Personal Journey, Therapy
How to Recover and Heal From Ross River Virus
Margaret River, Australia is a beautiful and popular tourist destination known for its wine, beaches, and natural beauty. Unfortunately, it is also home to the Ross Rover virus, a disease that is transmitted through mosquito bites. In this blog, I will share a personal account of how holistic practices can help heal from this condition.
What is the Ross River virus?
The Ross River virus is a disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is a common disease in Australia, with outbreaks occurring throughout the country. Symptoms of the virus include development of a flu and fever, followed by a rash and then joint pain, and fatigue. While the disease is not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and impact one’s quality of life. The immune system is weakened and it can take years to fully restore health.
My experience with the Ross River virus
I had the misfortune of contracting the Ross River virus whilst living in Margaret River, Australia. I had been bitten by a mosquito during my time in the beautiful bushland surrounding the town. At first, I didn’t think much of it, as mosquito bites are common in Australia. However, within a few months after a fever and rash, I began to experience extreme joint pain and swelling. I thought that I had bad posture at work or that I had an old sports injury in my knee flare up. I was so tired by 1pm I had to go home early from work. One day I woke up and my knee was so swollen that it couldn’t bend. I knew something was wrong and went to see a doctor.
The doctor took my bloods and confirmed that I had contracted the Ross River virus. I had contracted one of the worst cases in the region. There is no specific cure or medicine for the virus and so I had to manage my pain myself and initially took anti-inflammatories to assist with the swelling. These can only be taken for a certain amount of time though, and before it started to have a negative affect on my body (as there is a time limit for how long you can take anti-inflammatories for), I began to seek other means of relief and cure.
I was in extreme pain. I had to use crutches to move about the house; pain laying, pain standing, I couldn’t move because this lead to absolute exhaustion where I slept all day and night for weeks; joint swelling and pain; shingles; tonsillitis; sinus infections; migraines; aches; depression; chronic fatigue; glandular fever. The list goes on. I needed remedy.
Holistic practices to help heal from the Ross River virus
As someone who has always been interested and involved in natural healing practices, I knew that there had to be other options for managing my symptoms. I began to research specific holistic practices that could help me heal from the Ross River virus. Here are some of the things that I tried and worked most effectively for my condition:
- Kinesiology
I found that kinesiology was a beneficial holistic means for managing my symptoms of the Ross River virus. Through muscle testing and other techniques, my kinesiologist was able to identify areas of imbalance in my body and develop a personalised treatment plan that included nutritional support, herbal remedies, and stress-reduction techniques. I found that the kinesiology sessions helped to improve my energy levels, reduce my joint pain, and support my immune system, which helped me to recover from the virus and prevent other health complications. - Sauna
I was lucky enough that my friends had a sauna and cold bath so that I could experience regular sauna sessions to help me to detoxify my body, reduce inflammation, and support my immune system. Sauna therapy has been found to have many benefits for overall health and well-being, including improved cardiovascular health, increased relaxation, and enhanced immune function. For me personally, I found that regular sauna use helped to improve my - Acupuncture
I had heard that acupuncture could be an effective way to manage pain and inflammation, so I decided to give it a try. After a few sessions, I noticed a significant improvement in my joint pain, and I was able to move more freely. - Herbal remedies
I began to take herbal remedies to help boost my immune system and reduce inflammation. Some of the herbs that I used include turmeric, ginger, and echinacea. These remedies helped reduce my fever and made me feel more energized. - Massage therapy
Massage therapy helped me relax and reduce tension in my muscles. It also helped improve my circulation, which is essential for healing from any illness. - AromaTouch
AromaTouch is a therapeutic massage technique that uses essential oils to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. During an AromaTouch session, a trained therapist will apply a specific sequence of essential oils to different parts of the body, focusing on areas where there is tension or discomfort. I found that AromaTouch was particularly helpful in reducing my joint pain and promoting relaxation, which helped me get better sleep and feel more energized during the day. - Mind-body practices
I began to practice meditation and yoga to help reduce stress and promote healing. These practices helped me stay calm and centered, even when my symptoms were at their worst. - Supplements and Diet
I took specific supplements including vitamin C, which can support immune function and reduce inflammation, and omega-3 fatty acids, green lipped mussel capsules, which can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. I also took herbal supplements like echinacea and astragalus, which are known for their immune-boosting properties.
In addition to supplements, I also made dietary changes that were helpful in supporting my body’s natural healing processes. I incorporated more fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet, and started juicing as a way to consume more nutrients in a concentrated form. I found that celery juice (medical medium), in particular, was very helpful in reducing inflammation and supporting my immune system. - Circulation machines and electric shock
I managed to get my hands on a foot circulation machine, which is a type of vibrating platform that is designed to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and legs. These machines work by using vibration and massage to stimulate the muscles and blood vessels in the feet and legs, which can help to increase blood flow and reduce fluid buildup. They are often used by older adults, as well as people who spend a lot of time on their feet or have circulatory issues. In my experience, using a foot circulation machine was a helpful component of my holistic approach to managing the symptoms of the Ross River virus. By improving circulation and reducing swelling, the machine helped to reduce my joint pain and improve my overall comfort.
Healing from the Ross River virus took approximately 3 years and concentrated effort physically, spiritually and emotionally, but with the help of these holistic practices, I was able to manage my symptoms and speed up my recovery. After one year in bed, after six months I started to complete short walks within the house without further degradation of health. I learned that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself, and that by taking a holistic approach to health, we can support our body’s natural healing processes.
In conclusion, managing the symptoms of the Ross River virus can be a long and challenging process, but with the help of a holistic approach to health and wellness, it is possible to promote healing and support the body’s natural recovery processes. From acupuncture and herbal remedies to AromaTouch and massage therapy, there are many different therapies and practices that can be helpful in managing the symptoms of this condition.