Global Snake Venom Information

I refer to an article by the University of Melbourne. "Developing A Global Antidote For Snake Bites: 100,000 People Die From Snake Bites Each Year." Science Daily 9 December 2008.

Considering my daughter's snake bite two years by a Rinkhals cobra (pictured) and various medical issues which her doctor is trying to establish if any of it relates to her snake bite I would encourage the reading of this article especially as here in Africa so little is known of the deadly venomous snakes. Even more recent to that incident, my daughter lost a friend in January this year from a venomous bite and within half an hour had passed away.

It seems that not enough information is being shared with Health and Safety Officials and doctors as to the emergency itself and what is required and to possible long term effects.

I will continue to insert any further information I receive as I have sent an email of enquiry regarding my daughters experience and long term effects, to the University in Australia. I look forward to any information anyone can provide through their own experiences.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081127115320.htm

Complementary Alternative Care for Children

I refer to an article on the Science Daily website under Alternative Medicine
(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312125401.htm)in which an article written by Dr. AE Golnik speaks of a national survey conducted by the University of Minnesota, primary care physicians report that they are more likely to ask patients with autism about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use. These physicians also desire more CAM education for this population. Yet again this is confirmation that Science is meeting Spirituality/holistic therapies hopefully, half way. As mentioned in yesterday's article there is a dire need for a holistic approach to primary care where people feel the need to be treated as a whole, not just the one part. We can only hope the Medical Fraternity will encourage a more holistic approach to healing.

Alternative Therapies are becoming topic of discussion

I have just come across a wonderful article in the Washington Post by Manoj Jain titled - Even Snake Oil can help patients heal..

I would suggest taking the time to read it as it speaks of a Doctor's point of view along with her colleagues on Alternative Therapies. Some are sceptical and some are open to the healing. Actually, Alternative Therapies is a Complement to Medicine and should not be seen as a diagnostic tool over and above the Medical Practitioner but viewed in conjunction with the advice of the Doctor as a healing tool in the mind and body. Remember the saying "An Apple a Day Keeps the doctor away"..and so a bit of yoga, reiki, reflexology, ayurveda to name a few, can be encouraged in a person's life to maintain the balance between work and rest and follow a life of quality.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031602140.html

Spinal Reflexes and Touch Points

I refer to an article in the New York Times by Sandra Blakeslee on 20 March 2009, where research by Scientists is being done on electrically stimulating the spinal cords of rodents in which some of the symptoms of Parkinsons have been reversed.
I relate this to the Touch Points Therapy in Reflexology in which we work on the Spinal Reflexes situated on either the hand, the foot the ears or the shin... There is always hope that Science and Spirituality will meet half way where we can work together to help heal the patient.

Volunteer Reflexology to Disabled Children

In March 2008 I was given the blessed opportunity of visiting a school for the Physically Disabled just outside of Johannesburg.

When we arrived, the children were all sitting under a huge tree in the garden, eating their sandwiches. I was welcomed with their warm, openhearted smiles and immediately started working relaxation reflexology on their hands. I was truly blessed to feel their love and gratification upon receiving this therapy even if for only ten minutes on each child. I noticed a few of the children felt relaxed enough to go and have a sleep on the veranda. For those children who could speak, I explained a little about the process of reflexology on their hands.


Martha, an older resident was so happy to tell of her ability to massage people’s necks and backs, including mine, and believe you me, she is good. She is determined to study Physiotherapy. Whilst I worked Reflexology on her hands, I explained the process as Martha is very keen to learn and help her little friends.

I would also like to mention that when you next pass those little children begging on the street corners, please bear in mind, they are probably trying to get enough money together to send to their siblings in the rural areas. Many of these children have lost their parents to HIV/Aids and end up fending for their siblings and themselves. Even if you don’t give them any money, I am sure some piece of clothing or a blanket would be greatly appreciated. This is why I always carry a few blankets in my car. Most of all, a silent ‘Bless You’ is the greatest gift of all.

A few words which made such an impression on me whilst at a Health, Safety and Environmental Workshop last week are “Conserve the Vitality and Diversity of this Earth”. We can do this by sending healing to the children.

Snake bite and Reflexology

Two years ago my daughter was bitten by a cobra on the medial side of left foot. She received anti venom and stayed in Intensive Care for one night. Then started her healing process. There was not much more the doctor or hospital could do as it was now up to her immune system to fight any tissue damage or infection, especially in the linings of lungs, stomach and digestive area. After talking to my then lecturer Molly Jeffreys as to what we could do from a reflexology perspective she advised to gently and lightly stroke the feet to encourage constant flow of lymph through the reflexes and ensuring the nerve impulses in the spine remained active. I then asked further if there was anything more we could do with regard to the very darkened bruised flesh on the foot and ankle, around the bite area. Molly again advised me to take an unpolished 'lapis lazuli' and tape it over the bite marks for 3 days, which I did. The results from all of the above were amazing to watch. After the first day of taping the 'lapis lazuli', the flesh in that immediate area of medial side of foot started to turn pink which was a clear indication of blood flowing through the tissue.
When I removed the 'lapis lazuli' on the 3rd day a third part of the foot had turned pink and the side of the lapis which was taped to the bite had turned black. We still have that 'lapis lazuli' and we believe to this day that it was that stone that saved my daughter from developing 'dead tissue' from the venom. Although ten days after the bite my daughter had to be re-admitted to hospital because of a low white blood cell count, she has since made a full recovery. Because of the hard 'knock' on her immune system from that venemous bite, she does have to maintain a healthy diet and uses Patrick Holford's Connect vitamins, Flaxseed Oil, Calmag (Golden). My daughter is now 24 and lives and works permanently in the bush, snakes and all.