Learning skills to self-manage stress has been a saving grace for one of our Greenwich Hospital Healing Touch volunteers who experienced two episodes of TIA (transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke) at the ages of 55 and 56. The first experience occurred while enjoying lunch on vacation with her family. There were no warning signs and suddenly she could not locate her mouth, became extremely pale and complained of being thirsty.

She was too weak to hold a glass of water in her hand. The symptoms progressed to not being able to walk, speech became garbled, tongue limp and eventually collapsing. Her memory was foggy. Her balance issues became apparent right away.

The second episode occurred 14 months later when she experienced an optical migraine headache prior to the TIA. She had the same progression of symptoms, was treated in the hospital with the same diagnosis. This was her "wake-up" call; she became committed to a healthy diet and exercise program, and slowly lost 40 pounds.

This woman took a training course in Healing Touch and began practicing specific techniques such as the self "chakra connection" and "mind clearing" as her daily self-care regime. Other tools she incorporated were "pain drain" when she sensed a migraine headache beginning to develop. There was no doubt in her mind that her energy and chakras (energy centers) became more open and balanced. Her physical balance improved as a result of the balance-oriented exercises at the gym and her self-care Healing Touch exercises.  

Learning how to manage stress has been a key element in her recovery and preventing another, more serious, stroke. She knows how blessed she is to be alive and that her practice of Healing Touch has been paramount in lifting the depression triggered by the stroke. As she regularly visits with patients at Greenwich Hospital, she always recommends that they experience the healing benefits of Healing Touch.

To learn more about Healing Touch services at Greenwich Hospital, call 203-863-3222.