My Story

Polymyositis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

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Therapies & Treatments

Acupuncture | Biofeedback | Reflexology | Yoga

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a natural healing technique used to unblock and redirect energy flow by the insertion of needles at key points on the body to balance energy flow. It’s been determined that it does in fact, provide short-term benefits for the many who’ve tried it however, doctors are still debating the long term effects of this therapy.

The ‘puncture’ in acupuncture refers to insertion of tiny needles at specific points on the surface of the body. The treatments vary widely, depending on the individual practitioner and style of acupuncture.

At least 35 states require some form of certification for the practice of acupuncture. Before undergoing treatment, you should learn about your practitioner’s approach and philosophy. If your experience with one acupuncturist is negative, remember that it’s possible for a different practitioner to produce better results. Generally speaking, chronic pain relief should be perceptible after about six sessions if it’s going to happen at all – relief of a condition like asthma tend to take longer. A responsible acupuncturist will acknowledge when treatment seems to be ineffective.

Check with a doctor if you develop any symptoms that might signal a serious illness. Even though acupuncture may have overall health-giving benefits, there are more effective treatments available for many specific illnesses. Any new, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a doctor before you seek relief through acupuncture.

You can learn more about acupuncture through the National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance web site (www.acuall.org). This group provides general information on acupuncture and referrals by mail for state licensed or nationally certified acupunctures.

Biofeedback

Over the past seven years I've been reading and experimenting with all kinds of treatments and therapies. I've come across biofeedback more than once over the years. I've either read about it or a doctor or therapist had recommended it. However, I never tried it until this year.

The book and CD series that caught my attention was Guided Imagery for Self-Healing , by Dr. Martin Rossman. I ordered them online at www.guidedimageryhealing.com . I really found the CDs very interesting. I listened to them three times a day for about fifteen minutes each time. I've downloaded them to my iPod and I take them with me everywhere I go.

At first I was skeptical and wondered what listening to CDs could do for me? I thought at the most, I would learn to relax. I was wrong. I learned so much more than that. For me it was really amazing. I discovered all kinds of things about myself. Thoughts and ideas came bubbling up from deep inside. I was on this quest that was not only exciting, it was also teaching me about my illnesses, and answering questions that doctors didn't have answers for. I was learning to communicate with my body and listen to what it had to say.

I can't say the CDs have cured me, but I can say that they have helped me understand myself, and how to deal with my illnesses better. Having a chronic illness has taken me in directions I don't think I would have ever explored, or even thought of, if it hadn't been for my illnesses, and for that I'm grateful. I'm always looking for new adventures and the biofeedback CDs fit that description

Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient healing art first practiced by the people of India, China and Egypt. It has existed for thousands of years, but only recently has gained acceptance in the West. So what is it exactly? It’s been observed that the congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. A reflexologist applies gentle pressure to the feet to release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. For each individual, the application and effect is unique.

Following illness, stress, injury or disease the body is in a state of imbalance and energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s equilibrium and encourage healing at one’s own pace..

My Experience: I am always trying new things and so I had my first reflexology treatment in November. I was blown away that my reflexologist, without ever being told about my illness, could tell I had problems with my lungs – just by rubbing my feet! Since that first treatment, I’ve purchased reflexology socks – they point out all of the pressure points and Chris has volunteered to give me foot massages (I told you he was the BEST, didn’t I?).

Yoga

Over the years I've read books and magazines that talk about the health benefits of yoga. I've always been interested in Yoga, and it's something that has been on my long list of things to do. But with Polymyositis I thought yoga would be an unattainable goal. When my Polymyositis flare-up and my CPK's are high, I have a hard enough time getting up and down stairs by myself, so how would I ever get off the floor in a yoga studio, not to mention the intimidating yoga positions that you see all the time on the covers of magazines. How could I possibly do anything like this with an illness like Polymyositis?

When my CPK's had been normal for several months in a row, I decided this was my chance to give yoga a try, so I signed up for my first beginner's class of Astanga Yoga. I chose Astanga Yoga only because there is a studio about two miles down the road from my house. As it turns out, Astanga Yoga is perfect for me, and it helps every one of my ailments. Astanga Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a series of postures. This process produces internal heat that detoxifies muscles and organs, and it improves circulation and calms the mind.

Yoga is something you can't rush into, your body won't let you. Over the years, Polymyositis has taught me to slow down, especially when it comes to exercising, and yoga is no exception. My muscles have been through a lot over the years dealing with Polymyositis, so I wanted to make sure I didn't aggravate them in any way. After all, yoga is supposed to be a health benefit. For me yoga is about listening to my body. If my body doesn't feel like doing a particular pose, then I don't do it that day. But when I do something my body enjoys, wow, I can really feel it. The yoga studio has helped me modify traditional poses. I use blocks, or the wall for support. My poses are a far cry from those seen on the cover of a magazine, but I've learned to take it slow and relax. If I get tired in any way, I stop and rest on the mat. Resting on the mat is the best part. I lie on my back with a pillow over my eyes and a blanket over my body and breathe for twenty minutes it's like being five again, just without the milk and cookies!