October 28th, 2016
Yesterday was a low point for me, dealing with the pain in my brain despite receiving a healing treatment less than two weeks prior. This morning, I received a gift. I saw a post on Facebook about the author of two books on brain health, The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain's Way of Healing, Norman Doidge. Dr. Doidge and his revolutionary discoveries were the focus of this week's episode of The Nature of Things with David Suzuki.
I was able to watch the episode online and I am still floored by what I have witnessed. The basic message is that our brains are not fixed and permanent the way we've been told. People are diagnosed with illnesses like Parkinson and Autism or they acquire a Traumatic Brain Injury and they spend the rest of their lives a compilation of symptoms. Dr Doidge shows us a different perspective.
Our brains are sophisticated and they respond to stimulation. Neuroplasticity is the concept that our brains change throughout our life and that we can alter our brains via stimulation. In this episode, we explore techniques that are used to help heal the brains of people who thought there was no hope for them.
We meet a gentleman going out for a walk and learn that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson yet his movements seem fluid. He is practising Conscious Walking. His Basal Ganglia are no longer automatically making his movements flow so he has to focus on what he is doing and use his prefrontal cortex to direct every minute aspect of his movement (micro-movements). He walks for 75 minutes every other day. He also is conscious of blinking his eyes and swallowing. The exercise gives him energy and, reduces his symptoms.
Next up are two women who experienced a traumatic brain injury. They decided to explore pottery as a therapeutic activity and called themselves the "Cracked Potters". Each of them survived their accident but were living with many symptoms which greatly reduced their quality of life. We are told that following a brain trauma, some neutrons die and others provide noisy signals therefore the brain is not working properly. A clinic has individuals exercising while they hold a PONS in their mouth. The PONS speaks to the brain through electrical stimulation. The tongue is situated directly in front of the brainstem and is covered with receptors. By stimulating the tongue with the PONS during exercise, the body is able to speak to the brain through our senses. This helps re-synch the brain, awaken dormant circuits and allow the brainstem to communicate normally with the rest of the body. They call this neuro-modulating the noisy brain.
We then get to witness the transformation of children on the Autism Spectrum through sound. We have this ability called the auditory zoom. It helps us cancel out noises and focusing on what we want to hear. When this is impaired, we go into emergency mode and shut down social contact. By introducing sound through the mother's voice, then with Mozart, the children or teenagers are able to learn to focus on sounds which are a precursor to speech. They change the rhythm, frequency and which ear is receiving stimulation. What we see is a boy progressing from tantrums and sensitivity to sound to a regular boy who is socializing. One of the older boys has developed social skills and thought his speech is stunted, he can speak flawlessly when he is imitating someone else. Blew me away!!!
A lady recovering from a brain tumour underwent surgery which saved her life but damaged her brain. She was exposed to light therapy through a low intensity laser. The photons go into the brain and into the body, powering up mitochondria, unblocking inflammation. There was an indication that this might work for people with PTSD as well.
Lastly, a young girl was born with an intellectual deficiency. Using the Feldenkrais Method, she learned to differentiate between movements. She went from having no movement to crawling, walking and ultimately dancing on her wedding day. This technique develops mental awareness of movement and uses touch as well to stimulate the brain.
If this sounds awesome but you think you'll have to move to California, I have good news, many of the cases in this episode were based out of Toronto. I am going to be looking into this. I urge you to do the same.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Showing posts with label concussion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label concussion. Show all posts
Friday, 28 October 2016
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Concussion Consequences
October 27th, 2016
Today is a hard day. On Monday, October 17th, I enjoyed a thai massage. My masseuse was excellent and I really felt that I was doing something great for myself. However, as with every treatment I've had seen our car accident in July 2012 (massage, physic, acupuncture, cranio sacral etc), there were consequences to this stimulation.
I haven't been able to feel the back of my head since the accident. I sometimes wake up and my skull is numb, it feels the same as when your arm falls asleep. I have also had vessels burst in my eyes on a regular basis. I visited the eye doctor and he claims my eyes are healthy. He is puzzled by this and suggested I "keep an eye on it".
When I wake up in the morning, my lower back is in pain. I have to roll over and slowly ease myself out of bed. I am in my 40s, what will I be like in my 80s? I also have a sore ovary, it hurts when it's ovulating. This has been an issue since the accident because of the pressure from the seat belt during impact.
Initially, after the crash, I was sleeping most of the day. I was dizzy and nauseous, I experienced headaches (something that had never happened before), I had a sore back and ovary. My mother came to help but I had to function as best I could, as fast as possible because my daughters were at home for the summer.
By the time I received treatment, it was September. I thought I was healing and progressing well but I had no idea how damaged I actually was. I went for a massage and experienced non-stop headaches for two weeks. I promised myself never to do that again. I booked sessions with my physiotherapist. She couldn't do any physical manipulations because my central nervous system was so out of whack. As soon as she started working on me, I would have to run to the washroom and empty my bowel. She used crania-sacral therapy for our sessions together. She added a heating pad, some electrical stimulation and acupuncture as our time together drew to a close. We weren't done healing my brain but the insurance was done paying so I stopped going.
I decided to start working out. I joined a gym, briefed my fitness trainer and we took it slow. I enjoyed the treadmill and did some basic machines to work on my legs and arms (without straining my neck) and floor exercises like lunges and stretches. I had to be careful not to overdo it as I would hit a wall of fatigue and couldn't function for the rest of the day.
I had to adjust my schedule, not driving at night which means my husband now takes the girls to gymnastics, not scheduling clients at night because I am too tired and therefore don't want to try to help people when my brain is not at its best and, drastically reducing my time with our daughters each night. They used to get quality time playing with me 1:1 as well as bath time. We have switched to showers and a story. They still get angry sometimes that I am not the same mommy. They wish we had never been in an accident. Me too.
Why am I re-hashing all of this today? A few days after my thai massage, I started to get a headache. Then I noticed I was grumpy at night, not my usual patient self. I was running out of energy more quickly. If the girls were asking for a snack or wanting me to stay with them until they fell asleep, I was grumpy about it. I wasn't being myself. Then I woke up at night but instead of my head being numb at the back, I was experiencing sensations. This sounds like a good thing but it hurts. I have this aching in the back of my head where the numbness used to be. It's very scary to discover, every time I do anything for my health, that my brain has still not healed. I feel frightened that I'll have a stroke and won't be here or healthy enough to care for my girls. I worry that my brain is turning off and I'll end up with early dementia. This may not sound rational but, on days like today when I feel just how vulnerable I am when it comes to my brain, it feels reasonable to worry.
This is a hard day because I have been out interviewing moms for the book, I have a client scheduled in later today, my daughters have a PD day tomorrow and I have a workshop and a birthday party for my youngest on Saturday. The old me would be very excited, the present me wonders if I'll have the energy for it all. Will I ever NOT feel brain damaged? I don't know. Meanwhile, the young lady who crashed into us, because she was busy texting, is out there, free, unscathed, planning her life and, on days like today, I resent that. There was never a call, a letter, any indication that she felt bad or even gave it a second thought. Today is a bad day. I will keep moving forward, loving my children for as long as I can and trying to make a difference while I have the chance.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Today is a hard day. On Monday, October 17th, I enjoyed a thai massage. My masseuse was excellent and I really felt that I was doing something great for myself. However, as with every treatment I've had seen our car accident in July 2012 (massage, physic, acupuncture, cranio sacral etc), there were consequences to this stimulation.
I haven't been able to feel the back of my head since the accident. I sometimes wake up and my skull is numb, it feels the same as when your arm falls asleep. I have also had vessels burst in my eyes on a regular basis. I visited the eye doctor and he claims my eyes are healthy. He is puzzled by this and suggested I "keep an eye on it".
When I wake up in the morning, my lower back is in pain. I have to roll over and slowly ease myself out of bed. I am in my 40s, what will I be like in my 80s? I also have a sore ovary, it hurts when it's ovulating. This has been an issue since the accident because of the pressure from the seat belt during impact.
Initially, after the crash, I was sleeping most of the day. I was dizzy and nauseous, I experienced headaches (something that had never happened before), I had a sore back and ovary. My mother came to help but I had to function as best I could, as fast as possible because my daughters were at home for the summer.
By the time I received treatment, it was September. I thought I was healing and progressing well but I had no idea how damaged I actually was. I went for a massage and experienced non-stop headaches for two weeks. I promised myself never to do that again. I booked sessions with my physiotherapist. She couldn't do any physical manipulations because my central nervous system was so out of whack. As soon as she started working on me, I would have to run to the washroom and empty my bowel. She used crania-sacral therapy for our sessions together. She added a heating pad, some electrical stimulation and acupuncture as our time together drew to a close. We weren't done healing my brain but the insurance was done paying so I stopped going.
I decided to start working out. I joined a gym, briefed my fitness trainer and we took it slow. I enjoyed the treadmill and did some basic machines to work on my legs and arms (without straining my neck) and floor exercises like lunges and stretches. I had to be careful not to overdo it as I would hit a wall of fatigue and couldn't function for the rest of the day.
I had to adjust my schedule, not driving at night which means my husband now takes the girls to gymnastics, not scheduling clients at night because I am too tired and therefore don't want to try to help people when my brain is not at its best and, drastically reducing my time with our daughters each night. They used to get quality time playing with me 1:1 as well as bath time. We have switched to showers and a story. They still get angry sometimes that I am not the same mommy. They wish we had never been in an accident. Me too.
Why am I re-hashing all of this today? A few days after my thai massage, I started to get a headache. Then I noticed I was grumpy at night, not my usual patient self. I was running out of energy more quickly. If the girls were asking for a snack or wanting me to stay with them until they fell asleep, I was grumpy about it. I wasn't being myself. Then I woke up at night but instead of my head being numb at the back, I was experiencing sensations. This sounds like a good thing but it hurts. I have this aching in the back of my head where the numbness used to be. It's very scary to discover, every time I do anything for my health, that my brain has still not healed. I feel frightened that I'll have a stroke and won't be here or healthy enough to care for my girls. I worry that my brain is turning off and I'll end up with early dementia. This may not sound rational but, on days like today when I feel just how vulnerable I am when it comes to my brain, it feels reasonable to worry.
This is a hard day because I have been out interviewing moms for the book, I have a client scheduled in later today, my daughters have a PD day tomorrow and I have a workshop and a birthday party for my youngest on Saturday. The old me would be very excited, the present me wonders if I'll have the energy for it all. Will I ever NOT feel brain damaged? I don't know. Meanwhile, the young lady who crashed into us, because she was busy texting, is out there, free, unscathed, planning her life and, on days like today, I resent that. There was never a call, a letter, any indication that she felt bad or even gave it a second thought. Today is a bad day. I will keep moving forward, loving my children for as long as I can and trying to make a difference while I have the chance.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Thai Massage
October 18th, 2016
Have you ever been for a massage? I am a very affectionate person but I don't really like strangers touching my body. I think it was ok prior to having children but, somehow, after having my daughters, I no longer wanted to go out for a massage. It wasn't a treat. I preferred time to myself, to think, to write, to walk around. I craved personal space I guess.
After my first daughter was born, I went to a spa in Stittsville, a gift from my hubby, and a young lady massaged me. I didn't feel a connection to her. It felt awkward like she didn't want to do the work and I couldn't wait for it to be over.
On another occasion, this time after the birth of my second daughter, my husband surprised me with a massage during the girls' nap time. I had my period and I told my husband that I was bleeding profusely and would need to postpone. He had already paid and they were waiting for me. Two women stood over me, one of them massaging me, in a communal, open air room. She was good, some of it was relaxing but every time she lifted and pulled a leg, I could feel the blood oozing, dripping and I worried about what kind of mess awaited me when she was done.
For Father's Day, I booked a Thai Massage for my husband. He has travelled through Thailand and told me about the rigorous massages he received during that trip. One day, we watched Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef, receiving a Thai Massage during his travels. It looked like torture to me but my husband was looking on, longingly. I found the best masseuse I could find. He came home with a blissful look on his face. He told me he had booked a home massage for both of us.
I was worried. I don't like pain. I don't want to be twisted and have my limbs bent in unnatural directions. My husband had his 90 minute session first. Then, it was my turn. I must add here that, following our car accident in 2012, I went to visit a massage therapist and she worked me hard. I ended up with a massive headache for two weeks. This experience did nothing to restore my confidence in these health professionals.
She had set up some mats on the floor. I explained that I didn't want a headache and pointed out my vulnerable areas (neck, lower back, right ovary and base of skull). I informed her that, unlike my husband, I didn't like it rough. I actually prefer more of a gentle, soothing approach. She listened to my spiel and assured me that she would start slow and build a sense of safety for me.
She started holding my feet and rocking. She stayed at my feet for a while, working on each foot individually then moving my feet together. She moved up my legs, explaining what she was doing along the way. She used her body with mine to compress and stretch the various parts of my body. Everything was done in a gentle, nurturing way. We communicated throughout. She checked with me to ensure I was not in any pain. Having my body pulled and rocked was very soothing. My favourite parts were when she was supporting areas that are normally quite tense like my lower back and the base of my skull. When she removed the tension from my body, I was able to breathe and just enjoy.
Breathing was an instrumental part of this process. She would ask me to inhale before she compressed my body then exhale as she released it. Being on the floor together means we work as a team. She used her body to help support mine. I thoroughly enjoyed this process. There was no pain and I didn't get a headache. As a matter of fact, she ended with my head, relieving stress, relaxing muscles, supporting its weight.
If you are feeling frail, wanting some TLC and looking for a professional who will tailor her approach to your needs, I would strongly recommend a 90 minute massage with Sarah at Bliss Yoga, http://blissyogaottawa.com. You will feel nurtured and healed.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Have you ever been for a massage? I am a very affectionate person but I don't really like strangers touching my body. I think it was ok prior to having children but, somehow, after having my daughters, I no longer wanted to go out for a massage. It wasn't a treat. I preferred time to myself, to think, to write, to walk around. I craved personal space I guess.
After my first daughter was born, I went to a spa in Stittsville, a gift from my hubby, and a young lady massaged me. I didn't feel a connection to her. It felt awkward like she didn't want to do the work and I couldn't wait for it to be over.
On another occasion, this time after the birth of my second daughter, my husband surprised me with a massage during the girls' nap time. I had my period and I told my husband that I was bleeding profusely and would need to postpone. He had already paid and they were waiting for me. Two women stood over me, one of them massaging me, in a communal, open air room. She was good, some of it was relaxing but every time she lifted and pulled a leg, I could feel the blood oozing, dripping and I worried about what kind of mess awaited me when she was done.
For Father's Day, I booked a Thai Massage for my husband. He has travelled through Thailand and told me about the rigorous massages he received during that trip. One day, we watched Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef, receiving a Thai Massage during his travels. It looked like torture to me but my husband was looking on, longingly. I found the best masseuse I could find. He came home with a blissful look on his face. He told me he had booked a home massage for both of us.
I was worried. I don't like pain. I don't want to be twisted and have my limbs bent in unnatural directions. My husband had his 90 minute session first. Then, it was my turn. I must add here that, following our car accident in 2012, I went to visit a massage therapist and she worked me hard. I ended up with a massive headache for two weeks. This experience did nothing to restore my confidence in these health professionals.
She had set up some mats on the floor. I explained that I didn't want a headache and pointed out my vulnerable areas (neck, lower back, right ovary and base of skull). I informed her that, unlike my husband, I didn't like it rough. I actually prefer more of a gentle, soothing approach. She listened to my spiel and assured me that she would start slow and build a sense of safety for me.
She started holding my feet and rocking. She stayed at my feet for a while, working on each foot individually then moving my feet together. She moved up my legs, explaining what she was doing along the way. She used her body with mine to compress and stretch the various parts of my body. Everything was done in a gentle, nurturing way. We communicated throughout. She checked with me to ensure I was not in any pain. Having my body pulled and rocked was very soothing. My favourite parts were when she was supporting areas that are normally quite tense like my lower back and the base of my skull. When she removed the tension from my body, I was able to breathe and just enjoy.
Breathing was an instrumental part of this process. She would ask me to inhale before she compressed my body then exhale as she released it. Being on the floor together means we work as a team. She used her body to help support mine. I thoroughly enjoyed this process. There was no pain and I didn't get a headache. As a matter of fact, she ended with my head, relieving stress, relaxing muscles, supporting its weight.
If you are feeling frail, wanting some TLC and looking for a professional who will tailor her approach to your needs, I would strongly recommend a 90 minute massage with Sarah at Bliss Yoga, http://blissyogaottawa.com. You will feel nurtured and healed.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Saturday, 2 January 2016
Fitness-4-2
Over the summer, I took my daughters out for ice cream on a weekly basis and we snacked throughout the day. When my daughters went back to school in the fall, I decided to focus on my health. It was time to get into a workout schedule and take a good look at my eating habits. I suffered a concussion following a car accident just over a year ago and, after a year of physio, I was ready to get my strong, healthy body back. I researched the gyms in my area and chose Anytime Fitness. I contacted them for a tour of their facility and requested a female fitness trainer. They matched me up with a trainer who had recovered from a concussion. She understood my symptoms and limitations and we got started. I have been working out for three months now and my confidence in my own body is growing. Initially, the workouts gave me headaches. Sometimes I would get dizzy. Catherine, my trainer, adjusted the exercises to lessen the strain on my neck. This helped me enjoy the workouts, knowing I would not be in pain.
This morning, I branched out and decided to join a Pound fitness class in Merrickville. I know and respect the instructir, Katie. She is a naturopath and I participated in her group cleanse a few years ago. She also organized mindfulness training with Louise and I thoroughly enjoyed those classes so I felt that I would not be disappointed. The classes are on for six weeks, at 8:30am on Saturday mornings. The roads were dry and I was up at 6:30am so I went for it. It was a beautiful, sunny drive up to Merrickville. I listened to the new Adele cd, signing along. What I wouldn't give to have her voice!
I was a bit nervous as I entered Ahimsa. I brought a water bottle, a yoga mat and running shoes. I wasn't sure if I would need anything else. We were encouraged to work out in bare feet because it provides better traction. Each participant was given two drum sticks. Katie provided an overview of the routine including a few modifications to protect our backs and knees. She did a "dry run" without the music then she turned on the music and we did a series of moves in squat position. It didn't take long for my heart rate to speed up. After a few sips of water, we did another routine with lunges. I was conscious that I needed to avoid jumping, it's one of the exercises that gives me an instant headache. Each time there was a "jumping jack" move, I would simply go up on my tippy toes. We finished the workout seated on our mats doing moves resembling Pilates. By the end of the workout, we were sweating and beat. The music kept me motivated and the drum sticks engaged my arms (just like in Drumfit). I was pleased with the workout. My body felt tired in a good way.
My goal is to lose 20 pounds. I'd love to reach my goal by the end of March, that is when we go to Florida as a family. We spend a great deal of time in the pool and on the beach. It would feel great to wear my swimsuit and look fit. Here is what has helped me so far:
1-Drinking water. I have never been a fan of cold water. I started challenging myself to drink three litres of water per day. I fill a one litre bottle with warm water right after breakfast and focus on drinking it by lunch time. Then I have another bottle with my lunch. I begin drinking my third bottle as I prepare the kids' bath and I finish it after I have put my daughters to bed.
2-Choosing food that is not processed. When I am hungry, I will eat cherry tomatoes, a banana, tuna and avocado, tomato soup, roasted, unsalted nuts etc. If there are ingredients I don't recognize on the label, I don't eat it.
3-I eat much less wheat. Instead of having whole wheat toast forbreakfast every day, I switch it up with oatmeal, rice cereal or eggs and I try to eat more salads and soups rather than pasta and bread.
4-I have been trying to flatten my belly with crunches but this exercise seems to push all the fat out so I look pregnant. This is because my abdomen muscles were pulled to each side during my second pregnancy. I felt defeated like there was nothing I could do. My physiotherapist told me about a surgery where they reconnect your stomach muscles. I really don't want to go through surgery but I don't want to look pregnant either. Strengthening my core with lunges, squats, pelvic tilts, hip extensions, scissor legs, doing the dead bug, bridges and planks has helped reduce the bulk around my midsection.
I titled this post, Fitness-4-2 because my husband has decided to join me on my quest to lose weight. Starting on January 4th when our daughters return to school, we will start working out in an attempt to lose 20lbs each by the end of March. This will make things easier. We will both be eating healthier and I will be working out at the gym while he meets with his trainer, Craig. I want to be agoid role model for our daughters so they make healthy food choices and lead an active lifestyle.
Here's to your health!
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
This morning, I branched out and decided to join a Pound fitness class in Merrickville. I know and respect the instructir, Katie. She is a naturopath and I participated in her group cleanse a few years ago. She also organized mindfulness training with Louise and I thoroughly enjoyed those classes so I felt that I would not be disappointed. The classes are on for six weeks, at 8:30am on Saturday mornings. The roads were dry and I was up at 6:30am so I went for it. It was a beautiful, sunny drive up to Merrickville. I listened to the new Adele cd, signing along. What I wouldn't give to have her voice!
I was a bit nervous as I entered Ahimsa. I brought a water bottle, a yoga mat and running shoes. I wasn't sure if I would need anything else. We were encouraged to work out in bare feet because it provides better traction. Each participant was given two drum sticks. Katie provided an overview of the routine including a few modifications to protect our backs and knees. She did a "dry run" without the music then she turned on the music and we did a series of moves in squat position. It didn't take long for my heart rate to speed up. After a few sips of water, we did another routine with lunges. I was conscious that I needed to avoid jumping, it's one of the exercises that gives me an instant headache. Each time there was a "jumping jack" move, I would simply go up on my tippy toes. We finished the workout seated on our mats doing moves resembling Pilates. By the end of the workout, we were sweating and beat. The music kept me motivated and the drum sticks engaged my arms (just like in Drumfit). I was pleased with the workout. My body felt tired in a good way.
My goal is to lose 20 pounds. I'd love to reach my goal by the end of March, that is when we go to Florida as a family. We spend a great deal of time in the pool and on the beach. It would feel great to wear my swimsuit and look fit. Here is what has helped me so far:
1-Drinking water. I have never been a fan of cold water. I started challenging myself to drink three litres of water per day. I fill a one litre bottle with warm water right after breakfast and focus on drinking it by lunch time. Then I have another bottle with my lunch. I begin drinking my third bottle as I prepare the kids' bath and I finish it after I have put my daughters to bed.
2-Choosing food that is not processed. When I am hungry, I will eat cherry tomatoes, a banana, tuna and avocado, tomato soup, roasted, unsalted nuts etc. If there are ingredients I don't recognize on the label, I don't eat it.
3-I eat much less wheat. Instead of having whole wheat toast forbreakfast every day, I switch it up with oatmeal, rice cereal or eggs and I try to eat more salads and soups rather than pasta and bread.
4-I have been trying to flatten my belly with crunches but this exercise seems to push all the fat out so I look pregnant. This is because my abdomen muscles were pulled to each side during my second pregnancy. I felt defeated like there was nothing I could do. My physiotherapist told me about a surgery where they reconnect your stomach muscles. I really don't want to go through surgery but I don't want to look pregnant either. Strengthening my core with lunges, squats, pelvic tilts, hip extensions, scissor legs, doing the dead bug, bridges and planks has helped reduce the bulk around my midsection.
I titled this post, Fitness-4-2 because my husband has decided to join me on my quest to lose weight. Starting on January 4th when our daughters return to school, we will start working out in an attempt to lose 20lbs each by the end of March. This will make things easier. We will both be eating healthier and I will be working out at the gym while he meets with his trainer, Craig. I want to be agoid role model for our daughters so they make healthy food choices and lead an active lifestyle.
Here's to your health!
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
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