Yoga Relieves Chronic Pain

Chronic Back pain causes significant emotional distress, loss of mobility and is difficult to treat. Chronic pain always requires a multi disciplinary approach. This is because a chronic condition significantly impacts on many aspects of life and there are always psychosocial variables which contribute to the emotional suffering for a better or worse outcome.

Something as simple as yoga appears to relieve pain and improve mood for those with a chronic pain condition. This pain can significantly improve the mobility and quality of life for many sufferers.

90 people with chronic low back pain were assigned to either a yoga group or a control group that received standard medical care in a recent study published in the journal Spine Sept 2009

Those in the yoga group participated in 24 weeks of biweekly yoga classes designed for people with chronic lower-back pain. Six months after the study ended, those in the yoga group reported significantly more improvements in pain and functionality compared with subjects in the other group. In addition, depression was much lower in the yoga subjects. The use of pain medication was reduced, but that reduction was similar in both groups.

"The yoga group had less pain, less functional disability and less depression compared with the control group," Kimberly Williams, the lead investigator, from West Virginia University, said in a news release. "Proponents of yoga have long described its benefits in reducing back pain. But not everyone was convinced. This is a much bigger, much more rigorous evaluation than had been done before."

The classes were taught by an instructor certified in Iyengar yoga, a style that emphasizes posture.

Will alcohol make your brain a "pickled walnut" ?

The brain can be damaged by persistent over use of alcohol even though the user may not feel intoxicated. In what has been described as a "pickled walnut" effect, of globalised atrophy of the brain, MRI scans show a shrunken brain with extra fluid out it. Alcohol abuse can lead to vitamin B deficiency which may cause significant memory deficits. The quantity of alcohol required to cause serious damage is different for each person and genetic factors play a role. For some families the leading organ damaged may be the liver, for others it may be the heart or the brain. The results of current research were presented by Dr Daglish , Director of Addiction Psychiatry at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital a Health Care Symposium on 13th October 2009.

BACK FROM THE BRINK

Our client SM recommended this excellent book which is heartfelt and practical. Graeme Cowan is an Australian author writing about his own experience and also gives tips from others who have exerienced depression. He experienced five very severe episodes of depression from the age 21 years . He gives hope and encouragement to those suffering emotional distress and the people who care for them.

Cowan writes "I hope it will stop you or those you love from falling into the same downward spiral. Whilst writing the book I found that almost every person I spoke to knows of someone close to them who has suffered from depression. So I reiterate - you are not alone."

http://www.iambackfromthebrink.com/ this website is excellent and includes talk on youtube and testimonials.

How to help when children are sad or grumpy.

When a child is very emotional or upset , the emotion will subside best when the receive support from others. Some parents have difficult knowing how to help because they cannot handle their own feelings comfortably. Some suggestions which may assist calm the upset child include:

Validation: “it is okay and understandable that you have these feelings”. Not don't be silly now grow up!

Empathy: “I can see that upsets you”. what's wrong with you.
Room to feel: “Let me hold you while you cry” or “you might need a few minutes to be upset before we talk” . Not hurry up and stop that nonsense
Time to talk: “when you are ready to talk, Please tell me what your feelings are” . not get over it!
Opportunity to Learn: “ Is there anything valuable to learn from this experience?” forget it !

…Sometimes children need to release their feelings in ways other than talking such as art,play, dance, and story writing . It is helpful to provide a supportive environment so the child feels safe to express feelings.

Respect your child’s confidence. They be embarrassed and ask you to keep the issue private. This can ensure successful healing experiences and a healthy relationship of trust.

Dr Antonia Penna writes, "In a partnership of love and respect you can work together to examine and resolve your child’s hurt feelings – empowering them for life."

Hurtful Experiences by Dr Antonio Penna CE of the Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney.