 |
Why
Structural Integration might help people with GERD (Gastroesophogeal reflux disorder - "acid reflux")
We have worked with a number of people who have had an acid reflux
problem in varying degrees. In some cases, the discomfort is relatively
mild but has been persistent over 20+ years. In other cases, the
discomfort is far more severe and the individual has been unable to lie
down on a bed or sofa for at least 3 hours after eating. This problem,
if left untreated, can lead to erosion of the esophagus and eventually
to esophageal cancer. This particular cancer is becoming more and more
prevalent.The medical profession has a tendency
to prescribe Nexium or Prilosec both of which are designed to reduce the
amount of stomach acid produced. These drugs have many potentially
harmful side effects. These drugs can cost over $200 per month if not
covered by insurance.
Most doctors overlook the fact that there is one element that is common
in nearly all of the patients with this discomfort. Namely, tightness of
the fascia of the chest and rib cage. When this fascia is overly tight,
the opening from the esophagus that allows food to pass into the stomach
fails to properly close, thereby permitting acid to back up into the
esophagus.
What is fascia? Fascia is the network of connective tissue that
surrounds your muscles and internal organs and is a continuous web
throughout your body. It is our "organ of form" - it is what gives us
our unique body shape. Over time it thickens and dehydrates and causes
us to move inefficiently. I find that in most people who have tightness
of the chest/rib fascia also have unresilient fascia in many other parts
of their body.
Structural Integration is a bodywork series that releases the fascia and
permits muscles to lengthen and contract properly. When this occurs, a
person's entire body structure normalizes and it results in a remarkable
amount of lift, length and flexibility. With improved structure comes
improved function throughout the whole body - including the digestive
system. Acid reflux ceases to be a problem because tight fascia no
longer is restrictive in the chest/rib cage area.
Listen to the stories of some of our clients:
"My mother had fairly severe GERD for as long
as I can remember. She eventually developed cancer of the esophagus
which was the cause of her death. I experienced acid reflux frequently
from about the time I was 30. I assumed that I inherited the disease
from my mother.
When I was 52, I went through the Structural Integration 10
series in order to improve my posture and flexibility. What I got was
not only better posture, flexibility and the feeling of being 20 years
younger, but I also got rid of my GERD. I now know that what I
"inherited" from my mother was her holding pattern in the chest/rib
cage. Once that was released, my GERD went bye-bye. Wonderful
discovery!" Jack, age 57
"I have been under a lot of stress in the last
15 years due to my husband's illness. My whole body ached and I went
regularly to get massages on my neck and shoulders. It helped somewhat
but didn't last very long. I discovered Carol's bodywork practice from
looking at a brochure when I was exercising at Curves for Women in Wake
Forest. I decided to try it. The improvement in my GERD happened almost
right away. My discomfort was really bad. I had to be so careful of not
lying down for 3 or 4 hours after I ate. This was so troublesome for me
because I am a nurse who works nights and when I get home in the morning
I want to eat something before I get into bed. It was so wonderful when
my GERD went away. It was the most awful thing I have ever had. Thank
God for Structural Integration." Judy, age 62, nurse
|
