, Brow and Base and finally Crown and Base. This technique is also analytical as it shows you which chakra needs treatment. If you cannot achieve an energy balance within a couple of minutes - do NOT hold any more but move on to the next one. The one that doesn't balance is usually the one that needs treatment - next posting.

I have tried to upload a diagram for you but the computer is not playing ball - hopefully next time. In the meantime there is a diagram in my book 'Healing with the Chakra Energy System' Page 202 or the 'Reflected Energy Pathways' book Page 47

Update

Not a 'clinical' posting this time but to bring you up to date with the last week. I travelled to the Ammerdown Centre near Radstock, Bath (via Inverness, Birmingham and Bristol) to attend the annual conference of ACPEM - Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Energy medicine Fri-Sun. I have been with this group since its inception and they are a really lovely lot of like minded therapists. For my sins I was appointed the new Chairman so was kept busy with that. I had been warned in advance so it wasn't too much of a shock. I think, though I must have a masochistic streak in me wanting to take yet more work on! Many thanks to the brilliant Sally England for treating my neck! I travelled to Wokingham on Sunday evening to stay with Rodger Duckworth and his family. Rodger had wanted me to treat a few of his patients so he get my angle on things and my approach in looking at 5 disparate conditions. This was follows by a trip into London to catch the sleeper (a misnomer if ever there was one) from Euston to Inverness and home by early afternoon. Today I am still a bit brain dead before starting a couple of clinical days. All in all a very busy but productive time. Clinical stuff next blog at the weekend.

Pain relief acupressure using distal points (2)

Four more acupoints in today's posting for therapists and self help. These are all on or near the foot. They are:-

LR 3 - situated in the web between the great toe and second toe

GB 41 - situated in the web between the 4th and 5th toes

KI 1 - situated on the sole of the foot midway on the central vertical line and two thirds distance between heel and tip of middle toe

SP 6 - situated 4 finger widths up from the inside ankle bone at the back of the tibia bone

LR 3 has many actions. It is the Source point of the liver and so has an affinity for helping many liver problems. It is fantastic in pain relief in two ways - firstly it excellent to ease muscle spasm most areas of the body and secondly it is THE first aid point for cramp. The technique in both these scenario is to just press the point and allow the cramp or spasm to 'dissolve' - sometimes takes up to a couple of minutes.

GB 41 is a super point in relieving both gall bladder colic pain and also headaches that are situated on the side of the head. It is also good for headaches that make you feel nauseas and 'yucky'

KI 1 is unique in that it is the only meridian acupoint on the sole of the foot (except I think that all acupoints are reflex points!!). This point is super for headaches and heavy heads, also for the symptoms of high blood pressure. Do NOT stimulate this point or the headache will be made worse. It is also one of the great points in helping FEAR and ANXIETY.

SP 6 is one of the great points on the body. It is very useful in helping uterine and period pains. One of its lesser known properties is in helping lower cervical/ upper thoracic pain as well as the pain of mastitis.

More next time - I'm away conferencing and teaching for about 10 days. Next blog hopefully 17 March

pain relief acupressure using distal points

This is probably one of the most popular form of hands on therapy and utilizes traditional Chinese medicine philosophy. All the acupoints mentioned are powerful polychrest ones but have a special affinity for pain relief. I shall just cover 4 in this posting but there are several more. They are :-

LI 4 (situated on the dorsum of the hand between the thumb and forefinger in the within the 1st interosseus muscle)

SI 3 (situated on the side of the little finger just proximal to the 'knuckle' joint)

KI 6 (situated just distal to the medial malleolus)

BL 62 (situated just distal to the lateral malleolus)

LI 4 covers pain syndromes on the head, neck and arm
SI 3 covers pain on the spine as a whole and especially the side of the head and outer aspect of the shoulder
KI 6 covers pain in the groin, adductors and inside of leg
BL 62 covers pain syndromes of the lower spine and sciatica

The technique is simplicity itself. Commence by gently stimulating the point with the pad of the middle finger - do NOT massage deeply but neither do you skin polish! Do this for about a minute until the point feels 'warm' and 'relaxed' and then just 'hold' the point. Then place the middle finger pad of the opposite hand directly on the pain - this time gently touching it. You should create an 'energy' balance within 2/3 minutes and the pain should ease.

Do NOT rush things, accept what is occurring and try not to analyze it too much. Remember FOCUS and INTENTION at all times.

More acupoints next time. Hope this is stuff you want - JRC

Parallel joints - 2

One technique that can be very useful when dealing with painful or stiff joints is to use the opposite joint. It is just one of the many energy balancing techniques that are available - others will be dealt with in subsequent postings.

Ask the client/patient to signal the exact position of the severest discomfort - then place your middle finger tip on the EXACT place on the opposite joint i.e. shoulder with shoulder, elbow with elbow etc. Leave the finger quite still for a few seconds before placing the middle finger pad of the other hand on the pain site. If this site is a large one, it is permissible to place the whole hand over it. You may need to leave the fingers or hands in situ for up to 2/3 minutes before you feel a change of emphasis under your hands (more warmth and relaxation in the tissues). This is an excellent technique when dealing with muscle spasm or in cases of hemiplegia where sensation is altered under one side of the body. Next blog I shall recap all the acupressure/reflex techniques that are available when dealing with painful joints and muscles.

Parallel reflexes - joints

At last my new computer is up and running - Windows 7 is SO much better (I had better not crow too much as me and inanimate objects sometimes fall out with one another. To carry on with the basic healing techniques, today's blog is how to utilise hands on energy therapy by balancing and treating painful joints.

With very few exceptions it does not matter what the aetiology is, unless the pain is referred from a distance. Please note the following parallels:-

SHOULDER WITH HIP
ELBOW WITH KNEE
WRIST WITH ANKLE
CARPUS WITH TARSUS
OCCIPUT WITH SACRUM
UPPER CERVICAL WITH LOWER LUMBAR SPINE

Ask the patient where the pain is - do NOT place you hand immediately on it! Go to the parallel joint and you WILL (not maybe) find a sore point on the exact parallel e.g. cubital fossa of elbow is parallel to popliteal fossa of the knee etc. Do some gentle stimulation with the forefinger pad of one hand for a few seconds until this soreness eases. As soon as the soreness eases leave the finger or hand on the parallel joint and pl;ace the other hand over the painful region. Make sure you are comfortable. Energy balancing occurs when the sensation under each hand is the same - this could take up to five minutes. The patient/client should tell you that the pain has eased. Please remember that you need Focus and Intention (read previous blogs) and you are utilizing their vital force - not yours!! Let me know how you get on.

More on parallel reflexes next time - JRC

Catch up

Sorry not to have written over the past couple of weeks. My computer was past saving and I am picking up a new one this week end. This posting is being written on my wife's lap top. On the day the computer died, the kettle and the microwave stopped working as well - I put it all down to my magnetic personality. I am now back doing some clinical work - and am being inundated by old and new patients who all want IN. My usual two days a week is slowly becoming three, but I still have to pace myself as two consecutive days work flares the neck up again.

Winter is still here but the snow and ice have now gone thank goodness - it is just plain cold! We were without hot water for over a week as we ran out of oil - the deliveries were well behind schedule due to the bad weather. I am off to the ACPEM conference nr. Bath next month so hoping the bad weather will be all gone by then. I have just finished proof reading my latest book 'Concise book of Acupoints' and now need to work on the back page blurb - its all go!! I shall write another article on hands on therapy next time.

Vertical and Horizontal Zones

The invisible horizontal and vertical lines of force of zone therapy form one of original tenets of reflexology. This philosophy is as old as traditional Chinese therapy. The division of ten vertical zones is based purely on the fact that we have five digits either side of the body and the five horizontal sections nicely divide the body into easy to analyse and treat sections. The vertical lines are probably used much more in clinical practice. The thumb and great toe together with the very medial aspect of the body are placed in the most medial zone, whereas the little finger and little toe, together with the most lateral aspect of the body are in the outer zone with the intermediate three in between. Sensitivity and tension in the reflected area indicates a problem in another part of the zone. Let me give you a couple of examples of how it may be used -

** If the client has acute discomfort in the shoulder joint, which lies in Zone Five (the most lateral one). There will be another tender spot ( not necessarily on a recognized acupoint) along the same zone. This will often be found half way between the outside of the knee and the lateral malleolus of the ankle.

**If they complain of pain in the inside aspect of the knee, which represents Zone One, another tender point should be found on another Zone One point, usually the outer aspect of the elbow.

There are two treatment approaches with this philosophy. The first (and most popular) is to hold the reflex point for anything up to 5 minutes with a finger pad, together with focus and intention. The pain will start to ease after a couple of minutes but it is best to keep the pressure on until you are sure that there is a change. You are just using one hand and the other one is redundant. Please be aware that you are NOT curing a musculo-skeletal condition, you are just easing the pain to enable the condition to be properly treated. The second method is to place the hands or fingers either side of the painful region but in the same zone. This may take less time to create an energy balance than the first one. I tried to upload a diagram but couldn't!!

We'll discuss Parallel Zones next time. I hope you are finding this stuff interesting and useful to your practices - feedback always welcome!

Magnetic Conductive Healing

Last time we mentioned the magnetism of the fingers and hands and the simplest form of healing - namely Magnetic Conductive Healing (MCH). This type of healing (remember the word means 'to make whole') does not take the various energy systems of either the healer or healee (horrible word) into the equation - such as meridians, chakras, reflexes etc. It is purely based upon the subtle energy flow through the client from your fingers or hands - so how is it done and what do you feel? Say, for instance you want to affect the energy flow through a painful area of the client such as an arthritic knee. You may do one (or more) of the following: -

**Place your hands either side of the knee with one hand in the popliteal fossa and the other hand on the lower patella border.
**Place the hands either side of the knee with one hand over the lateral ligament and the other over the medial ligament
**Place your hands below and above the knee, with one on the thigh and the other on the top of the calf.

With each positioning you are attempting to place the worst part of the condition in the middle of the 'field' between your hands and by attacking it from three different angles you are giving an all round contra planar treatment. With each position there MUST be FOCUS and INTENTION at all times. You may feel that you hands may start to move gently (this is the vital force or cranial rhythm) - just go with the flow and do not oppose it. Keep the hands in situ in each position until there is a change of sensation under the hands and relaxation of the tissue takes place - this varies from half a minute to nearly five minutes and in some instances, where the body part is in a really bad chronic situation, you do not get a change. Please do not 'will' any 'transfer' of energy between you and your client - remember the previous blogs. You are NOT doing the healing - THEY ARE! Good luck.

Magnetism of the Fingers

Touch therapy and hands-on healing comes in many forms and guises. The easiest to learn, and one that falls within the scope of everyone to perform, is conductive magnetic healing. I often state in my books and articles that the middle finger pads should be used when using energy balancing acupressure - why is this? It is said that each finger possesses either a negative or positive magnetic influence. The charge of the thumbs is said to be neutral and therefore they have little influence in subtle energy balancing, although great significance in general acupressure. The flow of electricity and magnetism goes from the negative pole to the positive and this is true in the human body. It appears that the left side of the body is negative and right side positive. It therefore follows that conductive healing occurs through and within the patients tissues a a result of you placing your hands on them - energy flowing from the left hand towards the right.

The individual fingers are also negative or positive. The right index finger is negative and the left index is positive; the right middle finger is positive and the left middle finger is negative. Other forms of contact healing use different principles which we shall start to cover next time.

Intention Healing with the Heels

It's not been too bad here, unlike the rest of the UK, but we are always different here! I have managed to do some outside painting and the neck has held up quite well, so I have decided to start some clinical work next week and think about my teaching schedule.

Today I shall deal with how to use the heels to perform intention healing. If you have followed me thus far, it will not be such a giant leap of faith to understand that by intention on your part, working with your patient, it is possible to send healing thoughts to anywhere in the body. It is, though, extremely important that the first steps of tuning in, analysis and energy balancing are done first - there are no short cuts! So, you already have your hands cuddling the patients heels, and if they are not asleep by now they will be extremely relaxed! You need to feel the Vital Force rhythm again (or whatever you wish to call it) - remember that it feels like a tide coming in an going out, so in one phase there appears to be like a balloon filling between your hands and their heels, and in the other phase - this empties. Try to keep this rhythm going for about half a minute before you commence.

Immediately following the balloon phase, push, with intention (i.e. your silent thoughts) the energy towards the area of the body that needs the healing. It may be a joint, spinal level, chakra, meridian or internal organ. Keep doing this for at least a couple of minutes. When there is a very chronic situation it will feel that nothing much is occurring, simply because there is such an energy depletion in the first place. When treating acute or sub acute conditions, the reaction is much quicker. The reaction under your hands is that there seems to be a glow or warmth and there will be a 'change of emphasis' - as I mention in my books. If not asleep, the patient will feel warmth and relaxation in the part that you are directing the healing. I have actually been accused of doing symptomatic treatments by using this method - nothing is further from the truth. You have already ascertained where the healing is to be directed by the analysis phase - this is where it is needed! Also, you are utilizing the patient's OWN vital force - you are not introducing anything from you (remember what I said a couple of blogs ago).

That's all working on the heels (although in practice there is much more). Next time we shall start a series of teachings on treating musculo-skeletal conditions with touch therapy.

Analysis using the heels

You are now in a position to undergo some 'fine tuning' analysis after already determined the gross imbalances that need to be addressed by taking the Case History and examination.

Now that you have an even vital force flow that I described in the last posting, the time has come for you to analyse by asking silent questions. This is all part of the whole system of physical therapy known as body dowsing, that you can perform anywhere and by several different means. The secret of any body dowsing routine is to commence by asking very large general questions and slowly fine tune them to become more specific. A corollary to this is by using Teletext on the television. Firstly you press 'Sport' - this gives you a number of options - then press Football - this gives you more options - then press 'Scores' and so on to get the exact score of the match you are interested in. The other very important thing to remember is that each and every silent question MUST be answered by either Yes or No. WHEN THE REPLY IS 'NO' OR IN THE NEGATIVE, THE RHYTHM UNDER THE HEELS REMAINS CONSTANT ---WHEN THE REPLY IS 'YES' OR IN THE POSITIVE, THE RHYTHM TEMPORARILY CEASES!!!

So, for example, if you have decided to ask about the state of play about the atlas vertebra - C1. Firstly ask if there is any anomaly in the cervical spine. If there is, then the rhythm will stop. It will re-commence within a few seconds. Now ask if there is any problem with the atlas - again the rhythm ceases. No ask if there is a facet joint problem, or if it is rotated or -whatever - to finally fine tune things to the exact diagnosis you need. You may choose whatever system of the body you want to - the spine, internal organs, aura, meridians, chakras or, indeed, any part of the body. Start with general questions and progress to specific!!!

You must explain to your patient what you are doing and give them the results. If you have done your work correctly, you will amaze them as well as yourself. This topic is one of the most popular ones that I teach. I am often presented with either a real live patient to look at and assess or one of the delegates will volunteer. It is one of those relatively simple procedures that are very rewarding but will have to be practised and practised in order to perfect. Next time - Healing with the Heels. Let me have your feedback on this posting as I want to know if this is the sort of stuff that you want out there in e-land.

Energy balancing using the heels

Having just put bucket loads of sand on our track, so we could drive out, - the thaw came!!! We are actually going shopping tomorrow for the first time in 4 weeks. For those of you who do not appreciate our geography - we live 30 miles from Portree where the one and only supermarket is situated - the Co-Op. I think Andrea is ready to kill for a banana!!

Today I am writing about how you can use the heels to energy balance. Full details are in my book - 'Healing with the Chakra Energy System'. Many of you know that by using cranio-sacral therapy or cranial osteopathy via the Vault hold (using the occiput), you can assess the flow of the cerebro-spinal fluid, analyze or diagnose for any physical or energy imbalances within the body and create an energy balance. This procedure takes a lot of learning, but once it is learnt and mastered, the rewards are amazing. We should all be able to use our diagnostic skills for the gross imbalances, but the Vault hold gives you the nuances and fine tunes everything in order that we can give the correct treatment. The heels are another very accessible area, just like the occiput. Energy flow balancing may be performed anywhere in the body, but if you happen to be a relexologist, the heels are extremely accessible and effective. The heels are just one of the body's 'Listening Posts' where you can assess, analyze and balance. Make sure the patient is comfortable and your forearms are supported. Both heels should be gently 'cuddled' without any undue pressure. At the end of about two minutes a certain amount of tingling, warmth or other sensations will be apparaent. If one heel is warm and the other is cool or sticky - or if there is any other anomoly, this shows an imbalance of energy. If there is very little warmth in either heel, this indicates a chronic situation. Before balancing can commence you first have to 'tune in' to the patient's vital force natural rhythm (similar to the vault hold). This is achieved by trying to sense a gentle expansion and contraction under the heels. The movement is very similar to the movement of the tide at the sea shore. When you have felt this, try to expand this sensation under the hands to create a 'balloon' effect of energy. Keep the rhythm going for at least a couple of minutes to allow the patient to completely relax. Then, with silent thought and intention, ask the body to energy balnce itself. You should find that the rhythm ceases and movemnet will be 'all over the place'. Your hands and their heels arn't actually moving - it just appears that they are. You have to follow the rhythm and 'go with the flow' - never oppose what is occuring!. This carries on until the expansion and contraction appear to be the same under each heel. As this occurs the patient often takes a huge sigh of relaxation. Let me stress that this is NOT the treatment itself, just the 'first course' Let me also stress that all you and your patient (you are a team) are doing at this stage is to energy balance them sufficietly so as to bring about enough harmony within their system that you can proceed to the next part - analysis. This we shall discuss next time.

Initial hands-on routine

We are still frozen in! Our track is over 450 mtrs to the main road and it resembles an ice rink. Let's hope the thaw comes soon.

Today I shall give some advice on initial hands-on routine. It doesn't matter in this instance if you are using reflexology, acupressure, physical therapy or any other form of therapy - the same advice holds for all types. Some of it sounds obvious, but it never ceases to amaze me that these things are not adhered to by scores of practitioners.

1. Be patient and calm. Your patient will probably be a bit nervous and if you show patient and calm yourself, this will help feel better.

2. Show confidence. As a patient (yes - I am one as well), it always puts me off when the therapist shows obvious nerves or any kind of anxiety. Act as if you know what you are doing without any 'faffing' about.

3. NEVER, NEVER tell the patient about your aches and pains. It is ok just to answer the question put to you 'How are you?' but don't drone on and on. They are paying you for you to listen to their troubles, not the other way around. Constantly dwelling on your problems (even though you may actually feel worse than the person on the couch) is not professional - cut it out!

4. Following your pre treatment prep. (see previous blog) approach the patient's head, feet, knee or whatever slowly and with due care - do not rush!! Always tell them what you are going to do, even if it's in the form of a question - 'I'm just going to hold your heels' or 'Is it ok if I place my hand on your tummy?' for example. Always keep them informed what you are doing and answer any question they may ask.

5. Initially you are probably 'tuning in' to their cranial rhythm or vital force so explain that this is what you are doing - other wise in their eyes you are just placing your hands on their heels without appearing to be doing anything!!

6. Make sure that the hands on hold is gentle yet firm. Over the ensuing 2/3 minutes you will be assessing the patient's heat, cold, energy flow, cranial rhythm and you will feel changes of energy quality taking place during that time - the hold has therefore to be firm.

7. Finally, make sure that YOU are comfortable as well as your patient. Try not to fidget.

The next blog will cover energy balancing through the heels.

Pre Treatment Routines - 2

Thank you to those of you who commented on the last blog about protection. I am pleased that it helped you and that there are those out there in ether land who are actually reading my scrawls. We managed to get out yesterday for essentials and today it is +3 degrees so its not so icy to walk on. We are keeping the poultry in the fank area and I've erected a make shift high fencing around it to stop the fox getting in!

Today we shall discuss further aspects of pre treatment routines that are vital for a successful practice.

1. Try and watch your patient as they get out of the car and walk towards your clinic rooms. It is amazing how much you can glean from their posture and demeanour before you see them. I realise that it is not a practical logistical suggestion for many of you.

2. Realise that they have honoured you with them putting their trust in you - never take that for granted. So, be polite and courteous at all times. Yes, I know that many of them can be a pain in the butt and that you just want to get rid of them quick time - but they are putting food on your table. If you are self employed, please always remember that you survive purely on other people's whims! If nobody saw you you wouldn't eat! So, you have to good at what you do and very conscientious.

3. Take a good Case History - after all - it is a legal requirement. Try not to interrupt them too much and let them tell their story as they wish to. You can pick up many hints as to analysis (and possible treatment) just by the way they talk and present themselves. They may need to be brought back on track occasionally but, above all, let them pour it out! The following things may be learnt from the way they present to you :-

a) The person who is fidgetty, anxious and gabbles - possible Heart or Small Intestine imbalance.
b) The person who 'whines' and moans that nothing is right - possible Liver and Gall bladder imbalance
c) The person who is quitely spoken (almost shy) - often reveals a cranial base and Brow chakra imbalance
d) The person who does not look straight at you but looks down at the floor most of the time - this shows an old anxiety block that needs to be addressed.

4. Most patients and clients are reticent about divulging their innermost feelings (which is generally what you want to hear), so don't take it too fast on the first session. They may open up once they get to know you. It is a two way thing.

5. Don't get them to remove any more clothing than is necessary and it is always a good idea to have a chaperone handy if you feel that is required for the practical examination. Make sure that you write down your findings in real time and don't rely on your memory to do it at the end of the day!

6. Keep them involved! Many practitioners are very aloof and don't say a darned word to the client - and they are too shy or reticent to ask. Keep the reply to their questions simple and remember that you know far more about anatomy etc. than they do, so don't blind them with science. It is always a good thing to have a visual aid such as a spinal diagram or an anatomical model - a picture is worth 1000 words.

7. Finally, keep your room warm and make sure that you place towels over the patient when they are on the couch. This puts them at ease straight away and it shows that you care about their comfort and modesty.

Obviously there are many more hints, but that gives you a flavour. Next time - initial hands on routines. Keep warm!!

Pre treatment routines

As with the rest of the UK, the snow and ice remain very bad here but we are hoping to get out tomorrow to do some shopping. It is a good job that I am not working clinically because of my surgery recovery as patients would not be able to reach me!! The bitter cold weather has lured mr. fox to our croft looking for food and we have lost 4 hens and a duck. Andrea is devastated. We managed to get the remaining terrified poultry into their houses this evening before dark set in.

I am often asked at a workshop 'How do you protect yourself' from negative 'vibes'. The nature of our type of work with hands on energy medicine can leave us very vulnerable if we do not take adequate precautions. It is generally not the case that clients and patients are malevolent creatures who go out of their way to harm us - of course they don't! It is just that when you deal with sick people who want to off load their troubles and woes in verbal and emotional ways, it is wise not to suck in the outpouring of grief. I have known of at least three excellent practitioners who thought that this was all gobbledegook and, sadly, they paid the price. The following may help you.

1. Do some kind of routine before every patient - no exceptions! It doesn't matter if you have seen them a hundred times before or you are not using obvious energy medicine.

2. Always wash you hands between patients, firstly with hot water and soap and follow this with cold water.

3. The silent routine will take no more than a few seconds. I imagine that I have a protecting bubble around me, rather like a gold fish bowl. I then silently say a few words of asking for protection. You do not have to have any faith or religion and it doesn't have to be a prayer or incantation.

4. Always have your feet firmly on the ground during a treatment session - literally

5. This one is the most difficult - try not to empathise with your patient too much - you have to be caring and yet stay aloof. This takes practice and experience. Remember that at the end of the day you should feel as refreshed as you do in the morning. Try not to let your guard down if you are getting tired.

6. I am always astonished when I hear that the therapist has taken the patient's pain away by transferring it to themselves! DON'T DO IT!!!!

7. Do not treat any more patient's in the day than you are capable of doing and, above all, never, never, treat someone if you are not well yourself! Yes - I know that we are all wrecks, I mean if we have a bad cold or flu etc.

I hope that this helps - let me have some feedback if you think that anything has been omitted.

F I

We are still snowed in here, but at least we have power, water and heat - who needs food anyway? We shall try and get out to the local shop on Tuesday. Today's blog is the first of many over the next few weeks on Bodywork. Most of my students reading this blog will immediately know what I mean by F I.

I introduce the topic as 'IF' and all you have to do to remember this pneumonic is to know that it is Rudyard Kipling's best known poem (and reverse it)! F and I represents the essential costituents of how ALL therapists should approach the treatment of their clients and patients - without exception!!! F stands for FOCUS. Before you even lay a hand on the client, you have to focus on THEM and THEM ALONE. Do not let your mind wander to anything else. The person on your couch is trusting you that you will do your best to help them - they demand your concentration and total mind set. They are paying you a great privilege that they are willing to come and see you in the first place! (Mind set and pre treatment regimen will be covered next time). If it is their knee you are working on then the focus has to be on their knee, if it is the back, then the focus is on the back....

I stands for INTENTION. This is required in all subtle bodywork procedures such as reflexology, acupressure, cranio-sacral therapy, chakra balancing etc. When you are in your comfortable set position with total focus on where you are, the INTENTION is what you are hoping to achieve in that particular part of the treatment session. This is achieved by silent thought! Please remember that THOUGHT IS ENERGY and that ENERGY FOLLOWS THOUGHT. There some therapists who do not think that this is important and that we can achieve all we want to do without positive and specific thought - I do not agree!! Not only do I need all the help I can get but I KNOW after 40 years of practice that without intention the results are not as positive or as dramatic. If you are trying to 'energy balance' between two points, as well as placing your hands or fingers on the patient, it is imperative to visualize the flow of chi (or whatever you perceive the vital force to be) between your hands or fingers. If you are treating a client with reflexology, it really helps to visualize your intentions at each stage of the procedure.

This knowledge is FUNDAMENTAL and ESSENTIAL. Never try and take short cuts, except in certain situations or emergencies.

Weight

Happy new year to all the Cross Patch readers - hope you have been taking the advice about Nux Vomica for hangovers!! I don't drink so rarely have to take the stuff. We still have nearly six inches of compacted snow here but it is due to reach 3 degrees C today so the big melt is on!!

Apart from stopping smoking and cutting down on booze, I guess that many folk's new years resolution is to try and lose weight! My excuse for being overweight at the moment is that I haven't been able to exercise following surgery and we are eating up all the 'naughty but nice' goodies we had for Christmas. Its my excuse and I am sticking to it. I think I read somewhere that more people weigh themselves on their bathroomm scales on new years day than any other day of the year. It is a good thing to do just to get a benchmark weight. The following advice about losing weight may be very common sense but I proffer it just the same.

1. Only weigh yourself once a week - not every day, and always at the same time of time - mornings are preferable as we all weigh more later in the day.

2. Make the goals of losing weight REALISTIC. One or two pounds a week is about right.

3. You have to want to lose weight - not just play at it. Have a committment strategy and a positive mindset - it is mostly in the mind!!

4. If I knew the answer to weight loss, I would not be writing this blog in the freezing cold of the Isle of Skye but would probably be swanning it on my yacht in the Med. ( Oh I don't know about that one) THERE IS NO ONE SINGLE DIET THAT COVERS ALL SITUATIONS. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT.

5.Most authorities agree that crash diets are usually a waste of time - the quicker you lose - the faster the weight returns. One inescapable fact is that if you burn more calories than you eat, you will lose weight. This comes from a combination of moderate exercise and eating the correct foods.

Next blog I shall start a series of 'teach ins' on touch therapy and bodywork.

Hope the headache eases soon!