The ME/CFS Society of NSW Inc.

General Benefits of Massage

• There is evidence of physical, psychological and physiological benefits of massage.
• Physical contact with skin and muscle and fascia can loosen and soften stiff muscles.
• Massage may improve the immune system.
• Massage can assist the body to release certain chemicals to help with relaxation, improve blood circulation and get rid of toxic substances which build up in our bodies and muscles as they work.

A recent University of Iowa study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue and may help explain why more women than men are diagnosed with chronic pain and fatigue conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

This year, Awareness Week is Monday 12 May – Sun 18 May, with Awareness day falling on the 12 May. Each year we work hard to spread awareness of this dreadful illness in the hope of garnering better understanding from friends, family, colleagues and the community-at-large, as well as appropriate treatment plans and an increase in research into ME/CFS and related conditions. It would be great if you could all wear a blue awareness ribbon during the week to catch people’s attention.

Clinical Guidelines and Brochures available for download. These documents requires 'Adobe Acrobat Reader', which can be downloaded for free by clicking here.

ME/CFS Guidelines - Management Guidelines for General Practitioners "The South Australian Guidelines"

Canadian Consensus Document for ME/CFS "The Canadian Guidelines"

by Jana Fleming

How easy it is to listen but how hard it is to hear.

How often do we miss hearing what we need to, just because we don’t know how to listen? I know I have, often. Much of my illness has been about learning how to listen. Listen to my body, my mind, my spirit and most of all myself. How often did you miss hearing what ‘you’ were actually saying because the noise around you was so much louder? That noise might be family, friends, doctors, all with valid things to say but if all you hear is them then what about you? What about your voice?

There are few things that can top a hobby that gives you an outlet for your creative energy, improves your fine motor skills AND gives you a stunning piece of jewellery or art on completion.

Beading and bead jewellery making have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and it doesn't look like they will be moving out of the spotlight any time soon. With this boom in popularity has come a wider range of materials, and easier access to patterns and project sheets, making this hobby accessible to almost everyone.