Severe Foot Pain Relief Naturally: Plantar Fasciitis Strategy That is Quick and Effective

If you’ve woken up one morning, hopped out of bed, and suddenly experienced incredible foot pain, it might be plantar fasciitis.

Pain is both physically and emotionally draining, with plantar fasciitis being a particularly difficult condition. One might say, when one's feet hurt, one hurts all over. Just the simple task of moving a short distance is agonizing, particularly on rising in the morning. It is reported that this occurs in over 2 million Americans each year and in ten percent of the population over a lifetime. The typical medical treatments include night splints, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections and surgery in some cases.

I have found that by combining a number of natural and holistic techniques, this condition can be resolved. First, I address the entire body with the Bowmann’s Bowen technique, paying particular attention to the low back procedure.

Next one must consider the myotatic reflex of muscles. This compensation mechanism activates at three seconds to protect the muscle from damage. In fact, if one elongates a muscle too far and too quickly, it will automatically recoil as a protective reflex against damage such as a tissue tear.

A healthy muscle can elongate up to 1.6 times its normal length; however, they generally don't react well to that degree of stretch. During a physical warm up, many believe that holding a stretch from ten seconds to three minutes is not only beneficial but necessary. When beginning a warm up, one must always consider the myotatic reflex. In order to progress in muscle flexibility, one does not allow time to engage the myotatic reflex. In other words, the first few well designed stretches to address the affected muscles are best done for only two seconds.

As the circulation of the muscle and muscle group increases, then the length of time of the stretch can increase. A damaged muscle must not be stretched for longer than 3 seconds without additional injury. Stretching exercises must be done twice daily. The patient is an integral part of the healing process since they must continue the stretching exercises. While they only take a few minutes, these few minutes are vital to overall success.

Case History #1 is a 43 year old female. She is a chiropractic physician and a long distance runner. Plantar Fasciitis kept her from running. One week after the first treatment, she had experienced 50% reduction in pain. After two more treatments, she is back to running, although only half the distance she is accustomed to running. Two months later, all is well.

Case History #2 is a 44 year old female. One week after her first treatment, she was 10% better. She was 30% better after the second treatment and 75% better after the third. As a side benefit, her knees are also 50% better. She has been able to increase work out routines without pain. She loves the stretches and sees the benefits as well as her responsibility in the healing process.

The holistic model of health includes the commitment and compliance of the patient. A sedimentary lifestyle or an active lifestyle where damage has been incurred can both contribute to Plantar Fasciitis. However, a well-selected modality administered weekly for 3 to 6 treatments can bring about healing to the affected area. As the patient continues their part of the program, success is achieved.

To receive a free copy of the three articles explaining the treatment, visit www.MyRealHealth.com, email a request in the subject line (Plantar Fasciitis).

Book Review from Towsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine Townsendletter.com October 2011 Issue #339; P 86

Enhancing GI Health Naturally

Review by Jule Klotter

You Gotta Have GUTS!: The Natural Way to Enhance G I Health, by Victoria Bowmann

CreateSpace Publishing

© 2009; $17.95; 170 pp

You Gotta Have GUTS!, by Victoria Bowmann, PhD, is a highly informative, lay-friendly guide about natural ways to improve gastrointestinal health and function. During her 30-plus-year career, Bowmann has worked as a licensed massage therapist, licensed colon hydrotherapist, and homeopath. Her book explains the many factors that can disrupt GI function, including processed foods, medications (antibiotics), toxins, parasites, stress, dehydration, and even some naturopathic treatments (i.e., enemas, oil of oregano). Sluggish bowels can also result from low thyroid function. Good health depends upon good assimilation of nutrients and consistent (at least once a day) elimination of wastes via the bowel.

Bowmann explains that a great deal of useful information can be gained by paying attention to bowel function and stool – a fact that Asian medicine has long recognized. Color reflects the diet. Vegetarians have a tan stool; it looks greenish tan if they eat a lot of leafy green vegetables. Eating large amounts of red meat will turn the stool dark brown because of the bile needed to digest the fats in these meats. Nervous or stressed people tend to have long, thin “pencil” stool, resulting from constriction of the colon muscles. “Rabbit pellet” stool can denote a lack of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Undigested food in the stool signifies that the person needs to chew his food more thoroughly. An allergy or intolerance to dairy often shows up as mucus in the stool. Mucus can also indicate a sinus or digestive infection. Healthy stool floats under the water line. “If there is excess fat and oil or incomplete digestion of the oil and fat, the stool will float above the water line or leave a residue on the porcelain sides of the toilet bowl,” Bowmann explains. “. . .if a stool sinks into the bottom of the toilet, there is excessive protein in the diet, the toxic load is high, or heavy metals are being eliminated.”

In Bowmann’s experience, healthy colonies of probiotics – beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria – are vital for healthy GI function. Lactobacillus creates a mildly acid environment that aids metabolism and ahs a role in the production of digestive enzymes. These bacteria also stimulate peristalsis. Lactobacillus has the added benefit of inhibiting pathogenic organisms and the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Bifidobacteria also promote a beneficial pH in the GI tract and protect against pathogens as well. In addition, Bifidobacteria produce B vitamins and vitamin K. Bowmann recommends “reflorastation” of the colon, a rectal injection of 20 different strains of beneficial probiotic organisms. “In my clinical experience, the rectal introduction of these live microorganisms establishes much more rapidly than oral consumption,” she explains. “This is because of the pH of the stomach, which has the property of killing bacteria to protect the body. This doesn’t occur when introduced through the rectum.” Medical literature as well as her clinical experience shows that rectal reflorastation relieves constipation and diarrhea, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, it improves immune function and skin problems.

In addition to reflorastation, You Gotta Have GUTS!  offers specific exercises, diet and supplement suggestions, and other natural methods for supporting GI health and healing. Bowmann also discusses other self-care measures to promote overall health and detoxification, including liver and lymphatic cleanses. A supplemental CD of three 20-minute relaxation exercises is also available. The relaxation meditations are very positive; I found them effective and enjoyable. GI function lies at the core of any detoxification program; it is the foundation. You Gotta Have GUTS! is an excellent guide for understanding and improving this vital system.

Doing something right ;-)

Knowledge and information is of no value if it doesn't bring us to a change in action or thoughts. That's what growth and maturity is all about. Many times I am asked, "Why did you write your book?" and my response is, "To make a difference. We are so embarrassed to discuss our intestines, and so many suffer from some kind of bowel problem, that I thought my research and experience needed to be shared."

Today, I received a lovely email. It reads: "Thanks Vicki! Your book is awesome. It is very informative and has totally changed my thinking about colonic health."  GM

The chapters are short so one can read in about 15 minutes. I didn't write them in order so one doesn't have to read them in order :-)  Pick and choose. Eventually, I think you'll read the whole thing and have a greater appreciation for your digestive tract and especially your guts !!!

I would still be suffering if it were’t for you

Dear Dr. Vicki,
Let me start out by just saying "Wow!". I never thought I would ever find someone who would be able to help me with my GI issues. I have suffered from chronic constipation, severe pain, pressure, and bloating for several years. I have been to many MDs and naturopaths, and gone through many tests and procedures trying to find the root of my problems. No one could ever find the reason for my gastric issues or knew how to treat it. I have spent years dealing with terrible discomfort, sometimes to the point of tears. I never gave up trying to get help though. I knew there had to be someone out there who could help me. And then I found you. Your treatment has made a huge difference in my life already. Your book is so full of wonderful information. I really enjoyed reading it. I can't thank you enough for your help and kindness. I would still be suffering if it weren't for you.

Sincerely,
WL

Relieving Sciatic Nerve Pain

  Bowmann’s Bowen Therapy is a form of bodywork with a primary objective to remove pain and conditions by restoring the structural integrity of the body. It is a powerful modality, which addresses the neural (nerves) and the structure (bones) of the body by stimulating the different levels of the nervous system: central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system.

  The philosophy of this therapy is that the body is a self-regulating energetic system that will continue to regulate itself as long as it has the reserve energy necessary to do so. As the technique releases the imbalances throughout the body, there will be a direct impact on the proper functioning of the various systems of the body.

  The technique is one of remarkable simplicity and much of the difficulty around accepting its efficacy lies with accepting that such a minimalistic approach can be so beneficial, especially when one is used to extensive amounts of hands on therapy. The gentle moves on soft tissue stimulate energy flow, empowering the body’s own resources to heal itself. It is safe to use on anyone, from babies to the aged. It frequently produces lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Orthodox and alternative therapists have been generous in their praise of this technique.

  Some of the responses I have received are:

“I walked in with a great deal of sciatic pain. The treatment you gave me made such a difference. I felt just a little better right after the treatment, but within hours I felt a great deal of relief. My second treatment was even better - two days later I was painting our bedroom! Everyone who saw me just barely moving around before was amazed that I was so mobile so quickly, and without pain!” — Christa, 51

 “I received relief from chronic low back and hip pain after my first treatment. Other symptoms (TMJ & carpal tunnel syndrome) are improving with subsequent treatments.” — Sandy, 61

“My tendonitis (both arms) was 95% relieved after one treatment. My menstrual pain was also relieved after three treatments.” — Pam, 28

“I have had less severity and less frequency of migraine pain since starting these treatments.” — Teri, 49

  How could this be? As one “strums” the muscle, the nerves deep within each one (called proprioceptors) begin to “vibrate” and send information to the brain as to the state of pain, dis-ease, or health within that area. Patterns are followed to address the body part (such as the leg) in a comprehensive manner. A rest period is given to allow the brain time to integrate the information before moving to another area of the body.

  It is often felt like the body is “unraveling” the stress during and after a session. It may take up to five days for all the effects to be felt, however, change is frequently noted soon after the treatment. When one can rest or nap after a session, the results are even more profound and rapid. While resolution might not be complete with two sessions, relief comes quickly. And resolution is possible.
You can learn more about Bowmann’s Bowen Therapy as well as purchase the Bowen Technique Course on DVD at MyRealHealth.com

My leg cramps have disappeared!!!

How those little "plucks" could make such a big difference is amazing to me. Bowmann's Bowen is such a gentle treatment with phenomenal results. I've only had three treatments. Not only has my neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain practically disappeared (80%) but my leg cramps are gone too; and I didn't even tell you about that.

Whatever your doing, keep doing it! I'm looking forward to being a "new woman" as you pluck away the stress and "unravel" me. Thanks, — CS

Severe Constipation Affects All: Natural Help for young, old, and ages in-between.

Medicine only considers 'it' constipation if one doesn’t eliminate at least every three days. It’s interesting to note that one can be told, 'It’s normal for you' when you eliminate twice a week, and then follow a natural program and begin having daily elimination and be told, 'It's normal for you.' What's normal? Maybe your normal is every 3 days, but is it healthy? I don’t think so.  Nor is it comfortable. While our dogs and other mammals poop daily, shouldn’t we.

When one eliminates daily or twice daily, there is more energy and vitality and less of a feeling of bloat and lethargy. While gas can have many contributing factors, it is also part of constipation, as is bloat and being tired. Food that takes more than 24 hours to go from eating to elimination is in the gastro-intestinal tract too long.

Last week I received a call from a client whose mother is 97 years old, having suffered with life long constipation. We had discussed my program and her mom started the simple things to help her bowels move more regularly. 6 weeks later I received a phone call and her mom’s words were shared, 

“I haven’t had a normal bowel movement in so long, I’m in shock. Dr Victoria’s program works.”

My next case is about a 6 year old boy who had hard stools and would cry because he didn’t want to use the toilet, “It hurts.” The mother observed the child for a few days and reported on the specifics of his situation: he only wanted to use the toilet at his home; he wouldn’t go at school or anyone’s home. Even though he is a twin, his brother and a younger brother have easy daily elimination. We discussed an appropriate program for him and within two days he is eliminating – easily and daily. He is now almost 9 years old.

There are many things that can contribute to constipation: not drinking enough water or eating enough fiber. Those seem to be common suggestions that have helped a few but not most.

However, the solution isn’t that simple. Think of it like a puzzle and we need to fit in all the pieces. There are guidelines, however with anything one must then individualize the program.

When one looks at the numerous (hundreds) of products, how does one know what to choose? So we try something, maybe it works for a while and then becomes ineffective. Or it causes cramping and discomfort. Do you know why? Or does one just stop that product and try something else. It’s almost like “constipation roulette” 

Perhaps a different way to approach this problem is to learn about the natural alternatives available, become an educated consumer, and then select the solution most likely to help you and your individual situation. The kinds of questions one needs to ask themselves might be: Do I get leg cramps or am I restless at night in bed? Do I feel like I need to have a bowel movement but nothing happens? Do  my guts feel like they’re asleep? Does stress cause me to just not be able to go? What do my stools look like: Are they hard and lumpy or more like marbles or pellets? What have I tried and how was it supposed to work? What kind of medicine am I taking and what are the side effects? Does my elimination change during my menstrual cycle?

Certainly, there are guidelines that apply to everyone, however, age matters. A gentle approach is best for babies, children, and the elderly. Someone that is sensitive to chemicals or has been somewhat fragile much of their life would go slowly in any program. While those that are robust, fit and strong could handle a more rapid pace to their program. The basis is to know what to do and why, and then go at a speed that allows for success without discomfort.

You Gotta Have GUTS was written with the consumer in mind. Learn a tried and true method for relief and often resolution of these problems. More than 30 years of clinical experience and research supports a natural solution to severe constipation, as well as many other bowel complaints, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is help available just by reaching out for knowledge. One can learn the contributing reasons for the difficulty and possible solutions with great rewards.

Comfort. Energy. A sense of Well Being.