Wednesday 28 February 2018

Tantalite Is Highly Protective, Boosts Creativity & Decision Making

Tantalite

Tantalite enhances creativity, brings passion and excitement, and aids decision making. Strong psychic protection energy that blocks psychic attack. Helps with addictions and the effect of excessive radiation.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Tantalite-Is-Highly-Protective-Boosts-Creativity-Decision-Making

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

ME Association Monthly Round-up of ME/CFS Published Research | 28 February 2018

 


We recently published an Index of Published ME/CFS Research and promised that we would update this listing each month.

This has now been done, with the research shown below having been published during the month of February 2018.

You can also find the index on the main page of our Research section.


1. Baos S, et al. (2018) Investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of FITNET-NHS (Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET in the NHS) compared to Activity Management to treat paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Trials 19 (1): 136. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29471861

Abstract:
Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a relatively common and disabling condition. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a treatment option for paediatric CFS/ME because there is good evidence that it is effective. Despite this, most young people in the UK are unable to access local specialist CBT for CFS/ME. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) showed FITNET was effective in the Netherlands but we do not know if it is effective in the National Health Service (NHS) or if it is cost-effective. This trial will investigate whether FITNET-NHS is clinically effective and cost-effective in the NHS.
Seven hundred and thirty-four paediatric patients (aged 11-17 years) with CFS/ ME will be randomised (1:1) to receive either FITNET-NHS (online CBT) or Activity Management (delivered via video call). The internal pilot study will use integrated qualitative methods to examine the feasibility of recruitment and the acceptability of treatment. The full trial will assess whether FITNET-NHS is clinically effective and cost-effective. The primary outcome is disability at 6 months, measured using the SF-36-PFS (Physical Function Scale) questionnaire. Cost-effectiveness is measured via cost-utility analysis from an NHS perspective. Secondary subgroup analysis will investigate the effectiveness of FITNET-NHS in those with co-morbid mood disorders.
If FITNET-NHS is found to be feasible and acceptable (internal pilot) and effective and cost-effective (full trial), its provision by the NHS has the potential to deliver substantial health gains for the large number of young people suffering from CFS/ME but unable to access treatment because there is no local specialist service. This trial will provide further evidence evaluating the delivery of online CBT to young people with chronic conditions.

2. Bozzini S, et al. (2018) Cardiovascular characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Biomedical Reports 8 (1): 26-30. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29399336

Abstract:
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) commonly exhibit orthostatic intolerance. Abnormal sympathetic predominance in the autonomic cardiovascular response to gravitational stimuli was previously described in numerous studies. The aim of the current study was to describe cardiological and clinical characteristics of Italian patients with CFS.
All of the patients were of Caucasian ethnicity and had been referred to our center, the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital of Pavia (Pavia, Italy) with suspected CFS. A total of 44 patients with suspected CFS were included in the present study and the diagnosis was confirmed in 19 patients according to recent clinical guidelines. The characteristics at baseline of the population confirm findings from various previous reports regarding the prevalence in females with a female to male ratio of 4:1, the age of onset of the pathology and the presence of previous infection by the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and other human herpesviruses.
Despite the current data indicating that the majority of the cardiological parameters investigated are not significantly different in patients with and without CFS, a significant association between the disease and low levels of blood pressure was identified. Other pilot studies revealed a higher prevalence of hypotension and orthostatic intolerance in patients with CFS. Furthermore, many of the CFS symptoms, including fatigue, vertigo, decreased concentration, tremors and nausea, may be explained by hypotension.

3. Corbitt M, et al. (2018) A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis(CFS/ME).

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins [Epub ahead of print] Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29464501

Abstract:
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and irritable bowel (IB) symptoms have been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of these symptoms in CFS/ME, along with any evidence for probiotics as treatment.
Pubmed, Scopus, Medline (EBSCOHost) and EMBASE databases were searched to source relevant studies for CFS/ME. The review included any studies examining GI symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or probiotic use. Studies were required to report criteria for CFS/ME and study design, intervention and outcome measures. Quality assessment was also completed to summarise the level of evidence available.
A total of 3381 publications were returned using our search terms. Twenty-five studies were included in the review. Randomised control trials were the predominant study type (n = 24). Most of the studies identified examined the effect of probiotic supplementation on the improvement of IB symptoms in IBS patients, or IB symptoms in CFS/ME patients, as well as some other significant secondary outcomes (e.g. quality of life, other gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological symptoms).
The level of evidence identified for the use of probiotics in IBS was excellent in quality; however, the evidence available for the use of probiotic interventions in CFS/ME was poor and limited.
There is currently insufficient evidence for the use of probiotics in CFS/ME patients, despite probiotic interventions being useful in IBS. The studies pertaining to probiotic interventions in CFS/ME patients were limited and of poor quality overall. Standardisation of protocols and methodology in these studies is required.

4. Evans M and Jason L (2018) Onset patterns of chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Research on Chronic Diseases 2 (1): 001-0030. Link:http://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/Onset%20patterns%20of%20chronic%20fatigue%20syndrome%20and%20myalgic%20encephalomyelitis.pdf

Abstract:
The onset of Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is considered a key area of inquiry. Case criteria for ME and CFS and much of the academic literature suggest that patients typically experience one of two possible onset patterns: sudden or gradual.
The current study provided an in-depth investigation of ME and CFS onset in order to provide insight into early symptoms, onset duration, and the progression of functional disability. We collected qualitative descriptive data to gain a rich description of illness onset from the patients’ point of view.
Overall, qualitative findings revealed detailed descriptions of ME and CFS onset experiences. Major themes that emerged from the data included: onset/illness progression patterns, illness causes, methods of adapting and coping, hardworking and active lives prior to onset, healthy lives prior to onset, prior health problems, comorbid health conditions, emotional responses to onset, exertional effects, the illness as life limiting, stress, traumatic experiences, lack of support, support, and treatment limitations. A closer examination of the onset/illness progression patterns that emerged from the data provided evidence that individuals with ME and CFS experience complex onset patterns. Furthermore, the study findings suggest that the method of categorizing individuals into sudden versus gradual onset groups fails to capture the more nuanced and varied onset experiences.
Prospective research studies that capture the onset period as it is developing could lead to improvements in the way we define and assess ME and CFS onset, and may also lead to methods for early detection, prevention, and individualized treatment approaches.

5. Germain A, et al. (2018) Metabolic profiling of a myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome discovery cohort reveals disturbances in fatty acid and lipid metabolism.

Molecular BioSystems 13 (2): 371-379. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5365380/

Abstract:
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) remains a continuum spectrum disease without biomarkers or simple objective tests, and therefore relies on a diagnosis from a set of symptoms to link the assortment of brain and body disorders to ME/CFS. Although recent studies show various affected pathways, the underlying basis of ME/CFS has yet to be established.
In this pilot study, we compare plasma metabolic signatures in a discovery cohort, 17 patients and 15 matched controls, and explore potential metabolic perturbations as the aftermath of the complex interactions between genes, transcripts and proteins.
This approach to examine the complex array of symptoms and underlying foundation of ME/CFS revealed 74 differentially accumulating metabolites, out of 361 (P<0.05), and 35 significantly altered after statistical correction (Q<0.15). The latter list includes several essential energy-related compounds which could theoretically be linked to the general lack of energy observed in ME/CFS patients. Pathway analysis points to a few pathways with high impact and therefore potential disturbances in patients, mainly taurine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, combined with primary bile acid metabolism, as well as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and a few other pathways, all involved broadly in fatty acid metabolism. Purines, including ADP and ATP, pyrimidines and several amino acid metabolic pathways were found to be significantly disturbed. Finally, glucose and oxaloacetate were two main metabolites affected that have a major effect on sugar and energy levels.
Our work provides a prospective path for diagnosis and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ME/CFS.

6. Janse A, et al. (2018) Efficacy of web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial.

British Journal of Psychiatry 212 (2): 112-118. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29436329

Abstract:
Face-to-face cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) leads to a reduction of fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Aims To test the efficacy of internet-based CBT (iCBT) for adults with CFS.
A total of 240 patients with CFS were randomised to either iCBT with protocol-driven therapist feedback or with therapist feedback on demand, or a waiting list. Primary outcome was fatigue severity assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength (Netherlands Trial Register: NTR4013).
Compared with a waiting list, intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed a significant reduction of fatigue for both iCBT conditions (protocol-driven feedback: B = -8.3, 97.5% CI -12.7 to -3.9, P < 0.0001; feedback on demand: B = -7.2, 97.5% CI -11.3 to -3.1, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between both iCBT conditions on all outcome measures (P = 0.3-0.9). An exploratory analysis revealed that feedback-on-demand iCBT required less therapist time (mean 4 h 37 min) than iCBT with protocol-driven feedback (mean 6 h 9 min, P < 0.001) and also less than face-to-face CBT as reported in the literature.
Both iCBT conditions are efficacious and time efficient. Declaration of interest: None.

7. Mandarano AH, et al. (2018) Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Peer Journal 6: e4282. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29375937

Abstract:
Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) often suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and many are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous studies, including from our laboratory, have demonstrated that the ME/CFS gut bacterial composition is altered and less diverse when compared to healthy individuals. Patients have increased biomarkers of inflammation and leaky gut syndrome.
To further investigate dysbiosis in the ME/CFS gut microbiome, we sought to characterize the eukaryotes present in the gut of 49 individuals with ME/CFS and 39 healthy controls. Using 18S rRNA sequencing, we have identified eukaryotes in stool samples of 17 healthy individuals and 17 ME/CFS patients.
Our analysis demonstrates a small, nonsignificant decrease in eukaryotic diversity in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy individuals. In addition, ME/CFS patients show a nonsignificant increase in the ratio of fungal phyla Basidiomycota to Ascomycota, which is consistent with ongoing inflammation in ME/CFS.
We did not identify specific eukaryotic taxa that are associated with ME/CFS disease status.

8. Moneghetti KJ, et al. (2018) Value of Circulating Cytokine Profiling During Submaximal Exercise Testing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Scientific Reports 8 (1): 2779. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29426834

Abstract:
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous syndrome in which patients often experience severe fatigue and malaise following exertion. Immune and cardiovascular dysfunction have been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology. We therefore, examined whether cytokine profiling or cardiovascular testing following exercise would differentiate patients with ME/CFS.
Twenty-four ME/CFS patients were matched to 24 sedentary controls and underwent cardiovascular and circulating immune profiling. Cardiovascular analysis included echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise and endothelial function testing. Cytokine and growth factor profiles were analyzed using a 51-plex Luminex bead kit at baseline and 18 hours following exercise.
Cardiac structure and exercise capacity were similar between groups. Sparse partial least square discriminant analyses of cytokine profiles 18 hours post exercise offered the most reliable discrimination between ME/CFS and controls (κ = 0.62(0.34,0.84)).
The most discriminatory cytokines post exercise were CD40L, platelet activator inhibitor, interleukin 1-β, interferon-α and CXCL1.
In conclusion, cytokine profiling following exercise may help differentiate patients with ME/CFS from sedentary controls.

9. Monro JA and Puri BK (2018) A Molecular Neurobiological Approach to Understanding the Aetiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease) with Treatment Implications.

Molecular Neurobiology [Epub ahead of print]. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29411266

Abstract:
Currently, a psychologically based model is widely held to be the basis for the aetiology and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID). However, an alternative, molecular neurobiological approach is possible and in this paper evidence demonstrating a biological aetiology for CFS/ME/SEID is adduced from a study of the history of the disease and a consideration of the role of the following in this disease: nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, oxidative and nitrosative stress, the blood-brain barrier and intestinal permeability, cytokines and infections, metabolism, structural and chemical brain changes, neurophysiological changes and calcium ion mobilisation. Evidence is also detailed for biologically based potential therapeutic options, including: nutritional supplementation, for example in order to downregulate the nitric oxide-peroxynitrite cycle to prevent its perpetuation; antiviral therapy; and monoclonal antibody treatment.
It is concluded that there is strong evidence of a molecular neurobiological aetiology, and so it is suggested that biologically based therapeutic interventions should constitute a focus for future research into CFS/ME/SEID.

10. Rowe PC, et al. (2018) Improvement of severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndromesymptoms following surgical treatment of cervical spinal stenosis.

Journal of Translational Medicine 16 (1): 21. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29391028

Abstract:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a potentially disabling disorder. Little is known about the contributors to severe forms of the illness. We describe three consecutive patients with severe ME/CFS whose symptoms improved after recognition and surgical management of their cervical spinal stenosis.
All patients satisfied clinical criteria for ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance and were later found to have cervical spinal stenosis. Overall function was assessed before and after surgery using the Karnofsky score and the SF-36 physical function subscale score.
Neurological findings included > 3+ deep tendon reflexes in 2 of 3, a positive Hoffman sign in 2 of 3, tremor in 2 of 3, and absent gag reflex in 1 of 3. The cervical spine canal diameter in the three patients ranged from 6 to 8.5 mm. One had congenital cervical stenosis with superimposed spondylosis, and two had single- or two-level spondylosis. Anterior cervical disc replacement surgery in two patients and a hybrid anterior cervical disc fusion and disc replacement in the third was associated with a marked improvement in myelopathic symptoms, resolution of light-headedness and hemodynamic dysfunction, improvement in activity levels, and improvement in global ME/CFS symptoms.
The prompt post-surgical restoration of more normal function suggests that cervical spine stenosis contributed to the pathogenesis of refractory ME/CFS and orthostatic symptoms. The improvements following surgery emphasize the importance of a careful search for myelopathic examination findings in those with ME/CFS, especially when individuals with severe impairment are not responding to treatment.

11. Sharif K, et al. (2018) On chronic fatigue syndrome and nosological categories.

Clinical Rheumatology [Epub ahead of print]. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29417255

Abstract:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a heterogeneous disease which presents with pronounced disabling fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment that negatively affects patients’ functional capability. CFS remains a poorly defined entity and its etiology is still in question. CFS is neither a novel diagnosis nor a new medical condition. From as early as the eighteenth century, a constellation of perplexing symptoms was observed that resembled symptoms of CFS.
Commencing with “febricula” and ending with CFS, many names for the disease were proposed including neurocirculatory asthenia, atypical poliomyelitis, Royal Free disease, effort syndrome, Akureyri disease, Tapanui disease, chronic Epstein-Barr virus syndrome, and myalgic encephalitis. To date, it remains unclear whether CFS has an autoimmune component or is a condition that precedes a full-blown autoimmune disease.
Research suggests that CFS may overlap with other diseases including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), and Sjögren’s syndrome. Additionally, it has been postulated that the earliest manifestations of some autoimmune diseases can present with vague non-specific symptoms similar to CFS. Sometimes only when exposed to a secondary stimulus (e.g., antigen) which could accelerate the natural course of the disease would an individual develop the classic autoimmune disease. Due to the similarity of symptoms, it has been postulated that CFS could simply be an early manifestation of an autoimmune disease.
This paper will provide a historical background review of this disease and a discussion of CFS as an entity overlapping with multiple other conditions.

12. Sharpe M, et al. (2018) Don’t reject evidence from CFS therapies.

Nature 554 (7690): 31. Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-01285-x Correspondence to “A Reboot for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research”

13. Singh S, et al. (2018) Humoral Immunity Profiling of Subjects with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Using a Random Peptide Microarray Differentiates Cases from Controls with High Specificity and Sensitivity.

Molecular Neurobiology 55 (1): 633-641. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27981498

Abstract:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex, heterogeneous illness of unknown etiology. The search for biomarkers that can delineate cases from controls is one of the most active areas of ME research; however, little progress has been made in achieving this goal. In contrast to identifying biomarkers that are directly involved in the pathological process, an immunosignature identifies antibodies raised to proteins expressed during, and potentially involved in, the pathological process. Although these proteins might be unknown, it is possible to detect antibodies that react to these proteins using random peptide arrays.
In the present study, we probe a custom 125,000 random 12-mer peptide microarray with sera from 21 ME cases and 21 controls from the USA and Europe and used these data to develop a diagnostic signature. We further used these peptide sequences to potentially uncover the naturally occurring candidate antigens to which these antibodies may specifically react with in vivo.
Our analysis revealed a subset of 25 peptides that distinguished cases and controls with high specificity and sensitivity. Additionally, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) searches suggest that these peptides primarily represent human self-antigens and endogenous retroviral sequences and, to a minor extent, viral and bacterial pathogens.

14. Sunnquist M and Jason LA (2018) A re-examination of the cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Journal of Clinical Psychology [Epub ahead of print]. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29457646

Abstract:
The cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) suggests that cognitions and reduced activity level perpetuate the fatigue and impairment that individuals with CFS experience. The two empirical evaluations of this model resulted in conflicting findings. The current study examines the influence of case definition fulfillment on the applicability of this model to CFS.
A moderated mediation analysis was conducted on 990 individuals with CFS to reexamine the behavioral pathway of this model. Case definition fulfillment was entered as a moderator.
Findings were generally inconsistent with the cognitive behavioral model of CFS. Case definition fulfillment significantly moderated the relation between activity level and physical impairment (β = -0.08, p = 0.03); individuals who met more stringent case definitions demonstrated a weaker relation between activity level and impairment.
This model may not accurately represent the experience of individuals with CFS, particularly those who fulfill more stringent case definitions.

15. Van Den Houte M, et al. (2018) Perception of induced dyspnea in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research 106: 49-55. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29455899

Abstract:
Dyspnea perception is distorted in patients with medically unexplained dyspnea [difficult or laboured breathing, shortness of breath]. The goals of this study were 1) to replicate these results in patients with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and 2) to investigate predictors of distorted symptom perception within the patient group, with a focus on negative affectivity (NA), psychiatric comorbidity and somatic symptom severity.
Seventy-three patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or CFS and 38 healthy controls (HC) completed a rebreathing paradigm, consisting of a baseline (60s of room air), a rebreathing phase (150s, gradually increasing ventilation, partial pressure of CO2 in the blood, and self-reported dyspnea), and a recovery phase (150s of room air). Dyspnea, respiratory flow and FetCO2 levels were measured continuously.
Patients reported more dyspnea than HC in the recovery phase (p=0.039), but no differences between patients and HC were found in the baseline (p=0.07) or rebreathing phase (p=0.17). No significant differences between patients and HC were found in physiological reactivity. Within the patient group, the effect in the recovery phase was predicted by somatic symptom severity (p=0.046), but not by negative affectivity or by the number of psychiatric comorbidities.
This study extended earlier findings in patients with medically unexplained dyspnea to patients with fibromyalgia and CFS. This suggests that altered symptom perception is a non-symptom-specific mechanism underlying functional somatic syndromes in general, particularly in patients with high levels of somatic symptom severity. The results are discussed in a predictive coding framework of symptom perception.

16. Wallis, A, et al. (2018) Open-label pilot for treatment targeting gut dysbiosis in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: neuropsychological symptoms and sex comparisons.

Journal of Translational Medicine 16 (1): 24. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29409505 Also see corrected version: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29475443

Abstract:
Preliminary evidence suggests that the enteric microbiota may play a role in the expression of neurological symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Overlapping symptoms with the acute presentation of D-lactic acidosis has prompted the use of antibiotic treatment to target the overgrowth of species within the Streptococcus genus found in commensal enteric microbiota as a possible treatment for neurological symptoms in ME/CFS.
An open-label, repeated measures design was used to examine treatment efficacy and enable sex comparisons. Participants included 44 adult ME/CFS patients (27 females) from one specialist medical clinic with Streptococcus viable counts above 3.00 × 105 cfu/g (wet weight of faeces) and with a count greater than 5% of the total count of aerobic microorganisms. The 4-week treatment protocol included alternate weeks of Erythromycin (400 mg of erythromycin as ethyl succinate salt) twice daily and probiotic (D-lactate free multistrain probiotic, 5 × 1010 cfu twice daily). 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess sex-time interactions and effects across pre- and post-intervention for microbial, lactate and clinical outcomes. Ancillary non-parametric correlations were conducted to examine interactions between change in microbiota and clinical outcomes.
Large treatment effects were observed for the intention-to-treat sample with a reduction in Streptococcus viable count and improvement on several clinical outcomes including total symptoms, some sleep (less awakenings, greater efficiency and quality) and cognitive symptoms (attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, story memory and verbal fluency). Mood, fatigue and urine D:L lactate ratio remained similar across time. Ancillary results infer that shifts in microbiota were associated with more of the variance in clinical changes for males compared with females.
Results support the notion that specific microorganisms interact with some ME/CFS symptoms and offer promise for the therapeutic potential of targeting gut dysbiosis in this population. Streptococcus spp. are not the primary or sole producers of D-lactate. Further investigation of lactate concentrations are needed to elucidate any role of D-lactate in this population. Concurrent microbial shifts that may be associated with clinical improvement (i.e., increased Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium or decreased Clostridium in males) invite enquiry into alternative strategies for individualised treatment.


Please help us continue our work

If you have found this information helpful, then please donate – whatever you can afford – to help us continue with our work to make the UK a better place for people with M.E. Just click the button below to visit our JustGiving page:

Or why not join the ME Association as a member and become a part of our growing community? For a monthly (or annual) payment you will not only be helping to keep us doing what we do best, but will receive our exclusive ME Essential magazine.


 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/me-association-monthly-round-up-of-me-cfs-published-research-28-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

spiritualseeker77: Healing frequencies for psychic ability and... | Spiritual



spiritualseeker77:

Healing frequencies for psychic ability and spiritual awakening! - Many FREE audios to try!

Learn more & get the free app at http://onelink.to/pjmmu7 😀😀



from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171364027591

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171364019741

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Tuesday 27 February 2018

Throat Chakra Stones Aid Communication, Hearing, Listening & Speaking

Larimar Stone

Throat chakra stones specifically help area where communication abilities emerge. See crystal list for throat area. Aid hearing, including psychic hearing. Helpful for truthful honest communication.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Throat-Chakra-Stones-Aid-Communication-Hearing-Listening-Speaking

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

6 simple yoga postures for desk dwellers

Are you hooked to your desk all day? Do you work for hours on your desktop, without a break? Prolonged sitting at the desk can cause strain on the lumbar...

from Ayurveda India – Ayurvedic Remedies | Holistic Health
http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/6-simple-yoga-postures-for-desk-dwellers/2925/

from http://www.ayurvedictalk.com

#ayurveda #ayurvedic

Feedback Request: PIP Medical Assessments – Ahead of meeting tomorrow with the CMO from Capita at the House of Lords | 27 February 2018

 


Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.

The Countess of Mar has invited Dr Ian Gargan, Chief Medical Officer at Capita, to meet with Forward ME at the House of Lords tomorrow to again discuss the way in which Capita are assessing people with M.E. in relation to personal independence payment (PIP) applications.

This meeting links in with the meeting of the APPG on Disability that I attended last week (where we discussed PIP and problems facing people who are transferring to PIP from DLA) and a previous meeting that we have had with Dr Ian Gargan.

A welfare rights adviser, who works with the ME Association, and has extensive knowledge of the benefits system, will also be attending this meeting. We are already aware of the various problems facing people with M.E. when it comes to making a successful claim for PIP and do not need any more examples currently.

Feedback request

I would like to hear from anyone who has a recent example of a medical assessor expressing inaccurate or even sceptical/hostile opinions about ME/CFS.

This is because I want to raise the issue of the training that is being given to health professionals who do this work, especially because some of the nurses and occupational therapists who take on the role of disability assessors appear to have very little previous training or contact with ME/CFS patients.

You can leave your comments below this blog, on our Facebook page, or you can send them to head office via email.

Thank you.


Further information and links:

  1. ME Association guide on how to fill in the paperwork for a PIP application
  2. CAPITA complaints procedure
  3. Notes from APPG Disability meeting 21st February 2018
  4. Minutes for previous Forward ME group meeting with Dr Ian Gargan

 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/feedback-request-pip-medical-assessments-ahead-of-meeting-tomorrow-with-the-cmo-from-capita-at-the-house-of-lords-27-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171338932663

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171328604861

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

spiritualseeker77: spiritualseeker77: I love it! Just about... | Spiritual



spiritualseeker77:

spiritualseeker77:

I love it! Just about says it all…

T-shirt available at https://www.etsy.com/listing/286368551/husband-gift-mens-personalized-mens-gift?ref=market 😊



from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171328586871

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Monday 26 February 2018

Picasso Marble Makes Change Easier, Aids Creativity & Artistic Gifts

Picasso Marble

Picasso Marble is also called Picasso Stone or Picasso Jasper. It stimulates your creativity & artistic gifts, brings deeper meditation & aids contact with spiritual beings in the higher realms, attracts new friends & makes change easier.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Picasso-Marble-Makes-Change-Easier-Aids-Creativity-Artistic-Gifts

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Sunday 25 February 2018

Violet Ray Stones Embody Violet Flame Healing Energy

Amethyst Crystal Cluster

Violet flame healing vibration is embodied in Amethyst Crystals and other violet stones. Learn about this powerful energy used by alchemical healers and that you can use to heal yourself.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Violet-Ray-Stones-Embody-Violet-Flame-Healing-Energy

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Turquoise Stones Aid Truthful Communication, Boost Psychic Gifts

Turquoise

Turquoise stones aid spiritual attunement, communication, boost psychic gifts of clairaudience and clairvoyance and aid past life healing. They have been used for healing for thousands of years.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Turquoise-Stones-Aid-Truthful-Communication-Boost-Psychic-Gifts

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171263575112

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Saturday 24 February 2018

Learn Clairsentience And Psychometry For Psychic Communication

Grape Chalcedony

Clairsentience is the psychic power of sensing or feeling psychically or spiritually. Psychometry is touching an object and doing psychic reading. See list of crystals to aid the process. Creates clear feelings to use and follow in your life.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Learn-Clairsentience-And-Psychometry-For-Psychic-Communication

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Black Obsidian Stone Cleanses Negative Psychic Smog From Aura

Black Obsidian Stone

Black Obsidian Stone aids spirit contact and the gift of prophecy. They cleanse and protect your aura from psychic negativity. Strong grounding and psychic protection energy.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Black-Obsidian-Stone-Cleanses-Negative-Psychic-Smog-From-Aura

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Friday 23 February 2018

Books On Healing, Particularly To Aid Self Healing

You Can Heal Your Life

The books on healing reviewed here cover general principles of self healing. Read reviews of books about healing. First heal yourself, and then move on to healing others.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Books-On-Healing-Particularly-To-Aid-Self-Healing

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Karma, by Diana St Ruth

These ideas brought an overwhelming sense of joy to me. It meant I was not a helpless victim of circumstance or fate, as I had thought.

from Buddhism now
https://buddhismnow.com/2018/02/23/karma-by-diana-st-ruth/

from https://buddhismnow.com

#buddhism #buddhist #Buddha

Fuchsite Crystals Have Sparkling Radiant Energy!

Fuchsite

Fuchsite or Green Muscovite Mica known as the Healers Stone as it aids healers in their work. Helpful to use in meditation. It assists allergy, encourages restful sleep, aids contact with nature spirits.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Fuchsite-Crystals-Have-Sparkling-Radiant-Energy

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Disability – Meeting at House of Lords to discuss disability benefits | 23 February 2018

 


All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Disability 

Summary of a meeting at the House of Lords on Wednesday 21st February 2018

By Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.

Along with the Countess of Mar, I attended a meeting of the APPG on Disability as representatives of the Forward ME group of charities.

The main agenda item was a discussion on Social Security. There were two very thorough and passionate presentations from Northern Ireland MPs representing both sides of the political spectrum – Jim Shannon (DUP Strangford) and Mickey Brady (Sinn Fein, Newry and Antrim).

Both MPs were clearly very supportive of people who were not being treated fairly by the current benefits assessment system and Jim Shannon has one member of his staff who spends their entire time dealing with benefit issues.

The presentations and discussion concentrated on problems being faced by people when claiming DWP benefits (ESA and PIP in particular) and what is happening to people who are currently claiming DLA and are now being re-assessed for eligibility for PIP.

There was strong criticism from both MPs about Capita, the company that carries out medical assessments for the DWP.

I know that both MPs also take a keen interest in ME/CFS having met them over in Northern Ireland. Jim Shannon also took part in the PACE trial debate at Westminster on Tuesday this week.

Forward ME will be having a meeting with Dr Ian Gargan, Chief Medical Officer for Capita, at the House of Lords on Wednesday February 28th.

Dr Lisa Cameron, Chair of the APPG on Disability, provided some background information on the parliamentary debate on the role of disabled people in economic growth that will be taking place in the House of Commons today (22nd February).

On the subject of employment opportunities for people with disabilities, there appeared to be general agreement that there needs to be proper legal, financial and practical support for those who are able to remain in, or return to employment in a flexible, part-time or even full-time capacity. At the same time, there must be adequate financial and other support for those who are not able to do so.

We were also given details of forthcoming meetings of the group. This will include:

  • a meeting on March 7th with the Secretary of State for Overseas Development about an International Disability Summit that will take place later in the year, and
  • a meeting on March 14th to discuss four major reports on disability relating to the built environment, digital technology, transport and one from the Human Rights Commission on accessible and adaptable housing.

The group also hope to have a meeting covering the way in which the media covers disability.


Additional information

  1. APPG on Disability. Secretariat is provided by Disability Rights.
  2. APPG on Disability Work Programme for 2017-18.
  3. APPG on Disability Meeting Minutes.
  4. House of Commons debate on disabled people and economic growth.
  5. Minutes for the first Forward ME group meeting with Dr Ian Gargan.
  6. CS notes on the first Forward ME group meeting with Dr Ian Gargan from Capita:

Brief notes on the FMG (Forward ME Group) meeting at the House of Lords on Tuesday 25th October 2016 to discuss problems relating to PIP (personal independence payment) with two representatives from Capita:

  • Dr Ian Gargan, Chief Medical Officer for Capita (UK and NI)
  • Ms Rebecca Papanicolas, Communications and Stakeholder Manager at Capita

Dr Ian Gargan CV.

A more detailed report on the meeting will appear in the Forward ME Group (FMG) Minutes for the meeting [see above].

Dr Gargan introduced himself by stating that he was new to the CMO post at Capita – he had only started work there in August 2016 – and is consequently on a “steep learning curve” at the moment.

He has a rather unusual medical CV in that he started medical work as a psychologist, then went into forensic psychology, then became a medical doctor and went into orthopaedic surgery before entering disability medicine at Capita.

He has a keen interest in MUS (medically unexplained syndromes) and regards ME/CFS as an MUS – rather like irritable bowel and fibromyalgia.

When asked about his position on the WHO (neurological) classification of ME/CFS, he did not appear to be in favour of classifying ME/CFS as a neurological disease.

More information on medically unexplained syndromes

After introductions, we covered quite a lot of ground. The discussion was largely based on real life problems that people are having with PIP assessments – so thank you once again to everyone who sent me details prior to the meeting.

We were not able to deal with every case or issue but we did cover a number of common complaints.

Overall, Dr Gargan agreed that most of the examples of bad practice that were being raised should not be happening and went on to explain what should be happening instead in each case.

Health assessors:

Capita does not employ many doctors to carry out DWP medical assessments for PIP, most of this work is now being done by nurses, OTs, physios etc.

CS note: This is a matter for considerable concern because in our experience nurses, OTs and physios are often in a position where they have received little or no education on ME/CFS or any practical patient experience. Some also have very inaccurate or unhelpful views about both the cause and management of ME/CFS.

The role of the health assessor:

Dr Gargan stressed that the job of Capita health assessors is NOT to make subjective judgements about the cause of ME/CFS, or to pass unfavourable/unhelpful comments about any aspect of ME/CFS (which would be unethical).

Equally, they are not there to dispute the need for things like a wheelchair (the subject of one specific question) or disability aids if the person says that these are required to assist with their care or mobility.

Their job is assess – based on formal and informal observations on the day along with the interview – how a person is functioning as a result of their ill health and/or disability and how this relates to the way in which eligibility for PIP is decided on the DWP point scoring system.

So the assessor should be recording what the patient is saying about their health, disability and functional capabilities and not trying to assess or dispute the accuracy of what is being reported.

The assessor should then be producing a fair, accurate and objective assessment in the report for the DWP.

Decisions on eligibility for PIP:

Capita are not there to make a decision on eligibility for PIP. The assessor’s job is to produce a factually accurate report for the DWP decision maker – who then assesses all the evidence that has been obtained and makes a decision.

In reply to my question on the subject of further/supportive medical evidence (FME), Dr Gargan said that if it would be helpful to have FME from a health professional then Capita should request it and that Capita would pay the doctor for providing it. Patients should not be paying for these reports.

Other questions

Relating to questions about the times of appointments, Dr Gargan confirmed that people can request to be seen at an assessment centre after 12 noon if this was going to be more helpful, especially where they are not functioning very well in the morning.

Training on ME/CFS

There were several questions on how the medical assessors receive their training and education about ME/CFS at Capita.

Dr Gargan explained that Capita is currently training materials on a range of conditions, including ME/CFS, and that he would welcome input from the FMG.

Myself and Dr Paul Worthley (formerly at Burrswood Hospital in Kent) agreed to help with this and I will now be sending copies of the MEA purple book to start this process moving.

CS Update: This offer to help improve materials relating to ME/CFS was ultimately not taken up by Capita and we will be following this up at the meeting on Wednesday, 28th February 2018.

By the end of the meeting the two representatives from Capita were left in no doubt that many people with ME/CFS are having significant and unacceptable problems with their medical assessments for PIP at Capita.

And as I pointed out, there is something seriously wrong with an assessment system where a significant number of people with ME/CFS are being told they are not eligible for PIP but then go to appeal and win their case – sometimes achieving enhanced rates for care and/or mobility components of PIP.

We will continue to monitor the situation at Capita.

If you feel that something has gone wrong with your assessment, it is very important to contact Capita, preferably in writing, to inform them about what has happened and what action is going to be taken as a result:


 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/all-party-parliamentary-group-appg-on-disability-meeting-at-house-of-lords-to-discuss-disability-benefits-23-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171192833913

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Thursday 22 February 2018

Petalite Connects You To Angels, Protects You From Negativity

Petalite

Petalite is a high crystal energy stone. It connects you to angels, destroys black magic & other unwelcome forces and has a pure sweet vibration that creates a deep connection to the spiritual realm.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Petalite-Connects-You-To-Angels-Protects-You-From-Negativity

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Feb 22, Healing with Sound and Music

Healing with sound a natural mode of healing. Music and sound have a way of touching us deep within. As if puppets on a string, our hearts, minds and bodies respond...

from Holistic Healing Blog
http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/healing-with-sound.html

from http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/holistic-healing-blog.html

#holistic #healing

Fundraising Feature: From bed to Ben Nevis – Emma’s 20-year recovery from severe M.E. | 22 February 2018

 


By Helen Hyland, Fundraising Manager, ME Association

Emma Jenkins has had M.E. for around 20 years. She tells us that her journey of recovery is far from over, but she’s much better than she was. Hers is another inspiring tale of patience, courage, and a determination not to be beaten.

Emma and her husband Pete.

When her M.E. was at its worst, Emma was trapped in bed, in pain and lonely.

She says that she felt imprisoned, unable to sleep for weeks and too weak even to feed herself. She struggled to find foods that she didn’t react to.

These were dark years of mental and physical agony, made worse by the judgement from others who could not understand the illness.

Recovery began slowly, seven years ago. She became well enough to sit up in a wheelchair and was able at long last to appreciate seeing the outside world again.

Life continued to improve after months in hospital that helped her to walk once again. She was able to venture outside with her dog Meme. Gradually fitness and confidence returned and the pain in her limbs and spine lessened.

The next step was to re-join the wider world…

She started gradually, with some voluntary work caring for the physically disabled just one evening a week.

But it was a huge challenge – she found concentration hard and initially struggled to communicate. And yet, after two long years, she found the courage (and necessary focus) to start driving again.

The light at the end of the tunnel was growing stronger but it still took another three to five years to be able to face setting goals – like moving out of the family home into one of her own.

She made the move and it helped her self-esteem to such an extent that she plucked up courage to take a part-time job locally in marketing. She promoted a professional cycle team, which she really enjoyed, and it was there that she met her husband-to-be.

Emma says, “I hoped that I would be fully recovered by now, but I appreciate my life how it is because it had been so much worse.

“I am now happily married; however, I still must pace my energy levels and my immune system is not as good as it could be.

“I still need to work part-time and have to remain in bed until 12pm most days just to manage the time I am awake.

“I want to say to others, ‘Please hold on to hope’.

“I am not saying you can recover completely from M.E but with patience and determination you might eventually have a better quality of life.”

“I could see how far I had come…”

For Emma, it took many years but, eventually, fitness returned and she was able to start hiking with her husband – something that they both love doing together.

They started with small outings at weekends, but gradually they built up the distances, until finally deciding an attempt on Snowdon was in order.

Emma says, “It was awesome, but also very emotional, because I could see how far I had come: from being spoon-fed to climbing a mountain!”

This was just the start of their exciting new journey together. Since then Scafell Pike and Skiddaw have been successfully conquered.

They now feel that the Third British Peak needs to be attempted. Later this year, Emma and Pete will be tackling Ben Nevis!

Ben Nevis, Scotland.

Emma stresses that M.E. remains a part of her life, but she understands her body well enough to know how far she can push it.

Every stage of the journey – both to Scotland and up Ben Nevis – will be carefully planned and scheduled to minimise the impact on her health.

She is also aware that she would not now be as well as she is, that none of this would have been possible, without the support of a loving, supportive, family.

She says, “Thanks for all the support from my loving mum, her partner, my nan and my loving husband. Rest in peace, nan and my dog Meme xx”

“I want to desperately raise money, awareness and hopefully inspire others to try something new.

“This year I will be attempting to climb Ben Nevis with my lovely supportive husband, Pete. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Wish me luck!!”


Emma is helping to raise vital funds for the ME Association and if you would like to support her Ben Nevis challenge, then please donate via her JustGiving page.


 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/fundraising-feature-from-bed-to-ben-nevis-emmas-20-year-recovery-from-severe-m-e-22-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

Wednesday 21 February 2018

Use Amphibole Quartz For Making Contact With Angels

Amphibole Quartz

Amphibole Quartz also called Angel Phantom Quartz brings peace and tranquility, aids lucid dreaming. Use in meditation, make contact with angelic beings and your guardian angel in the higher realms.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Use-Amphibole-Quartz-For-Making-Contact-With-Angels

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Nettle – Ayurvedic uses and health benefits of the medicinal herb

Urtica dioica, also referred to as ‘common nettle’ or ‘stinging nettle’ (so called as its leaves sting at the lightest touch), is used in Ayurvedic treatment to cure various ailments....

from Ayurveda India – Ayurvedic Remedies | Holistic Health
http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/nettle-ayurvedic-uses-and-health-benefits-of-the-medicinal-herb/2921/

from http://www.ayurvedictalk.com

#ayurveda #ayurvedic

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171120781186

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Tuesday 20 February 2018

Blue Topaz Stones May Be Called The Writers Stone

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz stones aid spiritual communication, help writers block, inspire creativity and enhance public speaking. These strong psychic communication stones aid the expansion of many psychic powers.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Blue-Topaz-Stones-May-Be-Called-The-Writers-Stone

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Government-funded ME/CFS trial ‘one of greatest medical scandals of 21st century’ | 20 February 2018

 


A controversial medical trial part-funded by the Department of Work of Pensions will emerge as “one of the greatest medical scandals of the 21st century” an MP today claimed.

A trial which claimed exercise helped the estimated 250,000 sufferers of the devastating illness, M.E., (myalgic encephalomyelitis) to recover was deliberately flawed to “remove people from long-term benefits and reduce the welfare bill”, a parliamentary debate heard.

Carol Monaghan, MP, who led the PACE Trial debate today in Westminster.

Manifesting as unrelenting fatigue and profound pain, the condition, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, has no known cure and is made worse by exertion.

Sufferers are often confined to their beds, unable to walk, and need help even to shower – an action that could then lay them low for hours, days, weeks or longer.

More than just bad science

When the PACE trial was published in 2011, researchers claimed that graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were “moderately effective” forms of treatment.

But the trial has faced intense criticism from patients, charities – such as the ME Association – clinicians and researchers, over how the results were obtained, analysed and presented.

After a long legal battle, unpublished data from the trial was released and, when independently analysed, it showed no difference between the different treatments being tested and that reported recovery rates had been grossly inflated.

And in surveys carried out by the ME Association, more than half of patients who had followed the recommended graded exercise programme saw a worsening in their symptoms.

Carol Monaghan, the SNP MP for Glasgow North West, worked with the ME Association to hold the debate in Westminster Hall today, and had received nearly one thousand letters and emails from people affected by the condition.

She said: “The failure of PACE… could simply be put down to bad science. But unfortunately, I believe there is far more to this.

“One wonders why the DWP would fund such a trial, unless of course it was seen as a way of removing people on long-term benefits and reducing the welfare bill.”

Westminster Hall heard how people with M.E. struggle to obtain benefits because of treatment guidelines, which wrongly suggest that exercise can lead to recovery.

Former science teacher Ms Monaghan also told how a lack of medical education was leading to late and inaccurate diagnosis – along with absent, inappropriate or even harmful management advice – and that the M.E. field was plagued by a “woeful lack of research”.

She said: “Labels such as chronic fatigue syndrome and post-viral fatigue syndrome simply do not come close to the living hell experienced by many sufferers. A living hell made worse by a lack of understanding towards those seeking help.”

Complete rethink required

Speaking after the debate, the MP said: “The PACE trial was fundamentally flawed as it worked from the assumption that M.E. is a psychological condition.

“To describe somebody with M.E. as suffering from ‘fatigue’ is a gross misrepresentation of the symptoms they experience: debilitating muscle pain, excruciating headaches and exhaustion so severe that some sufferers cannot even chew solid food; is the reality for a person with M.E.

The controversial PACE Trial published in March 2011.

“There has to be a complete rethink of the medical advice given to sufferers of M.E. as even gentle exercise can set them back for weeks and, in some cases, months.

“However, unfortunately for many this is still the advice being offered. Discovering that the PACE trial was funded by the DWP, no doubt with the intention to reduce the amount of people on benefits, should cause great concern.

“As a scientist, I am appalled by the methods used in the trial, which included changing the parameters and success criteria midway through the study. This has been widely discredited in the research community.

“I hope that this debate will be the starting point for new medical advice and guidelines for people suffering from ME. I thank all of those who have taken the time to get in touch with me regarding their personal experiences of both living with M.E. and the PACE trial.”

Listen to what patients have to say

A spokesman for the ME Association, which campaigns for more awareness into the condition, said:

“It is vital the voice of M.E. patients is heard, and we are grateful that their plight, and the flawed PACE trial, has been raised today.

“Many of our members are housebound or bedbound and we cannot allow them to be forgotten about by society.

“Many have seen a worsening in their symptoms after undergoing CBT and GET and it is vital that this advice is no longer given out by medical professionals.

The NICE guideline for ME/CFS is now subject to a complete review.

“M.E. patients are not hypochondriacs, hysterical or lazy – they are afflicted with a condition that is devastating and life-changing.”

The PACE trial data was used justify NHS recommendations of exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy and no changes were made as a result.

But a patient revolt has forced the government and NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) to review the guidelines used by UK doctors. That review may not be completed before 2020.

An ME Association spokesman added: “We hope that NICE and the NHS will continue to listen to patients and adopt only practices that can truly help people with M.E.”

The government said it wants to put patients at the forefront of any new guideline and said it welcomed high-quality medical research applications into M.E.


For more information about M.E., visit meassociation.org.uk. For press enquiries, contact 07598032845.

For enquiries to Carol Monaghan MP, email craig.steele@parliament.uk

To watch the recording of today’s debate at Westminster Hall, visit parliament.tv – it was heard from 11.00-11.30am.


 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/government-funded-me-cfs-trial-one-of-greatest-medical-scandals-of-21st-century-20-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

Monday 19 February 2018

Does your birthday fall in the Pisces sign?

Lapis Lazuli Pendant

Does your birthday fall in the Pisces sign? The Pisces Zodiac Sign starts on the 20th February. If this is your star sign take a look at the list of Pisces birthstones so you can work out which of the lovely stones for your sign will be the best to use.



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Does-your-birthday-fall-in-the-Pisces-sign

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Feb 19, Why Meditate - 15 Mind Body Spirit Benefits of Meditating

Why meditate? Meditating benefits your mind, body, and spirit. It is a holistic practice that helps you relax and ...

from Holistic Healing Blog
http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/why-meditate.html

from http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/holistic-healing-blog.html

#holistic #healing

Three Keys to Optimal Health & Healing

Do you know what it takes to achieve optimal health & healing?

Many of you may be familiar with Dr. Mark Hyman, one of the world’s leading functional medicine doctors and NY Times bestselling author (10 times over!). He says, “There are three things that are critical for healing: it’s what you eat, moving your body, and learning how to reset your nervous system.”

We know that our choice of food matters, and so does engaging in regular exercise. But what about that third part, resetting your nervous system? What’s that all about?

The answer lies in the amount of stress you have in your life, and how pervasively connected it is to many health issues and illnesses.

Chronic stress is damaging because it activates your body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into your blood stream. These hormones are beneficial in short bursts, but can contribute to a lot of health issues over time when continuously released.

Here’s one clinical study that shows the correlation of chronic stress and the measurement of cortisol (a stress hormone) in your body.

In order to stop this cycle, you need to reset your nervous system. And what does Dr. Hyman recommend for resetting your nervous system? EFT Tapping!

Using his words, “Tapping is one of the most directed and powerful ways to peel those layers away of chronic stress. It’s very effective for very difficult problems.”

If you want to learn about how you can overcome illness, create long-term, lasting health, or just get over regular stress and feel better, then I highly recommend you watch the video below.

In this interview, as part of the 10th Annual Tapping World Summit, Dr. Hyman shares some pretty amazing information! Things that you won’t want to miss, such as…
  • The monkey study that revealed the importance of one particular thing that many take for granted.
  •  One of the leading causes of chronic illness that people don’t know about, going all the way back to childhood.
  •  Why many of the patients who come to him are in fact doctors who are looking for solutions that work.
  •  And much more…

Watch the video. It could provide a radical shift in your understanding of how to create real long-term health. Enjoy!

And if you’d like to learn more about how Tapping can be used to address many other different aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional health, I highly encourage you to register for the 10th Annual Tapping World Summit!

Until next time…

Keep Tapping!


Has Tapping improved your health or helped you recover from an illness? Comment below!

The post Three Keys to Optimal Health & Healing appeared first on The Tapping Solution.



from The Tapping Solution
https://www.thetappingsolution.com/blog/three-keys-optimal-health-healing/

from https://www.thetappingsolution.com/blog

#EFT #holistic #healing

Vesuvianite aka Idocrase Aids You To Follow Your Hearts Desire

Vesuvianite or Idocrase

Vesuvianite or Idocrase enhances creativity and stimulates clairsentience. It aids spiritual growth as its properties help to free your will & embrace the desires of your higher self. Named after Mt Vesuvius volcano



from Healing Crystals For You
https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html#Vesuvianite-aka-Idocrase-Aids-You-To-Follow-Your-Hearts-Desire

from https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/healing-crystals-blog.html

#crystals #crystal #healing

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171059637226

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171059618506

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171059592966

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

ME Association Index of Published ME/CFS Research | 19 February 2018

 


This is an A-Z index of the most important research studies (and selected key documents and articles), listed by subject matter, that have been published on ME/CFS.

It follows the subject headings that are used in the ME Association ‘An Exploration of the Key Clinical Issues’ written by Dr Charles Shepherd, and Dr Abhijit Chaudhuri, and available to order from our online shop.

The index of research publications will be updated at the end of each month and made available in the Research section of the ME Association website as an open-access document.

We will also aim to publish an end of month summary of research abstracts, with the first summary appearing on 28th February.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the preparation of this unique new database containing over 700 key research paper references.

“The ME Association bibliography of key research papers and clinical trials will be of great help to both the M.E. research and patient community, especially as it is going to be regularly updated as new research findings appear in medical and scientific journals.”

“This has obviously taken a great deal of time and effort to prepare and we may not have got everything perfect to start with. So, if you have any comments about omissions, or ways in which the presentation of the information could be improved, please let us know.”

Dr Charles Shepherd,
Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.


Image copyright: vivilweb / 123RF Stock Photo

 



from ME Association
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/me-association-index-of-published-me-cfs-research-19-february-2018/

from http://www.meassociation.org.uk

#cfsme

Photo | Spiritual





from Spiritual Seeker 77
http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/post/171045692270

from http://spiritualseeker77.tumblr.com/

#spiritual

Letting Go of the Victim Label: The Past Will Not Define Me

TRIGGER WARNING: This post deals with an account of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and may be triggering to some people.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” ~Unknown

It wasn’t long ago that I lived my life as a professional victim.

It wasn’t intentional, but somewhere along the way I had internalized the fact that my victimhood gave me an excuse to remain stuck. As long as I was a victim, I had a reason to wallow in sadness and self-pity, a reason to not move forward, and sympathy that was poured upon me like praise—because no one wants to shame the victim, right? So I put on my victim’s Badge of Honor and remained firmly planted in the past.

The thing about being a victim is that it doesn’t end there. Resentment is not far behind, and I soon found myself immersed in resentment. After all, I never asked to be born into a household filled with domestic violence, nor did I ask be molested by someone I shared the same bloodline with, but it happened, and I resented it.

In my mind, no one could understand what it was like to live in constant fear of the day that your mother would be murdered. No one could understand the hopelessness that comes with feeling unsafe day after day. But I did.

I knew what it felt like to be awakened in the middle of the night by screaming voices, dishes crashing against walls, or the volume on the TV up as high as it could go, because if he was angry, no one was getting a good night’s sleep.

I knew what it was like to wish for death, because death was better than terror.

I knew what it felt like to live in a household where everyone walked on eggshells because the alternative was an encounter with rage.

I knew what it felt like to have a dysfunctional childhood while others had what I thought to be a fairytale life, and I resented it.

I could not reconcile why some children were born into wealth and privilege and I was not. I did not understand why my family, which should have been a safe haven, was the exact opposite. Why were some children loved and adored, and I molested and used? It wasn’t fair, and I wasn’t going to let life, or anyone who would listen, forget it.

I didn’t ask for that life, I was a victim, and had earned the right to complain about it as much as I saw fit. I did not realize that I had the power to overcome everything I had experienced, and maybe there was a part of me that didn’t really want to. I knew who I was with my experiences, but what was my identity without those stories? It was time that I found out.

It took a while for me to even realize that I needed to let go of the victim label, but thankfully the day came. It became too much effort to be sad and depressed about something that happened, and was not changing.

I began to read every self-help book I could find in hopes that one of them held the key to my emotional relief. I began attending counseling sessions and put forth the necessary effort to get the most out of each session. Then, one day it happened. I woke up knowing enough was enough.

No, life wasn’t fair, but this was the only life I had, and I had better make the most of it. I knew that in order for me to move forward, I had to accept this fact. My experience was my experience, and nothing was going to change what happened to me, but I could surely change how I responded to it.

The first thing I did was remove toxic people from my life. I understood that as a child I had little control over the people I was exposed to, but as an adult, it was my responsibility to set strong boundaries, even if that meant removing some people.

This was no easy task, and I immediately felt waves of fear and guilt. I was so used to not having boundaries, and being expected to accept bad behavior just because it came from family. Still, I followed through with my plan to set boundaries or to sever ties completely.

Next, I began to follow the advice I had received from literally hundreds of self-help books. I began to retrain my mind from the mentality of a victim, to one of strength, poise, and success.

Almost immediately, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and began to feel empowered and capable. Yes, I had bad experiences growing up, and yes, those experiences affected my life, but I did not have to let them define me.

I worked diligently to change my self-talk and I was very intentional about ensuring that I would make the most of my life. I had wasted enough years existing, and I knew that it was time to start living.

Retraining my mind became my full-time focus, as I knew that all success starts in the mind. I continued with counseling and was told that I had a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, which was evident from my having nightmares about the abuse in my home, even though I was an adult and in a safe place.

I learned how witnessing domestic abuse and being molested affected my self-esteem, the way I viewed relationships, and the way I viewed the world.

I learned that none of it was my fault, and that I did not have to continue to tell myself those stories. I had new stories to tell. We all do. You too, can move past the pain and hurt you have endured in this lifetime. You can forgive, even if you never forget, and you can move forward. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

My transformation didn’t happen overnight, and neither will yours. I spent years studying the power of the mind, and being intentional in my desire to turn my life around.

Today I am free of toxic relationships and toxic thoughts. I’ve replaced my victim badge with a crown of success, love, self-confidence, and peace. And I replaced self-pity and sadness with a fierce determination to live my best life, free of resentment.

I recently met a man who told me he has found happiness all his life by learning to “play the hand he was dealt.” I smiled, because I had come into the wisdom that this is truly the only way to live, because “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” The choice is ours to make.

About Eboni Kelly

Eboni Kelly is a Fort Worth, TX based youth educator, domestic violence advocate, and self-published author of fiction novel, Everyone Has A story to Tell, and self-help book, Love is an Inside Job (Eboni Garrett). She is also the founder and blogger of inspirational brand, Good Enerji. She seeks to empower people all over the world to move past their pain. Check out her blog at www.goodenerji.com.

Get in the conversation! Click here to leave a comment on the site.

The post Letting Go of the Victim Label: The Past Will Not Define Me appeared first on Tiny Buddha.



from Tiny Buddha
https://tinybuddha.com/blog/letting-go-of-the-victim-label-the-past-will-not-define-me/

from https://tinybuddha.com

#buddha #Buddhist