Let me tell you a story…
I was diagnosed (without having an exploratory endoscopy) as having a stomach ulcer in mid 2003, due to stress and from over-use of over the counter anti-inflammatories. Some people are also pre-disposed to producing extra stomach acid - looks like I'm one of them.
During this time I had suffered a kidney stone attack, an abdominal hernia (through heavy lifting at work) and a generally stressed disposition, brought on by ever day life. I was recently separated, working a full-time job to pay a mortgage, and trying to raise a child single-handedly.
Also during this time I was refurbishing part of the house - when I hurt my neck and shoulder. This only exacerbated a previous injury to the area, leading to constant muscle spasms, twinged nerves and pain. It was a bad time for me, and the following year got worse…
Over the following years I have seen Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, and attended many remedial specialists and Masseuses. I have to say the regular weekly massages had the most desired affect of relaxing the muscles, but it wasn't a cure. My shoulder would pop, this in turn would press a nerve behind the shoulder blade, and next thing muscles in my neck would flare up, this continuing spasmodically for more than 18 months.
Then one day my boss (who has many of his own health problems) mentioned going to see a friend of his. When I asked him what he was, he just told me he was a "Healer". I wasn't sure what that statement meant, but was ready to try anything - and the price seemed very reasonable, so I went.
This friend of my boss is a schoolteacher by day; he is well respected and liked by all who know him. He is not the kind of person who would fleece ignorant unsuspecting innocents of their money, and as teachers are reasonably well paid in New Zealand, he really didn't need the extra cash. So it was quite surprising to meet him and find he was also a practicing colour therapist!
This gentleman's father was known to have a gift of healing - and (let's call him Ben) had inherited this gift.
I sat in a comfy chair opposite his desk, he had a large human anatomical book opened out on front of him, and asked what was my problem. So I told him about my neck and shoulder. He then passed his hand over the anatomy in front of him and tapped on areas that he sensed were problematic. I have to admit I was extremely skeptical at this point, but he continued tapping, mentioning that my stomach was a bit tender and to watch spicy foods and wheat products, then he went on to the shoulder area, saying my shoulder cuff was enflamed, I had a pinched nerve in my back, and this was causing my neck to play up. He also said my occipital bone was slightly out of alignment. Say what? He then said I needed to see an expert to have this put back in and then things should settle down. But hadn't I spent hundreds on Chiropractors and Physiotherapists to fix these problems? However, he was very insistent I get it checked out.
And so I paid Ben, and left, feeling rather disgruntled.
I made an appointment with the Specialist and then settled down for the evening.
I have to say my shoulder, back and neck were feeling very warm, but not in an inflamed way, more like a general heat was radiating in the entire affected area. It was rather strange, but comforting at the same time.
Next day I saw the Specialist, who told me nothing was wrong. I then asked him to check my Occipital bone - by which he looked at me sideways, then complied.
He was staggered to find it was indeed out, and had me on my back, my head cradled in the crook of his arms, while he put the offending vertebrae back 'in'. What an almighty crack! I thought he'd broken my neck!
But the relief was immediately apparent - tension I had almost come to accept as normal - was gone!
When I asked the Specialist why this had not been picked up during all my previous visits (at my cost!) he said that with x-rays of the neck area (you have to be standing) it is hard to see through the jaw-line because of the teeth etc. However, when asked if he would refund much of the money I had paid out, he just laughed and sent me packing…
I was grateful to have the problem rectified, but if it hadn't been for Ben, I might still be suffering - and paying!
