People with multiple sclerosis regularly demonstrate increases in antibodies to several viruses, such as Epstein-Barr and measles, and comparisons have been made between MS and SSPE, a very rare and similarly-presenting disease that has been linked with the measles virus (Zilber et al 1983). No positive link has been proven as yet, but many studies… Continue reading →

Back in 1974, Agranoff and Goldberg suggested that dairy consumption, not latitude, could most accurately explain a global predisposing factor for MS occurrence. They hypothesised that consumption of bovine milk could lead to a weakened blood-brain barrier or immunological defence or else stimulate the production of defetive myselin suspectible to an aetilogical agent. There are… Continue reading →

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 →