Can't sleep! Time to visualize...

Ugh! Had a fulfilling day, good healthy dinner, some wine, fell asleep and boom was awake at 1am. That was nearly 3 hours ago.

I read, caught up on social media, emails and more. Had a couple glasses of water. Legs are a twitching tho and I hate this feeling. Ended up taking half a klonopin but not sure that was best solution. Probably could use some Calm supplement but its in the other room and I don't want to wake up the house. Note to self, "keep Calm in bathroom".

Lemons are another good resource for leg cramps and fitful sleeps. Note to self, "keep lemon juice by bed at night".

So what to do? Visualize!

Visualize and feel the rhythm to rock me back to sleep. Horses of course!

Eyes closed, horse beneath me, I visualize the gait. The rhythm. The movement. I feel the horse and breathe from her the positive energy of life.

Four beats. Hip relaxed. The movement of walking without the effort. It's a blessing, this riding a horse with MS. A true blessing.

Because I ride I will overcome MS. Because I take care of myself I will overcome MS. Because I breathe I will overcome MS. Because I wrote this I will now sleep and overcome MS...

 

 

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Bath tub yoga after a fun filled Night!

Ah, Valentine's Day is upon us. Last night we had 12 for dinner and it was lovely. Old friends and all couples except me. But that was A OK! Laughter and good times were had by all.

 

But man can I feel it today! There must be several fault lines going off in my legs with tremors reaching a good 6.7 on the Richter scale. I've had several glasses of water and some Passion flower tea to calm the nerves. But alas, bigger measures are needed.

Time for bath tub yoga! Yes, that's how this girl with MS gets her day moving. After a quiet morning of prayer and meditation then reading of a novel (The Great Leader by one of my favorites, Jim Harrison), my day slowly progresses into electronics including twitter, blogger, emails, Facebook and more. And then....Bath Tub yoga time. It's amazing how much stretching one can do in the tub when muscles are soft and pliable.

I start by standing outside the tub as the water starts to flow. The sound is pleasing and inspiring to me. I turn on some music. I pray and open my heart and soul to the earth and sky to feed and nourish me. And then begins the Qigong breathing and swirling exercises. Slowly as my body awakes, I flow into some deeper stretching then slip into the tub.

Squatting on my heels I slowly stretch my legs forward releasing the quadriceps with care. Stretching tall and backwards, gently, the quads are massaged, a bit like taffy being pulled back and forth, letting go of tensions and anxiety held within the body. Releasing from this pose I scuttle to my bum.

Crossing my legs "indian style" I fold forward into a modified pigeon, switching legs so as to stretch the hips on both sides. Then with feet out in from of me I fold forward grabbing my big toes. Then breathing in I reach forward with my neck and back looking upward toward the heavens while sending energy to my hamstrings against the tub floor. On the exhale I fold over, relaxing my legs and feeling the compassion between the moment of flexion prior to the settling in of my bones within its flesh.

Breathing. Aware of every nerve. Of every muscle. Where does my body need the help?

I might take a twist. One leg extended in front. The other folded up with knee to chest, simply twist to left or right, sitting tall and looking up or back. Every move in the tub is done with deliberation and intent. Be slow and aware. Do not push your limits. This is the time to connect with your inner resources for the day and see where you stand, literally.

Outside the tub I continue my practice. A bear hug, more pigeon, wherever my body seems to need it. Or my mind for that matter.

Shoulders are a good on inside and outside the tub. You choose. I'm just the inspiration.

In fact, I'm off right now to do some bath tub yoga and get my day on!

 

 

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Passion Flower Tea for Sleep...will it work?

Has anyone tried Passion flower tea for help with nerves and sleeping disruption? I'm looking forward to feeling the results!

Found on LocalHarvest.org - "Passion Flower Tea Benefits have been recognized for over 200 years by Native American Indian tribes as being effective in sedating and calming the nerves. Traditional medicine practitioners also widely acknowledge the painkilling and blood pressure lowering properties of this herb."

Off to brew...

 

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Chinese Medicine Experiment on Tremors Days 1-7

Day 1:

I've worked with several doctors specializing in Chinese Medicine and have had good experiences. So, why not try it again?

The benign essential tremors in my neck became exacerbated and I need help. Help beyond a pill.

Interestingly I look back and see what I changed last summer. I had stopped taking my Shentrition. I came a bit low on funds and held back. First time in six years. At least six years. Well, the Shentrition is back in. But I need a booster to get me going.

Today I start a seven day tea regime after receiving both Chinese massage and acupuncture. Tea is not the correct word. Herbs maybe is what they used. "Drink your herbs. You look much too old for your age." Thanks, cause I was actually feeling really good.

After a pulse exam where the doctor reads ones pulse for several minutes, I'm told I have severe arthritis in my body and its rejecting the cold weather. I need warmth. But more importantly my kidney yin is in trouble. And the negative energies were pulling my thinking mind down, suffocating it while destroying my life.

Ok then, What do I do? Thus the week of herbs. And not any herbs but pretty pricey ones. Each day is $17. Dump the herbs in a mason jar, pour a cup hot water on it. Drink half of it thirty minutes after breakfast and half of it thirty minutes after dinner. I may have poured a bit more water. It smells a bit potent.

As I taste the mixture it becomes familiar. Ive had similar tastes during an herbal detox program. Not horrible. And if it does the job then super dandy!

It will be interesting to feel the effects.

This morning I took the herbs after a pleasant walk with a dear friend, some good healthy eats, bath tub yoga and some inspirational time. Feeling the love right now.

Will keep you posted.

Day 2:

Well that was interesting! Not sure what is remnants of flu and what is from herbs but talk about a body flush. Feeling great this morning. Still having tremors but could feel a subtle calm and cooling effect in my body after herbs. Feel like I actually need more. This may be an expensive habit but if I could build my blood tonic and kidneys, Ill be ready to kick some MS booty!

It tastes like fermented tree bark. But I'm craving its goodness. Off to make some for this morning. Had my Shentrition already. Plus some fruit and water. Having a lovely and productive morning but glad I'm. Not too far from the toilet!

Days 4-6

Feeling pretty darn amazing! Grouping these days as they have all been pretty similar. aware of very nice settling sensation in my lower back. And a calm sense Throughout. I feel content and sensitive to toxins again. A couple of beers and I was done! Ready for water and herb tea. I like this feeling!

Day 7

The tremors are still here but i have felt a change since the Herbs. They are spendy but I wish to continue them another week or more. The anti inflammation qualities are pleasantly addicting.

In addition to the Chinese herbs I'm taking "Calm" magnesium/calcium supplement, Standard Processes' Catalyn and a vitamin B/C complex. And today I started the Standard Processes' kidney detoxification and support, "Renafood".

Looking forward to feeling more positive effects with these supplements.

Catch you on the flip side...

 

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