Hooper Acupuncture

Clearing recurring Diarrhoea

2011-12-15T23:00:00.002Z

A little girl attended with diarrhoea which had gone on for several weeks with intermittent bouts. When she came to me she showed signs of heat as there was a pungent smell on discharge. We used the finest and smallest needles and treated her on her left leg only with needles. She sat up and was quite happy to watch me needle her and then when she had enough, told me so. The needles brought a good response despite there brevity in situ. We also used a Teishin to manually stimulate acupoints around the umbilicus and on the feet. This she liked. We assessed her lower back which proved tender on the right hand side and did some small massage work to ease it out and again the skin showed a good response to the massage. She had only one semi-soft bowel movement after her treatment and was clear from then on.

Preparing for Pregnancy

2011-11-24T14:12:00.007Z

Being optimally healthy physically at the same time as you are mentally ready or want to conceive is not always going to be that easy. To make sure your body is well looked after you have to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals at a cellular level, regulate menstruation and balance hormones. An acupuncture programme sets the building blocks for both men and women wishing to conceive whether with or without reproductive technologies. Being at your best, takes time and dedication. You have time, to take time and invest in your health and future.

Coming Off the Pill
Many women are taking the contraceptive pill for many years and many different reasons. Doctors typically prescribe the pill for bad menstrual cramps, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, no bleeding, endometriosis, acne, recurring cysts. The pill seems to be the only tool besides other drugs and surgery that Doctors use to manage a woman’s cycle.

When coming off the pill the underlying issues may still be present and need to be addressed e.g. irregular periods need to be regulated. If a woman isn’t ovulating, this needs to be fixed. If taking the pill for birth control solely then the body needs to be switched back on in terms of the hypothalamus/pituitary/ovarian axis needing to be re-established.

Acupuncture can help regulate a woman’s cycle and reconnecting her body.

Make it Happen
Stress, anxiety and fear can manifest and play on the minds of those who have not taken the pill and are having trouble conceiving; everything seems to be working fine but pregnancy just doesn’t happen quickly enough. Stress has a very negative impact and intervention is best to minimise risk and exposure. Acupuncture can help with this aspect. A full assessment with an OB-Gyn or reproductive endocrinologist may be required. Even with ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies), an acupuncture preparation programme is very beneficial increasing the chances of conception and delivering a healthy baby.

Egg & Follicle Development – the timeframe
Folliculogenesis is the development of the follicle from initiation to maturation culminating in ovulation. This process starts about 150 days prior to ovulation. The primary growth phase of the follicle containing the egg is between 90-120 days. That is a minimum 3-4 cycles for the body to prepare for conception. It is important to note the egg quality today is a reflection of the follicles health 3 months previous. So, the stresses, diet and lifestyle you had 90 days ago will be reflected in today’s eggs. Many women over 40, even when preparing for IVF, do not want to waste any time. They want to be pregnant yesterday. Any good farmer will tell you, in order to have a good harvest you must start with good quality fertilized soil. The seeds must have the proper soil and environment to germinate. The same is exactly true for pregnancy. Proper preparation is imperative. This is why it takes approximately 90 days. That time frame may vary if a woman has a complicated case.

For Men
In USA male infertility is involved in approximately 40% of infertile couples. Research has shown that acupuncture and nutritional supplements can significantly improve sperm quantity, motility and morphology. Sperm maturation averages 72-84 days. Therefore the health of the sperm is governed by its environment over the preceding 3 months. It is likewise beneficial for men to follow a programme for pregnancy with acupuncture and supplements, for at least 3 months prior to conception.Our pregnancy programme would include

Acupuncture and massage treatments.
Nutritional recommendations including eating guidelines as well as supplement recommendations.
Lifestyle recommendations including ways to cope with stress, relaxation tools, Breathing, and mind/body awareness.
Exercise recommendations.

Here are some important steps for consideration by every couple wishing to optimise conception and the health of their baby.

Re-evaluate health and lifestyle. That might require to stop smoking and reduce caffeine consumption, long-haul flights.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Detoxify when appropriate to reduce the effect of pollutants.
Eating organic foods particularly meats, and reducing/eliminating processed foods.
Take a good quality prenatal vitamin.
Take nutrients and herbs to maximize sperm production.

Lovemaking for conception
The sperm lives for 72 hours. By making love every second day from the end of the period and up to 5-6 days post ovulation, live sperm will always be present in the woman. By following alternate days allows the ejaculate 48 hours to top up to best capacity.

Clearing Constant & Protracted Neck Pain with Tuina Massage

2011-11-03T21:30:00.002Z

A client attended with constant and protracted (for over 9 months) neck pain causing agitation and general short temperedness in his daily life. Initial treatments were with acupuncture and some progress was made but the pain returned. A persistent and continuous course of Tuina massage (acupressure) was taken with massage for up to 15 minutes per day for two weeks. The therapist assessed the neck muscles and observed deep knotting at cervical vertebrae C2/C3. This point seemed to trigger most pain and referred further up to the head and into the shoulder. The therapist by concentrating on the massage treatment was able to palpate the deep knotting and assess with his fingers the progress being made. The pain levels soon started to recede and the neck muscles began to soften making them more pliable and helping the therapist work better and more efficiently. At the end of the course of treatment the man was pain free but requested to attend for follow up massage when the need arose.

IMB Drops OTC Cough Medicines for Children upto 6 Years

2011-09-27T13:25:00.001+01:00

The Irish Medicines Board has taken over the counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines off the market for children 0-6 years following their American counterparts recent decision. Such medicines as Actifed, Sudafed, Benilyn, Robitussin and Venos were deemed to be having no effect in clearing the common cold or cough for this age group. However the knock-on effects of allergic reaction and drowsiness were understandably regarded as unacceptable.

If drinking plenty of fluids and rest are not clearing the cough and phlegm then a trip for paediatric acupuncture, Shonishin (which is a non-insertive acupuncture treatment from Japan) or cupping might be the order of the day. There are no side effects from these treatments. They will support your childs defences and strengthen immunity. It is important to take care when your child catches a cold to look after it promptly and properly to prevent it degenerating to something worse.

A chest and back rub made up with a carrier oil (e.g. almond, olive, rapeseed) and several drops of Eucalyptus oil and Lavender oil and one-two drops of Tea Tree oil. The Eucalyptus with help with clearing the airways, Lavender will help with restful sleep and Tea Tree will help with any infection that might be there.

Natural cough remedies can be made up at home. Pear is traditionally used in cough medicines particularly where heat signs are prevalent. Juicing pears would be excellent, best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Lemon and lime can be used for colds and flus and more particularly the hacking cough. Both grapefruit peel and onion are good for coughs with cold signs. Any of the citrus fruits/onion can be made into a tea by simmering the peel for 20 minutes. Honey is ideal for balancing the flavour of the tea. Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old. Apple and banana help to moisten the dryness of the lung where a dry cough develops.

Pregnancy and the Associated Changes

2011-09-16T12:43:00.006+01:00

Pregnancy is wonderful, but what about those unwanted symptoms

Pregnancy through physical and hormonal changes brings about symptoms that take away from the joy.
Here we set out some of the symptoms most likely to be encountered and tips to keep you going.

Back Pain
Low back pain is more likely and is due to various reasons such as ligaments softening and stretching along with posture changes as your baby grows. Retaining a good posture is critical; standing tall with weight evenly spread with shoulders back & relaxed, buttocks tucked in. Support the low back when sitting and draw up your lower knee when lying on your side. Up to 20kg of additional weight can be gained. Exercise regularly and be conscious of maintaining a healthy weight level. Persistent back pain may benefit from a treatment of acupuncture to ease out any imbalances.

Breast Changes
Breast changes are one of the first signs of pregnancy and that change continues for the duration. Good support is necessary. Prickling, tingling or tenderness may be experienced.

Constipation
Constipation can occur as a result of hormonal changes and pressure from your growing baby. In addition iron supplements can also contribute to it. Regular gentle exercise and consumption of water, fibre, fruit and vegetables should do the trick. Acupuncture can help with the regularisation of the bowels and absorption of nutrients.

Haemorrhoids
These are varicose veins in the anus due to constipation and straining, increased pressure from your baby and hormonal changes. See constipation above. Exercising in a pool will help release some of the pressures of gravity on the body.

Heartburn
Heartburn is a form of indigestion due to the hormone progesterone in combination with the pressure from your growing baby. It is most common in the latter stages. Avoidance of problematic foods (eg spicy and fatty) is a good start. Eat slowly and more frequent smaller meals. Consume liquids separate to foods and rest after eating and propped up. Acupuncture can soothe out digestive problems.

Leg Cramps
Cramps at night are particularly common in the latter stages. Calcium supplements are helpful, but try include it through dairy foods, green vegetables and quinoa. Get Potassium from bananas. Raising feet above legs to improve circulation and stretching the larger muscles.

Mood Swings
These are part and parcel of the pregnancy. Accept them, don’t worry. Have your partner learn to accept them. They will hopefully settle after the first trimester. Acupuncture is great for relaxing you and settling the mind to a more grounded space.

Morning Sickness
This can occur for several months through the pregnancy and seems to be worse on an empty stomach whether day or night. Aids for pregnancy nausea might be apple cider (1 Tbsp) vinegar in boiling water with honey to taste, or ginger and or mint teas. Ginger tea can be made from the root chopped into rounds added to water and simmered for a few minutes. The tea will turn a pinkish hue. The tea can be stored in the fridge and added to fresh or warm water in small amounts or as desired.

Swollen Joints
The ankle and hands joints commonly swell. Any sudden or severe swelling should brought to your doctors attention. Raise the feet where possible and wear support stockings. Avoid lengthy spells of standing/sitting. Acupuncture can be very helpful for alleviating pain and swelling in the joints.

Tiredness
Tiredness is common and can be seen as part of the gestational detox in the early stages of pregnancy. It again is prevalent in the final stages as your body adjusts to your baby’s growth. If flexibility allows take naps or relax to recharge. Anaemia might be an issue and your doctor would advise on this issue. Increased iron intake might be required.

Varicose veins
Varicose veins occur in the lower body and more particularly the lower leg. Increased pressure in the veins and hormone changes are responsible. Consult your doctor. See swollen joints section above.

Food for Healthy Mum and Child

2011-08-23T14:49:00.005+01:00

Post Pregnancy
Traditionally in China new mothers had one month away from their normal duties to enable satisfactory recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Close family usually extended the helping hand. Our western lifestyle does not always make it so easy to receive or extend the helping hand so needed. Most women cope with what is thrown at them but it may be months later that they feel the strain; finding they can’t shrug off the tiredness and exhaustion. One to three months can be required to fully replenish the body. This does not entail sitting doing nothing but taking physical rest when required, exercising gently and following a good diet. Acupuncture can also aid in the recovery process, balancing hormones and promoting lactation.

Here are some foods that will help with nourishing the new mum and vicariously her child.

Any woman recovering from childbirth, miscarriage or breast feeding should consider strengthening the body’s qi and building the blood.

Foods for strengthening qi include oats, rice, sweet potato, yam, pumpkin, potato, chicken, tuna, tofu, beef, egg, kidney beans, mushroom (shiitake & button), dates, grapes, jasmine tea, basil, cinnamon, clove, dill, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary & thyme.

Foods for building blood include corn, sweet rice, beetroot, all dark leafy green vegetables, avocado, mushroom, chicken, mussels, egg, kidney beans, sesame seeds, soya milk, iron rich foods such as red meats and spinach, dates and apricot.

Slow light cooking is most beneficial for its nourishment and gentleness on the digestive system.

Cod Liver Oil with Omega-3, Vitamins A & D along with other nutrients help build nerve, brain & bone tissues and strengthen all cells and immunity. It can be taken during pregnancy and by lactating mothers and infants where a deficiency exists. For infants 8-12 drops is sufficient depending on circumstances.

Childrens Eating Habits
Following the weaning of a child both parents should follow a whole & nutritious diet so their children learn from them. A nourishing harmonious environment is important; a shared meal at regular times is well on the way to achieving this aim. Meals should be relaxed without time constraints or pressures.

Children should be encouraged to chew food and certainly mix it with saliva to aid their digestion. Toddlers have small stomachs and respond best to small meals and or nutritious snacks. If they have worked up a good appetite they will ask for more. Get your children to help you with cooking the meal.

It is best not to reward children for good behaviour with dessert or sweets, it sets poor precedent for later in life with the reward being emotional nourishment rather than a biological one.

Tips for Infants and Toddlers
Too much raw food can reduce the digestive power of infants and toddlers thereby weakening them.
Too much fruit can encourage colds, runny noses, ear problems and general weakness. Cook the fruit in cold weather or for weaker children.
Fruit juices should be watered down and served at room temperature.
Avoid fructose, white sugar and chocolate.
Avoid flours as they can promote mucus in infants and toddlers.
Avoid rancid cooking oils, margarine and hydrogenated oil as they can block the natural metabolism of fats.
Cooking without oil is optimal.
Avoid regular use of raw onion and garlic unless for medicinal purposes such as clearing colds or worms.
Avoid salt & honey for at least the first year.
Limit strong spices and or condiments.

General Tips
Enjoy your food and avoid eating when worried, upset or doing business.
Eat to satisfy your hunger rather than to prevent it.
Eat plenty of variety.
Eat regular meals and avoid eating late at night.
Eat slowly and chew well.
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Eat warm foods; they are easier to digest.

Cancer; ways not to feed it.

2011-07-21T16:27:00.010+01:00

We all have cancer cells in our bodies. It is a question of whether they are at such a level as to be detectable under standard test or scrutiny. Cancer cells can occur up to and possibly more than 10 times over a person’s lifetime. When the immune system is strong, the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from forming tumours. When a person has cancer it denotes nutritional deficiencies which could be as a result of environmental, genetic, food or lifestyle factors. Overcoming the nutritional deficiencies can be achieved by changing the diet and taking supplements which will strengthen the immunity. Various cancer treatments destroy or damage healthy cells, tissue or organs in arresting tumour growth.

Prevention by starving the cancer cells from multiplying is the best you can do.

What do cancer cells feed on?
Sugar – good quality honey or black strap molasses in small amounts are better natural substitutes.
Table salt – has added harmful chemicals, sea salt or Bragg Liquid Aminos are better alternatives.
Milk – causes mucus in the body and especially the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus.
Meat based diet – causes an acidic body environment and cancer cells flourish there. Fish and a little chicken would be better. Changing the body to more alkaline requires a diet of up to 80% fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and fruits. Vegetable juices provide much needed live enzymes. Less meat frees up the enzymes not used in the meat digestion to attack the tough protein walls of cancer cells opening the door for the body’s killer cells to destroy them.
Coffee, tea & chocolate – go for green tea instead with its cancer fighting properties or filtered/purified water.

A positive life of daily exercise, a good outlook with a loving relaxed attitude help in creating a body environment that is oxygenated and free from anger/stress forming acidity.

Naturally it is all easier said than done. However, each small step has an accumulated effect in the right direction.

Knocking Trigeminal Neuralgia on the Head

2011-04-05T13:33:00.002+01:00

A client with trigeminal neuralgia for the preceding 2 years prior to attending for acupuncture is pain free after two courses. The main pain pathways were above the eye and into the lower jaw. Eating and brushing teeth were particularly sore. Migraine Headaches were very common typically 2-3 times per week. We decided to go with Abdominal Acupuncture as it would give the best chance in treating the whole body and symptoms together along with some local tender points. After the first session a full nights sleep was had and respite from neuralgia until the next day. Inevitably the neuralgia returned. Within 5 sessions the neuralgia had dissipated significantly. However the headaches persisted which had been ongoing for decades since puberty. An involuntary break in treatment unfortunately set back our progress. When the second course of treatment resumed, Abdominal Acupuncture was again preferred with some Ankle-Wrist Acupuncture being added to great effect. Both trigeminal neuralgia and the headaches improved. The area of pain became more centralised, smaller and intermittent. Within a short number of treatments the trigeminal neuralgia had gone.

Positive Life

2011-04-05T13:18:00.007+01:00

There is a great niche magazine Positive Life which could just provide the inspiration you need to be that spring board for a better life. A recent article of interest to me was on the use of the surfing skills set as a base for our lives and ever-changing environment - a bit like the sea! www.positivelife.ie/2010/12/surfing-the-waves-of-change/ The site address is http://www.positivelife.ie/ - enjoy the read! www.positivelife.ie/2011/03/that-healing-feeling/

Shonishin for the Little Insomniac in your Life

2011-03-29T14:23:00.002+01:00

A 21 month old boy who wakened every night at 1am & 4am attended for a shonishin treatment (paediatric acupuncture without the use of needle insertion). He had just developed a cold so the lung meridian pattern was evident with the root pattern being that of the liver meridian. The pulses confirmed same. A quick all over body treatment was done by lightly stroking the meridians. Some additional tapping was used around the neck, shoulders and head. Specific points were then adjusted for the meridian patterns of the lung and liver. On examination there was a degree of tightness along the infraspinatus muscles in the thoracic region which seemed to cause mild discomfort to him. Press spheres were left at these points overnight. The next morning I received a call from his mother – a small success the little boy had slept from 10.30pm through to 5.30am. Both mother and father were delighted and felt more refreshed than they had been in a long time. The second night he slept from 8.30pm to 5.00am.

The Swaddle Relief

2011-03-29T14:17:00.001+01:00

After a month our newborn cut a dash for her own room, and it has been the swaddling technique of the Chinese/Vietnamese that really helped us settle her for good long sleeping spells on her own without any upset. It has been a real revelation as to the nurturing and comforting effect it had on her. At the late night feed between 10-11pm she would have typically been agitated trying get back to sleep and as soon as the swaddle enveloped her BANG she was off to sleep again. Wonderful! Sometimes you think you wouldn’t mind a bit of that – hmm maybe that is thought for a new adult therapy!

Labour Pains and Delivery Made Easier

2011-02-11T13:52:00.006Z

Last December as the snows started falling again I was tucked into The National Maternity Hospital on the evening of their staff Christmas party busying myself with the delivery of our second daughter. Following my wife's admission to the delivery ward and examination by the midwife there was reasonable calm.

As waves of contractions and pain rolled in which were well taken by my wife; I was doing a series of acupressure techniques to help her through each of the contractions. It seemed that both of our actions quite independent were also harmonious and as a result very focused and relaxed on what was required for a swift outcome of a new baby's arrival. As my wife focused on her breathing I focused on easing her pain, and in so doing guiding the energy towards the uterus to help get the best from the contractions. Within 2 hours of admission our second daughter arrived. I suspect slightly quicker than the midwife expected.

Naturally I believe the acupressure helped in many ways not least in pain relief and physical support. There is no reason for a birthing partner to feel out on a limb, this is an area where they could simply partake in the whole process. Acupressure techniques can be learnt and the points marked on the body prior to labour for those who are still a bit unsure.

Long Dark Nights; Avail of the Extra Time to Catch up on Sleep

2010-12-03T19:01:00.005Z

The longer nights as we move towards the winter solstice provide a good time to replenish our bodies with not only good food and nutrients but the most coveted good sleep.

Insomnia is the most common symptom of stress. To make matters worse those of us who sleep for less than seven hours in a night are three times more likely to catch a cold. Not what you need to hear at this time of year! Anyway sleeping longer and deeper can protect your health. Here are a few tips to help you on your way:

Before going to bed lower the ambient lights of the room, so you relax.

By sleeping in a cooler room you assist the body in its natural rhythm of reducing body temperature, slowing the brain getting it ready for sleep.

Make your room as dark as possible and if necessary cover any LED lights and switch off electronic equipment. Block out light and white noise.

If you can bare to move the TV out of the bedroom, do so.

If possible go to bed and rise at the same time each day. Working with the natural circadian rhythms helps in the long run.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine (stimulants) and heavy meals several hours before going to bed.

Regular exercise routines will help but don’t make them to close to bed time as it might over stimulate the body.

Sleeping tablets if taken may be habit forming. The next day might leave you with lingering drowsiness and memory loss. The tablets cover over what might be the underlying cause of the sleeplessness like depression, anxiety and stress.

Acupuncture is well known as a beneficial treatment for insomnia.

Cough, Cough No Cough

2010-10-29T21:23:00.005+01:00

In the last couple of weeks I had a visit from a three year old brought by his father well into the boy’s bed time. He had gone to bed about 7pm without any signs of cold or cough but by 9pm he was getting very distressed following several coughing bouts which left him utterly exasperated with a whooping sound as he struggled for breath. Phlegm constriction was audible. The treatment took only a few minutes with a combination of acupuncture and cupping on the upper back and chest area and massage to calm the boy. I asked his father to give him a 5 ml spoon of Neurofen medicine when he returned home. Reports the next day were excellent – the boy slept in the parents bed so they could keep a watchful eye on him; midway through the night the wheezing stopped and by morning there was no cough or streaming from the nose, he was up and at it ready for the day.

Acupuncture in Stressing Times

2010-10-06T13:58:00.019+01:00

A stressor can be anything that knocks our bodies out of its functioning balance. We then mobilise a stress response to deal with it. This stress response not only kicks in when physical or psychological stressors are evident but also in anticipation or expectation of one.

The body responds to stress in 3 phases. The 1st phase is the Alarm or “fight or flight” response with the sympathetic nervous system and adrenaline kicking in. The 2nd phase is Resistance in which the body is trying to re-establish normal function; thus neutralising the high energy alarm (1st) phase because this phase cannot be sustained without weakening the body’s defence mechanisms. The 3rd phase is Recovery or Exhaustion where the body returns to its pre-stressor balance and if not exhaustion takes over.

Anticipation or expectation of stress sets up the same stress response in the body as in the alarm stage.

Many manage their stress in an ongoing resistance phase. Modern society inhibits people from neutralising their stress response so they are chronically in a state of limbo between the resistance and recovery phases, leading to exhaustion.

The negative physical and psychological effects of prolonged elevated cortisol levels like those associated with chronic stress are numerous; blood sugar imbalances, reduced bone density and muscle tissue, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity and healing abilities, suppressed thyroid function, increased abdominal fat deposits and impaired cognitive performance.

In today’s environment stress affects adults and children alike in all aspects of life. Reproduction is one area significantly impacted as the stressor responses inhibit the reproductive system and the normal hormone releases effecting both ovulation and sperm production.

Acupuncture is known to help stress and can be adapted easily for adults and children to help their systems cope with the stressors in their environment. In so doing allowing their bodies move into the recovery phase and stop the recurrent red alert situation. It is the switching off of the sympathetic nervous system and engaging the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems which enable restorative balance.

Why let stress impact your family, school, college, work, sport or social lives? Acupuncture could be your key to recovery.

Acupuncture for Depression

2010-07-10T13:45:00.006+01:00

The treatment of depression through acupuncture can help with the more varied cases and with an additional positive of no side effects. Mood changes from anxiety, stress and fear contribute to low self esteem and depression. A combination of abdominal and body acupuncture is preferential. The mind is strongly connected with both the heart and abdomen in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.

The specially selected abdominal points tap into the concept of the abdomen working on the mind. Additional points located in the head region, around the wrist and lower leg are typically used.

Rather than hiding away it is important to start with a treatment that suits and helps you.

Exercise for Shoulder Health

2010-06-01T15:30:00.004+01:00

The shoulder is the most unstable joint in the body. Care should be taken to nourish it through exercise. This exercise aims to maintain the range of motion/flexibility and to keep the blood moving smoothly at the shoulder joint and on into the neck and head. These are important for the health of the shoulder and in reducing tension and blockages. Exercise in this circumstance does not mean using heavy weights. Not everybody is in the prime of their lives or requires bulking out. Simple movement exercises will help in this nourishment as will stretches. We tend to concentrate much of our movement and exercise from the hips down; but if we built in similar levels of movement for the shoulders as the hips we would be better off. Light free weights or resistance-bands are very beneficial for the strengthening and rehabilitation of the shoulder muscles. Pendulum and rotation exercises are ideal in complementing them. Special shoulder stabilisation or rotator cuff exercises might be required in addressing particular shoulder problems.

Stubborn Shoulder Problems

2010-06-01T15:23:00.003+01:00

Two clients recently presented with stubborn shoulder pain. Similarly they had significant palpable masses in the trapezius muscles (top of shoulder) which were obviously very tender to work with. I decided that Gua Sha would be best to smooth and soften the muscle mass and bring the blood and qi flow back to the area. Gua Sha is the use of a smooth instrument for the stroking of the skin (in one direction only); massage oil is also used on the skin. It is generally easier to receive than a deep tissue massage and very effective for unlocking chronic or stubborn problems. Both these clients had significant results by the end of the first treatment and up to the next treatment date. Movement was freer and pain reduced.

Movement for Health; Movement for Life

2010-04-09T13:11:00.005+01:00

The health of our nation starts with each individual applying him/herself towards improving or maintaining their health on a daily basis. Yes self-discipline is great towards achieving this goal but days off or periods off for that matter can be good too. Movement and exercise is the key to unlocking good health.

We parents as custodians of our children increasingly recognise how important it is our children begin to like moving, exercising and playing sport. It is now too easy for children to fall under the spell of electronic or computer entertainment, disabling their free spirit and natural inclination to move. Our children need a different perspective on what it means to take exercise and play sports. Exercise is not body shape driven and sport is not result driven. Both should be enjoyment driven. This is how we can ensure a life-long relationship between the two with our children.

Obesity is taking control of our streets; we need to combat it in the home. The simple step of combining natural food and movement will ensure the continued good health of our children.

Correct, balanced, smooth movement of the body helps to keep the body in harmony, free from injury or disease. Walking is the simplest exercise. We should first look at it and how to correct any imbalance there and teach our children the same. When walking the centre of our movement and gravity lies in the waist region. The junction of the spine and pelvis is the critical point for the correct movement of the body and for preventing injury or deformities. It is easy for the spine to become out of balance. All the muscles attaching to the spine create tension causing tensions on the nervous and circulatory systems which can in turn lead to various illnesses. Abnormalities in the spine and incorrect use of the muscles over prolonged spells hold the abnormal muscle tension.

The big toe is very important in our walking posture, as it is the primary push off point. The natural swing, walking movement provides counter-balance as the opposite hand and foot are engaged in the walk. The swing of the arms is through the little fingers while keeping the elbows close to the body’s centreline. The big toe is connected by the line of effort to the knee and hips throughout the walking gait and on through the pelvis and spine right up to the head. Movement in one part of the body has a consequence in another part. Proper walking can ease off tensions throughout the body by simply giving it the correct attention.

Regularisation of Menstruation sets the Foundation for Conception

2010-03-18T20:05:00.012Z

Some diet tips to help with blood nutrition to regulate menstruation.

Ten days prior to menstruation calcium & zinc levels begin to decrease. The calcium can be supplemented by using whole grains particularly quinoa, green vegetables and legumes (beans, lentils & peas); and magnesium to aid its absorption by taking seeds which also offer the needed zinc component. Whole grains and green vegetables will also provide Vitamins A, B and protein which help with harmonising the menstrual cycle. Folic Acid will also be garnered from green vegetables. Carrots are good for regularising the hormones.

Omega 3 found in green vegetables, chlorella, barley/wheat grass, flax seed or oil, GLA found in oil of evening primrose and Vitamin E all help with menstrual problems particularly for cramping and pain or painful inflammations. Vitamin E is best sourced from wheat germ or the oil of it but these deteriorate very quickly and should be kept in the fridge, also whole grains and green leaf vegetables. Iron and iodine are required to replenish lost blood during periods. Most vegetables and whole grains contain significant iron quantities. Seaweeds contain both although those with weak digestion or fatigue should be cautious as to intake amounts. Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron with cabbage, broccoli, sprouts, bell peppers and parsley being excellent providers.

A good balanced diet, adequate exercise, fresh air and sunshine with relaxed mind all help in the goal to remove menstrual problems from your life.

Shoulder Problems and Chakra Acupuncture

2010-03-02T17:39:00.004Z

An elderly gentleman presented with bilateral shoulder pain with the right side worse. He said there was no neck pain, dizziness or headaches. On examination rotation of the head to either side was restricted but equally on both sides. He was suffering an episode of vertigo and was taking prescribed medication for same.

I decided to treat with acupuncture using chakra balancing. I worked on the major chakras of the throat and heart and the minor chakras of the shoulder and navel. He said that he had experienced a 70% improvement in the shoulder condition following one treatment.

Helping Lactating Mothers

2010-03-02T17:32:00.003Z

A lactating mother presented with significantly reduced milk production. It was down to one-fifth of her daily amount. She was becoming quite distressed as she couldn’t figure out the problem and her child was suffering as a result.

She was treated with acupuncture on the second day of reduced supply. Firstly the point Shaoze was pricked to bleed one drop. Other points used were Jianjing, Tianzong, Danzhong, Rugen and Si Guan. After one treatment of acupuncture normal lactation was restored. The delighted mother said her milk production had improved so much and even felt it was better than before the problem started. Very importantly her little girl was now much happier and feeding better.

Abdominal Acupuncture Pre-surgery

2010-02-10T18:28:00.007Z

Abdominal acupuncture was used well on a client with significant shoulder injuries involving tears on both shoulders’ rotator cuff group of muscles; the worst being the m. subscapularis on left the shoulder. An MRI scan revealed surgery was required for the pinning of same.

Following the first treatment the shoulder’s infero-medial reflex point on the abdomen was left with a distinctive bruise type mark indicating the trauma to the area for which it represents. The mark remained for up to two weeks and can be seen in the photograph above. The client had good relief from each treatment up to surgery date. Post surgery the surgeon commented how the tendons were in a very good state of health which is a very good sign for the success of the surgery and going forward.

The client gives credit to early acupuncture treatments along with heat therapy at the injury sites. It can be seen that abdominal acupuncture can provide all the benefits of acupuncture at the injury site and more where a client has a difficulty in receiving ordinary acupuncture due to an injury, restricted movement and pain.

Wellness Through Diet & Movement and not least Good Decisions

2009-12-10T16:11:00.001Z

I met with my chiropractor Dr Seán B. Wall by chance yesterday – he was talking about a seminar he attended in London with Dr James Chestnut and his philosophy of wellness through movement and diet. While at the seminar he made acquaintance with a family also attending - both parents and three out of their five children who are all over twenty years. The remarkable thing about them was none of the children had so far in their lives attended a doctor. One rightly asks is it just good genes, luck or good health management. Well apparently Dr Chestnut doesn’t subscribe to the good genes argument and clearly you couldn’t have such luck with five children. Could you?

So it must be good health management – well both parents are chiropractors so maybe that might explain that. The delightful aspect is that it is there for all to see the benefits of caring for your body from birth and before that if a mother gives it much consideration and effort.

It comes to you or your parents to make good informed decisions about your health. It is these good decisions that make good health management. It is clear good diet and exercise improve the physical wellbeing and mind. If you need a helping hand, talk to someone who can point you in the right direction. It could be your acupuncturist, chiropractor, GP that doesn’t matter. Making the first step is the important issue.