Health Notes, December 14th 2008, by Sarah Stacey

Knitting can change brain chemistry

A thunderstorm rages over the Royal United Hospital in Bath but no one in the Chronic Pain Unit community room notices.  That’s because the weekly Knitting Group is in full swing and the dozen or so women there, all of whom suffer from intense intractable pain, are completely engrossed with their clacking needles, swopping patterns and sifting through the dustbin bags of brightly coloured wools brought in by former NHS physiotherapist Betsan Corkhill, who started the group 18 months ago.

I meet many remarkable people doing this job, but Betsan, who works completely unpaid, gets my nomination for Hero of 2008.  ‘She’s a blessing,’ declares Pauline, a greyhaired patient with osteoarthritis ‘everywhere, including my hands.  When I first came to the knitting group I could hardly cast on, and one of the others had to count the stitches for me. Now I’m so much better I want to knit everything! Meeting all these folk gives you an incentive to come out even if you don’t feel like it.’ 

Everyone tells me the rhythmic action takes their mind off the pain.  ‘I can relax and get lost in my thoughts,’ says Sue, whose inoperable back pain is due to crumbling discs from lifting her disabled late son.  ‘It’s also made me feel more confident.  The pain is so raw that it tells me what I can or can’t do, but with knitting I have some control.’  Anne, an ex-nurse who has a crumbling spine and osteoarthritic knees, agrees: ‘it gives you a more positive outlook because you know you can do something.  It’s for a purpose too: we’re knitting for the special care babies here at the hospital, as well as garments for AIDS children in Africa and Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.’

Betsan specialised in elderly care and neurology over three decades.  Increasingly, she realised that even maximum doses of medication were relatively ineffective if the core issues of loneliness, self esteem, anxiety and ‘an unoccupied mind left to ruminate on problems’ were not provided for.  Disheartened by the lack of interest in these problems, Betsan left the NHS in 2002 and went to work on craft magazines.  To her surprise, she discovered ‘huge amounts’ of emails and letters extolling the health benefits of cross stitching and knitting, saying they’d helped alleviate even suicidal depression and allowed people to reduce pain medication.  Fascinated and inspired, Betsan started to research the evidence for these effects and, as well as starting the Knitting Group at Bath, set up a website stitchlinks.com, to offer ‘support, friendship and information’.

Some of the benefits of a knitting circle are obvious: ‘it provides company consolation and distraction from the pain,’ says pain specialist Monica Baird, who enthusiastically supports the project.  ‘People with longterm pain easily become isolated and unhappy.  Being part of the knitting group gently makes them feel they have a place in the world.’ She and other experts are certain there’s a neurochemical effect on the brain: ‘it undoubtedly changes brain chemistry for the better, possibly by decreasing stress hormones and increasing feel-good serotonin and dopamine.  One day, we’ll be able to explain the pathways but meanwhile it’s a cheap and accessible intervention that functions as an incredibly effective informal pain management group.  I’m sure knitting groups would make a huge difference to millions of people.’ 

Currently, Betsan is fundraising for research into the effects of knitting on the brain.  Meanwhile, all she wants for Christmas is wool. As Pauline calls out to me, ‘just ask a nice wool company for supplies please, dear.’  If you want to contribute, please email Betsan@stitchlinks.com

Preventing infections on long haul flights

For the reader who finds that long haul flights invariably result in nasty chest infections, pharmacist Shabir Daya advises supporting the immune system with Astragalus Extract by Doctor’s A-Z (£19.95 for 60 capsules), take one capsule  twice daily from ten days before going until your return.  He also suggests a multinutrient supplement such as All Natural Perfectly Balanced by Natural Nutrition Centre, (£24.95 for 120 tablets), take two tablets twice daily. From Victoria Health, with your 5% discount.  Just click on the names to be whisked through.

Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser for sensitive skin

A colleague with a dry sensitive eczema-prone complexion says the only product that works for her is Superskin Moisturiser by Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare, which contains lots of soothing and nourishing plant extracts.  £11 for 15 ml, £30 for 50 ml from www.lizearle.com

Website of the week:  www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

This national charity offers information and resources for anyone affected by this distressing issue, as well as campaigning for better treatment.  Annual membership, including telephone support and a quarterly magazine, is £20 in the UK, £30 overseas.