The Alexander technique is a training process in which a person learns to identify and change faulty posture and movements. The goal is to free the body of muscular tensions that cause stress and fatigue by eliminating common postural problems resulting from such habits as slouching, holding the head in an awkward position when talking on the telephone, or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder. A number of poor posture patterns are the result of well intentioned reminders by parents or teachers to stand or sit up straight. Many people respond by holding their spinal muscles in a constant state of tension instead of aiming for a relaxed balance of head, neck, and torso. Tight or restrictive clothing and high heeled shoes are other common culprits that contribute to incorrect posture and muscle tension.

Origins

The technique was developed in the late 19th century by an Australian actor, F. Mathias Alexander, during a period in his career when he was losing his voice. While examining his movements in a triple mirror, he realized that the tense and artificial postures he habitually assumed with his head, neck, and torso during performances were affecting his vocal chords. By changing his self defeating habits, he was able to “liberate” his voice. Encouraged by his success, he began to teach others some of his methods and in 1908, he published one of his earliest pamphlets: “Reeducation of the Kinesthetic System (Sensory Appreciation of Muscular Movement) Concerned with the ,Development of Robust Physical Well Being.” In the decades that followed, he attracted many distinguished followers, among them philosopher john Dewey, authors George Bernard Shaw and Aldous Huxley, as well as a number of physicians and scientists. By the time he died in 1955, his technique was being taught worldwide.

Practitioners

Instructors are trained and certified at centers affiliated with the North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. They may give private lessons and also conduct group classes and workshops. Some doctors and physical therapists use the method, and many hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and pain clinics now offer instruction to their clients. So do performing arts institutions, including the juilliard School in New York and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

When it is used

The technique is most frequently recommended as a way of dealing with back and neck pain. It is also used to counteract some of the effects of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and arthritis, to improve respiratory function, and as an adjunct to breathing exercises for asthma patients. Some performing artists claim that it has helped them to overcome stage fright; many athletes have found that it not only enhances their skills but also helps reduce the likelihood of sports injuries. A growing number of people who work at computers are investigating the Alexander technique as a way of avoiding stress injuries from repetitive movements, which have become a disabling occupational hazard.

Of the several variations on herbal ism, one of the best known is the system of Dr. Edward Bach, an English bacteriologist and homeopath who created and used flower essences as an alternative to conventional drug remedies. His preparations were made by immersing flowers in water and then exposing this combination to heat or to sunlight He believed that these essences, individually and in combination, would restore the mental and emotional balance essential for physical well being.

The best known of the Bach concoctions is the Rescue Remedy, a combination of five different formulas, which is reserved for especially trying situations such as the death of a loved one. Other Bach remedies include agrimony to relieve anxiety, impatiens to reduce emotional irritability; and a combi­nation of larch, holly, and mustard flower essences for asthma.

Since Bach’s death in 1936, several practitioners in the United States have developed comparable remedies The best known among these is a group called the 72 Flower Essence Society (FES), whose products are based on flowers native to California.

Flower essences are sold in small bottles with eye droppers fmm which a drop or two is usually placed under the tongue at specified times. The drops can be found in many health food stores, and are also available from mail order catalogs.

When a child is born, some blood remains in the placenta and umbilical cord. This blood is known as umbilical cord blood. This blood is very important to medical science as it contains hematopoietic stem cells which can form white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. If extracted and stored in cord blood banks, it can be used later to treat cancer and other diseases related to the blood and immune system.

How is cord blood collected?

Umbilical cord blood is collected as soon as the newborn baby’s umbilical cord has been severed in a cord blood unit. It is extracted from the neonatal end of the cord within 10 minutes of the baby’s birth. Remaining cord blood and stem cells are collected from the placental end, and then the placenta is further process in a stem cell laboratory for additional stem cells. The minimum amount of cord blood required by the cord blood bank is 75 ml.

After extraction, the extracted cord blood is subjected to viral testing that includes tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Tests are also done to examine nucleated blood group antigen (ABO and Rh), cell count, cell viability, molecule cluster, bacterial growth and fungal growth.

How is cord blood stored?

After collection, the cord blood is taken to the lab, processed and preserved by cooling below the freezing point of water. This process of cooling is called cryopreservation. There are different methods of cyropreserving blood. Some methods require the red blood cells to be separated and removed while others require them to be kept intact. After the cord blood unit has been slowly cooled to -90o Celsius, it is placed in liquid nitrogen tank to keep it frozen at -196o Celsius. The slow freezing process keeps the cells alive. There are still differing views as to the optimal procedure for cryopreservation.

Where is cord blood stored?

Cord blood is stored in cord blood banks which have special facilities for storing cord blood. Parents can choose to store their child’s cord blood either in a public bank or a private bank. Storing in a public bank is considered a donation for use by anyone who is in need. Once donated, the blood is stripped of all identifying information so that the donors cannot retrieve their own blood. Storing the blood in a private bank makes it available to the donors anytime they are in need because the identifying information is kept intact. Private banks normally charge $1,000 – $2,000 to preserve the blood.

What are the benefits of preserving cord blood?

Cryopreserving cord blood makes this stem cell rich blood can cure terminal diseases and save life later. The preserved blood can be used for the treatment of cancer, blood disorders and genetic diseases related to the immune system. One special area of use is treatment of leukemia when a suitable donor for bone marrow transplantation is not available.

This acute, highly contagious infection is characterized by a grayish membrane that coats the throat. In the disease’s early stages, other symptoms usually include a sore throat, low fever, and swollen glands in the neck During later stages, the patient may experience difficulty in swallowing or breathing; he may also have a profuse discharge from the nose plus a rapid heartbeat. Although many people think of diphtheria as a children’s disease, it can actually strike at any age. The organism that causes diphtheria is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which spreads by way of droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or simply breathing. Some strains of the bacterium produce a poisonous exotoxin that travels through the bloodstream and attacks the nerves, heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The results can be nerve and heart inflammation, heart failure, shock, and even death.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

Because diphtheria is rare in the United States and other industrialized countries, most doctors in these areas have never encountered it and so may not recognize it. Once the classic gray membrane appears, however, a physician will probably suspect diphtheria. A culture for the bacterium, obtained from a sample of throat secretions, can confirm a diagnosis.

Medical Treatments

This disease is so contagious that any one who has it must be isolated, usually in a hospital intensive care unit. The diphtheria antitoxin should be given immediately. This will neutralize the exotoxin, but only that which has not yet attacked body cells; it’s less effective, there fore, if given later in the course of the disease. An antibiotic usually penicillin or erythromycin is also needed to kill the bacteria. Depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of complications, supplemental oxygen may be given, and the lungs, heart, and nervous system might be monitored for further signs of complications. If the throat has swollen, artificial respiration may be needed to prevent the patient from suffocating. Recuperation can be lengthy, particularly if there are heart complications. Bed rest is essential, sometimes for two or three months in severe cases. Anyone exposed to diphtheria should find out when they were last immunized against the disease, and receive, if necessary, a booster shot or a complete course of immunizations.

Alternative Therapies

Diphtheria is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment with the diphtheria antitoxin. Any alternative therapies must be used strictly as an adjunct to this medical care.

Aromatherapy

During convalescence, soothing scents may help relax an irritable or restless patient; place a bowl of steaming water containing aromatic oils at the person’s bedside. Bach flower remedies may also be used to foster emotional well being.

Massage

Swedish or other therapeutic massages can help to relax the convalescent. Massage may also tone muscles in preparation for a gradual return to normal physical activity.

Self Treatment

Diphtheria requires medical treatment, but you can take measures to prevent the disease. Keep your immunizations up to date, an adult should have a diphtheria booster shot at least every 10 years. If it has been longer since your last one, you need a complete three dose series of immunizations. This is especially important if you plan to travel to any country that has had recent outbreaks of the disease. Make sure that children receive the diphtheria vaccine at 2,4, 6, and 18 months of age. They also need a booster shot when they begin school (usually between the ages of 4 and 6 years) and every 5 to 10 years after that. For young children, the diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with pertussis and tetanus immunizations in what is called the DPT shot. Although some youngsters do suffer adverse reactions to this injection, they are generally responding to the pertussis component and not the diphtheria vaccine. A child who has previously had an adverse reaction to the DPT shot or who has ever had a seizure or convulsion, should not receive the pertussis vaccine but should be given the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, which can still be combined in a single shot.

Other Causes of Throat Symptoms

The early symptoms of diphtheria are similar to those of flu, a cold, strep throat, or other upper respiratory infections. Mononucleosis or scarlet fever may cause a very sore throat with no other cold symptoms.