New Forest Online - Health and Fitness

MMR- Further fears
The MMR vaccination (measles, mumps and rubella) is once again in the news. Concerns from parents over the links between Autism and Chrohn's disease were highlighted by Dr Andrew Wakefield, a consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Dr Wakefield believes that the MMR vaccine has not been thoroughly tested, causing overload to the child's immune system. 170 cases of autism and Chrohn's in children are, he says linked to the vaccination. However. other Doctor's dismiss Dr Wakefield's claims, saying there is no scientific evidence of the link. Parents in the UK are still being advised to immunise by the Government, who are concerned of the outbreak of a measles epidemic.
Immunisation generally takes place around 15months. Some doctors are suggesting that separate injections are used to replace the triple dose to reduce risk, whilst some Doctor's say that the triple injection only presents a problem to children who fall into the high risk category. For all parents the increasing speculation and attention only heightens the problem- To inject or not?

For further information consult your GP or Health visitor

Alternative Therapies
The growth in alternative and complementary therapies has increased rapidly over the last few years. Trying to discover which therapy may suit your complaint or illness can be a minefield. To help guide you through this maze, we shall be looking at the many different types of therapies each month, along with the therapists who are available in the New Forest Area.
Our first therapy is the Bowen Therapy.

Natural Flu and Cold Remedies
To help fight infections the following natural products should help.
1. Eat your fruit and veg - at least five portions daily. Include Garlic, alfalfa sprouts and oranges for Vitamin C
2. Echinacea- boosts the immune system. it can be taken in tincture or tablet form
3.Zinc- top up through natural sources such as fish, nuts or supplements
4. Limit alcohol- alcohol can seriously deplete your body's ability to fight infection.
5. Exercise is good at fighting infections. However, if flu does attack remember that rest is important.

Natural supplements can be found in health shops in the New Forest area.

The Bowen Therapy

What Is It? An Australian, Tom Bowen founded the Bowen Therapy in the 1950's. It is said to be a non-invasive, therapeutic and manipulative therapy.

How Does It Work? A technique using a "rolling" feeling of thumbs by the practitioner is made over strategic muscles of the client. The treatment is usually performed on the skin but can be done over light loose clothing if required. Treatments usually last an hour and consist of manipulation and then rest periods to allow the connection and realignment to occur within the body. It is different from massage in that "cross fiber muscle manipulation" is used and the treatment is not vigorous or painful.

What Does It Do? Bowen is said to "reconnect" the messages between the muscles and the brain. The technique allows the body to rebalance itself, by improving the blood circulation, eliminating toxins and improving lymphatic drainage. This stimulates the body's natural healing process, and also provides more energy.

Who Does It Treat? The Bowen Therapy is suitable for all age groups, from 0-99 years. As it is such a light and gentle method, the treatment is regarded as relaxing rather than physical or painful. Both babies and adults can benefit from the deeply relaxing state that occurs from treatment.

What Does It Treat? The Bowen therapy is said to be very useful at treating sports injuries such as hamstrings, ankle and knee problems. Other successful treatments include musculo-skeletal problems, hayfever, PMT, stress-related conditions, ME, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, frozen shoulder and "tennis elbow".

How Many Treatments? The Bowen therapy should start to achieve results after 3-5 treatments. This can be a much cheaper alternative approach than many other complementary therapies. You can continue to have a treatment each month to maintain this state of well-being if you wish, but it is something you need to discuss with your therapist.

Is It For Me ? As with any alternative treatment, the best way to ensure that you feel that this therapy will treat your condition is to check and talk through your symptoms with the practitioner. The relationship between client and practitioner is always very important when using alternative or complementary approaches. It is also worth noting that the Bowen method can be used alongside orthodox treatment. As with any therapy you choose always ensure your therapist is insured and qualified.

The Bowen Therapy is currently being used in Australia, North America, Europe, UK and New Zealand.

Here in the New Forest, Bowen Therapist, Hella Crawford has a surgery at Lymington. Hella has been practicing for nearly four years and has several impressive success cases. Her web site can be found at www.hella4bowen.co.uk. or she can be telephoned on 01590 678409.

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