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We humans are inclined to regard ourselves as sensitive in a way that animals are not because our brain has developed above the level of that of animals. We feel that we are sensitive, that we are highly strung. This gives us the ability to appreciate the subtlety and diversity of our sensations in a way which would not otherwise be possible. We feel that this sensitivity in itself makes us more vulnerable to pain. I think that this is only partially true. Many very sensitive people, by developing a quiet philosophy and understanding, have a great capacity for the

self-management of pain; and on the other hand, many very insensitive people allow distress and fear to overtake them, and so withstand pain very badly.

My own experience with patients is that the more sensitive persons learn the technique of the self-management of pain rather better than their less sensitive fellows. One reason for this is that some degree of sensitivity helps the patient to let himself go along with me with these ideas.

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Q. What is the current view on diet as it relates to ulcers? At one time diet was the most important part of treatment and we all recall the awful sloppy foods that were served to grumbling ulcer victims. Is diet still important?

A. The answer is ‘No’. Today most doctors believe diet plays no part in therapy. Ideally, the patient is allowed to eat whatever he desires. The concept of small, frequent feeds of non-irritating foods with an emphasis on milk, cream custards, gruel, strained foods and in between meal snacks is no longer regarded as important. Also, the concept that rough, raw vegetables and fruits were harmful is also not generally considered important. Tea, coffee, alcohol, condiments, pips, coarse salad vegetables, fried foods, spices and spicy fare and meat extracts were all incriminated as being bad news and prolonging the healing process.

Today the ulcer patient is allowed to eat virtually whatever he pleases.

Q. What about smoking and alcohol intake?

A. Opinions seem to vary on this. Some experts claim that ulcers heal more slowly if the patient continues to smoke. Others say it doesn’t matter. Personally, I think that the irritation of acids from swallowed cigarette smoke may cause harm and it’s better not to smoke. Furthermore, smoking is definitely harmful to other systems of the body, notably the respiratory and heart-blood vessel systems. Anyone who continues to smoke is foolish. Smoking is definitely harmful to general health. Some experts also believe the intake of alcohol may be adverse to healing. Once more, others dispute it. I think that the more effort that is made to remove known irritants like alcohol from the ulcer which is trying to heal, the better.

Q. What is the attitude about arthritic drugs and aspirin?

A. Aspirin and other widely used drugs for arthritis are well known for their ability to irritate the lining of the stomach and duodenum. These come under the heading of “non-steroidal antiinflammatory” drugs and ideally in the early stages of ulcer treatment it is usually recommended they be stopped. Most arthritics are able to put up with their pains for a short time, or alternative drugs (usually not as effective) are available as a stop gap. Also, cortisone-like drugs are usually stopped during early active treatment, for it seems that oral forms may inhibit, or delay, healing. However, once more, special instructions and alternative treatment will be given by your own physician or gastro-enterologist. Be guided by him and stick firmly to his advice.

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Based on the ages-old Oriental medical system that was first developed in China, acupuncture uses needles – or sometimes other similar objects – to stimulate specific points on the body so that this stimulation can bring about beneficial changes elsewhere in the body. One of the aims of this system is to ‘re-balance forces’ and so improve the health of the subject as a whole as well as provide treatment for existing specific ailments.

Acupuncturists believe in the ancient Chinese philosophy that states there is a life force – called chi – which is made up of negative and positive flows of energy, respectively known as yin and yang, which course throughout the body along channels called meridians. Disease and pain, say the acupuncturists, are the result of an interruption or an imbalance in these flows of energy. Stimulation by acupuncture is meant to promote or re-establish the normal flow of energy along the meridians and so restore health.

Commonly used for the treatment of back pain, acupuncture has gained a considerably amount of acceptance from conventional medicine and is even used quite frequently by doctors. Although there is a great deal of dissent about how acupuncture works – one currently popular theory suggests that the needles cause the body to release additional endorphins, these being natural painkillers – there is little doubt that it certainly has been an effective treatment for sciatica and other symptoms of back problems.

If you’re put off by the very idea of having needles inserted into your body, it’s worth pointing out that the procedure is not in the slightest bit painful and at worst may be a touch uncomfortable. However, because it’s absolutely essential that needles used during treatment be sterile, you should only consult a fully qualified practitioner.

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