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Articles The British Columbia Acupressure Therapists' Association.

A GLIMPSE INTO ANOTHER WORLD
By Jeannette Howe

Why won’t this hotel let me check out? Why didn’t my students bring their books? Where are all my things? Who are all these people? Has my husband called? Where are the kids? I want to go home. Will you take me home? Why do I wake up each morning and nothing is ever the same? When will I wake up from this nightmare and confusion? Why are all the doors locked? Let me in! Let me out! Help me! The questions are endless; until you don’t even remember what questions to ask? Looking into the eyes of a woman trapped between reality and another world, confused and scared. Our eyes fill with tears, my heart sinks. Sometimes we share a smile, sometimes laughter, sometimes just silent space.

In November of last year I was invited to give Acupressure to some of the residents at the Priory Hospital. All my clients are suffering from Dementia and Alzeimers. There are 4 types of Dementia. Pick’s Disease affects only the frontal and anterior portions of the temporal lobe; the neurons in this disease become abnormal and swollen. Alzeimers Disease involves the formation of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Lewy Body is identified by abnormal structures in brain cells called “Lewy Bodies”. Vascular Dementia is the second most common form and is the result of a single or multiple stroke. There are no known cures for Dementia. The main symptoms I was asked to address were insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. The sessions started out to be 30 minutes, one evening a week. In January it was reassessed and 15 minute sessions are now given twice a week. As many of the residents are childlike, they are not always in the mood for the work and need some cohersing. Patience and flexibility are useful tools.

I felt that with many other symptoms (to name only a few) such as confusion, depression, anger, sadness, loneliness, feelings of abandonment, loss of independence and humility, some semblance of balance was needed. I used the Master and Couple points P6 w/ Sp4, TW5 w/ GB41, Lu7 w/ K6, and SI3 w/ B62 in order to touch each meridian in a gentle way. As I got to know each person better and physical symptoms needed addressing, the sessions became more tailored. The effects of the sessions were varied as there are different levels of Dementia and each day is different from the next. For a couple of the residents I continue to use the Master & Couple points and add a few different ones depending upon what I address that day.

For example:
Client A:
Client A is a 90 year-old woman who is in the last stage of Dementia. Client was not eating well and losing weight, displaying aggressive behavior, insomnia and agitation. These were the main symptoms I was to address. The residents are on various medications which in itself can present a challenge. Along with addressing the symptoms (many of which are side-effects of the medications) one of the goals is to minimize these medications (to which some are very sensitive). I used P6 w/ SP4 and TW5 w/ GB41; I used LV5 w/ LV3 to sedate wood. On occasion the client has had lower back pain; I used 15 w/ 31, 45 and B62. To date these points have been successful with Client A. It has been reported that Client is in the best condition since her arrival in August 2000 (she came from another extended care unit). Client sleeps better, eats well now (has gained some weight), understands and follows directions more easily, is calmer and overall easier to look after. This Client has also been taken off of three medications.

Client B:
Client B was suffering from osteoarthritis and was in a great deal of pain. He was unable to sleep and was given medication that was not very effective. I worked on this client for 6 weeks for ˝ hour sessions. I used B47 w/ B54, B57 and B64; GB29 w/ GB41; EX5 w/ hoku; 14 w/ 12 & 11; Lu1 w/ Lu10; 22 w/P6; Palm chakra closings. These points were used in combination at different times depending on actual location of pain and cooperation of client. By the end of these sessions Client was sleeping well and taken off medication for osteoarthritis, but is maintained by a medication patch.

Client C:
Client C was not sleeping and restless. Client would sleep during the day and wander through the night. Since receiving acupressure, Client’s sleeping pattern has balanced out, she’s sleeping very well and is calmer.

Client D:
My most challenging Client has been a woman suffering from Vascular Dementia. The acupressure has been of varied effects. She is at midlevel, and changes in her symptoms and behavior are inconsistent. At the beginning I was working with the Kidney meridian to address the fear along with EX5 for restlessness and insomnia. For awhile sessions were not always effective but effective enough so that symptoms were decreased. For a few weeks last month almost nothing seemed to help. The client was deemed disruptive and was about to be transferred out. I was feeling quite helpless. (I believe that Client was transitioning to another level of her Dementia and had eventually settled.) I tried B w/ H9 (to tonify Heart to bring joy, love and alleviate depression); Lv5 w/ Lv3 (to sedate wood); 15 w/ 14 and Sonri (for her hip pain); closing with I w/ J and A w/ B. This medley seems to be effective and Client is calm and sleeping well (most nights). Outbursts are minimal and she seems quite “happy”. Client reports that hip pain has decreased. She commenced to prove this by doing leg lifts and dancing while lying on her bed just before her session. I give my clients either a hug or a kiss on the forehead after each session. This client usually receives my hugs with arms at sides and no reciprocation. Last week I was taken by surprise when she greeted me with a big smile and outstretched arms, and said “It’s you. I see you everywhere!” and gave me such a big, warm hug. Wow, was I touched. My eyes filled with tears. It was so wonderful to see such joy in this woman and her expression of love. The memory of that feeling will always be with me.

Working with these residents continues to be a challenge, yet incredibly rewarding. I am learning so out myself, others and existence. I volley between sadness and joy, along with a host of other emotions. There is no known cure for Alzeimers and Dementia, but acupressure can help relieve some of the terrifying symptoms and induce some balance. Gifts come in many forms; I feel very fortunate for the gift of opportunity to work with these people. As true to the words “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit”, compassion is my guiding light.

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