Stiff Neck - Week 7

Ok, now I'm a day late, but this week was very interesting in the same way that Anemia found her dreamy sore throat. My job has been less than satisfying and filled with frustration and stress. This isn't new and I'm sure it contributes to the stiff neck and HA's I experience which is why I was interested in this study to begin with. I don't like to take any medications so I'm always looking for more natural ways to help my body heal itself.

Anyway, one night this past week I went to bed exhausted and thought for sure I'd sleep like an hibernating bear. At 2 AM I woke up and could not go back to sleep. My neck hurt on the left side behind my ear and I was trying so hard to fall asleep because I knew 5 am would come quickly. My thoughts would not stop and most of them were not logical and I knew wouldn't fly in the daylight! When nothing was working I got up, pulled out MFM and turned to Anxiety. Its on p.71 and I won't repeat it all; just this one line that so aptly applied . " ...in certain cases of illogical worry or anxiety, especially if worry becomes acute between one and three in the morning!" (I have had abnormal liver function tests in the past, but nothing serious)

So, my stiff neck/HA truly subsided, went back to bed and slept peacefully for 2 more hrs.

These protocols are working for me!! In fact, as I mentioned before I was doing the protocols for hot flashes in addition to my assigned ones and I have been experiencing fewer, but it seems to be important to do these points every day.

Stiff Neck - Week 6

I have experimented many times this week. Mostly trying different point sequences for different ailments. I did my regular sequences, but tried others.

Just read several other blogs and the articles about reflexology-thank you-very informative and fun to read.

MG commented on practicing on her sister which I did also. she said she was more relaxed after the sessions.

I also had brought my book to a massage session which led to a lively conversation about reflexology, frog on the face, and how truly intertwined the human body is. We also talked about how many people do not recognize the amazing healing power the human body has.

Just for the record--I am not writing as much, but I am practicing for longer periods of time because I'm fascinated with the results. One place I've been trying to practice is at work. I've started using the sequence for relaxation and MFM says to practice all the female hormonal points every day for hotflashes--will let you know about results.

Stiff Neck - Week 3

Yes, I am late, but I am a volunteer....

Week 3 has been interesting. Throughout our sessions I have been very consistent about always massaging the points for stiff neck and fairly consistent with HA and right knee. I have changed utensils, used forehead tapping and started and ended with point O. This week I experimented with more on hot flashes. M-F M says one should stimulate hot flash points every day (which makes me think some of the massage response is cumulative where as some hits the immediate pain.) Well, Tuesday night 11/02 I had the Best Sleep Ever!! Didn't get up through the night, no hot flashes and no stiff neck. Haven't been able to figure out how to duplicate it, but since Tues. my stress level has increased considerably.

Overall, I feel like I'm calmer and my neck is much less stiff. Sat. night into Sunday morning I had a migraine at Meg's house. I did try to use the points, but was very conflicted because I wanted to be playing with my Grandson.

Ending with this in a whisper: I have had no pain in my right knee!! It's only fair to mention that I have a routine that I have also been faithful too, so not all the redit can be given to Facial Reflexology.

Stiff Neck Week 2

This was a week of challenges and solutions, sometimes. Thought about whether the massage is affected by wearing contacts or my glasses. The glasses I have to keep removing or they fall and in the am I don't have contacts in, but have now started leaving them in for the pm massage.

I enjoy doing the toner in the am and relaxation at night. However, when reading some of the book I read that if you have high blood pressure ( I don't, but sometimes have borderline high) you shouldn't stimulate point 8. Of course, two of my massages for stiff neck use point 8. One night I decided to see what happens if point 8 is stimulated. My heart started racing and I could really feel it. Now it was at the end of the day and yes I do stim. point 8 during my stiff neck massages, but I held the point longer. Immediately I stimulated point 0 which is what Muller says to do if you over-stim. All was fine, but I'm a believer.

I also one night tried doing all my massages as one and saw/felt no difference.

If I don't respond right away to any comments its cuz I'm on the computer all day without internet, but I will try this week.

One other experiment: I keep trying to do the massages for hot flashes, but I really only get them now between 3 and 5 am. In order to do the massage I have to wake up (haven't memorized the points like I have HA) I did try one am cuz I was up with a HA. Still not sure about results. Wondered if I did it before bed if it would make a diff. Will try this week.

Hope I answered the questions .

Stiff Neck - Week 1

Let's see-the first week began on a low note on all 4 counts: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Having been traveling for the best part of two weeks and then coming back to work for three days and traveling that weekend I felt unsettled to say the least. Like Catherine I have found it more productive to keep notes on each session. This way I can remember what I did, why I did it and if I tried any new points.

I've been reading the book by Marie-France Muller sporadically rather then front to back. I find it to be a good resource in that it's easy to understand and has loads of suggestions and info.