GLUTEN AND IBS

On the basis of patient reports, as well as clinical studies, there has been a suspicion for some time that some individuals with IBS who clearly did not have celiac disease appeared to be sensitive to or intolerant of gluten-containing food and the term nonceliac gluten sensitivity has been acknowledged by experts in the field.[35,36] That gluten might play a role in IBS-like syndromes is supported by the symptomatic overlap between IBS and celiac disease[37–41] as well as the precipitation of their typical symptoms in IBS individuals when exposed, in a blinded fashion, to gluten.[42–44]

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A lovely piture of the sun poking through on a crisp winters morning

There is defiantly a chill in the air! Perhaps it’s time to get fit for the ski season with some great conditioning exercises.

I tried these exercises and it’s quite a challenging workout. The exercises mimic the movements you do on skis/snowboard. It is really helpful for balance and endurance.

Here are a few snaps from travels to Sweden Leif recently returned from. Technically it’s summer in Europe. However, the weather was about the same as Sydney. Most days were around 18 Degrees with changing cloud cover and lovely sunny moments. It was wonderful to spend time at a summer cottage on a small island located in a freshwater Lake. The place is called Sandviken, about 2.5 hours drive north of Stockholm. It has a lovely relaxed pace. The midnight sun and midsummer celebrations were very special. A few days were spent in Stockholm taking in the beauty of the city in the summer glow. They have a very pleasant and colourful subway system there.

As a follow-up to the article The Organic Effect below (https://www.facebook.com/ThePainReliefAndWellnessClinic/posts/652028188262396), a little more about organic foods.

The switch to and benefits of organic foods – fresh, frozen and canned – seems to be an increasingly popular topic trend in both main stream media and specific health/diet journal publications.  However, as in most life or lifestyle choices, it pays to check out the details.

The paradox of the benefits offered by the more expensive organic food choice is you’re paying extra for what you’re not getting.  Organic foods seem to have a similar nutritional value compared to current-practice mass produced food.  What you are paying extra for is the absence of the chemicals used to achieve highest production rates in mass produced foods – the toxic fungicides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, pesticides as well as preservatives post-production to prolong shelf life and profit.  The practice of warehousing fresh produce for up to six months, or harvesting whilst green and then force-ripening with gas seems to be increasing.

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News Update

Leif Tunell will be travelling overseas for two weeks to attend to family matters. Leif will be unavailable from

Monday June 15th 2015 to Saturday June 27th and will be back at the clinic on

Monday 29th June

During his absence, Luke O’Toole will be conducting the acupuncture and massage treatments. Luke has fantastic skills and you will be well looked after.

Queen’s birthday public holiday

We will be open for a half day on the public holiday of the upcoming June long weekend, on
Monday June 8th, from 1 pm – 5.30 pm.
Saturday will be open usual hours 9pm – 4pm

Wishing you good health and a great start to the winter,

Best regards,
The Pain Relief Team

Snowboarding is amazing fun. Especially in deep soft powder snow. It’s like surfing on a cloud in marshmellow land. However, these are special conditions. Most of the riding happens on the pistes or courses with smooth but somewhat harder surface.

During my recent travels I developed a bit of a painful foot issue. I was snowboarding almost daily and being experienced rider I would ride quite aggressively. After a time I developed a sharp neural pain on the sole of my right/back foot on the snowboard. This was towards the front on the ball of my foot between the 3nd and 4th toes (Plantar aspect of the distal head of the 3rd and 4th metatarsals). Sudden impacts would trigger an electric exquisite pain. At times so intense it would take the breath away and the vision would fade. It would only happen while snowboarding. Otherwise I have had no troubles with my feet with physical activity/running etc. Needless to say it was a bit of a concern and reducing the enjoyment I was having.

I believe the intensity of the downwards pressure towards the board was causing a tendonitis and inflammation of the metatarsal phalangeal junction. A ski boot fitter was of the opinion I was starting to develop a Morton’s neuroma. I would concur with this but would also consider capsulitis.

Solution

I treated myself with acupuncture directly on the problem area with associated points for the foot around the ankle. Some of the needles went directly into the sole. It was refreshing but also satisfying feeling. I followed up with some moderate pressure massage and gentle mobilisation of the foot bones. I repeated this 3 times and it had a good effect.

Next thing was to reduce the pressure that was placed on the foot by the boot. Josh the boot fitter (Boot Solutions, Hakuba, Japan) made some custom “neuroma pads” that went into the innersole of the snowboard boot. This provides a greater contact surface area for the ball of the foot, spreading the load more evenly over the sole of the foot. The pad also splays or separates the metatarsals (long bones of the foot) a bit more. This provides more space for the nerves that travel between the toes.

This combination worked very well. I’m happy to report in my particular case this reduced the problem to a level that was not too noticeable. I consider this to be a good result. Wearing snowboard or ski boots has an inherent level of discomfort. It is normal and to be expected. Having said that, when the discomfort becomes too unbearable it is good to know there are solutions out there.

What a fantastic experience!

Refreshed and renewed, I have returned from my travels in Japan.

Japan is an extraordinary place: not only for its outstanding snow slopes, but also for the exceptional people and culture.  There is a lot of care and respect between people.  It’s probably one of the few places in the world where you can safely leave your board, gear and skis outside while you go inside for some warming ramen for lunch.  I have heard of people forgetting their wallets on the train and then returned to them with all contents and cash intact.  People don’t expect tips.  There is no hustling for extra charges or money.  Prices are set and respected.  Courtesy is highly regarded.  If you do someone a kindness, it is extremely well received and appreciated.

* The experience of working as an acupuncture TCM practitioner in another country.

* Incredible powder snow.  This is probably one of the best places for fresh snow in the world.

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Hello,

A quick update here from Leif in Japan. The wonders of nature have been working amazing treats with great snow conditions. This place is amazing. Food is great, the people warm and welcoming, not to mention the Great snow.

I have been working here at the healing centre. Treating the usual ailments and sore bodies that come with a great day skiing. Have also introduced a few people to the wonders of acupuncture and been learning a few new tricks.

The exciting prospect of working in Japan has presented itself to Leif. This is a remarkable opportunity to consult and work with a therapeutic group of professionals, focusing on acupuncture/massage skills, combined with indulging in a life-time passion for snowboarding.

Leif will be absent from the Pain Relief and Wellness Clinic for six weeks.Departing 31 January and returning on the 16th March, 2015. During this time Luke O’Toole will provide all the Clinic’s acupuncture and massage treatments. Luke is a wonderful acupuncture and massage therapist and will continue his excellent services with his caring hands and insightful approach.