 Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological functions within the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, contributing to processes such as energy production, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and bone health especially important as we get older. If we are Magnesium deficient it can cause osteoporosis or break down of the bones.
Magnesium also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels (blood glucose regulation to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes), blood pressure, and the synthesis of DNA, RNA and antioxidants. There are several types of magnesium supplements available, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
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 Fibromyalgia is one of the most common generalised pain disorders with symptoms of muscle pain and tenderness in multiple joints or areas of the body, accompanied by fatigue, poor sleep, poor memory and mood swings. Over 85% of fibromyalgia clients are women, and most suffer from chronic fatigue, IBS, anxiety and or depression, an accumulation of stress and a diet lacking in nutrients.
Research shows fibromyalgia can either be genetic or due to an emotional or physical trauma. This correlates with Traditional Chinese Medicine which defines the causes as emotions, weak Essence/Jing, trauma and stress! How Shiatsu and Energy work helps alleviate symptoms In my personal experience of working with fibromyalgia clients, I've noticed there is a link to those working in a caring profession such as nursing, social work etc or are taking care of family members. There is a natural wanting to help and give of themselves and do everything for everyone but this depletes their own energy, which leads to increased fatigue and can lead to burn out. In our sessions, I work with clients to bring back a balance of giving and receiving by letting go of the patterns causing the imbalance and teaching techniques of self care and how to look after their own energy. Also learning more serving ways of helping others without draining themselves. How many treatments are needed The general recommendation for shiatsu begins with one treatment per week for 6 weeks. Shiatsu is cumulative, so the idea is that the client should feel a little bit better, for a little bit longer, after each treatment. Then we can start spacing the treatments out (for example, 2 or 3 weeks between treatments) to see if the client still feels good. Ultimately, I recommend a maintenance treatment once a month for fibromyalgia clients, because it’s a chronic condition. Regular treatments help manage symptoms and prevent flares much more effectively than waiting for a flare up to come in for treatment. Diet and fibromyalgia symptoms When we feel depleted or have no energy, we eat or drink foods that will give us an energy boost such as highly processed foods, sugar, carbohydrates, sugary drinks etc. In a recent report researchers revealed that people with fibromyalgia are significantly more likely to struggle with insulin and glucose control and you may be suffering with 'insulin resistance'. Insulin resistance is such a big subject to talk about here but you can learn more about it below. https://www.ion.ac.uk/news/insulin-resistance-the-hidden-epidemic-driving-modern-day-disease Another useful study about insulin resistance associated with central pain in patients with fibromyalgia https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33740353/ A personal case study and success story My partner had been experiencing low energy, fatigue, was overweight and in pain for many years. He was told by doctors he had a fatty liver and that he should stop drinking alcohol even though he hadn’t had a drink in 6 months. He suffered with sleep deprivation and eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates, grains, energy drinks and sugar. During lockdown, he had time to research liver and insulin resistance and realised most of his symptoms could be reversed by going on a low carb, no sugar diet but eating more protein and fat (the opposite to what we are told to do to lose weight). Within 6 months he had lost half his body weight, had more energy, no pain, didn’t crave sugar or carbs. He is able to exercise again and can work more days. It has made a huge difference to his life and of course needing a new wardrobe of clothes! This is a wonderful example of how changing the food you eat and combining shiatsu and energy work can make a big difference to your energy levels, mood, health and well-being. By Learning how to take charge of your own health is empowering knowing that you can change your life for the better. If you're fed up with being in pain then I am here to support you through your journey back to good health and happiness in your life that you deserve.  Understanding Chinese Medicine: Spring is the time of year that our Liver energy begins to rise up and expand outwards. We start to feel more active, motivated and energetic and might even feel the need to give the house a spring clean! But, for those with imbalances in our Liver energy, this can be the time of year where Liver symptoms rise up! If Liver energy rises or we have too much energy in our heads then Migraine headaches, Vertigo, Dizziness, Nausea, Mood swings and PMS symptoms can all get worse. You may also notice yourself feeling a little more short tempered than usual or having sudden bursts of anger.
When Liver Qi gets “stuck” or blocked, we can feel stuck or blocked in many ways. This can manifest as emotional “stuckness”, inability to move forward, frustration and irritability. Other symptoms can manifest such as Joint Pain or Arthritis, Depression, Eye problems, tight muscles for example. Shiatsu moves the energy: If any of this sounds familiar, receiving a Shiatsu treatment has a profound effect on calming the nervous system, releasing stagnation and stuck emotions and reducing stress. By giving Shiatsu around the head, neck and feet moves the Liver Qi down away from the head with gentle stretches of the body to release any stagnation. In the meantime, these are some recommendations you can do yourself to help balance your Liver Qi. Express your creativity: Start activities like singing, painting, dancing, sport, gardening, writing, cooking, learning to play an instrument, any group activity or interest you have a passion for that makes you smile. All these help keep your Liver energy flowing as they are a form of self-expression and enjoyment. I've started learning to play the piano which I'm really enjoying. Move your body: Liver energy likes movement, if you have symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation this causes stiffness in the muscles and joints and problems with flexibility. Stretching exercises like yoga or practising a gentle form of moving meditation like Tai Chi or Qigong helps bring your focus back to your body and releases tension. Going out for regular walks or outdoor pursuits is one of the best ways to help your Liver. Rest and Sleep: Resting properly at night allows our Liver to do its job better - to keep our energy and blood flowing smoothly throughout the body. Diet recommendations: Eating dark green vegetables (kale, broccoli, spinach etc) are full of vitamins and minerals and nourish the Blood. It’s a good time to eat foods that are cooked more lightly and for less time. Reduce intake of coffee and hot, spicy foods as these can affect the Liver by stagnating Qi. Reduce intake of fatty or greasy foods if you find these hard to digest. What's your vision: Wood energy (Liver and Gallbladder) is about your vision, creativity, decision making and planning in life. First it is felt in the heart as your passion of what you want to create and once the choice has been made, Liver energy gives us the energy to carry it through. In other words we are setting in motion our creative self expression of what we want to manifest in our lives. Tip: Ask yourself what areas in your life you feel stuck and unhappy about and want to change, this is a great way to start to help you take your power back, move forward and feel happier. Manage stress: We are emotional beings and anger is felt in the Liver. Sometimes we feel unable to express ourselves fully which causes longstanding feelings of repressed anger, such as resentment, frustration and irritability. We do this either because we were taught at a young age that expressing yourself is bad or selfish and we should keep quiet or others know what’s best for us and make the decisions for us for example, all this is very disempowering but know you can change this, you have the power within you to make the changes. Shiatsu helps support you to make these changes. The opposite of repressing emotions is to have outbursts of anger, rage and shouting aimed at others, that's why people who are really angry go red in the face. It's another way of expressing underlying or unresolved frustration and sadness. Tip: Talking to a friend, journaling, and meditating are all ways to manage daily stresses so that they don’t build up and create bigger problems. Other factors affecting Liver: If our emotions haven’t been expressed or addressed, a common coping mechanism could be excessive alcohol consumption or taking recreational drugs as a way for some people to feel relief from emotional symptoms. It’s used as a way of numbing out our unhappiness of how we feel inside. The relief, however, is temporary. Instead of strengthening the body’s weaknesses so that the body learns to rebalance the energy on its own, these extreme substances cause further damage and leave the body feeling dependent on more of them to get the same feeling of relief. And remember, any extreme substance will set up further imbalance in the body, often covering up the original problem and leading eventually to more complicated physical and emotional health issues. If you relate to or have any of the symptoms listed above or a feeling stuck and struggling to find a way forward in life, book a Shiatsu treatment and get your Liver energy moving and restore your love for life.  Spring is a time for birth, new growth, regeneration and cleansing as in nature. In the Chinese Five Elements Spring is the season of the Wood element and the Liver organ system and Gall Bladder. When our Liver and Gall Bladder energy is flowing well within us we are able to make plans, organise, create, express and communicate our needs and be flexible to change in our lives. This movement is much like the branches of a tree - hence the association with Wood.
However, an imbalance in Wood energy can lead to outbursts of anger and feelings of frustration with ourselves or others that we think are holding us back which can lead to depression. A tendency to over-working, excessive responses or suppression of emotions and addictions are usually caused by a stagnation of Liver Ki. Other symptoms may include:-
Help to move your liver energy Movement and creativity is to be encouraged, finding an exercise that you enjoy like a yoga or dance class or join a sports team like football or badminton is a good outlet for letting go of stress or frustration. If you suffer with joint pain then Tai Chi Qigong is recommended as the movements are gentle and slow. Painting or any creative outlet will help express your individuality which is both relaxing and enjoyable to do. What to eat Eating fresh, new green vegetables will help support your body’s natural ability to cleanse and rebalance. Cut down on fatty foods, alcohol and coffee. Shiatsu can help relieve symptoms In a Shiatsu treatment, I can help you let go of the issues that are causing you to feel stuck which could be related to life choices and decisions, and my aim is to bring back balance and flow of your energy by relaxing and letting go of any emotional frustrations or pain in the body. If you would like to book a Shiatsu session to help balance your Liver and Gall Bladder meridians and put a healthier spring in your step, then contact me today. |
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