Gaia: HealthNet

We Who Care

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:08:20 GMT

My latest story comes from a woman who has Gullian Barre's Disease....a debilitating illness that attacks the coverings of the nerves . She has been dealing with the after-effects of this diease for 20+ years. One of her worst lingering symptoms is lymphedema in her feet and legs - she is so swolen that she constantly rolls over her ankle because she can't keep her balance.

Her lymphedema puts her in a category that is out of my scope of practice except for the lightest massage and energy work. However, there are fantastic practitioners out there who can help her condition. I have referred her to a lymphedema specialist...she told me the other day that no-one has really taken an interest in this condition....one Dr actually said "Well, you ARE walking...isn't that enough?" or something to that effect.....

We who are in the field of Holistic Medicine have something that very few Dr's have the time for - we take time to CARE. No amount of medicine can make up for that with a patient that has been treated as a body without a soul to be patched up and shipped out by our modern "healthcare" system.

Re: "Heart Attack" from a Trigger Point

http://Lotuseyes.gaia.com — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 16:46:57 GMT

Wonderful!
It's really sad that most medical practitioners do not know about or try to tule out the presence of trigger points. It seems like such a no-brainer to rule them out first, since the treatment is simple and the pain can be debilitating.

I just had a pregnant woman come in yesterday complaining of sciatic pain, and walking out feeling like she was walking on air, with no pain at all. Priceless.

"Heart Attack" from a Trigger Point

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:45:03 GMT

So - I just had a new Workers Comp client join my practice...the short version of his issues is that he suffers fom multiple disk herniations and bulges, both shoulders have been operated on and have tears on them, badly sprained, injured ankle, and multiple chemical sensitivities. In short, his system is very overloaded and on the verge of breakdown.

All the Dr's have done is offer more surgeries and more drugs. He came to me with intense pain in his left chest as well as the back and shoulder issues. The chest pain has been checked out by multiple Dr's...he's been CAT scanned, ECG'd, stress tested, and drugged for the anxiety brought about from his worrying that he's having a heart attack...even tho noone could figure out why he had the pain...

He was in extreme pain and spasm when he entered my office. Initial assessment found hi had multiple spasms in the Pec Minor, further assessment found a big TP in his Serratus muscle that referred to the chest.

By the end of the hour the spasms were gone, he was without the pain in his chest for the first time in 5 years, and he had a smile on his face.

MAn, I LOVE my job!!!! ;-)

Lets get this party started!

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 21:30:15 GMT

Ok - so I haven't been doing much to get this going - but I'm going to ask that each of you introduce yourselves, tell us what you do, what you are about, and what you hope to get from this pod.

Prsonally, I am a Massage Therapist in Kingston, NY. My hope is to find ways to integrate Traditional and Western practices and to educate both the Medical professionals and the public about what we can do to complement each other.

I'd love to hear from people who have successfully managed to network with healers in areas outside of their "normal" circle - doctors who have integrated acupuncture or energy healing into their practice, massage therapists who have forged strong allies with neurologists or even family practitioners.....What did you do to start the process? What hurdles did you have to overcome? Where are you in the process now?

Really looking forward to hearing from each and every one of you!

Peace

Pam

Re: Integrating Research?

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:19:37 GMT

if someone can heal themselves through belief and intention… that's a GOOD thing! :)

Amen to that!!!!

As for finding out about continuing education, (As well as lisencing requirements), every state is different. For instance, NY requires 1000 hrs for LMT's and a state exam - the majority of states require about 500-600hrs, with the National exam. 10 states have NO laws for licensure (Mass, Vt, Ok, Kan, Penn, Ind, Mich, Co, Why,and Mt). In Canada, they require 2-3000hrs of training. In addition, each state has differing CEU requirements for each profession. NY has no CEU requirement...(which I think is nuts...)

So first I would recomend that people learn to search the web and find out about their own states licensing laws. Try googling 'state health licensing requirements" or something like that.

You can also google the professional associations (Like the AMTA for massage therapists) and use their "find a practitioner" services.

Of course, you can also "interview" prospective pratitioners. I would ask what their training was, how long they have practiced, and what therapies they specialize in (there are dozens of massage therapies, some which are lighter than others or have differing intents like relaxation or sports massage...in chiropractic, they have traditional, activator, network, and many other practices as well as machines like muscle stimulators and ultrasound). Learn what you can about thier specialty and see if it sounds like a fit for you (for instance, Rolfing is a very deep, usually painful massage which has profound effects but isn't for everyone..for others, the lighter Swedish massage would not be a fit because they like deeper work). Ask friends about what they have experienced.

Finally, view your first visit as a trial run. Be sure to express what it is that you want from their treatments - both in the outcome and also your preference for pain tolerance, room temperature, music, whatever - If your gut tells you that this person doesn't fit YOUR needs, try another. It doesn't hurt my feelings if someone wants a different practitioner - I have a very distinct style and it is not for everyone. I'd rather help them find a good fit than have them leave and feel that massage is not for them....when in fact MY massage is not for them... ;-)

Finaly, remember that we are humans - we are health practitioners, not Gods - and altho we may feel that one thing is good for you, if you are not comfortable with it, let us know. If the person does not respect that or cannot provide that, find another practitioner. Your placebo effect will work better - the body will more likely heal itself or at least not fight the healing process, if you are comfortable and trust your therapist.

Re: East Meets West....trying to find a common ground

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 17:16:33 GMT

Hi, I just joined your Pod and thought this the best place to wet my beak...

I've been an internal arts teacher / oriental medicine practitioner for about 35 years now, along with all those other little "hobbies" that you probably partake of - lecturing, writing, schmoozing...LOL

I went the whole route of acceptiing insurance for several years, but in the end, the stress levels, the complexity of the system, and the apathy of the administrators of that system left me with a very bad taste in my mouth.

I got out of the insurance game.

Do I miss it? Not really. The time I spent looking up codes and filling out endless forms is now spent actively marketing my wares, thus more than making up for the loss of income.

Now, I have contracts with the local Blue Cross / Blue Shield to teach their employees. A rather lucrative contract, I should add. All because I took a different approach, albeit one that scared me half to death at the time.

Dancer, you asked how we could expect to get anywhere if we're all rowing around on our own - I appreciate the analogy, believe me - but who's to say that we should be modeling ourselves after the Big Guys? Yes, it's gotten them a hefty profit - but that isn't why I'm doing what I do. I don't think any of you are, either.

Ever hear of the "barefoot doctors" of China? They made their rounds on foot, in small villages, plying their craft with a scheduled list of patients. It was often more of a wellness check-up - they'd prescribe herbs and perform some energy work or acupuncture as a tune-up for the body.

These practitioners were held in high esteem by both their clients and the prevailing society at large. They worked as holistic healers, long before the West ever imagined the concept.

Yet - they had no insurance, no lobbies, no societies, no associations. Just their knowledge and their reputation. But they made a comfortable living at it.

That's a model I'd MUCH prefer to pursue, even as I realize that we don't have that type of culture here. My few students and patients are loyal to me to a fault; so much so, that if they're having difficult financial times, I gladly forget my fees for them, for however long it takes.

Even beyond the "what goes around" ideology, it's my creed that I'm doing this to heal and to educate, not to become wealthy. Yes, I have to support myself - and many is the time I took trade jobs to pay my bills.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Re: Integrating Research?

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:20:23 GMT

Hi, Dancer! Thanks for such a thoughtful and helpful reply. I certainly agree with you that western research methods just... don't necessarily combine well with a lot of CAM (though I guess some things would fit more easily than others). I had to laugh, too, when you talked about how many members of the group you've been forming aren't necessarily interested in the "professional" type activities. I've found that this idea of the "western professional" has also influenced my clients. I had one come and report to me, horrified, about an awful experience she'd had with a CAM provider. When I inquired what made it so bad, it wasn't actually the the practice, but rather that when she walked into the office, she "wasn't even given paperwork to fill out." (As if it's the paperwork that's going to heal someone! :) I think a lot of people trying out CAM get may become anxious because it's such a different experience, from start to finish, than what they're used to in the western tradition of medicine.

It is difficult, though, as I try to sort of advocate for both traditions in my work... my colleagues at the hospital want to see the research, and have difficulty understanding some of the issues you've raised. There's very much the, "... if it's not backed up in the literature, it might as well not exist" mentality. In my Placebo research, we have the same difficulty in convincing them that the Placebo is a very valuable and real reaction, and should in many cases be encouraged and reinforced... if someone can heal themselves through belief and intention... that's a GOOD thing! :)

You raised some very good points about how seeking out people who continue to study with teachers and develop their abilities. Do you have any ideas about ways I can educate my clients to find those people? With a western practioner, it's usually all about the license, which theoretically at least may ensure a baseline competency (which is, I'll grant you, a matter of debate... but at least it's one way to check). My understanding, though, is that a lot of CAM providers (chiropracters and massage therapists aside) don't have formal licensing or continuing education processes. Are there resources (maybe registries or such) that a client can look for? Are there questions they should ask to ensure a good fit with a knowledgable provider?

Thanks so much for you help!

EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 13:52:40 GMT

Cross-posted from I am Pam...

Mi Ka El said Jun 21, 12:55 PM:

Hi Pam,

Just came across this remark on the treatment of alergies with EFT and wanted to remind everybody that EFT is really the way to go.

Are Drugs Really Necessary to Clear Allergies?

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) – Profound allergy relief may be as simple as tapping on a few acupressure points, thereby reducing the body's stress levels.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have scientifically linked allergic reactions with stress and negative emotions. However, this has been known since 1997 by practitioners of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This innovative acupressure technique claims an 80% success rate and can be learned freely by downloading the EFT Manual at http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-MCS

“EFT has shown remarkable results in the treatment of allergies, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS),” says Gary Craig, the Stanford-trained engineer who developed EFT. “I originally created EFT to enhance and accelerate the psychotherapy process. As people used EFT to clear emotional issues, they reported a reduction or elimination of physical symptoms, like allergies. After EFT, not only were they emotionally more peaceful, but they no longer reacted when exposed to their identified allergens.”

from: http://www.emofree.com/Press-Releases/allergies-no-drugs.htm

Mikael

Re: I Am Pam

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 13:48:20 GMT

Thanks for those links. I keep hearing great stuff about this method and hope to study it more when I get a moment. I am going to copy this and make a discussion area for this kind of info tho rather than having it in the introductions so we can find it later when we need it!

Peace

Pam

Re: Integrating Research?

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 13:44:54 GMT

I generally agree that research is a great tool for helping us weed out ineffective or harmful medications and treatments. Unfortunately, research is a Western discipline, and thus modeled to study Western medicine. In that venue, it works very well.

But running effective, double blind studies on something like energy work is nearly impossible. Even when you have someone "pretending" to do energy work, they will still be transferring energy to the patient...and it may actually be negative energy. Or the patient may intuitively pick up that the "intention" is not there, and will thus react in a negative manner (I am very in tuned with intention, so I can really get that this could be an obstacle in researching many CAMs).

However, there ARE studies out there that are giving many CAM's good press. Every month I get information about Massage and cancer, alzheimers, ADHD, and other illnesses. You just have to either look for them or ask in the right places....(like here ;-) ) for experiences.

I originally intended that the group I am trying to organize here (locally) to be a professional organization. I am learning that it is hard for many CAM-minded healers to see themselves in this manner...For instance, this group would rather meet for breakfast and just talk about what we do than to actually organize and advertize and bring in guest lectureres and other "professional" type activities. So it looks like I will have to try to pull the people out who are more professionally minded and start a sub-group and we are likely going to form a partnership together. And the others will continue to meet and greet....

This is the other "problem" that I see in trying to get research. Many non-western healers are not research minded. We just work on our intention and belief that the body is quite capable of healing itself, so why do we need research??? And to some extent, they are right....many of these methods go back thousands of years. What I find here is that it is important to try to find a practitioner who, in a funny way, is totally "professional" about their specific area of expertise....one who continues to study with the top teachers and practitioners so that they can continue to hone their skills. Again, you have to do your own research here...encourage your clients to ask around about that person, to ask the healer if they continue to train, what their particular area of training is (including specialties within that area), and then to research what that specialty entails.

Finally, what works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes it is the technique, sometimes it's how it's delivered. You wouldn't believe the number of patients Ihave who come in after having a "bad" massage experience....Or you just click with one practitioner and not another, even tho both are equally well trained. And then there is "healing without feeling". Some people are more sensitive than others, and may not realize till much later tht they are feeling better.

As a Psych major, you obviously know alot about the placebo idea of medicine. Perhaps with some of the CAMs, this is a large component of the healing process. If so, so what? If the person feels better, and especially if their symptoms lessen or disappear, WHO CARES ABOUT HOW IT HAPPENED???? or whether it was "real" medicine?

Westerners want the answer to everything. Eastern thinking tends to be more about finding the QUESTION. And that, I believe, is why there will alway be some discrepancy between the two methodologies......

Re: I Am Pam

http://MiKaEl.gaia.com — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:55:35 GMT

Hi Pam,

I feel guilty too, that i can't do more for all the pods I joined.

Just came across this remark on the treatment of alergies with EFT and wanted to remind everybody that EFT is really the way to go.

Are Drugs Really Necessary to Clear Allergies?

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) -- Profound allergy relief may be as simple as tapping on a few acupressure points, thereby reducing the body's stress levels.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have scientifically linked allergic reactions with stress and negative emotions. However, this has been known since 1997 by practitioners of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This innovative acupressure technique claims an 80% success rate and can be learned freely by downloading the EFT Manual at http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp?ref=prw-MCS

"EFT has shown remarkable results in the treatment of allergies, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)," says Gary Craig, the Stanford-trained engineer who developed EFT. "I originally created EFT to enhance and accelerate the psychotherapy process. As people used EFT to clear emotional issues, they reported a reduction or elimination of physical symptoms, like allergies. After EFT, not only were they emotionally more peaceful, but they no longer reacted when exposed to their identified allergens."

from: http://www.emofree.com/Press-Releases/allergies-no-drugs.htm

Mikael

Integrating Research?

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 01:19:47 GMT

Hello, All! I'm currently a PhD student in Clinical Health Psychology at a heavily research-focused program. Before that, I was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, doing individual and group therapy. When I had clients ask me about CAM, I never failed to encourage them to explore their options. I believe strongly in many forms of CAM, and that many of today's common research methodologies many not be sufficient to explore some of these modalities.

However... I also have some significant concerns about some forms of CAM, and the claims some practicioners may make. When research is not involved and ideas are not tested, I worry that confusion, inappropriate recommendations, and that (rare but possible) outright opportunism may harm my clients. Especially now, when I work with people who are sometimes chronically and/or critically ill, and desperate to believe promises that various practicioners make, I've been the unfortunate witness to watching several people seriously harmed by inappropriate applications of CAM.

So my dilemma: How do I support CAM with my clients, encourage their explorations, and work in conjunction with their CAM providers, while acknowledging and managing these concerns? Have other people had experience in these areas? Do any CAM practicioners out there have advice about integrating research and CAM?

Thanks! Alisa

Re: East Meets West....trying to find a common ground

http://rock-star-yogi.gaia.com — Wed, 24 May 2006 17:15:49 GMT

I joined the group.

I clicked reply

and then I sat here wondering where to start...

My history with topic started two decades as well. THis year I celebrate twenty years cancer free and it has been a journey of learning, watching and growing in the 'alternative' health care movememnt.

I've worked in hosptials, on herb farms, with chiropractors, around complimentary caregivers, studied healing practices in China, Nepal, Mexico and India. I've facilitated support groups for women living with cancer using all forms of health care practices.

My observation is that the movement in the acceptance of 'complimentary/alternative/traditional/non-allopathic' health care practices has grown. When I went through chemotherapy and radiation my oncologist wanted to know nothing of the herbs I used, the visualizations tthat helped me make it through the long nights or how I had changed my diet to sustain myself through the toxic medical treatments. yes, it could be better by our having more acceptance in some arenas. However, I know of doctors now recording the 'other things' folks do to heal while facing a physical ailment. THere are medical facilities that have opened up entire units dedicated just to these practices and/or have woven them into the offerings of the hospital.

I am optimistic that as more and more people discover that Western/allopathich medicine doesn't have all the answers they will come to 'the others.' ANd it won't matter if insurance covers it or not. People really do want to feel good.

Right now I work as an Integrative Health Coach (and consultant). I assist folks in maintaining health through: fitness, nourishment, flexibility of the body and mind, and life coaching. I am certified in all of these on top of my master's degree in Integrative Health Education. You can check out more at www.ihcoach.com.

I am with you in that it is possible to find a common ground and move forward to create a path of wellness that is wholistic in scope. ONe organization I have belonged to is the American Holistic Health Association and there are others, though my sense is you are looking for something a little bit different than that.

I have my paddle in hand and I'm in the boat with you ready to dip into the water and make some motion.

Re: I Am Pam

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Tue, 02 May 2006 13:01:58 GMT

Very quick note here - I apologise for not getting this more active, but I hae been sick with pneumonia (on top of a busy schedule before that) and have not had the energy to be here. But please, start the ball rolling if you want. Introduce yourselves. Let us know why you are here and what you want to gain.

I hope to get back here in another week or so. Still gaining strength and catching up here.

Peace.

Pam

Re: East Meets West....trying to find a common ground

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 19:08:05 GMT

It is unfortunate AND fortunate that the insurance does not cover everything....

The downside is that we have to sometimes make choices about where our funds will go for our healthcare....

BUT

We get to choose who we go to, how many times, etc. when we pay for it ourselves.

I accept a few insurances and they are a blessing and a curse. It gets me a few clients that I would not get but they pay pathetically - <2/3 my normal rate in the case of Workmans Comp. The upside is that I see that person 3x/wk. Most people could not afford that frequency. But, for me, it also means filling out more paperwork, chasing up late payments, and other headaches. And when I am treating the person, I have to be more disciplined about the time I take with them (I tend to go over the allotted hour much of the time...)

I don't like that constraint, but I also want people to be able to get the theraputic touch that is missing in most therapies. So I run a tightrope with the insurance cases where I try to give them a great healing experience whilst ensuring that I don't overextend myself.

Perhaps the best mix IS having what you have - an MD who can care for the acute/emergency issues and who are covered by insurance, and a group of supportive healers who are there to keep you out of the Dr's office whenever possible.

Re: East Meets West....trying to find a common ground

http://CalmEagle.gaia.com — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 21:55:58 GMT

My ark has a regular MD, A MD who is also a lisenced acupuncturist, a massage therapist, a Native shaman, a dentist, a couple of psychologists and a wise old priest. These people are my health care team. I can't IMAGINE any one of them doing the whole job, no way. But BlueCross Blue Shield only pays well for the MD and the dentist.

Sigh...
Love,
CalmEagle
http://pods.zaadz.com/soups_on

East Meets West....trying to find a common ground

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:44:04 GMT

I just came from a meeting last night of an Integrative Health Professionals Alliance (coalition, association, whatever...we have not come up with a name yet) that I started forming with some friends late last year. It was both encouraging and depressing. We had some grat ideas float in but we had one member who was at his second meeting and who was SO pessimistic and created so much negativity that it was really hard to make progress...the air got so charged from his attitude at one point that Ihad to interject and ask him to bring his energy down . He has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and has met with so much resistance from Dr's and insurance that he has really put a wall around himself. Funny thing was that he offered his office for that meeting...so I expect that he must have some small hope that it will work.. ;-)

Usually I have a Facillitator with me but she didn't show up...made a mental note last night to make sure she will be there in the future until this gets going!

So - putting a few things out here....

Has anyone out there created an Alliance in their area first among the Integrative practitioners in their area?

If so, have you integrated the Western doctors too or is there so much resistance that it seems (is?) futile?

My vision for the group was to get us all rowing in the same direction. The Pharmaceuticals are all in one big boat, pulling in the same direction (even with the very competitive nature of their business), Western Dr's have another boat and are generally pulling together. Then you have us lot outhere in the center of the stream in our little rowboats....some of us are battling the current, some are heading for shore, others lost their paddles, still others are beating each other over the head with their paddles. Some are going in circles. Some are drifting downstream. Get the picture????????

How on EARTH can we make any progress with the public, with doctors, with insurance companies (I know this will be a source of great debate!), with researchers, whatever, if we insist on "doing our own thing" out here???

So my vision for this Alliance and perhaps this pod, will be to eventually have an organization of health PROFESSIONALS (I am very clear that this has to be people who have some sort of extensive formal training - even if it is an apprenticeship - or perhaps having been in practice for some reasonable amount of time for those who realized a natural "gift" - and that they spend a reasonable amount of their time plying their skills - so that we will be able to be credible toDr's and the general public...) who can meet, support, network, and educate each other and the Dr's and public about what wonderful things we can do.

I want to discuss this more - and I expect some interesting debates between those of us who are more grounded in western training and those who are on what is considered the fringe of the health industry. But that's what I want! I want to meet all of you and experience and learn from you.

So - if you would like to join me in my Ark - grab a paddle and lets get rowing!!!

I Am Pam

http://wcswingdancer.gaia.com — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:18:01 GMT

Hello Everyone! Welcome to HealthNet!

First, apologies that I don't have the whole description thing fully up yet - I have had alot of distractions this last few weeks and to top it off my computer screen is on it's way out so I can only see half the screen...so I am doing as little as possible on the computer till I get the new monitor installed.

So - my name is Pam - I am a Lisenced Massage Therapist in Kingston, New York. I graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage and started practice just over 2 years ago. Actually, come think of it, I think we are right around the anniversary of my finding out that I had passed my State Board exams!

I do mostly medical/theraputic massage although I do have a number of clients who come in for a Swedish-based massage as well. I absolutely LOVE what I do! I use an ecclectic mix of modalities and techniques and often things that I "invent" as I go along in a session. I have done some training with Eric Dalton, (awesome stuff!) and hope to take Orthapedic Assessment soon as well as Advanced Pregnancy Massage (I work out of an OBGYN's office so I want to get more clients from there...) I also do some energy work and hope to take my Reiki II this year.

One of my FAVORITE parts of my job is client education and teaching them self-awareness as well as helping them to take back control of their health care. I see it as my job to "put myself out of business" as I tell them. So we talk alot about their work and home life, ergonomics (esp computer screens and car seats!), as well as stretching and self care, as well as other practitioners who they might benefit from visiting.

I am perhaps a little more in a medical mindset at times than an "eastern" mindset but that is in part because I have so much to learn about the many different healing approaches. I have certainly had some very powerful sessions with the Reiki on a few clients - so I am a believer...I just need more exposure and experience with the more Eastern philosophies and methods. So, that is in part why I elected to create this pod! But more about that in East meets West...

So - as your Ambazzaador let me bid you WELCOME and please feel free to contact me with any ideas of concerns that you may have.

Peace