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Site Map + London Alternative Health Resources
Site MapAlternative Health Home Page.
Here you'll find what's on in Stoke Newington healthwise each month.
Find a Practitioner in Stoke Newington, London N16
This page contains a complete listing of alternative health practitioners and therapists from acupuncture to yoga. Also includes health food shops, alternative medicine centres, fitness and life coaches, leisure clubs, counsellors and psychotherapists.
Search Listing Page
Search the listings page on this link. Also includes information on healthy eating in pregnancy.
A-Z of Alternative Health Therapies in Stoke Newington, London N16
Details the particular therapies that are available in Stoke Newington.
Resources & Site Map + Alternative Health Articles & Information
Health related activities in Stoke Newington. Please email me if there is a Stoke Newington site you would like to see included. Also included on this page are articles on holistic health.
Latest Alternative Health News & Research Findings
Updated monthly with the latest news and research in alternative medicine.
email
Please feel free to contact me on any issue relating to this site but please note that personal health questions cannot be answered.
Nutrition Articles
Contains information on nutrition. The underlying theme of the articles is that nobody can tell you what eat to optimise your health. Only you can know this by trial and error, or by testing. We are all individuals with individual requirements.
Health, Fitness & Sport Resources in Stoke Newington, London N16Find A GP
Doctor's Surgeries in Stoke Newington
Find a Dentist
Dentists in Stoke Newington, London N16
Find a Homeopathic Drop-In Clinic
Shine Holistic 52 Stoke Newington Church Street, London, N16 0NB Telephone: 020 7241 5033 or 020 7249 9671. Costs £10. See Homeopathic Drop-In Clinic for details.
The Round Chapel, E5. The clinic is suitable for any acute conditions (i.e. anything that has come up suddenly and hasn't lasted longer than a week) for all ages. A 10-15 consultation + remedies is £15. The clinic is run by Grazia Gatti RSHom on Mondays 10 am and Wednesdays 3.30 pm
N16 Alcohol Service
for people who want to control or stop drinking. Offers advice and complementary therapies (ear acupuncture to lessen cravings, detox herbal tea and homeopathy) to local residents. No appointment. Just turn up on Wednesday mornings 10-12 at John Scott Health Centre (entrance in Springpark Drive London N4) All services are free. Phone 020 8525 1313
Woodbury Down Well-Being Service
is a free service for people over 50 who are anxious, depressed, have suicidal thoughts, experience panic attacks or other emotional or mental health problems related to alcohol abuse. Treatment includes acupuncture, meditation, qi gong and detox herbal tea. Just drop in on Monday mornings 9.30 - 11.45 at John Scott Health Centre (entrance in Springpark Drive London N4). No appointment necessary. Phone 020 8525 1313
LEISURE CENTRES IN HACKNEY
Hackney Leisure Centres
FOOTBALL
Sporting Hackney
Commercial senior football league. Train at Stoke Newington School, Clissold Road London N16
Hackney Women's Footbal Club
Train during the summer in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, London N16 from 6.30 - 8.30pm, Wednesdays. During the football season from September to April, train at local facilities.
Hackney Women's Football Club
Saturday mornings 10 - 11.30 in conjunction with Leyton Orient Football Club Coaching in the Community initiative, qualified and approved football coaches offer a great opportunity for kids from 5 to 12 years who are interested in playing football and developing skills.
Just turn up, £2 contribution for each child per session. Meet on the field on the Green Lanes side of the Park, near to the Park Lodge gate and the lakes (north end of Park).
Teams also for under 9's, under 10's and under 11's who play in a Sunday league and have links with the Leyton Orient FC Advanced School.
CRICKET
Stoke Newington Cricket School
This is a junior cricket club offering cricket coaching and opportunities to play matches for young people aged 4 - 17 years. Coaches are ECB qualified and the club meet on Saturday mornings during term time at Clissold Park and Stoke Newington School, Clissold Road London N16, 9.15am - 10.30am for 7 years and under, 10.30am - 12.30am for 8 - 17 year olds. Costs £2 to join the club and a £1 sub per week. The first week is free for you to see if you like the club!
For more information contact:
David Blundell - Secretary
Email: d.blundell@londonmet.ac.uk
Tel: 020 8806 5638
RUGBY
Hackney Rugby Football Club
Based at Springfield London E5
Hackney Rugby Football Club
Hackney Bulls Youth Club
Train in Clissold Park, London N16 Saturdays 10 - 12. Ages 8 - 13. Beginners welcome. £1 per session. For details contact Hackney Bulls
TENNIS
Hackney City Tennis Clubs
Play at Clissold Park, London N16 which has 8 courts and 2 mini courts. Courses and coaching covering 5 age ranges from 3-16. Also adult courses on 4 levels from beginners to competent. Also play at a number of other venues across Hackney.
www.hackneycitytennisclubs.co.uk
TABLE TENNIS
Abney Hall
Kids £1. Adults £3. Free use of bats and balls. Takes place Tuesdays and Fridays from 4.30pm
www.abneypublichall.co.uk
BASEBALL
London Meteors
Play at Finsbury Park but indoor winter training is at Stoke Newington School. Always looking for new players, boys and girls of any ability including newcomers from age 6. Adult teams also.
www.londonmeteors.co.uk
CLIMBING
The Castle Indoor Climbing Centre
Located in a former 19th century water pumping station, built in the style of a French medieval castle. Inside you'll find a maze of artificial rock faces on different levels.
www.castle-climbing.co.uk
WATER SPORTS
Stoke Newington West Reservoir
Offers many water sport activities such as dinghy sailing, private sailing courses, canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boating. Situated off Green Lanes N4, by The Castle. Phone 020 8442 8116
Canoeing
The Castle Canoe Club, based at the West Reservoir, meet on Sunday mornings 10.00-1.00 and Tuesday evenings from 6.00-8.30 (April - October). Membership costs just £36 a year which includes use of boats and equipment.
www.castlecanoeclub.org
Sailing
Sunday mornings all year round at Stoke Newington West Reservoir. Dinghy sailing and windsurfing. Organise racing and informal race training and practice, plus events such as the summer "Funday" regatta.
North London Sailing Association
Swimming
Clissold Swimming Club
clissoldswimmingclub.org
CYCLING
Hackney Cyclists
www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk
Red Spokes Adventure Tours
Tours specialise in taking small groups of cyclists to the more remote and spectacular regions of the world. Based in Stamford Hill, N16. Also included trips to Ireland, Scotland, as well as day rides and weekend rides not far from London.
Redspokes
MARTIAL ARTS
London Aikido Club
60A Windus Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16
London Aikido Club
Moving East
Aikido, Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Judo
St Matthias Church Hall, Wordsworth Road, London N16
Moving East
Tae Kwon Do Academy
2f Prince George Road, London, N16
Tae Kwon Do Academy
Abney Hall
Home of Abney Tigers Karate Club. Adult and children's karate. Also Jujitsu.
Abney Public Hall, Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16
abneypublichall.co.uk
YOUTH CENTRE
Clissold Park Youth Centre
Stoke Newington School, Clissold Road, London N16. Offers a wide range of activities for ages 11-25, including table tennis, basketball, football, weights, and badminton.
CPYC
West Reservoir Youth Club
Youth club for 8 - 16 year olds. Saturdays all year round 11.00 - 3.00 and Wednesdays 5.00 - 7.00 April - October. Membership £60 per year plus £2 per session. Tel: 020 8442 8116
North London Muslim Youth Club
68 Cazenove Road, London N16 6AA
Youth club for 8-25 year old males providing karate, weights, football, badminton, table tennis, cricket coaching, snooker, outdoor activities and a summer scheme.
NLMYC
OVER 50's
Short Mat Bowls
West Reservoir Watersports Centre, London N4. Mon/Fri 1.00 - 3.00.
Phone 020 8442 8116. Costs £2.
Tennis
Clissold Park Tennis Club, Thursdays 11.00 - 12.00.
Phone 020 7254 4235.
Gentle Exercise
Fountayne Road Health Centre, Fridays 1.30 - 2.30.
Membership required. Phone 020 7923 9031
Gentle Exercise For Turkish/English Speaking Women
Stamford Hill Library, Wednesdays 11 - 12.00
Membership required. Phone 020 7923 9031
OVER 60's
Pilates based gentle exercise
Senior N'Shei, Stamford Hill, London N16 Tuesdays 11.15 - 12.45.
Phone 020 7354 0557. Free
Gentle Exercises For Strength & Balance
John Scott Health Centre, Thursdays 11.45 - 1.00.
Phone 020 7354 0557. Free
Strength, Mobility & Balance Exercises
Barton House Health Centre, Fridays 10.00 - 11.15
Phone 020 7354 0557. Free
OVER 65's
Gentle Exercises To Regain Balance & Strength
Barton House Health Centre, Fridays 11.15 - 12.30
Phone 020 7354 0557. Free
FOOD
Grow Organic Vegetables
Join in digging, planting, harvesting, sowing, plus children's activities in the afternoon. Refreshments, instructions and tools provided.
Takes place on the first Sunday every other month at Allens gardens, Bethune Rd, N16.
Growing Communities
Stoke Newington Farmers Market
is the UK’s first farmers’ market where all the producers and farmers are either organic or bio-dynamic. Open Saturdays 10 - 2.30pm. The Market offers a wide range of delicious, high quality produce from organic farmers and producers close to London. It is based at William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church Street N16.
Farmers Market
Organic Food Home Delivery
Locally run organic box scheme covering North and East London established in 1993. Supports many small farmers across the UK.
www.justorganic.org.uk
STOKE NEWINGTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Supporting The Stoke Newington Business Community
Acts for and on behalf of businesses in the local community, to enhance the shopping environment and to help the area to continue to prosper. It lobbies on issues relating to the business and residential community.
www.stokeybusiness.com
Please do not read any articles until you have first read the Disclaimer
Meditation, for M.E. and Related Conditions
Meditation has powerful applications for M.E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia and other stress related conditions. Perhaps, the oldest, most tried and tested way to manage stress and find inner peace, it puts us in touch with innate resources, both within us and in the natural world around us.
Metamorphic Technique - A Powerful Healing Method
In the 1960's a British Reflexologist discovered a map of our time in the womb on the side of the foot. This insight led to the creation of the Metamorphic Technique, a method of healing and personal development using a gentle touch on the feet, head and hands to loosen patterns taken on during the gestation period, which in life become our blocks and challenges.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage - Therapeutic Applications
The lymphatic system has been ignored and abused, and yet it is the life-saving and most hard-working system of the body. Discover how MLD can help you overcome water retention, lymphoedema, sinus congestion, migraines, headaches and much else.
Colon Health - Are You Confused?
In treating people who have a wide range of physical and mental symptoms that don’t fit in to a conventional, ‘named’ condition, nutritional and naturopathic practitioners have for years been developing therapeutic tools for the handling of all manner of ailments. They have done this in the face of much opposition from scientists, doctors and policy-makers, but now, it would seem, they are being exonerated as many of their theories are being validated.
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an amazing technique for removing the fear from memories associated with trauma. It is amazingly quick and easy to use and is now a recognized technique used in trauma centres everywhere.
Linda Hall
Meditation Trainer and Therapeutic Healer. Psychology Practitioner, the Optimum Health Clinic, Harley St, London.Meditation as a self-healing toolMeditation has powerful applications for M.E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia and other stress related conditions. Perhaps, the oldest, most tried and tested way to manage stress and find inner peace, it puts us in touch with innate resources, both within us and in the natural world around us. Bridging the gap between our inner experience and the ‘here and now’, it relaxes body and mind as well as helping us get to know and understand ourselves and our world better. Coming from a background in bodywork, healing and psychology medicine, I see meditation, essentially, as a self-healing tool.
What is meditation?Broadly speaking, meditation is a relaxed, centred state of awareness and connectedness: a way of being in the ‘here and now'. Brain wave patterns slow as ‘busy mind’ quietens; the nervous system relaxes; muscles and organs release tension: lowering heart rate, improving digestion and deepening breathing. Production of the stress hormone, cortisol is reduced, and ‘feel good’ endorphins increased. This relaxation response takes the body into its natural healing state, where the harmful effects of stress can begin to be reversed.
The stress factor and M.E. - how meditation helpsStress is now recognised as being an important factor in M.E., Chronic Fatigue and fibromyalgia, both in events leading up to becoming unwell, and from the myriad of distressing symptoms. Meditation can play a significant role in providing support in the management and recovery from these much misunderstood conditions.
Not only is meditation well known as a powerful stress buster - working directly on the autonomic nerve system, triggering the relaxation response - but it also provides a gentle means for self-development, addressing root causes in a non-invasive way. As we clear a space for ourselves to relax physically and mentally we get more in touch with our own needs. Meditation embraces a philosophy of self-acceptance and non-judgement which engenders healthier levels of self-belief and self-worth. Moreover, by promoting awareness of Self in the here and now, meditation opens up an understanding of the bigger picture, facilitating those ‘light bulb moments’ where things fall into place and take on a different perspective and more positive light.
Support with the psychological challenges of M.E.Meditation also provides an opportunity to explore and develop the deeper, more spiritual aspect of ourselves. To make a connection to ‘something bigger’ can be life affirming when dealing with the physiological and psychological challenges of ME and related illnesses. All too often the wide ranging distressing symptoms cause feelings of isolation and of being misunderstood, especially if house bound. To feel part of a larger whole expands our world and our experience of it. I, myself, had ME for eight and a half years, and my inspiration for teaching meditation as a natural self-healing tool stems from this period of my life.
Creating skills for lifeIn the spring of 2008 I launched a meditation course specifically for people with ME. Developed with the Optimum Health Clinic, a leading UK clinic specialising in the treatment of ME, the course is called Meditation For Life because we believe it opens people’s lives up in a very positive way and, quite literally, offers them skills for life.
The soft, sensory based approach of Resourcefulness Meditation* is particularly suitable for stress related conditions; its body-focused techniques are tailor made to take into account the heightened neural sensitivity, known as the ‘Maladaptive Stress Response’, in M.E.
They teach people how to live less in their head and establish a more grounded, comfortable relationship with their body. They promote a deeper understanding of the ever-present link between body, mind, emotions and spirit, and their connection to health and wellbeing. Quite simply, its aims are: to put people back in touch with themselves and their own needs; give them a means to look after themselves better; help them move towards recovery and optimum health.
An interactive conference call meditation group for people with M.EThis ground-breaking course takes the exciting format of an interactive conference call, linking people all over the UK and from abroad. The wonderful feedback we are receiving from the group speaks for itself:
“I just wanted to say thank you for a lovely session today. I found it so helpful, practical wise and supportive. I could feel my body coming down several notches and that felt such a blessed wonderful relief.”
Lucy Saunders, Bristol
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the session – I felt so relaxed afterwards and quite surprised to feel energised. I cannot relax all at the moment and hence the sleep is back to the odd hour. However, there was certainly an improvement in my sleep last night, and I’ve no doubt it was due to the relaxation at lunchtime. Boy – these meditations are powerful!! Just have to say how wonderful it is to have this support while we learn to meditate.”
Ann Hardwick, Hartlepool
“Thank you very much for all your guidance over the last 8 weeks. I know that it is really helping me and I feel that it is going to be a significant part of my healing journey. It has helped me get out of the constantly anxious ‘tired but wired’ state I had been trapped in for a while – and for that I am very grateful.”
Di Good, Sussex
“I have so enjoyed the conference calls, the sharing, the meditations and your weekly emails. I am able to focus down into my body and become aware what is going on and allow it to be as it is. What a wonderful thing.
These last couple of weeks I feel really happy. I am OK with who I am and where I am in my life. I know that the meditation has put me in a place of peace and contentment. I really do believe it is the simple act of consistently being aware of the support all around me that my mind has settled more. I am so grateful and am looking forward to witnessing all the other benefits that may be heading my way from this daily settling of my mind. You have taught me how to meditate as I can and not as I can’t!”
Pauline McLeod, London
*Resourcefulness Meditation is a gentle, non-religious form of meditation, developed by Linda Hall which can be especially effective with stress-related conditions or illness. See website for details
You can contact Linda by email: Linda@ResourcefulnessMeditation.com or call her on 020 7923 9831
www.MeditationForLife.co.uk
For information about the meditation group for people with M.E.
www.ResourcefulnessMeditation.com
For information about Linda’s other meditation groups, courses, one-to-one tuition, retreats and CD available.
www.FreedomFromME.co.uk
For information about the Optimum Health Clinics work with ME and related conditions
Linda Hall MTI, Dip. TH, Dip.Clin. Hyp. NLP. Coach
Linda has fifteen years experience in the integrative health-care field. She is runs a private London practice in bodywork, healing, meditation, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique. She joined the team at the Optimum Health Clinic in 2008 as a Psychology Practitioner. www.ResourcefulnessMeditation.com
In the 1960's a British Reflexologist discovered a map of our time in the womb on the side of the foot. This insight led to the creation of the Metamorphic Technique, a method of healing and personal development using a gentle touch on the feet, head and hands to loosen patterns taken on during the gestation period, which in life become our blocks and challenges. This touch loosens the patterns energetically, as if pulling them out by the roots. Our blocks dissolve permanently, allowing us to reconnect to our greater potential which is always present in our energy field, waiting to be expressed.
During the first few months in the womb, as the foetus is inwardly focused and curled in upon itself, we lay the foundations for how we will experience our individuality. It is during this early period that blocks around sense of self are seeded. These manifest as negative beliefs, lack of self esteem or difficulty in taking care of ones needs.
At fourteen weeks, we start to physically open outward. This establishes how we open to the world.
Typically, artists who have trouble getting their work received have blocks that were seeded during this phase.
In the last few months, the foetus explores the wall of the womb and establishes how it will relate to others during it's lifetime. Patterns around our relationships take root here, affecting how we connect socially. This will shape our relationship to society, to our co-workers, our friendships and our place within the family.
Metamorphic Technique has had a profound effect within the family. Children's patterns such as neediness, learning difficulties or falling in with the wrong crowd shift very quickly.
It has also been noticed that one member will express the unexpressed emotions for the others. Traditionally this person is called the black sheep of family. When receiving Metamorphic Technique, they find they no longer need to play that role. When used by every member, deeply ingrained dynamics clear for good.
Metamorphic Technique is a simple tool which anyone can learn. As things intensify on the planet, our own limitations are being brought to the surface to be seen and healed, and we are all being challenged to expand beyond who we thought we were. Metamorphic Technique acts as a catalyst to our own life force, which moves us towards a more authentic and empowered expression of our being. Transformation can be brought about through gentle means. It's simply a matter of putting your best foot forward.
Dominique Meeroff gives sessions and teaches monthly weekend workshops and afternoon parents workshops in London and Brighton.
www.MetamorphicJourneys.co.uk
07863 544 036 or 020 8374 0798
Therapeutic ApplicationsBrina EidelsonBackground
In the last ten or fifteen years awareness of the body's lymphatic system has grown enormously, not only amongst the medical profession, but also in the world of complementary medicine and hence amongst the general public.
The lymphatic system has been ignored and abused, and yet it is the life-saving and most hard-working system of the body. It collects the debris such as toxins, cell waste and dead particles, delivers antibodies and other immune constituents, and ensures that the right balance of fluid is constantly bathing all the cells of the body.
In the 1930s Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid, both physiotherapists from Denmark, were working in the south of France in the health spas, where many people came from all over Europe to get away from their damp climates, in the hope of shaking off the constant respiratory infections they suffered.
The accepted view at that time was that lymph nodes were like the proverbial 'can of worms', - harbouring all sorts of diseases - and should not be tampered with. Dr. Vodder was inspired to try some gentle pumping movements over the enlarged cervical lymph nodes of some of the patients, who not only had nose and throat infections, but also migraines and blemished skin to name but some of the complaints. Dr. Vodder found that generally, after ten treatments all the complaints cleared up, and this was the beginning of what he came to name Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD).
Dr. Vodder and his wife developed systematic movements to treat the entire body and they eventually presented this new treatment to the public. In the years following the war, other health professionals became interested in the method and several became associates of Dr. Vodder. They eventually went on to establish the first clinics specialising in lymphological disorders, followed by the establishment of the first schools.
Today there are five main schools that teach MLD based on the work instigated by Dr. Vodder, namely the Vodder School in Austria, the Foldi school in Germany, the school of Professor LeDuc in Brussels, the Asdonk school and the Casley-Smiths school in Australia. These schools are recognised by MLDUK, the authoritative UK association that monitors standards and has a register of practitioners and qualified teachers of the Vodder School who hold courses in the UK.
Methods & Applications
Many complementary practitioners are now aware that MLD is an excellent therapy for assisting the body to collect and move lymphatic fluid. This very light and rhythmical massage is used to clear congestion and it is this factor that can make an enormous difference to one's health and well-being.
Starting with the tiny lymph collectors just under the skin, the intricate network of lymphatic vessels needs to be stimulated gently to transport the lymph efficiently along the appropriate pathways. The lymph is cleansed by the clusters of nodes it meets along the way and the clean lymph eventually rejoins the bloodstream via the large veins in the cervical area.
While the fluid is still within the tissues of the body, it is known as tissue fluid, or prelymph. This fluid can become static for a variety of reasons, such as an overload of toxins and mucous resulting from poor diet or exposure to a polluted environment, or the lymph pathway may have been cut off due to surgery or injury, or there may be a congenital problem such as an insufficient lymphatic system or impaired venous circulation.
When this happens the result is a puffy or swollen appearance in all or certain parts of the body, slow healing, problems such as allergies, headaches, acne, sinusitis low energy and constant infections due to impaired immune function. Clients who undertake a series of MLD treatments notice a dramatic improvement in all these symptoms and additionally will usually find new energy, a feeling of lightness and improved skin texture. Additionally, because of the light, rhythmical strokes, the nervous system is calmed down and this lowers blood pressure, counters stress and improves sleep patterns.
The first therapists who were willing to try out this new technique were the beauty therapists. They quickly found that a MLD face treatment improved the skin's appearance by minimising scar tissue, bringing elasticity and freshness back to the skin and tightening up sagging tissue.
It was also found that welcome side effects were the same as those discovered by Dr. Vodder, i.e. infections cleared up, sinus problems went away and any healing was speeded up. It was through the experiences of the beauty therapists that gradually the news about MLD spread and physiotherapists, nurses and massage therapists became interested.
Amongst the many conditions that MLD can treat successfully are acne, acne rosacea, sinus congestion, strains and sprains, healing of flesh wounds, pain from chronic conditions such as arthritis, migraine and headaches, symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, tiredness, constipation and much more. It will also clear help stretch marks and scarring, although this can take a longer time, as with cellulite.
An MLD therapist will usually take an interest in the client's lifestyle, and in the case of cellulite for example, the therapy will only work if the accompanying diet is free of toxins and mucous forming foods. The client will be given exercises and be taught some simple massage strokes to be done every day.
But the condition that MLD is most famous for helping is oedema, or water retention in all its guises, and its more serious manifestation known as lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema
The medical profession is primarily interested in MLD due to its ability to help manage problems of lymphoedema. This condition manifests as severe swelling of a limb, or parts of the torso, which causes great discomfort and inconvenience to the sufferer. The limb's ability to recover from infection due to a bite or injury is impaired and this can lead to cellulitis, a serious localised infection that will not heal without the help of antibiotics.
There are two types of lymphoedema: Primary and secondary. Primary lymphoedema may be caused by an insufficient lymphatic system. It usually starts in the feet and ankles and can gradually move up one or both legs. It can come on at any age and is often seen in the young.
Secondary lymphoedema results from the lymph pathway being cut off. This is common after cancer surgery where the adjacent lymph nodes are removed. Women who have had breast cancer often develop a swollen arm, while surgery for uterine cancer and testicular or prostate cancer can cause swelling to develop in the lower abdomen, legs and sometimes the genitals.
Lymphoedema can be brought under control and managed with the use of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) of which MLD is an essential part. CDT consists of exercises for the affected limb, MLD, compression bandaging, skin care and the wearing of compression garments.
In the case of primary lymphoedema the MLD treatment begins with gentle stimulation of the whole system by working on the neck region, then stimulation of the whole lymphatic pathway connected to the affected limb(s). Secondary lymphoedema is treated differently in that the excess fluid has to be directed away from the blockage and made to drain via a different pathway.
For example, if a patient has a swollen arm due to the axillary lymph nodes having been removed during breast surgery, there would be no point in stimulating the arm to drain via its usual route, i.e. into the axilla (armpit). So MLD techniques are applied to open up collaterals in the chest and across the back, and the fluid is 'pushed' across to the other axilla where it can drain into the rest of the lymphatic system.
Following the MLD massage, compression bandaging is applied to the arm or leg. This consists of bandaging the fingers or toes, then wrapping the limb in layers of padding followed by several layers of short stretch bandages firmly wound around it. Specific exercises are prescribed for the limb and the bandages are left on for 24 hours preventing the fluid from building up again.
The process of MLD, bandaging and exercise is repeated each day for two to three weeks in order to achieve a dramatic improvement in the swelling. The client then needs to follow up this intensive period of treatment with maintenance treatments every few weeks and to wear compression stockings or sleeves as often as possible.
There are some contraindications where MLD would not be appropriate and the practitioner will always check these out and speak to the GP or specialist if necessary. The main contraindication is oedema caused by cardiac insufficiency.
Lymphoedema Case Study
Susan (53), has had primary lymphoedema in her feet and ankles since a very young age. As a teenager she remembers sometimes not being able to get her shoes on and although she was quite sporty, her abdomen would regularly get bloated and her whole body seemed to swell. Susan has a history of constipation and sometimes would not pass stools for three weeks at a time. She often had headaches or a 'woolly' head. Her GP offered very little in the way of help with any of these problems.
With the menopause, the swelling seemed to get worse and Susan finally got cellulitis in her left leg. Out of desperation she asked her GP to arrange for her leg to be amputated, and it was then that he eventually referred her to a vascular consultant. The consultant diagnosed primary lymphoedema and gave her the name of an MLD therapist.
The MLD therapist applied CDT treatments every day for four weeks. Not only did Susan's feet and ankles go down, but she started to pass stools almost every day and her abdomen and body stopped swelling quite so much. She went down two dress sizes and for the first time in years she was able to wear ordinary shoes.
The MLD therapist moved away and Susan let things slide despite having been referred to another therapist. When the swelling started to return she undertook another intensive three-week course of treatment with the new therapist and good results were achieved.
The therapist took an interest in Susan's diet and they decided that an intestinal cleansing programme would be beneficial. Susan did a three-month cleanse, using herbal tablets and a powder containing psyllium husks and herbs, while continuing with the CDT treatments. This combination had the effect of getting rid of old faeces and intestinal residue giving Susan new energy and a feeling of lightness. The swelling in her legs, abdomen and around her neck reduced even further. She now feels good most of the time and likes to eat a fresh, wholefood diet
Susan continues to have CDT treatments every three weeks, wears her compression stockings and is enjoying the look on the faces of her friends when they see the difference in her.
Sinus Congestion
Oedema of the mucous membranes and an impaired immune system can cause chronic sinus congestion and sinusitis. These conditions respond well to MLD because it has the effect of reducing the oedema of the membranes while also boosting the immune system.(1) The treatment includes intensive work on the face and also intra-orally to stimulate lymph flow over the hard palate and soft palates.
Case Study - sinus congestion with chronic catarrh and abdominal bloating
Allan (73) has had chronic catarrh as far back as he can remember, but it became intolerable in 1972 after he'd had a bad cold. Mucous continually collects in his sinuses, then drips down the back of his throat and collects in his lower pharynx causing him to cough and choke. Allan was unhappy with the drugs and sprays from the doctors and when he read about MLD decided to give it a try.
When there are problems with the respiratory tract there is usually a connection with the digestive tract and during the consultation it came to light that Allan also has gaseous bloating of his abdomen with some discomfort and irregularity of bowel movements.
MLD treatments commenced, concentrating on Allan's face, sinuses and intra-orally and also his abdomen. After the third treatment the symptoms were the same but Allan was feeling good. He had tried to do his own intra-oral work but found it difficult. By the fourth treatment both the catarrh and bloating were starting to improve and by the seventh treatment the congestion in his throat was almost under control.
After ten treatments Allan was feeling very good and was only having an occasional episode of catarrh and bloating. He can now cope quite well for up to three months at a time without a treatment. The episodes are also related to his diet. Allan has a healthy vegetarian diet but binges occasionally on cream teas and this can trigger an episode!
Migraines and Headaches
A migraine attack characteristically has sudden onset pain, which becomes unbearably sharp and is usually accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. It can be triggered by many factors, such as the weather, hormonal changes, certain foods etc. In the disease picture, the physical processes that occur result in oedema accumulating around the blood vessels in the head and neck area, therefore MLD is very effective in treating it. Again, there is a connection with the digestive tract and migraine sufferers usually often have constipation.(1)
Chronic headache can be the symptom of any number of ailments, e.g. high or low blood pressure, stress, muscle strain, sinus congestion, poor eyesight, poor digestion and toxicity etc.
Case Study: Migraine and Headaches
Roberta (42) had to have a lot of surgery to her face as a child and teenager as well as the removal of her tonsils and appendix. This has left her suffering with at least six migraine attacks every month and headaches in between. Her abdomen gets bloated and by the end of every day it is hard, bloated and tender even though she has one or two regular bowel movements per day. Roberta takes a lot of painkillers and has of course had a lot of drugs through her system due to all the surgery.
Roberta heard about MLD and decided to give it a try and initially came for treatments twice a week.
Roberta was quite swollen around the neck area and this started reducing almost immediately. After the third treatment she noticed an improvement in her abdomen and her headaches seemed to be at bay for a few days. After the fourth treatment the bloating had come back, but the headaches were milder. In discussion, Roberta decided that she would undertake the three month intestinal cleansing programme to try and rid her body of the toxic residue that must have built up. She started the cleanse just before the fifth treatment, and at the seventh treatment the bloating was much better and the pattern of migraines was changing.
At this stage Roberta got a virus and had to miss some treatments, and then was laid up with a bad back. Some of the oedema to her neck and face returned. She restarted treatments but had to spread them out. The cleansing programme was going well and she had lost six pounds. By the twelfth treatment the abdominal swelling was very much improved and the number of migraines and headaches had reduced to a tolerable level. She maintains this situation by continuing to have occasional treatments.
References
(1). Kasseroller, Renato. Compendium of Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage. Haug Publishing, Heidelberg. ISBN 3-7760-1729-5. 1998.
About the Author
Brina Eidelson MLDUK, ANP
Trained in MLD, naturopathy, acupuncture, reflexology and also teaches Reiki. She specialises in the management of lymphoedema and is committed to assisting clients to build a foundation for good health in the future.
Brina runs a private practice in Islington and Cambridge.
To make an appointment with Brina for MLD go to Manual Lymphatic Drainage London This article is reproduced by kind permission of Positive Health magazine. It was first published in Issue 71, December, 2001
Please visit Positive Health magazine's wehsite Colon Health - Are You Confused? to read this article.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – An amazing technique for removing the fear from memories associated with trauma.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a long and unwieldy name for a new therapeutic tool that is amazingly quick and easy to use. Discovered in 1987 by Francine Shapiro in the USA, it is now a recognized technique used in trauma centres everywhere, with a plethora of research documentation to back up its effectiveness.
What happens in an EMDR session? The client describes the traumatic memory and is helped to focus on the very worst aspect and the associated feelings and then describe the negative belief he may have internalized as a result. For example, if he had been involved in a road traffic accident and felt that he hadn’t been careful enough, the thought might be “I’m so stupid.’ Then the therapist helps the client formulate the belief he’d really like to have, which could be ‘I do the best I can to keep myself safe.’ The thoughts and feelings are rated on scales of 1-10.
Holding the memory, the negative thought and the feelings in mind, the client then watches the therapist’s hand as she waves it in front of his face for a series of movements, then pauses. The client says whatever he’s thinking, feeling or noticing in his body, then the hand movements start again, and this is repeated until therapist and client seem to have got to the end and nothing new is coming up. They return to the original memory, the thoughts and the feelings and rate them again. The ratings provide an objective measure of change.
How does it work? It seems that the brain fails to process trauma memories in the usual way, and they get stuck in a place (the limbic system) where they are easily triggered. Bilateral stimulation of the brain appears to help these memories shift to the place where ordinary memories are stored (the cerebral cortex), losing their emotional charge on the way. Clients who’ve had EMDR treatment report that although the memory of what happened is still there, the frightening or unpleasant feelings that accompanied it have disappeared, and they feel generally better with them selves.
Eye movements are the usual way of doing EMDR, but other bilateral stimulation methods can be used, such as tapping alternate hands or knees, or listening to sounds through headphones. It is also very effective with the kinds of core beliefs and patterns that no amount of talking therapy can shift. For a simple trauma, like a road traffic accident, six sessions may be all that is needed to process the feelings. More complex trauma is best treated in an on going therapeutic relationship.
About The Author
Su Fox is a UKCP registered psychotherapist with 20 years of experience helping people with a wide range of issues; childhood trauma, bereavement, crisis of confidence, lack of direction, sexual orientation, search for the spiritual. She also works with EMDR.
She practises in north London, UK. To arrange an appointment please go to Psychotherapist London |
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