Issue No. 11

July 2004

 Greetings,

Well here we are - summer I believe! A major astrological happening in June was the Venus transit. Carl Johan Calleman, author of the Mayan Calendar says, “In the Mayan calendar, the Venus transits coincide with major steps in the evolution of communication and collaboration between peoples.”  That would be a wonderful event to witness.

I have collected three certificates this year - the Certificate in Life Coaching, CST and Immune Response and Reiki l. The rest of the year I will be completing my Life Coaching diploma course and the cancer education course which will keep me out of mischief. In the Immune Response course I learned about the molecules of the immune system; cellular division of the immune response; the spleen; thymus; monoclonal antibodies; interleukins; bone marrow; stem cells and on …. and how CranioSacral therapy can help the body when this marvellous system becomes overloaded or confused.

I hope you're enjoying your summer as much as I am and I wish you a happy rest of your summer.

 Hold On To Your Dream

There's a voice that calls to some of us

From somewhere deep inside

A voice that will not give us peace,

Until at least we've tried

To catch that bright elusive star,

Though foolish it may seem

To those not driven as we are

To hold on to a dream.

It's not just thoughts of fame or wealth

That keep us hanging on

When others would have given up,

When all but hope is gone.

When sometimes even hope grows dim

And casts its faintest beam,

We wonder if it's worth it all

To hold on to a dream.

And then that voice inside of us

That others cannot know

Tells us that our chance will come,

That we must not let go.

If we can only persevere

Someday our star will gleam!

And they'll know why we had to try

To hold on to our dream.

 PATIENT POWER: OK, but just don't tell 'em

Phrases that include words such as 'tips' and 'icebergs' come to mind when the scale of adverse reactions to pharmaceutical drugs has tried to be established.

One French study reckoned that just 1 in 20,000 reactions is ever reported, while the Yellow Card system in the UK has been a valiant failure.  In virtually every reporting system, on both sides of the Atlantic, it's down to the doctor to do the paperwork.  He either doesn't have the time, or he doesn't believe the drug has caused the effect, or perhaps he's being 'funded' by the pharmaceutical company to recruit unwitting patients in an invaluable 'trial' of the drug.

So the UK government came up with the astonishing idea that patients should be allowed to report their own reactions to a drug.  They tested it over a 15-month period in one area of the UK to see if it is an idea worth introducing throughout the whole of the UK.

But in all that time just 39 reports of adverse reactions were received. So are drugs safer than we feared, or could it be that the public doesn't care less about better drug policing?  Whatever the reason, it hardly seems worth the trouble and expense of democratizing medicine.

But hold! Could there be a third reason? Yes, of course, those who organized the trial forgot to tell anyone about it! Doctors in the area heard about it only for the first time last week when they read of its failure in the British Medical Journal. And a quick straw poll among pharmacists in the area found that they had never heard about it, probably because they don't read the journal.

This vexing dilemma has only one solution, health experts agree. The real problem is that patients in the trial area had to report reactions to NHS Direct, the 'public face' of the National Heath Service.  Response would be far better if patients could report directly to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. The agency in turn passes on its findings to the Committee on the Safety of Medicine, which has been criticized for being one of the most secretive groups in the UK, funded and run by the pharmaceutical industry.

That way we can get back to those tips and icebergs, and everyone can agree that at the very least they tried.

 A CST Case Study

Since the age of 8, Jo Anna (now 21) had lived at the mercy of reflexive sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a neurological syndrome brought on, in her case, from a simple fall while roller-skating. Little explanation can be offered as to why she developed a life-altering condition from such a common childhood mishap. There is little beyond "the right set of circumstances all colliding together," as she puts it.

The pain began in Jo Anna's left foot about two days after the accident. It was a deep, persistent, "on-fire" kind of pain. The orthopedic doctor thought it was a sprain and put her in an air cast for six weeks. "It's the worst thing you can do," Jo Anna said. Casting and immobilization can actually worsen the symptoms of RSD. "My skin got a silvery sheen and was blue and purple." A family friend who was a nurse practitioner recognised Jo Anna's problem for what it was and recommended a doctor in the pain management clinic where she worked. Testing at the Children's Hospital confirmed RSD - a condition that has no known remedy.

In a two-week intensive program [all day treatment with usually 5 therapist simultaneously]. During the course of therapy, "I knew something was going on inside me," Jo Anna says. "There were times I forgot to take my methadone. And methadone is a drug that's really hard to forget because of the withdrawal symptoms and the pain that comes back." (Methadone is a powerful pain reliever that is extremely addictive; at this point, Jo Anna had been taking prescribed methadone for several years.) By the end of the intensive therapy program, Jo Anna's pain had improved enough that she was able to go back to school.                                                   

However, she faced another setback when she contracted encephalitis. Once again, the correct diagnosis was slow in coming. A neurologist, an infectious disease specialist and a rheumatologist all concluded that her condition was a complication of the RSD and medication. "They automatically assumed it was the RSD and was psychosomatic," Jo Anna recalls. Four months later another neurologist finally confirmed the problem was encephalitis.

Jo Anna stepped up her therapy appointments coming at least twice weekly and going through another weeklong intensive program. Finally, eight months later "everything started to get better," she says. Though she readily admits it was a tough process. "There were times when I got very discouraged, wondering if this was even working. It took a good year to recover from the encephalitis, and I'm still feeling some of the effects. Especially when I'm under stress, I get very tired and the pain in my foot comes back. But I'm pain-free most days of the week now, which, actually, is a weird feeling. I honestly didn't remember life without pain."

"You know, a year ago I didn't even know if I'd get this far. I didn't even know if I'd graduate with my degree," she recounts. "I look at everything as a gift. I have my life back now. And it's a lot better life than I had before."

I will never forget the last time I saw Jo Anna. She came into the clinic and said simply, "I'm all better."

"What?" I asked, somewhat surprised.

"I think I'm finished," she said. "I feel great."

Seeing that smile light up her face, I couldn't help but agree.

Reference:  Dr John Upledger DO, OMM

MassageToday  June 2004

Author's Note: With all that has been written about scientific research, placebo effects, double-blind studies and such, one might wonder why I didn't listen to naysayers regarding CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and other techniques long ago. The following explains why I choose to listen to patients and their bodies, rather than to critics.

 Aqua Detox therapy

Aqua Detox is an electromagnetic detoxification process carried out on the feet. This is a convenient and efficient therapy to clean and purify your body.

Aqua Detox aims to improve:

liver and kidney function

circulation                                                        

arthritis

general metabolism                                        

headaches

menstrual pain                                                   

skin problems

mercury & heavy metal detoxification

generally to balance the whole body, enhance well being

can be used as part of a detox diet plan

Well-being is enhanced from the first treatment.

Some interesting experiences:

Mrs V - mid 30's.

Skin colour around scars and wounds was darker. After 2 treatments found that skin colour had faded and energy levels were higher.  

Mrs J - age mid/late 50's.

In the process of third dose of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Side affects of chemotherapy meant she spent the day after the therapy at home feeling drained and sleeping. After first treatment had more energy than usual. After second was able to carry on life almost as usual after chemotherapy.

Mr S - late 60's.

Experiences cramp in calves at night. He has no cramp when receiving treatment.

 Flower Essences     :  (Essences of the month)          

Cyclamen (Cyclamen hybrida) : Self nurture; making time and space for oneself; nourishing one's body, mind, heart and soul; nurturing one's core energy and dreams; making time to centre and choose from the heart.

Indications for use: loss of sense of self and integrity; exhaustion, burn out; allowing one's life to be dictated to be external influences.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) : Letting go of held tension, defence and fear, for deep relaxation and peace - recognition of the Good in All.

Indications for use:  for emotion held as physical tension; inability to relax; fearful defence; held in fear and trauma, post traumatic shock.

Healing Grief : For embracing the full range of our grief, peacefully, without judgement; for uncovering the healing that lies at the heart of grief; making the time and space to grieve; caring for oneself in the process; healing the memory of trauma and suffering; for forgiveness; connection to spirit; nurturing new beginnings.

Indications for use:  for the grief and broken-heartedness of bereavement or relationship break-up; shock and trauma of loss; unresolved anger, bitterness and guilt; unfinished grieving; loss of confidence after loss or rejection.

 ARTIFICAL SWEETENERS: The bitter truth

Artificial sweeteners are often taken as a slimming aid.  But a new report by our sister publication Proof reveals that they can cause weight gain. Worse, they are also dangerous. But some are more dangerous than others. It's a `must read' for anyone who uses sweeteners, or has an interest in health and diet. http://www.wddty.co.uk/shop/details.asp?product=331

Reference: WDDTY - 17 June 2004

 Did you Know?

The thymus gland, master gland of the immune system, performs functions analogous to the classroom and library. In the thymus, T-lymphocytes [cells that destroy invaders] learn to recognise the viruses and any suspicious `self' cells. These markers (or mug shots if you will) have been stored in your thymus library since your 3rd trimester.

Some T-lymphocytes learn to be killers - the first line of defence when suspicious, foreign or toxic markers are noticed. Others learn to be helpers - the messengers who gather information of foreign antigens and bring the information back to the thymus. The thymus `intelligence then decides whether the cells bearing these antigenic markers (mug shots) should live or die. Still other T's learn to be suppressors. They balance killer T's. [Out of balance killer T function results in anaphylactic shock, milder allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.] They also keep the body fluids from becoming supersaturated and hyper viscous. And that's just a part of this amazing glands function.

Your immune system is an anti-cancer factor. The central nervous system is becoming more and more accepted as having a significant influence upon the activities of the immune system.

When a tumour anywhere in the body is recognised by the immune system there are measurable changes in the connections between various parts of the brain. The kind of changes that occur are appropriate modifications in endocrine system activities; from the limbic system come emotional changes; ranging from panic to anger to joy; increases of the hormone noradrenalin which protect in this stressful situation and also increases in the hormone serotonin which has a calming effect. “Clearly, then, immune cell messages to the brain that there is a malignant tumour has a profound effect upon emotions, hormones cerebral function, memory and so on.”

Reference:  Dr John Upledger : Cell Talk



 What's Happening

Yoga drop-in class (mixed ability) - the Methodist Church, Warf Road, Ash Vale. Thursdays 6pm to 7:30pm. [Classes will resume in Sept.] For further details ( Dale 01252-333738.

I am at Acuherbal on the Frimley Road, Camberley every Wednesday afternoon. To book a CranioSacral treatment, massage or for Light Heart Flower essences, ( Patricia  on 01252-333738 or 01276-469888.

Confidential and insightful Personal Readings using your choice of Astrology & /or Tarot by Diana McMahon-Collis. Love, relationship & domestic issues, house moves, business & career direction, repeat patterns, pressing issues, spiritual guidance etc. For mail order brochure email: directdestiny@aol.com or call 01252 725543 to arrange a private consultation in Farnham, Surrey.

[Some rather radical thinking, but then perhaps that's just what we need. Please do remember that we are all unique individuals and must do what's right for us in all health situations.]

 What Doctors Don't Tell You  :  LOVE YOUR TUMOUR:  It's what is keeping you alive

Everyone hates a cancer tumour, not surprisingly perhaps. It does, after all, herald a dread disease, and it's the thing that oncologists concentrate on. The tumour is the cancer, or so conventional wisdom has it.

Unconventional wisdom says otherwise. Cancer specialist Lothar Hirneise believes that tumours are part of a wonderful method the body has evolved to ferment, or burn, an abundance of sugar.  Without this safety valve, a 'cancer victim' - or someone with an excess of body sugar - would go blind and quickly die.

Cancer, according to Hirneise, occurs when the body no longer produces adrenaline, which is needed to break down sugar. Usually long-term stress cuts off, or decreases, adrenaline production even though, paradoxically, it may increase it in the immediate term.  In fact, Hirneise believes that cancer is impossible without stress.

Stress, as far as the body is concerned, can be caused by a poor diet or by something we would more normally recognise as stressful, such as a spiritual or psychological problem, perhaps caused by a bad relationship or by a sense of helplessness and not being in control.

Cancer patients and oncologists usually miss the big picture.  They endeavour to treat the symptoms - the tumour - but not the cause, which is an excess of sugar. The key to cancer treatment is therefore to detoxify, and allow the body to rid itself of the sugar.

His cancer therapy is simple: detoxify, eat a healthy diet low in processed sugars, and be happy. Hirneise, who runs People Against Cancer in Germany, was one of the keynote speakers at our Cancer Battleplan conference last weekend [i.e. 19/20th June].

 Complementary/Alternative Medicine helps at acute cancer hospital

“Christie Hospital started providing a complementary therapies service 7 years ago, which has greatly expanded in the last 3 years. A 15 strong complementary therapy team now offers back and head massages, reflexology, acupuncture and other treatments for patients, their carers and staff.” The results of the work done here is being recorded and several case studies are reported in the May issue of the Journal of Holistic Healthcare,

One of the essential lessons they have learned is “It is essential to adapt treatments for vulnerable patients on the cancer journey, mindful of their physical and emotional state”.

One case study quoted: Christine was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) shortly after giving birth. ……… Christine's breasts were painfully engorged by the sudden stop in feeding. We eased her discomfort and prevented mastitis, then it was discovered she was suffering from biphenotypic leukaemia which has a worse prognosis and requires treatment with vincristine. I taught her the self-massage, explaining the possible benefits as we practiced. The next time I visited she cheerfully told me that she had been performing the massage 3 times a day, with each session lasting 15 mins and that her bowel habit was regular. I gently explained that she did not have to massage for so long (we advise 5 mins) to which she smiled and told me it was her comfort blanket. Christine went through her treatment without requiring any laxatives and maintaining a regular bowel habit. She gained much comfort from the massage, which she continued long after the vincristine stopped.”

Well done to everyone concerned. It is so good to hear of this sort of thing happening in the NHS.                   

 Reference: Journal of Holistic Healthcare, May 2004        

 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SPIRITUAL HEALERS

Camberley

Healing Centre

in Frimley Village Hall

Frimley Green

Every Wednesday Evening 7pm - 9pm

Discover the feeling of being more relaxed

Give it a try.  What have you got to lose?

Call 01276 65779  for more information

not affiliated to any religious organisation

Free of charge

(Donations accepted to cover hall costs)

Please come along.  We would love to see you.

Registered charity 211133