• Positive Touch for Children - Mary Atkinson
• How I discovered a natural solution to my IBS by combining psyllium husks with probiotics - Peter Jackson
• Yoga and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Natural Therapy Pages

Positive Touch for Children

The importance of nurturing touch for children was the theme of Mary Atkinson’s Keynote speech at camexpo 2011 and she hopes that you will find this article, based on her talk, helpful and supportive in your own work. Mary is also delighted to announce that her short course Positive Touch for Children has recently been accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

It is not easy being a child in the 21st Century. Our young people are so often bombarded from a tender age with physical and mental stresses, competitive pressures and high expectations from home, schools and peers. And in a society driven by computers, televisions, mobile phones and other high tech communication, where is the space for children to find calm and stillness? As therapists, we know the value of this inner peace that connects us with ourselves, with others and with the natural world around us.

Finding a Quiet Space

It is my belief that positive touch through gentle massage and reflexology has the power to encourage children to discover a quiet and healing place within themselves that can help them cope better with the anxiety and stress that is leading to many health and behaviour problems today.

And as therapists we can play a vital role by encouraging our clients to support their own children through touch in the home. Since my book Healing Touch for Children – Massage, Reflexology and Acupressure for 4-12 year olds http://www.maryatkinson.com/publications/healing-touch-for-children/) was published in 2009, I have been privileged to hear stories from parents, therapists and children about their own personal experiences of the far reaching benefits of simple massage and reflexology techniques.

Benefits of Positive Touch for Children

• One mother told me that since giving her eight year old son the regular five minute massage suggested in Healing Touch for Children, he no longer suffered pre-school tummy aches.
• And another said her ten year old daughter was now sleeping through the night, untroubled by nightmares.
• A six year old told me that he liked to massage his friends’ backs because it made them feel happy and that made him feel happy too.
• In a review on Amazon, a mother of a child with ADHD said that the simple reflexology moves from the book were helping make bedtimes more peaceful for the whole family.
• And this will make you smile - one young girl said she was now able to get rid of Daddy’s headaches when he came home from work!

Learning from other cultures

In a society where touch is no longer considered the norm, surely it is vital to re-establish the importance of sharing nurturing touch within the home not only for the health and happiness of our own children but for future generations and society as a whole. In many cultures, touch and massage has been an integral part of family life for generations.

In India, mothers massage their babies from birth, then when they reach three or four years old, they are given a weekly head massage. By the age of six or seven, children are sharing regular head massages with their parents and grandparents. Children are not formally taught to massage, they learn by experiencing the benefits of positive touch for themselves.

During the research for my first holistic therapy book The Art of Indian Head Massage, http://www.maryatkinson.com/publications/the-art-of-indian-head-massage/ I spoke to many people from India who recalled sharing massages within their families when they were children and teenagers. They remember it as a special time, an opportunity for communication, for sharing worries and anxieties, for relaying stories and experiences, for ‘bonding’ within the family home. Even through particularly busy times, the regular massage slot was always honoured and appreciated as part of the family routine.

Children of all ages need to know they are special. Yet all too often we do quite literally lose ‘touch’ with our children when they reach school age and adolescence – which is at a time when, possibly, they are most in need of this gentle and nourishing touch that can communicate unconditional love and respect far more effectively than words.

Do we reach out and touch?

Touch is intuitive. Think how we naturally rub a sore spot to ease the pain or offer a comforting stroke on the shoulder or back to provide reassurance in difficult times. But do we reach out and touch each other enough during the daily course of our lives? Perhaps the answer lies in some research conducted by Sidney Jourard in the 1960s into the number of times that pairs of people casually touched each other whilst chatting over a drink in a coffee shop. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, they touched each other casually around 180 times over the period of an hour. In Paris, it was 110 times. In Florida, it was only a couple of times. But in London, people did not touch each other at all.

The Massage in Schools Programme

What message are we giving to our young children? Is touch becoming so taboo that we are blocking a child’s natural inclination to give and receive the healing power of touch? For Mia Elmsater, from Sweden and Sylvie Hetu from Canada, the vision of positive nurturing touch for all children, all over the world, is central to their work within the internationally respected Massage in Schools Programme. www.misa.org.uk Now operating in over 17 countries, the programme was introduced into the UK in 2000 and has already made a real difference to many children’s lives.

Children are taught a simple massage routine which they practice on each other, fully clothed in a sitting position, under the supervision of a trained adult for around 10-15 minutes in total, (that’s 5-7 minutes each child). Only the child’s back, head, neck, arms and hands are massaged. A popular time for the massage session is first thing in the morning or after lunch break when children can be very active and excited. Teachers and children agree that massage promotes sensitivity towards others, raises self-esteem and confidence and brings a sense of peace and calmness into the atmosphere which helps everyone concentrate and focus on their lessons. More information on touch activities and suggestions such as the Weather Massage in Touch in Schools by Sylvie Hetu and Mia Elmsater.

The Oxytocin Effect

Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg, a Swedish researcher and author of The Oxytocin Factor, Tapping the Hormone of Calm, Love and Healing believes that the feel-good effect of touch is linked with the release of oxytocin and other mood-enhancing chemicals during gentle massage. Although research is still on-going, Kerstin suggests that this release of oxytocin into the bodies of those giving and receiving gentle touch could be one of the reasons why touch has such a positive impact on countering the detrimental effects of stress and anxiety on our physical, emotional and mental health and well-being. And some exciting developments in Kerstin’s research show that those watching gentle massage also experience the feelings of peace and harmony associated with the release of oxytocin. So teachers, teaching assistants and those children not choosing to have a massage can benefit too!

An important part of the Massage in Schools Programme, which is now an integral part of the Anti-Bullying campaign, is that children learn self-respect and also respect for others. Each child asks permission from their partner to give them a massage, and then says ‘thank you’ at the end. Children have a choice and can say ‘no’ without any reprisals. In this way, they can begin to learn the difference between positive, caring touch and negative, abusive touch. Children are also taught to learn alongside their massage partner by writing letters and drawing shapes on each other’s backs, or telling a story or singing a song accompanied by creative massage movements.

Healing Touch for Children

As the Massage in Schools Programme begins to gain momentum, supported by OFSTED, an increasing number of people, including complementary therapists, teachers, teaching assistants, health professionals and community workers, are being trained on a two day instructor course, to introduce the programme to schools and child orientated community services.

Among the feedback from schools implementing the programme is that young people are enjoying taking their new-found massage skills back into the family home which in turn, has created space for parents, children and siblings to share quiet time together and facilitated self-expression, reflection and healing on many levels. This brings us back full circle to the emotional, physical and spiritual value that has been placed on massage in the home by Indian families for many generations.

Learning to Share Positive Touch for Children

Mary Atkinson, author of Healing Touch for Children, has just received FHT accreditation for a one day training course Positive Touch for Children aimed at sharing ways in which therapists can help parents introduce nurturing touch into their family home. The course would also be suitable for interested parents who recognise the value of positive touch for children. To find out more contact Mary on [email protected] or visit her website www.maryatkinson.com

How I discovered a natural solution to my IBS by combining psyllium husks with probiotics - Peter Jackson

This is a very brief story of how I developed the Lepicol formulation which was responsible for ridding me of a very debilitating form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

I first experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome way back in the early 1990’s.

At that time it was known as ‘spastic colon.’

This problem was particularly inconvenient for me because I was, at that time, a frequent flyer with my job.

Certainly my stress levels were ‘flying’ if I found myself with a spasm coming on and I was strapped into my airline seat with the fasten seat belt sign on. I had a number of close calls but thankfully I scraped through without any major incidents.

I had tried a number of initiatives from my doctor all of which had failed miserably. Antibiotics had not worked (I now know why) and his suggestion that I should increase my fibre (that meant bran fibre in the early 90’s) resulted in a very definite worsening of my symptoms.

In fact the symptoms worsened so dramatically that I developed quite a nervous reaction when anyone mentioned the word ‘fibre’ to me.

It was in this climate that a very learned naturopath first introduced me to Psyllium husk, the famous plant from India. He explained that this fibre was different to all others in that it was very gentle.

In view of my history and experience with other fibre, I did take some convincing that taking psyllium husks might be a worthwhile thing to do but because I had great respect for this naturopath and the general work he was doing, I decided to give Psyllium a go – albeit cautiously.

Instead of the normal 2 x teaspoons twice daily with water or juice, I started off with a quarter of a teaspoon and increased the dosage very slowly. Gradually, over a period of between 7-10 days I began to lose my fear of this new type of fibre because I could see it was not causing me irritation like the bran fibre had done.

Then, almost without noticing, as my dosage increased near to the recommended level, my symptoms started to improve and it was not long after that my discomfort and soreness also lessened.

My naturopath then recommended I should take some ‘live’ bacteria and some extracts of artichokes to take me to the next stage of recovery. Back in the early 90’s the image of taking ‘live bacteria’ was definitely not a positive one for me but having been so relieved with the benefits that I had experienced with his other recommendation of psyllium, I was prepared to do anything my naturopath said.

The rest is history for me because from that moment on, my symptoms continued to improve to the point where they eventually disappeared.

Having been so impressed by this ‘trinity’ of ingredients that had helped me so much, I then went about developing the Lepicol formulation so that I could help other people in the same boat as me.

Since establishing my own company to market this combination that had served me so well, I have spoken to thousands of people who have been looking to improve their bowel health for one reason or another.

What I have learned is that restoring a positive bacterial balance is often the key to addressing underlying bowel issues. But what I have also learned is that Psyllium fibre can play an active role in supporting probiotic supplementation, particularly in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Over the years I have worked with many different fibres including guar gum, acacia gum, konjac fibre and oat beta glucan, and none of them compete with psyllium – in my experience – when it comes to reducing the symptoms of IBD.

The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that psyllium, on account of the soft bulk it produces after consumption with water, provides a stable environment that promotes the growth of friendly bacteria.

Research on psyllium includes a study looking at the effects of a synbiotic containing probiotics and psyllium and its effects on IBD patients. This combination significantly improved total IBDQ scores in patients with Ulcerative Colitis after a 4 week treatment period1.

Since its launch in 2000, the Lepicol brand has gone from strength to strength. I am proud to say that our success has been primarily due to ‘word of mouth’ where the benefits of Lepicol have been passed on from person to person.

Lepicol is now a major success in the UK and more than 21 different countries.

I decided to sell the Lepicol brand earlier this year.
I realised that if we were to spread the word of the amazing benefits of Lepicol to a much wider public, we would have to carry out our own research – something we were unable to do ourselves.
I wanted to find the right company that could take Lepicol to a higher level – one that had the contacts, infrastructure and wherewithal to carry out proper clinical trials.

Lepicol is now in safe hands
In fact the most perfect company to do this was under my nose all the time.

It is a company called Probiotics International Ltd (Protexin) who have been supplying the probiotics used in the Lepicol formulation for the last seven years.

Probiotics International, probably better known for their BIO-KULT range of probiotic supplements, is one of a very few companies in Europe who are conducting their own research into the benefits of probiotics.

They have the technical expertise and the infrastructure to conduct large scale studies and it is for the reason that I took the decision to sell to them.

I know that they will be able to introduce Lepicol to a much wider public.

They already have 3 PhD projects running at Reading University and at Royal Holloway University, supervised by world-leading professors. Probiotics International also have a major project underway to obtain a health claim in Europe….so watch this space.

In the meantime, if you would have any questions regarding Lepicol then please FREEPHONE 0800 328 5663

Peter Jackson

1. Fujimori S., Gudis K., Mitsui K., Seo T., Yonezawa M., Tanaka s., Tatsuguchi A., Sakamoto C. 2009. A randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of synbiotic versus probiotic or prebiotic treatment to improve the quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. J. Nutr. 25:520-525.

Yoga and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Natural Therapy Pages

Yoga is as much a lifestyle as a natural therapy, and is increasingly valued for its soothing and relaxing approach. It is also part of the growing trend for alternative health solutions that do not make use of the traditional medical methodology. Yoga can be particularly effective in helping people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Read on for more information.

What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition affecting the digestive system, and is primarily – though not exclusively - experienced by women early in adulthood. It is characterised by feelings of nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Known triggers include excessive stress levels, some food groups as well as infections. Conventional medical treatment is via drugs, following exclusion diets and relaxation techniques. Dairy products are thought to be one set of foods that may contribute to IBS, as are products that contain gluten.

What is Yoga?
Yoga originated in Asia, and is a system of physical and mental exercises with a focus on exercise, breathing, and meditation. The primary objective of yoga is to bring together the body and mind into a state of equilibrium and accord. Though Hatha yoga is considered the ‘parent’ form, there is a large array of different types of yoga, including:
Ashtanga – a demanding, energetic style of yoga
Bikram – a yoga style practised in a heated room and aimed at increasing flexibility
Ananada – otherwise known as Hatha yoga, this is a gentle approach to yoga
Integral – with an emphasis on positions and the meditative aspects; and
Iyengar – a precise style of yoga with an emphasis on poses

The benefits of yoga are many and varied and include:
Stabilises digestion
Reductions in blood pressure
Reductions in heart rate
Reductions in muscle tension
Improved strength and suppleness; and
Improved sleep patterns

How Can Yoga Help IBS?
Stress can be a major factor in flare ups of IBS. As yoga is attributed with promoting a feeling of overall relaxation, it is the ideal natural therapy for sufferers of IBS who believe stress and nervous tension is the primary trigger. The breathing exercises that are used in yoga can be done at any time that you are feeling stressed, while meditation will allow you to clear your mind and relax. The yoga poses, or asanas, can be used to strengthen the body as well as provide a physical means of achieving a relaxed state. The Jathara Parivartana (stomach rolling) asana is often recommended for relief from stomach ailments, which with regular practice can strengthens the intestines.
Ensure that your yoga instructor is trained and accredited by an association. This will give you some level of assurance as to their expertise and level of training.

Find out about other effective natural treatments for IBS.

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