Christine’s Ataxia Blog

6 Monthes Home & the Mind/Body Connection…

July 16th, 2007

Hey, I’ve been home for 6 monthes. Wow! Hard to believe… Hard to convey all the positive changes my trip to China has brought about. Not only new stem cells & re-found abilities, but a different attitude toward almost everything and contacts from people around the globe.

The other day, I had a chance to read an e-mail containing info. on the Beike treatment and umbilical cord stem cells ,by Dr. Monique West. It’s definitely worth a read to learn about the finer points of umbilical cord stem cells -what exactly they are and what they can do. I didn’t know a lot of this current information and I’ve been there for the treatment! Fascinating … and worth learning about. She also mentions the “holistic” approach to treatment through Beike. How true & important. Whenever I mention to anyone that I’ve been to China for stem cell treatment, I stress the “therapy” aspect. Beside the injections of new cells, each patient receives a customized program of accupuncture, physiotheraphy, speech & occupational therapy, massage, and more depending on your condition and health. All of these components working together are vital to your progress, health & well-being and ensure the best possible outcome to every patient.

I’ve always heard & read about the “mind/body” connection but never really comprehended it fully. until now. . I was chatting with a friend on the phone the other day about the importance of this very thing. I’m able to see & feel how that connection works in my life now. It began in China, with the holistic approach to my physical health. This spun off into my mental health & well-being with new energy, hope for improvement, positive attitudes, caring & acceptance . When I returned home, for awhile, I just felt like being quiet, getting back to “normal”, putting my trip behind me…No way! I couldn’t do that, and I’m glad I haven’t. I’ve been writing this blog, writing to others I’ve connected with on-line, writing to physicians, therapists… It seems to be snowballing & I’m pleased. There’s now an informal network of people chatting back & forth, exchanging info, getting in touch. As well, there are myriads of sites and forums, all places anyone can go to to learn & exchange info about stem cells. It’s great, my world has expanded, besides those I met while in China, I’ve also been able to connect with others all hoping to improve their quality of life and life for those around them.

Practically, I’m still doing those exercises ( I must admit, I’ve been too lax on the fine motor stuff…!) Yes, I still have good & bad days but ,I can honestly say, I haven’t had any decline in my abilities. I attribute a lot of my progress to the exercises, I know, also, some of it depends on my general constitution and aspects of my condition that we can never know about (unless there was a clear window looking into my brain!). The positive aspect of the support & good wishes I receive from others does tremendous things for me and the contacts I’ve made from everyone since my return home are inspiring & empowering . We can know we’re not alone in our experiences but it can take sharing those experiences and thoughts with others to truly realize that…

Talk to you again soon. Take good care & best wishes…

Entry Filed under: ataxia