Soaking in the water is the BEST treatment for my pain issues.

I had always attributed it to the buoyancy of the water easing the load on my vertebrae and that I've always associated the water with relaxation.

A book that I've read called Earthing (google Earthing or grounding) talks about the effects positive free radicals on affecting our health. It claims that grounding, getting back to walking barefoot in the grass, dirt, or sand allows our bodies to get negative ions from the earth to combat free radicals. According to that theory, floating around in water, exposing most of your body to the effect of the earths negative ions, whether from the sea, or even in an inground pool, helps fight the free radicals. The book also promoted the companies grounding products, including chair pads and sheets. I am normally a skeptical cynic. I purchased a grounding sheet after not being able to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time for years since my pain issues started. Now I am able to get my 10+ hours (that seems to be what my body requires now), no problem.

I agree Finz. I also love the water and agree that the buoyancy is a wonderful thing.

I had a good friend of mine recently tell me something similar to what you’re describing in the book you mentioned. She told me I should go stand in the dirt in my garden. Something to do with energy. I will have to check out the book you mentioned.

All my life I had been an avid swimmer, and after CRPS I found myself a little unsure of myself, meaning I wasn’t sure if my legs would cramp up really bad, or something like that while swimming. But to my surprise I can still swim. The trick for me is knowing when to stop. I love it so much I don’t want to quit.

You know, that is very true Finz. I hadn't thought of it in that kind of way. I like to go outside my front door just before bed and stand barefoot on the ground outside breathing deeply and looking at the sky. I suppose that is 'grounding' or 'earthing' although I'd never thought of it like that. It just calms me and I feel a little better before I go up to bed.

I'm looking for a small cheap paddling pool at the moment, I really miss the sea, and I thought if I put some sand, shells and pebbles in the bottom (we brought a few back from the Scillys) I could swish my feet in it and pretend...sounds a bit mad I know, but when I was there I sometimes walked in the sea's edge, closed my eyes and imagined taking the sensations and calmness away back home with me. Bit of a nutter on the quiet I suspect lol . You just sort of want to get as close to that feeling as you can - might not work of course.

Thanks guys

Bram.

Bram, that sounds like setting up the best sensory scenario to go with visualization of your perfect little piece of paradise from vacation.

We got one of these £330 http://www.splashandrelax.co.uk/prod...5%22/477315141

can;t even step out into the garden but wife and grandkids love it

I remember now - about 6 months ago I was reading around and came across the negative ions v. free radicals idea for pain, and looked at this site selling stuff. I nearly bought a bracelet claiming to emit negative ions, but it wasn't cheap. Maybe I should have? Good to know you had some success with it....might be worth a try. Hell of a lot cheaper than a trip to the Scillys, bless 'em!

Bram.