7
1 H H e e a a l l i i n n g g a a t t H H a a n n d d Sept 2010 Issue 22 Spring G Gr r e ee et t i i n ng g s s Day by day, hand in hand, we shall overcome all strife and difficulty … Lending support is a noble act of kindness. Every now and then we ourselves too can do with some support and allow a helping hand to come to our rescue. Extending selfless support springs from deep love. Love is primarily self-giving. Selfless love and support is always extended as a gift, without expectation of reciprocation. “When you work to improve the lives of others, you indirectly elevate your own life in the process. Practising random acts of kindness daily, your life becomes far richer and more meaningful. To cultivate the sacredness and sanctity of each day, serve others in some way.” – The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin S Sharma. Enduring hardship is very much part of living. Luckily, help arrives - sometimes in the strangest ways and forms – a Divine Grace really. We may put it down as a co- incidence of good fortune, but I prefer this saying, "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous". Whoever said it first, said it well! “Hardship may dishearten at first, but every hardship passes away. All despair is followed by hope; all darkness is followed by sunshine” - Rumi, Sufi mystic. Albert Schweitzer remarked, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” It is said quality of your life comes down to the quality of your contribution. How true! May we all serve, love and give happily, Rashidah Index: From the Editor 1 Save you Back at work 1 Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique an Effective treatment for Migraines 3 Painkillers could be killing your hearing! 4 Do you have hearing loss? 4 Aspirin and your Heart 4 Indian Head Massage 5 Five facts about Anti-Perspirants and Deodorants 5 Workshop/Events/Notices 6 Prevent Antibiotic Resistance 7 Go Easy on Energy 7 Test Your Knowledge 7 A smile is a gift you can give everyday C C O OM MI I C C R RE EL L I I E E F F A Cape Town taxi-driver and a preacher arrived at the Pearly Gates together and joined the queue for admission. Eventually St Peter greeted the taxi-driver, signed him in and ushered him to a lavish mansion, complete with swimming pool and tennis court. Then he welcomed the preacher and showed him up to a comfortable two-roomed flat in a tall apartment block. “Look, I don’t want to complain”, said the preacher; “but is this right? I spent a lifetime spreading the Good Word, while he was just a taxi-driver.” “Ah, yes,” said the saint, “but we judge purely on results here. When you preached, people slept. When he drove, people prayed fervently!!” Grizzly bear cubs Save your Back at work After a long day at work, your back may be full of aches and pains from standing on your feet or sitting at a desk. These suggestions to help alleviate back pain while you're at work: Pay attention to your posture, whether you're standing or sitting - make sure your ears, shoulders and hips all lined up; Avoid standing for long periods - if you must stand, use a stool and alternate resting each foot on it; Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes without heels if you walk a lot; Choose a straight-backed, adjustable chair with armrests and a swivel seat for your desk chair; Prop your feet up below your desk (using an old telephone directory), so your knees are elevated above your hips; and roll up a towel or place a pillow at your lower back while sitting at your desk. www.health24.com Read more: Backache Centre

Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

1

HHeeaalliinngg aatt HHaanndd Sept 2010 Issue 22

Spring

GGrreeeettiinnggss … Day by day, hand in hand, we shall overcome all strife and difficulty …

Lending support is a noble act of kindness. Every now and then we ourselves too can

do with some support and allow a helping hand to come to our rescue. Extending

selfless support springs from deep love. Love is primarily self-giving. Selfless love and

support is always extended as a gift, without expectation of reciprocation.

“When you work to improve the lives of others, you indirectly elevate your own life in

the process. Practising random acts of kindness daily, your life becomes far richer and

more meaningful. To cultivate the sacredness and sanctity of each day, serve others in

some way.” – The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin S Sharma.

Enduring hardship is very much part of living. Luckily, help arrives - sometimes in the

strangest ways and forms – a Divine Grace really. We may put it down as a co-

incidence of good fortune, but I prefer this saying, "Coincidence is when God chooses

to remain anonymous". Whoever said it first, said it well!

“Hardship may dishearten at first, but every hardship passes away. All despair is

followed by hope; all darkness is followed by sunshine” - Rumi, Sufi mystic.

Albert Schweitzer remarked, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I

know: The only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought

and found how to serve.”

It is said quality of your life comes down to the quality of your contribution. How true!

May we all serve, love and give happily, RRRRRRRRaaaaaaaasssssssshhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiddddddddaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh

Index:

From the Editor 1

Save you Back at work 1

Comic Relief 1

Migraine Misery 2

Bowen Technique – an Effective

treatment for Migraines 3

Painkillers could be killing your

hearing! 4

Do you have hearing loss? 4

Aspirin and your Heart 4

Indian Head Massage 5

Five facts about Anti-Perspirants

and Deodorants 5

Workshop/Events/Notices 6

Prevent Antibiotic Resistance 7

Go Easy on Energy 7

Test Your Knowledge 7

A smile is a gift

you can give

everyday

CCOOMMIICC RREELLIIEEFF …… A Cape Town taxi-driver and a preacher arrived at the Pearly Gates together and joined the

queue for admission. Eventually St Peter greeted the taxi-driver, signed him in and ushered

him to a lavish mansion, complete with swimming pool and tennis court. Then he welcomed

the preacher and showed him up to a comfortable two-roomed flat in a tall apartment block.

“Look, I don’t want to complain”, said the preacher; “but is this right? I spent a lifetime

spreading the Good Word, while he was just a taxi-driver.” “Ah, yes,” said the saint, “but we

judge purely on results here. When you preached, people slept. When he drove, people

prayed fervently!!”

Grizzly bear cubs

Save your Back at work After a long day at work, your back may be full of aches and pains from standing on

your feet or sitting at a desk. These suggestions to help alleviate back pain while

you're at work:

• Pay attention to your posture, whether you're standing or

sitting - make sure your ears, shoulders and hips all lined up;

• Avoid standing for long periods - if you must stand, use a

stool and alternate resting each foot on it;

• Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes without heels if you

walk a lot;

• Choose a straight-backed, adjustable chair with armrests

and a swivel seat for your desk chair;

• Prop your feet up below your desk (using an old telephone

directory), so your knees are elevated above your hips;

and roll up a towel or place a pillow at your lower back

while sitting at your desk. www.health24.com Read more: Backache Centre

Page 2: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

2

MIGRAINE MISERY

Thousands of people suffer from the debilitating pain of migraines. Everyone who experiences

migraines describes it exactly in the same way: unbearable. The details may vary from person

to person (some people see flashes of light, some get nauseous) but the end result is always

excruciating pain that can last anywhere from a few hours to a week or more.

So it's no wonder these people often come to depend on whatever medication works to take the pain away. Believe it or not,

relying on medication to alleviate your headaches may actually end up causing them. It's a problem called medication overuse

headache (MOH), and it may now be the third most common type of headache. One of the biggest risk factors for MOH is using

pain-relievers (anything from basic ibuprofen to prescription medications) on a daily or almost-daily basis for a month or more.

There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your need for pharmaceutical

painkillers. Acupuncture is one option than many people have found very helpful in dealing with migraines and other headaches.

The herb, Feverfew, is another very effective choice, and supplements of this herb are available in most natural health shops.

Also, see article overleaf on Bowen Technique, a complimentary health therapy, for treating migraines holistically.

There have been a number of less than flattering connections between chocolate and various medical conditions which have

begun to be disproved in recent years. Primary among them is the misconception that chocolate can trigger migraines. Recent

studies have shown that there is, in fact, no direct connection between eating chocolate and developing migraines.

Up to 26% of women of childbearing age and one third of women between 35 and 39 experience migraine headaches. In a recent

study women over 40 years were 2.4 times more likely than women under 20 to suffer from migraines. White women were more

likely to suffer from migraines than any other race or ethnicity.

Migraines during pregnancy were linked to a 15-fold increased risk of stroke. Migraines also tripled the risk of blood clots in the

veins and doubled the risk of heart disease. Vascular risk factors were also strongly associated with migraines. These included

diabetes, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking.

As the holidays draw near, and we look forward to sweet treats, festive music, twinkling lights and an extra dose of family visits,

headaches, and even migraines, are often part of the deal.....

Dr Elliot Shevel, the chairman of the South African Headache Society, maintains that these favoured holiday traditions can also

bring on an unwelcome threat of headaches and for some, even a debilitating migraine attack. In summer, people who are prone

to headaches and migraines should take plenty of fluids. Dehydration is known to trigger migraines in some people, so be sure to

remain properly hydrated. It is best to drink plain water, as many carbonated soft drinks contain substances that can also trigger

headaches. Substances that headache sufferers should avoid include common ingredients such as caffeine and artificial

sweeteners. Too much hard partying until the early hours may also mean that headache patients do not get enough sleep – also a

major trigger of headaches and migraines.

Summer can also be a very stressful time, thanks to large family gatherings over the festive season, and stress is a major

headache trigger. Headache and migraine sufferers should try to manage stress and plan ahead of time for big family get-

togethers and holidays to avoid tension headaches. For example, try to avoid last minute gift shopping, ensure your car is

serviced before travelling, delegate chores to family members and make travel reservations well in advance.

People who are sensitive to fragrances and/or other odours should bear this in mind when shopping for sunscreen, insect

repellent and other summer products. Seek those that are fragrance-free and ask a pharmacist for advice if necessary. No matter

what the type, experts now know that headaches can be triggered by foods, beverages and other lifestyle factors. Sufferers

should pay careful attention to what they eat and drink over the few weeks of Christmas and New Year’s parties.

HELPFUL TIP: If you suffer from migraines, keep a few Amethyst crystals in the fridge.

The next time you have a migraine, place the cold crystals on your temples, says Yogini Ramnath, a Crystal Therapist.

Source: www.all4women.co.za; www.health24.com/medical

The good life is one inspired by love, and guided by knowledge.

-Bertrand Russel

As we grow old, the beauty steals inward.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Page 3: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

3

Bowen Technique – an Effective treatment for Migraines

By Nikke Ariff - Bowen Therapist based in London W1

Bowen is a gentle, non-invasive, 'hands-on' therapy. It treats the body as a single integrated system and is therefore suitable for all

ages from new born babies to the very elderly, from the fit and active to the critically ill. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on

precise points around the body to make rolling type movements. The pressure used is light, never more than what your eyeball

could comfortably bear. It is a distinctive feature of Bowen that after a sequence of moves, the practitioner allows pauses for a

minimum of two minutes to allow your body to respond to and process the moves.

My experience with migraine proved that the Bowen Technique was very effective because it treated the person as a whole where

the migraine condition can be caused by one or a combination of several trigger factors - none of which are easily identifiable.

I am very pleased and not at all surprised at the success rate of the National Research Programme, which has recorded positive

results for 31 of the 39 Migraine Volunteers. I trust that more people will be encouraged to approach complementary therapies with

an open mind for the maintenance of their health and well being.

[The National Research program was launched by Nikke Ariff in response to results obtained in an earlier Pilot Scheme conducted by

her, in February - April 2001. The National Research program was launched to determine the efficacy of The Bowen Technique in the

treatment of the Migraine condition. The Program was carried out over a 6-week period. This was comprised of a two week

treatment period during which the Volunteer received three Bowen treatments in the first two weeks of the program. This was

followed by a four-week observational period. The Migraine Volunteer kept a migraine diary throughout the 6 week period, which

was completed after every Migraine attack experienced during the Research Period.]

Selection of candidates: The Volunteer Group

No parameters were set before the research program to attract a certain 'profile' of Migraine sufferer. This was deliberate to ensure

that the Volunteer Group was random but united by the fact that they were willing to try something new in the treatment of their

Migraine condition. The Research Group was recruited from the members of the Migraine Action Association and based on a

considered selection of participants on the basis:

� They were diagnosed as a migraine sufferer by a GP or hospital specialist.

� The women were well represented at different stages of their menstrual life ie. regular periods, pre-menopausal,

menopausal with/without hormone therapy, post-menopausal, hysterectomy.

The Volunteer Group: Profile

Total of 39 Volunteers: 37 women, 2 men.

Length of time being a Migraine sufferer:

• 1 to 15 yrs : 13 volunteers

• 16 to 30 yrs: 17 volunteers

• over 30 yrs: 9 volunteers

The Therapists: All were fully qualified in the Bowen Technique and fulfilled the qualifications set out by the governing body "The

Bowen Therapists' European Register" - (www.bter.org)

The Results of the Bowen Technique National Migraine Research Program of the 39 participants:

� 7 registered No Change in their Migraine condition

� 11 experienced a Decrease in frequency of attacks

� 9 experienced a decrease in severity of their Migraine

� 11 experienced a decrease in severity and frequency of attacks

� 1 participant experienced an increase in frequency

Conclusion: In all, 31 case studies experienced a positive result, yielding a response rate of 79.5%.

The results are very positive. As a holistic therapy, Bowen treats the individual as an integrated biodynamic system as opposed to an

isolated ailment. Migraines can be triggered by any one or a combination of factors ranging from hormonal, sleeping patterns, neck

and jaw tightness, exercise, travel, lack of food, allergies and stress levels of the individual. These factors are so varied, that a holistic

therapy like Bowen must be considered as a valid option for the treatment of the Migraine condition.

The Migraine Action Association: Ann Turner, Director for the Migraine Action Association writes, "The results

from the Bowen Technique National Migraine Research Programme are very encouraging. It confirms that this gentle, non-invasive,

holistic therapy can help a wide range of migraine sufferers. The results confirm the findings of the pilot study and the fact that

several different therapists were involved illustrates that it is the Bowen Technique which is effective, not just one skilled or gifted

practitioner." - http://www.bowenmigraineresearch.co.uk/mig_results.html

Page 4: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

4

Do you have a hearing loss?

As with eyesight, difficulty hearing can become more common as people age. If you have three or more of these symptoms, you

probably have a hearing problem that should be evaluated by your doctor.

• Difficulty hearing people on the telephone;

• difficulty hearing when there is background noise;

• problems following a conversation when more than one person is speaking;

• straining to hear a conversation, or frequently asking others to repeat themselves;

• feeling like people are always mumbling or not speaking clearly;

• not understanding what others are saying and not being able to respond correctly;

• frequently hearing sounds that resemble ringing, roaring or hissing. www.health24.com

Painkillers could be killing your hearing! Recent research reveals that hearing loss could be caused in part by regular use of the three most commonly used drugs: aspirin,

acetaminophen and ibuprofen. That's right - there's one more thing we can add to the already-lengthy list of reasons not to take

mainstream painkillers: A higher risk of losing your hearing.

These surprising findings came out of a study called the Health Professionals' Follow-Up Study. As part of the study, 27,000 men

have provided information on analgesic use and hearing loss every two years since 1986.

Researchers found that, among men under 50, the risk of hearing loss was actually DOUBLED in those who regularly took

acetaminophen more than two times a week.

Men who regularly took ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at least twice a week had an almost

two-thirds higher risk of hearing loss and men who took aspirin twice a week had risk of hearing loss, one third higher than men

who took the drug less regularly. For NSAIDS and acetaminophen, the risk went up the longer the men used the drugs.

It's been known for a while now that very high doses of NSAIDS could cause hearing loss, as can very high doses of aspirin. While

the researchers don't know how much of the drugs the men in the study were taking, it's probably safe to assume that most of

them weren't taking more than a normal amount. And if you think about how many doctors still recommend regular aspirin use for

heart protection, it becomes pretty clear that we need to get the word about this research out there NOW.

Hearing loss is already too common, and we don't need anything else contributing to that. The researchers noted that the use of

these drugs could be one of the "few preventable causes of hearing loss". If you didn't have enough reasons before, this could be

the last straw - it could finally be time to clean out the medicine cabinet for good.

Christine O'Brien - Contributor, Nutrition & Healing; HealthBytes, www.fsp.co.za

ASPIRIN AND YOUR HEART Keep Your Heart Healthy - without the risk of internal bleeding

Question: My doctor wants me to start taking aspirin daily to "take care of my heart". But I'm just not convinced... what do you think?

Dr. Jonathan Wright: I've said it before and I'll say it again - fish oil reduces heart attack risk as well as, or better than aspirin - without the risks. And with many other beneficial effects that aspirin can't touch. Both aspirin and fish oil reduce the inflammation in your cardiovascular system. Aspirin does this by interfering with the clotting process. Fish oil just does it differently - by doing a "lube job" on your platelets, so they can't stick together abnormally. Not only that, it reduces your risk of sudden cardiac death, reduces abnormally high triglycerides and increases HDL (good) cholesterol. Aspirin, well... doesn't. For adults, I recommend at least 1 tablespoon of fish oil every day and, if your cardiovascular risk is elevated, take 1 tablespoon twice daily. I usually recommend cod liver oil, since it also supplies a substantial amount of vitamin D. Don't forget to take 400IU of vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) daily for each tablespoonful of fish oil. And make sure that the brand of fish oil you use has no heavy metals, especially mercury, and is free of other toxins.

HealthBytes, www.fsp.co.za

Note: Do not make any changes to your prescriptive medications without discussing with your doctor first.

Page 5: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

5

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGEINDIAN HEAD MASSAGEINDIAN HEAD MASSAGEINDIAN HEAD MASSAGE By Devorah Kur

Indian head massage is a therapeutic massage, which helps to relieve aches and pains, alleviates stress and rebalances the

energy flow within the body. It incorporates various massage strokes and acupressure points which help disperse toxins from

tense, knotted muscles. Indian Head Massage involves the treatment of the face, neck, scalp, and shoulders. It promotes a high

level of alertness, concentration and better memory.

Other benefits of Indian head massage include:

• Relieves headaches and sinus problems, insomnia and eyestrain

• Relief from acute and chronic neck and shoulder stiffness

• Relaxes the body and loosens the scalp

• Reduces stress, fatigue and anxiety

• Improves lymphatic drainage

• Induces a state of calm, peace and tranquillity

• Improves blood circulation allowing additional oxygen to the brain area

• Releases stagnant energy, boosting available energy on all levels

• Revitalizes and lifts the spirit

• Provides relief from hair disorders and boosts hair growth

Indian head massage can be performed anywhere

It can be performed almost anywhere which makes it wonderfully portable. All that is required is a peaceful spot and a

comfortable chair. The massage is also conducted with the Client clothed which makes it perfect for the workplace. Corporate

Organizations are now offering Indian Head Massage to their employees for de-stressing.

History of the Indian head massage

The Indian Head Massage dates back around 4000 years ago and originated in the East. Indian head massage is based on the

Ayurvedic traditional system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years.

Oils to complement your Indian head massage

This massage is enjoyable without the use of oils. When performed with the use of aromatic oils the massage has added benefits

on the body, mind and soul. Some of the oils used are Dudhi, Amla, Mustard, Jasmine, Coconut, Castor and Olive. Different oils

provide different benefits such as headache relief, improved circulation, shiny hair or hair growth, warming the system,

decreasing hot flushes and increasing memory to name a few. www.women24.com

Five facts about Anti-Perspirants and Deodorants

For perspiration most of us rely on anti-perspirants and deodorants to keep fresh. Here are some facts about these toiletries:

1. Antiperspirants use aluminium-based compounds to block the pores that release sweat.

2. Deodorants contain antiseptic ingredients that kill the bacteria that cause bad body odour.

3. Both antiperspirants and deodorants may have a fragrance to help mask unpleasant body odour.

4. Removing the hair under your arms allows antiperspirant and deodorant products to get into closer contact with the skin.

5. Neither product can ‘reverse’ or completely mask the smell of sweat, so a body wash first is necessary.

6. Drink lots of water to help dilute the scent of your perspiration, and avoid food and drink that makes sweat even smellier,

such as caffeine and alcohol.

http://www.clicks.co.za

Chronic illness may cause you to miss out on things you love, but it doesn’t change who you are at heart.

-Rest Ministries

Page 6: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

6

Page 7: Healing at Hand Sept 2010 · Comic Relief 1 Migraine Misery 2 Bowen Technique ... There are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your

7

Prevent Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate and make

certain medications ineffective in preventing bacterial infections.

These are suggestions for preventing antibiotic-resistant

infections:

• Talk to your doctor about whether you actually need an

antibiotic to treat a particular illness;

• Don't take antibiotics when they're not helpful - for example,

antibiotics will not be able to treat infections caused by

viruses, including the common cold and the flu;

• Always take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor - don't

skip any dose and don't stop taking them early;

• Never "save" antibiotics to take later and never re-use them

for a different illness.

www.health24.com

Read more: Medication A-Z

TTEESSTT YYOOUURR KKNNOOWWLLEEDDGGEE

1. Which South American country won

the first Soccer World Cup in 1930?

2. Which South African province is the

smallest?

3. To which heavenly body does the prefix

“helio-“ refer?

4. Give another name for a castle in chess.

5. Is the sawfish classified as a shark or as

a ray?

1. U

rug

ua

y 2

. Ga

ute

ng

3. T

he

sun

4. R

oo

k 5

. Ra

y

Hump back whale

� BOWEN TECHNIQUE � QUANTUM TOUCH � REIKI – Mikaomi Usui � YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Theracare Health Centre 118 First Avenue

Rondebosch East 7780 (opp. Crawford Station)

Telephone:

(021) 696 5928 (o/h) 083 29 444 29

www.bowentherapy.co.za

[email protected] [email protected]

Every body is better with

Contact details: Rashidah Hargey

TIME TO CONTEMPLATETIME TO CONTEMPLATETIME TO CONTEMPLATETIME TO CONTEMPLATE

Very high, very grand, and very wise is the ocean of God, the Water of

Life. You went after the form and were lead astray. How can you see

it? You abandoned the truth. Sometimes it is named "tree," sometimes

"sun," sometimes "ocean," sometimes "cloud," one thing from which

scores of discoveries arise, its slightest definition an everlasting life.

– Rumi

Go Easy on Energy ���� Leaving your computer on overnight wastes as

much energy as you would use making 800 A4

photocopies.

���� Leaving the lights on in a conference/meeting room

overnight wastes sufficient electricity to make 1000

cups of tea.

���� TVs, DVDs and video machines left on "stand by"

continue to use at least HALF the energy that is

used when switched on.

���� Overfilling your kettle can waste enough electricity

to run a TV for 26 hours

���� Recycling 1 ton of paper (400 reams) saves 15 trees,

2,5 barrels of oil, 4132 kWh electricity, 2,26m3 of

landfill space, 31319 gallons of water and prevents

26.8 kg air pollutants from reaching the

atmosphere.

Source: Environmental Resource Management

www.capetown.gov.za