This past week I've been in training: an experiential intensive on Sciatic nerve pinching, otherwise known as Sciatica.
It all started on a day that consisted of seven hours of continuous driving. Three days later, another six hours of driving.
But truth be told, it started before that. It's a spot that, muscularly, has given me a history of irritations. As a former dancer, my piriformis muscle has seen better days. Problem is, I'm an overly busy (stubborn?) mother of two with more important things to worry about than a nagging pain in my butt.
Until I came home from my hours of driving, that is, when the pain skyrocketed to new and unknown heights. Tears shed down my face without permission, and I relegated myself to the yoga mat with slim hopes of stretch and release.
I got through one night. The next night was spent pacing in the dark, wincing with agony, trying desperately to find some position I could lie in to sleep, even if it meant the hard floor. My search was fruitless.
The next seven days I spent in bed, barely able to move, waited on by my family, and digging deep for the healing gifts.
Chances are if you're reading this you aren't so much interested in the details of the week, but are scrolling down to find the remedies you might find some relief in for yourself. This is in no way meant to replace professional help - please see someone who you trust. I'm simply sharing the natural remedies that are assisting me.
DEALING WITH ACUTE SCIATICA
Goals: **Reduce Inflammation (& relieve pain) **Release Muscle Spasm **Balance Body Structures & Systems **Nourish
1. ICE
Please ice. Two large ice packs, placed one on the buttocks area and one across the front hip area. Sports medicine recommends icing for 20 minutes, followed by heat, every two hours.
2. HEAT
Heat applied after icing in the form of a heating pad or (if you can get there) a very hot bath for 20 minutes. This alternating of temperatures increases circulation and opens energy channels in the body which greatly assist the healing process. If you have someone in the house who can simmer you up a pot of bath herbs, by all means! Herbs to use would include Alder, Willow, Yarrow, Rue, Birch, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and any other of your favorite anti-inflammatory plant. 1-2 cups of Epsom salts added to your hot bath will also help. Feel free to stir in a few drops of essential oils (listed later in this article)
3. HERBS
Anti-inflammatory herbs and herbs specific to the nerves can help a great deal. You will need to determine your dose based on your sensitivity to herbal tinctures, what medications you might be on and whether it is safe for you to combine them, and your body weight as a general guide. Personally, I need a higher dose of herbal tinctures when experiencing an acute physical ailment. Doses that would never be listed on a bottle. You may be more sensitive and require much less. Any of these herbs can also be applied topically.
Tinctures/Extract/Elixir form Herbals:
Willow - Salix alba, allied spp. -This classic anti-inflammatory pain reliever doesn't taste so good (but who cares when something hurts, really) and can be a wonderful ally.
Black Birch - Betula lenta -This acts similar to willow but is delicious and can settle the stomach as well.
Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa, allied spp. -This extract varies for folks. For me it is helpful in settling pain. For some, it is very sedative and can induce sleep. This is generally a smaller dose herbal.
Skullcap - Scutellaria lateriflora, allied spp. -This classic herb deserves note in anything mentioning nerves. It's a gentle, effective herb which feels like an internal calm. It's natural habitat is along riverbanks, nestled into sweet spots of tranquil shade and water. I love skullcap when my physical body is acting up in response to emotional stress, anxiety or overwhelm. Those who suffer from insomnia can be greatly helped by Skullcap.
St. Johnswort - Hypericum perforatum St. Johnswort is specific to nerve restoration and has remarkable pain relieving qualities. it is also available in homeopathic preparations. Use internally and externally in generous and frequent amounts.
Mullein Root - Verbascum thapsus - Lucky for me I had actually made some a few years ago! The following uses I learned about from my herbal friends Darcey Blue, Kiva Rose, and Jim McDonald. It can be used specifically for sciatica, as well as for structural maladies like when your "back is out" or something feels "tweaked" and is causing pain or spasm. I have been using this in 5 drop doses, about 3x day.
Rue - Ruta graveolens - Rue is listed in homeopathy as a specific remedy for sciatica. Although it is general understanding that homeopathic remedies and herbal preparations do not behave the same way when taken, I personally feel deeply connected to the preparations I have made and prefer to take them instead, simply adjusting the dose (usually lower) as needed. My Rue tincture is made from a plant I acquired some years ago at the Women's Herbal Conference and have tended since. If you are good at muscle testing or with a pendulum, you might find your correct dose that way. I am taking 3 drops 2x day.
4. ACUPUNCTURE
It HELPS, I promise. Make an appointment and go. Have someone drive you and carry you if necessary. Especially if your acupuncturist also uses Moxa and herbal remedies. Accupucture
5. MASSAGE
If you're in a situation similar to mine, stretching will be out of the question. Massage can offer some immediate comfort as well as assist the muscles out of spasm. Deep tissue massage or localized deep pressure massage has proved most effective for me. A friend or partner with a steady elbow or strong thumbs are the best. It's likely you will know exactly where you want the pressure. Once a day after the hot bath is ideal, as more than that will perpetuate the superficial bruising that is likely.
Massage and acupuncture will also assist in restoring the numbness or "lame" feeling you likely have in your toes and/or leg.
If you have another form of massage that is your favorite, by all means try it! What I'm finding is that I must take the "all of the above" mode of healing in order to address this. No one remedy is enough on its own.
6. OILS & LINIMENTS
Frequent applications of nerve healing, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxing herbal infused oils provide additional help. I started out the week by using my pain killer salve. It provided some help, but upon the advice of the Acupuncturist, I switched to using straight St. Johnswort infused oil, to which I added a little bit of Roman Chamomile essential oil. The difference seems to be that the pain killer salve directs itself primarily to muscle tissue and is more warming in nature, while the concentrated St. Johnswort oil directs itself primarily to the nerves and is more cooling in nature.
Herbal infused oils are wondrous preparations that can be made at home by steeping herbs in a carrier oil for 4-6 weeks, and easy to acquire from home herbalists online. Or perhaps you are lucky and have a nearby apothecary. A few herbal infused oils in addition to St. Johnswort that are helpful are:
Essential oils as most of you know are different than infused oils. They are the pure volatile oil of the plant obtained (most often) through a distillation process. They are *highly* concentrated and require attention and care when utilizing. The safety and quantity of application varies widely from plant to plant. Essential oils are meant for external use, and can be diluted appropriately by adding a few drops to your chosen herbal infused oil.
Chamomile e.o. (in this case I'm using Roman Chamomile, not the German blue) is highly anti-inflammatory and incredibly soothing to the whole body and spirit.
Clary Sage e.o. is known for it's pain relieving ability and is often used in the case of severe injury, muscle spasms, and debilitating PMS.
Lavender e.o. Many people find Lavender to bring them "home". It's comforting, healing, and widely used to help restore homeostasis and heal on'es spirit.
Peppermint e.o. Cooling peppermint can aid in bringing swelling down and will increase circulation without increasing heat. Peppermint is also good at breaking up stagnant areas of the body, creating movement and energy flow in stuck spots.
Liniments(herbal extracts in alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin meant for topical use) can also be used. I would recommend the same set of herbs as above, however here we can add Arnica - the quintessential bringer of circulation, famed for it's ability to speed the healing of bruises, sprains, contusions where no skin is broken, and various injuries to muscle and bone. Arnica liniment can be applied generously, as well as bathed in if you have the bulk herb, and is also a valuable homeopathic remedy.
7. SLEEP
Extra sleep is needed to restore the balance of the body in all ways. The muscles have a chance to relax, the nerves have chance to rebuild, the temperatures in the body have an opportunity to balance and perform their optimal roles. Dark rooms with no artificial light provide the body with the purest of sleep.
8. HYDRATION & LUBRICATION
My husband banned me from coffee for a good 5 days. Although it wasn't too bad, for I needed to replenish the waters and internal lubrication of my body, so I complied.
WATER is awesome, INFUSIONS even better. In the case of sciatica, our goal is to hydrate, reduce inflammation, and nourish the nerves. Here are some delicious nourishing herbs that are specific to these purposes:
Linden flower/leaf - Tilia spp - Yum! This slippery flowery goodness is a gourmet treat for the nerves. About any plant in the Malvaceae family will offer the same benefits; marshmallow, hibiscus, okra, rose of sharon.
Milky Oat tops - Avena sativa - Oats, especially the milky oat tops, are exceptional at restoring nerves.
Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis - A strongly aromatic herb, you may want to halve the quantity for an herbal infusion, or simply enjoy frequent cups of tisane (aromatic tea steeped only for a few minutes, like a tea bag). Lemon balm settles anxiety and is wonderfully balancing to the nervous system.
Licorice root - Glycyrrhiza glabra - is sweet and settling. It helps restore the integrity of mucous membranes in the intestines, and can help alleviate pain and swelling. It is nutritive and only a small amount is needed in an infusion; about 1 tablespoon to a quart.
OILS are integral to nerves. A fat deprived body is a body whose nerves are starving. Foods that contain high quality fats and are nutrient dense should be included daily, such as salmon, sardines, grass fed butter, organic bacon fat, coconut oil, avocados, whole eggs, grass fed organic cheeses, olives, and grass fed organic organ meats once a week. Bone broth from grass fed animal bones and miso are also highly effective components of a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet. For further guidance on real foods, see the Weston A Price foundation.
9. BREATH
Deep belly breathing brings oxygen to every cell in the body, and exports what is no longer needed. Breathing deeply is a simple and powerful tool, allowing you to initiate healing without moving, without help, and without costing you a penny. Using your minds-eye, you can also direct you breath into afflicted areas for localized healing.
10. RELEASE
Beyond the practical, lies the secret you. Checking in with your thoughts and present internalized stressors can reveal areas of panic, fear, or tension which may need to be mentally or emotionally freed. Maybe this is a little esoteric, but who cares when you're flat on your back in agony! There's no side effects here. Release can be assisted by breathing, chanting or mantra, affirmations, self-dialogue, self-love practices, loud moaning, or journaling.
Louise Hay on Sciatica: "Probable Cause: Being hypocrytical. Fear of money and of future. New thought pattern: I move into my greater good. My good is everywhere, and I am secure and safe."
And lastly......... a note on OTC's (Aleve, Advil, Tylenol, etc.). This is up to you. Use prudently, care for yourself well, and keep a dialogue going with your health care professional. Some folks react differently to each kind, and require different quantities. I can't give any advice on this (I'm a plant person!) but I'll say that if the pain compares to giving birth (as mine did) - do what you need to do. I can count on one hand the times I've needed to take an OTC anti-inflammatory, and unfortunately this past week is one of those. In fact, I may never know if it even made a difference, but I'm happier to keep the focus with my plant allies and absorb the healing wisdom my body is offering my during this journey.
Today is day 8. I've been measuring my pain level from the start (which I named a 10), and my steady pace towards healing has shown about one number lower per day, with little dips up and down. I'm hovering between a 4 and 3 today, with little signs of a 2 and rare moments of 5. Walking is difficult; my leg feels lame and I don't have 100% muscle control (similar to how the experience of walking when your leg is asleep feels). Pain is aggravated when sitting in a chair, and better when applying any of the above therapies. I've kept my spirits up for the most part which I have to believe helps. In a couple days, I might be able to entertain the idea of stretching the muscles involved, and as a former dancer I have a plethora of stretches to choose from. You can use yoga resources for poses that help the hips, sacrum, and buttocks release.
Yet most healing of all to my spirit, to no surprise, is hobbling my wobbly self out into the sunshine to feel the grass on my toes, bury my face in my monarda flowers, and suck in the gift of sun rays.
~Ananda
Feel free to share what works for you in the comments <3. Re-post freely, in article's entirety please.
Today's long (but valuable) post from theprincessinthetower.org (see link below) includes video clips and follows on from other recent posts about non-medication treatment options for living with chronic pain. Let's face it, we know there's no cure for neuropathic pain, there are just medications that for some people, can reduce the severity of the symptoms. There is therefore, nothing wrong with trying to find non-chemical options which may end up achieving the same levels of success. If you have found that natural treatment options have worked for you, please let the blog know and share your experiences with other readers.
Natural Ways to Ease Chronic Pain Jo Malby The Princess in the Tower (No clear date)
Due to the wide variety of conditions that cause chronic pain, some of the following may not be suitable for everyone but always be proactive in your condition and search for relief because it is out there, even if it just takes the edge off, you could find a better quality of life simply through a course of complimentary medicine. Often it is a matter of trial and error to find the right therapy, or indeed therapist, to help you manage your chronic pain. Always listen to your body, be aware of the possibility of a healing crisis and do not be discouraged if you feel worse before you feel better, as this is often the nature of healing. The following is a list of valuable and proven pain-relieving treatments, which have all had positive benefits for many chronic pain patients:
Acupuncture- Long known for its pain-relieving properties, acupuncture also helps you achieve improved immunity and a greater sense of wellbeing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to stimulate energy flow, or chi, removing blockages in your meridians, which are like rivers of energy; When a blockage of energy occurs, it is like a dam that backs up the flow and in turn leads to illness. Acupuncture unblocks the dam within a person’s energy system by inserting fine, sterile – and usually disposable – needles a few millimetres into your skin at specific points on the body. This causes surprisingly little, if any, discomfort; you may experience a tingling sensation where the needle is inserted or a brief dull ache, but also a general feeling of the energy moving coupled with deep relaxation.
The physician can determine exactly where the energy is blocked and can then use needles, pressure or cauterisation, either directly at the site of the blockage or through some remote acupuncture point, to unblock it - a little like dynorod. Needles are usually left in place for anything between 10 and 30 minutes and may be rotated or tapped to increase or disperse energy. Occasionally, acupressure points may be stimulated by moxibustion, which is the burning a small cone of dried Chinese herb known as moxa – usually artemesia vulgaris latiflora – close to or on the point to warm, nourish and stimulate weak chi in areas that are cold or painful. Acupuncture also releases endorphins into the body, boosting mood and overall well-being. During treatment, very fine needles are placed in acupuncture points to reduce your symptoms and pain, it is also immensely helpful at balancing fatigue.
Massage Therapy - Releasing tension in the body, stimulating blood flow, relaxing tired muscles and helping relieve pain, massage therapy is hugely popular for patients with a diverse range of conditions from Lupus to CFS, Fibromyalgia to arthritis. Therapeutic massage comes in range of treatments from highly skilled therapists, among their more gentle forms of massage are remedial massage, aromatherapy - which combines the healing power of essential oils and soothing movements - and hot stone massage, which swiftly warms the muscles, bringing fast relief and relaxation. Caution must be taken regarding the intensity, because the pain can be aggravated by massage that is too aggressive. Avoid deep tissue work or stronger forms of body treatment, in case they induce a flare-up. Restorative/Therapeutic Yoga - This is the most gentle form of yoga about, so gentle in fact, at the beginning the exercises will hardly feel like moving at all, as such tiny movements are employed to begin strengthening patients who have perhaps been bedridden for a prolonged period of time. Restorative Yoga is a restful, passive form of yoga designed to open the body deeply but gently. It promotes deep relaxation, induces a feeling of profound peacefulness and allows the body and mind to move into stillness. It also soothes your central nervous system, leaving you feeling refreshed, rested, and calm.
Cushions, bolsters and yoga belts are used to support your body so that it can release without effort. When supported with props, the body relaxes and opens, releasing tension in the muscles and the mind. Done in sequence, a restorative yoga practice will bring your whole body into a relaxed state, and allow your mind to become quiet and reflective. Yoga nidra practices are often integrated into the class to support relaxation and bring balance to your whole system. Proven to reduce pain in fibromyalgia and chronic back pain, it can also help a variety of other chronic pain conditions. Always check the qualifications of your instructor and be sure to start of very slowly; one on one sessions are preferable simply as the instructor can teach completely aware of your needs and pace.
Restorative yoga turns on the healing relaxation response by combining gentle yoga poses with conscious breathing. Below you will learn four restorative yoga poses that may be practiced on their own or in a sequence and can bring great relief from chronic pain.
Each pose is meant to be held for longer than a few breaths; you can stay in a restorative pose for a few minutes or even longer. The stillness allows the body to drop even the deepest layers of tension. Because the poses use props to support your body, the right support in a pose will make it feel effortless, so your body can fully let go, unlike during more strenuous workouts that so often result in painful flare-ups.
Restorative/Therapeutic Yoga Sequence:
Nesting Pose
Nesting pose creates a sense of security and nurturing. It may also be a position you are comfortable sleeping in, making it an excellent posture to practice to help with insomnia or other difficulty sleeping.
Lie on your side, legs bent and drawn in toward your belly. Rest your head on a pillow, and place a pillow or a bolster between your knees. Rest your arms in whatever position feels most comfortable. If available, another bolster or pillow may be placed behind your back for an extra sense of support.
Rest in the natural rhythm of your breath, observing each inhalation and exhalation as it moves through the body. Take comfort in the simplicity and effortlessness of this action.
Supported Bound Angle Pose
This pose relaxes tension in the belly, chest, and shoulders that otherwise can restrict the breath. Lean a bolster on a block or other support (such as telephone books). Sit in front of the bolster with your legs in a diamond shape.
Place a pillow or a rolled blanket under each outer thigh and knee, making sure that the legs are fully supported without a deep stretch or strain in the knees, legs, or hips. Lean back onto the bolster so that you are supported from the lower back to the back of the head. Rest your arms wherever is most comfortable.
Now notice the whole front of your body relax and gently open as you inhale. Follow this sensation and feel the ease in the front of the body as you breathe.
Supported Backbend Pose
Supported backbend is a heart-opening pose that reinforces your desire to embrace life and not let challenges - including pain - separate you from life. This pose also works magic to release chronic tension in the back and shoulders.
Sitting, place a bolster or a stack of pillows or blankets under slightly bent knees. Place one folded pillow or rolled blanket or towel behind you; when you lie back, it should support the upper rib cage, not the lower back. If you need extra support underneath the lower rib cage and lower back, roll a small towel to support the natural curve of the spine. Place a rolled towel or a small blanket to support your head and neck at whatever height is most comfortable.
This pose improves the flow of the breath in the upper chest, rib cage, and belly. Allow yourself to feel this movement as you inhale and exhale. Imagine breathing in and out through your heart center. Visualize the movement of breath from your heart to your lungs as you inhale, and from the lungs back out through the heart center as you exhale. Supported Forward Bend
This pose relaxes the hips and back, unraveling the stress of daily activities on the spine. Hugging a bolster and resting your head on its support provides a natural sense of security and comfort.
Sit cross-legged on the floor. Lean forward onto the support of a sofa, a chair, or a stack of pillows, blankets, or cushions. If you have a bolster, place one end in your lap and the other end on the sofa, the chair, or the stack of support. Rest your head on whatever support is available. If you are using the bolster, you can hug it in any way that feels comfortable, turning your head to the side. Be sure that whatever support you are using is high enough and sturdy enough to support you, without creating strain in the back or hips. If you feel a strong stretch that is uncomfortable to hold, you need more support.
In this pose, the belly, chest, and back all expand and contract with each breath. Feel the movement of the whole torso as you inhale and exhale. Feel your belly and chest gently press into the support of the bolster or pillows as you inhale. Let the sensation of your breath deepen the sensation of being hugged.
These simple relaxation practices will lead you on the path of ending your suffering. Yoga can teach you how to focus your mind to change your experience of physical pain. It can give you back the sense of safety, control, and courage that you need to move past your experience of chronic pain. For more on 'restorative' or 'therapeutic' yoga visit this blog post.
Soft/Meditative Martial Arts - Soft martial arts, such as Tai Chi and Chi Kung, are really moving meditations. Improving your posture, breathing and awareness, they are gentle and calming practices that have been shown to benefit patients with chronic pain and variable illnesses. Being of Taoist ilk, they hinge on the idea that everything is made up of energy, or chi (qi), and through practising tai chi or chi kung - even if bedridden and simply using chi kung meditative or breathing techniques - you can cultivate and store chi, leading to balance and healing, reducing flare-ups and calming an already over-stressed nervous system.
Tai Chi and Chi Kung move the blood, therefore they generate energy without much movement or stress on the body, so are ideal for individuals who have some health challenges and cannot do a lot of physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, or even walking. Chi Kung allows everyone who desires improvements in their body to do the movements standing up. sitting or even lying down; and the breathing techniques of Chi Kung allow oxygen to flow deep into the cells, tissues and organs of the body.
If you find it too painful to stand, Tai Chi in a Chair is a great book, click here or for Seated Taiji and Qigong click here. Alternatively, Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis DVD has great exercises. To begin to feel the chi or energy follow these gentle exercises for a beginner (see videos below); a more advanced but still wonderfully gentle exercise routine can be found here: 9 Minute Tai Chi Routine.
Pain Relief and recovery Tai Chi exercise one
Pain Relief and recovery Tai Chi exercise two
Pain Relief and recovery Tai Chi exercise three http://taichi-europe.com/ Hi my name is John Hine, welcome to Hine Tai Chi. You will find a host of ways to learn Tai Chi and Chi Kung on this site.
The slow and gentle movements of tai chi also open up energy channels, and the rhythmic movements of the muscles, joints, and spine pump energy through the body, thereby flushing out the stagnated chi, replacing it with fresh, oxygenated chi. And Tai Chi can be performed in a sitting position, making it suitable for those in wheelchairs or who's balance is particularly impaired. To find out more about tai chi for people with disabilities, check out this article from Action Online, about tai chi in a chair - As a form of healing exercise, tai chi/chi kung is perfect for those with disabilities, chronic pain and physical limitations. Research has shown that tai chi provides all the benefits of a rigorous workout but, because it is not strenuous, it carries no potentially harmful side effects.
Osteopathy and Chiropractic Treatment - Though the root of the word 'osteopath' means 'bone', osteopaths do not actually treat bones. Rather, they use the bones as levers to improve the condition of other structures in the body like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and organs. By treating these structures, osteopaths can aid the body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractors, on the other hand, tend to focus on the spine and the alignment of vertebrae as the primary means to relieving pain and tension throughout the body. The spine consists of the vertebrae, which are bone segments that protect the spinal cord, and the individual nerve branches stemming from it. These nerve branches exit between the bones, conveying important messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Because the vertebrae shift and move with everyday activity, they can misalign and interfere with the nerve messages travelling among them. This interference causes problems, and frequently pain, throughout the body.
Watsu Aqua Therapy - Watsu is a combination of massage and Shiatsu in warm, 34 degree water, giving a floating massage. This is my utter all-time favourite therapy. It is astonishing how healing Watsu is and on so many levels, helping physically as well as emotionally. With the therapist assisting your buoyancy (and a couple of floats attached), you float comfortably in a large pool of warm water while your muscles are massaged, your joints rotated & mobilized, meridians (energy pathways) stimulated. This combined stimulation and weightlessness produces and incredibly relaxing experience that many describe as being spiritual in nature. This beautifully relaxing and healing therapy can be used for treating stress, chronic back pain, orthopaedic problems, arthritis, sleep disorders, anxiety, CFS, CRPS/RSD, fibromyalgia and many other chronic pain conditions.
What makes Watsu unique is its ability to take the receiver beyond physical relaxation. It produces such deep relaxation that the mind appears to shut down – leaving silence where there is normally continuous activity and noise. It is only when the body and mind are quiet that you can experience complete release of tension. Another wonderful thing about being in warm water, aside from the obvious therapeutic benefits, is that the painful allodynia of RSD/CRPS is massively reduced, leading to much lower pain levels throughout the treatment, and healing benefits that last long afterwards. Watch this wonderful video for more information:
Watsu Aqua Therapy Watsu Aqua Therapy, provided by Judy Fox - For more information, visit: http://www.watsuaquatherapy.co.uk Receiving Watsu was Jo McDonaldVideo by Anthony Carpendale - http://www.vimeo.com/antcarpendaleMusic by Ochre
Water Therapies ; Aqua Physiotherapy There are many different water-based physical therapies that studies (and patients) have shown to be very effective with chronic pain and conditions such as fibromyalgia and CRPS. One interesting therapy is Ai Chi. Ai Chi is a water-based total body strengthening and relaxation progression that bridges East and West philosophies, and integrates mental, physical, and spiritual energy. It combines Tai-Chi and Qi Gong concepts with Watsu techniques, and is performed standing in shoulder-depth warm water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. All thermal aquatic bodywork takes advantage of the waters properties, fostering range of motion while challenging balance (safely) and facilitating core strength and stability. The series of movements in Ai Chi is simple, but effective and becomes meditative when performed repeatedly and coordinated with the breath. The philosophy and breathing in Ai Chi are similar to those of land-based Tai Chi, many of the benefits seen in Tai Chi are applicable to Ai Chi. Many of the Ai Chi benefits come from breathing and exercise, as well as effects related to the relaxed contemplative state.
Jun Konno, ATRIC, creator of Ai Chi, is one of Japan's foremost swimming and fitness consultants and the President of Aqua Dynamics Institute (Japanese chapter of AEA). Since 1986, he has worked to promote aquatics in Japan and is Chairman of the Executive Committee for Japan's National Aquatic Conference. In the mid-1990s, Konno asked Ruth Sova, MS, president of the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute and founder of the Aquatic Exercise Association, to help popularize Ai Chi Together with Konno, Sova undertook the project of spreading word about the program globally. They published Ai Chi: Balance, Harmony and Healing in 1999 and developed a certification program.
Read an informative article on Ai Chi here; also the following links talk about the benefits of aqua-based therapies for chronic pain and fibromyalgia:
About Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) Potential Climate Benefits for fibromyalgia Study: Effects of Pool-based Exercise in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) The Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Global Fibromyalgia Symptomatology Vitamin D, Sunlight and Health The Natural Healing Properties Of Marine Environments
Myofascal Release (MFR) - This is advanced body work designed to relieve or reduce pain, restore function and mobility. Working on the fascia or soft/connective tissue that has hardened through living with chronic pain. It is astonishingly healing and very gentle (always speak up if anything causes increased discomfort - this applies to all therapies and treatments). MFR brings about permanent change in the body, so results last longer than more conventional forms of massage treatments. Everyone can benefit from this kind of body work as, over the years, fascia can harden in various places around the body, only adding to your already high discomfort. Particularly helpful for fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. Always check the credentials of your therapist. Play the following video for a comprehensive description of what MFR is and how it can help heal you, not just physically but emotionally too.
Myofascial Release in Brighton and Hove Myofascial Release in Brighton and Hove. Steve and Jeanna demonstrate this effective advanced body work explaining how it differs from conventional massage.
Craniosacral Therapy - Craniosacral Therapy works on the spinal fluid and it a variation of osteopathic and chiropractic medicine, where a therapist gently places his/her hands atop your skull and feels for the oscillation frequency - the small degree of movement that the skull bones naturally retain throughout life. This is a subtle motion of the membrane encasing the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord down to the sacrum, the bone at the bottom of the spine. The therapist gently manipulates the bones to bring them back into proper alignment. It is said to improve the fluid movement in the systems throughout the body. By doing this, it can enhance many functions: the provision of nutrients to cells; the removal of toxins and waste products from the tissues; the circulation of immune cells; the delivery of fresh blood to organs and tissues; and the movement of cerebral spinal fluid.
It feels almost like a very gentle massage, but is a potent healing therapy for a wide variety of disorders, including chronic pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, learning disabilities, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, vertigo, whiplash injury, TMJ, herniated disc pain and musculoskeletal problems. While surprising and somewhat inexplicable, even many skeptics acknowledge that "sometimes it just works."
More Natural Ways to Ease Your Pain to Follow... For videos and information on various complimentary therapies, follow theselinks: Acupuncture Osteopathy Sports Massage Hot Stone Massage Hot Lava Shells Massage Aromatherapy Massage Indian Head Massage Reflexology Natural Facial Thai Massage Personal Yoga Deep tissue Massage Myofascial Release http://www.theprincessinthetower.org/Natural-Ways-to-Ease-Pain.html
Supported Backbend Pose
Supported Forward Bend
Soft/Meditative Martial Arts - Soft martial arts, such as Tai Chi and Chi Kung, are really moving meditations. Improving your posture, breathing and awareness, they are gentle and calming practices that have been shown to benefit patients with chronic pain and variable illnesses. Being of Taoist ilk, they hinge on the idea that everything is made up of energy, or chi (qi), and through practising tai chi or chi kung - even if bedridden and simply using chi kung meditative or breathing techniques - you can cultivate and store chi, leading to balance and healing, reducing flare-ups and calming an already over-stressed nervous system.
Osteopathy and Chiropractic Treatment - Though the root of the word 'osteopath' means 'bone', osteopaths do not actually treat bones. Rather, they use the bones as levers to improve the condition of other structures in the body like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and organs. By treating these structures, osteopaths can aid the body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractors, on the other hand, tend to focus on the spine and the alignment of vertebrae as the primary means to relieving pain and tension throughout the body. The spine consists of the vertebrae, which are bone segments that protect the spinal cord, and the individual nerve branches stemming from it. These nerve branches exit between the bones, conveying important messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Because the vertebrae shift and move with everyday activity, they can misalign and interfere with the nerve messages travelling among them. This interference causes problems, and frequently pain, throughout the body.