Fatigue

[katiewalsh]

In a recent edition of CURE magazine, it was reported that acupressure effectively reduced fatigue in breast cancer patients. The patients were taught how to self-administer acupressure. Perhaps someone could provide this treatment option to people with fatigue from other forms of cancer to see if it helps. Katie

[Mwalimu]

Katie, can you tell us a little more about acupressure? Thanks. Sallie

[Hidden in reply to Mwalimu]

Finally a question I can answer!! Acupressure is the non-needle version of acupuncture, so using finger/thumb pressure on the meridian energy points of the body. Shiatsu works the entire meridian but acupressure targets the major points. Meridian energy channels date back thousands of years and it is believed that clearing blockages from the energy system can help maintain a 'harmonious' body. I studied shiatsu 20 years ago, a few years before I was diagnosed with PV, at which point I switched to Health Kinesiology and Assemblage Point therapy so that I could work on myself as well as others to maintain my health. HK works with the meridian energy through muscle testing and is very effective. Once I recovered from the PV diagnosis I managed to keep myself well using these energy tools and still do even though I've progressed to MF. Before starting Ruxolitinib I was able to 'allergy tap' certain meridian points around the tablets so that my body would recognise and accept them and, thankfully, I have been free of all the usual side-effects, just the benefits. So yes, anything you can do to help this amazing energy we have coursing through our bodies will help to improve how you feel. Sorry I've rambled on a bit but this subject is very important to me! Hope I've sparked an interest in some of you to find out more. With love, Christine

[Mrs_Average in reply to Hidden]

Hi Christine, the HK and acupressure sound very interesting. Are there any websites or books you would recommend? Thanks Katherine

[katiewalsh]

Hi Christine. You didn't ramble on too long at all. It's very helpful. I have the same question, where would we learn how to use it on ourselves. I live in the U. S. Thanks. Katie

[harleydavidson]

Hi Katie. That would be a dream come true. Please let us know if you learn any more.

Mel x

[Hidden]

The UK website for HK is hk4health.co.uk, which will give you more info, but I'm sure it's in the US also as it was a Canadian man, Jimmy Scott, that brought it to the UK. Be mindful that there are many different kinesiology types out there and I only know about health kinesiology. As for the acupressure, I just looked on you tube for 'acupuncture for fatigue' and there's a clear video showing where 3 major points are and how to use them from shinkoda.com, well worth a look. Christine

[katiewalsh]

Thanks Christine. But I thought earlier you were discussing acupressure, not acupuncture. Which do you recommend? I know the Cure Mag was about acupressure.

[Hidden in reply to katiewalsh]

Sorry, I didn't pick up that the predictive text had changed it and I must've read it 3 times before posting!! Definitely acupressure, no needles involved. Although if you're ok with needles, a good acupuncturist can work wonders by working on same meridian energy but it's not something you can do at home. Acupressure is much more user-friendly and with practice you will get to know which points need more holding and which need a bit of jiggling to move the energy on.

[katiewalsh]

Thanks! We're so fortunate to have someone on the forum who is so knowledgable about this.

[Hidden in reply to katiewalsh]

You're welcome! It's lovely to be able to contribute something useful.