Brief synopsis of presentation on the benefits of mindfulness to the Chronic Pain Support group by Bill Bankes-Jones 26^th July 2013   

Mindfulness is difficult to define well,  paying attention, with intention; that intention to being,  to see things as they are, so that we can make wise choices, and find the greatest benefit for all, from the situation that we are in, in the moment.

Mindfulness is a state of awareness that enables us to make better choices about how we respond to our experiences even in difficult circumstances.

There is good information to show that it can help us to find more ease in difficult situations; like chronic pain.

The availability of courses to increase our skill in this area is slowly increasing. There is much information on the internet.

This is one of the organisations that run courses: - http://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/  if you search for mindfulness, you will find many others.

Commonly people learn on an 8 week course. That is, attending one group 2 hour session a week, and completing daily home work. There is evidence to show that this is effective, enough for NICE to recommend its use to prevent recurrent episodes of depression.

Courses are now also run on line.

Many books have been published that can be helpful.  Several available from libraries.

Personally, I am certain that the development of some mindfulness skill, has increasingly taken me away from being a victim of life, and moved me towards 'the path of peace', in every moment of life, as it unfolds.

Breathworks was formed by Vidyamala Burch after she sustained a severe spinal injury at sixteen and teaches

people to live well with pain and illness, reduce stress in their lives and teach mindfulness to others.

The Breathworks approach to mindfulness is based on accepting our experiences of pain, illness or strength and not reacting to it.  With mindfulness we can clearly perceive thoughts, physical sensations, emotions and events at the moment they occur without reacting in an automatic or habitual.

By developing a new relationship with the condition we find ourselves in, we begin to respond creatively. Experiences don’t overwhem us and we can remain steady through life’s ups and downs.   

As promised for those who were interested after Bill’s talk on Mindfulness/Breathworks, the book Linda was talking about is: Mindfulness – A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. RRP £13.99 paperback book. Offers can be found on the internet at Waterstones and Amazon. 

Norfolk based charity Action on Pain(AOP) formed in 1998 with the clear objectives of helping people affected by chronic pain. With just a chair and a computer in a bedroom a journey started that now sees the charity established as the leading general pain charity in the UK. During that journey AOP has introduced PainLine- a dedicated telephone helpline which has taken nearly 40000 calls, developed eight informative booklets with over 800000 circulated and has the only Mobile Information Unit dedicated to pain in the world! We now stretch beyond the UK being well known across Europe and further afield with strong links established with similar organisations in other countries. A current project sees AOP at the forefront of developing an European Pain Alliance which will be able to lobby the EU as well as bringing a huge wealth of expertise that we can all share and benefit from. A UK pain alliance has been suggested however the opinion of our Trustees and members is that there is already sufficient representation in place which such an alliance would only replicate. Our view is that as a volunteer run organisation we need to use our resources where they give the best return for people affected by pain. An example of this is that we are working hard to produce our ninth booklet which should be available in 3/4 months. AOP has developed a reputation for being a "down to earth organisation" which promotes the positive side of living with chronic pain. With the majority of our volunteers affected by chronic pain we are able to understand the needs of people who use our services-we tell it as it is! Our simple philosophy is that we aim to reach out to as many people affected by chronic pain as possible through our various routes-in 2010 we had contact with over 13000 people either via our PainLine,e-mail or on our Mobile Information Unit. Some people still write to us as well! Working hard with others we strive to improve pain services in the UK as well as helping people manage their pain through greater awareness of what may be available or what they can do for themselves!

January 2012’s guest speaker, Daniel Lummis from Suffolk Independent Living talks about ...

Direct Payments and Suffolk Independent Living

What are Direct Payments?

If you have an assessment from Suffolk County Council and they decide you need support you will be offered either money to arrange and buy your own support (Direct Payments) or a service arranged by Suffolk County Council. People who receive Direct Payments take responsibility for choosing and providing their own support services.

Why choose a Direct Payment?

Direct Payments can enable you to live independently. Independent living is about having choice, control and responsibility over your life, it is about getting the most out of all areas of life. Choosing direct payments means you take both control and responsibility for your support arrangements. This gives you more freedom to meet your assessed needs in the way that is best for you. Some people use direct payments to employ personal assistants or care workers. You can choose who works for you and when the work is done. An example of a Direct Payment is - Alice needs support to get out of bed in the morning and ready for the day ahead. The agency arranged by Suffolk County Council can only come at 8 o’clock but Alice would prefer to get up later. Alice uses direct payments to employ someone to come at a time that suits her and fits in with her life.

What can a Direct Payment be used for?

A Direct payment has to be used to meet your individual assessed need so this could be care in your home, supported or daytime activities, short breaks or respite care or buying a piece of equipment. You can’t use a Direct Payments to pay for a service from Suffolk County Council or buying long term residential care.

What support is available?

Taking responsibility for managing your own services can seem a little daunting, but you’re not on your own. Suffolk Independent Living (SIL) is the advice and support service for Direct Payment recipients in Suffolk. A SIL adviser can visit you in your own home or other suitable location or can provide advice over the telephone or by email.

SIL can support you:

• to arrange care or support for yourself

• to arrange care or support for your disabled child

• to find personal assistants or care workers

• to keep records

• to be a good employer

SIL also runs other services you can access for support with your direct payments. These are:

• A payroll service that can work out the money you need to pay your workers

• A supported accounts service that can hold the money in a bank account on your behalf

How do I get more information?

For more information on direct payments please contact SIL on 01473 603 876 and one of our advisers will be happy to talk to you or visit our website www.ncodp.org.uk/suffolk-independent-living.

How do I get direct payments?

If you have not yet had an assessment from Suffolk County Council (ACS or CYP) you can contact Customer First on: 0808 800 4005

If you have had an assessment and would like to consider direct payments further, you can speak to your social worker or care assessor. You can also contact SIL and one of our advisers will be happy to give you more advice and to support you to set up your direct payments.

Every GP practice has a Link Worker in mental health, with each worker looking after several GP practices. The key role of a Primary mental Health Link Worker is to provide support, education and problem-solving for the primary health care team. This entails helping GP’s with assessments and management of common mental health problems and acting as a signpost for patients to other services which may benefit them. They ensure people access the best route into a service. Link Workers also offer advice and support to other agencies such as social care, environmental health and the police. Caroline Woodger is a Primary Care Mental Health Link Worker and covers Sudbury, Glemsford, Lavenham and Long Melford and works with adults aged 17 and over. (a referral from the GP being required). Caroline explained where her work fits in with primary care and other services and then gave an insight into how the service itself was set up, by whom, the area covered and why. Caroline’s presentation opened up areas of discussion and interaction with the group covering Pathways to Care, Pain & Depression, Treatments and Current Projects. Under these subject headings she discussed at length symptoms, behaviour, treatments, feelings, CBT, moods, statistics, management and access to services. To end she talked about the current project being piloted in some GP surgeries that may roll out in 2012.

Chronic Pain and Depression Management
Suffolk Wellbeing Service
(Caroline provided our group with this very interesting talk on 21st May 2012)

It is fair to say that pain provokes an emotional response in everyone; when in pain you may feel constantly tense and  stressed.  Over time this constant stress can result in different emotional problems associated with depression.  For example; altered mood, anger, anxiety, low self, esteem, family stress, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance, social  isolation, weight gain/loss, work issues. Depression is, therefore, a common co-morbidity that compounds the  therapeutic challenge faced by health professionals, often going unrecognised as the focus is more on the physical  symptoms rather than the psychological impact. Chronic pain and Depression are inextricably linked.  They share some of the same nerve pathways and  neurotransmitters – brain chemicals that act as messengers travelling between nerves.  Chronic pain can force you to  struggle with tremendous loss e.g. loss of exercise, sleep, social network, job and/or income.  These losses can make  you feel depressed and then the depression can magnify your pain and reduce your coping skills.   If you feel your mood has been affected by your pain, you need to speak to your GP about appropriate treatment options.  Following evidence based guidelines; your GP should either offer support, active monitoring or referral for  further assessment and intervention. You may not routinely be offered anti-depressants, but for patients with a mild  depression that complicates the care of their physical health this may be appropriate. Other evidence based interventions include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps people identify and develop skills to change negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT says that individuals -- not outside situations and events -- create their own experiences, pain included. And by changing their negative thoughts and behaviors, people can change their awareness of pain and develop better coping skills, even if the actual level of pain stays the same.  If you wish to talk further about the impact of pain on your Wellbeing, you can ask you GP to refer you to the Linkworker based within your surgery.  We are able to discuss with you, your concerns around your general health and wellbeing, with a view to signposting or referring you onto relevant services or resources.

In the meantime, here are some useful Wellbeing websites:

• www.mind.org.uk

• www.anxietyuk.org.uk

• www.nice.org.uk

• www.get.gg

• www.livinglifetothefull.com

• www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Suffolk Family Carers Presentation July 2012

My name is Marc Hall and I am a Community Development Worker for a charity called Suffolk Family Carers. We provide support and guidance to those aged 9 and above who provide unpaid care to family or friends.

Our core projects include The Community Information and Guidance Service which I work for, the Young Adult Carers project for those aged 16-24 and our Young Carers project who support family carers aged 9-15 years old.

My role within the organisation is to work with communities, helping them set up and sustain support networks and to assistance them with identifying hidden family carers. This includes talking to groups such as The Chronic Pain Support Group to raise family carer awareness, through to facilitating groups in towns such as Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Sudbury and Haverhill.

The groups meet once a month and are open to any family carer aged 18+ to provide them with an opportunity to have a break from their caring role. We also organise an activity for carers to join in with or ask speakers from other organisation to come along and tell the group about the services they provide.

We have many other services available to family carers in Suffolk and I have only touched on a few of them however, if you would like to know more please log on to our website – www.suffolkfamilycarers.org or contact our Information Line on 0844 225 3099.

 

Presentation By Michaela and Emma on Acupuncture – 16.5.14
Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to facilitate a change in your health and wellbeing.

Is everybody clear about that basic concept?

After your diagnosis which consists of questions about your health and all the usual things you would expect to be asked.

Then the practitioner will look at your tongue and take your pulse and ask a few more questions that may think are a bit odd but bear with it because it really helps us to put a picture together.

The needles are then placed in the acupuncture points for your condition and mostly left in place for up to 30mins or until a change can be felt on the pulse. 

Pain, very basically, In Acupuncture terms, is mostly diagnoses as stagnation of Qi and Blood so the main principle of acupuncture is to move qi and blood, thereby relieving pain.



The Science

There are, and are continuing to be more and more good quality research and studies being done now to understand why acupuncture is so successful for treating chronic painful conditions and these are some of the theories that have come to light.

It is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules, resulting in biochemical changes (the release of endorphins).

Stimulation of certain acupuncture points have also been shown to affect the area of the brain that is known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress.

It also promotes relaxation and deactivates the analytical brain which is responsible for anxiety.

If you would like to know more about those studies and others please see me afterwards



Moxibustion

The practice of burning herbs in conjunction with your treatment, either on the needle, directly on the skin or in the form of a large cigar shaped roll.

The Herb is call Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) it grows a weed in our country (usually be the side of the road) but it is produced commercially in China and Japan and is widely available here in the UK.

Because this herb smokes, there have been concerns about the toxicity of breathing in the smoke, but studies have shown that the smoke is non carcinogenic and safe to use even on pregnant ladies, which, as some of you may know is moxa’s most popular claim to fame. By burning the herb at the end on the little toe of a pregnant lady it can actually turn a baby in the breech position.

This herb has been recorded to have been used by St John the Baptist, who, as legend goes, wore a bunch around his neck to keep away disease. 

In medieval Britton families used to burn a smudge stick of Mugwortto cleanse the air after a death.

The reason we have it growing by the sides of the road in this country is because the Romans seeded the verges so they could pick it and put it in their shoes to stop their feet aching.

In Chinese medicine we use it to move Qi and Blood, warm cold areas, stimulate the circulation and nourish Qi.



Tui Na

Tui Na (push grab) is a Chinese massage technique to move Qi and Blood stagnation, to stimulate circulation reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.

It can be done through clothing sitting or lying down and consist of a series of pushing and pulling, muscle release techniques and deep tissue work.

It works very well alongside Acupuncture and is especially effective for painful joint conditions.



What we offer

At Woolpit Complementary we offer a range of proven and established complementary healthcare treatments to help manage and support chronic painful conditions.

These include: Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Massage, Clinical Reflexology, Podiatry, Hypnotherapy, Nutritional Therapy, Counselling, Mindfulness Meditation and Tai Chi.

Our Practitioners and Therapists are all highly qualified in their relative fields of expertise, so you can be assured of the best attention at all times in a clean, safe and friendly environment.

Our Practice provides well equipped spacious treatment rooms with good disabled facilities and disabled access; we have plenty of parking and are located just off the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

To find out more about our services please have a look at our Website www.woolpit-complementary.co.ukand Facebook page.

What I offer to help chronic pain

A professional, well documented and effective treatment recognised by the world health organisation and by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) is an excepted treatment for chronic pain.

I have a degree in in Acupuncture and Western Biomedical Sciences; I am regulated by the UK’s largest Acupuncture body, The British Acupuncture Council and as such, have to follow strict clinical and ethical codes of practice, conduct and continuing professional development.

I am also licenced by the local authority, which means I have to follow their health and safety, cleanliness and hygiene protocols.

I have been in practice for 11yrs and have enjoyed having a very busy clinic and feel very privileged to be able to work with people in this way. As a person who lives with Chronic Pain I know how it feels, how it affects and dictates your life. So I am, understanding, considerate and supportive of what you need.



The benefits of treatment

Acupuncture makes you the best you can be, with the resources you have available to you, at this moment in time, so it is totally bespoke to you.

By balancing your resources or Qi, it stabilises it, gives you better access to it thereby improving your overall condition.

So you can then expect some or all of the following things to happen.

It can reduce your symptoms, so you may need to take less medication.

You may have less peaks and troughs of pain, and break through pain.

It will reduce the anxiety and depression that goes alongside chronic pain.  I have often joked with my patients that although I may not be able to cure your pain, I can certainly make you feel better about it!

You may be able to do more of the things you like doing, or feel able to try something new.

Chronic pain is frightening sometimes and it helps to get some professional reassurance, it’s not often these days that we have the opportunity to speak openly about how we feel, so there is a huge therapeutic benefit to your acupuncture treatment.

Taking control of your health and wellbeing is hugely empowering, because you’re not the victim of your illness anymore.



How long would it last

How long is a piece of string?

It varies from patient to patient and differing types of conditions.

Everyone in acupuncture terms is unique; therefore, two people who may have the same western diagnosis will not have the same acupuncture treatment.

Likewise, two people’s experience of treatment for the same condition in regard to how long the benefits last may also be different.

In my experience both as an acupuncturist and a patient I have found that four or five treatments fairly close together (weekly/fortnightly)  are needed to achieve the initial improvement, then start spreading the treatments out until you get to a goal of having a maintenance treatment maybe monthly or bi monthly  or even longer according to what you need.

There are of course, as in all medicine, some patients (roughly 10%) that have no response at all to treatment, which is unfortunate but at least you will know early on if it’s not working for you before you invest too much time and money on treatment



What may you experience following treatment

Acupuncture always gives you what you need, and as an acupuncturist I have no idea what that may mean for you as an individual.

In my experience patients can feel tired after treatment and report that they had a really peaceful rest and felt less pain and more refreshed.

Others feel invigorated and get loads of jobs done.

Sometimes patients have a slight worsening of symptoms for a few days, then feel that they have improved overall for the better.

Some feel much improved for a few hours or days then go back to feeling the same as before.  This is more positive than it sounds, because I can make the improved feeling last longer as the treatments progress.

As mentioned earlier, in a small number of cases Acupuncture does absolutely nothing good or bad.  So the experience is different for everyone.



What Conditions can be treated

Because Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine, in a standalone way, it can treat any condition, because, as I mentioned earlier, it is based on the principle that it makes you “the best you can be”

There is however some conditions identified individually; this is because research and studies have been carried out on these specifically to determine the efficacy of acupuncture.  These conditions include things like osteoarthritis, Migraine Lower back pain, Fibromyalgia etc.

For a full list of conditions you can visit the BAcC website www.acupuncture.org.ukto download the list, or look at a particular condition and download the factsheet detailing the condition with supporting information, which includes any research and studies.

Please feel free to ask me about your own conditions afterwards or make an appointment at the clinic for a free consultation.



How Did I come to the Profession?

I was born with a rare condition that affected my growth and bone chemistry.  As a result of that I have premature OA of all my joints.  Some have already been totally replaced and others are on the list to be replaced.

I have been in pain for most of my life, which makes me the lucky one because I don’t know what it is like not to be in pain.

I have always had the very best of care from the NHS and if it wasn’t for the doctors that took an interest in my condition I would not be standing here before you now.

I have always had to have pain medication of some description so I became interested in other ways to help with pain and maintain my health.

I have tried EVERY possible therapy available; I have purchased every gadget known to mankind, I have popped pills and purchased surgical supports.

What worked out of all that, for me, was Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Tai Chi.

Suffolk Wellbeing – your wellbeing in mind by Veronica 22.11.13

The Suffolk Wellbeing Service is a service designed to enable people in Suffolk to experience improved emotional wellbeing  and promote early recovery from emotional health problems e.g. low mood, stress and anxiety.  Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) has now become Suffolk Wellbeing. The service also includes Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust Clinical Link Workers and is joined by partner organisations from the third sector (voluntary and charitable organisations).

 Mentis Tree CIC, The Shaw Trust, VoiceAbility, Mind, Big White Wall, Suffolk Family Carers and 4YP who altogether will provide a support for people in Suffolk who want to experience improved emotional wellbeing.`

The service Wellbeing Service offers a range of services, resources, support and brief intervention to people who feel ready to make change to improve their emotional wellbeing and learn to manage stress, anxiety and depression. You will receive support that is right for you i.e. brief therapy groups, peer support and friendship schemes, one-to-one support and access to other specialist services.  Find out more information and access to services at http://www.readytochange.org.uk or ring -0300 123 1781.

For most of us there are times in our lives when we feel stressed, anxious and depressed and find it difficult to cope, sometimes these feelings become overwhelming that they affect our daily lives and prevent us from doing the things we enjoy. You might think that nobody understands you and that nothing can be done, but if you are ready to change the Wellbeing Service can help you to cope through a range of different support options appropriate to your needs. If you feel you are suffering from anxiety depression or any other mental health problem, you can self-refer to the IAPT team in your area on 0300 123 1781.Find out more at www.nsft.nhs.uk/looking-after-yourself/  Early support will enable you to understand why you feel like you do, discover what it is you would like to change and take steps to manage your own emotional wellbeing.

Good physical health is essential to mental wellbeing. The term ‘holistic’ care refers to caring for the whole person in terms of their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

On Friday 22^nd November Veronica , a Wellbeing Co-ordinator gave a presentation to the group of The Wellbeing Service and explained that:-

·         This is a Primary Care service for people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of many mental health problems including anxiety, depression and phobias.

·         There are Wellbeing Workshops which include wellbeing, healthy living, sleep, problem solving, relaxation, motivation, happiness, creative workshop.  These are one off pyscho- educational sessions and open to anyone aged 17 and above.

·         Available Interventions include (step 2) Stress control classes, long term conditions groups, guided self-help, anxiety management groups, behavioural activation groups (step 3) mindfulness groups, short term face to face CBT, CAT, brief counselling sessions, CBT groups.

This is an overview of the relaxation workshop                                                            

What happens after referral

·         Assessment completed by phone or face to face

·         Outcome of assessment and recommended options discussed with you

·         Treatment commences, advised if on waiting list

·         If your needs cannot be met by the service you may be transferred to other mental health service or partner organisation

·         The referrer will be informed in writing as to the outcome and what is planned and also when the case is closed.

Objectives

       To understand the links between our thinking, behaviour, feelings and body

To normalise and gain a better understanding of stress

To learn and practice tried and tested techniques for relaxation.

Fight or Flight response

Eyes – pupils dilate

Lungs – quick, deep breathing occurs

Bowel – food movement slows down

Blood vessels – blood pressure increases as major vessels dilate

Muscles – become more tense: trembling can occur

Stomach – output of digestive enzymes decreases

Heart – beats faster and harder

Skin – blood vessels constrict: chills and sweating

Saliva – flow decreases

Vicious Cycle of Stress

Thoughts – I can’t cope, I don’t have enough time, I’ll never finish, I must get this done

Emotions – Stress, anxiety, anger

Physical Response – Tense, headache, can’t concentrate, forgetful, breathing faster, bladder/bowel problems

Behaviour – More demands on me and my time, rushing about, arguing, crying, sleep disturbances.

Why do we Experience Stress

To behave effectively, you need a certain amount of information about the world. If you have not acquired enough information from your past experiences, or if you cannot access this information, you may be stuck and not know how to act. This is when some of us freeze when having to deal with computers or when confronted with death.

Too much information can have the same effect especially in modern societies flooded by information from all directions, bits of information; conversations, news, social media, adverts and messages. We have not learned where to slot all of this information and therefore this can lead to feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

Exercise

It is important to be able to recognise when you are tense and/or stressed

Close your eyes, and try to identify areas of your body where you feel tension.

Recognising Stress

Body language: clenching/teeth grinding, hunched/tensed shoulders, holding things too tightly/fiddling with things

Physical symptoms:  over-breathing, heart racing, muscle pain, tension headaches, sweating, difficulty swallowing, faintness, dizziness

Relaxation Response

What happens when the relaxation response is activated?

Muscles relax = brain releases endorphins

Decreased blood pressure

Decreased breathing rate

Increased body temperature (esp. extremities such as hands and feet)

Decreased muscle tension

How Relaxation can help

Reduces tiredness

Improves performance

Reduces pain – pain can occur as a result of tension e.g. headaches and backache. Relaxation can help you to cope with this better

Coping with stress – helps you breathe effectively

Improves sleep – allowing you to be calm and peaceful

Improves self-confidence – increases self-awareness and ability to cope with daily life

Improves personal relationships – easier to relate well to other people when relaxed and self-confident.

Abdominal Breathing

When anxious we all breathe faster with shorter breaths to get more oxygen – fight/flight response

Over- breathing disrupts the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance in the bloodstream causing unpleasant physical symptoms such as light-headedness and dizziness. Our chests may feel tight

Abdominal breathing can help develop a habit of breathing gently and evenly through the nose, fliling the lungs completely and exhaling fully.

Guided Imagery

Visualisation technique to help your body get into a relaxed state

May be useful to distract from pain

Imagery is considered to be more effective when we are feeling relaxed

Mainly involves imagining a peaceful scene where you feel safe and rested.

Progressive Muscle Relation

Involves alternately tensing and relaxing muscle groups to achieve a greater state of relaxation than would be achieved by relaxation alone

Useful in anxiety disorders, sleep problems, muscle tension and stress

Caution: If your muscles are sore or if you have an injury to any body part or experience pain, stop and consult your doctor.

Mindfulness

Means paying attention in a particular way: On purpose; In the present moment; Non –judgmentally

E.g. Noticing sensations, textures, smell from outside and within us. Mindful walking, mindful breathing and mindful emotions.

Increases our awareness, clarity and acceptance of our present-moment reality.

Smart Goals

       Specific (e.g. do it at a certain time or place)

Measurable (e.g. see how you feel before and after relaxation)

Achievable (e.g. ensure that your current frustrations have been worked out before attempting the relaxation methods)

Realistic (e.g. keep in mind time constraints, lifestyle, health, etc.)

Time structured (e.g. 3 times a week for 20 minutes)

At the end of the presentation Veronica did a taster relaxation session about an ‘Old Cherokee teaching his grandson about life’ (see copy attached + some relaxation tips) Hand-outs on the full workshop, which this is an overview of, were available for people to take away.

Veronica thanks the group for the invitation and for being welcoming, listening so attentively and participating fully in the relaxation exercise.

USEFUL INFO: http://llttf.com: http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk: http://localclasses.org.uk:

If anyone is interested in booking a place ring 01284 733100 and ask for Rob or Bryony (West Suffolk) or 01473 296110 and ask for Veronica (East Suffolk).

6.10.15
Chronic Pain Support Group
Newsletter content
DFT3.



CPSG discovers latest products to help reduce pain and increase mobility thanks to Rachel from TGA.

Rachel Elding is the Retail Development Manager for TGA Mobility based in Sudbury. TGA is a trusted local company that supplies quality mobility products to help improve independence and reduce chronic pain. Rachel was invited along to a recent CPSG meeting so that she could demonstrate a selection of the latest products and services from TGA.

For 30 years TGA Mobility has helped many people living locally with restricted mobility and chronic pain. Its welcoming and friendly showroom on Woodhall Business Park houses one of the UK’s largest collections of award-winning mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, rise and recline chairs, access ramps and aids for daily living. If you are looking to ease your chronic pain, then the qualified and caring TGA showroom team can offer you lots of advice to help make life easier.

Rachel manages this friendly team and spent time with the CPSG explaining how TGA always listen to the needs of customers before recommending the right product. Everybody’s mobility difficulties or pain issues are all different so TGA believes a true understanding of a person’s lifestyle is the only way to offer a solution that will make a real difference. Rachel also explained to the group what products and services TGA could supply along with other advice tips regarding wheelchair services.

Rachel said: “I would like to thank the CPSG for inviting me along; I had such a rewarding time as everyone was so lovely. I do hope the group found what I had to say both useful and interesting. One of the products I demonstrated, our folding Minimo mobility scooter, seemed to really impress everyone as its lightweight design is so easy to store in a car boot. I showed how it folds in seconds and offers a smooth and stable drive – perfect for pain-free visits to the shops. The two example walkers I showed the group also highlighted how mobility outside can be safe even if walking unaided is a problem.”

Rachel added: “Our time together was really engaging and I’m glad I was able to offer informed answers to lots of different questions ranging from hoists to wheelchair ramps. It became more like an advice clinic! I do hope I am invited back again soon so I can offer more ways for local people living with chronic pain to enjoy a happier and more independent life.”

01787 882244   sales@tgamobility.co.uk   www.tgamobility.co.uk

TGA, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1WH  
The showroom is open: Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm. Sun: Closed

Introduction to Taoist Tai Chi^TM Session

on 21^st Jan 2016 at Bury St Edmunds

This will be a two hour session with a mixture of chat and time to practice some of the moves.

Taoist Tai Chi^TMarts are specifically designed to improve health.
 

• The movements exercise the whole physiology; including the tendons, joints, connective tissue and internal organs.
• At the mental and spiritual level these arts are a method of 'taming the heart' and developing an attitude of calm, compassion and reduced self-centredness both during practice and in daily life.
• Taoist Tai Chi^TMarts are accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their physical condition.

Over 30 years ago we began with a set of principles established by our late founder, Master Moy Lin Shin. These principles, which are still followed today, are as follows:

• The Taoist Tai Chi® arts are not to be practiced as a martial art technique or in a competitive spirit, but rather as a means to cultivate every aspect of health.
• Those who’ve improved their own health and understanding of these arts are encouraged, under supervision, to use them to help others.
• Participants should share their knowledge on a volunteer basis and not for personal gain, and should seek to help others improve their health as well.
• Participants should cultivate an attitude of compassion and service to others.
   

Phil Dunnett

Welcome to the world of Reiki! November 2015

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a natural healing method, which originated in Japan towards the end of the 19th century. Quantum physics has now proved that infinite energy does exist, all around us, all of the time and it is this energy that we use in Reiki.

Originally, Reiki was used for self-development, spiritual growth and self-healing, passed on from Master to student. Over time and certainly when it was introduced to the Western world, it evolved into a healing treatment too. It works perfectly alongside conventional medicines and treatments and allows your body to heal itself naturally. Reiki works on the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies and brings your body back into balance.

My husband bought me a Reiki 1 course for a birthday one year. At the time, I was impressed, but see now that I had no real need of it then and I drifted away from it. Years later, I suffered a brain hemorrhage. I eventually reached the end of the line with conventional medicines and treatments. By chance, I found Reiki again and began to treat myself. I improved physically and mentally and felt much more able to cope with life. Finding a self-help tool was brilliant and I went back to learn Reiki and over time, I became a Reiki Master and Teacher. Unable to return to my pre-brain injury job, and having found something that I loved to do, Bury St Edmunds Reiki was born.

At a Reiki treatment, you can either lie/sit supported on the treatment couch, or sit in a chair, whichever is more comfortable for you. There’ll be relaxing music and you will be encouraged to close your eyes, relax and enjoy! Reiki is deeply relaxing and you may even drift off to sleep. You may see colours, feel warmth or tingling and the time will fly by. How many treatments you have is your choice. Chronic conditions benefit from regular treatments, but it is you who decides, with guidance from your Reiki practitioner. You will know whether Reiki is for you.

You may like to learn Reiki. Anyone can do it and the course can either be a day, or split into two or three sessions, whatever suits. The beauty of learning Reiki is that, not only can you heal yourself, but whenever you Reiki someone else, the Reiki energy travels through you to the other person, so you benefit at the same time.

Animals love Reiki too. To see them relax, close their eyes and enjoy the sensations is wonderful. Again, it helps them both physically and mentally.


There is much more information on my website www.burystedmundsreiki.co.uk. However, I am more than happy to chat and answer questions in person, so feel free to phone me on 07868 267324, or email julia@burystedmundsreiki.co.uk

Very best wishes to you all,


Julia Reeves