Leg cramps are extremely common – most of us will experience them at some time in our life. I am going to discuss some ways of helping with leg cramps, both medical and holistic. As a GP, patients come to me with distressing leg cramps every week. Fortunately there is something we can do to help, in most cases.

What are Leg cramps?
Leg cramps are pains due to muscle spasm in the muscles of the leg, usually the calf. They can occur especially if the muscle is already partly contracted, and you move in bed to contract them further. They are commoner at night.

Leg cramps are commoner as you get older, in people with an under-active thyroid gland, and in those with peripheral vascular disease, when the arteries of the legs are partially blocked.

Most cases do not have a detectable cause. Occasionally they may be caused by medication, such as diuretics, lithium, cimetidine and asthma medication.

Other causes of leg cramps include excess muscle use during the day, dehydration, low sodium levels, pregnancy, and renal dialysis. They are commonly found after long runs such as marathons.

As leg cramps tend to settle within 10 minutes, pain killers are often not needed, although they can be effective. The most effective medicine to prevent leg cramps is quinine, which should be taken every night for at least 4 weeks to observe the effect. It should be avoided in high doses in pregnancy (unless being used to treat malaria, when the benefits outweigh the risks).

Other methods include exercises to stretch the muscles at the back of the leg (by bringing your toes up towards the knees, or leaning forward  towards a wall). This can be done during an attack as well as regularly to reduce the likelihood of an attack. It may help to eat sugary or salty foods before activity, or to raise the bed head slightly.

Quinine is present in bitter lemon and tonic water, and I have had cases (e.g. in pregnancy) where drinking some of this every night was sufficient to hold the cramps at bay.

Massage during an episode can help. Sweet marjoram oil in a carrier oil may help with the massage. Having a bath with lavender oil or nutmeg may help, while a compress of common thyme or purslane may ease the pain. The scientific evidence for these approaches is poor.

I hope that this helps with this common problem. Quinine tablets are, however, useful and effective, and are safe except in overdose, so if you have ongoing problems do see your doctor!

Please see the excellent patient.co.uk leaflet website for a good leaflet:

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068794/

Disclaimer:
The content of our website is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor relating to any medical condition.

Hello, Naturally Healthy People!

A recent useful posting by an American doctor, Astrid Pujari, M.D., on the use of tee tree oil in the management of fungal toenail infections has inspired me to write more on this very useful plant oil.

Tee tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves and branches of the tea tree of Australasia.  While toxic when taken orally, as Dr Pujari points out, it has a multitude of uses when used topically.

The natural oil has a varied composition of terpene hydrocarbons, cineol and other alcohols.  In fact more than 100 different compounds have been found in tea tree oil.

It has antibacterial and antifungal action in vitro (ie in labroratory conditions, rather than in live animals). It may even be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistance staphylococcus aureus).

It is used mainly as an antiseptic, and was used traditionally by Australian aboriginals for athletes foot, bites, cuts and stings. There is some evidence for its effectiveness in skin problems such as acne, eczema, head lice, psoriasis and bacterial infections of the skin.

Adverse reactions include local rashes and allergy, and one source says drowsiness and other CNS effects, diarrhoea, irritation of the oral mucosa, and vomiting, but these are presumably on oral intake only. Effects in pregnancy and breast feeding are unknown.

In animals, tea tree can be used topically, even undiluted, for wounds, thrush in horses (a bacterial infection of the frog of the foot, quite different to the fungal infection in humans), ringworm, and fungal, viral and bacterial infections generally. It can also be used in aloe vera gel or seaweed gel for topical applications. 

For urine infections, it can be applied topically to the skin in between the back legs of dogs and horses, but there have been occasional reports of adverse effects such as severe inflammation and even temporary paralysis. 

A few drops can be added to a bucket or bowl of drinking water for urine infections and as an immune stimulant, but the animal should also have access to plain drinking water so that it can make a choice.

Tea tree oil is an invaluable adjunct to any family medicine cabinet!

Have a great week, naturally healthy people!

Alison

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Hello naturally healthy people!

As a GP I often get asked about insomnia. This may be short- or long-term.

For many people, insomnia is a transient thing while they are going through extreme stress, such as bereavement or divorce. I used to suffer from lack of sleep myself, and when my job was most stressful I would wake several times per night for months, worrying about the staff or the practice, or complaints. I combatted this through healing and meditation, but there are other ways.

Click here for an excellent patient leaflet on insomina from the patient.co.uk website:

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068774/

Some simple things that you can do to reduce your insomnia are:

Reduce caffeine-containing drinks, especially at night

Reduce alcohol in take and stop any street drugs

Do not smoke in the 6 hours leading up to bed – time

Exercise well earlier in the day, but exercising in the few hours before sleep can interfere with sleep.

Do not have a heavy evening meal

Recognise your diurnal rhythm, recognise when you are tired in the evening & follow your instinct, but try not to sleep during the day.

Ensure that your bedroom is a calm, relaxing place to be. Too much clutter can interfere with your energy, too stuffy and you will not be able to breathe clearly, and don’t have a television in the room.

Relaxation techniques can be helpful – they were extremely effective for me (see below). Learn to relax at yoga classes, buy a relaxation CD (see the CD pages of my NHP website, http://www.thenaturallyhealthypet.com/categories/20070910_2) or contact other sources such as the Brahma Kumaris (www.brahmakumaris.org.uk/).

CBT can be helpful – there are insufficient therapists available for demand, but you can do CBT yourself from your computer using Moodgym ( http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/) or Livinglifetothefull (http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/).

Drugs are unhelpful except in the very short term for extreme stress, such as bereavement. All hypnotics (sleeping tablets) are addictive, even the new ones, sometimes even within a week of starting taking them. Antidepressants such as amitriptyline can help with sleep at very low doses, without that same addictive potential. If you are considering medication, talk to your own doctor.

Since I started doing Spiritual Healing and meditation, however, sleeping is no longer a problem. Even if I do wake up and worry, I know I can (and do) push the concern away until a more appropriate time, and I get back to sleep within 1-2 minutes.

I know many people will not believe this, but meditation and self-hypnosis really do work.

First of all you need to understand that you choose whether to be stressed or not. This may sound far-fetched, but when I get stressed now I stop to consider at what point I am making that choice. Once you realise that you have a choice, you can take steps to change the way you think about things. This can be helped by NLP (neurolinguistic programming), hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

In order to stop worrying (when you are aware that you are worrying excessively about something) you need to find some way of distancing yourself from the worry. For me I find that putting the worrying situation or relationship into a pleasant hotel room full of healing and peace, and throwing away the key, allows me to focus elsewhere. An alternative is to place the worry onto a cloud in your imagination, and watch it drifting away to leave you with a good night’s sleep. Some people have a “worry pot” with a lid – they write the worries down onto a slip of paper and put it in the worry pot until their once weekly time for lookign through the worries. Often some of the worries do not then seem so major. Some people burn the slip of paper, or put it in the freezer. The trick is to keep trying out techniques until you have found one that works for you.

And don’t forget the deep breathing! This is essential in allowing your muscles and whole body to relax. I find it effective in any stressful situation, and within 3 -6 deep breaths I am usually asleep at night.

Anyway, that is enough for one week! Meanwhile, post a reply on the comment form below the blog post with any tips that you would like to share to help with relaxation and insomnia.

Until next time, keep naturally healthy!

Alison

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition.

Hi!

I have been getting extra exercise this week, running after guinea pigs and dancing – 3 performances of 2 tap and 1 modern dance!

I have also had several reasons to use the Bush Flower Essences this week. Many of you will have heard of the Bach Flower Remedies, especially “Rescue Remedy”, sometimes known as “Emergency Essence”. In addition to these helpful little vials of which there are 38 different individual remedies, there are also Bush Flower Essences, developed from the native flowers of the Australian Bush.

Ah, I hear you saying, Australia again – is the woman transfixed? But in truth I found the Bush Essences before I went to Australia. I had heard of them before but was impressed with the way in which Tim Couzens, the holistic Vet in East Hoathly, integrates them in his own holistic veterinary practice.

There are vials of drops, just as with Bach essences, but where I have found the Bush remedies to be particularly useful is in the room sprays.

Emergency essence mist is made up from the vibrational infusion of Angelsword, Dog Rose of the Wild Forces, Waratah, Fringed Violet, Sundew, Grey Spider Flower, and Crowea. The mist also has a few drops of essential oils of calendula, echinacea, chamomile, aloe, arnica, lavender and bergamot.

The mist can be sprayed around any one who is panicking, feeling anxious, concerned about a concert or interview, angry, or any such adrenaline overload. In addition it can be used after accidents, and animals that are fearful of fireworks or other fears can be calmed with a few sprays in the air above their heads. I have found it useful for my self, and my son uses it before going on stage for singing and violin concerts – although for some reason he has no problem with acting!

The other mist that I use extensively is Calm and Clear mist. This contains the vibrational essence of Black eyed Susan, Bottlebrush, Boronia, Crowea, Bush Fuchsia, Jacaranda, Little Flannel Flower, and Paw Paw. Again it has additional extracts and essential oils – notably lavender, Neroli, Orange and Patchouli.

I use this one every day! I spray it around my consulting room between patients, and around myself if I am feeling a little anxious. It seemed to help the whole cast in the dance performances at the weekend! It smells so beautiful – far superior to anything “Glade” and the equivalent can come up with – that you can’t help but take a deep breath and sigh with delight.

More about the Bush Remedies and others another time! But I do sell them, so if you need any and are around the practice, let me know! Soon I will set my website up so that you can obtain them from there…Meanwhile, you could buy them from Flower Sense

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition.

Do doctors & nurses use & recommend nutritional supplements? 
It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? 
At medical school, I remember the banter – “Don’t recommend nutritional supplements, everyone can get what they need from their food. Anyway, supplements just make expensive urine!” 
Surely times haven’t changed?

Oh yes they have!

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a review article in 2002, in which an analysis of the use of nutritional supplements to prevent chronic disease led to the conclusion that it is now pertinent that all adults should take nutritional supplements. This was a big change around – the American Medical Association in the 1980s reported that suppelements were unnecessary. Unfortunately the reviewers did not look into the difference between formulations, and merely recommended the cheapest without knowledge of the diffference in bioavailability and potency of different makes. Nonetheless the report is very interesting. 
Currently it is estimated that 60% of Americans are taking nutritional supplements. The UK falls way behind with 35% taking supplements. 
Now there has been a survey of doctors and nurses in the US. Admittedly it was an online survey, so is unlikely to be truly representative of doctors and nurses. 
I suspect that the figures in the UK would be much, much lower. I also truly believe that the NHS prevents doctors and nurses from recommending supplements in the UK. This is for three reasons. Firstly we haven’t had the relevant education. Secondly we are not aware of the differences in quality of different supplements, only that many are poor quality and not worth the money paid for them. Thirdly that there is an unspoken feeling that if as a GP we recommend any item, the patient will then expect it to be available to them for free, or the price of a prescription.  I feel that this negates the effect on self of taking responsibility, both financial and at the core, for our own health. 
Take a look at the abstract – it makes interesting reading! 
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/8/1/29 

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition. 

Hi there,

My patients and friends often ask me what exactly antioxidants are, so I would like to introduce you to some of the ideas that make me realise why they are so important for our health. Take a look at this:

Part I of IV: Antioxidants – What are they?

Oxidation is a natural process that happens to all cells in nature, including the cells in your body. Antioxidants provide an important defense against the daily assault of free radicals on healthy cells. This Essentials of Health four-part series will review the function, benefits, sources, and safety of dietary antioxidants.

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane.

Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital tissues and cells are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin/mineral) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C and selenium.

The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet. In addition, there are literally hundreds of plant derived nutrients (phytonutrients) that act as important antioxidants in the diet. It is impossible to avoid damage by free radicals.

Free radicals arise from sources both inside (endogenous) and outside (exogenous) our bodies. Oxidants that develop from processes within our bodies form as a result of normal breathing, metabolism, and inflammation. Exogenous free radicals form from environmental factors such as pollution, sunlight, strenuous exercise, X-rays, smoking and alcohol. Our antioxidant systems are not perfect, so as we age, cell parts damaged by oxidation accumulate.

Source: USANA Health Sciences

http://www.usana.com

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition.

Spiritual Healing

Spiritual Healing has been used as a means of promoting health for countless centuries and across the world. Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome used healing, often as part of the remit of religious leaders. The current revival in spiritual healing has been growing since the 1940s, and there are approximately 20,000 spiritual healers working today.

At present our stressful, busy lifestyles do not allow us time to relax, reflect and look after our bodies, minds and souls. Modern medicine has demonstrated the need for regular exercise and a good diet of fresh food, but these things are all too often ignored. The need for the mind to have a period of relaxation and contemplation every day is even more overlooked.

Spiritual healing uses divine or spiritual energy, channeled through a healer, to promote wellness and self-healing. We are each surrounded by an electromagnetic field, invisible to most, which allows the healing to occur. Healing does not depend on any religious belief in either the patient or the healer, nor does it require the patient to believe that it is going to work. The healing energy will be channeled to those places where it is most needed within the body. It can help all ill-health and stress, and while it is often most helpful where stress or emotional issues are present, these often underlie physical illness.

Crystal Healing

Crystals have their own electromagnetic field and vibration, used daily by many of us in watches and computers. This vibrational energy can be used to enhance the healing energy as it passes through the healer to the animal or human patient.

Animal Healing

Animals respond well to healing; they do not have the pre-conceived ideas and expectations that humans often have. Rather than hoping for healing to benefit them in a certain way, they relax and allow the healing to occur, whether at an emotional, physical or spiritual level.

Many companion animals are healers in their own right; those of us who own dogs, horse or cats recognize what a comfort they are when we are feeling “down”. Unfortunately, this can lead to a depression of their own systems and immunity, leading to stress and physical illness. Healing helps to release the emotional build up, and allow the energy channels to flow freely again. This in turn allows the immune system to do its work in promoting homeostasis, and preventing infections. The immune system is also pivotal in picking up and destroying cancer cells produced by the body, thus stopping cancer from being manifest and reducing spread of already diagnosed cancer.

Rescue animals often have particularly strong emotional issues underlying their sense of wellness. There may have been many stresses in their previous life, and even the process of changing households can create fears within which show up as stressful behaviour or physical illness.

Farm livestock is often, from necessity, kept in stressful conditions. While most farmers have their animals’ best interests at heart, and recognize that happiness leads to better milk production, weight gain etc, modern farming practices require that calves are removed from their dams at a few days old in dairy herds, that sheep, while not used to being handled, have their feet trimmed and fleeces treated to prevent foot-rot and insect parasites, and that many animals have to go through the stress of transportation to markets and abattoirs.

Many equines at the height of specialist competition are also prone to physical and emotional stress. They are often stabled for long hours, and may also have long journeys to undertake.

These are just some of the situations where animals may benefit from healing.

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition.

Want to learn anti-aging secrets, get a facial, and have a professional reflexology session…. All while helping to BEAT cancer? I thought you might! Join me at my home, this Saturday (10 April) from 9 am to 12 pm. Your £10 charity donation will help fund cancer research, and you’ll get to party! Visit http://bit.ly/CharityParty for more information, and contact Jennifer at jennifer@dralisongrimston.com to RSVP and book your appointments! Don’t forget to bring a friend!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The following guest post was contributed by Christine Howell who frequently writes about Online Healthcare Degrees and college related topics for Online College Guru, an online college directory and comparison website:

      Acupressure is an ancient traditional Chinese medical treatment which focuses on applying pressure to specific points in the body, known as acupressure points, in order to promote the healing and curative powers of the body. These points are typically very sensitive to bioelectrical impulses and disturbances, and react to stimulation by triggering the release of endorphins into the body. This can help block pain and promote relaxation of muscles and mind, as well as providing a number of other health benefits for patients. Pain relief Most people are already aware of the pain relieving effects of acupuncture. In 2007, a Duke University Medical Center study showed that using acupuncture before and after surgery reduced the need for other painkillers significantly. While its effects are not as dramatic, acupressure has similar effects for patients suffering from chronic pain.

     Acupressure can directly affect the root causes of some aches and pains by relaxing muscles, reducing the tension and tightness that can lead to back and neck pain. Stress reduction Acupressure can reduce stress in adults and children. Stress can be a contributing factor in mood disorders, high blood pressure, and circulatory problems in adults; acupressure can not only help relax patients and allow them to realize significant reduction in their overall level of stress, it can also improve circulation and blood flow, improving circulatory health and offering a measure of protection against some of the side effects of diabetes. In children, acupressure can help prevent anxiety, nightmares, and other emotional upsets. Children who are trained in the use of self-acupressure can use its techniques to calm themselves when they become frightened or upset; because acupressure requires no special equipment, it can be practiced anywhere with ease.

      Acupressure treatments have been shown to decrease the symptoms of A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. in many children. Addiction treatment Acupressure has been used to ease the stress and discomfort of smoking cessation and drug and alcohol withdrawal. By incorporating acupressure therapy into their treatment plan, patients can experience significant stress relief and increase their chances of success. Acupressure treatments can also improve mood, helping to stave off the depression so common during addiction recovery. Weight control For patients struggling with eating disorders and weight control issues, acupressure can be a valuable part of an overall weight control and exercise program. Acupressure not only relieves stress and anxiety, but can also reduce food cravings and false hunger pains. Because acupressure releases endorphins into the system naturally, it can provide a natural substitute for overeating or high-calorie foods. By lessening tension, reducing discomfort, and releasing endorphins, acupressure offers exceptional medical benefits.

     For healthy individuals, acupressure promotes better circulation, strengthens the immune system, reduces high blood pressure, and improves general mood and emotional health. By tapping into the body’s own natural healing system, acupressure is an important additional element in any holistic health regimen. If you do not wish to receive further emails from this person, all you have to do is click here to reject any future mailings.

The content (including graphics, text, and information available on or through this website) and health information presented or discussed on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and/or therapy. The information, data, responses to your questions, and materials contained in, or made available to you with, this site and/or its content are not, nor are they intended to be, a medical evaluation or examination, medical advice or consultation, nor are they a replacement for, professional medical or mental health evaluations, examinations, advice, consultations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional relating to any medical condition.