Many drugs that were previously available only through prescription are now available over-the-counter. Today drugs are so common and easily obtained people just assume they are safe. After all, would multi-million dollar companies offer drugs for sale if they weren’t safe? Wouldn’t the FDA ban medications that could harm or possibly even kill you? Sure, if they knew they were dangerous. But the method of determining which drugs are safe and which drugs are deadly may surprise you. Many times the tests are determined through the use of guinea pigs, which very likely includes you.

Drugs are allowed for sale to the public with the assumption that they are safe. Then, once the public begins using a particular drug in masses the negative side effects will start appearing, side effects that can include dizziness, nausea, internal bleeding, blood pressure increases, heart problems and even death. Not too long ago there were diet pills containing ephedrine that the public was going crazy for. But ephedrine failed its “public test” when it was discovered that it caused death. Tylenol active ingredient acetaminophen is often used for migraine headache relief, but kills people every year because of the liver damage it can cause. Even Ibuprofen and aspirin, pain killers often used for migraine headaches, can be deadly for some. Although the risk is small it is still a risk that should not be taken lightly.

The October 1995 Archives of Internal Medicine reveal the startling results of a study that reviewed the overall effects of prescription drugs on health and well-being. According to the authors, drug related illness from LEGAL drugs should be considered a leading disease in its own right. In 1992, about 200,000 people in the United States died as a result of complications from legal prescription medicine. This does not include over-the-counter drugs or illegal drugs.

Incorrectly prescribed medications kill approximately 180,000 people each year. Only about 1,500 people died when the Titanic sank and yet this horrific and preventable event was, and still is, world news. It changed forever the perception and practice of sea travel, ship construction and passenger safety. But when 180,000 people die, the equivalent of about 120 Titanics sinking each year, hardly anyone even takes notice. As reported in 1994 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, incorrectly prescribed medications kill an estimated 180,000 people each year. This claims more American lives annually than crime and car accidents combined.

Some people experience such severe migraine headaches they seek the help of a doctor. But doctors are not immune to errors either. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported recently that iatrogenic illness illness caused by medical errors or reactions to drugs and medical treatment has become the third largest killer of Americans, exceeded only by heart disease and cancer.

A team of medical doctors, lawyers and analysts at Harvard University conducted the largest and most comprehensive investigation of medical malpractice and concluded that 75,000 Americans are killed every year by medical treatment through gross negligence. That is equivalent to 50 Titanics sinking per year. For all their successes, doctors must contend with the fact that many people become sick from either medical errors or reactions to their drugs or medical treatment. Where are the headlines? The outcries?

And the number of deaths due to drugs continues to rise. USA Today, on February 27, 1998, reported that the number of deaths caused by prescription drug errors increased at a rate only exceeded by the number of deaths caused by AIDS. In 1983, 1 out of 539 outpatient deaths was due to a medication error wrong dosage or wrong drug. By 1993 however, 1 out of every 131 outpatient deaths was due to a medication error.

Admittedly, doctors do save lives and help ease people’s pain. They perform a great duty that should not go unheralded. But pain sufferers should start taking responsibility for their own actions. Nobody is more concerned about your health than you are, not the doctor, not the nurses, not your neighbors. Search out and study all of the information that is available before taking a medication that could cause bodily harm. Pain sufferers should ponder both the pros and the cons, the possible pain relief and the possible dangers of the drugs they may end up ingesting.

Deepak Chopra, M.D. in his book Quantum Healing states The frustrating reality, as far as medical researchers are concerned, is that we already know that the living body is the best pharmacy ever devised. It produces diuretics, painkillers, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antibiotics, and indeed everything manufactured by the drug companies, but it makes them much, much better. The dosage is always right and given on time; side effects are minimal or nonexistent; and the directions for using the drug are included in the drug itself, as part of its built-in intelligence.

“Is the possible pain relief worth the risk?” This is the question that you should be asking yourself.

Noted Herbalist Discusses the Active Mechanisms of Swiss Medicas OTC BB SWME O24 According to Mike Vertolli, who is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost herbalists, Although it is still in its infancy, research of herbal products and essential oils has increased significantly in the last ten years.”

Vertolli was a member of Health Canadas advisory panel on natural health products Canadas equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He believes there are constituents within the O24 Essential Oil pain relief product, which may act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Vertolli explained that the constituents within the O24 pain relief product have undergone rigorous clinical testing. This could help explain why O24 has become widely accepted in a short period of time.

Take for example carnosol, which is a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol found in rosemary. In a study published in the June 2002 issue of Carcinogenesis, biochemists researching anticarcinogenic properties at the College of Medicines Institute of Biochemistry at National Taiwan University found that carnosol may suppress nitric oxide production. That may help explain the anti-inflammatory action of the rosemary essential oil component in O24. Nitric oxide, which is released during inflammation, is a free radical that can damage DNA. Because cancer is often associated with states of chronic inflammation, O24 may be a potential alternative to anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed to cancer patients. Historically, rosemary was used as an antispasmodic, but recent research confirms its medicinal properties may be broader.

According to the American Chemical Society, which recently named the 1,8-cineole its “Molecule of the Week,” there may be a scientific reason why the O24 Essential Oil Pain Neutralizer product has out-performed other topical products in comparative testing. The cineole molecule is a major constituent of white camphor, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. It is also a minor component of peppermint essential oil. Cineole produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostraglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene synthesis. Prostaglandin synthesis is one of the culprits which causes chronic pain to last for weeks, months or years.

An entire class of anti-inflammatory drugs has come into this culture in an effort to numb chronic pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin. Over the past few months, it has come to the general public’s attention that this method of remedying chronic pain can be deadly, i.e. the solution is worse than the problem. Most people look upon inflammation as if it is something bad,” said Vertolli. Like every physiological response, it has a purpose. Inflammation is an integral part of the healing process. If we apply a product that simply interferes with inflammation, it is going to interfere with healing as well. With O24 that is not an issue because of the rubefacient local vasodilator effects, which increase blood flow to the region thereby providing greater access to oxygen and nutrients and facilitating the removal of waste products and toxins and because there are constituents in these herbs that actually stimulate tissue healing.

What Vertolli may be suggesting is that a functional solution for most people suffering from pain may have been right under their noses throughout the twentieth century to this present day essential oils. What are essential oils? They are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils, some of which are artificially created or contain artificial substances. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant from which the oil is derived. Often, an essential oil does not have an oily feeling because it is a liquid generally distilled from a plant’s leaves, stems, flowers, bark or roots. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Mr. Vertolli cited key components within O24′s US-patented proprietary blend of essential oils may be the reasons why this topical pain reliever has been quickly and widely accepted. In the case of the 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, recent clinical research has demonstrated the molecule’s efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain, and in promoting leukemia cell death. In southeastern Asia, cineole-rich oil is a well-known remedy for the discomfort of bruises, sprains, and pulled muscles. Many use cineole-rich oil to stimulate blood circulation near the point of application. Four components of the US-patented O24 pain relief product contain cineole white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. Cineole is only one of many constituents of O24 that have scientifically documented anti-inflammatory action,” said Vertolli, The action of this product is a result of the synergistic interaction of hundreds of chemical constituents. Cineole may be an important one, but it is inaccurate to suggest that it is the only constituent that is important.”

Other important constituents include camphor white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary, pinene eucalyptus, rosemary, white camphor, menthol peppermint, white camphor, limonene lemon, sweet orange, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, menthone peppermint, carnosol rosemary, linalool sweet orange, rosemary, lemon, geraniol sweet orange, lemon, anthraquinone glycosides aloe, and dozens of others.

Not a Placebo

Components within the essential oils have long been recognized to alleviate pain. Some people might wonder whether the benefits of O24 are psychologically induced. That’s what skeptics call the ‘placebo effect.’ In other words, O24′s fast-acting and long-lasting efficacy tends to leave some consumers with the thought “Was it O24 or did it make me feel better because I believed it would work?” That’s called the placebo effect.

Scientifically, there are molecular reasons why components within O24′s essential oils quickly bring about pain relief and then extend the relief for longer than one might expect from a topical analgesic. Most topicals contain either capsaicin, often derived from chili peppers, or salicyclates. The former create a numbing effect and has historically used as an animal deterrent – added to bird seed to prevent squirrels from eating it. A new form is being proposed as a paint additive for boats to repel barnacles. There are also formulations for keeping dogs, cats and raccoons out of garbage areas. Dozens of arthritic creams incorporate capsaicin for relief from arthritic pains. Unfortunately, it may just provide those suffering from pain a distraction as opposed to effectively reducing inflammation.

Salicyclates, on the other hand, inhibit prostaglandin and thromboxane release. As with all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they bring about an analgesic impact on the body when topically applied. They work in the same way as aspirin does and attempt to provide a similar relief from pain, but on a topical level.

Both tend to give all topical pain relievers a bad name. With the addition of mineral oils, creams, paraffin or other additives water, alcohol, glycerin or another binding agent, its pain-relieving properties can be diluted. This tends to explain why the scientific community denigrates topicals as an effective solution to pain. Medical doctors shy away from the general body of topical analgesics because relief is fleeting, or lead their patients to believe it is a placebo effect.”

Yet various forms of vapor rubs, to relieve the pains of congested chests and sinuses, have sold throughout the world for decades. Such brand names, or their generics, have been doctor recommended for as long a time. Many have active ingredients that include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol and carry the phrase, topical analgesic, on their labels.

How do these differ from the O24 brand? Because many topical pain relievers contain some synthetic binding agent, its additives interfere with the deep penetrating and healing actions reportedly found in the essential oils. O24 is different because its patented process does not require binding agents such as alcohol or other ingredients. Because O24 is in a purer form than other topical relievers, many users have reported that the O24 brand works faster to relieve their pains and provides a longer-lasting relief from their aches and pains.

The dramatic impact O24 has had on those suffering from acute or chronic pain can be quite puzzling. Some have announced, “It’s a miracle!” Many are bewildered as to why O24 can effectively and consistently produce relief from pain, and it is often easier to question the pain relief. Understanding the mechanism of why O24 works may help dismiss the inherent, and expected, skepticism many have until they actually try it for themselves.

Inhibiting Prostaglandin and Thromboxane Synthesis

There are specific components within the essential oils, which parallel the actions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This requires a brief overview of how aspirin, aspirin-like drugs such as the class of COX-1 inhibitors ibuprofen, naproxen and the COX-2 inhibitors generically the coxibs sold as brand names Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra impact the body.

Those with arthritis or rheumatism may be familiar with prostaglandins. These are pain mediators in the human body, and are found in nearly all tissues and organs. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances, a group of lipid compounds derived from fatty acids. They are produced from a precursor molecule called arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. The arachidonic acid pathway is one of the main pain- and inflammation-producing mechanisms. Not only are the prostaglandins produced, but so are thromboxane and the leukotrienes which cause asthma symptoms. While prostaglandins participate in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, the control of blood pressure and the modulation of inflammation, thromboxane A2 is involved in the constriction of vascular and respiratory smooth muscles.

Discovered in 1971 that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories could inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, biochemist Sir John Vane and his colleagues won the 1982 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their research demonstrated that the potency of the anti-inflammatory medicines were proportional to how well they performed as COX-1 inhibitors. But, they also discovered that cyclooxygenase inhibition led to toxic side effects non-steroidal anti-inflammatories cause erosive gastritis and renal toxicity.

Wonder drugs,” such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, were designed to prevent gastric bleeding gastric bleeding reportedly causes more than 16,000 deaths annually and has been called a silent epidemic”. The COX-2 inhibitors are said to interfere with the prostaglandin production process. This restraining action is what made COX-2 inhibitors popular. By hindering prostaglandin synthesis, someone in chronic pain was able to alleviate his or her suffering. Unfortunately, because of the recent controversy surrounding the COX-2 class, such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra, many arthritis sufferers have returned to the COX-1 inhibitors gastric bleeding that reportedly results in more than 100,000 hospitalizations annually. Common COX-1 inhibitors are probably found in your medicine cabinet ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

In Vertolli’s research into why O24 works, he found evidence suggesting that constituents within several of the essential oils inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. He wrote, “Anthraquinones, the primary active constituents in oil-based extracts of whole aloe leaf, reduce inflammation by dilating local blood vessels via inhibition of thromboxane and prostaglandin synthesis.” He also noted menthol, which is found in numerous topical pain relievers, and is a major component of peppermint essential oil. Vertolli wrote, “Menthol produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of prostaglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene synthesis. It also increases local circulation by dilating the blood cells.”

Vertolli is very enthusiastic about the rosemary essential oil in O24. Rarely is it found in a pain relief product, which is odd because of clinical research on the anti-inflammatory action of a main constituent, carnosol, discussed earlier in this article. He explained, Rosemary reduces inflammation by protecting blood vessels, blood cells, and blood fats from oxidative stress. It also reduces inflammation and pain by inhibition of complement proteins. Rosemary essential oil improves local circulation by dilating the blood vessels relaxing the smooth muscles that line the blood vessels and reduces tissue swelling by reducing capillary leakage.” Blood leakage physically manifests itself as a bruise on the skin. Dr. Allan N. Fields, Swiss Medicas medical spokesman, has recommended O24 for bruises, as a mean to reduce swelling and to accelerate the recovery period.

Finally, Vertolli returns to cineole, which he calls a fairly strong constituent” and is found in white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. Vertolli also writes, “I specifically focused on the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, relaxant and antispasmodic properties because that is what the product is being used for. I am confident you would find that O24 might reduce congestion in the nasal passages and lungs if applied to the chest. It might even help relieve tension headaches if massaged on the temples, although it is premature to recommend the use of O24 for headaches.”

Did you know that approximately 70 million Americans may have arthritis in one form or another, and that you may be one of them? Think theres nothing you can do about it? Well, heres some great news! You can act right now to lessen the incidence of arthritis or to reduce the pain and discomfort that typically accompanies the disease. Here are ten simple steps that can improve your health, emotional outlook, and pain level, and generally make it easier to cope with arthritis.

1. Pay attention to symptoms and see your doctor. If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it’s time to see your doctor. Only a doctor can tell if it’s arthritis. Write down observations and symptoms as they occur. Put them in your purse or wallet before your next doctors visit. That way, youll have them with you when you see the doctor.

2. Get an accurate diagnosis. You have arthritis” is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100 types, and each one requires different treatments. Getting the right treatment requires getting the right diagnosis.

3. Start early. The earlier, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment can often mean less joint damage and less pain.

4. Avoid Excess Stress on Joints. Exercise to reduce pain and fatigue and to increase range of motion. It relieves stress and can help enable you to maintain your daily activities. Use simple stretching techniques to keep joints and muscles flexible. Exercising in the water can build strength and increase range of motion while the waters buoyancy reduces wear and tear on sore joints. Use assistive devices to make tasks easier.

5. Watch your weight. Try to maintain the recommended weight for your age and body type. Every extra pound means added stress to your knees and hips. Excess weight can mean more pain, contribute to and aggravate osteoarthritis, and increase your risk of gout. Follow a healthy diet regimen. Research has shown the importance of antioxidants in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression.

6. Take your medication just as your doctor prescribes. If youre tempted to stop because you feel its not working or you believe its causing side effects, call your doctor first. It can take weeks, or even months, for the full benefits of a medication to become apparent, and some side effects ease over time. Stopping a medication abruptly may not only cause you to miss out on its benefits, it can be downright dangerous. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications youre taking, both prescription and over the counter.

7. Protect yourself when you go out into the sun. Some forms of arthritis, as well as certain medications, can leave you more vulnerable to the suns harmful rays. At a minimum, use sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for protection.

8. Talk to Someone About Arthritis. Each week, commit to learning something new about arthritis and sharing it with others. Understanding your disease is an important step in managing it. Talk with family, friends, and co-workers. A support group is important and the more they understand about how arthritis affects your life, the more theyll be able to help you get through the hard times.

9. Relax. Pain can cause both physical and emotional stress. Pain and stress have similar effects on the body, e.g. increased heart rate and blood pressure; fast, shallow breathing; and muscle cramps. Relaxation can help you reverse these effects, give you a sense of well being, and make it easier to manage your pain.

10. Consider taking a nutritional supplement. If your current medication isnt working as well as youd like, or if its causing unacceptable side effects, ask your doctor about other treatment options. There are several all-natural functional health beverages available that have desirable anti-inflammatory properties. Check them out online.

Of course, there are many other ways to lessen the pain and discomfort of arthritis, but these ten are an excellent place to start. Most importantly, while arthritis may limit some of the things you can do, it doesn’t have to control your life. Build your life around wellness, and think of pain as a signal to take positive action to help you manage your condition. Think positively, eat well, and exercise regularly.

Lastly, resolve to enjoy our beautiful world. As the old saying goes, Live like theres no tomorrow; love like youve never been hurt; dance like no-one is watching.

Bruce Bailey, Ph.D.

Back pain is one thing most likely to elicit a twinge of sympathy from the hardest of hearts. It is estimated that every person in the world will suffer from it in hisher lifetime – mild to serious, chronic or temporary.

You could get an attack at any point along the spine, especially the lower back area which takes on the maximum weight and stress. Most common causes strain or bruising of muscles; sprain or injury to ligaments; and spasms when the injured muscle knots up as part of the bodys attempt to immobilize it to prevent further injury. Other causes include osteoporosis, arthritis, a slipped disc, or even excessive gas, besides more serious causes like tumors, diabetes or kidney malfunctions that emerge in a doctors clinic.

Blame it on your Lifestyle

An important factor and one that is entirely in you hands, is lifestyle. For instance, improper postures while sitting and sleeping, and carelessness during walking, stretching or playing, especially when you are overweight, are few common causes. Grand illusions of being a Hercules incarnate and lifting heavy weights or improperly hefting them around are other frequent errors.

Bad posture is the biggest culprit. Desk jobs mean sitting for hours before computers where we unconsciously slump into odd positions. Or twist our backs frequently while trying to reach for something behind or beside us, or stretch forward too far; too fast. We also unconsciously slip into awkward positions while reading or watching TV sprawled on the bed or sofa.

Sit up

Chairs with gaps at the lower back level are deadly – avoid them. And if you think you are invulnerable because you have that perfectly ergonomically designed chair; know this – most people unconsciously lean forward in such a way that their lower back moves away from the chair base and thus remains unsupported.

Get up and Walk around

Sitting anywhere, anyhow, for long periods means that dangerous pressure points develop along the back. The load on you back is the highest when you are sitting, less while standing and least when you are sleeping.

The golden rule is to get up and walk around every 15-20 minutes. When on a long drive, get out of the car, walk around, stretch you limbs after every two hours. While driving, the back of the car seat should not recline beyond 30 degrees and ideally the seat bottom should be tilted up slightly in front.

Its not a high

Avoid regular use of high heels – they hamper good posture, ruin you bodys alignment and hurt the back, feet and neck. Our feet are designed to bear the entire weight of the body evenly across their surface. However, the feet and legs are placed in and unnatural position when you wear heels. Most of the pressure is transferred to the front of the foot.

Stressed Out

The modern-day stress epidemic is another factor since back pain can be psychosomatic. Stressemotional problems both cause back pain and aggravate any existing pain. Yoga and meditation sessions are effective in such cases.

Weak stomach muscles heighten back strain and cause you pelvis to twist abnormally. Regular and proper exercise help tremendously since it keeps joints mobile, muscles conditioned and, more importantly, raises your pain threshold.

Dont over Exercise

Doctors receive many back-pain patients who are victims of improperly-trained gym instructors or half-baked yoga teachers. Suddenly launching into heavy, unaccustomed activity is a sure recipe for disaster.

On December 12th, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devestating to everyone involved. Maybe this story will help someone who is contemplating suicide to decide against it.

Suicide is not the solution that some may think it is. Problems and unresolved issues will haunt family and friends for many decades.

My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, would always ask about his uncle. He eventually learned to point up at the sky and say, “Uncle Scott”.

But the reality is that he missed out on having the benefit and support of his uncle as he grew up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be missed over the decades.

Suicide is permanent. And the effects that it has on loved ones also lasts over a life time.

My brother was only 22 years old at the time he chose to commit suicide. I was only 24.

I remember going to the viewing and seeing his lifeless body. They couldn’t quite erase all of the signs of his violent death. And that image will stick with the living for the rest of their lives.

In the end, the temporary pain someone escapes by committing suicide might be overshadowed by the pain and sadness of family and friends. That pain may continue through the decades whenever they think about it.

The missed opportunities for interaction also impedes the growth of everyone else. Countless interactions that would have occurred are all lost now.

Who knows how destiny was changed by such an event. The family that he may have had will not exist now.

The triumphs and set backs of a life will never be realized. The fulfillment of a lifetime was cut short by a decision that may have been made rashly at a moment of personal confusion or pain.

We never know who it is in our destiny to meet and interact with over a lifetime. All of those ‘plays’ of life will never be able to exist because one of the characters on the stage will not be there to fulfill his role.

So, the total sum of the tragedy is really unknown but it seems likely that over what would have amounted to decades of time, that sum must be quite high. I guess we won’t get the chance to find out.

Though I am revealing this personal family tragedy to the masses through this article, if it saves a single life, it will be worth it. Drop me a line if you ever want to talk, I would be happy to hear from you.

There are 4 foundations to The Pink Kit Method for birthing body. The 1st foundation has been put into the multi-media resource called The Pink Kit Essential Preparations for your birthing body. In the video and interactive book, expectant parents will learn the body knowledge that makes such common sense youll wonder why you havent known it before. We can map our pelvis and know our own shape. That shape helps us find positions that keep us open rather than assume that certain positions are better than others. We can create inner relaxation with the pelvic clock and create more space for our baby with the hip lift, sacral manoeuvre and sit bone spread. We can use a type of directed breathing that we can use to focus our attention, expand or relax specific areas of our body.

Childbirth is a simple plumbing exercise. An object has to come through and out of a container. To do that it must pass through a tube pelvis, open a diaphragm cervix and aperture vagina. The object likes space, room and not to have its passage bent.

In the multi-media kit is located the 2nd foundation of The Pink Kit Method on an audio tape called The Internal Work. This is the vital internal work or how to prepare your birth canal the aperture. The plumbing concept of birth seems easy yet some things get in the way. We are the container. We bring to childbirth our structure, our ability to relax or tense up and accept the process of childbirth which can be very painful or fight against it. The goal of The Pink Kit Method is for each of us to create mobility and flexibility in our structure and learn to relax even when the sensations are very painful. Fortunately we can use our incredible human mind and make choices about our behaviours when we have the skills based on our preparation. We can only make realistic choices in our behaviours when we have the knowledge. The Pink Kit is the knowledge. Preparing our birth canal

Creates a soft aperture for our baby to come through.
Teaches us to respond to the sensations in 2nd stage rather than react. Feeling we will have a bowel motion, the stinging sensations of the stretching can cause women to pull back from the down urge.
Prevents trauma to the soft tissue of our vagina.

An adjunctive resource was developed to step you through The Pink Kit video called Companion Guide. Although the sections in the video are easy to follow, many people wanted written instructions as well. This resource also introduces 3 new exercises Kates Cat, Thai Massage, Letting Down Reflex along with two new concepts Common language which develops good communication with your partnerhusband and the concept that there are defined skills for the Birth and Coach Role. These concepts are expanded in the 4th foundation New Focus Breath, Language and Touch.

Primarily the stories we told about childbirth were about the physical experience we had. We spoke about pain, or lack of it. We had back labours, failure to dilate, babies that stayed high in the pelvis, vaginas that tore, were cut or didnt open easily or ones that opened in one contraction. We had quick, very intense births and painless ones. We had long, lingering labours that didnt seem to get started and when they did we were dog tired. Story after story told of us that birth is primarily a physical experience. Some of those experiences were absolutely wonderful. Many women do just get labour. Realistically, many women dont get labour. The use of medical pain relief is an attempt to prevent women from suffering too much pain in the process of childbirth. If women were really getting labour they wont be using pain relief.

In our stories, we spoke about residual pain or lack of it. Residual pain often lasted for months or years and often laid a foundation to an unsettled early parenting period. We couldnt sit down, move our bowels, had burning when we urinated, pain on sex, vaginal wind, infections from tears or incisions, along with pain in our pubic bone or tail bone. Some women breezed through labour and the recovery. The Pink Kit Method just makes it possible for more women to do that. Maybe we wont all breeze through it, but well work better with the process in a conscious manner with the skills weve taught ourselves through our preparation. The first two foundations of The Pink Kit Method deal with some of these physical issues because we are now able to create a mobile birthing body and learn how to relax inside and prepare our birth canal.

The 3rd foundation of The Pink Kit Method is the Managing Skills. We all acknowledge that childbirth is a huge event in our lives and our children. We also know that most of us have never been to a birth and dont have a clue what happens much less what to do, how to act or behave. The Managing Skills give us more subjective yet vitally important skills. Do you know that women who niggle for several days are more likely to get tired before progressive labour establishes if they dont have good coping skills? We can prevent that by asking a simple question What do you want to do now? and learning how to calm our mind and understand this early, kind phase of childibirth. Are you aware that while in labour its vitally important to stay in the NOW and apply good management skills at each and every moment throughout your labour? We dont have to wait until the pain of labour is threatening our self control. Instead we can stay on top of the sensations when we apply our skills. Can you imagine working with your husband, partner, relative or friend really well? We can learn to form a good team between ourselves and the person or people who are their to support us.

Childbirth is a whole picture, not just another contraction. We can learn these subjective skills that work to integrate our Pink Kit preparation into our own experience. Of course, theres a section on when to use The Pink Kit skills youve taught yourself. Our stories also told of our own self management experience in and around what was happening to us or around us. In other words, there were as many women who felt good about how they had managed labour in hospital with all the assessments, monitoring and procedure and health issues as there were women who didnt feel good about how they had managed their labour even though they had accomplished a home birth.

Because our stories are so varied, the goal of The Pink Kit Method has always been passing on the labour management skills that work well in absolutely all birth situations so that each of us can come away from our birth feeling positive about our self management and how well our husbandpartner coached us. Childbirth is too full of variables or the unexpected to know what it will be like; however, we can have skills to work through the process as it unfolds. We can have skills that are adaptable and transportable into any birth situation. No woman should deprive herself of positive labour management skills regardless of her choices or the necessity in regards to maternity care or management. In other words, Common Knowledge Trust bypasses the either versus or approach to childbirth that has become familiar to so many of us. EITHER we will birth in hospital with a doctor and have a medical birth OR we will birth at home with a midwife and have a natural birth.

As we self managed labour, most of us felt that we had a natural birth even when there was a great deal of medical care. We felt that way because we felt good about how we had coped, managed and responded to our own internal process of dilating and giving birth. Many birth professionals admired our management and loved that our husbandspartners were such good coaches. They wished more couples could have such an experience. They often felt we had had lucky or easy births because they so strongly felt that childbirth is so unknown there is nothing we can do to prepare for birth. We knew we had prepared for birth and then used our good management and coaching skills to work through the unknown journey as it evolved. We had conscious births.

We not only explored our own management of labour, we also looked at the three most primal behaviours that accompanied childbirth. They are so much part of Life that we hardly notice them. However, the unique qualities of childbirth require unique applications of these ordinary human behaviours.

The 4th foundation of The Pink Kit Method is New Focus Breath, Language and Touch. We will all breathe in labour, communicate with our husbandpartner and be physically touched or not. These are human behaviours that all of us share. Within these three shared behaviours there are positive ways we can use them in labour. In the 1970s when fathers came to help us, childbirth education classes focused on breathing and relaxation techniques. As birth discussions focused more on choice birth plans and information informed consent, the skills were less stressed. In fact, a new belief around childbirth grew. This belief told women that they breathed all the time and would breathe in labour so there was nothing they needed to know. Natural birth has incorporated many beliefs that have actually acted to deskill women. Its almost as though its become admirable to believe the ideal birth is intuitive and instinctive and requires little knowledge which might interfere with the process. The stories that created The Pink Kit Method approaches clearly show us that when we have positive birth skills, we respond to the process of childbirth with a consciousness unparalleled.

Unlike our traditional counterparts who are surrounded by people closest to us who will help us each step of the way through childbirth, we are often left alone either in hospital checked periodically or a home by midwives who are giving us the space to discover our own process. Either way, we can take our amazing childbirth and coaching skills with us. When we do this, our births become a conscious highlight in our lives. Through our self learned skills we brought attunement to the birth of our children.

New Focus BLT is split into the Birth and Coach role. We have different jobs do to in labour and giving birth yet we can use the same knowledge to do those jobs well. When we work together in labour, we develop close bonds with our husband, partner, friends or relatives. Its far better to bond with those close to us than our birth provider no matter how wonderful. As a labouring woman, we are required to look within ourselves. When we coach our partner, we are looking at how she is responding to the process from within herself. When we both use The Pink Kit Method, then we stay on the same track.

In the Breath section, we learn that there are only 4 ways humans breathe. Two are positive breath behaviours in childbirth and two indicate that a woman isnt coping well with the sensations. From the birth role, we can learn how to use breath as a focus, expand areas or relax specific areas of our body. From the coach role, we can learn how to hear whether a woman is managing the sensations, how to model good breathing behaviour to help her stay on track and how to help her expand and relax specific areas.

In the Language section, we can learn the specific language that really helps women to relax. We often use general language such as relax when we see tension in a labouring woman. She is most likely to turn to you and snarl. you try, Im trying or shut up. Instead we can specifically tell her to soften in your lower back. This gives her the place and action and shell to do it. Shes momentarily forgotten or not observed that specific tension because the sensations at the moment are BIG. In this section we can learn that verbal messages take a wee bit of time to go in the ear, through the brain, to the body and back to the brain. So you learn about the importance of pausing.

Language or communication can be non-verbal as well. In labour the ability to give each other cues to convey information is important. Particularly in the rigorous part of labour, women short form communication.

In the Touch section of New Focus you learn the type of touch that produces deep internal relaxation. This form of deep, rising touch allows all the connective tissue fascia to relax. Most people dont realize the importance of fascia and how much tense can be stored there. Most people think of tension being caused by muscles. Try this so you can understand the difference between muscles which is part of soft tissue or connective tissue and fascia which is also part of softconnective tissue and what we need to relax in labour along with specific muscles.

Sit or stand and look straight ahead. Relax your head, neck and shoulders yet still keep your head facing forward. Put your index finger on your forehead about an inch above the outer edge of your eyebrow. Remember keep your head facing forward no matter what. Start to apply pressure to turn your head and continue to increase that pressure. Hopefully, youll notice that it takes very little effort to keep your head facing forward even when you apply a great deal of pressure to turn your head.

In labour, that simple fixed or frozen soft tissue inside of the container can stop mobility, openness and space. Babies need space to move through you. Couple that fixed or frozen fascia with tensing up your muscles, then you can imagine why the object might have a struggle to get out of the container. Go back to your exercise above and add muscle tension. Our coach can see muscle tension but not see connective tissue tension. Both the Birth and Coach role need to work to reduce that tension, particularly when its inside.

When we combine all these Pink Kit skills, this common sense and self knowledge we gain then we can approach childbirth with confidence in our ability to move through the process of giving birth. We dont have to like one moment of it. Often our own greatest personal achievements are the accomplishments we have during challenging experiences.