Chronic pain - Causes and Treatments“Chronic and recurrent pain is a specific healthcare problem, a disease in its own right” J L Henry. An individual’s pain may be relieved by understanding and addressing the specific causes and mediators relating to that pain. Pain may be multi-factorial and can arise from several sources but one of more of the following factors will be involved:
A person’s perception of pain is strongly linked to their emotional state. It is the brain which is responsible for an individual’s experience of pain. In the brain pain and emotion share the same neural pathways and are therefore closely linked. Pain states can cause an increase in frustration, worry, anxiety and depression. Likewise frustration, worry, anxiety and depression can cause an increase in pain related conditions. Anger and sadness amplify pain. Love and similar emotions tend to decrease pain. Stress increases the inflammatory load because it stimulates the pro-inflammatory mechanisms due to defects of the stress response systems. Treatments which can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve mood include Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Nutritional Therapy and Meditation. Nutritional status Medication and / or manipulation may reduce pain and inflammation but they cannot influence a diet induced pro-inflammatory state. Dietary modification and supplementation are the only interventions that will address underlying causes. The Average British Diet, with its high dependence upon meat, dairy products, manufactured foods and sugar laden foods, is pro-inflammatory. Non-specific musculo-skeletal pain can often be linked to Vitamin D deficiency. Nutritional Therapy is required to address dietary change, supporting supplements and lifestyle changes. Inflammation of body tis The pain of inflammation and injury is usually limited and resolves as the injury heals. However inflammation and injury are always accompanied by changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems and in some cases inflammation can sensitise the nervous system. If further inflammatory agents such as poor diet, smoking, toxic toiletries, stress etc are then added this can lead to chronic inflammatory states and hence the experience of painful conditions. Treatments which can help to reduce inflammation include Nerve Reflexology, Nutritional Therapy and Aromatherapy. Acidity Acidification of body tissues causes localised pain and the degree of local tissue acidosis correlates with the severity of the pain. High acidity of body tissues increase the loss of minerals such as magnesium and potassium which are necessary for muscle relaxation. The Average British Diet, with its high dependence upon meat, dairy products, manufactured foods, cereals and sugar laden foods, is very acidic Treatments which can help to reduce or remove acidity include Nutritional Therapy and detoxification programmes. Gut Health A high fat diet can affect the composition of the friendly bacteria in the gut. A high proportion of bad bacteria can increase gut permeability leading to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut can lead to over-stimulation of the immune system and the development of auto-immune diseases. Toxins produced in the gut due to poor dietary choices can lead to inflammation in muscle, fat stores and the liver. Treatments which can help to improve gut health include Nutritional Therapy and specifically gut treatment programmes. Hormonal balance Women have a higher prevalence than men of several pain related conditions such as migraine and tension headaches, fibromyalgia, IBS, Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. When both sexes suffer from the same pain condition, women often report more severe, frequent, widespread and longer lasting pain. Women tend to have an heightened inflammatory response due to the role of hormones in inflammation. The incidence and intensity of pain varies with a woman’s menstrual cycle and with pregnancy. As oestrogen levels decrease near to menstruation then pain related conditions tend to increase. Contraceptives and HRT which interfere with natural hormonal balance have been linked to pain syndromes. The menopause is often associated with an increase in musculo-skeletal pain. Treatments which can help to restore hormonal balance include Nutritional Therapy, (Hormone balancing Food plans with supporting supplements and lifestyle measures) and Reflexology. |
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Massage Therapy
Massage can help to release chronic muscular tension and pain, relax and tone the muscles, improve circulation, improve lymph flow, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Massage is the quickest, surest way to create a sense of relaxation and well-being. It is comforting, soothing, reassuring and makes us feel happy. A regular massage will maintain vitality, promote healing and keep muscular tension at bay. We offer several styles of massage; Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Indian Head, Pregnancy, and Swedish.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of improving health by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. In the absence of any particular illness or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury, and illness.
Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist manipulates the pressure points according to specific techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain, illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the application of pressure at the respective foot or hand location.
I offer various forms of Reflexology practice, including: Classic Foot and Hand Reflexology, Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT), Nerve Reflexology and Maternity Reflexology.
Nutritional Therapy
The foods that we consume play more of a role in our health than perhaps anything else. The saying, “you are what you eat”, is very true and good nutrition leads to a healthy body and a sound mind.
Nutrition is the science that establishes the relationship between a person’s diet and their levels of health. As a fully qualified nutritional therapist I can advise you on dietary and nutrition matters relating to your health. Following a good diet can have an incredible effect on your quality of life and hence Nutrition is one of the most important things to consider in your life.
After all it is not the number of years in your life that matter, but the life in your years.
Within this therapy I offer the following: Nutritional Therapy, Dietary Advice, Iridology, Detoxification Programmes, Healthy Eating Workshops, and Individual Coaching .
copyright © 2012 Dot Hurley.
