Contributed by Paul Lambeth
Shiatsu is a Japanese word literally translated as ‘finger pressure’. It developed from traditional oriental massage practised in the home by the ‘barefoot doctors’ over 3,000 years ago, and today its evolution continues to adapt to our constantly changing lifestyles.
Shiatsu is based upon an understanding of the human body as a system of energy. Just as when we place a magnet below a piece of paper with iron filings on top we see a pattern expressing the magnetic energy field, so too there is order to the electromagnetic field of the human body. This energy circulates through our body in channels called meridians, activating and charging our internal organs and their functions.
The activities of modern life distort our pattern of energy and these channels become blocked and imbalanced, affecting us both physically and emotionally. During shiatsu hands and thumbs are applied with varying degrees of pressure and the body may be stretched or kneaded so that areas of tension are relaxed, and points of weakness revitalized. This stimulates and harmonizes the flow of our energy, and the body’s natural healing force is awakened to restore well-being. Relief can be gained from such symptoms are back pain, stress, asthma, stiffness, headaches, insomnia and so on.
Pressure on specific points not only releases hormones including natural pain-killers, but also improves the circulation of blood lymph and affects the nervous system. Receiving shiatsu is a special experience which is both relaxing and rejuvenating. How often you have shiatsu will depend upon your own personal needs and goals. Whether for instance you wish to maintain or regain your health, and upon your body’s individual self healing capacity.
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Pulsatilla
Someone needing Pulsatilla may complain that their mouth feels dry, but they are not thirsty. This sensation may follow eating an overly fatty meal. The tongue may be coated with a thick white or yellow deposit, while there may be a stone-like sensation in the stomach. Accompanying nausea may be aggravated by warm liquids and relieved by cold drinks. There may be a bad taste in the mouth on waking, and the taste of food previously eaten may come up with burping – this may remain in the mouth for a long time. Pain of flatulence is made worse by the jarring of a misstep while walking. Generally may feel worse resting and better for a gentle motion. Although chilly, may desire fresh air.
Nux Vomica
Digestive disturbance following overindulgence in rich food, alcohol, or smoking. Disturbance may also be related to toxicity from overuse of drugs such as painkillers or laxatives, or lack of sleep from burning the candle at both ends. Flatulence is likely to be related to constipation, which may be habitual as a result of bad eating habits. Food lies in the stomach feeling like a heavy knot and may give rise to hiccups. Burps taste sour and are difficult to bring up. The person needing Nux Vomica may feel hungry but also averse to food at the same time. Colicky pain in the abdomen is relieved once a bowel movement has been achieved.
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While the EEG does not diagnose seizures, certain abnormalities on the EEG are commonly associated with certain seizure types and can help your physician determine your child’s treatment and the probable outcome. Thus, just as classification of seizures is useful, so classification of the EEG is useful also.
Roger is in the third grade and has been a very good student. But in the second half of the year the teacher sends you a note that Roger is not working up to his ability. He is not paying attention in class; he often daydreams. Sometimes, when he’s asked a question, he claims that he didn’t hear the question or that he has forgotten the answer. What’s happening to Roger? Is he bored and daydreaming? Is he not smart enough to understand the new work and, consequently, confused? Is he upset or depressed by events at home or school? Is he having staring spells (absence seizures)?
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