Sherrene's vast experience has not only come to her through the years of dealing with a multitude of clients, from new born babies to
the elderly, but also through her personal life experiences.
Having been in a number of motor vehicle accidents, fallen down entire flights of stairs numerous times and having broken her back parachuting, Sherrene is no novice to the world of body stress and the severe, chronic pain and stiffness associated with it. At one time
she was bedridden for three weeks, almost paralysed, hardly able to move.
An overload of stored physical/mechanical, mental/emotional or chemical stress can limit the body's ability to effectively restore the natural homeostasis (balance). By accepting less than 100% health we allow this lack of coping to manifest as pain, stiffness, organ malfunction
and even ongoing illness.
The BSR technique requires Sherrene to use her soothing hands to apply very specific stimuli to the particular areas of the body, where
the stored body stress is present. By doing this Sherrene is bringing the brain's awareness to the point of stress i.e. restoring communication, which in turn stimulates the body's inherent ability to heal itself, alleviate pain and restore mobility. By honouring this process we can strive to experience Pain-Free Living!
CAUSES OF BODY STRESS
Many of Sherrene's clients have experienced the jarring effect of accidents, falls, heavy or incorrect lifting or bending, which has strained ligaments and muscles resulting in stress being stored in different body structures. The wrong kinds of, or excessive exercise - especially those which involve twisting movements or repeated forward bending have often induced stress in Sherrene's client's spinal structures and peripheral joints. Other causes have been poor posture during sitting or standing which too can exert continual stress to the structures involved.
EFFECTS OF BODY STRESS
Stored tension or stress can irritate the nervous system undermining or disturbing the normal function of the areas of the body they supply.
The spinal structure is a highway of communication to all areas of the body, including limbs, torso, organs, skin and head. Thus we may experience pain, spasms, numbness, weakness, stiffness, headaches and even organ malfunction if the communication to these areas is restricted.
Sherrene's clients have often complained of less obvious indicators than those listed above e.g. tiredness, depression, irritability, loss of
vision or taste, lack of control of bowel movements or bladder.
Sometimes Sherrene's clients are not aware of any particular indicator of body stress other than that they just do not feel right and cannot explain why.
NECK ~ Neck stress can be brought about from any 'jarring or jerking' experience like falling, whiplash from a motor vehicle accident or
even a roller coaster ride. Body stress creeps into the neck structures from tilting the head forwards (reading) or backwards (as on the backwash at the hairdresser). Emotions also have a great part to play in neck stress, intense anger, anxiety or shock can cause the
shoulders to hunch forward and neck and jaw muscles to tighten. On-going emotional issues or depression can also cause postural distortions.
After falling down flights of stairs and numerous motor vehicle accidents Sherrene experienced on-going issues such as Torticollis (sideways twist to the neck), jaw locking and extreme headaches. One may find that they may have pain or pins and needles down
the arms and into the hands. One may also experience issues with digestion, breathing and even pseudo heart attacks. Often there may
also be sensations of dizziness or nausea, burning, dry mouth or excess saliva. All of which can be the result of body stress stored in the cervical region putting pressure on the spinal nerves.
Chemical stresses also impact on the neck and can be caused by exposure to outside influences to which one is sensitive i.e. harmful chemicals, products or fumes which we inhale and substances which we absorb through the skin. Some people react adversely to certain foods, preservatives and colourants. Very often an infection, such as the flu or cold virus, will result in neck stress.
MID AND UPPER BACK ~ We may experience a mild, nagging ache between the shoulder blades, or possibly a persistent itching. Body stress may manifest as a severe stabbing pain in this area, or in the chest. This may also occur as a painful spasm of the diaphragm muscle, the pain is worsened by deep breathing, and can even present as a pseudo heart attack. Diaphragm stress may result in indigestion or heartburn, or a feeling of breathlessness.
The chest and back areas may be strained by working in a hunched or twisted posture, e.g. bending over a sewing machine, doing woodwork, etc. Body stress may also be caused by lifting heavy objects or by holding something up for a long time, like hanging up curtains.
Besides the mechanical causes mentioned above, there may be emotional issues, such as shock or anxiety, e.g. the typical "butterflies
in the stomach" feeling. In addition the cause may be chemical, e.g. irritation from eating or drinking something spicy, acid or very cold.
Body stress in the mid and upper back may have an impact on the nerve supply to various internal organs, such as heart, lungs, kidney
and bladder, and can interfere with their normal function.
LOWER BACK ~ Is the foundation of our body ~ Pressure from body stress in this area can irritate the spinal nerves affecting communication to the abdomen, groin, hips, legs, including the feet. One may experience back pain, stiffness and lack of mobility; not forgetting malfunction of the bladder, bowel and even the reproductive organs. When the sciatic nerve is impinged this results in pain or numbness into the buttock and down the legs; this can also include weakness.
The compression effect in the lower back may be so severe that the back muscles 'lock-up' in a protective spasm, pulling the spine sideways or forwards. Often we feel the need to bend forward and reverse the lower back curve. This may give temporary relief from back pain, as it causes the joint spaces to open up in the spinal structure, thus reducing pressure on spinal nerves for a short time (this is exactly what
Sherrene did when she broke her back, not realizing the implications of doing so!), however, this posture then exerts further pressure
on the discs and in time the back walls of the discs may weaken and develop a bulge. This would result in extreme pressure being exerted
on a spinal nerve.
A few years later Sherrene had two experiences of "prolapsed lumbar discs" (slipped discs), and whilst her body was trying to
brace and support the traumatised region she was left doubled over in pain with horrendous spasms in her lower back.
ARMS & LEGS
THE SHOULDER JOINT ~ Actions like reaching above the head, stretching the arm backwards or jarring effects in sports like tennis, may strain the ligaments and muscles of the shoulder and tension becomes locked into the joint. The shoulder may be stiff and painful or even "frozen", i.e. its mobility is severely restricted.
THE ELBOW, WRIST AND HAND ~ These joints may be stressed by jarring the arm, as in a fall or by twisting movements, such as using
a screwdriver or opening a tight jar.
Note:~ As the nerve supply to the arms and hands originates from the neck, it is essential that body stress in the neck is released. In many instances, pain, stiffness and numbness in the arm or hand is due to compression in the neck and not to body stress in the arm itself.
THE HIPJOINT ~ As tension becomes locked into the hip joint there may be restricted mobility, a sharp jabbing pain deep in the joint, a
milder ache when walking or dancing or a feeling of instability.
THE KNEE JOINT ~ Body stress in the knee, besides being painful, may weaken the knee to the point of collapsing when any pressure is exerted on the leg, as in going up or down stairs.
THE ANKLE AND FOOT ~ Body stress may become locked into the joints if a person jars or twists the ankle, as in stepping off a pavement incorrectly, or as a result of a kicking action. Besides pain, there may be the sensation of the ankle collapsing when placing the weight of
the body on that leg.
Note:~ As the nerve supply to the legs and feet originates from the lower back, it is vital that body stress in this area of the spine is
released. Very commonly, any pain, stiffness or numbness in the legs or feet is a result of compression in the lower back.
BABIES AND CHILDREN ~ Sherrene says 'Keeping a child's body free of body stress, assists in ensuring that the growth
and development continue to be normal and healthy'.
The birth process, natural or not, is stressful to the baby. It makes sense to have a baby assessed for body stress within a few months of
the birth. A common sign that a baby has body stress in the neck or diaphragm is colic or constant crying for no apparent reason. When
body stress is present in the lower back the baby will cry when the hips are lifted while the nappy is being changed and may experience constipation.
Sherrene attends to the baby whilst he/she is lying on the mother's chest or lap. The pressure applied is very light and comfortable
for the baby. After the stored stress is released a baby will often fall into a sound sleep.
Children can accumulate body stress from frequent falls and jerks while playing, or trying to lift heavy objects. Children may sit hunched
over whilst reading or studying which induces stress in the neck and lower back. Watching television whilst in a half-lying position reverses
the normal lumbar curve and can cause pressure to build up along the spine.
Small children cannot always verbalise what they are feeling, but the parents may observe signs indicating the presence of body stress.
For example, a normally good-natured child will become sullen and un-cooperative, or the child may talk about a "funny feeling in the tummy", or complain of sore legs (so-called growing pains). Toddlers who refuse to walk and demand to be carried, are very likely have body stress
in the lower back. The leg muscles may be affected, causing a tendency of the feet to turn inwards or outwards. Bed-wetting may occur if
the nerve supply to the bladder is irritated.
Sherrene really empathises with children at school labeled 'clumsy or hyperactive' when they lack concentration or are restless
and unable to sit still. Often the child has tension in the neck or pressure in the lower back resulting in discomfort causing the child to fidget.
Approaching puberty children often become more self-conscious and may develop poor posture, their muscles may tighten and tension becomes locked into the body.
Babies & children generally resonate well with Sherrene and respond very quickly to BSR, as the pressure has not been present in
the body for a long time and is readily released.
PREGNANT MUMS ~ to have a stress free pregnancy is vital for you and the baby. It is safe to have BSR right up to your due date.
This will ensure the pelvic structure is more relaxed and add to the ease of the birth. Not to mention alleviate lower back tension as your body changes to cope with the growth of the little one.
the elderly, but also through her personal life experiences.
Having been in a number of motor vehicle accidents, fallen down entire flights of stairs numerous times and having broken her back parachuting, Sherrene is no novice to the world of body stress and the severe, chronic pain and stiffness associated with it. At one time
she was bedridden for three weeks, almost paralysed, hardly able to move.
An overload of stored physical/mechanical, mental/emotional or chemical stress can limit the body's ability to effectively restore the natural homeostasis (balance). By accepting less than 100% health we allow this lack of coping to manifest as pain, stiffness, organ malfunction
and even ongoing illness.
The BSR technique requires Sherrene to use her soothing hands to apply very specific stimuli to the particular areas of the body, where
the stored body stress is present. By doing this Sherrene is bringing the brain's awareness to the point of stress i.e. restoring communication, which in turn stimulates the body's inherent ability to heal itself, alleviate pain and restore mobility. By honouring this process we can strive to experience Pain-Free Living!
CAUSES OF BODY STRESS
Many of Sherrene's clients have experienced the jarring effect of accidents, falls, heavy or incorrect lifting or bending, which has strained ligaments and muscles resulting in stress being stored in different body structures. The wrong kinds of, or excessive exercise - especially those which involve twisting movements or repeated forward bending have often induced stress in Sherrene's client's spinal structures and peripheral joints. Other causes have been poor posture during sitting or standing which too can exert continual stress to the structures involved.
EFFECTS OF BODY STRESS
Stored tension or stress can irritate the nervous system undermining or disturbing the normal function of the areas of the body they supply.
The spinal structure is a highway of communication to all areas of the body, including limbs, torso, organs, skin and head. Thus we may experience pain, spasms, numbness, weakness, stiffness, headaches and even organ malfunction if the communication to these areas is restricted.
Sherrene's clients have often complained of less obvious indicators than those listed above e.g. tiredness, depression, irritability, loss of
vision or taste, lack of control of bowel movements or bladder.
Sometimes Sherrene's clients are not aware of any particular indicator of body stress other than that they just do not feel right and cannot explain why.
NECK ~ Neck stress can be brought about from any 'jarring or jerking' experience like falling, whiplash from a motor vehicle accident or
even a roller coaster ride. Body stress creeps into the neck structures from tilting the head forwards (reading) or backwards (as on the backwash at the hairdresser). Emotions also have a great part to play in neck stress, intense anger, anxiety or shock can cause the
shoulders to hunch forward and neck and jaw muscles to tighten. On-going emotional issues or depression can also cause postural distortions.
After falling down flights of stairs and numerous motor vehicle accidents Sherrene experienced on-going issues such as Torticollis (sideways twist to the neck), jaw locking and extreme headaches. One may find that they may have pain or pins and needles down
the arms and into the hands. One may also experience issues with digestion, breathing and even pseudo heart attacks. Often there may
also be sensations of dizziness or nausea, burning, dry mouth or excess saliva. All of which can be the result of body stress stored in the cervical region putting pressure on the spinal nerves.
Chemical stresses also impact on the neck and can be caused by exposure to outside influences to which one is sensitive i.e. harmful chemicals, products or fumes which we inhale and substances which we absorb through the skin. Some people react adversely to certain foods, preservatives and colourants. Very often an infection, such as the flu or cold virus, will result in neck stress.
MID AND UPPER BACK ~ We may experience a mild, nagging ache between the shoulder blades, or possibly a persistent itching. Body stress may manifest as a severe stabbing pain in this area, or in the chest. This may also occur as a painful spasm of the diaphragm muscle, the pain is worsened by deep breathing, and can even present as a pseudo heart attack. Diaphragm stress may result in indigestion or heartburn, or a feeling of breathlessness.
The chest and back areas may be strained by working in a hunched or twisted posture, e.g. bending over a sewing machine, doing woodwork, etc. Body stress may also be caused by lifting heavy objects or by holding something up for a long time, like hanging up curtains.
Besides the mechanical causes mentioned above, there may be emotional issues, such as shock or anxiety, e.g. the typical "butterflies
in the stomach" feeling. In addition the cause may be chemical, e.g. irritation from eating or drinking something spicy, acid or very cold.
Body stress in the mid and upper back may have an impact on the nerve supply to various internal organs, such as heart, lungs, kidney
and bladder, and can interfere with their normal function.
LOWER BACK ~ Is the foundation of our body ~ Pressure from body stress in this area can irritate the spinal nerves affecting communication to the abdomen, groin, hips, legs, including the feet. One may experience back pain, stiffness and lack of mobility; not forgetting malfunction of the bladder, bowel and even the reproductive organs. When the sciatic nerve is impinged this results in pain or numbness into the buttock and down the legs; this can also include weakness.
The compression effect in the lower back may be so severe that the back muscles 'lock-up' in a protective spasm, pulling the spine sideways or forwards. Often we feel the need to bend forward and reverse the lower back curve. This may give temporary relief from back pain, as it causes the joint spaces to open up in the spinal structure, thus reducing pressure on spinal nerves for a short time (this is exactly what
Sherrene did when she broke her back, not realizing the implications of doing so!), however, this posture then exerts further pressure
on the discs and in time the back walls of the discs may weaken and develop a bulge. This would result in extreme pressure being exerted
on a spinal nerve.
A few years later Sherrene had two experiences of "prolapsed lumbar discs" (slipped discs), and whilst her body was trying to
brace and support the traumatised region she was left doubled over in pain with horrendous spasms in her lower back.
ARMS & LEGS
THE SHOULDER JOINT ~ Actions like reaching above the head, stretching the arm backwards or jarring effects in sports like tennis, may strain the ligaments and muscles of the shoulder and tension becomes locked into the joint. The shoulder may be stiff and painful or even "frozen", i.e. its mobility is severely restricted.
THE ELBOW, WRIST AND HAND ~ These joints may be stressed by jarring the arm, as in a fall or by twisting movements, such as using
a screwdriver or opening a tight jar.
Note:~ As the nerve supply to the arms and hands originates from the neck, it is essential that body stress in the neck is released. In many instances, pain, stiffness and numbness in the arm or hand is due to compression in the neck and not to body stress in the arm itself.
THE HIPJOINT ~ As tension becomes locked into the hip joint there may be restricted mobility, a sharp jabbing pain deep in the joint, a
milder ache when walking or dancing or a feeling of instability.
THE KNEE JOINT ~ Body stress in the knee, besides being painful, may weaken the knee to the point of collapsing when any pressure is exerted on the leg, as in going up or down stairs.
THE ANKLE AND FOOT ~ Body stress may become locked into the joints if a person jars or twists the ankle, as in stepping off a pavement incorrectly, or as a result of a kicking action. Besides pain, there may be the sensation of the ankle collapsing when placing the weight of
the body on that leg.
Note:~ As the nerve supply to the legs and feet originates from the lower back, it is vital that body stress in this area of the spine is
released. Very commonly, any pain, stiffness or numbness in the legs or feet is a result of compression in the lower back.
BABIES AND CHILDREN ~ Sherrene says 'Keeping a child's body free of body stress, assists in ensuring that the growth
and development continue to be normal and healthy'.
The birth process, natural or not, is stressful to the baby. It makes sense to have a baby assessed for body stress within a few months of
the birth. A common sign that a baby has body stress in the neck or diaphragm is colic or constant crying for no apparent reason. When
body stress is present in the lower back the baby will cry when the hips are lifted while the nappy is being changed and may experience constipation.
Sherrene attends to the baby whilst he/she is lying on the mother's chest or lap. The pressure applied is very light and comfortable
for the baby. After the stored stress is released a baby will often fall into a sound sleep.
Children can accumulate body stress from frequent falls and jerks while playing, or trying to lift heavy objects. Children may sit hunched
over whilst reading or studying which induces stress in the neck and lower back. Watching television whilst in a half-lying position reverses
the normal lumbar curve and can cause pressure to build up along the spine.
Small children cannot always verbalise what they are feeling, but the parents may observe signs indicating the presence of body stress.
For example, a normally good-natured child will become sullen and un-cooperative, or the child may talk about a "funny feeling in the tummy", or complain of sore legs (so-called growing pains). Toddlers who refuse to walk and demand to be carried, are very likely have body stress
in the lower back. The leg muscles may be affected, causing a tendency of the feet to turn inwards or outwards. Bed-wetting may occur if
the nerve supply to the bladder is irritated.
Sherrene really empathises with children at school labeled 'clumsy or hyperactive' when they lack concentration or are restless
and unable to sit still. Often the child has tension in the neck or pressure in the lower back resulting in discomfort causing the child to fidget.
Approaching puberty children often become more self-conscious and may develop poor posture, their muscles may tighten and tension becomes locked into the body.
Babies & children generally resonate well with Sherrene and respond very quickly to BSR, as the pressure has not been present in
the body for a long time and is readily released.
PREGNANT MUMS ~ to have a stress free pregnancy is vital for you and the baby. It is safe to have BSR right up to your due date.
This will ensure the pelvic structure is more relaxed and add to the ease of the birth. Not to mention alleviate lower back tension as your body changes to cope with the growth of the little one.
BODY STRESS RELEASE (BSR) is a
non-therapeutic complementary health profession.
It is concerned with assisting the body to release
stored tension, thereby allowing it to maximise its
in-built ability to maintain and heal itself. This
technique has been developed and practiced in
South Africa since 1981. We now have
practitioners worldwide.
Sherrene Coston is a trained BSR professional who exudes a nurturing, caring and empathetic demeanour whilst guiding her clients gently down the path to Pain-Free Living. By creating an awareness and increased understanding of how logically the body works, Sherrene has assisted clients with a myriad of issues, from cervical (neck) pain, lumbar (lower back) pain, thoracic (mid back) pain, cranial stress (headaches), issues with digestion, elimination, exhaustion, babies with colic, restless children and even those with low muscle tone, to name a few. Sherrene delights in assisting clients to release their body stress and in turn encouraging them to lead more healthy Pain-Free lives, whilst at the same time using the BSR technique to release stored body stress.
Sherrene Coston is a trained BSR professional who exudes a nurturing, caring and empathetic demeanour whilst guiding her clients gently down the path to Pain-Free Living. By creating an awareness and increased understanding of how logically the body works, Sherrene has assisted clients with a myriad of issues, from cervical (neck) pain, lumbar (lower back) pain, thoracic (mid back) pain, cranial stress (headaches), issues with digestion, elimination, exhaustion, babies with colic, restless children and even those with low muscle tone, to name a few. Sherrene delights in assisting clients to release their body stress and in turn encouraging them to lead more healthy Pain-Free lives, whilst at the same time using the BSR technique to release stored body stress.
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All Design & graphics subject to Copyright, Kerry Pavitt. Text content copyright, Kerry Pavitt. 16/08/2011. All Rights Reserved. kp.v1.16.08.2011
All Design & graphics subject to Copyright, Kerry Pavitt. Text content copyright, Kerry Pavitt. 16/08/2011. All Rights Reserved. kp.v1.16.08.2011
Body Stress Release Practitioner
MBSRA * M COCHASA
MBSRA * M COCHASA
Passionate about guiding health conscious clients to Pain Free Living & Wellness