Ailment: Arthritis
Treatment: Bowen Therapy
Client: Pam

Overview
Pam, a 61 year old lady, found me via the internet having had successful Bowen treatments previously for her sciatica with her sister who is a Bowen therapist based in Australia.

Now Pam was suffering badly with arthritic knees. This was severely compromising her quality of life as she couldn’t walk far and needed to use painkillers. However the pain from the arthritis still managed to disturb her sleep and wake her up on a regular basis.

After assessing Pam, I ascertained that the problems with her knees were probably due to the knock on effect of an un-level pelvis and locked sacrum. This is often the case with knee problems, the knee being such a complex joint that it is often the first to show wear and tear.

Bowen Therapy Treating Arthritis - Treatment 1

The first session was aimed at levelling the pelvis and freeing the sacrum.

After the session Pam reported that the pain in her knee went immediately after the moves I made on it.

Bowen Therapy Treating Arthritis – Treatment 2

Pam’s second session of Bowen Therapy was arranged for one week after the first. However Pam called me and asked to bring it forward. Apparently she had felt so well that she found herself running for a bus, but injured herself in the process.

The result was that she now had a swollen left knee and a shooting pain in her calf! The second treatment concentrated on this.

Apart from this blip, Pam reported that her knees were much better and she had felt very well since the first treatment.

Bowen Therapy Treating Arthritis – Treatment 3

A week later Pam came for her third treatment of Bowen Therapy for arthritis. She was extremely pleased saying that her knees were now 95% pain free and she was sleeping much more comfortably.

Upon closer inspection I found she had a much freer movement in her hip joints. Having spoken to her a month later, I was pleased to hear that she is off the painkillers and still feeling “wonderful”

Client Testimonial

Pam provide me with the following feedback:

“I was very pleased with the results I achieved from undergoing a course of Bowen Therapy sessions to help my chronic pain and arthritis. After only 3 treatments, I feel like a new person. I have arthritic knees which were giving me a lot of pain and after Julie did her *thing* the pain has just about gone.

“I am a great believer in Bowen as I discovered it in Australia while travelling with my sister, who is also a Bowen healer and cured me of my sciatica.”

Article submitted by
Julie Dexter, Bowen Therapist
Long Eaton, Nottingham

Date published
07/01/2009

Learn more about Bowen Therapy, the conditions it can help and find a local Bowen Therapy practitioner here

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No.10 - CoQ10 / Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10, or Ubiquinone, is a natural substance found in the cells of animal and plant life and helps in the production of energy from food. It is important for immunity and an essential nutrient for the cardiovascular system.

People suffering with Parkinson’s disease, high cholesterol and CHF (congestive heart failure) have been found to have low levels of CoQ10. Deficiency of the coenzyme Q10 causes muscle weakness and taking a supplement can benefit cell structure helping to maintain healthy tissue. It is of particular benefit to those with CHF or people taking statin drugs to reduce cholesterol levels.

No.9 - Garlic
One of the stalwarts of natural health, garlic supplements are beneficial for infections, the heart, circulation, cholesterol, stomach and colon. Garlic has been found to reduce high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) due to its blood thinning effects. Garlic is also a popular treatment for colds, flu and infections.

The latest research on garlic has been into its cancer preventing properties. Consumption of allium vegetables such as onions and garlic were found to have an effect on decreasing the rate of colon and stomach cancers (possibly by inhibiting the formation of tumours) while other studies are looking into its effects on stimulating the immune system and protecting the liver.

No.8 - Chondroitin
Similar to Glucosamine, Chondroitin is a natural chemical in the body used to make cartilage (the shock absorbing compound in-between the joints). People with osteoarthritis suffer thinning of the cartilage which causes the bones in the joint to rub together, this leads to pain, swelling and difficulty moving. Chondroitin supplements have been found to help pain relief and improve cartilage function and is typically taken in conjunction with glucosamine.

No.7 - Ginkgo Biloba
Probably one of the most studied herbs on the planet, Ginkgo Biloba has powerful antioxidant properties that come from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. Best known for improving cognitive function, this herb has been used to help prevent and treat dementia and boost brain power in healthy adults.

Recent evidence suggests Ginkgo also aids circulation and may help to reduce cardiovascular diseases and arterial diseases that lead to eye and ear disorders.

No.6 - Herbal Remedies (combined herbs)
There are many individual herbs that are worthy of mention in out top ten list but some of the most beneficial results have been found when herbs have been combined. Various ingredients within a remedy or pill can have an additive effect on health that individual compounds alone may not. For instance, many herbs can aid inflammation but a combination of inflammatory treating herbs can produce even better results.

Combined herbal remedies can treat a variety of conditions from anxiety to the common cold. Getting the dosage right is key to an effective herbal therapy treatment so visit a trained herbal medicine practitioner for the best and safest results.

No.5 - Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb from the ginseng plant (there are many types including American, Chinese and Korean) and is used to fight off illness, boost immunity and act as general product for improving well-being. Ginseng is most commonly used for stress relief. The herb has been found to support glands that produce stress hormones helping to alleviate anxiety and stress-related conditions.

Ginseng has also been found to increase physical, mental and sexual performance. Recent studies into panex ginseng (Chinese or Korean types) have found the herb to have a mild effect on men who suffer with impotence as it can marginally increase testosterone levels and sperm production. Eleuthero ginseng (American and Siberian types) has been studied for its effects on people with type 2 diabetes as an effect blood sugar control.

No.4 - Flaxseed
Flaxeed, available as an oil or in pill form, is seen as a vegetarian alternative to fish oil as it also contains omega-3 essential fatty acids. However, the type of omega-3 that flaxeed contains differs from fish oil omega-3.

Flaxeed contains alpha-linolenic acid, the parent essential fatty acid to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil. Flaxeed has benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial to women who suffer PMS or are pre-menopausal. Flaxeed can also help asthma sufferers as well as being part of a diet for someone looking to lose weight. Flaxeed shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for omega-3s found in oily fish.

No. 3 - Echinacea
Has there been more debate about the benefits of echinacea than any other natural product? Probably not, but the numbers who use this extract from the root and flowers of the purpurea, angustifolia and pallida will testify to the results they’ve received on prevention and treatment of infections to the upper respiratory tract and the common cold.

Containing flavonoids, glycoproteins and other active compounds that stimulate the immune system, echinacea is a herbal remedy that has been found to cut the risk of a cold by up to 50%.

No.2 - Glucosamine
Already mentioned alongside Chondroitin, Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cartilage that sits in-between the joints of the body to prevent bones rubbing together. Glucosamine has been recommended for people suffering with osteoarthritis and the prevention of arthritis by helping to keep cartilage healthy.

No.1 - Fish Oil
Probably the most popular natural health product on the market today is fish oil. Containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, this oil can be taken as part of a healthy diet that contains oily fish such as sardines or within fish oil capsules.

Fish oils can help keep the heart and brain healthy and help with inflammatory conditions such as IBS, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Current studies are also looking into its effects on conditions such as asthma, ADHD and depression. Fish oil’s benefits on the cardiovascular system and are certainly without debate.

Visit a trained holistic health practitioner in 2009

So there you have out top ten natural health products for the year. If you want more information on how these and many more products that can help with your health and well-being, visit a trained alternative medicine and complementary therapy practitioner. Herbal Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and Homeopathy may be of particular interest when considering natural health products.

Learn more about therapies and find a therapist here

Date published
30/12/08

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Benefits Of Glucosamine For Arthritis

The party season is upon us. It is a time to eat, drink and be merry…. in moderation.

Most people over-indulge a little over the festive period, but it can do more harm than you think. Apart from headaches and nausea that accompanies too much alcohol, it plays havoc with blood sugar levels.

If you drink too much or on an empty stomach, blood sugar is elevated too quickly and then drops too low causing confused thinking, shakiness and cravings for all the bad things. Blood sugar levels can continue to drop during the night causing night sweats, shakiness or palpitations. This can continue into the next day when people often crave high carbohydrates or sweet things.

Nutritional therapy tips

The answer is not to overindulge! Make sure you don’t drink on a empty stomach - eat a light meal first if you are going somewhere where there are only nibbles or canapés and stick to the crudités rather than the pastries. Try and dilute drinks with sparkling water or alternate alcohol with a glass of water (not high sugar fizzy non alcoholic drinks). Avoid coffee (even decaf) which will further dehydrate you and choose peppermint tea.

Have plenty of water at bedtime and take more water to bed with you. Have a light snack if needed at bedtime of oatcakes or Ryvitas with a slice of chicken or ham, this will help to stabilise blood sugar during the night. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C to help the liver break down toxins and B vitamins (in a 50 mg B Complex) as these are depleted by alcohol. Milk thistle is a herbal tincture available in all health food shops that helps repair the liver cells.

For the next day . . a good breakfast is a fruit smoothie made from berries or mangoes with banana, sesame seeds, natural yoghurt and some apple juice or rice milk. Follow with some scrambled eggs on toast if needed. Drink well diluted fruit juice or water during the day, avoid refined carbohydrates (anything made from white flour) and eat a little protein (seeds, chicken, fish, eggs) with each meal or snack and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. This will help return blood sugar levels to normal.

With regard to Christmas dinner, you don’t need to pile the plate up just because it is Christmas! Have a normal portion and save the extras for boxing day. Eat your Christmas pudding later on or have my lighter version of Christmas Pudding (below). Don’t forget to stock up on sprouts which have sulphur compounds that can combat cancer of the lungs and colon. They have detoxifying enzymes and plenty of vitamin C (as long as you steam them).

Christmas Pud (without the Pud) - taken from Delia Smith Vegetarian Collection:

For the compote: mixed dried fruit - apricots, prunes, large raisins, figs, mixed spice to taste, Marsala wine.

Mix all the ingredients and leave covered overnight in a cool place.

The next day place in an pan and simmer, then transfer to the oven and cook very slowly at 130 degrees for a couple of hours (check there is sufficient liquid from time to time). Leave to cool and then chill.

Mix in toasted flaked almonds and serve with a spoon of Greek yoghurt sprinkled with grated chocolate and nutmeg or cinnamon. The compote will keep for up to 7 days.

Nutritional party food

Party Food: If you are hosting a party, here are some ideas for healthy party food:

- Asparagus bundle wrapped with Parma ham
- Smoked chicken piece & mango on cocktail stick
- Smoked salmon, crème fraiche and chives on oatcake
- Melon & king sized prawn on cocktail stick
- Smoked ham & cucumber on oatcake
- Basil, mozzarella & tomato on cocktail stick
- Avocado slices & tapenade on oatcakes
- Tuna, beetroot & horseradish on cocktail stick
- Duck & dried apricot in chicory boats
- Chilli pumpkin seeds
- Mini fruit salad kebabs (mango, pineapple & strawberry)
- Dates stuffed with light cream cheese and a walnut

Article submitted by
Sam Silvester, Nutritionist
Lambourn, Berkshire

Date published
24/12/08

Find out more about nutritional therapy and find your nearest practitioner here

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Beating a migraine over Christmas

A migraine attack can ruin Christmas and New Year celebrations and many people are unable to enjoy the festivities due to these severe headaches. However, the risk of a migraine can be lessened by taking a few simple steps.

Reduce stress
Try to keep everything low-key whenever possible. Although this might sound a little boring, getting stressed out and over-stimulated can bring on a migraine attack as adrenaline levels rise. If you have lots to do, try to delegate tasks and chores to others in the family so you don’t overburden yourself. Take a few moments in the day to relax and combine this with a little exercise.

Reduce sugar intake
Christmas means there’ll be lots of sugary snacks tempting you but try not to over-dose on the chocolates which can act as a trigger to your migraine.

Eat regularly
Routine seems to go out of the window over Christmas and New Year but one thing you should try to keep in check is your eating pattern. Eat regularly and as you would on any other day whenever possible.

Not too much alcohol
Booze is another migraine trigger and the temptation is to have one too many over the holiday period. Alcohol will dehydrate the body and lead to a migraine headache so drink in moderation and have plenty of water in between drinks to keep the body hydrated and stave off an attack. A good rule of thumb is to drink the equivalent in water to alcohol.

Sleep normally
It’s nice to have some time off over the Christmas break but avoid having a lie in. Disrupting your usual sleep pattern can trigger a migraine attack so try to keep your routine as normal as possible.

Treat yourself
Christmas is the perfect time to pamper yourself so why not try one of the many alternative medicine and complementary therapy methods that can help you relax and prevent or treat your migraine. Massage, Acupuncture and Reflexology can all help your stress levels and migraines.

Learn more about migraines and other therapies that can help here.

Here’s to a merry migraine-free Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

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Nutrition advice on what to eat this Christmas

Want to know the real secret to a hangover? Simple, don’t drink so much or don’t drink at all. That’s easier said than done and even less likely over the Christmas and New Year period so let’s look at some of the natural hangover cures you can try.

Hangover cures range from the sublime to the ridiculous with many being little more than urban myth or even medical myth (some doctors have been known to advocate certain remedies for curing a hangover). ‘Hair of the dog’, fry-ups, strange concoctions involving tobasco and eggs - these so called ‘cures’ can only offer anecdotal evidence to their effectiveness in overcoming a hangover.

This time of year there’ll be an influx of advice to treating a hangover with the basic remedy of water rehydration and salt replacement still seen as the best. However, there are a few natural remedies you can try to ease that throbbing head and churning in the stomach.

Natural hangover cures

Hangover headache - That splitting headache renders you useless as you try to avoid loud noises and bright lights. Taking medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can affect your stomach which is probably in a delicate state already so go for a herbal alternative. Feverfew leaves have been used effectively in treating headaches and migraines for some time and allergic reactions to them are rare. Feverfew is available in tablet, tincture or liquid extract form.

Hangover Nausea/Sickness - Feeling a bit nauseous? Ditch the caffeine which will make your dehydration worse and make a nice cup of Ginger tea. The soothing spice and warmth of ginger will nurse your stomach back to health. If you don’t fancy the idea of Ginger tea, take a couple of ginger capsules instead.

Another natural hangover cure you may have heard of is the aptly named Nux Vomica. Containing alkaloids, Nux Vomica has proven to be effective in stimulating appetite, easing constipation and generally helping an upset tummy. Nux Vomica is available in tablet or tincture form.

Hangover dehydration - Hangovers are a combination of toxins in the system, depletion of Vitamins and dehydration of fluid. That dry mouth and headache are classic signs of being dehydrated so it makes sense to rehydrate with water before going to bed to lessen the effects the following day. Hydrating properly before you start on the alcohol will also reduce the impact.

Hangover energy drain - We’ve already mentioned that a hangover is caused in part by depletion of essential vitamins in the body and the lack of energy and general listlessness is the physical reaction to it. Replace those vitamins by taking a B-complex tablet before heading to bed and when you wake up. B-12 can also restore energy and help you overcome that drained feeling. Vitamin C can be replaced with tablets or a glass of orange juice or tomato juice.

Bananas can give you a natural sugar hit through the potassium and fructose contained within them. A banana also has natural antacids which will be kind to your stomach and magnesium which can relax blood vessels and ease a pounding headache.

Stay safe and healthy this Christmas and New Year by drinking in moderation.

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Natural cures for stomach cramps

Yes, it’s Christmas and we all want to eat whatever we want and in large quantities. It’s almost a ritual this time of year. However, consider for a moment that on average we’ll consume seven thousand calories on Christmas day alone and you’ll start to see how easily the pounds can start to pile on.

If you’re struggling with weight management or obesity, the last thing you need is to tip the scales the wrong way so here’s some advice on eating sensibly over the festive break while still enjoying all the treats of Christmas.

Try to:

1. Eat a balanced diet. All those sugary and fatty temptations can quickly form your entire day’s eating so be mindful that you need a healthy balanced diet. Keep fruit and veg on the menu.
2. Eat smaller meals during the day if you’ve a big meal in the evening. The Christmas meal with work or friends is one of the highlights of the year, so if you’re going to enjoy it without feeling guilty keep your calories down during the day.
3. Keep track of what you’ve eaten. Before you know it, you’ve had three slices of cake and countless chocolates. If you’re someone who can’t remember what they’ve had, keep a notebook handy and jot down what you’ve eaten.
4. Get some exercise. You’ve eaten a big Christmas dinner, now all you want to do is sit in front of the telly. Don’t. Allow time for your dinner to digest and then go for brisk walk and work off some of those calories. You’ll feel better for it.
5. Stop when you’ve had enough. Over-eating is bad for your stomach and your health so when you feel full stop eating.
6. Keep away from the buffet. Focus on other things like catching up with friends or playing with the kids rather than standing by the Christmas buffet table eating.

Try not to:

1. Pile up your plate. Do you really need that big serving? Take smaller portion sizes and you might get to try a few more treats rather than stuffing yourself on one.
2. Go to bed on a full stomach. Allow three to four hours between eating and going to bed as the body doesn’t burn off the calories when you’re sleeping.
3. Keep getting on the scales after a meal. Weighing yourself after eating will only make you feel worse and it won’t give an accurate weight anyway.
4. Snack all day. Picking at snacks is a good way to gain weight. Remember: balanced nutritious meals throughout the day just like any other time of year.
5. Eat one thing. A good buffet will have plenty of different types of food so have a selection from each food group.

Cut the calories with some simple nutrition tips

Christmas day need not be all carrots and cabbage. You can easily make some simple substitutions and alterations to the day’s menu, cut the calories and still enjoy the festive food.

Breakfast - What could be a better start to Christmas day than some scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Just cut out the single cream when making the eggs (465 calories and 28 grams of fat) and replace with it skimmed milk -you’ll save nearly 90 calories and around 7 grams of fat.

Pre-dinner drinks - Before you sit down for Christmas dinner, swap a glass of mulled wine (245 calories) with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine (114 calories). What better way to toast the day than with some bubbly, and you’ll save around 130 calories.

Christmas Dinner - As a starter, avoid the prawn cocktail with seafood sauce which can contain over 300 calories and 25 grams of fat and go with the melon at only 50 calories and no fat. When the main meal comes, have skinless slices of organic turkey meat which is lower in fat and less calories (a saving of 100 calories and 6 grams of fat). For the turkey stuffing, have chestnut vegetarian instead of sausage-meat and cut 70 calories and 12 grams of fat from your meal. Instead of smothering your Turkey in gravy made from the meat’s juices, use granulated gravy and save 65 calories.

Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) can be replaced easily with prunes wrapped in lean pancetta (Italian thinly sliced bacon) and help reduce your calorie intake by around 120 and your fat by 23 grams.. Swap roast potatoes for boiled potatoes and save another 130 calories/10 grams of fat.

Dessert - Okay, you can’t go without mince pies and Christmas pudding on the big day but you can make a few changes. Choose a filo pastry mince pie and swap double cream for Greek yoghurt (105 cals/1.9grams fat) - you’ll save 263 calories and 23 grams of fat over traditional mince pies and cream. What about the Christmas pudding? Well, just cut down the slice portion to a medium slice and change brandy butter for low-fat custard. Instantly you’ll save 262 calories/12g fat.

Snacks - Avoid the big tub of chocolates and limit yourself to few pieces of Turkish delight without the chocolate coating. Instead of peanuts, go for unsalted almonds.

Buffet - In the evening, avoid the heavy cheeses like Stilton and go for the lighter Camembert. Chicken satay sticks are a healthier option to sausages on sticks and buy some filo tartlets to replace the Vol Au Vents.

Hopefully these tips will go some way to help you keep the pounds off this Christmas while still allowing you a few treats. Eat sensibly, eat healthily and have a happy Christmas.

Article submitted by
Daniel James Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date published
16/12/08

To learn more about nutrition and find a local nutritional therapist click here

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The winter is the time of year that we’re most likely to catch a cold. It’s almost inevitable that we’ll pick up a cold virus and start feeling the effects of a runny nose, sore throat, cough and sinus pain.

Alternative medicine and complementary therapy can help treat a common cold using natural health methods and products. Here’s our quick guide to treatments that will ease the symptoms of a cold and maybe prevent you catching a cold in the first place.

Simple herbal remedies for a cold

While not able to cure the common cold, herbal remedies are beneficial for relief from the symptoms while giving the immune system a boost so it can help you toward a quick recovery.

Echinacea - One of the most popular remedies for treating colds and flu. Echinacea can kick start the immune system which means it acts as a stimulant. The Germans prefer Echinacea over any other remedy for minor infections of the respiratory system.

Herbalist believe Echinacea is best taken in liquid form (for instance as a tea) because of its direct contact onto the tonsils (which form part of the lymphatic system that fights infection).

Echinacea comes in three species: purpurea, angustifolia and pallida. Echinacea purpurea is most commonly used. Dosage is important when treating the common cold and a daily dosage of 900mg has proved to be most effective.

Symptoms of a cold have been found to reduce from 13 days to 9 days when Echinacea has been taken. It is available in powdered extract form (which can be used to make tea), as a tincture or as a juice. Start taking Echinacea as soon as those cold symptoms appear and keep taking it for the next week to two weeks.

For a fever - A combination of herbs can be mixed to create a tea that will help lower your temperature.

Ingredients: 1oz of peppermint leaves (dried), 1 oz of Elder Flower (dried), half a pint of distilled water.

Instructions: Place the herbs into a saucepan. Boil the distilled water and then pour over the herbs. Cover the pan and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes. Use a sieve or tea-strainer to strain the liquid into a mug. Add honey for sweetness. This remedy has been known to reduce a high temperature by 5 degrees in less than two hours.

Quick common cold treatments

Here are some quick home remedy treatments for a cold using tried and tested natural remedies that you may have in the home:

Lemon - One of the best ingredients for a cold as it is rich in Vitamin-C and reduces toxicity. A slice of lemon in hot water with a drizzle of honey eases a sore throat and can speed up recovery.

Garlic - Good for the heart and good for a cold too. Garlic has antiseptic properties and its oil opens up the respiratory system to ease chest tightness. Make up a simple soup by boiling three or four chopped cloves and adding to a cup of water. Or, two to three times a day take five drops of garlic oil with a teaspoon of onion juice and add into a cup of water.

Turmeric - If you’ve got this spice in your home, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder added to a cup of warm milk is effective in treating a sore throat.

Ginger - Another age old treatment for coughs and colds is ginger. 10g of ginger cut into pieces and boiled in a cup of water - this should then be strained into a mug and a teaspoon of sugar added for sweetness (or honey). Ginger tea is also easily made by adding a few pieces into the water before placing the tea leaves into the pot. Drink twice a day.

And finally…

Zinc lozenges - You may not have these in the house but for future use consider buying a pack. Zinc lozenges have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by half. At the first sign of a cold, place a zinc lozenge that contains 10mg to 20mg of either zinc gluconate, zinc acetate or zinc gluconate/glycine into your mouth and suck it for five minutes or longer.

Don’t swallow the lozenge as this will lose its effectiveness.

When it has melted, have another one and repeat the process. Do this once an hour for four hours reducing this to down to every three hours. Zinc lozenges often come with added Vitamin-C and are available from most good health product shops.

Article submitted by
Daniel James Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date published
12/10/08

Learn more about alternative medicine and complementary therapy methods here

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Treating Headaches With Physiotherapy

Subject: Food intolerance
Therapy: Nutritional Therapy
Client: T.H – Female - Age 38

This is an interesting and challenging study that I am presently working on in my capacity as a nutritional therapist (nutritionist) in Sheffield. This case study aims to highlights how a wide range of health problems can have a common link, that is, food (food intolerance).

Once the offending foods are identified and removed, the body can start to heal. I will regularly update the food intolerance case study, so you can follow this lady’s progress.

There are 3 main reasons that I have chosen her:
1. She has a very healthy diet and lifestyle but despite this has many long term health concerns- so it indicates that ‘ her healthy diet’ may not be so healthy for her.

2. We had eliminated the usual food culprits such as wheat and dairy with no difference in symptoms

3. The client has had thorough investigation by the NHS which was inconclusive. They said it was definitely NOT linked to food or any food intolerance or allergy.

The case indicates to me that you are NOT what you eat, but you are what you digest and absorb.

Food Intolerance - The Client’s Story

Below is the story in her own words which she wants to tell.

“I have not felt well for many, many years and have suspected food problems for the past 10 years or so and have tried to eat a healthy diet within this time. I have felt really unwell for the past 18 months but the last few months have been the worst.

Food Intolerance Symptoms:
- Constant urinary tract infections
- Severe menstrual/ hormonal imbalance problems ( physically and emotionally)
- Constant cold sores
- Chronic fatigue/ Tiredness
- Muscle pain & joint pain
- Depression
- Poor concentration levels
- Memory, brain fog
- Ear & eye problems

Plus many other personal symptoms.

My condition affected life considerably. I had no energy for work / socially and found myself missing out on many things. All my energy was taken up with just getting up and going to work, I had nothing left after this. No vitality/ zest for life. I would sometimes cry to my partner and told him I felt like I had been taken over by aliens… he used to say he did not know where I had gone and that he wanted the old me back.

I have found that I have been ill around Xmas and have spent many a year curled up on the sofa feeling sick. The doctor sent me to the Tropical Medicines and Infectious Diseases Clinic, where they did millions of blood tests which all came back negative.

I told them about my symptoms and was considering food intolerances. The Dr categorically denied that ANY of my symptoms and the way I was feeling could have anything whatsoever to do with food or food intolerance. He just offered me antibiotics for cold sores.

I have visited various other hospital departments for my ongoing problems where I was offered various types of invasive medication, strong pain killers, pills to stop blood clotting and for my severe breast problems- which cause side effects similar to the symptoms I was experiencing.

I have tried various remedies and dietary changes and although I have felt relief for a short time my symptoms have always come back.

I sought professional help from a nutritionist in Sheffield & found Wendy Ayers who has given me nutritional help and advice.

I was at the end of my tether and I felt I had been let down so many times by the medical profession. I felt so sure that ALL my problems were connected and from the same boiling pot, but nobody apart from Wendy would recognise this. Sometimes I felt like I was going mad.”

Testing and treating food intolerance

28- 10-08
Food intolerance test indicated that T.H. has intolerances related to cow’s milk, pork, duck, turkey,
lamb, salmon, tuna, coconut and yeast.

7-11-08
T.H. came for a follow up consultation to discuss the outcome of the food intolerance test. She was advised which foods to eliminate from her diet, whilst at the same time having a nutritionally balanced diet. A programme of supplements to aid healing of the gut and aid food digestion was commenced.

14-11-08
Saw T.H. today who reports feeling irritable since excluding the ‘forbidden foods’. I explained that her body is going through a detoxification stage, it is early days yet, and to feel like this is normal.

She commented that she is feeling a little more alert and I noted that she did look more vibrant.

17-11-08
T.H. was away this weekend, how did she manage?
“Its great how helpful restaurants can be when you explain things to them, only drank champagne and had a few vodkas and fresh orange so am doing well. I haven’t had any hormonal symptoms yet this month and that should be happening right now…oh and my stomach feels really flat with no bloating! I have only been on the diet 16 days now so could all this really be happening so soon?”

24-11-08
It’s over 3 weeks into the new nutritional regime and only a few days before her next menstrual period is due. T.H. is only getting mild breast tenderness, not the severe symptoms experienced prior to excluding the ‘forbidden foods’. This is excellent news!

29-11-08
The ‘alien’ foods have been eliminated which were the root of her food intolerance and her body is healing. No horrible ‘monthly’ misery, increased energy. It’s working! There is sunshine at the end of the long tunnel. I am so proud of you, TH!

Article submitted by
Wendy Ayers IIR MAR AMGNI ITEC
Nutritional Therapist, Sheffield

Date published
12/10/08

To learn more about nutrition and find a local nutritionist click here

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Find out what your problem is and the options available for its treatment. Look for credible sources from which to get as much information as you can about your particular condition and the therapies that can help. In general terms, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine and complementary therapy works alongside conventional medicine.

Good health care information is available from:

1. Your GP or healthcare provider
2. Your local trained and accredited complementary therapist
3. Health Organisations
4. Support groups
5. Professional alternative medicine and complementary healthcare associations
6. Alternative medicine and natural health websites (well established and credible ones)
7. The Library
8. Patients with the same condition
9. Family or friends who have the same problem

Once you’ve found and utilised any or all of the above sources, you should ask the following questions:

“For my condition, what are the best treatments available?”
“Have those treatments proven to be effective?”
“How can I ensure the information I’ve got is reliable?”

Using this strategy you can become better informed about your condition and treatment choices by arming yourself with accurate and reliable information. With so much information available today, patients are no longer bound by just one medical opinion and people can find the answers that best suit the individual’s and family’s needs. Learn all the options and boost your chances of receiving the best heath care results for you.

Tip Two - Get a good recommendation

When seeking a good alternative medicine practitioner or complementary therapist, a good referral or recommendation is the best way to ensure an effective selection.

Family and friends can be a good source of recommendations, but they may not provide the most suitable option for you. Use more than one source for a recommendation.

Here is a list of useful sources for getting a good recommendation:

• Local alternative medicine practitioners or complementary therapist.
• Support Groups (there are plenty available online or from your local GP).
• Professional alternative medicine and complementary therapy associations.
• Local natural health colleges or training centres.
• Family, Friends, Colleagues.
• Natural Health Products Shops (such as health-food shops).
• Referral websites and services that advertise alternative medicine practitioners.

Obtain as much information from these sources about your particular problem as you can. If the information tends to repeat itself and comes from a reputable source you’ll be able to determine if it has possibilities for your condition.

When getting a referral, you’ll want to get as much information from your source as possible. Many times, with just a little extra information, you’ll know immediately whether this referral has possibility for you or not. For this reason it is important to know the right questions to ask.

Tip Three - Research your practitioner

Once you’ve found some suitable candidates to become your therapist, seek out information about who they are and how they work.

If the therapist belongs to a larger practice, you may be able to get a good picture of who they are by speaking to other members of staff or therapists that work alongside them. If they work alone, some well thought out questions can give you valuable information about expertise, education and professional associations they belong to.

Here are a few key questions to ask when researching a suitable candidate:

1. Can you provide me with some information or literature about your educational training, professional membership and treatment philosophy?
2. Is your practice covered by insurance?
3. What successes have you had in treating conditions similar to mine?
4. How long have you been practising your therapy?
5. How much will the first session cost and what will be the cost of any follow up sessions?
6. Do those fees cover any tests or supplements that I may require?

Using this information you can narrow down the list of suitable practitioners to ones that you would like to meet face-to-face And meeting your therapist is the next stage…

Tip Four - Meeting your therapist

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it is advisable to arrange a meeting with a practitioner to make sure you can work with them to overcome your problem.

First impressions, instincts and the right questions will guide you to choosing the right therapist. Healthcare professionals have wide-ranging personalities and bedside manners so it’s important to feel comfortable with the way your therapist behaves and works. Only you can determine what type of personality will work best for you.

During your meeting, consider these points so you get the most out of your time with the therapist:

- Be polite and open when talking with the therapist
- Describe to the therapist what you already know about your condition
- Inform them of what you know about how to treat your problem
- Make your replies to their questions honest, even if you don’t agree with their recommendations
- Take notes if it will help you recall the information given later on
- Let your instincts as well as your intellect guide you

Occasionally, an initial meeting with an alternative medicine practitioner or complementary therapist may require you to pay a small fee. Don’t be put off by this, you’re making an investment in your health and that will require effort as well as money.

Tip Five - Developing a partnership

Alternative medicine and complementary therapy is a two-way form of healthcare. You will get out of it what you are prepared to put in so increase your healing potential by developing a good working relationship with your therapist.

The healing process will be a fluid one which means you should be prepared to make changes to the way your treatment progresses in response to results. For the best results you need to develop a relationship that is based on trust, respect, communication and commitment.

Your therapist will ask certain things of you during your healing process and you should be ready to act on those instructions. Bear in mind that your partnership is for the benefit of your health and that is your main objective. Be open and honest but be prepared to be guided by your therapist’s expertise.

Article submitted by
Daniel James Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date published
10/12/08

Learn more about alternative medicine, natural health and complementary therapies here

Related articles:

A guide to choosing alternative medicine

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Ailment: Frozen Shoulder
Treatment: Bowen Therapy
Client: Dennis

Overview
Treating Dennis first presented to me in March of this year, having read of the Bowen Technique`s effectiveness in treating Frozen Shoulder.

He was at first very sceptical but willing to try anything after being told by his GP, a chiropractor and a specialist that nothing could be done to relieve his symptoms.

Dennis had fallen on black ice 15 months previously, leaving him with restriction and intense pain in his shoulder and also deadness tingling down his arm. In addition, he suffered severe neck pain and restriction, diagnosed as cervical spondylitis some 20 years previously, as well as extremely painful knees which was preventing him from being able to walk his dogs.

However, Dennis`s main concern was his shoulder pain (frozen shoulder) which was severely affecting his quality of life.

Bowen Therapy Treatment Schedule

Week 1
The first Bowen Therapy treatment consisted of the basic relaxation moves to balance and prepare the body for more targeted moves the following week.

Week 2
In the second week I used Bowen Therapy techniques to works on Dennis`s shoulders and arms in addition to the basic moves.

Week 3
By week 3, Dennis had hardly any pain in his shoulder with the added bonus that his knees were no longer painful. However, he still had neck pain which needing treating.

The next wave of Bowen Therapy treatments were concentrated on his neck to try and ease his neck pain. Within 10 days of concentrating on this area his neck pain had completely gone and he was pain free.

I carried out Bowen Therapy treatment on a bi weekly basis and then on a monthly basis.

The pain from the cervical spondylitis in Dennis`s neck has been kept under control and to date there has been no re-occurrence of the shoulder pain or knee pain. The result was that Dennis can now enjoy walking his dogs

Client Testimonial

“Both Denise (his wife) and I would like to thank you very much for your help. I personally was told by a physiotherapist, a specialist and a chiropractor that there was nothing that could be done for my frozen shoulder.

“I had been in a great deal of pain since falling down and having a frozen shoulder 19 months ago. All I can say is I wish I had known about you and Bowen Therapy before. I could have saved myself a great deal of unnecessary agony.

“Also you have greatly improved my damaged knees because before I came to see you I had to use compression bandages so that I could walk. I can now walk for miles without having to use any aids whatsoever. Once again thank you very much from Denise, both dogs and myself.”

Article submitted by
Julie Dexter, Bowen Therapist
Long Eaton, Nottingham

Date published
10/12/08

Alternative medicine, complementary therapy and natural health methods can help a variety of conditions such as frozen shoulder.

Learn more about Bowen Therapy and the conditions it can help by clicking here

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