massage

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Relaxation. Some natural ways to relax and beat stress

Good Nights Sleep

Good Nights Sleep

These days we all seem to be leading more stressful lives.  Indeed in a recent blog we pointed out some of the signs and symptoms of stress so please drop round and find out a bit more here https://patienttalk.org/?p=2355.

So we thought it would be great opportunity to do a post which looks at a few natural ways of relaxing without having to resort to formal treatments.

It would be great if you could use the comments boxes below to add any suggestions you might have on how best to relax.

  • Herbal tea.  My wife and I favour camomile tea.  Not only does it promote restful sleep but some recent research suggests it may help with muscle spasms.  That being said the U.S. National Institutes of Health recommend that women who are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid it.
  • Yoga.  This ancient South Asian exercise system is a great way of both keeping the body trim and relaxed.  In fact it is used as a treatment for a number of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis.  You can find out more here https://patienttalk.org/?p=571
  • Massage.  By soothing your muscles through different pressure points it’s a great way to wind down.  You can lean how to do it yourself http://www.learn-massage-therapy-online.com/learn-massage.html and save a fortune.
  • Acupuncture.  It seems that many people who use acupuncture to treat different ailments also experience a great sense of relaxation during the session.  Advocates suggest you can develop a great sense of wellbeing.  Have you tried it?  Does it work?
  • Breathing.  Yes, really deep breathing over a few minutes on your own can really help.  It’s not an old wives tale.
  • Hot water bottle.  Try lying on your back with a hot water bottle under your neck.  I’ve tried it and it really works for me.
  • Laughing.  Yes really.  Why not watch your favourite comedy program at the end of a stressful day to help you unwind.

Obviously there are loads of ideas and as we said it would be great if you could share a few of your ideas with our readers.

Thanks very much in advance.

38 Comments Posted on Patient Talk

Multiple Sclerosis- natural, alternative and complementary treatments for MS – Part One.


Menopause- the change of life

One of the features of this blog is to look at conventional and alternative /natural treatments for different medical conditions.  For this blog we will focus on natural treatments for multiple sclerosis.  It is interesting to note that People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) are often very receptive to non-traditional treatments.

It is worth mentioning that there are a number of treatments we won’t be covering, such as being stung by bees, because we can’t account for its veracity.  Asl this is the first of a two partpost  we won’t  cover everything so if you do have any ideas you wish us to mention in the next blog it would be great if you could mention them in the comments box below.

a)      Exercise is of course a biggie.  The key issue is “low impact” exercise so Yoga, Tai Chi and swimming all come highly recommended.  We covered yoga for PwMS in a previous blog which you may find of interest https://patienttalk.org/?p=571.

b)      Acupuncture.  This ancient Chinese system of medicine has been found by some people with multiple sclerosis to help with bladder control and spasticity.  Some useful information and very relevant links can be found at the National Multiple Sclerosis Societies’ web site http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/complementary–alternative-medicine/acupuncture/index.aspx

c)       Massage.  While not in and of itself a disease modifier it certain helps with stress and depression which are side effects of multiple sclerosis.

d)      Evening primrose oil.  Some studies have suggested that it may help with some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

e)      Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO).  Simply put this means that the patient breaths pure oxygen.  Some studies have suggested there are signs of improvement while many say it has no effect.

The more eagled eyed among our readers will note that we have not covered a diet at all in this post.  This is because we plan to review various diets in a set of future blogs.

The next stage is really over to you.  It would be great if you have tried any of these therapies we could have your feedback on how they worked.  You may wish to think in terms of some of the following questions:-

1)      How long have you had multiple sclerosis and what were/are your main symptoms?

2)      What treatments have you tried?  In particular which complementary treatments have you used?

3)      How effective were those non-traditional treatments?

4)      Would you recommend any treatments to others to help with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

 

Please use the comments box below to add your thoughts and suggestions.

Many thanks in advance.


4 Comments Posted on Patient Talk

10 great ways to beat stress

Modern life seems full work stress especially in today’s uncertain economic climate.  That is why stressbusterPatientTalk.Org is bringing you ten great ways to help you eliminate stress from your life.

a)      Eat blueberries.  True!  The Vitamin C is a great stress buster as well as being an all-round super food.  How about a bowl with your breakfast!

b)      Get down to the gym.  Exercise is not just good for your health it can kick stress’s butt!  Why not give yoga or pilates a whirl?

c)       More sleep.  What not get into bed an hour earlier?

d)      Laugh more.  Why not rent a great comedy or just spend time with friends and family outside!

e)      Meditation.  Getting recommended by Doctors at lot!

f)       Try massage.  A great way to get those muscles loose.

g)      Dogs.  Combine exercise and friendship with a dog.     Why not get a dog from a shelter and give it a good home?

h)      Counselling.  If things are getting on top of you why not seek a professional who can help!

i)        Cut out alcohol and tobacco.  While they may work in the short term they can add to your stress with regular use!

j)        Herbal tea!  Why not switch your coffee for camomile tea and see if it helps your stress?

Do you have any stress busters you use which we have not mentioned here?  If so please tell us about them using the comment box below?  If you have tried any of the above ideas why not let us know how they work.