Testicular Pain

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Testicular pain is a fairly common condition treated by urologists. Frequent causes include infection of the testicle (orchitis) or epididymis (epididymitis), post surgical pain, trauma, tumors, hernia, torsion (twisting of the testicle), varicocele, hydrocele or spermatocele.

In sexually active men, the most common cause of an infection of the epididymis is a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Older and younger men may also get epididymitis, often because of an abnormality in the genitourinary system such as enlargement of the prostate.

Most of these conditions are easily diagnosed and treated. Occasionally the pain, even when treated appropriately becomes chronic. Many patients with chronic testicular pain, after ruling out the above, seem to find no cause to their pain. This is the pain I will be addressing.

Testicular Exam

Self exams of the testicles are also an effective way of getting to know this area of your body and detecting testicular cancer at an early and very curable stage. While it can strike at any age, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer for men aged 15 to 34. Checking yourself out every month is important as any significant change in the size, shape, or weight of your testicles could be a sign that you should see a physician. If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, it may just be an infection. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything.

Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer.

All men should check their testicles for abnormalities about once a month, and older men should continue to occasionally do so. The shower or bathtub is a good place for this because warm water relaxes both the scrotum and the man. Men become very anxious when they feel pain in their testicles. Self examination should become a ritual as brushing your teeth.

To test, roll each testicle between the thumb and first two fingers of each hand and look for a lump, or nodule, that feels firm but is painless when pressed. A visual exam in front of a mirror is another way to look for abnormalities, and allows you to more easily locate all of the various components that should be checked.

Some men mistakenly discount the possibility that a problem exists because their testicles don't hurt. Tenderness, too, can indicate a problem, and so can swelling of a testicle. Neither of these symptoms should cause initial alarm, however, because there are many possibilities.

Exercises for Testicular Pain

Musculoskeletal problems are one of the biggest conditions overlooked by many physicians. Once the above situations have been ruled out and you still have pain, it is time to try these exercises. They should be done at least 3 times a day for two weeks:

Exercise 1.

Lying on your side knees bent and lined up on top of each other about level with your hips. Arms are straight out in front of you finger tips touching. You may want to place a small pillow under your head so that the neck is aligned with your spine.

Move the top hand and top leg slightly forward as you misalign the knees and hands about an inch, then pull them back to starting position. Now, do the same move with the top arm and leg but pull them back slightly about an inch, then realign the knees and fingertips. Keep these stretches constantly moving, never static. The stretch is very subtle but very effective in stretching the inner thigh muscles. Repeat 12-15 times. Repeat on the other side. Remember to always keep the hands and knees touching.

Exercise 2.

Repeat the above exercise in position and manner but as a variation, this time push the knee forward but draw the fingers back along the arm so that you are getting an oppositional twist between the upper and lower torso. The stretch is very subtle but very effective in stretching the inner thigh muscles. Repeat 12-15 times. Repeat on the other side. Remember to always keep the hands and knees touching.

Exercise 3.

Lying on the floor, you may want to lie close to the wall with your buttocks right up next to the wall. Straighten your legs up along the wall with ankles together. Now slowly open your legs as wide as they can to get a very effective stretch then bring them right back together. Keep the motion of the legs moving. Keep these stretches constantly moving, never static. Repeat 12-15 times. Do not use the wall to rest your legs. Keep the legs slightly away from touching the wall.

Exercise 4.

Using a bed or chair for support and a blanket for your knee, kneel down on both knees. with your left foot (the bed or chair is on your right for support), step the left foot out into a lunge so that you are getting a good stretch from the left foot to the opposite right knee that is on the floor. Now push your hips toward the left leg, place both hands on the left knee as you push the hips forward. You should get an incredible stretch in the right side of the groin. As you push your hips forward as far as you can get a great stretch, come back to starting position by lining your hips back up. Keep the left foot where it is and then lunge back again. Keep the motion of the legs moving. Keep these stretches constantly moving, never static. Repeat 12-15 times.Repeat on the other side.

Planning A Healthy Thanksgiving

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Planning a healthy Thanksgiving is easy and affordable. When we think of this feast day, we think of foods laden with rich gravies, sugar filled desserts and heavy dressings. I offer up some "alternative answers" and finds substitutes for these Thanksgiving table favorites that are high in processed sugar, saturated fats and cholesterol.

Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Turkey

1 whole turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
6 to 8 garlic cloves
2 large lemons, halved
2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon rubbed sage

Cut six to eight small slits in turkey skin insert garlic between the skin and meat. Squeeze two lemon halves inside the turkey and leave them inside. Squeeze remaining lemon over outside of turkey. Spray the turkey with nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle with rosemary and sage. Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 1 hour. Cover and bake 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours longer or until a meat thermometer reads 185 degrees F. Serving: 8-10.

Super Squash Soup

1 red onion chopped fine
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree
pinch of finely chopped ginger
dash of fat free milk or milk alternative (soy, rice, almond)
pinch of cinnamon

Prepare: Saute onions until tender. Add chicken stock and pumpkin puree and ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add milk (alternative) and cinnamon.

Homemade Gravy without the fat

You can make gravy from your turkey drippings but only use the drippings that are not fatty. You can see the fat floating on the top of the drippings. Skim that fat off with a table spoon before you make your gravy. After you skim off the fat on the turkey drippings then boil the drippings and add a cup of water mixed with corn starch. Mix the ingredients until they are thick like gravy.

Low Fat Gravy

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups reduced-sodium fat-free beef or chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch pepper

Prepare: In a saucepan, saute onion, mushrooms and parsley in 1/4 cup broth until vegetables are tender. Combine cornstarch, pepper and 1/2 cup of broth; stir until smooth. Add to pan with the remaining broth. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally: boil for 2 minutes. Serving: 2 cups.

Orange Zest Mashed Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a wonderful low calorie, low glycemic alternative to white potatoes when prepared properly.

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup hot milk (or milk alternative such as soy, almond, rice or fat free milk)
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp orange zest

Prepare: cook sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and transfer to bowl. Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree. Mash with fork until smooth. Stir in milk and splash in olive oil. Add orange zest and serve. Serves 6-8.

Fresh Fruit Compote

Fresh fruit is great part of any Thanksgiving meal. Fruit represents abundance and it is a great source of vitamins and fiber. Consider melons, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cherries, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or any fruit you would like and cut them into bite size pieces. Mix them all together to make a tasty fruit salad. You can cut and squeeze one lemon over the fruit. As an addition, add dried cranberries, acai berries or a handful of chopped walnuts, almond slivers or mini carob bits.

Fat Free Pumpkin Pie

Crust Ingredients:
1 cup dry bread crumbs

Filling Ingredients:
1 small Sugar pumpkin (2 lbs. size)
1 1/2 cup Pumpkin, canned
4 Egg whites
2/3 cup Sugar (or sugar alternative such as agave or stevia)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ginger
OR
1 teaspoon Finely grated fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 1/4 cup Fat free evaporated milk

Crust Preparation: Spray 9" pie plate with vegetable cooking spray. Scatter crumbs evenly pressing into plate. Spray crumbs with spray & bake crust at 350 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes until dry and lightly brown. Cool on rack.

Filling Preparation: If using fresh pumpkin, rinse, stem, and halve pumpkin. Scrape out the seeds and cut into 2" chunks. Using paring knife, remove skin & place pumpkin in large baking dish. Add 1/2 c water & cover dish tightly with foil.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for on hour, until soft, checking to make sure that water has not evaporated, adding more if needed. Cool and puree pumpkin in food processor.

Scrape cooked fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin into bowl then whisk in egg whites. Whisk in sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg & evaporated milk, one ingredient at a time, whisking smooth between each addition.

Pour into prepared crust. Bake at 350 degree F until filling is set, 1 hour. Cool on rack. Refrigerate if prepared more than a few hours in advance of serving. Serving:6-8

A Word About Eating

Yes, it is a holiday but that does not mean you have to go into an uncontrollable spiral! Be aware of your calorie intake. If you are unsure about the calories in your meal, I feel it is essential to learn this amazing tool for effective weight loss. Record in your ledger or journal the calories of everything you put in your mouth for one week. Be in tune to the total calories you consume daily, and make an effort to replace high-fat foods with low-calorie ones like vegetables and fruits.

Discipline applies to any matter in life. I cannot stress enough how discipline is the second most important aspect in weight control or achieving any kind of success in your life! It is the secret to the most effective, efficient and well strategic plan you can give yourself! Being successful, losing weight, maintaining relationships are not tasks that come easy for most people. They are all things we must work hard on creating, keeping and maintaining! (Why do you think diet plans have *Results not typical with an asterisks? Because most people have a lack of discipline). You probably already have some forms of discipline in your life. You pay your bills by a certain time, you show up for work every day, often plan your finances, your meals or walk your dog. These are all disciplines in your life already. Some of us need a little more in our lives than others. The whole idea with these suggestions is to show you just how much you are eating, how many calories you are consuming and to get you into a pattern, which will set you up for great success!

Portion control does not have to go out the window on the holiday. This was a hard lesson for me to learn. As a dancer and someone who always worked out, I felt I had my portioning under control. I eventually learned why I would get that bloated and discomfort feeling after eating. It was my portion size. Sure I was active and exercising but as I aged and my metabolism slowed, my portions were not changing with the rest of me! Once I understood the discipline behind this, it changed my life!

If it all goes out the window in wild abandon, please, forego the guilt and take solace that although you had one day of calorie binging, it is better than doing this everyday. Guilt has never served anyone in any capacity. Making these tips a lifestyle, over time, is the key.

Treating TMJ: Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Today, researchers generally agree that temporomandibular joint syndrome falls into three main categories:

1. Myofascial pain, the most common form of TMJ syndrome, which is discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function and the neck and shoulder muscles.

2. Internal derangement of the joint, meaning a dislocated jaw or displaced disc, or injury to the condyle;

3. Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time. Severe injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can cause TMJ syndrome. A heavy blow, for example, can fracture the bones of the joint or damage the disc, disrupting the smooth motion of the jaw and causing pain or locking. Arthritis in the jaw joint may also result from injury.

Head Forward Syndrome or Forward Head Posture has been an issue recognized more so lately, due to the fact that so many people work on computers. The pitching of the head forward has actually become a syndrome. This weakens the entire foundation from the lumbar spine upward. If you can imagine toy blocks all aligned on top of each other. Now imagine pushing the top block forward. The other blocks underneath it begin to "stress" as they try to hang on to the top block. The same thing is happening to our spinal column as we pitch our head too far forward, instead of keep the head back and aligned over the rest of the spine.

Other causes of TMJ syndrome are less clear. Some suggest, for example, that a bad bite (malocclusion) can trigger TMJ syndrome, but recent research disputes that view. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces and the use of headgear, has also been blamed for some forms of TMJ syndrome, but studies now show that this is unlikely.And there is no scientific proof that gum chewing causes clicking sounds in the jaw joint, or that jaw clicking leads to serious TMJ problems. In fact, jaw clicking is fairly common in the general population. If there are no other symptoms, such as pain or locking, jaw clicking usually does not need treatment.

Researchers believe that most people with clicking or popping in the jaw joint likely have a displaced disc -- the soft, shock-absorbing disc is not in a normal position. As long as the displaced disc causes no pain or problems with jaw movement, no treatment is needed.Some experts suggest that stress, either mental or physical, may cause or aggravate TMJ syndrome.

People with TMJ syndrome often clench or grind their teeth at night, which can tire the jaw muscles and lead to pain. It is not clear, however, whether stress is the cause of the clenching/grinding and subsequent jaw pain, or the result of dealing with chronic jaw pain or dysfunction. Scientists are exploring how behavioral, psychological and physical factors may combine to cause TMJ syndrome.

Exercises for TMJ Syndrome

Milking The Cow

The exercise so often referred to by chiropractors and craniosacral therapists is Milking the cow.
Close your eyes.
Let the jaw relax and slightly open.
With index and middle fingers of both hands place them on both sides of the sides of the ears at the cheek bone (zygomatic bone)
press down and pull the fingers down toward the corner of the jaw (angle of mandible).
Repeat this stroking motion SLOWLY, 20-30 times.
This relaxes the jaw and can often "adjust" the positioning of the condylar process of the mandible. Relieving tension in the jaw and face.

Fist Resistor

This exercise works using isometrics. Place your fist under your chin. Slowly open your mouth wide as you resist the downward motion of opening your mouth with your fist.

Now reverse this motion, pushing upward with your fist, allow your jaw to do the resisting as you close your mouth with your first.
Do this 10-15 times s-l-o-w-l-y, 2-3 times per day.

Neck Relaxor

Take a large towel and fold it the long way. Roll the towel up. Now lay on the floor and place the towel under the curve of your neck. The back of your head should be able to rest on the floor. Now relax for 15 minutes. This allows the curve of the neck relax into proper alignment. This exercise can be done as a great stress reliever as well. Muscles have memory and this exercise allows the muscles in the neck to "remember" their shape in relation to the cervical spine.

Additional Therapies

Acupuncture: As an acupuncturist, I see this syndrome in my office at least twice a week. Acupuncture has a great track record for helping TMJ syndrome. Acupuncture helps by relieving persistent jaw and neck pain as well as relieving the headaches associated with TMJ syndrome.

Chiropractor: Chiropractors can help to realign the skeletal structure of the neck and jaw. Spinal problems and TMJ are often found together and an adjustment can bring great relief.

Craniosacral Therapist: The work of a craniosacral therapist aims at releasing temporal bones to restore normal function, regardless of the primary cause. This gentle, non-invasive procedure is very beneficial.

Trigger Point Therapy: is a unique treatment protocol for the treatment of myofascial pain. Trigger Points produce pain locally and in a referred pattern and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits.

Trauma Remedies: Chinese Herbal Medicine Chest

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

One of the strongest areas in Chinese Medicine is that of trauma remedies. Cuts, bruises, lacerations, sprained joints and pain are just some of the daily problems, which can pop up unexpectedly.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Herbs are the "medicinals" in holistic healing. Chinese herbs are specifically used to create a decoction or "tea" and is a very powerful part of healing dis-ease. Herbal decoctions may also be given in "tea pills", tinctures, granules or as an external patch, compress, or bath.

Chinese Medicine: Trauma Remedies

Trauma Liniment

"Die Da Jiu Liniment", which literally translates to "hit fall wine" is the NUMBER ONE remedy for bruises, contusions, sprains and fractures. This formula was developed centuries ago in kung fu schools to treat bruises and injuries due to injuries that would occur during daily practice. Soak a cotton ball and press this herbal formula into the skin where ever trauma to an area has occurred. Bruises, contusions, sprains, shin splints, repetitive motion injuries and fractures, (which needs a proper doctor's care after a break), can be treated with amazing results. This herbal formula, which has been decocted in alcohol, has been prepared with safe and effective herbs to move stagnation of energy and blood that occur after injury.

Tendon Lotion

This combination of warming herbs is best used for chronic conditions or old injuries such as tendonitis, which includes tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, shin splints, old sprains or reoccurring problems made worse by cold and dampness. When heat makes your injury feel better, this is the formula for you. Massage this lotion into affected areas twice a day. This unique blend of Chinese herbs works deep down into the tendons to stimulate circulation!

Trauma Pills

One of two patented formulas, Liangcai Xin Die da Wan (Tieh Ta Wan) is the internal counterpart to Trauma Liniment. Taken in tandem with the lotion, these pills strongly breaks up blockage of blood and fluid due to trauma. It moves accumulation, which sits in the area of the injury, preventing blood from congealing in the tissue.

Yunnan Paiyao

Treating open wounds correctly is the best way to prevent scars from occurring. This patent formula alone helps the flesh regenerate and prevents blood stasis and infections, which could lead to scarring.

Valuable first-aid remedy for internal and external bleeding, traumatic swelling, insect bites, nosebleeds, open and infected wounds, ingrown toenails, spider bites, post-surgical healing, prevents scarring, stops bleeding, disperses stagnant blood, disinfects and stops some pain. Commonly used for excessive menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, ulcer bleeding, carbuncles. Take capsules both internally and externally by opening a capsule and sprinkling the powder directly into the wound.

Herbal Ice

Herbal Ice "San Huang San" is composed of three cooling Chinese herbs that reduce inflammation while dispersing congealed blood and fluids. This is the single most useful herbal poultice for your first aid trauma kit! This is most helpful for immediate sprains, strains, turned ankles, muscle pulls, twisted wrists or severe contusions. Where ever you would use ice, this should be substituted right away.

When an injury occurs, blood will stagnate in the muscle tissue and often does not reabsorb back into the system. The blood can congeal and harden, adhering the muscle fibers together and blocking normal circulation in normal areas, creating pain and stiffness. Applying ice, can exacerbate this injury in the long term.

"San Huang San" Herbal Ice is in a Vaseline base and should be gently massaged into the injury morning and night. Wrap lightly with gauze and cover with an ace bandage (not too tight). Clean the area before re-applying.

UI Oil

This wonderful massage oil (pronounced "ooh-eee") is used for stiff, sore, overexerted muscles and joints that are worse with the cold and dampness. This oil is also great to massage into cold muscles before exercise to help them warm up and to prepare them for stretching and activity. This patent Chinese formula comes in a 1 fluid oz. bottle in a protective can.

UI Oil contains the light, warming aromatic oils of cinnamon, peppermint, lilac oil, and the tree resin "xue jie" also known as "dragon's blood" (a resin known for its ability to dispel congealing blood and relieve pain). The main ingredient is the warming herb "ai ye" or mugwort (folium artimisae). Mugwort's properties penetrate obstruction, activate local circulation and drive out cold.

Black Ghost Oil

This oil, also known as Hak Kwai Pain Relieving Oil is the most deep penetrating massage oil used for deep bone bruising that occurs in areas where there is thick muscles overlaying bones. This area is bruised and painful but shows no visible swelling or discoloration on the surface. This is the MOST effective oil for this type of injury because it contains very aromatic herbs and oils, which penetrate this kind of obstruction.

Plasters

Plasters are an easy, quick and fast acting medicinal application for pain and overworked muscles. Back strain, joint pain and even bone spurs can be treated with plasters.

Salon Pas Patches

External Pain Relieving Patches these easy to use, no mess, no fuss peel off patches are fantastic for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints! These patches contain a rich blend of menthol and camphor for stimulating blood flow and local circulation and help relieve pain. 40 patches per box. Great for muscle pain and soreness due to back strain, joint pain that is worse with cold and arthritis pain, which is better with warmth.

701 Plaster

Indicated for temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains. There is a combination of herbs in this plaster, which help to heal damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. 701 plaster is used with remarkable results to help heal bone spurs, in areas not covered by thick muscles, including heal spurs and bone spurs in the shoulder area.

Hua Tao Plaster

This particular plaster is suitable for injuries which occurred 3-4 weeks ago and have stiffness and pain associated with it. This warming plaster helps impaired circulation and heals injuries that are cold to the touch, are sensitive to cold or for chronic injuries that are painful and achy in cold, damp weather.

Gou Pi Plaster

The strongest plaster available, these herbs are mixed with Pine Resin, which helps the other herbs penetrate more deeply through the muscle layers and tissue, right to the bone. This plaster must be heated befor applying. This is used to expel wind, dispel cold and dampness, quicken the blood and stop pain. It is used for conditions such as aching of the legs and back, spasmodic tendons, falls, sprains, trauma, sprain of the lumbar region, cold pains of the abdomen, dysmenorrhea, conglomeration and masses.

For more information on these products or to learn more about Chinese medicine, please go to: Chinese Medicine.

Transference: An Energetic Volley in Clinical Settings

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Abstract

In the clinical setting, the energies of transference and counter transference are always present. Trying to balance these energies that abound in a clinical interview are both challenging to recognize, as they are to cope with. The process of being aware, as well as conscious, plays a major role in the recognition of transference and counter transference. This research takes a look at the observations and understandings of transference, counter transference, as well as boundaries in the clinical setting. Observations from two distinct therapeutic practices are utilized. Dynamic emotions of shame, humiliation, power, anger and passive aggressive behaviors are sited. This research will take a look at the redirection of feelings and desires, especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a therapist, as well as, the complexity of feelings of a therapist toward the patient as we discuss Transference: An Energetic Volley in Clinical Settings.

Keywords

Transference, counter transference, boundaries, shame, humiliation, anger, judgment, trust, observations, energy, balance, awareness, consciousness, emotions, passive aggressive, feelings, behavior, projection, power.

Transference is the feelings from your past interactions with others that you transfer into a relationship.1. Transference is the redirection of feelings and desires, especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a therapist. These feelings and desires are convictions of patterns from the patient's past interpersonal relationships, formed in their early lives, repeated in their later lives, and can be understood through the repetition they give to them.

Counter transference is the therapist's transference of feelings in therapy and/or toward the client. 2. Therapists and other health care professionals will also have counter reactions to their patient's transference. The concept of counter transference, is an expression of patterns from the therapist's past interpersonal relationships, which are formed in their early lives, repeated in their later lives, and can be understood as an energetic "volley" utilized in response to a patient's situation.

In any clinical setting where there is an interview, there is an exchange of energies. Through these energies, we can observe the ability to relate to one another via intuitions, creative hunches, the give and take of power, nonverbal and emotional insights and nonverbal forms of communication that form a valuable source of knowledge about the patient's personality, and his or her transference.

Massage Therapy

As a massage therapist, I utilize the unyielding power of touch to redirect, align and help to bring into balance, the structural, muscular, as well as, the subtle energies of the body. There are many different approaches to massage and applications of it. Massage Therapy is a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems. It is accomplished through specific manipulations with the hands on the soft tissue of the body for therapeutic effect. Sexual energy is a part of any touch therapy in many subtle ways. We are all sexual beings and the transference of this energy from the patient can often be felt. It is a situation I deal with on a daily basis and I have learned how to channel it from the patient out through different avenues during the massage.

I recently had a new client who visited me for a massage. She was a female about 40 years old, in good shape with a pleasant disposition. This was the first time I was seeing her. We went through the usual introduction. I explained the massage process and then asked if there was anything in particular she wanted me to pay attention to. She told me she was having leg cramps and if I could work extra time on her legs. I agreed and left the room, allowing her the privacy to undress and lie on the table. When I returned, she had disrobed and gently laid face down on the table. She chose not to cover herself with the sheet that I provided so I began to cover her myself with the sheet?and there it was, an expletive (*&?#) regarding her desire for intercourse, scrolled in lipstick at a rakish angle across her thigh.

It was a good thing her face was down in the face cradle of the massage table, for she could not see the expression of sheer shock, fear, anger and then disgust that must have moved across my face in a flushed wave and then made my whole body shake with uncertainty. This very passive, yet aggressive act pushed all my buttons! The professional boundaries, of which I knew, had been shattered. I did not react, in fear that I would give all my power away in that moment. I went about the massage. She said nothing, I said nothing. I felt it was a match of wits! Meanwhile, my emotions were running from sheer shock?"I can't believe this is appening", "What was she thinking?" "This is such an awkward situation". To fear?"What is she going to do?" "What if she says something?" "I'm afraid I don't know how to handle this". To anger?"She has a lot of nerve to do this to me!" "I'm going to put her through the same mental lashing she is putting me through!", "I should just tell her to get off my table!" To disgust?"Just what does she think she is going to get from me?" "How desperate can she be?" "Does she think this is funny, because it is making me sick". I found my inner strength and continued to say nothing.

I finally got to her thighs and with the massage oil proceeded to massage the words right into her thighs with intense strokes. I could feel the anger as I pressed deep into her flesh, trying to make it hurt! Then I could "feel" what she was thinking?"Well, did he see it? Is he going to act upon it? Did I not write it clear enough, big enough?" I finished her calves and asked her to turn over slowly as I covered her with the sheet again. She had a face of stone with no expression as I finished the last 20 minutes of the massage. She dressed and thanked me very pleasantly leaving me twice the amount for the massage as she left, never mentioning or making reference to her words of desire. I still relive the moments of how I struggled with the breech of boundaries and the power to handle such a situation.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and music related techniques to assist and motivate a person towards specific, nonmusical goals. Music therapists use their training to effect changes in the cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills.

Music is a magical medium and a very powerful tool. Music can delight all the senses and inspire every fiber of our being. We are often drawn to a particular type of music. Sometimes it is something you can listen to all day or maybe you jump around the dial during the day to find what appeals to you in the moment. This form of, what I call "subliminal" or "subconscious" balancing (healing) plays a part in our perspective on our emotional equilibrium. Music Therapy is incorporated in a number of areas of medicine. Some of these include labor and delivery, oncology, pain management, physical rehabilitation, and pediatrics.

As a therapist who uses music all the time for healing, I tend to work with many difficult cases that often involve the elderly. Dementia patients have often intrigued to me. Dementia is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that causes intellectual impairment and disorientation. Often patients are overcome by stress due to the frustration in not knowing where they are or the loss of memory, when they need it to serve them. An elderly gentleman in his 70's of Indian decent, was an ongoing dementia patient who would come to me for help with these particular problems, using music as an adjunct therapy to help him recall certain times, ideas and memories he could not recall. He had been a patient of mine for about a month. There seemed to be no apparent change in his recalling of memories that meant anything to him. I was beginning to feel a shamed and humiliated at the fact that he seemed to have such trust and faith in my abilities. I felt as if I were letting him down.

According to Dr. Lazare, this "shame may refer to the distress concerning the state of the self that the person regards as no good, not good enough or defective." 3. My humiliation came from the fact that he was just so trusting in my ability to help him! As Dr Lazare states, "humiliation refers to a temporary state of the self, an alteration, usually caused by someone else, which the person regards as lowering or debasing". 4. He would look at me with the eyes of a child showing me such hope and appreciation even though I felt as if I was making no progress at all. One day I found a piece of music that was very relative to his life growing up in India. In the Ayurvedic tradition, Gandharva Veda music is the eternal music of Nature. The music is utilized as a tool in bringing peace and harmony to their land and perfect health to all their people. As I played this music for him this day, there was a light shining from his eyes that I had never seen before! A spark of recognition that placed a large smile on his face! I knew then, this temporary feeling of humiliation I was feeling, began to melt away as I was overcome by his transference of sheer elation! I responded back indecisively wondering if what I was seeing in him was truly a reflection of a memory he was recalling! "I can recall a time from my childhood!" he gasped as I could feel my counter transference of joy wash over him. I could feel the tears begin to stream down my face. Something I could not contain! I could not have been more grateful that day! "By enhancing the patient's power, I facilitated his own way of finding control and mastery" 5. in dealing with his illness in a small but significant step forward.

In conclusion

Energies in the clinical setting are constantly volleyed between patient (transference) and therapist (counter transferences). The professional boundaries of both parties can often be pushed without even realizing it or as an absolute deliberate action in order to illicit a response from either party. I have learned an important point in dealing with off center situations. In most cases, it's not the problem itself, but how one reacts to the problem. How one react is determined by how one perceives a particular situation. The constant give and take of power in any situation can be apparent or it can be as subtle as a gentle breeze. The lasting effects it makes is a continuing act of balance between the practitioner and their patient. Shame and humiliation are the action of lowering our pride or self respect and can either be a transference of energy or self- inflicted. Taping into our standard ego idea, these actions all play apart in how we give and what we take when we exchange our energies with another.

References

1. Transference & Countertransference: A Common Sense Perspective ?Article: Babbette Rothschild, MSW, Energy and Character, Vol 25, No. 2 Sept, 1994

2. Transference & Countertransference: A Common Sense Perspective ?Article: Babbette Rothschild, MSW, Energy and Character, Vol 25, No. 2 Sept, 1994

3. Shame and Humiliation in the Medical Encounter- Article: Dr. Lazare

4. Shame and Humiliation in the Medical Encounter- Article: Dr. Lazare

5. Power in Treatment, Chapter 7, Therapeutic Relationship in Complementary Care, Annie Mitchell & Maggie Cormack ? Churchill Livingston 1998

Triphala

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic Indian herbal compound used for constipation and poor bowel tone and is designed to support the body's natural cleansing process. It is one of Ayurveda's most important herbal formulas for thousands of years. Triphala is a balanced blend of three Indian Herbal Fruits: Harada (haritaki), Amla (amalaki) and Behada (bibhitaki). Each balanced to vatta, pitta and kapha respectively.

Haritaki is healing to all tissues of the body. It supports the excretory, digestive and nervous system. It is a nutritive tonic laxative that is calming. It corrects constipation and loose stools. It is astringent and salty and is balancing for the vatta dosha.

Amalaki is cooling, highly nutritious, tonic, astringent and is a mild laxative. It is sour and clears heat and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It is the highest known source of Vitamin C in nature. It is balancing for the pitta dosha.

Bibhitaki is a strong laxative and is astringent, therefore, it can cleanse the intestines and tonify at the same time. It is hot and sweet and is beneficial for the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems and can treat loose stool, parasites, mucus, bronchitis and kidney stones. It is balancing for the kapha dosha.

Triphala can be used on all body doshas (kapha, vata and pitta) types. Therefore, it is "tridosha" meaning it can help in restoring balance. Triphala is neither a harsh expellant nor a laxative, but a mild and gentle cleanser. Triphala cleanses the body tissue, reduces cholesterol, high blood pressure, improves circulation and regulates elimination.

This combination of fruits is unique because the astringent qualities of the fruits serve to tonify the colon therefore promoting internal cleansing naturally. This is highly recommended for anyone doing a detox program.

Triphala is available in capsules now in health food stores. There is No known interactions between herb and allopathic drugs. No Safety Warnings. Triphala may be used up to six months. Adults can take two tablets 2-3 times a day between meals. Children under 10 can take the same dosage. Best used regularly to improve bowel health. Traditional Ayurvedic Qualities and Uses of Triphala

Taste: Sweet, sour, pungent, astringent, bitter
Virya: Warm
Vipaka: Sweet, Sour, Pungent
Guna: Light and dry
Dosha: Tridoshic, meaning it balances all constitutions
Prabhava: Rasayan, which means it builds Ojas, innate strength
Pharmacology: Adaptogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal, anti yeast, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, blood pressure lowering, cholesterol lowering, digestive, diuretic, laxative
Indications: anemia, bowel toxicity, irregularity, Chronic lung disease, constipation, diarrhea, eye disease, High cholesterol, hypertension, indigestion, skin disorders, yeast infections

Triphala:
*improves digestion,
*reduces serum cholesterol,
*improves circulation (potentiates adrenergic function),
*contains 31% linoleic acid,
*exerts a marked cardio-protective effect,
*reduces high blood pressure,
*improves liver function,
*has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties,
*expectorant, hypotensive

Because of its high nutritional content, Ayurvedic doctors generally do not regard Triphala as a mere laxative. Some of the scientific research and practical experience of people using it down through the ages has demonstrated that Triphala is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver, helps digestion and assimilation, and significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout body. As a result, it is regarded as a kind of universal panacea and is the most commonly prescribed herbal formula.

References
1. Michael Tierra, Planetary Herbology
2. Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Cultivation in Sindh, Pakistan

by Mrs.Farzana Panhwar, President- The Sindh Rural Women?s Up-lift Group.
E-mail.farzanapanhwar@hotmail.com Edit FileWhen finished, click Save or Cancel below. Change PermissionsReadWriteExecuteUserG

Turmeric belong to family Zingiber. It is used as condiment, dye and cosmetic. It can grow from sea level to 1500mm, it needs 20-30C?temperature with rainfall 1500mm or more per annum. It thrive on sandy or clay loam, it can also grow on light black, loam red soils to clay loam. Turmeric is an annual crop, but conversion period requires 2 years. It requires 2500 Kg rhizomes per acre. It requires 2 years, minimum tillage, beds of 15cm height with 50 cm spacing between bed .It can grow in April-May under organic condition it requires 5-6 tons/hectare FYM. With neem cake 2 tons/hectare. Some time it catch shoot borer, leaf spot and leaf blotch are controlled by 1% Bordeaux mixture spray. Its varieties are matures at different times ranging from 7-9 months. Its average yield is 20-25 tons of green turmeric. Mother Rhizomes are used as seed material .Its curing involves boiling of rhizomes in fresh water and drying under the Sun. Under artificial condition it should be dried at 60C?. Dried turmeric has poor appearance and rough dull color outside the surface with scales. Manual or mechanical rubbing and polishing improve appearance. Occasionally flowers come on, cylindrical spites, bearing numerous greenish white branches, which are narrow, yellowish?white in color. Most cultivated varieties are sterile tripods.

Varieties

The various varieties are:Amrutapani, Armoor, Duggirala, Tekkurpeta, Pattni, Deshi, Moovattupuzha, Allepey, Wynad, Rajpuri, Karhedi, Waigan, Chinnanadan, and Periandan.,Alleppey finger, Erod turmeric, Rajapore. Sangll turmeric, Nibulb, taminadu, EPTS 10,Roma, Suguna, Sudarsana , Madras, Erode, Suvarna, Suguna, Sudarsana , IISR Prabha , Rajendra Sonia, Ranga, Rasmi.,Suvarna,Suguna,Sudarsana,IISR Prabha IISR Prathibha,Co-1,Sugandham, Krisna, BSR-1,Roma, Suroma, Rajendra Sonia, Ranga, Rasmi.

Varieties
Long duration type (9 months)

CLL 326
Plant grow to 60 cm height. Rizomes are long, stout, smooth and pale yellow colour .Curcumin content 1.46%, yield 25-37 tonnes/hectare curing percentage 19.3.It is resistant to leaf blotch.

CLL 326
Plant grow to 60 cm height. Rizomes are long, stout, smooth and pale yellow colour .Curcumin content 1.46%, yield 25-37 tonnes/hectare curing percentage 19.3.It is resistant to leaf blotch.

CLL327
Cureumin content 3.0%. Yield 25-37 tons/hactre . Curing 21.8% resistant to leaf blotch disease.

Duggirala
It produced fast yellow coloured rhizomes, yield up to 25 tons/hactare .

Armoor
Yield 25-30 tons/hectare, rizomes are fast yellow in colour. Yield 12-18 tons/hectare.

Medium duration types (8 months)
CLL 317
Plant grow up-to 57cm.Rizomes are medium long cucurmin content 13.8%, yield 25-35 tons/hectare .Curing is 19.6%. It is resistant to leaf spot and susceptible to leaf blotch. VKesari
Rizomes are thick and wrinkled.Yield 15-25 tons/hactare.It is susceptible to leaf spot.

Short duration (7 months)

CA 69
Plant grow up-till 50 cm, rhizomes are long, thin with shiny skin .Curcumin content 1.46%.Yield 15-20 tons/hectare, curing 26.7 %.Crop tolerant to leaf spot and resistant to leaf blotch disease

Kasturi
Yield 15-20 tons/hectare, rhizomes has aromatic flavour. Clone selection C1s No.2A, C1sNo.9A.G.L.Puram selection (Ca 66J, Ca 66A ) yield 23-25 tons/hectare .

Suguna (PCT-13)
Suitable for rhizome rot effected area, 190 days duration, yield 29 tons/hectare, curing 20.4%

Sudarsana (PCT-14)
Yield 28 tons/hectare, curing 20.6% Early varieties matures in 7-8 months, 8-9 months and late varieties after 9 months. The average yield is 20-25 tonnes of green turmeric.

The color of rhizomes depends upon the variety. The Selection of varieties based on color, aroma, yield and resistance to pest and diseases. Volatile oil content, which provide aroma varies 2.5% to 8.1% on dry matter basis. While volatile oil which produce aroma varies from 1.8% to 5.6%, on dry matter basis. NPK fertilizer helps in improving the quantity .Its disease are leaf blotch caused by Taphirna-maculans, leaf spot caused by Collectoritcum Capsic, shoot bores-Dichocrocis punctifurolis, leaf roller, caterpillar-udapes folus are common.

Processing of green turmeric

Green turmeric cured and dried for commercial used .Then boil into 30 minutes to 3 hours (This reduces the drying time without affecting colour or volatile oil content. Washing, curing and drying helps in reducing microbial load .Boiling helps to increase the rate of drying and provide hard, filled that can be polish easily. Slicing reduces processing costs and is used for material intended for Oleoresin or powder manufacturing. The product of commerce is in the form of dried bulb, fingers or powder. The bulb form is 3 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm long, the fingers are tapering cylinders 2.5 to 7.5 cm length and 7-15mm thick. Rhizomes are treated with 0.3% Dithan m-45 and 0.5% Malathion, spacing 25 cm X 30 cm, spacing in furrow and ridges is 45-60cm between rows and 25 cm between plants. About 2,500 Kg rhizomes are required for planting one hectare. Varieties are divided into long and short period of growth. .

Propagation

It requires 7-8 cm long rhizomes, sprouting bud are selected for propagation.These rhizomes are dipped in 0.35 Dithane M-45, 0.5% Malthion for 30 minutes . About 2500 Kg finger rhizomes require per hectare .The rhizomes are 30cm apart .Planting on raise beds of 1.7cm X 1.2 m X 0.2 m length with 30 cm wide channels in between, it needs 30 X 15 cm spacing .

Fertiliser
Crop requires 300Kg N, 125KgP2O5, 200 Kg K2O per hectare. It requires 25 tones FYM.

Irrigation
It requires 15-20 irrigation for clay soil and 40 irrigation in sandy loam.

Insects and pests
? Shoot borer (Conogethes putictiferalis)Control with 0.1% Malathion or 0.05% Monocrotophos or Dipel 0.3% (Bacillus thuringiensis product)
? Leaf roller (Udaspes folus), control with 0.1% Carbaryl
? Rhizome scale (Aspidiella bartii), control with 0.075% twice prior to storage and sowing.

Diseases
? Leaf blotch, caused by Taprina maculans , control by 0.2% Dithan M-45
? Leaf spot (Colletotriclium capsici), controled by 0.3% Zineb or 1% Bordeaux mixture
? Rhizome rot, caused by Pbytbium gramini colum control by rizome dip in 0.3%
Dithane ,M-45 solution for 30 minjutes or 0.3% Cheshunt compound

Curing of fresh rhizomes

Within a week of harvest curing process to get turmeric of commence . Mother and finger are cured separately curing process consist of boiling the rhizomes in water till fruiting occur, with emission of characteristic , turmeric odour and finger become soft, material is Sun dry for 10-15 days on hard and smooth drying floor till the rhizomes produce metallic sound. After Sun dry these are polished in rotating drum then these can be store by heaping them under the shade of trees. Heaps are covered with turmeric leaf and plastered with earth and cow dung mixture.

Hydrated lime 400Kg/Hactare has to laterite soil. Spacing in furrows and ridges is between 45-60 cm between the rows to rows 25cm

Turmeric contains Zingiberene, ar-turmerone, ar-curcumene, Sabinene, 1,8-Cineol, pinene and beta-sesquiphellandrene .There are two types of turmeric produced, one has solid and dark colour, other long, soft and light colour

Process of turmeric

The process followed: washing, boiling, blanching, cooking, drying, polishing, colouring, grading, packing and storage .Turmeric Oleoresin is the organic extract of turmeric, a ground powder from the root of the curcuma plant is added to food item as a spice and colouring agent Processing includes
? Curing, it involves boiling of fresh rhizomes in water and drying in the Sun
? Drying, cooked fingers dried in the Sun by spreading 5-7 cm thick layer on bamboo mat or drying floor. Artificial had advantages giving brighter coloured then Sun drying.
? Polishing, Is done by mechanical rubbing, polished in power-operated drum. The yield of polish turmeric from the raw material varies 12-20%
? Colouring, Attractive yellow colour, turmeric suspension in water add to polishing drum in the last 10 minutes when rhizomes are uniformly coated with suspension, they may be dried in the Sun.