THURSDAY'S RELAXATION TECHNIQUES ~

[selmaS]

HI All...we r trying to get a thread on different ways we relax to help reduce pain  of HA's and body aches......

I like to sit in a low light, low sound environment and soak in a warm bath...candles help that have a nice soft clean scent.... lavender is supposed to be the number one, but I like vanilla or cucumber melon......

What do u do?

[selmaS]

Has neone tried sitting on one of those big balls to help strengthen ur core???

[selmaS]

neone else have nething to add??

How about Fieldenkrais method???...I was told by my NL that I should try it...no one in my area offers it....just wondering???

[selmaS]

Roy....thanks for the insight to yoga...I myself could never see myself doing it...but u make me want to check it out...thanks : )

Once I can drive and get my self to a class I will let u know how it goes.....

I tried meditation....I have one of those brains that goes off on other topics even when I am trying to focus on something....in fact it goes on to many diff somethings all at once.....even tried staring at a flame of a candle and focus on the flame...well I was off on all types o f stuff and forgot what I was looking at....I guess that is y I have such a hard time going to sleep...my mind is always on all the things I have to do the following day.....

[Roy902]

I went through a pain management class this summer for a month at the Nebraska Medical Center that has helped me a great deal.  It has helped me get away from all the pain meds except Topomax.

Yoga is the most relaxing and pain reducing practice that I have experienced; no more than 30 minutes - light yoga.  When you meet with the instructor for the first time before the first session explain to them your medical condition and ensure that they are indeed certifed and qualifed to be doing this.  They can set things up much like a Personal Trainer does at a gym.  

I laughed at the thought of YOGA but kept an open mind / I now look forward to my yoga once a week.

2nd best was meditation; There were two counselors on board that would put me to sleep with in 10 minutes; I was amazed with the results - There are tapes that one can buy and listen too, soothing music what ever relaxes you - we are all different people and have different likes.  

[selmaS]

Well since it is a holiday in the  states today....we may not have too many posts to this thread, but a relaxing Thanksgiving includes the Macy's Day parade and the movie Miracle on 34th st....with Nataile Wood as the little girl ....DD and I say the lines....like thro it on da floor....a fellas gotta do something to keep warm....lol...

Ne one else???

[selmaS]

U r sooooooo right...but the more we share what works for us, it may help others find new ways too : )

[Lymanlady]

Before my surgery a year ago I was so bad off I was lucky to be able to walk! After my surgery I was able to start jogging again after about 5-6 years of gradually losing my desire to run and gaining 60 #'s. As I look back I see Chiari slowing stealing my strength causing me to avoid running. So now I use my run as a victory over Chiari! Running is my gage on how I am doing. Some days my legs are light and some days they feel like I am wearing weighted shoes.
You know the feeling of over whelming exhaustion we feel? Well for me I found that when this exhaustion would over take me that if I gave into it and do nothing but lay around I would have it all day. But if I got up and moved I felt better! I know we are all so different in our response to this condition and what works for one won't work for everyone!

[selmaS]

Wow....I love the outdoors for the same reason that u do...but, to jog would  take the joy away as all that jarring would make me ache too much.....

I am so glad u r able to enjoy this activity and relax all at the same time.

Fantastic !!

[Lymanlady]

The way I relax is by jogging. I know that type of exercise is not for everybody but it is what works for me!.I am nearly a 70 y/o woman. My theory is not to give up one thing to Chiari without a fight! Since weakness is a big symptom to me I try to stay as strong as I can so that the muscles that are strong stay strong. When I am running and the sun is shinning this time of the year in Ohio the sky is the most beautiful blue! A sight to behold and my spirits sore and I relax and enjoy a wonderful day with a happy heart.
I Love All Of You!

[selmaS]

ok..so I could use some new ideas....neone????

all I got is a warm soak, soft music, candles and soft lighting.........

relax as best I can...what do u do?

[selmaS]

I hope we can get some new techniques.......????

[selmaS]

looking for some different techniques....ne one try the Fieldenkrais method?..it is supposed to hep with posture there by elevating pain....

[angelways]

i like to put a cd on of relaxing music like michael bolton or percy sledge,turn it down just to where i can hear it,and lay in my recliner with the curtains closed,i have drapes so its dark in my living room,,i always end up falling asleep,lol relaxed though i guess

[selmaS]

ne one have some new ideas??

[selmaS]

Sounds lovely Steph...however, I found walking on sand very difficult for many yrs...so I have to walk on the boardwalk instead......

A good warm soak is my fav too : )

[Stephiec79]

Anything water related relaxes me... a warm bubble bath with candles (a towel rolled behind my neck helps to relieve pressure)...a soak in the hot tub...just a hot shower... or a walk on the beach.

[selmaS]

REST  REST  REST....this will help we need our sleep and at times more than average amounts.....

[selmaS]

I do find posture is helping as well as a good pair of shoes....lol...I always knew I had to have good shoes on.....but , I find going for a walk in my MBT's sneakers helps me relax too!!

[Jennyfoo]

Lu, what was so frustrating a out WoW? I can't level up toons on my own. I am sooo slow, it gets frustrating! I have no sense of direction and get lost, and my memory *****. I love playing with my hubby because he's like a WoW dictionary or encyclopedia. He's got 10 level 80 toons and knows the game better than he knows his own world. Lol! He's stopped playing it recently too, was using it as an escape cuz he was depressed and overwhelmed. He's come out of his funk and we've been relaxing, watching TV and movies more instead of gaming. I miss WoW though. We have a very good guild with a lot of couples who play, like us. Having a good guild makes all the difference. There's been a lot of changes to the game over the pSt few years that have made it much more user-friendly; like quest Hellers built in, faster leveling, mounts at lower levels, etc

I'll play again, when my hubby fixes my iMac and I can set it up at a higher level that's more comfy for my head & neck. I can't sit in a regular desk chair for long due to a thoracic disc that acts up and arthritis in my SI joints, so I've been playing on a laptop. Looking down at it is killer though.

[jacmurphy]

My son says playing his keyboard helps him both with the headaches and the confusion he gets.
The school have been great with him and have given him a key to the music room so when he gets a headache or feeling confused in school he can go there for a while.

Me.. No Chiari.. but relaxing for me is playing Backgammon.

[lu7997]

Jenny my husband and I used o play WoW.   But it ended up being more frusterating than relaxing.  Lol


My relaxation is curling up with all three of my girls and snuggling up with some popcorn and a good movie.    

Overcast rainy days are the best for this. (too bad rain means pain. But never a better time to veg out with some girl time)

[jpurple]

I recently found emotional freedom technique (EFT) on the conquer chiari website.  I've tried it a few times and it helps relieve stress, if anything is bothering you.  I love it when doctors say, avoid stress.  How the heck can we do that?  This might help some of you
Here is the link for the video on how to do, and more info is on conquer chiari website:)

http://www.youtube.com/user/kinesiologyinstitute

[niki3350]

The only thing that takes my pain away from my legs,back and between shoulder blades is a lovely hot bubble bath.   This seems to take pain away for up to 2hrs. it's heaven, I choose my favourite bubble bath and just sit there feeling the joy of being pain free.  I top up water when it gets cool and just lay there with chill out music on!!!

I also like to read, lying on my bed with pillow under my knee to eleviate pain.

[selmaS]

Laptops should be up higher so u r not looking down...same with reading a book...this is to reduce stress on ur neck.

I have a adjustable TV style tray....this helps keep the screen at a level so I can view it with out my neck being strained.