I was diagnosed (without having an exploratory endoscopy) as having a stomach ulcer in mid 2003, due to stress and from over-use of over the counter anti-inflammatories. Some people are also pre-disposed to producing extra stomach acid – looks like I’m one of them.

During this time I had suffered a kidney stone attack, an abdominal hernia (through heavy lifting at work) and a generally stressed disposition, brought on by ever day life. I was recently separated, working a full-time job to pay a mortgage, and trying to raise a child single-handedly.

Also during this time I was refurbishing part of the house – when I hurt my neck and shoulder. This only exacerbated a previous injury to the area, leading to constant muscle spasms, twinged nerves and pain. It was a bad time for me, and the following year got worse…

Over the following years I have seen Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, and attended many remedial specialists and Masseuses. I have to say the regular weekly massages had the most desired affect of relaxing the muscles, but it wasn’t a cure. My shoulder would pop, this in turn would press a nerve behind the shoulder blade, and next thing muscles in my neck would flare up, this continuing spasmodically for more than 18 months.

Then one day my boss (who has many of his own health problems) mentioned going to see a friend of his. When I asked him what he was, he just told me he was a “Healer”. I wasn’t sure what that statement meant, but was ready to try anything – and the price seemed very reasonable, so I went.

This friend of my boss is a schoolteacher by day; he is well respected and liked by all who know him. He is not the kind of person who would fleece ignorant unsuspecting innocents of their money, and as teachers are reasonably well paid in New Zealand, he really didn’t need the extra cash. So it was quite surprising to meet him and find he was also a practicing colour therapist!

This gentleman’s father was known to have a gift of healing – and (let’s call him Ben) had inherited this gift.

I sat in a comfy chair opposite his desk, he had a large human anatomical book opened out on front of him, and asked what was my problem. So I told him about my neck and shoulder. He then passed his hand over the anatomy in front of him and tapped on areas that he sensed were problematic. I have to admit I was extremely skeptical at this point, but he continued tapping, mentioning that my stomach was a bit tender and to watch spicy foods and wheat products, then he went on to the shoulder area, saying my shoulder cuff was enflamed, I had a pinched nerve in my back, and this was causing my neck to play up. He also said my occipital bone was slightly out of alignment. Say what? He then said I needed to see an expert to have this put back in and then things should settle down. But hadn’t I spent hundreds on Chiropractors and Physiotherapists to fix these problems? However, he was very insistent I get it checked out.

And so I paid Ben, and left, feeling rather disgruntled.

I made an appointment with the Specialist and then settled down for the evening.

I have to say my shoulder, back and neck were feeling very warm, but not in an inflamed way, more like a general heat was radiating in the entire affected area. It was rather strange, but comforting at the same time.

Next day I saw the Specialist, who told me nothing was wrong. I then asked him to check my Occipital bone – by which he looked at me sideways, then complied.

He was staggered to find it was indeed out, and had me on my back, my head cradled in the crook of his arms, while he put the offending vertebrae back ‘in’. What an almighty crack! I thought he’d broken my neck!

But the relief was immediately apparent – tension I had almost come to accept as normal – was gone!

When I asked the Specialist why this had not been picked up during all my previous visits (at my cost!) he said that with x-rays of the neck area (you have to be standing) it is hard to see through the jaw-line because of the teeth etc. However, when asked if he would refund much of the money I had paid out, he just laughed and sent me packing…

I was grateful to have the problem rectified, but if it hadn’t been for Ben, I might still be suffering – and paying!

During this time I was taking an acid inhibitor for my acid stomach. Please remember that my GP had not in fact clearly diagnosed me by having an endoscopic check, but had simply made an educated guess. However, she also told me that so long as it doesn’t flare up, follow the eating guidelines prescribed, and it should settle within a month.

It did, and life went on as normal.

Then winter set in and from the years of constant neck/shoulder pain, I was suffering from muscle spasms and tension once more. Happily, I went off to see Ben.

He certainly has a gift – and albeit that perhaps a portion is simply mind of matter, but the muscles soon relaxed, a warmth settled in the joints and muscles, and after just one visit, things had calmed down again.

He suggested I also look at an exercise program that strengthens the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, which will help to keep things running smoothly.

He then said my stomach wasn’t quiet as normal as it should be, but to continue watching what I ate and to “de-stress” as much as I could.

This was a couple of years ago.

My Father was diagnosed with a nasty form of cancer in Feb 2008, after years of abuse by over-drinking (an alcoholic). He may be an alcoholic, but he’s still my father and we’re very close. This of course, doubled the stress levels! The stomach acid was doing its thing and I was suffering from an enflamed stomach lining.

Off to see the GP once more – again taking Omeprazol (blood tests stated no H Pylori bactera in the system, so no antibiotics for me) but nothing was happening!

Standing at work one afternoon recently, it felt as though my stomach was going to burst! So on the phone to Ben once more, and he said over the phone that I now had a large nasty ulcer that needed attention! I was surprised that he could “feel” what the problem was before I had even said anything! A quick visit and he put a colour “on” me, that is to say, he sensed what colour was required, using his ability, then chose it from the huge array of cottons hanging in his office, got me to write my full name and address etc on a card, then set the cotton with the card – sitting amongst hundreds of others already spread out on his wall. He stated this colour really liked me. Haha! Hey, it worked, so I don’t really care if it seems weird and a bit “way out there”!

As I left, my stomach seemed to “fall” as though the swelling had immediately gone down, and the relief was absolutely amazing!

Now, I’m of a petite build, not overweight at all – but I’m not skinny, more stocky than anything. I’m fit, and I eat well. I like my food, I don’t eat take-aways more often than perhaps once every couple of months – I should be quite healthy. I even take shots of wheat grass juice twice a week – these are 2oz glasses of the stuff, high in green nutrients and enzymes for retaining optimum health.

So why am I having such trouble with my stomach?

It all comes down to stress.

So if you find you need relief from some ailment, don’t go by the idea of a colour therapist – the theory of vibrational output from colour is well documented – we live in a vibrational society, we live in vibration with everything around us and indeed inside us.

But first, ask around to determine who is the real deal, and who to steer clear of. Word of mouth is the best indicator of a person’s character – and also, it’s a good idea to remember that a healthy dose of faith doesn’t go amiss!