Dystonia: a cuppa, a bex, and a good lie down.

What do they have in common?

Not a lot. However, Australian’s living with dystonic muscle spasms in the not too distant past would have linked the old saying "a cup of tea, a bex and a good lie down" in a bitter sweet kind of way.

Firstly, many a true blue Aussie knows from experience the refreshing benefit of a cuppa at any time. Secondly, Bex Powders are recognized as the magical ‘fix’ of the day until the mid to late 1960’s in Australia. Bex Powders are now credited as a major contributor to addiction and renal disease of that era. Thirdly, having a good lie down is acknowledged as beneficial to our health in general, particularly inducing the necessary brain function for natural pain relief.

Amazing, isn’t it? People living with dystonia prior to recognition of this disease as neurological in origin sought their own remedies that no doubt included a cup of tea, a bex and a good lie down! Does this bring to your mind’s eye an image or a phrase from days gone by that ‘hits the nail on the head’? If so, leave a comment or email me. I would love to hear from you. The highlighted links lead you to some great sites. Where ever you are, have a great day.

Sue Bayliss. (s.j.bayliss@bigpond.com.au)
Cairns, Australia.