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 Mother’s Day, Paola, one of our massage therapists is running a special offer on her natural face lift massages. It’s a wonderful gift to give to your mother as a way to show your appreciation for everything that mums do. And the best bit… if you buy your mum a natural facelift for Mother’s Day, you can get one yourself for free!

Why not check out Paola’s article on how to look more youthful and refreshed in just one hour? Try her massage and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Tags: natural facelift

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

Looking for something a bit different to check out this weekend? Well, how about going to Haringey’s first seed swap event, organised by Haringey Allotments Forum and Sustainable Haringey’s Food Group.

The idea is simple and a good one - bring along seeds to swap if you have them, and trade with other flower and vegetable enthusiasts to find something new to grow in your garden!

The venue is Bruce Castle and refreshments will be available. The event is being organised by Seven Sisters Permaculture and is running this Sunday the 22nd Feb between 2pm and 4pm. For more information, you can email jehanna@gn.apc.org or sevensisterspermaculture@wikispaces.org.uk

Tags: Haringey, London, permaculture, seed swap

Chinese New Year celebrations are happening in London this coming weekend on the 1st February to celebrate Year of the Ox.

In Buddhism, the white Ox symbolises contemplation and wisdom, and oxen are blessed by the compassionate Chinese goddess Guan Yin because of their gentle and peaceful nature.

According to an ancient Taoist legend, human beings have a special relationship with the Ox. In early farming communities, people often went for days without eating and feared starvation during poor harvests. To aid suffering humans, the gods and goddesses removed the Ox from heaven, where she was a star, and sent her to earth.

The gods instructed the Ox to tell people that with her help they would avoid starvation and eat every three days. But Ox misunderstood and told humanity that they would eat three times a day. The Ox had to keep to her word, so that is why Oxen have to work so hard and endure many burdens without complaint.

The year of the Ox is traditionally a time of  hard work, duty, and discipline, and not a time for laziness. In the year of the Ox, success is attained through diligent labor and conscientious effort.

Why not check out the celebrations in London this weekend, or visit the British Museum, where there is an exhibition of ancient Chinese bronzes and jades from Shanghai. An old Chinese text, the Canon of Mountains and Rivers, suggests that a type of jade used to be ground into needles for acupuncture treatment, the so-called ‘Bian stones’.

Tags: Chinese new year, year of the Ox