MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Local occupational therapist Stella Sims gave an insightful, uplifting talk at the most recent meeting of the Mossel Bay Alzheimer's Support Group.
It took place on 14 June.
Stella anchored her talk on a quotation from Hippocrates, considered by many to be the father of medical treatment. He said: "The physician must be ready, not only to do his duty himself, but also to ensure the cooperation of the patient, of the attendants and of externals."
Stella said Hippocrates' statement is relevant today. The cooperation of the patient, his or her family and carers and his or her lifestyle is as important as medical intervention.
She said patients have a role in their own healing. "Besides the innate restorative capacities of the physical body, there are many factors of a psychological nature that can influence self healing."
Stella noted that research confirmed healing, which means to "make whole" was enhanced by activities such as relaxation, breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, imagery, meditation, positive attitudes, psychotherapy, stress management and improved sleep.
"Self-health responsibility, more than any other possible option, is the solution to our healing."
Craniosacral therapy
She recommended craniosacral therapy which involves gentle manual massage of the skull, used to help the release of tension in the connective tissue, membranes or any other tissues.
Stella has found it effective in treating pain, headaches, depression, dementia, birth trauma and colic, among other conditions. She said the therapy complemented other healing process. It was not meant to replace other therapies.
Rather than being filled with fear of pain, disease and death, we should rather focus on "running towards happiness and health". In this way we keep our mind firmly on where we are going, rather than focusing on the negative.
Stella concluded: "With words and beliefs, we feed or we deprive the healer inside us. It's our choice."
Next meeting
The Alzheimer's Support Group will meet again on Thursday, 12 July at 15:00 at Santos Haven 1 in Heiderand.
Audiologist Lynette Snyman will be the guest and speak on the topic: Alzheimer's and Hearing Loss: The Connection.
Support group facilitator Maria van Staden says: "Everyone is welcome to attend, not only support group members."
Call Maria (044 698 1509 or 072 236 5488) for more information.
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