ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Following on from our Panel Discussion about ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Jennifer and Vanessa agreed to share some of the information and tips here for you.

​For those of you who missed the live program and would like to watch the replay you will find the link below the information.

From Jennifer Barnes-Hill

Visit your GP / doctor to gain a diagnosis and also eliminate other similar conditions. You may be able to access additional support and social services as a result of the diagnosis.

​Access local support groups, national agencies and charities for ME. Online forums are useful for those who are house bound or struggle at certain times of day. A social network online or in person can facilitate a positive outlook through shared experiences.

Coping strategies;

   * ​talk to friends, your workplace and relations – tell them about CFS and how it particularly is affecting you, what they can do to help and support you in helping yourself

    * consider if there was any traumatic experience such as an illness, bereavement or car accident in the past which may have triggered the onset

    * writing a reflective diary or journal of feelings, thoughts and symptoms may help you to work out stressful triggers and coping mechanisms, some people can experience a confusing brain fog so making lists and notes can ease frustration

    * CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and analgesics (pain killers) may be freely available from you GP

    * graded exercise therapy, gentle exercise such as swimming, stretching, walking the dog or walking around the garden little and often

    * pain management – distraction techniques, visualisation, meditation, Reiki, EFT, kinesiology, hypnotherapy, laughter yoga, positive mindset, short achievable goals

    * a balanced diet, allergy testing, reducing caffeine, alcohol, sweeteners, increasing water intake will enable your body to function more effectively. Some people find a multivitamin or supplement useful particularly if they are not gaining a balanced diet

    * check your private health insurance – complementary therapies such as massage and reflexology may be freely available on your plan

From Vanessa Honeybourne

Support Homeopathic Remedies

​   * Pain relief Mag- Phos tissue salts – put a couple in mug/cup of warm water sip and stir. Repeat as required.

   * Arnica 30c before and after- any exercise or prolonged movement i.e. gardening

    * Support nerves, exhaustion – Kali- Phos tissue salts repeat 3-4 times daily.

    * Flu like aches and pains and tiredness with weakness Gelsemium 30c (yellow jasmine) – can be used as often as required.

    * Remedies can be bought by homeopathic pharmacies – Galen Dorchester, Helios Tunbridge wells, nelsons, London uk.u

Nutrition Support

    * Eat breakfast and regularly during the day

    * Magnesium 200- 400 mg daily – reduces inflammation in body, calmative effect.

    * add sea salt in diet, if have removed it from diet- to balance potassium and sodium levels

    * VITAMIN B6 support nerves

    * COQ10 enzyme – delivers energy

    * vitamin A &D

    * grapes

    * millet

    * oats

    * buckwheat

    * wheat germ

    * brewer’s yeast

    * molasses

    * super foods- sea greens , wheatgrass , watercress

    * anti candida diet – sheets online

Self Help

    * lightening process

    * Ti- chi

    * Australian flower essences- Macrocarpa, Sunshine wattle, Old man banksia.

These are support suggestions and do not replace seeking professional medical help.

Jennifer Barnes-Hill

Jennifer Barnes-Hill is a University therapy lecturer and founder of JBH Training: which is a training academy for those who wish to become therapists. Based in rural Worcestershire they also offer holistic treatments and events.

​Jennifer is interested in all aspects of health and well-being but is particularly fascinated by touch therapies.

​She loves the amazing way in which the body works, the reactions and feedback she receives from clients and the enthusiasm of her students.

​She has grown up with complementary health therapies; her mum always used essential oils and holistic therapies in the home from when she was a baby.

​Jennifer has always been fascinated by the way the body works, which led her to study various diplomas and a degree in complementary medicine. She then followed the family tradition and became a teacher.

​Jennifer also runs Worcester business mums network, Worcestershire therapists support network and delivers skincare master classes with ladies with cancer through a charity.

Website: http://www.jbhtraining.co.uk

Vanessa Honeybourne

Vanessa first experienced homeopathy in 1990, when she was suffering with many health issues & had been offered little help & support from the local GP.

​Her mother had heard on radio 4 about the benefits of Homeopathy & suggested she tried it which she did and has never looked back.

​So keen to discover how this medicine worked, Vanessa trained at the Practical College of Homeopathy in London.

​At the time she worked in a large perfumery dept. in a well known store and had many colleagues who were willing volunteers, amazingly everyone she was helping was either getting better or improving and her passion for treating patients was born!

​Vanessa qualified in 1997 & worked with two Indian doctors in East London and at Neal’s Yard Covent Garden where she gained a wealth of knowledge.

​In 2000 she moved to Bournemouth and continued to practise Homeopathy in a doctors surgery in Poole, and a charity based clinic in Southbourne.

​Vanessa is currently based in Ferndown and lives there with her husband, teenage daughter and a hamster called Diggie!

Website is: www.vanessahomeopath.yolasite.com