The Therapist Issue 5 July 2002

The right bite for health

Editor’s Note: In the last issue we printed an article ‘Is your Bite - Right?”. An article on the same topic was printed eight years ago in 1994. We thought a reprint now would be of interest.

How much more frequently we now read articles that relate to the insights and practices of complementary medicines which overturn the seemingly blinkered vision of orthodox medicine.
The initial training in all sciences is based upon speculation, theorising and testing. Often explanations which provide a precise, logical and apparently complete account of a particular phenomenon are overturned by new observations and discoveries

POSSIBILITY OF OTHER VIEWS

In some areas however, including that of orthodox medicine, it seems that the establishment takes over and creates an aura of infallibility that arrogantly refuses to acknowledge even the possibility of other views. Slowly the weight of evidence is making an impact on these entrenched attitudes.
The experience of a computer service manager clearly illustrates the possible advantages of an alternative approach to treatment. At only 37 he frequently began to feel unwell, become lethargic, suffer severe headaches and often was unable to go to work. Despite specialist help and medical tests the symptoms, for which no cause or explanation could be found, gradually worsened. Over a period of three years the left side of his body became numb and all strength in the left arm was lost. An uncontrollable twitch affected the left eye and a persistent backache developed. X-rays and a battery of other tests could provide no clue to the origin or cause of the problems.
Because orthodox medicine had been unable to offer any explanation let alone cure for the patient he decided to refer himself to a chiropractor. The approach toward the problem was very different.
The chiropractor noted a distorted face and uneven body posture and the absence of teeth from one side of the mouth. The absence of physical strength in the left arm was also noted.
The patient was asked to bite on spatulas placed to simulate the missing teeth. The immediate (albeit temporary) result was the return of some strength in the left arm. A dentist made and fitted a dental plate to replace the missing teeth and to restore a normal bite.
Meanwhile the chiropractor commenced a realignment regime with the patient which produced positive results within three weeks and led to a complete return to health and fitness within the year.

NOT COMMONLY RECOGNISED

Chiropractic recognises that an abnormal or distorted bite can exert pressure on and distortion of the cranial bones, the tempora-mandibular joint and the occipit causing wide ranging symptoms not commonly recognised as originating from the skull.
By simply correcting ‘bite’ abnormalities recovery from back & neck pains, nausea and severe headaches, loss of strength, numbness and ear conditions such as tinnitus, deafness, vertigo and dizziness can be achieved. The treatment- technically called sacro-occitpital technique (SOT), is widely used in the USA. The numbers of chiropractors in the UK trained in these techniques is also rapidly rising.

EDITORIAL • EDITORIAL • EDITORIAL

Dear Members,

We apologise for the very late appearance of this issue of The Therapist. Unfortunately the principle cause has been illness suffered by the editor that prevented the gathering of news and articles. We hope that you will find the contents of this issue both interesting and helpful.

This raises the issue of contributions.
There must be within our wide and varied membership many initiatives, projects and activities that deserve to be more widely known - one has only to look at the large range of treatments and therapies that appear on our insurance lists.

Here is a plea - let us know what you would like included within The Therapist. Let us know of your special skills, services you offer clients, and your professional concerns- training standards, professionalism, practitioner registration, all come to mind. Don’t worry that you are not a ‘writer’ Give us the ideas and we will clothe the skeleton for you and always remember that we always send our draft to you before printing to ensure that we have reflected your views accurately.

Go on – you know the address –
It’s at the top of the page!


B.C.M.A. NEWS

The BCMA took a leading role in the enlarged annual Vitality (Natural Health) Exhibition which this year was held at the exhibition halls at Olympia having outgrown its former home at the Design Centre in Islington.

Member organisations combined to provide ‘taster’ treatments in a wide range of therapies in the ‘Oasis’ which proved to be a perfect oasis away from the congested hubbub of the main exhibition floor. Attendance was so high that on two days fire regulations demanded that the public entrance doors were closed to all except those having pre-booked entrance tickets.
The BCMA also organised a 2 day conference in which 4 lecture areas accommodated 18 lectures on each day on 4 different practitioner themes. Lecturers were provided by a first class list of lecturers which included Jack Temple and Naturopath Jan de Vries -- If you didn’t make it this year make a date now for 2003 The dates -28th.- 30th. March.
The BCMA warn that the Data Protection Registration scam that was featured in our last issue is continuing and lists 8 companies acting as false agencies willing to take £111.62 from companies and individuals instead of the £35 VAT free charge made by the Data Protection Agency. If you maintain electronic or manual client records you will need to be registered.
Contact the DPA direct on 01625 545740 or at www.dpr.gov.uk

Telephone fraud
Whilst on the topic of scams the BCMA have advised members to be aware of the following fraudulent practices.
1. A phone call is received in which the caller asks whoever answers if they would confirm their postal code as part of a postal code survey. If the code is confirmed they are told that they are eligible for some gift vouchers for their co-operation and are asked to give their home address and postal code so that the vouchers can be sent. Police report that very many homes of women who provide the information have subsequently been burgled – presumably on he assumption that the homes will be empty during office hours. The Post Office confirm that there is no current postal Code survey.
2. We have heard of this devious practice previously – it seems that it may still be occurring and catching the unwary. You may be telephoned by someone claiming to be an line engineer who is conducting a line test. The recipient of the call is asked that to complete the test he should tap in 9,0 & # and hang up. This procedure gives the caller free access to your phone allowing long distance and international calls to be made And charged to your account. The information has been checked and found to be correct. – Moral – be on your guard and do not press 9 0 # for anyone.
A new BCMA Initiative
The BCMA have launched a new arbitration and adjudication service to augment their existing Code of Conduct and Disciplinary service. It is led by Brian Beber, Chairman of NACHP and aims to provide effective communication helping to resolve difficulties before they become real problems

BCMA Website
Have you explored the site yet? The new webmaster Tracy Smith is revitalising the site. A new ‘Members Only” area has been added.
To enter you will need to use the following SIGN ON and PASSWORD CODES in lower case.
Sign on codeword webmaster
Password wellbeing
The webmaster would be pleased to receive your comments about the site and any positive suggestions for further developing the site.

Qualification scams and other questionable qualifications

Earlier this year newspaper reports highlighted an active “Degrees of Cash” Fraud.

Fake qualifications including medical degrees are available from several foreign based institutions for fees up to £1,300. It was reported that a Government inquiry had been ordered but nothing yet has been seen or heard of it.
Within the last 3 months two such offers have arrived at the I.P.T.I. offices addressed to members of staff. Both offered M.Sc. or D.Sc. qualifications – in one case “to add to your own” (apparently assumed) qualification. Various alternative and complementary therapies were also on offer.
From the information received one Institution appeared to be based in Spain with a prestigious London accommodation address.
It advertises links with a west country training college and also with an American institution offering “non-traditional” (ie non-attendance) degrees as a qualification enhancement ( £125 payable in easy installments – more if your academic aspirations are for a M.Sc. or D.Sc. ).
The second, rather more elaborate presentation and costly programme required applicants to submit a proposed research or investigation topic. If acceptable, (no criteria given), the applicant would be allocated an academic tutor who might – or might not – be qualified to help and guide the student towards the completion of the project.
Such activity clearly undermines the work being done by the recognised training organisations, professional associations and individual qualified practioners. Any member receiving offers of dubious qualifications is invited to forward the material to the IPTI office. We will pass it to the appropriate Government office.


Therapists and the Law

In this issue our contributor highlights some of the ways in which therapists can unwittingly be in conflict with the law

Are You A Criminal???
Yes, I do mean you. Over the past year I have made a record of criminal offences I have discovered whilst undertaking Health and Safety Assessments.
There are four areas where offences have frequently been committed. all of which involve Absolute offences. An absolute offence is one where there is no defence as it is a direct non-compliance with the law. I am now going to expand on three of them. Typically salons need a licence to operate but do not hold the licence.

LOCAL AUTHORITY LICENCES

These are granted by the local authorities under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982, and allow specified practices namely Acupuncture, Tattooing, Ear Piercing, Electrolysis, to be carried out.
In London the L.A’s. also require establishments offering massage to be licenced. Outside London Micro-pigmentation is not covered by licensing but where a salon is registered for other skin piercing activities then the Local Authority can regulate Micro-pigmentation under Sect. 15(7) of existing regulations. The practitioner of activities requiring a licence is required to obtain a licence and to display that licence.
I have noted that many salons are not licensed because they have, quote, “just started to…..”. This is not a defence. Also many salons and clinics have the necessary licences but do not display them. I have been informed that some local Authorities are now enforcing the regulations more stringently.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT

Under the Health and safety at work Act 1974 employers with five or more staff are required to have a formal H & S statement. If the business is a registered company the directors are employees of the company and are included within the staff total. The Statement must comply with specific guidance given in the 1974 Act and in The Management of Health and Safety Regulations. I have found many establishments, in the world of both therapy and beauty, that have failed to produce a statement or failed to display it correctly. For these offences a fine up to £20,000 is possible. Again these are absolute offences.

COMPULSORY EMPLOYEES LIABILITY INSURANCE

This insurance is required under the Employer’s Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and it must meet certain specific parameters. These parameters are specified in The Employers Guide to Employer’s Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, which is an HSE Publication. Employees also have a guide, An Employee’s Guide to Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. Both are obtainable from HSE Books, telephone 01787 881165.
This Act states that the insurance certificate or a copy of it must be displayed where all employees can read it. Failure to display the Certificate correctly is an absolute offence attracting a fine of £1000. Failure to have a valid insurance attracts a fine of up to £2,500 per day that unsuitable insurance is held. From 1st January 1999 employers were required to have cover of a minimum of £5Million from an approved insurer and to hold copies of expired insurance certificates for FORTY YEARS. Enforcement of this act is by the HSE and the inspectors will check that the required insurance is held.

This article is written as a general article on Health and Safety. It is not authoritative and is meant to serve as a pointer to where detailed information may be obtained. I will happily provide specific information for salons but only by visiting the salon and undertaking an assessment. For further information please telephone or fax me on 01267 238143

R.H.Hacon Williams, MIIRSM.,MILog.

Latex Sensitivity

The last issue (November, 01) carried an article on Work Related Illness and Employer Responsibilities.

In our last issue ‘Therapists and the Law’ concentrated on work related illness and employer responsibility. Recently the Daily Mail and other national papers highlighted the risk of allergic reaction that can arise from the regular use of latex gloves. The reports suggest that 10% of all NHS staff may suffer some degree of allergy as a result of their use.
Clearly the use of protective gloves should be considered in any Health and Safety audit and also by anyone else accustomed to using them on a regular basis. As an allergy develops the initial symptoms may appear to be only as a slight reddening of the skin and /or some itching. However, once a sensitivity has developed it is present for life and continued exposure increases both the allergic response and possibilities of an anaphylactic reaction. (In reality the possibilities of anaphylaxis are very small but the possibilities should not be discounted).
Although the use of latex gloves is now discouraged and in many areas banned they are still widely available including for use in domestic situation. Some are flocked lined for comfort but the flock does not protect against the latex risk. Unless gloves are guaranteed “latex free” it presence must be assumed.
Alternative means of protection should be considered. In certain situations it might be found that the use of barrier creams is an equally effective alternative. The use of latex free products such as synthetic (PVC) gloves may also be possible. Commercial suppliers should be able to advise on the suitability of different types of latex free gloves for different tasks.
Endnote: Synthetic gloves may be supplied “powdered” for comfort and ease of use. Talc itself can be an irritant and can also accumulate under the skin forming granulosa. Some powdered products are labelled “talc free”. Alternatively it is possible to purchase un-powdered gloves to which your own supply of talc free powder can be added.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Feature
Controlling stress by meditation

By Ian Ellis B.Sc., Dip. Ent. MIPTI

The last issue of ‘THE THERAPIST’ carried an article about Meditation for Industry and the benefits derived by a large Swedish Bus Company whose enlightened managing Director introduced a voluntary “Richer Life Programme” for his workforce.

The last issue of ‘THE THERAPIST’ carried an article about Meditation for Industry and the benefits derived by a large Swedish Bus Company whose enlightened managing Director introduced a voluntary “Richer Life Programme” for his workforce.
Dynamic and kundalini meditations, used in the Swedish programme, are included in meditation workshops which incorporate several different forms of active and passive meditation, which are techniques designed to reduce the stress and tension that appear, an almost inevitable consequence of today’s workaday world.
Meditation may perhaps best be described as medication of the mind – one may have noticed that the two words differ by only a single letter. Meditation is something that can be learnt by practice. The difference between these workshops and many currently offered is that the latter frequently concern themselves with managing stress whereas by using meditation techniques the stress can be transformed into primary energy and drive and there is no need to refer to the causes of stress.

FEEL PEACEFUL

Meditation originated in India in rural communities far from the madding crowd. It was natural for people to sit down and feel peaceful or at one with nature. Such places and such habits are increasingly rare which is why new opportunities for tranquillity were needed. The urge to experience solitude remains strong in many individuals who seek another road to peace.
Accordingly, some new and active meditation techniques have been developed in recent years which differ from the ancient passive meditation methods to suit modern people who, whilst enjoying the pace of modern life, wish from time to time, to bring a sense of balance to their lives. By removing tensions it is possible to become happy and contented - then everyone can benefit – family, friends, work colleagues, employers and, most of all, the individual himself.


The author is a career teacher who has 20 years of meditational experience in the United kingdom and in India, where he once worked. He was for several years principal biology teacher at Lornshill Academy, Alloa and has also lectured in entomology at Glasgow University and at Shrewsbury Technical college.
He is author of published educational topics including programmed learning and course material for ROSLA (Raising Of the School Leaving Age) curriculum. A founder member of the Scottish Association for Biological Education he has also edited the S.A.B.E. Journal. He is married with two grown up daughters both of whom have adopted the benefits of meditation.
His company Achintee Associates may be contacted at:
33 Lipney, Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, FK11 7HL Tel:01259 761637

Achintee Associates now run workshops teaching a range of meditation techniques which are designed to help individuals transform their stress and promote calmness and relaxation. This helps them feel good about themselves and become happier within themselves and at their daily work.

'GROUP BENIFIT'

Such motivation can lead to enhanced performance and personal contentment. Meditation provides opportunities for reflection and builds up self-respect and self-confidence. The more effectively people inter-react co-operation is enhanced and trust and confidence grow for the greater benefit of the whole organisation. In an environment in which meditation is a shared experience it becomes easier to relax and intercommunication becomes a further “group” benefit.
Offered are training workshops with an aim of teaching a range of active and passive meditation sequences which include training in six different meditations each directed towards the dissolving of stress and tensions.
The following can be viewed as either exercises or meditations

Meditation Number One
The first meditation is a perfect example of sitting doing nothing and fits in with the common concept of meditation. It teaches us the principles of meditation. With practice it can be done for a few minutes, almost anywhere, at any time when concentration on something else is not pressing.
The meditation consists of sitting quietly for about 45 minutes feeling the belly moving in and out with breathing or feeling the air going in and out of the nostrils, followed by walking about very slowly for 15mins consciously feeling the feet on the ground.

Meditation number Two
The second meditation redistributes energy evenly through the body and therefore it applied to correct energy imbalances to which we have become accustomed through habit and the strains of work.
This is important because modern men and women work in offices, businesses, commercial or corporate environments in which decisions have to be made quickly and confidently. Energy is likely to get stuck in various places instead of flowing easily through the body. This leads to tension resulting in various aches and pains in the neck and shoulders, the lower back or elsewhere. The meditation helps correct this.
This is a meditation which is versatile in the sense that it can be done at any time of day or night and in any position, standing, sitting or lying down. Music will be played to resonate with seven different parts of the body in sequence. Participants may be silent throughout or make sounds corresponding to the music. The music will last for 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of lying in silence with eyes remaining closed.

Meditation Number Three
This is probably the most popular meditation among those who do active meditations. It is usually done at the end of a day’s work and is recommended for the late afternoon and is designed to dissolve the stress that accumulates during the working day. It can leave participants feeling extremely contented, so much so that they may prefer not to speak for some time.
The meditation has four stages each lasting about 15 minutes.
Stage 1 involves gently shaking the joints to loosen up the body.
Stage 2 involves slow individual dancing movements.
Stage 3 involves standing or sitting in silence.
Stage 4 lying down silently feeling the body.
The eyes remain closed for the whole of the meditation. Music is played during the first three stages.

Meditation Number Four
This is a meditation that was devised to help someone dispel migraine headaches and needs to be practised over a period of weeks or months. It can also prove helpful to anyone wishing to encourage the healing of an illness of the mind or body or one that has a mind/body link.
This meditation is described as ‘The forgotten language’ or ‘talking to the body’ It is a healing meditation in which the subject lies down and consciously tries to reconnect with and befriend their body. There is music and talking during this meditation. Eyes remain closed.

Meditation Number Five
This meditation leaves people feeling peaceful and it is possible to feel an inner silence and a sense of stillness that few have ever experienced before.
There are two stages and no music in this meditation.
Stage 1 involves talking animatedly for 40 minutes.
Stage 2 followed by sitting or standing silently for 20 minutes
Eyes remain closed.

Meditation Number Six
The final meditation of this group would be a healing meditation that Tibetan monks used to do at 2o’clock in the morning. It leaves people feeling peaceful and is noted for giving them pleasant experiences.
There are three stages.
Stage 1 Involves sitting quietly humming to the sound of Tibetan bells for 30 mins.
Stage 2 involves moving the arms to music for 15 minutes.
Stage 3 involves lying down in silence.

Editors Note
Mr. Ellis designs his workshops according to the needs of corporate clients. Corporate Meditation is a relatively new concept and one where evidence indicates continued growth in the future. The training that he offers is pioneering work.
We have on file similar information of corporate training detailed below :-
• The Banco de Brazil organised 1600 seminars which involved meditation techniques for its tellers. The benefits were judged so beneficial that a further 600 seminars were organised for the bank’s managers.
• A German Insurance Company introduced “team building” training courses which included meditation for its staff. Within 6 months the bank reported a 30% increase in sales. Improved productivity and improved customer satisfaction.
• A successful Munich restaurant achieved exceptionally low staff turn-over and sickness rates. The profit margin was improved by 30% within 2 years of Osho meditation being provided for the staff.
• The U.S. Army College offers a nine month meditation based behavioural course for selected officers.
There is evidence of positive health benefits to be derived from meditation based training. A stress reduction programme has been run by University of Massachusetts Medical School. The participants were patients suffering chronic pain or having incurable disease who were medically referred by their Doctor. Over 6,000 patients have participated in this programme.
Dr. Dean Ornish MD has done pioneering work with the reversal of coronary heart disease. The program includes aspects of diet, exercise, a support group AND meditation. The prevention program is funded by an insurance company.
DR. Herbert Benson is director of the Division of Behavioural Medicine and hypertension at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston USA. For twenty years he worked with the ‘relaxation response’. Using a form of Meditation ‘Watching the Breath’, participants learn to lower the over secretion of stress hormones. His research indicates that the results include:- a reduction stress hormone level, the participants self confidence is increased. They are less influenced by the opinions of others, more self trusting and their emotional response towards others is refined.

Acknowledgement;
We acknowledge with thanks the source of the above information.
Karine Kress Ed.D. Director Centre for Consciousness, 18 West Green Street, Easthampton MA01027 U.S.A.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Feature

Bowen therapy

Bowen therapy was developed during the 1900’s in Australia by T.A.Bowen. It is undoubtedly a therapy that is growing in influence but having only been introduced to Europe and the UK in the 1990’s is still a relatively unknown treatment.

We are indebted to the European College of Bowen Studies in Frome, Somerset for the following information and case study. If members would like further information they may contact the college direct on Tel/fax 01373 461 873or visit their web site at www.thebowentechnique.com
The Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy in which the practitioner uses thumbs and forefingers on precise points on the body to make rolling type moves which gently stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body. These moves prompt the body to make the adjustments which help the body to re-balance, relieve tension and reduce pain.

PROMOTE HEALING

There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue. It is not a form of massage. The treatment affects the body in ways which promote healing, pain relief and recovery of energy. The experience of the treatment is gentle, subtle and relaxing and it is these features which make The Bowen Technique so unique. It is generally regarded as safe and effective for people of all ages.
The Bowen technique has provided help and relief for many conditions. These include:-

Back & Neck pain
knee problems
sports injuries
mastitis
Respiratory conditions
tennis elbow
frozen shoulder
P.S.I.
PMS/menopausal symptoms
heel & foot pain
shinsplints
bunions

In addition the following conditions have often responded well to Bowen treatment;-

High blood pressure
chronic fatigue
hayfever
headache
Lymphatic drainage kidney problems
arthritis.

The Bowen technique is increasingly being used in sports to enhance performance and to help reduce the incidence of sports related injuries
The technique is also used as an aid to stress management and health maintenance and as a gentle and safe treatment. It is regarded as being particularly suitable for the very young and also for those who are weak and fail in old age..

A Case History:
A woman (M) age 64 suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and Osteo-Arthritis

Bowen practitioner Brenda Broardbridge works as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the day hospital at Wallingford, Oxfordshire. M a 64 year old woman was a patient in this unit.

NOT A RECOGNISED THERAPY

She had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years . She had come to the hospital for treatment for very bad osteo-arthritis in the left knee and a painful neck that was tilted sharply to the left as a result of Parkinson’s.
Her posture was also affected with a tilt to the left. The Parkinson’s caused her painful muscle spasms and uncontrolled tremors and jerking.
While M was being treated by the physiotherapist in the day unit Brenda could not treat her with the Bowen technique because it was not a recognised therapy at the hospital. However when M was discharged from treatment in May 1998 Brenda began to treat her privately with Bowen.
M had a Bowen treatment once a week and within the first six weeks the pain in her neck had gone and the neck was much straighter. Her knee was also much improved and the tilt in her posture was very much lessened. Her family remarked to Brenda how straight and well M walked now.

RELAXES TOTALLY

The effect on the Parkinson’s Disease symptoms were equally welcome. The tremors and muscle spasms were not so intense but “softer” as M describes them.
Brenda says that sometimes when she arrives to give treatment, M is just due a pill and she is experiencing particularly noticeable tremors. However as soon as Brenda starts the Bowen the tremors stop and M relaxes totally.
When she gets off the table at the end of the session Brenda says she is “like a 2 year old” – energetic and enjoying a freedom of movement that is more than she could have imagined was possible before Bowen.
Has the Bowen treatment made a difference to M’s Life? “Oh yes- a big difference”, says M. She used to have to crawl up the stairs both for safety and because of the weakness and pain in her left knee. The knee will now support her weight without pain and her posture and tremors are improved sufficiently for her to walk up and down the stairs regularly. She has a chair lift but now very rarely uses it.
Both M and her brother have Parkinson’s Disease, although his is of a different type from M’s. They are both involved in a research project at a hospital in Oxford which is looking for any genetic basis for Parkinson’s.
After the initial improvements in her health during the first six to eight weeks of treatments, M did not want to give up her weekly treatments. Brenda has been treating her every week for the past year. When Brenda has been away on holiday for a few weeks M really notices the difference. She says her body feels different and she perceives that the symptoms are building up again. Brenda also notices the difference when she returns as M’s Muscles are definitely tighter but M and Brenda have no intention of seeing what would happen without the Bowen treatments. Apart from holidays they stick to the once a week sessions that make such a difference to M’s life.

Eat up your veggies –

They’re more good for you than perhaps you realise!

Vitamin C, betacarotene, flavonoids and a host of minerals have received credit for the beneficial effects of fruit and vegetables. Research is now indicating plant fats as another group of beneficial nutrients that are available in fruit and veg.
It is well known that in times of illness or stress the body’s resistance is low leaving it vulnerable to disease. Sometimes immune systems can be over reactive and cause tissue damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is such an example.
New research shows that plant fats, sterols and sterolins have a positive effect on regulating the activity of the immune system – capable of helping stimulate a sluggish system or calming an over-active system.
Research into the immune-modulating effects of these plant chemicals has led Professor Bouic at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, to report a wide range of beneficial effects of the plant sterols and sterolins in such conditions as pulmonary TB, rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis C.

A new approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is perhaps one of the worst conditions that man can have to endure.

Born out of tragedy it can be one of the most resistant to treatment. This article is about a newly developed treatment seemingly more effective in terms of cure and treatment times.
The treatment has a simplicity that belies its power and should not be attempted other than by experienced qualified psychotherapists who have also undertaken further specific training in the treatment technique.

MINIMISING THE EFFECTS

We believe however that it is important that there should be awareness that PTSD sufferers may now have more chance of overcoming or minimising the effects of this dreadful and persistent condition.
The constant anguish that can often afflict those who have survived horrific accidents, danger or personal assault can sometimes be impossible to appreciate or understand.
Months, often years, of treatment is usually needed and the success rates are not encouraging. Meanwhile the victim continues to relive the horror which totally disrupted their life.

HEALING PROCESS

The new treatment is now becoming available which has produced lasting relief in a much higher percentage of patients and sometimes after only one or two sessions.
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep periods are known to act as an in-built information processing system that helps modify destructive memories. They occur at times of brain activity and dreaming and is part of the resting, healing process that sleep helps to promote. For deep shock it does not work because memories are ‘frozen’ in the nerve system and the victims can rarely sleep well and usually wake up with the onset of REM.
The therapy was developed by an American, Doctor Francine Shapiro. Whilst preoccupied with troubled thoughts she noticed that the thoughts became less severe when she moved her eyes upward and diagonally.
She developed the idea of inducing this eye movement by focussing a person’s gaze on fingers moving closely in front of the face and subsequently tried the method out during therapy sessions with rape victims and with Vietnam veterans.

ASTONISHING

The results that she obtained were at once astonishing and controversial – astonishing because of the degree of success she obtained and controversial because of the immediacy of the results.
Hitherto even the most successful treatments would take 15 to 25 hours often more and the victim would still feel the danger – with the new treatment the danger became a memory, the recurrent experience of fear had gone.
The therapy is called EMDR– Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
It is a therapy in which the patient will experience powerful and intense emotional reactions whilst reliving the trauma and without proper handling could become disturbed.

It is a treatment to be practiced only by the experienced psychologist who has also specifically trained in the EMDR techniques. It is however a treatment that is increasingly becoming available to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers.


Alternative gimmicks

Forgive me if I am wrong but Mail Sale catalogues seem to be offering an increasingly bizarre group of products for which all manner of alternative and complementary therapy benefits are being claimed.

Two such products caught my eye recently. Both claimed benefits ascribed to reflexology.

Shoes that help you lose weight
They actually are insoles rather than shoes and have a pattern of raised bumps said to stimulate the reflexology points related to digestion and metabolism. “Shed whilst you Tread”, “Pound on and Pounds off” these appear to be appropriate promotional slogans. The theory is simple – walk on the insoles – massage the pressure points – speed up the metabolism and, hey presto, the body is encouraged to store less fat and to lose weight.
No matter that one tester complained that after an hour or so walking became decidedly uncomfortable. Not unlike walking on a pebble beach I imagine. The tester reported a 1Kg. (2.2lbs.) loss in 2 weeks – a result that could probably have been bettered by less punishing means or, for that matter, one that might have occurred naturally without the need to inflict pedal pressure point purgatory.

Sleepcones
These are claimed as a drug free addiction free cure for insomnia. These work (?) in similar manner to the insoles, this time by stimulation of the 7Heart (7H) point located on the wrist which is said to control sleep disorders and help induce natural sleep. The cones come as sticking plasters with a cone shaped nodule stuck in the centre of the plaster, which are simply stuck in an appropriate position on the wrist. I note understand this product can also be purchased at a well known high street store at a price that works out at about 40p. per plaster. It seems to me that a piece of plain elastoplast with one or two of those small hard silvery balls used in cake decorating might make an effective and considerably cheaper alternative.
To be serious for a moment – do these things work? I am not a therapist and my science training has instilled a degree of scepticism. It is my understanding that the body responds to continual stimulation and any initial response will become less effective as time passes. Has anyone, reflexologist or not tried either of these products? Has anyone any comments to make? Please write.
Perhaps more importantly has anyone given any thought to the possible harm such ‘novelty cures’ may cause reflexology and the wider range of therapies in the minds of clients. Will such products help confirm the views of those influential professionals whose orthodox training and beliefs cause them to be more sceptical of, or to reject, any advantages that the alternative and complementary therapies may provide.

The price of a smile

Dazzling smiles and perfect white teeth are the stuff of photographs and advertisements but, unfortunately, in this image conscious world, they are a natural possession of very few individuals.

Teeth are made primarily of a hard yellow dentine covered by a thin coat of often translucent enamel which is why, for most of us, our teeth have a yellow tinge. Tea, coffee, ageing, carbonated drinks (which can also dissolve the enamel) and a lack of effective cleaning can all contribute to a lack-lustre set of knashers.
Your dentist can improve matters (at a price) or you can – at your own not inconsiderable risk – try one of the increasing numbers of DIY tooth whitener kits. Our concern is that some beauty therapists or salons might try adapting the DIY kits as professional treatments.
Almost certainly such treatments would not be covered by beauty therapy insurance. Nevertheless therapists should be aware of the availability of such kits and the potential damage which they are capable of inflicting. They would at least then be in a position to offer one of those sound pieces of advice that are so valuable in building client confidence and loyalty.
Investigations into these products reveal a range of potential harmful effects. The bleaching chemicals are applied to the teeth by means of a ‘one size fits all’ gumshield-like tray. Because the tray is not custom built chemical spillage may occur and application of the chemicals may not be even. This is known to have resulted in white spots on the teeth.
Some of the chemicals used are acidic which can deteriorate the natural enamel and some may be abrasive which also could harm the teeth. The natural enamel may be cracked and some dental caries may well be present. Both could allow the chemicals access to the dentine and root canal area with the potential of causing damage to nerves and extreme sensitivity.
Cosmetic dentistry can provide some effective treatments. These include a laser activated bleaching process and the fitting of porcelain veneers but they are relatively expensive.
Officially regular dental inspections are recommended primarily to catch decay in its early stages but plaque removal and polishing is usually done at the same time.
For DIY smile maintenance the official recommendation would be simply - brush the teeth more. Plaque build up is natural and food and drink stain the plaque. The principal is :- More brushing = less plaque = less discolouration. Does anyone brush their teeth after every meal? Perhaps they should.