Two studies published in the early nineties (Reynolds et al 1990 and Reynolds et al 1991) found a significant association between MS and irregular B12 metabolism. Vitamin B12 is a prerequisite for myelin synthesis. Rather than a dietary issue, the problem was seen as a result of malabsorption.

This Qi Gong posture comes from a form called the Shaolin Neigong, which was developed by monks in China at around 65 A.D. It was originally developed as part of a fighting technique, but it was subsequently realised that such postures brought internal health to particular organs and systems in the body. Many of these… Continue reading →

I went to see a friend this week and had a wonderful acupuncture treatment from her. Sadly, I don’t seem to make enough time to go for treatments myself, but this should make me go back for more. I have felt full of energy, relaxed, and (despite going for two long runs this week) free… Continue reading →

I will be starting at a new clinic in Waterloo soon. It is a multi-disciplinary clinic with many different types of practitioner and has great transport links. More information to follow.

Recent research by the University of Southern Denmark published in European Spine Journal reveals an interesting and previously unconsidered link between chronic back pain and bacterial infection.

It indicates that many cases of chronic back pain are caused by infection. Bacteria invade the injury site of slipped discs, causing inflammation and damage to surrounding vertebrae.… Continue reading →

Transient tingling or numbness to a particular area of the body, possible followed by increased sensitivity

Hand or foot weakness, possibly following exercise or a hot bath

Strange sensations, such as floating or feeling one’s head is detached

Fatigue

Difficulty remembering things

Blurred vision

Slurred speech & jerky syllables

Tinnitus

Poor balance

Ataxia, possibly with… Continue reading →

Acupuncture Awareness Week was set up a few years ago by the British Acupuncture Council as a means to promote awareness and understanding of our therapy. It is an annual campaign now, and this year the focus was on back pain. It ran from 3 March – 10 March, and there was considerable coverage in… Continue reading →

MS is a disease of the central nervous system. Myelin sheaths surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve impulses to the body, and MS is the most common disorder of demyelination. Myelin is produced by oligodendrocyte cells in the connective tissue of the central nervous system, and many… Continue reading →

Swank and Dugan (1990) have advocated a diet extremely low in animal fat and all shortened or hydrogenated saturated fats for people with multiple sclerosis. The starting point for this theory was research undertaken in Norway showing marked differences in MS rates between rural (diet high in animal fats) regions and coastal (diet high in… Continue reading →

Vitamin D has stong immunoregulatory properties, and suplementation prevents EAE, the MS-type disease introduced in animals. Examination of a large-scale population study has revealed intake of vitamin D supplements to be associated with a 40% reduced risk of developing MS (Munger et al 2004).

Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D levels, and people living in high… Continue reading →