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Charlie
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Here's the technique
« on: Aug 27th, 2002, 11:31pm » |
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Dr. Wright's Circulatory Feedback
This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes a lot of work and concentration. Give this method a good workout. It’s not a miracle, but it’s been very helpful to many.
When I was diagnosed, my neurologist said to treat this as a vascular problem. I was told to concentrate on “redirecting” blood circulation in order to retard flow to the head. This is done by trying to “send” blood into the arms and hands or other extremities. When properly done, your hands will become warm and redder with increased circulation. I also found it easier to concentrate on one hand.
This relieves just slightly, the pressure on the affected vessel, which indirectly causes our pain. We all have this ability but it can be exhausting. I was often able shorten my attacks from about half an hour to no more than a few minutes. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack IF I KEPT AT IT. I would suffer only minor discomfort instead of excruciating pain. Do not stop just because your hands are warm or redder. Keep this up until you are sure it's subsided. If you let up or lose concentration, it’s very hard to restart this process. It may take some time for this to take hold but when this works, the relief is almost immediate.
I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to concentrate on keeping blood away from the head. He thought the easiest is the arms and hands but any place that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. It’s important to keep at it THROUGH the pain. This will be difficult, but it’s the only way this technique will work. I like to keep at it a few minutes longer than seems necessary to insure success.
This will not always work, but I think it will always have at least some effect on the severity and duration of the attacks. It can be useful between medications or while waiting for some other drug to take effect. All it takes is a little practice. It was fairly easy to learn and what I'm writing here is more than I got from the doctor, as I've drawn from my own experience.
When awakened in horrible pain, it’s very hard to focus, but I think it’s always worth a try. This costs nothing but hard work, is harmless, non-invasive, and it gives us a fighting chance.
I wish you the best of luck - Charlie Strand
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Jim R
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Re: Here's the technique
« Reply #1 on: Aug 28th, 2002, 7:02am » |
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Charlie,
When you did this, did you use visualization? I tried yesterday, but had a hard time visualizing the blood flow routes, then thought maybe this isn't how I'm supposed to do it...
Thanks my friend - Jim R
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"Hammer of the Gods..." (pounding on my head...) and isn't Bowie great?!
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Charlie
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Re: Here's the technique
« Reply #2 on: Aug 28th, 2002, 6:10pm » |
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Jim:
I don't think it's visualization. I literally try to push blood into my left arm, (that's just me, of course) I hesitate to say this but it's almost something like a physical "push" that may also feel like some kind of and internal only, stretch. It's so second nature to me that I can do it while typing. It was something I got right away and I wish I could convey this better. Dr. Wright stood up, held out his harm and asked me to extend my arm, look at it and to try to feel myself forcing blood into my arm. It took two tries. I wish I had the ability to make you all understand. It's really all he said and it worked the first time I tried it that day. It wasn't immediate but I had a hard time concentrating because ofmy being in a restaurant. It worked a couple more times that day but I woke up in pain of course. After several days, I think I was able to shorten even my night attacks. Once in a while, I stopped them in less than a minute. What a feeling that was.
I hope this helps. It's so hard to explain. Everyone try it over and over. The real trick is to never give up, even after 15 or 20 minutes. If that doesn't work, try it the next time and the next. One of these times it will work and you'll never not try it. Like Linda, do it between attacks so you can get the feel of it. You will see your hand become redder and warmer when you do it correctly. The trick is to do it THROUGH the pain, it's the way it's done. It's always worth it.
Keep at it folks.
Charlie
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Jim R
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Re: Here's the technique
« Reply #3 on: Aug 29th, 2002, 5:46am » |
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Thanks Charlie. I will try as you suggest the next time I have one, although I have to say, right now, the Topamax is working pretty good - PF so far!  Jim R
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"Hammer of the Gods..." (pounding on my head...) and isn't Bowie great?!
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