Pain Relief Newsletter June  2003 [ Send a copy to a friend ]   When Food is Pain:  Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome causes a great deal of pain and emotional/ physical distress.   Eating causes the colon to contract.  Food, stress, or a combination of both can trigger an IBS attack, but the specific foods and/or the level of stress varies from person to person. In addition, for many women irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by menstrual cramps due to the excess hormones present at this time. (READ ARTICLE) How To Prevent Tennis Elbow A repetitive motion with just about any part of your body will typically backfire on you with stress-related pain, and the elbow is no exception.  That's why you don't necessarily have to be a tennis player to get the condition known as tennis elbow -- but it probably helps. (READ ARTICLE) Do-It-Yourself Relief For Back Pain The Thompson Maneuver helps people with low back pain, disc problems, sciatica, scoliosis and even back pain that travels up the spine, causing migraines and problems in the arms and hands.  It works for one simple reason -- it corrects the alignment of a pivotal area of the back -  the sacroiliac. (READ ARTICLE)   Bowen Technique and MS Several years ago she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  THis was the explanation for why her energy levels were so low, and why she was beginning to lose sensation and control of her legs.  She sought out a variety of doctors with mixed results and was eventually confined to a wheelchair.  With the help of her naturopath, she began to show faint signs of improvement.  Finally, she was able to move her foot a little.  She was ecstatic!  Her naturopath then advised her to try some massage work on her legs to help improve their functioning. She made an appointment with a massage therapist, not knowing he also practiced the Bowen Technique.  He suggested that Bowen would be less stressful on her system than conventional massage, so she decided to try it.  During her first treatment she wondered how such strange body work could be called massage.  He hardly touched her at all?!! After returning home, she went to bed and slept, feeling as if she'd been in a marathon.  About two days later, she felt as if her "batteries" had been recharged, those parts of her which had been stiff and sore were more flexible.  Encouraged by these results, she began getting regular weekly Bowen sessions. Gradually she experienced steady improvement, which included her being able to walk behind the wheelchair instead of always being in it.  She still felt very tired after each treatment, but her energy returned after she rested for about an hour. Her improvement included more flexible movement in her legs and general improved mobility.  With the help of the Bowen Technique, she truly believes she is well on her way to walking independently.   Fibromyalgia - A Survival Manual - BOOK REVIEW                          Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain - A Survival Manual An estimated 26 million Americans have either fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), or both in the form of an FMS/MPS complex. The volume by Starlanyl, a physician who specializes in the research and treatment of FMS/MPS and who has both conditions, and Copeland, a writer and FMS/MPS patient, discuss all aspects of both disorders. They also offer information on the latest medications, tips for bodywork, and suggestions for coping with family and work, getting support, and dealing with the healthcare system. Appendixes include lists of agencies and organizations and of audio and video aids. Both books are recommended for consumer health collections, but if only one can be purchased, Starlanyl and Copeland's work has the edge due to its greater scope and more comprehensive coverage Library Journal   The Graceful Chinese Art of Tai Chi (good exercise for seniors) Chinese practitioners believe tai chi, a martial art that focuses on slow, flowing moves, has widespread physical and psychological health benefits for all ages. But it is proving especially beneficial for elderly people who would have trouble participating in other types of exercise. (READ ARTICLE)   "Hidden Illnesses" Looking Good But Feeling Bad Millions of Americans have what some call "invisible disabilities" or "hidden illnesses."  They look well, but they deal with serious physical problems -- everything from post-polio syndrome, lupus and hepatitis to diabetes, Crohn's disease and irritable bowen syndrome. (READ ARTICLE) Laughter Eases Hospital Pain Medical experts in the U.S. found laughter helped children relax, which had a major impact on how they dealt with and accepted pain.  They believe the healing power of humor can reduce pain and stimulate immune function in children with cancer, Aids or diabetes and in children receiving organ transplants and bone marrow transplants. (READ ARTICLE) Newsletter Archives September 2002 October 2002 November 2002 December 2002 January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003 May 2003