about me Penny has been practising massage since 1987 and Herbal Medicine since 1996. She has also taught massage since 1989. Penny's commitment to you is to make a difference to your health and wellbeing.

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Massage and herbal medicine news
Issue: Winter 2016 Edition

In this edition of the newsletter I look at Plantar fasciitis a very painful heel condition where massage can help with some exercises and other suggestions thrown in. As winter is approaching colds and flu are on the increase so I am discussing lifestyle and herbal medicine ways of treating this common affliction. 

Housekeeping

Winter is fast approaching and we are closed from Monday July 4 and will reopen on Monday 18 July. 

Plantar fasciitis or a pain in the heel!

If you have or have had this affliction you will know. The pain is typically worse on getting out of bed first thing in the morning when you weight bear on the heel.

It is the most common form of heel/foot pain in clinical practice, thought to affect 15% of people sometime during their life. Heel spurs may also be present. They are bony out growths on the inside of the heel bone or where the Achilles tendon inserts on the heel bone. 

It can take up to 12 months to heal so  most people look to massage or other manual treatment to reduce this time frame. 

Causes

• Flat feet or altered biomechanics
• Occupations where you stand or walk a lot
• Being overweight
• Increasing walking distance after a period of inactivity and walking or running on hard surfaces. 10% of runners are effected.
• Badly fitting footwear.

Treatment

I have had good success with mobilising the ankle and foot bones using Orthobionomy, plus massaging tight calves, the Achilles tendon and the underside of the foot. Overpronation of the foot plus pelvic alignment also need to be assessed. 

An Epsom salt foot bath , anti inflammatories and gentle stretching also help too. 

Influenza versus the Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses and is a leading cause of visits to the doctor and absenteeism from work and school. As you may well have experienced, flu often has a quicker onset and more severe symptoms than the common cold. Flu symptoms such as sore throat, fever, headaches, muscle aches, blocked up sinuses, cough and fatigue may last for several weeks, whilst these symptoms will be shorter with the common cold. 

In most cases getting the flu is not a serious risk except in those who have a lowered immune function. These are peoople over 65 years, those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease and pregnant women and young children. 

With herbal  medicine the ideal  strategy is to improve immune function through lifestyle by:

• drinking plenty of water - 2L/day
• Having enough sleep - 6-8 hours
• Managing stress 

And using specific herbs and supplements pre infection or when symptoms first appear as folllows:

• Pre infection - Use of Echinaceae to strengthen the immune system. Ideally use this all year round. A good practitioner brand  of either 2 tablets a day or 5mL of a liquid formulation twice a day. The type of Echinaceae in the formulation is important to get superior results. 
• When symptoms first appear ( that sore throat, sinuses or severe tiredness) - Nip it in the bud using a liquid formulation or a tablet. The herbs used are more effective than Echinaceae once the symptoms appear. I can make up a mixture tailored to suit your symptoms and case history.
• Zinc and a probiotic are best used all year round to strengthen your immune system. 

Quote of the Quarter

Gratitude:

• Helps you grow and expand
• Brings you joy and laughter into your life
• And into the livers of those around you

Eileen  Caddy 'The Dawn of Change'

Enjoy winter and the crisp days it brings and the warmth of an open fire if you have one.  Keep up the exercise to improve your circulation, mood and mobilise your joints. I know some of you love the cold weather whilst others hate it but you can always rug up or travel to warmer climates. 

KInd Regards

Penny Wade

Massage THerapist and Western Herbalist

02 9436 0306