Finding HOPE 

Sam Moss's Inspiring Story

By: Sam Moss, My Medical Musings

Today I am medically retired and on a permanent disability pension and my husband is my full time carer. My original plan was a healthy retirement full of travel and volunteering and fulfilling a lifelong goal of writing a book. I may not be able to have such an energetic retirement and my leg break and subsequent bone disease diagnosis has brought the travel idea to an end for the moment but I am blessed that I can still write.

I’ll have difficult days like we all do and days when plans and dreams are restricted by health but one thing I know is that if I can focus on counting my blessings on those days, the clouds pass much more quickly.

My biggest blessing is my amazing husband who has walked this journey with me and stands side by side with me today. We have laughed and we have cried over the past six years as each health episode has thrown up new challenges.

We have even managed to laugh at the unpredictability of my health. We can laugh though because we know life can be and is good, even if it is learning to live at a different pace and in a very different way from what is considered “normal”.

Chronically Content
Despite all that my body has thrown at me, I still have an overarching feeling of being “Chronically Content”

So, how on earth can I feel content, even happy, in the midst of all this?
What’s my secret?

Discovering Alternative Treatments:
Acupuncture and Acupressure
for Chronic Pain 

From: Hope Instilled

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It is over 2,500 years older than traditional Western Medicine. It works by applying thin needles, heat, and pressure to specific points on the body redirecting the body’s natural energy know as chi or qi.

Acupuncture Benefits for Chronic Pain 

Acupuncture has been said to produce positive side effects including; better sleep, better digestion, more energy, mental clarity, and less stress. It has gained a lot of acceptance as an alternative treatment for low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis, based on several research studies.
 
Other Conditions Acupuncture Could Help with Include:
Allergies, Asthma, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Pain in general, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Muscle Spasms, Myofascial Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Learn more about what is is, what acupressure is, how it works, how it helps with chronic pain, how safe it is, the history of it, scientific proof, how to find a good practitioner, and what to expect at the initial appointment on our website.

Exploring Wellness: Strength Training 

"For many, weight training calls to mind bodybuilders pumping iron in pursuit of beefy biceps and bulging pecs. But experts say it's well past time to discard those antiquated notions of what resistance training can do for your physique and health. Modern exercise science shows that working with weights — whether that weight is a light dumbbell or your own body — may be the best exercise for lifelong physical function and fitness." (Peak fitness Presented by Mercola, 2017)

Why is Strength Training Important?

• Reducing stomach aches
• Soothing digestive issues
• Relieving headaches
• Improving mental focus
• Clearing respiratory tract
• Boosting energy
• Releasing tight muscles

HOW TO PREPARE

For use as a topical application, it is best to mix with a carrier oil (such as; fractioned coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil) in a 10ml roller ball. Add 25 - 30 drops of the essential oil and fill the rest with the carrier oil. Then, apply to temples and forehead for migraine pain. Mix with lavender oil to help with achy joints.

For digestive issues, try peppermint tea. You can also add some to a diffuser and reap the benefits from the scent being added to the air.

Read more on Essential oils here