Core Values and Procedures

Apart from discussing the awful weather we are having in the Highlands (it has rained every day for the past 3 weeks and it is cold - longest day only 3 weeks away) with patients, the topic of conversation is the latest report into bad nursing procedures. There have been graphic reports of how patients in hospital and nursing homes have been neglected, uncared for and sometimes abused by the nursing profession. I have certainly seen from first hand experience some of this a few years ago, so it came as no surprise. I suppose you can say that there is good and bad in every trade and profession and you will always get some people who are more conscientious that others at their job.

The nursing one though goes a bit deeper in that we expect that each and every nurse is caring, after all, isn't that why they enter the profession in the first place. The public expects that every nurse has the Florence Nightingale image. The topic is complicated but one theory of mine is that because nursing is now a degree course i.e. academic, the actual nitty gritty of cleanliness, caring, talking to patients, respecting them as human beings has somehow been lost in the pursuit of academia. Thirty years ago nursing training consisted 25% theory and 75% practice - I know, I did it! Now it is completely the other way around. The excuse of 'not enough staff on the ward to give an adequate service' simply won't wash. I have personally seen cases of neglected patients whilst extended coffee breaks are being taken!

I wonder if there is something similar occurring in my profession of physiotherapy? No I don't mean lack of care particularly, but, again because junior physios have all been to university and spend much more time in theory and less in practical aspects than was the case years ago, that they have lost the practical empathetic nature that was apparent 20 years ago. they don't get involved, they don't get their hands 'dirty' and actually TOUCH their patients. Again the excuse is 'lack of time'. The answer to this lame excuse is that they are round and bounce!!! One can achieve more with a patient or client in 15 minutes by treating them with hands-on procedures that one can ever do by simply teaching a formula of exercises or attaching them to the latest electrotherapy machine. Let me know what you think - JRC

Update

How can it be the middle of May already? Unlike most of the UK, we have had constant rain for several days. Everything is very green and wet (and long) but there is nothing that can be done. Taking a break from important acupoints to give you an update.

Workshops:- I am taking a break this Spring and Summer so I can finish the LTR book and try and get a publisher for it. But this Autumn may be busy. I am off to Birmingham next month to look at a conference centre which, as well as being conveniently positioned to main line railway stations, motorways and Birmingham airport, it is only 15 minutes away from my son's home. If it is any good it could become well used over the next few years. I have also been asked to give workshops in Edinburgh, Lincoln, Italy (Tuscany) and possibly Canada. Details on the web site when I know them.

Posters:- To accompany the LTR book I am in the process of drawing an A1 poster. This should sell well with reflexologists and those who attend my workshops and will represent an 'aide -de-memoir' when treating their clients with this form of reflexology. Later in the year I am hoping to produce a poster on 'Chakrapuncture'. This will accompany the orange book on acupuncture.

Chakrapuncture:- There is now a new web site called chakrapuncture.org that has been brilliantly done by Michel Hamilton of France. Considering that English is not his first language he has made a wonderful effort. It goes into detail about the relationship of the chakras to acupuncture, based on my orange book and is soon to include software that will detail the many relationships of the major and minor chakras. He has also managed to get a publisher for this French translation of the book and finally has got permission from North Atlantic Books. WELL DONE MICHEL!!!

More anon - JRC

Powerful Points - CON 6

Conception (Ren Mai, CV or Con) 6 [Qi Hai] is situated 1.5 cun (two fingers) directly below the umbilicus. It is called the Sea of Energy and, as such, may be tonified (stimulated) to increase general energy depletion in the body. This may be achieved by moxa, needle or pressure techniques. It may be used to treat such conditions and symptoms as chronic tiredness, chronic fatigue syndrome, and weakened immunity. It is also extensively used in treating many abdominal, urological and gynaecological conditions including abdominal distension and pain, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, dysmenorrhoea, uterine collapse, frequent urination, sexual dysfunction and impotence.

Con 6 is also considered to be the anterior Sacral Chakra. It is extensively used in yoga and meditation as the focal point in 'hara' breathing. It is linked with the Throat chakra at Con 22 and these two points may be energy balanced with fingers, hands or magnets. By placing the hands on these two points, a terrific sense of well being and relaxation may be achieved not only by the therapist on the client but also as a self help procedure.