Category: Health Treatments

A Helping Hand – Chiropractic & Acupuncture

A Helping Hand

By Philip Petts – Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Chiropractors primarily treat musculo skeletal conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, neck pain and sports injuries. The word chiropractic is derived from Greek and means ‘to perform with the hands’. This is because the most important component in a chiropractor’s treatment is the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the body. Poor, inadequate or incorrect spinal function can cause irritation of the muscles that control our posture and movement, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Irritation of the nerve in one area can lead to pain (known as ‘referred pain’) in other parts of the body; these symptoms may include headache, chest or abdominal pain or pain in any of the joints or limbs.

Chiropractic142aAt your first consultation your chiropractor will take a full case history and you will be given standard orthopaedic and neurological tests. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and treat them using manipulation, soft tissue therapy and other modalities such as ultrasound. The chiropractor manipulates the joint a little further than the patient would be able to do on their own, thereby normalising the function of the joints and muscles to ease, or remove pain. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or use surgical procedures so if there were an underlying condition for which other treatment would be appropriate, the chiropractor will refer you to your GP or other specialist.

 

An essential part of chiropractic treatment is to teach patients how to take care of their own body. Once the problem has been relieved, it is important to prevent similar problems arising in the future and your chiropractor can help you by offering lifestyle advice and a programme of exercises to be done at home. Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone from pregnant women and babies to sports enthusiasts and the elderly. As of June 2001 the term ‘chiropractor’ is protected by law and anyone referring to him or herself as a chiropractor must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment, which can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the patient’s body to heal and repair itself, if it is able to do so. It stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle and can produce a variety of effects. The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) states that acupuncture increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin – in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain and that this modifies the way pain signals are received. However, it may also do more than reduce pain; it can have a beneficial effect on health and patients often notice an improved sense of well being after treatment.

AcupunctureModern research shows that acupuncture may potentially affect most of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Before commencing treatment, the practitioner should carry out all necessary tests, which might point to any serious or potentially serious condition that may require other forms of medical treatment. The practitioner will assess each patient’s case and treatment will be tailored to the individual, therefore it is impossible to give more than a general idea of what might be involved. Typically fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation; the number of needles varies but may be only two or three.

Acupuncture-like techniques have been used for over 5,000 years; a comprehensive system was developed initially in the Far East and first introduced into Europe during the 17th C. Over the past few years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular.

According to the BMAS, very large claims have been made for acupuncture in the past. However, not all of them can be substantiated and the BMAS are concerned that such claims may alienate many people – doctors among them – who might otherwise be sympathetic to the view that acupuncture can, in selected cases, be an effective method of treatment.

At the moment, anybody in the UK is allowed to call him or herself an acupuncturist and can practice acupuncture regardless of qualifications or experience. Acupuncture is a potent therapy and the BMAS recommends that patients check the credentials of their practitioner, as acupuncture should only be used by trained practitioners who can adequately assess the risks and benefits of applying the therapy. BMAS members are subject to a Code of Practice and Complaints Procedure in addition to meeting the requirements of the statutory regulatory body for their profession.

Philip Petts DC, MBCA, SRC, SRMLSO, FIMLS has 18 years post-graduation clinical experience and is one of the few chiropractors in the country to be employed by the NHS (NHS by GP referral only). He has clinics in Ashford and Charing, Kent for private consultations. He is a registered chiropractor with the General Chiropractic Council and a registered acupuncturist with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

For more information on private consultations potential patients are welcome to call Philip on 07973 560681 or visit his website www.ashfordchiropracticcentre.co.uk.

 

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Aloe Vera – Which Type of Aloe

Which Type of Aloe?

In my opinion the filleted inner leaf gel is superior to aloe ‘juices’ produced by the whole leaf method because whole leaf products are filtered and often concentrated. This process using a powerful filter may remove ingredients we are not yet even aware of.

In terms of consumer products, the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) allows the term ‘Juice’ to be used for a liquid containing only 15% certified aloe vera. To qualify as ‘Gel’ the product must contain at least 85% certified aloe vera. Even when buying an inner leaf gel look for the Seal of Approval of the International Aloe Science Council.

Why Does It Work?

It works by providing a rich cocktail of nutritional elements whose combined action and balance produce a more powerful effect together than would be expected from the actions of the individual components. This is because they work as a team, enhancing each other’s effect – known as synergism. It also has adaptogenic properties which means it is a substance which increases non-specific resistance of an organism to adverse influences such as infection or stress.

Where Does It Work?

Aloe vera, because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, helps firstly to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes its healing.

Antioxidants fight the destructive ‘free radicals’, the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism and found in environmental pollutants. They are thought to cause various ailments including some cancers as well as contributing towards the ageing process.

An epithelium is an anatomical term defined as follows:- “An epithelium is a layer of cells that covers the body or lines a cavity that connects with it”. Our largest epithelium is our skin but also included are the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes and the genital tract. No wonder that aloe works just as well on damaged skin as it does, say, on an inflamed bowel or in asthma i.e. it works on surfaces and membranes rather than solid organs.

How Does It Work?

It’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action combined within its nutritional constituents promote cell growth and therefore healing.

However, it is not only helpful for people with problems as most people taking it report a greater sense of wellbeing – they just feel ‘better’ or they report feeling calmer and less anxious.

I believe this last comment is due to aloe’s second effect on the immune system which you may say becomes balanced or fine-tuned and therefore more efficient at defending the body from attack.

Aloe vera is not a panacea for all ills and there is no magic about it. I believe it works primarily in the two areas mentioned previously – epithelial tissue and the immune system. This is supported by a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence but is now being backed up by clinical trials.

Many thousands of people over the centuries have reported benefit for various skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, acne, even stings and bites. They have found relief for bowel disorders such as colitis, diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other conditions resulting from a disordered immune system such as arthritis, asthma and ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus) have improved after a regular ingestion of aloe vera gel.

Aloe vera therefore has a complementary role to play in the management of various conditions. As I have said its positive effects are now being demonstrated in clinical trials, such as in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

It is very important however that people always seek the advice of their doctor when a diagnosis is in doubt or where a condition does not improve. Self-diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic the more simple ones.

Forever Living Products

Founded in 1978, and operating in over 150 countries, Forever and its affiliates have become the largest grower, manufacturer and distributor of aloe vera and bee products in the world. Avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides, our patented stabilisation process ensures our aloe vera is essentially identical to the inner leaf gel. And because we are not dependent on any other supplier, we can guarantee the quality of our aloe.

For more details on Forever Living Products contact Julie Allfrey on 07850001919

Email: julie@teamja.flppro.biz

www.teamja.myforever.biz

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