Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Massages?

[jordozmom]

So has anyone out there tried yoga, meditation, acupuncture or massage for help with the physical and/or emotional symptoms of SJS?  I've never been a natural medicine kind of gal, but after having SJS for over ten years and trying just about every pill or test or anything they've given me and STILL having aches and pains and SJS related depression and anxiety, I'm willing to try anything.

If you have tried any of these and have found success, I'd appreciate your advice or comments or suggestions or links to information about what you used.

[Joe S.]

Yes, I have tried them. I have taught some of them. To add to your list: Reiki, Reflexology, pain erasure, Juice, tea, herbs, aroma, electro-herbalism, aphormations, self-hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Tonations, Bach Flower, Homeopathic, and Bhrama Breathing. Each has their place. Some take practice like meditation (I use this instead of sleep). I do not use the yoga or biofeedback that I learned.

I have posted a number of them on my website: www.chakraforce.com

You may be surprised by what you find and how well they work.

[susan]

I have stayed with yoga and meditation over the years because they make me feel better.

I don't know if they are responsible for the relatively slow progression of my illnesses, but I like to think so!

Having a fair number of drug allergies and intolerances motivated me in the beginning, as well as just liking to be able to do "something".

[Joe S.]

Susan, some of the white papers I have read said that meditation will help with any ailment to slow it down. Being able to do "something" also helps.

[Parrot Pal]

My brother is a yoga teacher, thai yoga therapist and holistic healer with great successes.   In addition to meditation for stress reduction, he recommended yoga nidra.  This is not what an non-yogi would think of as yoga at all, because there is NO movement involved.  It is, by far, the most relaxing 'activity' I have ever done.  I went to a local yoga nidra workshop and craved it afterward.  I got some audios and lay on my bed and do it.   I have read that it is MORE restful than sleep, which is great for those of us that have un-refreshing sleep, or lack of sleep.  I read that 40 minutes of yoga nidra is equivalent to 4 hours of sleep. 

P

[susan]

Joe,
Thank you----that information is encouraging to me!

[Carebear]

Hi jordozmom,

I have used Craniosacral therapy for many years to treat my migraines, and it is also commonly used for mental stress, neck and back pain, TMJ Syndrome, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.   It has reduced my pain significantly.

[Crymeariver]

I started yoga last year.  It has relieved so many chronic aches and pains.  Some issues like cramps in my arches I'd had for 20 years.  I just practice at home using mostly reclining and seated positions.  At first I could only lay on my stomach in bed due to low back pain - that was my whole yoga session.  It was only 3 months before I was bending over and touching my toes.  Only do what you can and at your own pace.  I think you'll see and feel benefits.  Yoga Journal has a nice website for beginners.

[genko_b]

Ditto on the meditation and yoga - they are very helpful at settling you into your body and being more at ease. I also have used biofeedback effectively for migraines and Raynaud's early on, but as the peripheral neuropathy has progressed it is less effective.

A series of exercises worked out for me by the terrific physical therapy group at our local hospital has helped with strengthening my arm and leg muscles and maintaining balance, all of which keeps me from losing ground. Tai chi or Qi Gong also help with balance and calming.

One of the chief benefits of all of these is being more in control of the process. Feeling more in control is probably the single biggest factor in increasing that "I can do it" attitude. At least that's how it work for me.

Genko

[BonusMom]

For my recent birthday, my children treated me to a 60 minute head and feet reflexology session. It was wonderful. The practitioner asked me at the beginning of the session if I preferred light, medium or heavy pressure. I told him light-medium.  Next time I will tell him  medium on the head (pressure points where my HA's hit) and feet, but light elsewhere, as they do massage the shoulders and down the legs (with the clothes on).

I will return as I believe it will help with my recurring migraines.

My aunt has been a Reiki practitioner for many, many years.  I find it very relaxing and only wish she lived closer to me so I could indulge more frequently

I encourage you to try everything at least once and maybe even twice.  You might be surprisingly sore after the first session, which is why you might want to try it a second time.

[CAT1962]

I go to a chiropractor..the best guy, treats the whole body...and he did acupuncture on my calve once when I was having pain. It really helped. I love it.

[Blue Kat]

Hmmm...yoga is out for me because I have a 12" fusion in my upper spine from treatment for scoliosis and it's too hard for me to do many of the poses.  My skin feels very sensitive to touch sometimes from the neuro pain so that's out.  I'd be open to accupuncture, but I think I'd need it over my whole body...unfortunately, I don't know of anyplace to go around where I live.   

[dbab]

Blue Kat,  Have you ever used a TENS unit?  I have had one used on me in PT and it was wonderful.  I actually may look into buying one for myself.  You may talk to your Dr about trying it out either if they have one or if they can try you out with one in PT (if you are a candidate to try).

[Joe S.]

TENS = Transconductance Electrical Neural Stimulations. They use a 20% - 50% on duty cycle at about 10,000 cycles per second. This is the frequency and duration that work best for triggering endorphin release. They were predated by Rife in the 20's, Tesla in the 1890's, and centuries ago in India and Tibet. They work best if placed on the Acupressure points or Body Reflexology points. When I was not allowed to get one by the Insurance company in 1984, I built my own. I also started to do more research on tones and healing frequencies.

[Parrot Pal]

Joe,
What about using NMES unit.  From what I understand, NMES can do what TENS can, but it also can do muscle contractions which may help with fibro and spasms?  Does that sound about right?  Are they both good?