I have had back ,neck and shoulder issues for many years and have mild scoliosis, with my right pelvis tending outward.I also have knock knees and flat feet .
I have spent the last 18months with fortnightly visits to my Chiropractor, which has helped but only temporarily. The treatment has left me with a clunking left jaw though which I did not have before hand.
I have discovered the Gokhale method and after 4 weeks have had some improvement - yay
Do you suggest I keep up with any Chiropractor visits ( I still feel slightly out of alignment but it has not caused me much discomfort so far - normally this would have had me in spasm by now)
Would this programme eventually bring me into alignment without the manipulation?
Also when I practice the stretch lying at night in bed before sleeping I cannot seem to last long in the position as I soon start to suffer from restless legs – the position seems to bring it on. I do feel the benefit so I would like to find a way to solve this. Would keeping the knees bent help? ( Altho not a position to fall asleep in…) Not using a pillow under my knees??
And do you recommend anything for the clunking jaw.
Thank you so much for any advice.
Janene
2 months 2 weeks ago
06/12/2012 - 12:49pm
Hello Janene,
I apologize for taking so long to reply to your questions, especially as you are clearing having discomfort and working hard to find relief. Good for you for the hard work you are doing!
There are many questions in this email that I can take a stab at, but there is a lot of complexity and nuance in your situation. What would be best is to find a qualified Gokhale Method instructor in your area, or travel to take a weekend intensive course and get some hands on.
With that disclaimer, here are my responses:
1: Stretchlying on your back is great to do before bed. Definitely keep the knees bend and do not remove the pillow under the knees, and make sure you have your shoulders up on a pillow, too. If your legs are feeling restless, just stretchlie for 5 minutes, then roll into whatever position feels good. Natural remedies for restless legs include exercise, high iron foods, warm baths or massage before bed. Also know that Restless Leg Syndrome can be a symptom of other issues, such as iron deficiency. If it continues, you may want to see a doctor.
2: The Gokhale Method work can certainly stand alone, but can be greatly enhanced by using it as a part of the team effort. However, if you are not finding relief from your chiropractor, perhaps another one?
3: The jaw and posture are intimately linked. In addition to getting a qualiied Gokhale Method teacher to help you with your posture, there are manipulations that can be done by trained body workers, PTs, and Chiros that can be of help.
I hope that is helpful for you and look forward to hearing of your results!
Abeja Hummel
Gokhale Method Instructor
Boonville, CA, USA
3 years 2 months ago
02/03/2017 - 2:25pm
Thank you for your advice.
I am keeping up with the stretch lying and can now stay in position for a bit longer each week so hopefully one day i will be able to sleep that way.
I live in New Zealand and unfortuneately we don't have any teachers in our country. I am just trying to follow the book and video the best i can.
I am certainly finding benefit and have found the hip hinging really helpfull especially.
Many thanks
Janene
2 months 2 weeks ago
06/12/2012 - 12:49pm
Hi Janene,
Just so you know, there is a teacher in Australia, Michelle Ball, who does teach occasionally in NZ. If you contact her, you can perhaps encourage her to teach there again soon!
http://gokhalemethod.com/biography/Michelle_Ball
As for your jaw, many people find correcting their head and neck alignment can have effects on jaw issues, but I am too far away to consult on that one.
Good luck!
Abeja
2 months 2 weeks ago
06/12/2012 - 12:49pm
If you find a chiropractor that you like and feels helpful, by all means go to him or her as a way to help you in your efforts to regain your natural alignment. IF it's not helping, don't go. And do continue to find ways to improve your posture so that you're not dependent upon the chiropractor.