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Asthma
Asthma can be divided into two main groups: Allergic asthma and infective bronchitic asthma.
Allergic asthma is caused by allergens and is outside the scope of this treatment.
Infective bronchitic asthma accounts for the majority of asthma sufferers and experience shows that when using The Sherwood Technique to clear infection there is usually a dramatic improvement in the condition - even a complete cure.
This is a disease where constant low-grade infections in extreme youth tend to overload the lymph nodes in the drainage path of the throat and bronchial tree. The membranes become oedematous which further diminishes their resistance to infection and also decreases their ability to throw the infection off. Mucus secreted as a result flows down into the bronchioles and they go into a protective spasm to prevent the fluid from gaining access. This is the beginning of the asthma. Eventually conditioned reflexes set in so that any irritant, even cold air may set off a spasm. Recognisable irritants, such as pollens, tend to set up weak allergies but this does not play a large part in the problem in the majority of patients.
Treatment, with physiotherapy to the associated lymph nodes, is usually needed to obtain a more permanent result. (See Lymphatic malfunction).
Behavioural problems
There are well-recognized psychological problems associated with childhood, but the connection is seldom made between persistent throat infections or trouble with the tonsils and deterioration in a child's behaviour. Since the lymph nodes in the neck drain the brain as well as the throat, sinuses and ears, any obstructions causes the brain to become mildly waterlogged. Children suffering from this mild form of cerebral oedema have poor concentration and a poor short-term memory. They also react very badly to discipline or authority. This type of child is a teacher's nightmare and tenders to get pushed to the back of the class, where trouble intensifies. Simple lymphatic drainage treatment to the lymph nodes in the neck, and - if damaged - the removal of the tonsils, makes a spectacular difference.
Blocked sinus
Blocked sinuses are usually directly related to blockages of the cervical lymph nodes and causes swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses.
(See Lymphatic malfunction).
Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is usually related to blockages in the supraclavicular and hilar lymph nodes.
(See Lymphatic malfunction).
Building the immune system
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Candida
Candida is a fungal infection and this can be relieved by treatment to the associated lymph nodes. Anti-candida drugs are also very helpful.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Catarrh
Catarrhal conditions involve swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes, causing an increase in the amount of mucus secreted. The nose, middle ear and sinuses are most commonly affected. They are often due to overheating. If a child is wearing too many clothes or if the room temperature is too hot, the body tends to switch the blood supply from the skin to the throat (which was the original 'radiator' used to cool the overheating body). Since humans are adapted to cooling their body temperature via the skin, the throat is unable to cope with the increased circulation and merely becomes congested, which leads to catarrh. As one infection follows another, the lymph nodes become partially blocked, causing backpressure and greatly aggravating the catarrhal condition. Food sensitivities can also be responsible.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Cerebral oedema
Cerebral oedema is mild fluid retention in the brain, sometimes due to impaired lymphatic drainage. Recurrent throat infections can partially obstruct the lymph nodes in the neck, and since the same lymph nodes drain the brain, the slightest obstruction may result in the brain becoming slightly waterlogged. Symptoms include abnormal tiredness, a poor short-term memory, very limited powers of concentration and, in children, aggression and a poor response to discipline. Treatment to the lymph nodes and removal of the tonsils - if they are badly infected - will often bring about a marked change in disposition. Removal of the tonsils should be performed if there is the slightest doubt that they are damaged.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Chest infections
Chest infections are usually related to blockages in the supraclavicular and hilar lymph nodes.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Cystitis
If the lymph nodes in the lower part of the abdomen are congested, it can cause the membrane lining the bladder to become swollen, leaving it much more vulnerable to bacterial attack and infection. This condition is known as cystitis.
Cystitis begins with an urgent need to pass urine at frequent intervals. As the infection spreads to the urethra, passing urine becomes more and more painful until it reaches the point where many sufferers say that it is like passing gravel or ground glass.
The standard treatment is to take substances that control the acidity of the urine, since the infecting bacteria do not like acid conditions. In more severe cases, antibiotics are often prescribed. However, this does not always get to the root of the problem and so the cystitis keeps recurring.
The main treatment for cystitis is massage to the lymph nodes in the groin area, particularly on the abdominal side of the inguinal ligament, which runs from the pubis to the pelvic bone. (See Lymphatic malfunction).
In order to regulate the acidity of the urine, potassium citrate tablets are recommended. These make conditions in the bladder unfavourable for the bacteria, and the urine less irritating to the bladder. Patients are advised to drink a lot of water, unless they are taking antibiotics, in which case the urine needs to be reasonably concentrated to increase the antibiotics effect. It is advisable to avoid vaginal deodorants.
Ear disorders
There are many ear disorders associated with a malfunction of the lymphatic system and therefore can be helped with lymphatic treatment (See Lymphatic malfunction). These include: a catarrhal middle ear, dizziness, deafness (not nerve related), ear infections, glue ear, arthritis of the ossicles, intermittent tinnitus, middle ear infections, Menieres disease and vestibulitis.
Eczema
(Eczema is a skin condition with an unknown cause)
It comes as a surprise to many people to discover that eczema is often triggered by a throat infection causes by the streptococcal bacteria. This particular strain of bacteria puts out a toxin which weakens the defence system in the throat, but also gets into the bloodstream. Once it has entered our circulation it has the capacity to affect any tissue similar to the throat membrane - including the skin and the membranes lining the joints. This explains the common and surprising origin of eczema and aching joints and why the two conditions often occur together. Infantile eczema commonly originates from the throat.
When this toxin disturbs the skin it can cause a red, often slightly raised, map-like rash, commonly on the neck and over the upper part of the chest. This is known as a 'strep' rash. A more common response is for the skin to become weakened and all its functions diminished, although, initially, there is no outward sign of this. It is only when patches of skin are subject to stress, such as irritation through rubbing movements across joints or exposure to cold air, that they erupt into the typical red scaly rash, usually scattered with spots, known as eczema (from the Greek meaning 'to boil over').
While damaged tonsils as a result of childhood infections are a common cause of eczema in adults, there may also be other factors involved. With babies and young children, however, a weakened lymph system is by far the most common reason (See Lymphatic malfunction).
If a child is over clothed - and therefore overheated - the throat is more prone to infection. The skin is also more likely to be moist, as the child secretes sweat in a desperate attempt to cool down. Combine this situation with the effect of the 'strep' toxin and you have two of the most common causes of infantile eczema. Allergies - especially food sensitivities - which increase the blood supply to the skin, are also a common trigger.
The treatment of infantile eczema is very straightforward:
- Reduce the child's clothes to a bare minimum
- Ensure that she gets plenty of fresh air
- In all but extreme conditions, cut out the heating in the bedroom
- Eliminate any foods that you suspect are causing sensitivities, especially cow's milk
- If the tonsils are damages, talk to your doctor about having them removed
- Give regular massage to the lymph nodes in the neck area, particularly those in the lower part,
near the collarbone.
Emphysema
Asthma causes a blockage of the breathing tubes - especially on exhaling - which raises the pressure of the air in minute air sac called the alveoli, causing the sufferer to struggle for breath. This symptom (struggling for breath) is the outstanding feature of emphysema. Bronchitis blocks the smaller air passages in the lungs with similar results.
When the main breathing tubes are blocked, air can still get into the alveoli, but it may not be able to get out and the act of coughing puts so much pressure on the air-filled alveoli that it can actually blow them inside out. As more and more alveoli are affected, the lungs gradually lose their capacity to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
At this stage the sufferer becomes what is known as a 'respiratory cripple' and, as a result of breathlessness, can often do little more than sit up and eat. The condition is generally considered to be irreversible because it is widely believed that the effects of emphysema are caused entirely by the blown-out alveoli and that, once this has happened the tide cannot be turned.
However, it is often the blockage of the little ducts leading to the alveoli which is a major cause of symptoms. Once you can unblock the tubes and open up access to the parts of the lung that are still capable of working, you will often find that a so-called 'respiratory cripple' can lead quite an active life. See also Lymphatic malfunction.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is usually caused by a permanent lesion, or scar, in the brain. Every so often this triggers a shower of impulses which fire all over the brain, sending it into a state of uncontrolled activity. This is manifested as an epileptic fit. The scar has the effect of slightly altering the brainwaves. This is clearly visible when an EEG - an electrical charting of the brain - is taken.
When a fit is in progress, the whole brain function is totally disorganised, but there is no explanation as to why the fit takes place at one particular time, leaving the brain working normally the rest of the time. Drugs, which dampen the brain down, can be very effective in controlling the fits, although they have other, less desirable, side effects. Once started, these drugs often have to be taken for life.
My theory offers a basis for a treatment that can, in many cases, control the initiation of a fit without resorting to drugs, although a (greatly reduced) dosage is sometimes still needed. It has often been noted that attacks of epilepsy occur with a cold, a sore throat or any conditions that precipitate or aggravate an existing catarrhal condition. The reason is probably that, although the actual defect is present in the brain all the time, the triggering is brought about by congestion in the brain itself (see cerebral oedema).
The lymphatic drainage both of the brain and the throat goes through the lymph nodes in the neck. If the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and have become obstructed through constant infections in the throat, they will cause the brain to become more congested whenever they themselves become overloaded. Sufferers often find that attacks cease completely or occur very infrequently after treatment to the lymph nodes in their neck.
Eye disorders
There are many eye disorders associated with a malfunction of the lymphatic system and therefore can be helped with lymphatic treatment (See Lymphatic malfunction). These include: Blepharitis, blocked tear duct, conjunctivitis, cataract, glaucoma, iritis, 'pink eye', retinal detachment, squint, (if diagnosed at a young age),'sticky eye' and styes.
Note: This treatment is intended as an aid to, and not as a replacement for conventional treatment in many cases.
Fluid retention
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Hay fever
Hay fever is almost always a sensitivity or allergy of the membranes that line the nose and nasal sinuses, which have become swollen and excessively irritable because the lymph nodes draining them are partially obstructed.
(See Lymphatic malfunction).
Infertility problems
See Salpingitis
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, or voice box. Our vocal cords have to be shiny and dry in order to vibrate effectively. If they become abnormally damp, they do not work so well. When we use our voice it involves a large muscular effort to tighten the vocal cords sufficiently to make them vibrate at different pitches. The greater the muscular effort, the greater the amount of blood needed in that area. It follows, then, that a fairly large quantity of fluid has to drain away from the larynx when it is involved in the considerable effort of projecting the voice while singing, acting or yelling.
If the cervical lymph nodes are congested, this fluid cannot drain away, causing backpressure and a serious waterlogging of the vocal cords, which impairs their ability to vibrate. The first sign of this is squeakiness, which then turns into mild hoarseness and culminates in varying degrees of voice loss. (See Lymphatic malfunction).
Leg ulcers
Leg ulcers are due to a breakdown of the surface tissue in the skin. They are caused by a number of factors, including poor circulation, diabetes and varicose veins. The weight of the column of blood from the heart to the ankles is fairly considerable, and the task of getting the blood and lymph back to the heart from these areas poses a physical problem. There is a huge plexus of veins in the middle of the sole of the foot which is squeezed at every step, resulting in a huge pumping of blood back up the veins. The contraction of the calf and thigh muscles also creates a powerful pumping action. Under ordinary conditions, this mechanism is more than adequate to ensure a good circulation.
However, the valves in the superficial veins are fragile and not well supported by surrounding tissues, and if subjected to excessive pressure will bulge and leak blood into the segment beneath, where it pools, doubling the pressure on the valve below and causing it, too, to become incompetent. This means there is now three times the pressure on the next valve down, and so the condition of varicose veins spreads. It is for this reason that I believe that the problem should be treated as early as possible. The devitalisation of the tissues resulting from the reduction in supplies of oxygen and other nutrients carried by the blood can lead to the formation of ulcers, and can also make them difficult to treat and slow to heal.
Lymphatic drainage treatment targeted above the affected area, concentrating particularly on enlarged and congested lymph nodes in the groin, usually brings about a rapid improvement in the tissues and healing of the ulcer.
Lymphatic drainage
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Painful periods
If the lymphatic drainage from the uterus becomes obstructed, then the muscles of the uterus wall and its lining membrane are likely to become waterlogged. Under these conditions, the blood thickens slightly and may clot. Consequently, it tends to be pushed out with more difficulty than usual during menstruation. As the cavity of the uterus is quite small, it has difficulty expelling these clots and goes into intense contractions (which cause the pain) in order to get rid of them.
If other readily diagnosable causes have been eliminated, The Sherwood Technique may provide a permanent answer by reducing the congestion in the area and preventing the formation of clots so that normal contractions are sufficient to do the job.
The treatment is virtually the same as for cystitis. The only difference is that there may be a problem in the lumbar region which also needs treating. Symptoms of painful periods may take some time to subside. This is because the body is so quick to form a habit that, even though the conditions are improved, it is slow to realise that there is no need to produce a cramp to expel the fluid.
Salpingitis
Abdominal congestion can result in infections of the vagina, cervix or uterus spreading as far as the Fallopian tubes. This leads to a condition called Salpingitis, when the Fallopian tube becomes inflamed, which may prevent the ovum from passing into the uterus. Treatment to the lymph nodes in the area can reduce the congestion therefore rectifying the problem.(See Lymphatic malfunction).
Sinusitis
The less acute conditions affecting the sinuses are directly related to blockages of the cervical lymph nodes, which causes swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses.
(See Lymphatic malfunction).
Snoring
Snoring is often caused by an obstruction by the soft palate, tonsils or adenoids. Since the soft palate becomes floppy when it is waterlogged, treatment to the lymph nodes which drain it will tighten it up so that is no longer causes an obstruction. The tonsil may be enlarged as a result of an immediate infection or because they are damaged and permanently swollen. Damage to the tonsils can also cause the adenoids to undergo considerable compensatory enlargement. If so, the tonsils should be removed. Also (See Lymphatic malfunction).
Sore throats
See Laryngitis and streptococcal infections
Streptococcal infections
The word streptococcus simply means a chain of spherical 'bugs'. These are one of the most common of the bacterial invaders and some of the nastiest, particularly the haemolytic streptococci that cause 'strep' throat, tonsillitis and middle ear infection.
To penetrate the numerous defence mechanisms in the mouth and throat area, bacteria usually need to resort to extra weapons. The streptococcal variety have a number of toxins at their disposal for this purpose, designed to weaken the defences in the throat and ease the passage of the bacteria into the body. This is the most common cause of lymphatic malfunction and therefore many associated disorders such as joint pain.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils in the mouth.
(See Lymphatic malfunction)
Streptococcal infections
Joint Pain
Travel sickness
This is generally due to trouble in the inner ear, which affects balance and the detection of movement. Because of the connection between the ear and the vagus nerve - responsible for over-activity in the stomach - the conflict resolves itself by the patient feeling sick and sometimes vomiting. A person is more likely to suffer from travel sickness if the ear is slightly congested. Lymph drainage treatment to the lymph nodes in the neck will often alleviate this problem. (See Lymphatic malfunction).
Back Pain and Associated Problems
Pain in any part of the neck and back is almost always due to a muscle cramp - there is a slight ache if only a few fibres cramp to an agonising pain if the whole muscle is involved. Facet joints at any level of the spine can press upon spinal nerves causing associated referred pain, and this can be felt in the arm, leg, head or trunk.
The sympathetic nerve centres (sympathetic ganglion) lie virtually on the muscles of the spine. Muscle spasm causes the nerve centres to become waterlogged producing mostly single problems but not infrequently the whole system can be involved causing serious illness (the typical symptoms of ME and chronic fatigue syndrome). Sympathetic malfunction effects mainly blood vessels, joints and the bowel. The other significant problem associated with back problems is considerable disruption of a person's sex life. The effect of pain is obvious but other problems like loss of libido and impotence can be explained by the sympathetic upset.
Back Treatment
Treatment must be directed at the basic cause of back pain and this is a bruised facet joint. The pressure of the protective muscle spasm must be relaxed, the poor blood circulation from the loss of the muscle pump must be improved, and the associated tissues require stretching to counteract the shortening that takes place through years of the spasm pulling the vertebrae together. This can be achieved by physical medicine using The Sherwood Technique.
The Autonomic Nervous System
A large number of functions in the body take place without any conscious interference. To achieve this we have two separate and somewhat opposed nerve systems; together they are called the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic adrenalin system is responsible for all maintenance and repair in the body, including regulating all parameter levels such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and general levels of energy. It also is involved in creating a state of super efficiency to make the body more able to cope in a physical emergency such as if a lion was seen 50 metres away - fright is associated with this. The sympathetic nerve centres (sympathetic ganglia) controlling the whole system lie along the muscles of the back and rely on them for a proper circulation. This accounts for the fact that so many apparently unrelated problems such as indigestion, dizziness, depression and fatigue can be caused by a back problem.
The opposing system is the parasympathetic system that comes into its own after a meal, making the person torpid and activating all the digestive processes. The parasympathetic nerve centre (parasympathetic ganglia) lie in the brainstem protected by the skull and is not therefore prone to malfunction.
A lymphatic malfunction
The Lymphatic System is the sewage system of the body. Ducts from the tissue spaces between the cells drain the fluid through the lymph nodes back to the circulating blood. The lymph nodes are similar to sewage farms, filtering and detoxifying the fluid before recycling it. They also perform the further function of producing antibodies against foreign protein as found in invading bacteria or viruses carried to them from the tissue spaces. The Tonsils, Adenoids, and Appendix are all part of the lymphatic system.
One of the most common complaints is the recurrent streptococcal throat infection. This is relieved in many cases by the removal of the Tonsils and possibly the Adenoids denoting the fact that at least these organs can suffer damage. A number of cases, however, are only partly improved by this manoeuvre and a few not at all. In all these cases the cervical (neck) lymph nodes are to a varying extent enlarged and hard. If the Tonsils are prone to a breakdown of function - why not the lymph nodes as well? When large and hard they are either working overtime, which is unlikely in the view of the continuing nature of the illness, or overloaded, functioning poorly and partially obstructed. The fact that they can break down supports the latter view.
Consideration of other chronic infections shows that in their specific drainage areas a similar condition of enlarged and hard lymph nodes occurs. E.g. enlarged cervical (neck) nodes with chronic sinusitis and recurrent loss of voice. Enlarged ileac (abdominal) nodes with chronic cystitis and enlarged chest lymph nodes with chronic bronchitis.
This is further borne out by the fact that these nodes can be restored to normal function by treatment forcing fluid through them and by breaking up the debris in them by means of electrical and ultrasonic wave treatment. As the nodes clinically improve so, shortly afterwards, does the state of the infection and patient.
As the blockage lessens the drainage from the area improves resulting in an overall higher resistance to infection; thus of course eliminating that already present. Secondly, normal function of the lymph nodes results in a quicker and stronger antibody response. |
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