Helix Clinic blog

Today a patient asked me about research studies that have been done looking at the effects of acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis, and off the top of my head I couldn’t think of any major ones so did a bit of searching on the web to see what was out there. There have been a few small scale studies but overall it is a little surprising how few studies have evaluated acupuncture in Multiple Sclerosis. I did make one interesting finding though.

The Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center is a centre for the study of MS founded in 1978 by 2 men dedicated to finding the causes of MS and a cure for the disease. In 1999, the Rocky Mountain MS Center began to collect information about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and now provide state-of-the-art information on MS and CAM. They offer what seems to be a unique approach to research, using technology to survey large numbers of people living with MS on the effectiveness and safety of various interventions used to treat MS.

A survey carried out by the center reported the results collected from more than 1000 MS patients. It was not a controlled study, but nevertheless seemed to show promising results for the treatment of MS symptoms with acupuncture. About 20% of the respondents had used acupuncture since their initial diagnosis, and about two thirds of those reported an improvement in the symptoms of pain and anxiety. Other symptoms that were reported as improved by between 50% and 60% of respondents were fatigue, depression, muscle stiffness, numbness and insomnia. Only 4% of patients noticed a worsening of any pre-existing MS symptoms with acupuncture.

Tags: multiple sclerosis

This year, we ran a fundraising event for Red Nose Day 2009. A great day was had by all, with our massage therapist Dawn working flat out to bring deep relaxation to many people in the building. They all went into the weekend feeling pretty chilled out and the fact that all donations went to help those in need only increased the good feeling.

Thanks to everyone who came along and donated money for such a good cause. We managed to raise a total amount of £105!

Tags: massage, red nose day

This year, eating disorders awareness week is between the 23rd and 28th February. You can keep up to date with daily initiatives, projects and news on the website run by BEAT. BEAT is the leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families, and is the working name of the Eating Disorders Association.

Eating disorders are a serious mental illness, and they affect over a million people in the UK. BEAT provides helplines for adults and young people, online support and a UK-wide network of self-help groups to help people beat eating disorders.

If you have ever wondered if you suffer from an eating disorder, there is an effective and simple questionnaire that you can do to give you a better idea. The SCOFF questionnaire asks 5 questions, and was introduced in an article published in the BMJ in 1999. The questions are:

1. Do you make yourself (S)ick because you feel uncomfortably full?
2. Do you worry you have lost (C)ontrol over how much you eat?
3. Have you recently lost more than (O)ne stone in a 3 month period?
4. Do you believe yourself to be (F)at when others say you are too thin?
5. Would you say that (F)ood dominates your life?

In the original paper, two positive answers out of 5 were found to give a 100% sensitivity to anorexia and bulimia. There were a few false positives (i.e. if 2 or more positive answers were given by respondents who were not diagnosed with an eating disorder), but all of the respondents who had been independently diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia or both answered 2 or more questions positively.

If two or more of these questions are relevant for you and you haven’t been diagnosed with an eating disorder, it would be wise to make an appointment to talk to your GP to discuss it further.

We have other health-related questionnaires on our website. Why not check out our lifestyle questionnaire and checklist for symptoms of stress?

Tags: anorexia, BEAT, bulimia, eating disorders, questionnaire, SCOFF

Friday 6th February is Stress Down Day, organised by the Samaritans in order to raise awareness of stress in the workplace. Obviously, more people will be experiencing stress at the moment due to the economic slowdown, and feeling worried about jobs, income or pensions.

Many people who are feeling undue stress turn to the Samaritans, who will be experiencing more calls than usual at this time. They urge anyone with work or financial concerns to seek support rather than letting problems get out of control. The Samaritans are completely confidential and give everyone a safe arena to discuss thoughts, feelings and problems, without fear of being judged.

By making a donation to the Samaritans, you will be helping them to answer more calls and help more people. And lets face it, how often do you get the chance to wear a pair of big green furry slippers at work in the name of a good cause?

Tags: Samaritans, stress

Food allergy and intolerance week is between the 19th and 23rd January this year. We’d like to help raise awareness during this week by pointing out a couple of good resources for allergy sufferers or people with food intolerances.

Allergy UK is the UK’s leading medical charity for people with allergies, food intolerances and chemical sensitivity. On their site you’ll find plenty of information, as you might expect, as well as a few good ways to help support their work.

We particularly liked Allergy Chums, to help a child with allergies.  Character stickers, clothing, ‘write on’ wristbands, and lunch box decals help to protect your child while they are out & about, featuring characters like Nutley the Nut free Squirrel,  Cedric the Dairy free Cow and Multiple Allergy Monkey. 10% of any orders made will be given to the Allergy UK Blossom Campaign, a children’s campaign to help provide support to children with allergies and their parents.

And if you are feeling like brightening up the winter grey, why not buy some flowers, where 15% of your purchase will go towards the charity Allergy UK!

Tags: allergies, food intolerances