Aches and pains - why suffer?

When you approach your ‘three score years and ten’ life allocation you come to assume that it is ‘normal’ to have aches and pains, stiffness and an increasing lack of energy  - at least I did. But after I ‘merely’ mentioned the lethargy in passing to my GP and was given a blood test which then led to a diagnosis of colon cancer, I dramatically learnt not to make such facile assumptions again. So a few years later when I became aware that the fairly constant rumbling pain in my left knee and shin and the periodic sharp shooting pains up from my toes seemed not to be going away, I  didn’t let myself put it down to  ‘old age’ but I presented myself to my GP.  No clots were found when I was given a leg scan in case I had a thrombosis , but , since no other diagnosis presented itself, all  I was then offered was a selection of painkillers and this ‘we can’t think of anything else’ solution was certainly not reassuring.

I have been involved with alternative medicines on and off throughout my life and I instinctively began to try to work out what to follow up regarding this increasingly debilitating aching leg.  A friend suggested I might benefit from Myofascial Release, about which I had never heard, but after some researching I arranged to meet up with Emma Gilmore early in 2014.  I have seen her pretty much every three weeks since then and, yes, the treatment has – bit by bit – made an enormous difference to my leg and to my general well being. Twelve years ago I dug up a whole garden, but before I met Emma I had got to the point where I didn’t have the flexibility or the inclination to bend or reach over to pull up even a weed – but now, whilst I might not yet dig up a whole garden, I will attack and tidy a bed of shrubs and flowers and even undertake pruning (when does not require a ladder). Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Myofascial release therapy works on the knowledge that an intricate labyrinth of myofascia weaves its way throughout our bodies covering and surrounding every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and all internal organs and, because it is a continuous structure, it connects every part of the body to every other part. Myofascial release is just that – a means of releasing myofascia that because of trauma or inflammation has been damaged or has lost its pliability. Because the myofascia is connected all round the body any damage in one place can have a spin off impact in other areas of the body.

The myofascia release therapist, after taking a case history, will want you to remove your top layer of clothes and lie on a table. He/she will then put pressure on parts of the body that s(he) thinks may have relevance to the presenting problem – often it will be an obvious area (on your neck if you have presented a sore neck), but often it can be elsewhere, which, through the connections of the myofascia network, might also be influencing the problem. The hand pressure is placed for many minutes, quietly, gently. Apparently the therapist can often feel activity or heat under his/ her hands and, with practice, the patient can begin to feel tingling or twitching in response in other parts of the body. For me, with each treatment I have become increasingly aware of what is going on in my whole body whilst I am lying under the therapist’s hands.

Let me give an example from my case – this left leg and foot. Obviously in the first sessions,  pressure was mainly put on parts of that leg, but it was also put on parts of the other leg which sometimes led to responses (twitches, tingling) in the first leg. Then Emma began to wonder if the base of my back had any connection with the pains in my leg – I have had recurring back pain for twenty years – so she worked on that and there were a couple of times, for example, when to my amazement the pressure on my back triggered the profound shooting pains up from my toes, so something was certainly happening! (And for the record, my back has definitely improved as a result of her work there, too.) By now in my treatment journey, the pain and discomfort in my left leg had all but disappeared but we had become aware that there was a tendency for my ankles and feet to get puffy, particularly in the right leg. By now Emma was working on the scar of my colon cancer operation. In the operation I had had many lymph nodes removed which might now be affecting the leg and the causing the oedema. In recent treatment sessions, when she has been putting pressure on my leg – note, my leg -  I can have quite strong twinges underneath my scar of my stomach : nowhere else, just underneath my scar. And this is where we have got to so far – I am hoping, nay expecting, that the work on my scar will help my oedema, that it will assist in strengthening both legs and that it will help my battered colon, not to mention my body as a whole. It is not the end of the journey for me by any means. 

If you need any more information Emma Gilmore our resident Myofascial specialist will be on hand to answer any questions about  your health issues.

                                                                             http://www.schoolofbodywork.com/

Rosen therapy - I wasn't expecting that!

Rosen method - Linda Rock- Therapist of the month.

A friend of mine suggested I try Rosen therapy as I am a busy mum of 2. I hadn't really heard of this therapy before and just thought it might be something like a massage. Oh how wrong was I! I made the appointment one afternoon after a lot of cleaning up and I had glanced at the leaflet thinking it connects the physical to the mental and it's a gentle way of holding the muscle to release blockages. It didn't really make sense if I am honest but my friend swore by it.

When I got there I went into a beautiful relaxing room at the Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre and realised just how much I had been on the go this last week, month and probably year. Linda took down my details and a thorough check about my medical history. Before Linda left the room she asked me to take my clothes off down to my underwear. So glad I did have time to change them. I lay face down on the couch and Linda came back in. At first Linda touch different parts of my body in a really gentle way and I didn't think anything was happening until Linda asked a question particular to me. Instantly I felt a little sick and then my tummy rumbled. It was like Linda had read my body. I have a lot of tension in my stomach area! I just wasn't expecting that sudden type of movement just from very gentle touch.

At times there was a little tear as Linda continued to work, which wasn't unpleasant at all - a release. I turned over and Linda touched my shoulders very gently unlike a massage. My shoulders due to loads of tension were very tense indeed but after a few touches they felt they had dropped several inches. By the end of the session I was completely relaxed. It was a completely new experience and after the first session I felt more relaxed and ready to start to accept the situation which was holding so much tension in my stomach. And as the days have gone by it has made me listen to my body a little more. It was a unique experience and I can't wait to find out more. If you want to know more and you have possible unresolved tension in your body then I would suggest Rosen.

Linda's Reply - "Thank you so much for articulating so clearly your Rosen experience . 

It's great to have your feed-back and I am glad that you found the session helpful.

Kindly, Linda."

Volunteering is very good for you!

Here is a great blog about our exhibition and why Nikki Mansell enjoyed being part of our annual exhibition.

Hi, my name is Nikki and I first moved to Axminster 5 months ago. I began volunteering at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre about three months ago as I thought it would be a great way to meet people in my new hometown as well as an opportunity to find out what the centre is about. As part of my voluntary work, I was asked if I would be willing to help out at the Exhibition, which I was more than happy to do. Having previously lived 200 miles away, this was my first experience of the Exhibition and I was looking forward to learning more about the types of therapies offered within the Centre.

On the day itself, I arrived half an hour before the doors opened to the public to see the final touches being added to everyone’s stalls. I spent my day running the raffle stall in aid of the Wishing Well Cancer Support Group alongside another volunteer, Bryan, who was giving out free hand massages to anyone who wanted them. I met so many different people and enjoyed talking to them all, and it was nice when I spoke to quite a few who are originally from the same county as I am – every one of them said how welcoming the people of Axminster had been when they first arrived. I agree wholeheartedly with them! There was a really lovely relaxed atmosphere in the Guildhall and the lovely scents from the essential oils being used, as well as the lavender products just a couple of stalls away added to that. In fact, I felt so relaxed during my lunch break that I could have fallen asleep if I hadn’t wanted to look around before getting back to selling raffle tickets! The best part of the day for me though, was seeing those who had sampled treatments, or had a free hand massage walking away looking so relaxed and happy. I know everyone I spoke with who had sampled a treatment said how much they had enjoyed it and that they felt so much better for having it. I guess that really encapsulates what the centre is all about and I am very much looking forward to sampling some of the many treatments on offer here as a result of both finding out more about the treatments themselves, and seeing the positive effect they had on the people who sampled them.

By the end of the day, I felt tired but really pleased with how well the raffle ticket sales had gone. I am really looking forward to getting involved again next year, and I will be putting my hand up to run the raffle again as I loved how many people I met and also being able to spread the word about the Wishing Well project as I believe it is a fantastic cause. Thank you to everyone at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre for giving me the opportunity to take part in the event! 

Could you use a food bank?

The following blog was written by a food bank client from the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. This person would like to remain anonymous but we are very thankful for their wonderful feedback.

A donation from a  local school


"I recently found myself in a position where I had no money and no one I could ask for help so that I could buy food to keep me going until my next pay day came round. I struggled on for as long as I could but, in the end, I realised that I would have to swallow my pride and go into the local food bank to see if they could help me out. I initially felt very awkward asking for help as I am so fiercely independent but, everyone I spoke to in relation to getting help was so lovely that I very quickly stopped worrying about it. I was concerned about being able to get the types of foods I am able to eat as I have to really watch my diet and, even though I felt like I was asking too much, they were very helpful in understanding the types of food I can have so that they could put my food parcel together. I was very impressed with how vigilant everyone was about food intolerances and allergies as well. When I collected my food parcel a couple of days later, I was again treated so well and the quantity of food they supplied me with was amazing and easily kept me going until I got paid again. I cannot fault the staff running the food bank and I feel that I can’t thank them enough for all of the lovely food they gave me. It is very clear to see that they genuinely care about helping people in need and taking away the one of the worries they have to deal with. If I know of anyone who needs help I will definitely send them down to Canned Sunshine at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. And if I need help again in the future, I will definitely go back and speak to them. Thank you, Canned Sunshine, you are awesome!"

A food bank volunteer making up supplies

If you would like to help with our food bank or give a donation please come into the Centre and have a chat or phone 01297 32331 and see what differences you could make.

What does a Lymphatic system do anyway?

Wishing well - Cancer Support group.

As part of Lymphatic Cancer Awareness day we are exploring how little we really know about this very important system. I only investigated it when my mum was first diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2010. After much searching I found it was one of the most important parts of our bodies and this is what I found out. Within our body we have a network called the lymphatic system consisting of paths ways which are connected to nodes. There are lots of technical terms for this that I don't remember and there are much better sites out there for very technical analogies. 

This system helps to protect, clean and filter waste products in our blood, keep infection at bay and retain our fluid balance just right. Quite important, no? In the case of Lymphoma cancer a node may stop working properly for no reason and then in that part of the body it can become susceptible to cancerous cells. Unfortunately there is very little we know in the way of lifestyle to reduce this risk apart from the obvious of having a healthy diet. However, studies have shown that simple changes that lowering or eliminating chemicals from toiletries has been effective. A good example of this is changing a moisturiser or deodorant to a mineral based product. Another useful tip is brushing the skin with a light skin brush after washing to give your lymphatic system an extra boost. But on the whole this cancer, like all the others, is just hit or miss who it chooses to target.

In other areas we can develop swellings, upper respiratory infections, tissue infections or even Lymphedema. All these symptoms all lead to a blockage or excess fluid in the system. This fluid can collect in one area so if you have one limb or area of the body bigger than another and it looks swollen you should always seek medical help. For most it will go away quite quickly with a trip to the doctors but for others they are stuck with large debilitating swollen limbs. Lymphedema can be either congenital or acquired and usually occurs after surgery. Having these swellings can be quite a harrowing experience but don't despair as there are many massage specialist who are qualified in lymphatic drainage. 

Lymphatic drainage uses a stroking technique to gently assist fluid to disperse out of the area affect and then from the body. It can help with the uncomfortable feeling of swollenness and pain relief. Massage therapists qualified in this technique will take a full history and although it is rarely a cure it can go a long way in relieving the majority of symptoms. If you are interested further please look at some of our links or contact our massage therapist Marie Holmes on 01297 22746 / 07769652725 or email marie@headbodyandsole.com and she will be very happy to discuss treatments.

I think I can I know I can

A smile and some flowers

I know I can, I think I can, I know I can I think I can…Maybe I can’t. I’ll just clean that floor, phone my friend Julie, and the grass needs mowing.  Why do so many of our best intentions end in procrastination or a negative result? How many of us say things like I wish I could do that but never put things into practice. If we just chanelled as much positive energy into ourselves as we did the mundane we would all be as happy as Larry, whoever Larry is. Positivity takes practice and normally like most things it’s the starting that beats us all.

Being positive and sunny is not about being perfect, beautiful and polished, it’s what makes you feel comfortable and this is what lies at the heart of the matter. We just love to judge ourselves. I have never met a person who has never judged themselves unfairly. Turning those negatives patterns into positives can be a right royal pain in the backside. Why do all the blogs tell us to look in the mirror and like what you see? Personally I stopped looking directly in the mirror many years ago and that’s when I found happiness with who I was. The exterior changed so frequently it agitated my interior and that wouldn’t do at all. Could clothes, make up, a new hair style, jewellery or perfume enhance or change your demeanour? The answer is of course but only temporarily. How many people buy full running regalia only to give up after the first attempt? As my P.E teacher once said “the shoes don’t make the runner”.

So why do we hate to look at the inside. Again perspective can be a very clever little deceiver which leads us back to old tricks. Maybe it’s because we have never been taught to like ourselves, others yes but ourselves? Surely that’s way too indulgent?  Wrong, there’s the negativity setting in again. We are but a picture and if we spend the day focusing on all the positives rather than the negatives then I urge you to watch what happens – It will start with a smile. Today I remember my daughter telling me she loves me and that I am the best mummy, a naughty smile from my husband, a friend thanking me for my help, a really beautiful comment on Facebook and all of this was before I started work. All the other things fitted into place and before too long I had breezed through my day without much effort. This isn’t to say that all our problems will disappear but it will help us focus to overcome them, challenge them and then learn from.

If you need help with old and negative patterns or just want to help establish a change the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre www.axminsterwellbeing.com has an abundance to offer: Counselling, Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness to name a few. Being stuck does not have to be a way of life and unlocking that positive potential could have dramatic effects on your life. Or why not volunteer at the Centre and work in a positive and calming environment. And while you are here you could learn many new things.

Migraines - When finding car keys feels like climbing Everest

When finding car keys feels like climbing Everest. Yes you did read it correctly.It's that moment in the day, dead of night, morning, noon when it creeps or it clashes into your head making an unwelcomed disruption. Some of us have triggers but more often than not it manages to arrive when it is least needed. The Migraine to non sufferers draws a very stony blank but yet to the 8 million U.K sufferers, it's just another moment in time to bring on the battle of daily life.  Before long many Migraine casualties have woven in an intricate set of routines, food groups, blackout blinds or even lucky pants to get us through the important events.. if we can concentrate long enough to be part of it. Read on we may be able to help.

For the fortunate unfortunates who know their triggers then life can be a little more tolerable but for the bigger group we are all left wondering whether daily caffeine, one glass of wine three days later or running up the stairs has brought on an attack. Is it just Karma from arguing with my daughter? The truth is we just don't know about the triggers that cause such interference. But we do know it can help when we make the correct lifestyle choices and have the correct therapy. The rise in the number of people turning their backs from conventional pain relief to complementary therapies have risen significantly in the last 5 years.

Long term medicine use, although important when prescribed by a doctor, can have a dramatic effect on the body. So are you one of the Migraine populace searching for ways to cope with pain relief or even to become Migraine free? The Health and Wellbeing Centre may just have the answers for you.
Many therapist will give you a brief, free consultation before embarking on any treatment and many complementary therapies can be accessed through the NHS So what have you got to lose? Drop in to the Centre and find out about some life changing results and where finding those car keys could be like a walk in the park.

The following link is a great site to find out what other people are saying all around the country and beyond if you want to find out more

http://migraine.com/migraine-community-blogs/