Holistic Room
Indian head massage
My recent experience of an Indian head massage, my name is Lynne I am 50 married with one child Simon age 16 and yes I have CF but not diagnosed until 2004, although I have always suffered with chest related problems. I have been treated at Heartlands Hospital shall we say for what seems a life time, the staff have seen me grow old and shall we say I have seen some of them mature quite well!!!!
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I have always been game to try new ideas relating to the illness so was well chuffed when I heard the Physio Department were moving into holistic treatments, this sounded much more fun than new drugs with horrendous side effects.
An appointment was made for me and on the due date I arrived a little apprehensive and sceptical of how an Indian head massage could be a relaxing treatment within a hospital environment. I need not have worried I was greeted by Aruna who led the way to what could only be described as a room totally transformed from the sterile hospital rooms to deep colours soft lights mood music and a wonderful aroma of oil.
Aruna made me feel very comfortable and relaxed as she explained the treatment to me and the benefits that I would experience. With the lights turned low soft music playing and me suitably draped in a towel the massage began, I had chosen Jasmine oil for my treatment. The massage is performed sitting so no need to worry about lying down and coughing, the oil is massaged into your back, shoulders and neck before starting on the head.
The technique is very professional and pleasurable in fact it's a job not to drop off to sleep, Aruna then moves onto the head massaging the oil through the scalp a wonderful experience of massage and pressure points, just one word of warning do not plan to go out the evening as Aruna likes you to sleep with the oil still in your hair, I was a little bit alarmed by this as I looked like a greased monkey, but all I can say is it was well worth it.
I would recommend this treatment to anyone it is so relaxing and you have the feeling of total wellbeing in your own bit of paradise, I look forward to the next breakthrough in the treatment of CF.
Did you know ....the physiotherapy service offers acupuncture?
Acupuncture forms a part of traditional chinese medicine, an ancient form of healing that developed over several thousands of years. Acupuncture is a system of medicine that aims to improve and maintain health by the insertion of needles into specific points on the body. Placing needles into the skin at these points stimulates the body to ‘rebalance' itself, encouraging homeostasis by activating our own self-healing powers.
Who can it help?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. The physiotherapy service offers acupuncture treatment for the relief of sinus pain, nasal congestion and associated frontal headaches which are symptoms commonly reported in adults with CF.
What does it involve?
The acupuncture needles are very fine, single-use disposable needles. Usually 6-8 needles are used, depending on your needs. Most people receiving acupuncture for the first time are concerned that it will hurt. While it should not be painful when the needles are inserted, there is a ‘needle sensation' that may be a tingling or feeling of numbness. Sometimes the needles are left in for 10-20 minutes for maximum benefit.
Comments from other CF adults have also been very positive:
"I am pleased that alternative therapies are considered.....I have benefited from this and was happy with the results"
"The acupuncture was great for relaxation and I slept really well afterwards. I would definitely recommend it! "
" I was very sceptical when offered acupuncture as I didn't believe it would work, however after every treatment my oxygen saturation improved, my breathing rate decreased and my sinuses felt better....so I'm very pleased with the results and am no longer a sceptic "
If you would like more information or to discuss whether acupuncture can help you then please contact the physiotherapy team on 0121 424 1780 or speak to a physiotherapist when you attend clinic.
