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Introduction

Post-Poliomyelitis Sequelae, or Syndrome, a recurrence of weakness, fatigue, and pain in survivors of Poliomyelitis, is becoming more common decades after its first outbreak.

Polarity Therapy, as first presented by Dr. R. Stone, and further developed by its many practitioners, incorporated with other alternative methods, has proven itself to be extremely effective in reducing pain and allowing self-healing to occur.

In our practices, it is possible that we may be presented with this problem even in people who have previously shown no signs or symptoms of body degeneration or paralysis. We need to be able to recognize global symptoms and to respond in a variety of healing modalities. We need to be sensitive to the needs of our clients, addressing all the senses, and helping our clients take responsibility for their own healing, creating a sense of harmony within and without, and guiding our clients on a healing path.

Etiology

Post-poliomyelitis syndrome is defined as a clinical syndrome of new weakness, fatigue and pain which can occur several decades following recovery from paralytic poliomyelitis. The cause of his disorder is still unclear, and may possible etiologies have been proposed, The most widely accepted was first proposed by Wiechers and Hubbell, which attributes PPS to a distal degeneration of massively enlarged post-polio motor units. Other probable contributing factors to the onset of this disease are the ageing process, and overuse. Currently there is no specific diagnostic test for PPS, which continues to have a diagnosis of exclusion in an individual with symptoms and signs of the disorder.

Eighty percent of America's 1.63 million polio survivors experience POST-Polio Sequelae (PPS). Unexpected and disabling symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, cold intolerance and may occur even forty years after the original bout with polio. These people are usually hard-working, time-conscious, perfectionistic, super-achievers who push themselves beyond their physical limits. PPS is not caused by the return of the poliovirus, but is a result of brain stem, damaged neurons being pushed beyond their capability. For those who had paralysis, ninety percent of their spinal cord neurons were damaged and almost fifty percent of those neurons died. The surviving neurons are less able to manufacture acetylcholine, the chemical that neurons release to make muscles contract. The damaged neurons sort out sprouts to turn on orphaned muscle fibres which are now unable to complete the job. Weakened muscles that can no longer support the joints means shoulder and elbow aches and knees that start to bend backwards. Standing, walking, lifting, and sometimes swallowing and breathing become more difficult and more painful.

Ninety one percent of polio survivors report body and brain fatigue which clinically shows up as significant deficits on neuropsychological tests of attention, histopathological and neuronradiological evidence of brain lesions and impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. Brain stem centers were found to be involved with lesions in the hypothalamus, thalamic, and caudate nuclei, as well as the putamen and globus pallidus. Neurons in the periaquiductal grey, locus ceruleus, median raphe nuclei, and especially the substantia nigra, were also damaged or destroyed by the original poliovirus. Ranked in order of descending frequency and severity the list of lesions includes: reticular formation, vestibular nuclei, cerebellar roof nuclei, periaquiductal grey, hypothalamic nuclei, sutstantia nigra, thalamic nuclei, preoptic area, locus ceruleus, median raphe nuclei. This results in drowsiness, lethargy, prolonged somnolence and even coma. Disorientation, apathy, pronounced sleep disorders and irritability correlated with abnormal slowing of the electroencephalogram (EEG) (i.e.-the emergence of theta and some delta activity).

"Researchers at Kessler Institute have recently found that polio survivors with brain fatigue do in fact have significantly impaired attention and are not able to release the brain stimulating hormone ACTH in response to stress". (Burns, 1996)

"...lymphocytic infiltrations following the acute poliovirus infection were said to sometimes reach massive proportions and be present diffusely in the tissue for two or three weeks, but persist as pervascular accumulations as late as the second month…the combination of this severe reaction to virus and local circulatory embarrassment may be the cause of local tissue damage….the poliovirus may have damaged the brain parenchyma and produced both enlarged, fluid-filled spaces around arterioles and the local atrophy and degeneration of myelinated axons that have been correlated with HS". (Bruno, Cohen, Galski, Frick)

Cognitive deficits are associated with an impairment of attention and not of higher-level cognitive processes. An impaired ability to maintain attention, concentration and information processing speed showed no impairments of cognitive ability or verbal memory in tests that involved six carefully screened polio survivors (Bruno, Galski, DeLuca). The polio virus is unable to infect non-motor neurons leaving higher-order cognitive processes intact and allowing polio survivors to attain levels of social, educational, and professional achievements as high or higher than those of the general population. The collected data suggests that a right hemisphere information processing deficit is unrelated to fatigue. It was thought that, as Type A individuals, whose cognitive abilities equalled or exceeded the norms, even small decrements in their cognitive functioning were perceived as significant problems. The subjects continuous expenditure of effort to compensate for fatigue, impaired attention and maintained a high level of cognitive functioning.

"Damage to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems result from poliovirus infection". (Bruno, Frick)

Parasympathetic abnormalities in polio survivors can cause discomforting and potentially life-threatening symptoms.

"Cardiovascular collapse, even without respirator failure, was a frequent cause of dath in acute bulbar polio". (Bruno, Frick)

Partial sympathetic denervation of smooth muscles around peripheral veins caused cold and purple feet. The incidence of diarrhoea, constipation, ulcer disease, and colitis, is between three and six times higher than in the general population. Acute GI problems (e.g.-paralytic illeus and nausea that precipitated syncope and asystole) relates to poliovirus-induced damage to the anterior hypothalamus and brain stem vasomotor control centers). Brain damage has been found in areas that control wakefulness and attention.

Patients with PPS are postulated to segregate clinically into two groups: neurogenic, comprising new weakness and muscle atrophy (post-poliomyelitis progressive muscular atrophy, PPMA) and musculoskeletal PPS, with joint instability and pain predominating. Frick and Bruno refer to a "Polio Wall" which includes symptoms which appear approximately thirty years after the acute infection. Their study identified four factors which, if present during the acute phase of polio, predict an increased likelihood of developing new symptoms. These include: having been hospitalized, having been ten years of age or older at the time of the acute infection, having had paralytic involvement of all four limbs or having used a ventilator. The neurological damage done by the original poliovirus infection can, today, cause unnecessary discomfort, excessive physical pain and, occasionally, serious complication with surgery. Bruno refers to the psychology pf Polio survivors who may often have insomnia anxiety, and even panic attacks with the introduction of any medical procedure. We are reminded of the fact that, as young children, polio survivors were often ripped away from their families and underwent multiple surgeries and painful physical therapy, procedures administered often without explanation and certainly without their consent. This childhood trauma must be taken into account when dealing with these clients. Taking the time to actually listen an respond to the real needs o the adult post-polio patient will go far toward making the client feel safer and more comfortable. Pulmonary function studies must be taken into account before any surgical procedure. The reclining position may make breathing or swallowing difficult and staying in one position for a long period of time may place muscles into spasm. Physical assistance may be necessary if transferring to a chair or cough. General anaesthetics should be used sparingly because of brain stem damage (RAS-reticular activating system, responsible for keeping the brain awake). Local anaesthetic may cause facial, tongue, and pharyngeal muscles to be paralysed for many hours, impairing swallowing and breathing. Tachycardia and panic attacks may occur with an epinephrine preparation. No procedures should be in-office or same-day surgery. Post operative care must include home care and pain control (two times the dose of pain medication for two times as long). Recovery will be two times longer than for other patients. Blood pressure drops and vomiting are common. Polio survivors with muscle atrophy will have a smaller blood volume than would be expected for their height or weight so bleeding during surgery may be a problem Blood banking over the course of weeks may be necessary, with family filing in for needed amounts.

Having at one time been referred to as Post-Polio syndrome (PPS) and Post-Poliomyelitis Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PPMA), both names have recently been rejected due to their inefficiency at describing the effects of the symptoms. Post-Polio Sequelae is a general descriptor for the new symptoms which don't necessarily infer muscular atrophy or involve all of the five major symptoms. Once the explainable causes for pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue (e.g.-carpal tunnel syndrome due to prolonged crutch use, scoliosis and its related respiratory difficulties, as well as knew instability and deformities that produce joint and muscle pain) are eliminated, the unknown etiologies remain. Age-related losses of anterior horn motor neurons, remarkably diminished by the original poliomyelitis, leads to a smaller function pool of anterior horn cells, and the resultant muscle weakness. As well, the axonal sprouts are decreased in persons who had polio and the usual over zealous move to normalcy through excessive exercise and stress, causing further destruction. As well, the metabolic demands of functioning after years of operating in a damaged state or of supplying more muscle fibres than they were designed to innervate, can led to a collapse in the system.

Psychologically, the occurrence of a second disability as a result of Post-Polio Sequelae, can be devastating, The unexpected symptoms, the lack of understanding and knowledge form the medical community, feelings of isolation, and the loss of hard-won physical abilities, can lead to a sense of powerlessness, depression and a devalued sense of self. A period of mourning is usually needed for the loss of physical prowess. Usually, new assistive devices are rejected as symbols for lost physical ability. Personal competencies and effort become primary to physical achievement and appearance. Called devaluing physique, this process leads to coping rather than succumbing to the difficulties. Enlarging the scope of values becomes a precursor as personal worth is re-evaluated. Normal standards are replaced by upholding an asset evaluation, emphasizing what a person can do within the limitations of his disability. A support group where individuals can come together to share common problems, can hold an expectation of helping themselves and others through changing attitudes and behaviour, can make themselves available to each other and can give and receive feedback, share hopes and experiences, coping strategies and encouragement, are important.

These are the Red Flags for Polio Survivors

• 42% of non-paralytic polio cases have PPS. Paralytic polio is not a pre-cursor
• anaesthesia can be a problem because the part of the brain that keeps them awake was damaged by the poliovirus. All survivors should have lung function tests before having a general anaesthetic and they may need a respirator or respiratory therapy after surgery. Breathing, coughing, or swallowing difficulties should be noted and same day surgery is not advised
• polio survivors are twice as sensitive to pain and need more pain medication for longer periods of time than everyone else. They have usually developed a high tolerance to extreme pain and are not likely to become addicted to pain medication
• sleep disorders are common due to pain, anxiety, or general sleep disorders (sleep apnea, generalized random myoclous)

Fibromyalgia like symptoms occur in large proportions of patients evaluated in a postpoliomyelitis clinic (21%) and in a large proportion of patients who have postpoliomyelitis syndrome (25%).

"Because fibromyalgia syndrome is known to produce fatigue and pain, two symptoms that are attributed to postpoliomyelitis syndrome, fibromyalgia may mimic some symptoms of postpoliomyelitis syndrome". (Trojan, P.623)

"Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by generalized pain and tenderness with a finding of eleven or more of eighteen specific tender points and nonrestorative sleep patterns, fatigue, and morning stiffness.

The criteria used for the diagnosis f fibromyalgia syndrome, proposed by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990 were as follows:

A history of widespread pain for more than three months duration with:

1. tenderness with palpation at 11 or more of 18 specific tender points or spots (bilateral occiput, lower cervical spine, second costochondral junction, trapezius, supraspinatus, lateral epiconcyle, buttock, greater trochanter, and medial knee, and
2. no tenderness at specific control points (forearm, thumbnail, and third metatarsal".
   (Trojan, P.621)

"The criteria for postpoliomyelitis syndrome were based on those described by Mulder et al.

1. a history consistent with past paralyt5ic poliomyelitis (an illness characterized by high fever, followed by muscular weakness)
2. partial or complete recovery of function
3. absence of medical conditions or other concurrent neurological disorders that could produce weakness and fatigue
4. absence of severe pain that could make differentiation between pain and weakness difficult, and
5. presence of new symptoms of increased or new muscular weakness and fatigue (muscular and/or general fatigue). The definitions of muscular and general fatigue were increasing weakness with activity, improving with rest, and an overwhelming 'flu like' exhaustion, respectively".
   (Trojan, P.621)

Allopathic Treatments

Patients with postpoliomyelitis/fibromyalgia syndrome respond well to known treatments for fibromyalgia. The demographic characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia show a clear predominance for women (73-88%) with a mean age of 34-56 years. In the testing done by Trojan, treatments included: low dose amitriptyline hydrochloride (10-50 mg every evening), amitriptyline therapy, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (10 mg every evening),fluoxetine hydrochloride (20 mg daily), aerobic exercise (low resistance, highly repetitive), myofascial release therapy, progressive resistive exercises, and the use of a cervical pillow. Other treatments could be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, relaxation techniques, heat, massage, injections of local anaesthetics, intravenous lidocaine drips, surgery to nerve blocks, trigger-point injections with steroids, muscle relaxants, analgesics, physical and occupational therapy, and acupuncture. Psychological assessment and counselling sould be integrated with the treatment plan. Trojan and Finch also suggest avoidance of muscular overuse, weight loss, orthoses, and assistive devices. Fatigue can be managed with energy conservation techniques, lifestyle changes, pacing, regular rest peri9ds or naps during the day, moist heat, ice, ultra-sound, physiotherapy, diet changes, and the use of special breathing and swallowing techniques. Pyridostigmine and edrophonium trial is now in progress (1997) to improve neuromuscular transmission.

Mestinon, a drug that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the muscle, may reduce body fatigue in some polio survivors (Cashman). Parlodel, an anti-Parkinson's' disease drug helps to increase attention and wakefulness and reduce PPS brain fatigue (Kessler Institute). The danger of drug use is in the negation of the body's warning symptoms. Exercising to the po8nt of exhaustion does not, in these cases, increase muscle strength. Stretching and gentle, non-fatiguing exercises can be useful to maintain muscle strength and tone and listening to the body, stopping if pain, weakness, or fatigue is present, is paramount. Pacing is important (Agnee) as well as the use of assistive devices (Kessler). Behaviour modification and psychotherapy are required to help with acceptance and the achievement of this lifestyle change. Anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be used for pain control. Medications which reduce muscle cramps (quinine, diphenylhydantoin) may increase weakness and should be avoided.

Polarity Therapy and PPS

Because we know that PPS expresses through damage to the nervous system and, because we know that the fiery spiral current, related to the sympathetic nervous system, can become unbalanced or depleted due to over-activity or over-stimulation and, because we know that PPS holds as its premise the over-extension of the body by the PPS personage, then we can begin to look at some manipulations.

Dr. Stone reminds us that "a motor paralysis is a break in the centrifugal, outgoing currents from the brain" (Stone, I: 85)

"Restrictions to the spiral current can be traced, released and balanced via its umbilical relationships and this can be further traced and released through the energy relationships of the sympathetic nervous system" (Sills, P.131)

Because of the almost completeness of the relationship between the subtle energy pattern and the nervous system, a great deal of work can be accomplished with a minimal amount of movement over and around the body.

The treatments could include:

• Contacting the reflex points of the parasympathetic nervous system via the neutral pole points of the sacrum, upper gluteal and erector spinae mass, the positive pole points on shoulders, neck and occiput, and the perineal reflex points on the ankles
• Balancing the central nervous system through the cranial, pelvic relationships and the spiral harmonics
• Reflexing the negative pole of the coccyx to the gluteals, shoulder spinous process, the positive pole at sphenoid and foramen magnum and the heel reflex to balance the sympathetic nervous system
• The Six Pointed Star, or Interlaced Triangles, relate to all three aspects of the nervous system and can be used as a total treatment
• Craniosacral work would include brain motility (expansion, contraction), cranial suture mobility, and reciprocal tension membranes (dural tube and membranes)

Dr. Stone (Stone II: 39) reminds us that in the case of motor disturbances of the muscle tissues and tendons such as paralysis and spasms, direct manipulation of tendons and muscles at their origin can be very helpful.

Cranial unwinding which can lead to a very powerful release of cranial bones and tissue and can elicit many polarity responses in the rest of the body, should only be executed when the client is well known and ego strength is in evidence. Be prepared for major physical and emotional, as well as memory releases. My PPS clients have endured an abusive medical system over most of their lives. They have been pushed, and subsequently internalized, the drive to move forward against all odds. It is the PPS that is beginning to set limits for them, for the first time.

In my experience I have found that most PPS clients are very sensitive to touch (pain induced) and most work begins off the body, adding in a satvic touch when they are ready. The long line currents followed by charka balancing allow for short periods of work with felt results. I use the coccyx charka balance because of its relationship with the nervous system and its powerful, immediately felt results. The oval in which the pain is felt can be balanced even without touch.

It is important to be in communication with the client, especially before and in the between session times. Because pain is so common for these clients they may not be aware of it. It is common for pain thresholds to be over reached and for the body to habituate. Fatigue is a very common symptom and therapists need to be well grounded before working and to keep checking in on fulcrums. I have found that I have experienced excellent results with what I call "nerve regeneration". This means that the previous static, erratic flow of energy which appears to branch out and go nowhere will, with treatment, begin to form a new link of energy lines. It is as if the nerves are beginning to come together in greater harmony. This aids in pain management, more tactile experiences, and more chance for energy to enter areas that have been traumatized by repeated invasion (surgeries). This is accomplished through long line treatments, especially ether treatments. Due to respiratory difficulties which usually exist, most work can be executed with the client in a supine or erect position.

Craniosacral work, because of its deep, subtle healing, best accommodates these clients. Deep unwinding work is best left to that time when clients have enough ego strength to be able to contain the release. Many have deep emotional, as well as physical scarring and should be handled with great empathy.

I have experienced excellent results with visualization of the energy flow. It allows the client to take some responsibility for their healing. The thought of accepting their tortured limbs is very novel for them, and accomplishes much in the healing process.

Working with diet is very individualized. I have moved clients into a vegetarian lifestyle which included more base elements (root, tubers) with excellent results. Forming and grounding a secure base to support the work is of paramount importance. Exercise regimes are usually too well accepted. It is important to check daily habits before offering inflexible programs. Clients need help learning what they are feeling and how to become acquainted with personal limits.

Mindfulness

Pain...."Symptoms are often the body's way of telling us that something is out of balance. They are feedback after disregulation". (Kabal-Zinn, P.277)

If mindfulness can be brought to the sensations of stinging, throbbing, burning, cutting, rending, shooting, or aching pain, the succession of rapidly flowing feelings may become something that can be detached from. As an observer, the client may experience the pain from a sense of calmness within the self. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly, is usually very intense, but only lasts a short while. Either it goes away by itself or action is necessary. Becoming the observer gives the client a chance to observe emotions and behaviour.

"It can be quite a revelation to discover that you have a wide range of options for dealing with physical pain, even very intense pain, aside from just being automatically overwhelmed by it". (Kabat-Zinn, P.284)

Chronic pain persists over time and is not easily relived. It can be constant or it may come and go and it varies in intensity. Pain that lasts for more than six months or keeps coming back over extended periods of time, is said to be chronic.

As a society we have an aversion to pain.

"Pain is a natural part of the experience of life. Suffering is one of many possible response to pain". (Kabat-Zinn, P.285)

Pain can erode the quality of life, making people irritable, depressed, and prone to self-pity and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It may feel like a loss of body control and may take away some of life's pleasures.

"Often doctors won't be able to say with certainty why a person is experiencing pain". (Kabat-Zinn, P.288)

Pain needs to be seen as a whole-systems problem.

"The systems perspective on pain opens the door for many different possible ways to use your mind intentionally to influence your experience of pain". (Kabat-Zinn, P.288)

"Several laboratory experiments with acute pain have shown that tuning tin to sensations is a more effective way of reducing the level pf pain experienced when the pain is intense and prolonged than is distracting yourself" (Kabat-Zinn, P.291)

Body scanning and concentration at each painful area/point, combined with the breath, releases tension and helps the body to relax and may bring new insights.

"The way of mindfulness is to accept ourselves right now, as we are, symptoms or no symptoms, pain or no pain, fear or no fear. Instead of rejecting our experience as undesirable, we ask-'what is this symptom saying? What is it telling me about my body and my mind right now? We allow ourselves, for a moment at least, to go right into the full-blown feeling of the symptom". (Kabat-Zinn, P.280)

It is important to listen to the pain and to make intelligent choices around proper medical attention. It is important to have the ongoing support of a highly trained multidisciplinary pain clinic staff, family and friends. It is important to e supported to reach a self-efficacious perspective and engage in meaningful activities and to work within the self-capacity. It is important to take self-responsibility to improve the condition.

Echo

Another method that can be used holds the belief that it is important to dialogue with the body and was first presented by Dr. Jean-Charles Crombez a the Notre-Dame Hospital in Montreal. It is currently being promoted by the L'OMPAC (Organisation Montrealaise des Personnes Atteintes de Cancer). This method, learnt over a period of ten to fifteen weeks, allows the participant autonomy over their healing process. They are, at first, guided through a four stage process during which time they are observers. In the first dimension they exercise the ability to observe without judgement, giving value to whatever presents. In the second dimension they reach a stage of fluidity, helping to put them in touch with their circulatory, respiratory, and glandular systems as well as all other flows and blocks that occur within and without the body. The third dimension brings in a sense of harmony as form is brought forward through an observation of mind questions which bring the self closer to an intimate relationship with the body. In the final dimension an object or form presents itself, without force, with which a healing can take place. Although this is not a new mind/body form (ancient healing and meditation processes, as well as the more modern trans-personal therapies {e.g.-Psychosynthesis} have used this method with great success). The emphasis is on passive observance, as opposed to tranformative interaction. For PPS overachievers, this would be a major life style change, a possible chance to accomplish personal healing in an environment of non-competitive action. For people who have lived with habituation to pain for most of their lives, tuning into their body functions and needs may present a whole new, novel concept which may act as a motivating factor in beginning a process.

Aromatherapy

Once clients have broken the pain barrier and can accommodate themselves for touch, long gentle strokes, as in Swedish, Polarity and Lymphatic massage are in order. Deep muscle work will only retraumatize. Base oils can be chosen dependant on the skin condition of the individual. I like to add some avocado oil for a silky glide. Essential oils would include those that relieve some of the muscle trauma/tremors and pain (e.g.-clary sage, basil, coriander, sage, yarrow, black pepper, fennel, juniper, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, benzoin, origanum, nutmeg), and emotional uppers (e.g.-clary sage, grapefruit, mandarin, rose).

Tisserand recommends basil, lavender and peppermint for paralysis and basil, bergamot, black pepper, camomile, camphor, cardamom, clary, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, juniper, lavender, marjoram, Melissa, neroli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandlewood to relieve smooth muscle spasms. To simulate the regeneration of new cells (cytophylatic) he recommends all essences in general especially lavender and neroli. Lavender, a top note with an evaporation rate of four, an air element, ylang oil with Mercury as its ruling planet would be good as an analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, and sedative to be used for depression, headaches, hypertension, insomnia and nervous tension.

Valnet recommends basil, peppermint and sage for paralysis and juniper, lavender, and rosemary for the after effects. For fatigue of the limbs she recommends rosemary. With the properties of calming an overexcited nervous system and being anti-spasmodic, lavender plays an important role. As an analgesic, it has a calmative effect on cerebro-spinal excitability (Cadiac and Meunier) when taken both internally and cutaneously. As a tonic it is restorative, cardiotonic and calmative for the nerve of the heart. It is anti-rheumatic, anti-migraine, hypotensive (Caujolle, Cazal) and a regulator of the nervous system. It can be taken internally through an infusion, as an alcoholic tincture and in water as an essential oil. Externally it can be used as a decoction, as an essential oil in a base oil, as an ointment or lotion, as a room deodorizer, and can be placed in baths.

Shirley Price reminds us of the importance of touch and the great benefits derived from the combination of touch with essential oils. Massage is an extension of communication-caring touch plus time and movement. She reminds us of the mutual co-operation and respect between the orthodox (allopaths) and natural medicine (holistic) needed to reach our overall aim. She reminds us that classical medicine looks at sickness as accidental-a combination of signals and symptoms due to an exterior damaging agent. Healing in this case means eliminating.

Alternative, complementary, natural, energetic medicines help us to adapt to our surroundings and to live harmoniously with ourselves and others. Illness is seen as a result of poor adaptation to the environment and aims to help people adjust their lifestyle rather than suppress symptoms. Natural therapies have become known as listening therapies-discovering the reason behind the body's cry for help.

"Essential oils affect our health from the same starting points as our thoughts-the mind and emotions". (Price, P.178)

The chemicals of the essential oils are responsible for balancing the brain. Top notes, being most volatile, give the mind a lift. Base notes are more relaxing for release of deep emotions and a feeling of groundedness. Middle notes are for balancing.

Reflexology

With its belief that we live in a holographic paradigm, reflexology uses touch, manipulations, pressure and energy points to bring about a release of stuck or traumatized energy in the body. Holding the fact that pain and disease is caused by stagnant energy flow, it is natural to assume that is release would bring about healing. By working on specific areas of the feet, hands, or ears, this take off of zone therapy allows the practitioner to work on all parts of the body through the one. With PPS clients this means less action around an already over-traumatized body. Essential oils can be used to open and support the body and, as an added bonus, Polarity Reflex Points can be joined to specific body parts, or organs, bringing in a more complete release and, subsequently, healing.

Colour and Sound Therapies

If we focus in on the energy centers, or charkas, of the body we can become sensitive to the needs of the multiple bodies (emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual) for balance. As Polarity practitioners, we know the importance of the energetic flow. Sound and colour have a direct effect on the states of the bodies. Where applicable, we can begin to introduce our awareness of the elements and their direct relationship on the human form through the use of colour and sound during sessions. Individual instruments (drums, rattles, tuning forks, crystal bowls, bells, voice, etc.) as well as an interweaving of sounds (CDs, tapes, records) can all play an important role in bringing balance to a weary system. Lights of varying vibrations and intensities (physical as well as vibrational, present as well as long distance) can bring the body in tune with its state of well-being.

Conclusion

Post-Poliomyelitis Sequelae, with its recurring feelings of weakness, fatigue, pain, sensitivity, powerlessness, and depression, as well as some life threatening etiology, is said to be a distal degeneration of massively enlarged post-polio motor units. While usually hard-working, time conscious, perfectionistic, super-achievers, these people need help in coping with every day life experiences. Some of the factors which predict the likelihood of developing symptoms include the time of onset and the extent of involvement. Things to be aware of are the sensitivity to pain, the need for more pain medication for longer periods of time, the inability to deal with anaesthesia, the difficulties with breathing, coughing and/or swallowing, and the many sleep disorders due to pain, anxiety, apnea, and generalized random myoclous. Fibromyalgialike symptoms are common and allopathic treatment is similar. Aerobic low resistance exercise, myofascial release therapy, resistive exercises, the use of a cervical pillow, relaxation techniques, heat, massage, medications, injections, surgery, physical and occupational therapy and acupuncture is sometimes prescribed. Behaviour modification and psychotherapy are encouraged, where indicated. Alternative therapies, such as Polarity Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Aromatherapy, Mindfulness, Reflexology, Colour and Sound Therapies, and Echo Therapy have all been shown to be helpful. Therapists need to remember that treatment needs to be individualized. Clients can be very sensitive to pain and may have to take the time to build up trust and a sense of safety. Communication is very important, and clients need help in becoming more aware of and more accepting of their bodies. Deep emotional, as well as physical scarring needs to be handled with great empathy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruno, Dr. Richard, Ultimate Burnout: Post-Polio Sequelae Basics (1996), Mobility, 7: 50-59.

Bruno, Richard L PhD, Sapolsky, Robert PhD, Zimmerman, Jerald R. M.D., Frick, Nancy M. PhD, The Pathophysiology of Post-Polio Fatigue: A Role for the Basal Ganglia in the Generation of Fatigue.

Bruno, Richard L. PhD, Cohen, Jesse M. M.D., Galski, Thomas PhD, Frick, Nancy M. MDiv, Running Head:Neuroanatomy of Post-Polio Fatigue. The Neuroanatomy of Post-Polio Fatigue.

Bruno, Richard L. PhD, Be True to Your PPS and Your Teeth Won't Be False to You: Preventing Complications in Polio survivors Undergoing Dental Procedures. Kessler Inst. For Rehabilitation, Saddle Brook

Bruno, Richard L. PhD, Frick, Nancy M.., Cohen, Jesse, Post-Polio Sequelae: Polioencephalitis, Stress and the Etiology of Post-Polio Sequelae, Kessler Inst. for Rehabilitation, N.J.

Cashman, Neil R., Maselli, Ricardo, Wollmann, Robert, Simon, Roberta, Heidkamp, Patricia, Antel, Jack P., New muscle Atrophy as a Late symptom of the Post-Poliomyelitis Syndrome (1987), Clinical Ecology, volume V, Number 1.

Cashman, Neil R, Siegel, Irwin, Antel, Jack P., Post-Polio Syndrome:An Overview. Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, Vol. 11, No.2, pp.74-78

Cashman, Neil R., Maselli, Ricardo, Wollmann, Robert L., Roos, Raymond, Simon, Roberst, Antel, Jack. Late Denervation in in Patients with Antecedent Paralytic Poliomyelitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 317:7-12 (July 2, 1987)

Frick, Nancy M.Div, Bruno, Richard L. PhD. Post-Polio Sequelae: Physiological and Psychological Overview. Rehabilitation Literature, 1986;47 (5-6): 106-111

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. FullCatastrophe. Living : Using theWisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness. Delta

Price, Shirley (1993) Aromatherapy Workbook: Understanding Essential Oils from Plant to User. Harper Collins, Publ. California.

Sills, Frankly (1990) The Polarity Process: Energy as a Healing Art, Element Books.

Stone, Dr. Randolph (1985) Health Building: The Conscious Art of Living Well. CRCS Publications, California.

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