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Diary - Wednesday, May 25, 2005I always wondered about that expression we use sometime, "it never rains but it pours", well I'm no longer wondering. For sure the Masika rains started late but good old Mother Nature is certainly making up for lost time now. We have had some amazing rainfall since our last update to you and not only rainfall but several very strong frontal systems which have packed at least gale force winds that have moved through our region in the past few days. The gardens are happy, the farmers are happy and the ducks are happy but I'm not so sure about the average inhabitant of Jambiani who have homes with no hot water, no electricity and frequently with thatch roofs that leak. One afternoon, the wind was so strong, it lifted up some of the Makuti thatch on our home and we subsequently had a mini waterfall inside our dining room. All I can say is thank, in this particular case, Allah, for mops and squeegees. We had no real problems, but for several village homes these particularly strong winds caused major damage. Today it is raining again and in fact it has been raining non-stop since about 3:00 am. Pat, Caitlin and a few others have gone to Stonetown for the usual Wednesday shopping trip and at this point, I'm having my doubts as to whether they'll be able to make it home this evening. As is often the case with heavy rains, the main road into town ends up under about a meter of water and is all but impassable but for very high wheel based trucks and 4WD's. One week from today, our next two volunteers arrive from Victoria, BC and we are, as usual really looking forward to welcoming them to Zanzibar and of course Jambiani. I first met Duncan years ago when I was practicing in Cordova Bay and it turns out that he and Sheel Tangri, who volunteered with us back in January, 2004, are good friends. It seems after talking with Sheel about his experience in Jambiani, Duncan and his wife Sheryl were keen to know more and since then have decided to spend two months with us. We are very fortunate to have such talent coming our way and I'm sure the lucky patients that get to experience some of Duncan and Sheryl's specialized approach to wellness will be quite astounded with their approach. I thought I would include a small portion of Duncan and Sheryl's Biography here so that you can appreciate their background and the type of work that they do. Dr. Duncan Stewart holds a Doctorate in Psychology (specializing in Psychophysiology) from the University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Scotland and was awarded research fellowships by both the Medical Research Council and the Mental Health Foundation for work in the field of electroanalgesia. In these positions, and as a pain specialist working within a major WCB rehabilitation hospital in Canada, he undertook over 8 years of advanced clinical field research exploring methods of pain relief using both Electroacupuncture and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). He was one of the first researchers in the world to complete controlled double-blind studies (British Medical Journal 1979, etc.) confirming the efficacy of both the traditional Chinese techniques and modern western electrostimulation approaches to pain control. He has designed custom electronic treatment units for these applications which have been used by physicians in the field for many years. During over 20 years in applied clinical practice, Duncan has continued to seek out extensive further advanced training and certification in a variety of techniques which blend traditional Chinese Meridian-based knowledge with the more recent discoveries of western science. In combination, these skills make it possible to holistically and often permanently assist a wide range of health concerns, far beyond pain control alone. Dr. Stewart now uses an integrated multidisciplinary approach to healthcare known as: "PsychoNeuro-Kinesiology." This combines techniques such as "Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET)" (Dr. Scott Walker, D.C.), "Thought Field Therapy - Advanced Diagnostic Level (TFT)" (Dr. Roger Callaghan, Ph.D.), "Energy Diagnostic & Treatment Methods (EdxTM)" (Dr. Fred Gallo, Ph.D), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)" (Dr. Francine Shapiro Ph.D.), "Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)" (Gary Craig) to permit extremely rapid resolution of intense mental distress and physical dysfunction caused by emotional traumas. Some parts of these methods are simple enough to teach to patients for future use on their own. In addition, comprehensive treatment systems such as "Neural Organization Technique (NOT)" (Dr. Carl Ferreri, D.C.) and a variety of other related techniques from "Applied Kinesiology" add the ability to address structural and biochemical components of the patient's health concerns. Sheryl Jackson Stewart, BCom, TFTdx, SK
Sheryl combines her background in crisis counselling and support to women abuse survivors, with extensive training in a range of Specialized Kinesiology or meridian based techniques, including:
Both Pat and I are looking forward to sharing time with Duncan and Sheryl and I'm sure there will be some very interesting therapeutic encounters during the course of their stay with us. On the local front here, there is not too much new. Pat, Ann, Caitlin, Max (from Germany) and Rasmus and Penele (from Denmark) are continuing to support the educational programs that we have now started. The classes are full and the students seem very keen so I think the teachers are pleased about that. In August, we will be meeting with Dr Pat Preece and his wife Janie to discuss our plans to implement medical care at the center in the very near future. Pat and Janie are good friends, and it is always great to connect with them and catch up on the latest gossip and activities. Actually Pat and Janie have recently been given official charitable status for their UK based organization, ZAP or Zanzibar Aid Project and via this organization they are raising funds to supply medical and educational equipment to Jambiani and Stonetown. In addition, they are hoping to entice specialists to Zanzibar so that they can not only provide expertise but also teach in the local hospitals, something that would be of tremendous value here in the Isles. Ok, I think that's about it for now. We are all keeping fit, although a bit soggy at times, life is great and we are continuing to remain positive, focused and enthusiastic about all the good things that are unfolding here in the "Jam". Hope you are all well and enjoying life. It's not a bad choice. Much love, Alastair and Pat  |