Who Heals The Healer?

Hello, it’s Dave here…

I thought in this blog post, we could explore one or two aspects of alternative care. The Holistic approach.
Not wanting to drone on about my own issues with Arthritis, but well, you know how it is… so here goes…

A couple of months ago I wrote about the benefits of golden (turmeric) milk, and how to make it.

Well I am still making it, and as a natural anti-inflammatory it certainly helps. Although my reasons for using this instead of prescription drugs are due to allergic reactions, I have found myself going further and further down the alternative treatments route.

Including regular acupuncture.

Acupuncture as we know it has been around quite a while, thousands of years actually, although I believe it was only started to be documented as such, around 300 years BC/BCE .
Above is an image of one of the main sources of information and indeed inspiration for many practitioners of this ancient practice… based on Taoist beliefs, to follow the natural way of the Universe. It’s about imbalance of elements and energies (but that is a whole other story!)

Yin and Yang

The treatment that I have been having is mainly for arthritis in the hands and feet. Now I have to say that ‘conventional’ methods, ie: drugs etc. whilst masking the pains, do nothing to ‘cure’ the root causes.

I thought that I was simply suffering with worn out joints, having spent a good portion of earlier working life either building, fencing or farming, or any combination of all three. Manual work. Now conventional medics might say “Have steroid injections, that will ease the pain”, or “take anti-inflammatory drugs, that should help”… But as I have mentioned I can’t have one and don’t want the other!!

So, we are are trying the more holistic approach ie: acupuncture ,vitamins, minerals and a slight change to the diet. I would add here that my doctor (who I very rarely see) suggested that I try the vegan diet, but I’m not ready for that yet… (ex sheep farmer/shepherd)

I don’t smoke, haven’t drunk alcohol for many years so I should be in with a fighting chance, in fact… the lady that I see for acupuncture has helped me with this also…and here’s how.

There are certain foods which can trigger arthritic pain, in my case so far I have had to cut back on tomatoes, blue Cheese and processed foods. The latter not really being a problem as we tend to eat mainly fresh foods.

What I have found since being treated with acupuncture, is that not only are my painful joints easier to live with but also my HEAD!

I really did not expect to this to happen. But happen it has!

I guess what I’m trying to say here, is that when you are working with a solution to a problem, it lessens it! Makes sense really…

Instead of feeling depressed about the future with arthritis, poor me, poor me…

I have a chance to improve the situation, by continuing with the regular treatments, adjusting my diet slightly, and my thinking, quite a lot… How hard is that!?

So I for one am very grateful to my acupuncturist for the help she has given me so far, and I know that my lovely wife Barbara (who also visits) is feeling the benefits too!

I have only briefly touched on the subject of acupuncture and alternative therapies, and realise that needles etc. are not for everyone. Many people need traditional medicines and treatments, but I believe that for me at least, the natural way, has to be the only way.

These are still very uncertain times for ALL of us, so we have to stay safe, look out for one another, and take it one day at a time.

Next step

Watch this space!!!

Take care Dave x

31 thoughts on “Who Heals The Healer?

  • 2nd September 2020 at 10:39 am
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    An interesting, enlightening and thought provoking post – great

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 12:01 pm
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    So pleased things are easier for you Dave, long may it continue. I am doing my best to follow a vegan diet but it is not always easy. I must find your turmeric milk and give it a try. Have a good day x

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 12:36 pm
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    Many thanks Dave, you’ve given us much to think about, a definite pause for thought. Really pleased your chosen route is working for you. Enjoy your day and hope all’s going well for the big celebrations at the weekend!

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 1:17 pm
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    What an interesting read Dave. I might show it to my hubby he has trouble with his hands. Take care. Hugs xxx

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 1:20 pm
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    Very interesting read Dave. I too suffer badly with chronic pain caused by arthritis. I am trying to cut down on the painkillers as I find they make me very drowsy and I really don’t want to sleep the rest of my life away. One of the things I tried is Tai Chi, a form of Qi Gong. I found this really helped me in so many ways, it got me moving, improved my mental state, and yes it did help the pain. Another place I cant go back to yet because of lockdown, but I will asap. CBD oil also helps with the pain, anxiety and sleeping. I hope the Qi Gong helps you.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 1:35 pm
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    I had acupuncture at the hospital after not being able to move my arm for five months because of a neck problem. I thought I was being fobbed off. The pain went for three days after the first session and permanently after the second. You don’t have to believe in it for it to work because I totally disbelieved. I had six more sessions and have no problems years later, though the damage is still there. When I had a scan for another issue, the doctor said it must be agonising but I told him there is no pain at all. Just think what it saved in prescriptions, let alone my well-being. I know other people who have had similar results, though it does depend on the practitioner. One woman who had not been able to move her head for fifteen years because of arthritis could look over either shoulder after two courses. She had a top up after two years but is still a very active gardener ten years on at 89. She told me she thought I was talking total rubbish but would have tried anything because of the pain. However, Dave, my uncle has refused to try but did have a miracle cure when an insightful doctor found by testing that he actually had gout as well as arthritis in hands and feet. Worth asking the GP for a test?

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    • 2nd September 2020 at 2:08 pm
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      Hi Ali,
      There is a ‘gouty type arthritis’ known to medics. I know because I have suffered with it.
      Strange really, because everyone assumes that to have Gout you must be having a rich diet or that you drink too much Alcohol ….neither true in my case. However the best solution I have found so far, has been Cherry Juice. pure unadulterated Cherry Juice. A small glass every day should help. It too has anti inflammatory properties …

      Quite expensive …but so worth it !

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 1:53 pm
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    Interesting read Dave. My husband suffers with chronic pain among other things. He has tried acupuncture, recommended by the pain clinic, but it didn’t help and he had to resort to surgery on both hands (2) and both elbows (4) and after these 6 operations there is nothing more they can do. Opiods are an option but neither of us like this idea.
    He is a died-in-the-wool carnivore so a veggy diet is not a possibility, but he has cut down on quantity and I try to ensure a varied diet with no processed foods and all our meat is sourced from a local butcher who only buys from local farmers.
    I will show him your post and see if it has any effect coming from a man.
    Thanks Dave, stay safe and look after that lovely lady of yours. See she doesn’t overdo it this weekend.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 2:25 pm
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    Very interesting Dave. I became ill over 35 years ago, unexplained aches and pains, skin rashes etc etc. I sought a homeopath who said I was allergic to chemicals! A minefield to negotiate, in food , household products, not to mention those used in farming at the time. We converted our farm to organic status, overseen by the Soil Assn. , had virtually no income from farming during two years of conversion, but my health improved dramatically. Root vegetables store the chemicals, so we developed a larger vegetable garden from part of a grass area which had never been sprayed.
    Homeopathy has become second nature to me and is used widely by my children and grandchildren. My husband died 4 years ago but was out and about as usual the day before, for which we are truly thankful.
    I am a huge believer in alternative treatments and I wish you and Barbara all the best in your quest for optimum health.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 2:29 pm
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    A very interesting read, I too have had accupuncture and had good and not so good results. I must say though that the good results where with an NHS consultant who used both Western and ancient Chinese, so he took my treatment as a whole picture. The “failed” treatment ws with an NHS nurse who only treated modern Western accupuncture on a specific part, ie back or knee when in reality my problems are greatly dues to nervous system “rewiring” over the years due to life long problems.
    I’ve also had good results from acupressure by a chiropractor but sadly also very bad results from a chiropractor.
    So after all this over the years which was mostly paid for by my wonderful mother I’m now just on the Western treatment of popping pills and patches.
    So glad that you both find some relief and can carry on bringing so much joy to so many of us.
    Take care and stay safe xx

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 2:33 pm
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    Hi Dave thanks for the “food for thought” today, very helpful.
    I seem to have missed your post re turmeric and milk. Would you be kind enough to suggest where I might find it.
    Stay safe and move freely.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 2:50 pm
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    Many thanks for this Dave.
    I had acupuncture 40 years ago for migraines. I was told what food triggered them, something the GP did not tell me, he just wanted to prescribe drugs. The acupuncture certainly helped my migraines the advice I was given also helped me to understand how to manage the illness. When in the practice one day I saw a man whose needles was attached to a small battery. This was because heated needles help with the treatment – he suffered from terrible arthritis in his hands. When he started his treatment he could hardly move his hands but after several sessions he was able to return to work – as an archaeologist. The Chinese have also been known to perform surgery using acupuncture rather than anaesthetics. Anything is better than drugs – they all come with side effects.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 2:52 pm
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    I was surprised when I read about tomatoes exacerbating the effects of arthritis but having tried to do without, my wee treat of cherry tomatoes for a while now, it has made a difference. More diet and lifestyle changes needed but it is a start.
    Great blog Dave.
    Linda

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    • 2nd September 2020 at 6:23 pm
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      Tomatoes are too acidic for anyone with arthritis. Him indoors has refused anything tomatoey since I told him. I’m going to try him with the turmeric milk again.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 3:01 pm
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    Thank you Grace for the blog re Dave’s Turmeric milk. I have just found it. I am sure it will help others.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 3:04 pm
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    Merci beaucoup David for sharing what works for you!!
    We have not enough of these tips and the ones to strengthen our immune system do that we can take care and responsibility of ourselves.
    Organic silicium is also great for the body.
    Take care David et Barbara and Stay safe and happy !

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    • 2nd September 2020 at 11:07 pm
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      Thank you so much for the reminder Elizabeth. I had forgotten about that one.
      Much love to you and Alain x

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 3:50 pm
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    Very interesting thank you for this have made me want to look into it all further.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 5:06 pm
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    Glad the acupuncture is working for you Dave. I tried it as a last resort when I had back pain some years ago and was amazed at how quickly it worked. I think we need to keep an open mind about alternative medicine

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 6:07 pm
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    I wish I wasn’t so terrified of needles. Years being injected and having blood taken has meant I can’t bear them or knowing when they’re used on me.
    I’m not surprised about the tomatoes as I was told that years ago too and I now limit how often I eat them and it makes a difference. My GP is slowly weaning me off the opiods I was prescribed years ago for joint & muscle pain, wish I had never been put on them. I can’t take the anti inflammatories because they cause other issues. We don’t eat any processed food now, thanks to hubby cooking, I just need to learn to like vegetables lol!
    Fab post, thank you Dave & Barbara

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 6:22 pm
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    Hello Dave
    I have passed the turmeric milk recipe to my cousin who has an arthritic spine. How long was it before you started to see an improvement please?
    Love
    Roz.xxx

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    • 2nd September 2020 at 8:38 pm
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      Hi Roz,
      I started out eating raw Turmeric and Black Peppercorns some time ago…and only stopped taking it this way as it can give you bad breath. ! You do need to combine the two, as the black pepper helps the anti inflammatory properties of the Turmeric work. As with most alternative treatments it takes time, there is no ‘quick fix’ for Arthritis …but I would say that I started to feel the benefits within a couple of weeks. Not long really when you have had the condition for years ! It’s all part of complimentary treatments …. Hope you give it a try …x

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      • 3rd September 2020 at 8:28 am
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        Hello Dave
        Fortunately I don’t need it but my cousin is trying it. I am just pre-empting a question from her.
        Love
        Roz.xxx

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 6:26 pm
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    Great post, thanks, Dave! One of the healthier changes I made to my diet in lockdown was to sub sweet treats for cherry or baby plum tomatoes, but as I sit here I’m in more pain than ever in a joint which was previously only minimally affected by my arthritis. I guess that means no more tomatoes for me… and I’ll hunt down some cherry juice too. So, thanks again

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 7:10 pm
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    Thanks for a fascinating post. I have a lot of back pain (thanks to years of nursing, especially district nursing and midwifery) and muscle pain all over, don’t drink or smoke (never did either) and always eat fresh food and not keen on cheese of any kind (but I do like tomatoes which i use in cooking a fair bit!). I tried acupuncture once for my back pain and had a really bad experience which i won’t elaborate on, but it certainly put me right off and although one of our GPs has recommended it, I haven’t found anyone on recommendation (GPs suggestion had retired!) and am wary of trying anyone ‘cold’ again. I’m really pleased it is doing you and Barbara so much good and thanks for your useful advise.

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  • 2nd September 2020 at 8:44 pm
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    Hmm, I wonder if I can persuade my Mum to try acupuncture … she suffers from arthritis and it makes sewing and crafting so difficult for her. We’ve been making the Golden Milk since we managed to track down some fresh turmeric – I was on the look-out for it after reading your original blog post and eventually came across some at Sainsburys. Mum’s not sure whether it’s making a difference, but it’s early days maybe so we’ll persevere. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  • 3rd September 2020 at 10:08 am
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    Hi Dave, I’m so pleased that you are benefitting from your acupuncture treatments! I started my journey on holistic/alternative therapies in 2000. More recently I have been using Donna Eden’s ‘Daily Energy Routine’. Donna uses her hands to ‘trace’ the meridian (acupuncture) pathways and to tap on various acupuncture points. Her videos can be found on You-tube. Everyone can do it – no needles required! My health and vitality have increased and the pain in my wrists from years of crafting is much reduced. For those who suffer with stress, her ‘Triple Warmer Smoothie’ routine is very beneficial!

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  • 3rd September 2020 at 6:32 pm
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    Hi Dave , I’m glad it’s working for you and Barbara. I had it years ago when I had a cough – related to hay fever, so had it for both and I must say it did the trick and helped immensely, I didn’t need many treatments but continued to see her for reflexology as a relaxing treatment. It’s worth trying anything as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for your blog and good luck with more treatment. X

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  • 3rd September 2020 at 10:11 pm
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    Just wanted to say ‘Thank You’ for all the lovely comments… Its very encouraging to hear that so many are trying alternative therapies… I believe that once you have found the ‘right; practitioner for you, there is no looking back. Stay safe, stay well and keep the faith. (whatever yours might be !) x Dave

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