Monthly Archives: May 2014

Photo of a man with back pain
May 23 2014

Does Osteopathy Work?

One of the questions many people wonder about is whether osteopathy works.
There is now clinical evidence published which shows that osteopathy and other similar manual therapies are effective and NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) now recommends manual therapy, including osteopathy, for non-specific low back pain lasting between 6 weeks and 12 months.
 
What about other conditions?
Get Well UK has conducted a number of studies involving patients’ responses to osteopathy and other manual therapies.
Patients were referred by their GPs to various alternative/complementary therapies of which osteopathy comprised 38% of the treatments.
 
The main complaints were back/neck/shoulder pain and joint pain. A subsequent audit of 58 patients who had received at least 12 treatments found that they reported a highly significant reduction in the severity of their symptoms, increased well-being and activity and 75% said they felt less worried about their condition after treatment.
GPs found this corresponded to an improved perceived quality of life, symptoms and general health.
Here is a link to their website with more information:

Get Well UK

There have also been other studies which support the efficacy of osteopathy, which can be viewed on the National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) website:
May 21 2014

Do you have ‘Computer Hump’?

Do you find you sit at your computer for hours at a time?
Does your job involve lots of data entry, typing or other computer activities?
Do you play games on your PC/laptop?
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ACHING BACK AND SHOULDERS?!
If you answered “Yes” to any of these question, you could have “computer hump”!
What is “computer hump”? (No, not THAT kind of hump!)
 
Computer hump is a painful condition that develops when someone has been sitting for long periods of time in front of the computer and is caused by the joints and muscles stiffening up through being in one position for too long.
This is especially the case if you sit incorrectly, slumped or with your head and neck bent forwards.  You can develop a small “hump” at the top of your back, below your neck, also known as a Dowager’s hump.

What can you do about it?
 
Well, first of all – stop spending so long on the computer. Set a timer for half an hour so you remember to stop, get up and have a stretch after this amount of time. 
 
If at work, at least get up and stretch, visit the loo, have a tea break, etc.
Do shoulder shrugs rotating backward and forward to help loosen up the joints.
 
Make sure you have a support for your lumbar spine (low back).  This will encourage you to have better posture.
If you have any aching or pains, go and see your osteopath who will treat the problem and give you exercises or advice to help prevent it recurring.
 

Remember, the sooner you seek advice about a problem the quicker it will resolve.

Silhouette of lake at sunset
May 20 2014

The Benefits of Meditation

Many people think that meditation is difficult and takes years of practice.  Of course, there are certain types of meditation which ARE more difficult, but anyone can benefit from the simpler types, such as guided meditation.  This is when a leader “talks you into” a meditation, relaxing your body first and then taking you on a mental journey to…anywhere!  The sky is not even the limit!

Graphic of a tropical beach scene

Tropical beach scene

When your body is in this state of relaxation, which is similar to a hypnotic trance, your brain waves change to a different rhythm, allowing your body and mind to become more and more relaxed.  This helps to restore your inner well-being and relax your physical body, leaving you feeling refreshed and calm.  Most people recognise how important the mind is as an influence on the health of the body, so improving your mind’s restfulness can only help with your physical symptoms and problems.  In short, meditation:

  • Relaxes the body
  • Rests the mind
  • Increases well-being
  • Improves general health
  • Balances the emotions
  • Increased immunity
  • improves symptoms of IBS and joint pain
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Induces calmness
  • May even improve fertility!

For a more detailed analysis of the health benefits click here: 7 Health Benefits of Meditation.

If you want to experience its benefits, join our meditation group!  Find out more here:  Stress-busting Meditation Group

 

Stylised person in lotus position coloured like a rainbow
May 18 2014

Great Stress – Busting Meditation Groups!

 

Whatever your answer, you need a Stress – Busting Meditation Group!  If you answered that you are anything from slightly to extremely stressed, Meditation can help you relax, sleep more easily and feel more chilled.  It can also enhance feelings of well-being and promote a healthier state of mind and body.

 

Even if you said you were not at all stressed, being a chilled out person, Meditation is perfect for you!  You will take to it like a duck to water!

 

Why don’t you come along to 4 Seasons Complementary Health on Saturday 21st June, at 1.30pm and share an afternoon with me and up to 9 others, travelling on a journey of peace and tranquility in your mind, guided by me!

 

Reserve your place NOW, by using the form below!  Or telephone or text me on: 07956 524679