APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Well you have probably heard of R.I.C.E,Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevate. All you need to do is replace the Ice with ACV and you get much better results e.g. you put some on a cloth and apply to the area and you can leave it on for hours instead of 10 mins at a time. Ice can damage the skin cells and kill them if left to long. ACV does not. But never put over an open wound, as this will sting use Vaseline to cover cuts or abrasions, and then apply ACV. ACV is applied typically to a sprain or a twist, but can be used as a poultice on any type of soft tissue trauma. This includes bruises, inflammation, soreness and areas of redness or heat. It is recommended that you do a spot test first by placing a small amount on a cloth and attaching it to the inside of the arm for 10 minutes if any reaction should occur you can dilute it by 3 parts water to 1 part ACV. 

ACV has literally hundreds of uses quite apart from an external poultice and has been reported to be of great benefit for arthritis patients, as a hair rinse, for stings and rashes and even as an aid to weight loss!

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULPHATE)

Epsom salts can be used where there is calcification of the joint or where there is stiffness and soreness after treatment or physical activity such as sport, or gardening. It can be used locally for hand or foot calcification but also used as a general aid to relaxation and a preventative. It works by reducing the acid build up in the body and working towards a normal acid / alkaline balance and is also very useful in cases of fever and colds or' flu'. People can also use Epsom salts with skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema.

Epsom salts can be purchased from chemists in large bags and can be bought loose and in large bags as Magnesium sulphate, from garden centres. It is also the base of Radox but without the smell.

For a bath approx one cup full to your warm bath not hot as this will increase your body temperature, for hands an feet use two tablespoons full per two litres of warmwater. You can use this whenever you take a bath but for specific problems such as bunions, regular soaking is required, perhaps average five times a week in order to reduce the level of calcification. The use of Idosalve to reduce bunions is also indicated. 

WASHING SODA (SODIUM CARBONATE)

Washing soda is traditionally used as a water softener and assistant to degreasing. For washing oily massage towels it is very useful, but it also has the useful quality of attracting moisture.

To this end we can use washing soda as a highly effective tool to reduce swelling in swollen joint, such as ankle or knee.

It is important that the therapist establish that there is no inflammation in the joint, indicated by heat, bruising, tenderness or redness. The pack can be used and applied by the client at home.

Advice on application should be discussed with your therapist.

IDOSALVE (FORMERLY MANUFACTURED AS IODEX

Idosalve is a combination of Methyl Salicilate and Iodine, mixed into a peanut oil base (Do not recommend if the client has a nut allergy). It was manufactured commercially for many years, under the brand name Iodex, and is now made especially for ECBS.

Its uses are primarily for joint calcification as the iodine starts the process of breaking this down and methyl Salicilate eases the pain and inflammation. Many clients with arthritic joints, especially fingers, find a regular application reduces the pain and increases flexibility in the joint.

A good use for Idosalve is for bunions, a calcification of the metatarsal joint of the great toe. Although effective, the process of getting rid of a bunion is a long one and needs constant effort on the part of the client.

Please search for a therapist near you for supply of this product and guidance on application thank you www.TheBowenTechnique.com

Advice on the application should be discussed with your therapist.

Email me at:- eelkralc@aol.com         or call me on- 07905989277