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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Circulatory Technique
        
(Message started by: Charlie on Feb 16^th, 2004, 5:48am)

Title: Circulatory Technique
Post by Charlie on Feb 16^th, 2004, 5:48am

This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes 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" circulation to the head 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. No matter what happens during this exercise, it's clear that something is going on. Perhaps some process is begun or halted. Whatever it is, it works for me.

I was often able to 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 all through the attack. 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 comes very fast.

I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to concentrate on keeping blood away from the head. Concentrating on the arms and hands seems easiest but anything that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. This can 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 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

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Prense on Feb 16^th, 2004, 9:25am

This is one of those things that should have a link on the left...

Thanks for posting it Charlie.

Chris