Holistic holiday first aid kit – part 1
I am off to Japan soon which inspired this blog article. So I wanted to share with you some ideas about a holiday first aid kit.
The first thing I pack is rescue remedy which relieves stress and anxiety – I basically pack this in case flights get cancelled, luggage gets lost etc.
The next thing I pack is Traumeel, in case I get a soft tissue injury i.e. sprain or strain.
Traumeel is a homeopathic combination preparation that reduces inflammation, swelling, and oozing. The pharmacology involved is not yet understood. Studies suggest the drug modifies the action of neutrophils and the release of inflammatory mediators. Injected locally, its analgesic effect is comparable to steroids but without the risks of tendon rupture or skin depigmentation. I personally take tablets or use a cream because I am whimp who doesn’t like the idea of injecting herself. Plus I don’t think its very practical to try and take an injection kit through an airport!
Traumeel has been available for eighty years and is suitable for frequent use, with the only contraindication being adverse allergic reaction. Among elite athletes its use is common and anecdotally it attracts very favorable reports. There is data to suggest comparable efficacy of both topical and injected Traumeel when compared with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy, with fewer side effects and greater patient satisfaction.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085232/
Schneider, C, Klein, P et al (2005) ‘A homeopathic ointment preparation compared with 1% diclofenac gel for acute symptomatic treatment of tendinopathy’. Explore(NY); Nov;1(6):446-52.
Birnesser, H et al (2004) ‘The homeopathic preparation Traumeel S compared with NSAIDS for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis’. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, Vol. 8, Nos. 2 & 3 119 -128.
Related Posts
Introduction to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Way back when I first started at Barclays, one of the first clients I treated was returning to work after being signed off with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Which is a common and painful disorder of the wrist, caused by pressure on the median nerve which creates numbness and tingling in the fingers. At its worse it can lead to loss of grip and permanent numbness in the fingers. Repetitive computer use thought to be one of the causes, but scientific studies have shown contradictory results. A recent review of the scientific evidence found that frequent computer or mouse use can nearly double the risk of developing the condition. Repeated tapping, scrolling and swiping on your smartphone or tablet can also lead ot carpal tunnel problems. If these sort of repeated movements are the cause then improving your posture will help. But it is also worth ruling out other possible causes such as:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Thyriod Disease
Tips to prevent lower back pain.
While on holiday I suddenly moved and strained my lower back muscles. My muscle strain was sorted out by a combination of massage, stretches and back exercises. So as I have now returned from sunny Bulgaria I thought I would remind people (including me) how to preventing lower back pain.
- Avoid sudden jerky movements. (Note to self, that includes while on holiday).
- Never slouch.
- Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension.
- Don’t bend over without supporting your back.
- Try to maintain your ideal body weight. Too much upper body weight can strain your lower back.
- Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine, and always sleep on a firm surface.
- Lift with your legs.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.
- Wear flat shoes with cushioned soles as they can help reduce the pressure on your back.
- Regular exercise, such as walking and swimming, is an excellent way of preventing back pain. In addition Yoga & Pilates can strengthen your core muscles reducing the strain on your back and improving the flexibility of your spine.
Reiki – Mechanisms of Healing – Part 1
In the past series on Reiki I discussed whether Reiki was a placebo, and cited a variety of scientific experiments to demonstrate it is not. Now I would like to discuss the mechanisms of healing. Like all other aspects of healing, the mechanism is little understood. So I would like to discuss the range of ideas concerning such mechanisms. At one end of this range, is the belief, held by many healers, that they are channelling a higher spiritual energy that ultimately derives from God. This energy is often referred to as “divine love” or “unconditional love” by healers. At the other end of the range there are many theories which are based on our knowledge of science, particular physics. The possibility that any conventional electromagnetic energy may be a candidate for “healing energy” seems unlikely as healing has been shown, at times to operate outside the dimensions of space & time. For example there are a wide variety of scientific experiments were healing procedures were partly or wholly undertaken at a distance1. Between these 'spiritual' and 'material' poles there is a middle ground of ideas concerning healing mechanisms based on the concepts of subtle energies, the subtle energy bodies of all living organisms and the universal energy known by names such as prana and chi. . I personally believe that I act as a channel for universal energy that comes from the natural world. References Dossey, L. (1993). Healing Words. The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. Harper Collins; New York.
