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The Anti-Aging Diet
by Thiam Bowe
While you can’t avoid getting older, one thing is clear: The foods you eat can keep your body healthy and your brain functioning on all cylinders, well into your senior years. In fact, simple changes in your diet can prevent many of the diseases of aging (think cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis) and help you look and feel years healthier, too. Start with these foods rich in anti-aging nutrients.
Try:
Berries.Indulge often in these sweet treats—from cranberries to cherries, berries give the body special antioxidants that guard against age-related changes in the brain. Eat half a cup a day and vary the type, as you’ll get slightly different nutrients and benefits from each. For a healthy dessert option, try this mixed berry sorbet.
Garlic. This potent herb protects against more than just vampires—a compound in garlic called allicin lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure, keeping the heart safe from damage. Shoot for a clove a day. You can also use garlic to keep colds at bay.
Beans. Loaded with phytoestrogen lignans, beans protect post-menopausal women from breast cancer. Lignans also help protect against other cancers, including colon cancer. Add beans to your meals three times a week—we love this recipe for White Bean Salad.
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnips. These cruciferous veggies protect women against age-related hormonal changes and protect against the spread of cancer cells. Eat one cup of your favorite crucifer at least four times a week.
CRT and Stress Relief for Patients
By William Doreste, DC
CEO, Cranial Release Technique, Inc.
T: 718.424.5866
F: 718.424.0027
C: 917.400.1911
E: dr.doreste@cranialrelease.com
W: http://www.cranialrelease.com
Dr. Hans Selye, “The Father of Stress Research”, defined stress as: “The non-specific response of the organism to any demands made upon it.” Dr. Selye also stated that, “The cause of all disease is unresolved stress.”
Alfred Cooley, a noted stress researcher at the University of California, called stress, “The most widespread problem in America today. It is a major contributing factor in 100% of diseases. No one is immune.”
How can it be that the body’s response to stress, which is designed for our protection, could be implicated so strongly in making us sick? Let’s take a brief look at how the body reacts to stress and at how the chronic stress of modern day life has become a major factor in making us sick and keeping us from healing.
The human body is very well equipped to deal with “simple” stress. To find a good example of this, let’s suppose you’re walking through the woods and a bear jumps out. Your body will immediately go into “fight or flight” mode in order to deal, with or flee from, the perceived danger. A number of physiological changes will occur, the following being just a few:
• Blood pressure and heart rate rise– to prepare the body for exertion.
• The liver pours out glucose and triglycerides– for fuel.
• Blood is diverted from organs to the brain/ muscles.– essential to survival.
Either you climb a tree or run away. In either case, the perceived threat no longer exists. Now your body’s physiology can return to its baseline normal level. This is quite easy to do because the activity of outrunning the bear or climbing the tree has burned up a great deal of the chemical and nutritive overload present due to the stress. This is the classic stress response the body is designed to produce. It is a normal part of our physiological make up.
Modern Day “Complex” Stress
“The human body was never meant to deal with prolonged, chronic stress.” Pamela Peeke, University of Maryland
Stress today is at an all time high. The pace of life is much faster than it was just a few decades ago. According to several recent studies job stress is at an all time high and worsening. Our technological innovations, designed to be labor saving, have actually created more stress. Now, through e-mail or cell phones, you can be contacted by colleagues from work or clients at all hours of the day or night. For many busy people it’s as if the rat race never truly ends.
There is a real problem with this constant exposure to low level stress. The body’s response is the same as that for the “bear in the woods”. The same biochemical and neurological responses are triggered. The problem is that these responses are never really discharged fully before the next stressor arrives.
It’s like a never ending cycle of stress, after stress, after stress. Scientists have coined the term “complex” stress for this phenomenon. It’s like a chronic “fight or flight” state, with the same chemicals secreted, maintained over time, with dangerous ramifications:
• Sustained elevated heart rate and blood pressure- causes damage to arteries.
• Sustained elevated levels of fats in the blood– causes plaque, heart disease, stroke.
• Sustained elevated levels of blood glucose– leads to diabetes.
• Elevated levels of the stress hormone Cortisol– memory, thought, immune system problems.
And these are just a few of the many stress related response which can be damaging to health and well-being if sustained over time.
“Unrelieved stress contributes to family breakdown, chronic health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure, memory loss and depression, even on the job accidents and injuries.”
Dr. Alexander Rich
The “complex” stress state also leads to imbalance within the autonomic nervous system. With the body geared up for “fight or flight” very little energy or activity is directed at healing, repair and regeneration. It becomes difficult to heal, even at times from seemingly trivial health challenges.
Initial investigation utilizing Heart Rate Variability (a medically recognized indicator of stress) has shown that the Cranial Release Technique can have a profound effect on the autonomic nervous system. Measurements of HRV taken both before and after administration of the CRT process showed a marked shift from the “stressed” state back to a more “balanced” and relaxed state of function. (Sympathetic dominance was replaced by a shift into more parasympathetic tone within in autonomic system.) This represents a movement into the state where true healing and well-being can occur.
Practitioners and lay people alike are realizing the benefits of adding Cranial Release Technique and its stress relieving effects to their overall health and wellness regimen. CRT represents an answer to the stress of modern day living.
Massage in Schools to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
by Solveig Berggren
(more info) listed in massage, originally published in issue 100 - June 2004
I have been a skilled sports massage therapist since 1991 and I started to introduce massage into schools in the south of Sweden in 1996. For me, it began with a project I had in a school for 4th graders (10-year-old children) about the environment. I met a lot of stressed, anxious children, the noise level was very high – so being a therapist I thought that massage would help these children to calm down and relax.
Touch is the first communication a baby receives when entering the world. From then on touch exudes feelings of safety, emotional satisfaction, warmth, love, reassurance and affection and can serve to facilitate the bonding and attachment process. Our need to touch and to be touched is something we are born with.
Research in neuroscience has shown that touch is necessary for human development and that a lack of touch damages not only individuals, but our whole society. Human touch and love is essential to health. A lack of stimulus and touch very early on causes the stress hormone, cortisol to be released, which creates a toxic brain environment and can damage certain brain structures.
During the critical period of development following birth, the infant brain is undergoing a massive growth of neural connections. Synaptic connections in the cortex continue to proliferate for about two years, when they peak. During this period one of the most crucial things to survival and healthy development is touch. Touch deprivation in infant monkeys is so traumatic their whole system goes haywire, with an increase of stress hormones, increased heart rate, compromised immune system and sleep disturbances. Dr Arthur Janov, author of Biology of Love, believes that very early touch is central to developing a healthy brain: "Irrespective of the neurojuices involved, it is clear that lack of love changes the chemicals in the brain and can eventually change the structure of that brain."
Even though touching is recognized as one of the most powerful non-verbal factors, it has received little attention in the scientific community. Our culture considers physical separation of children to be something positive. We raise our children for a non-tactile society and then need to compensate, using non-human objects. Sometimes we repress our need for physical contact. We are often afraid to touch each other. This can be due to social conventions or to our fear of rejection. I believe that touch is an issue that is screaming for our attention. Children are seeking validation, love and to be seen. If this need is not fulfilled they maybe act out violently against each other, against the staff or against their families at home. Unfortunately, there are a lot of children in our society who are deprived emotionally as well as physically.
One former teacher shared this experience: "During my time in school, I worked with many children in many types of crises. I have spoken to them, cried with them and sat dumbfounded with them. I have looked into their eyes and on more occasions than I can count, my human intuition told me that what they needed more than anything in that moment of difficulty, was to be touched, held and comforted. Gentle, thoughtful education and demonstration is the key to helping children and staff get the touch they need."
Massage is a Way to Create Balance in our Nervous System.
Are public schools an appropriate place to experience healthy respectful touch? Yes, I strongly believe they are! The school system today seems to be focused mainly on academic achievement; little consideration is given to holistic and spiritual development, especially in recognizing and rewarding respectful, social behaviour. As society is becoming increasingly stressful, it is important to learn at early age, empathy, and how to handle stress and stay balanced.
Children do not talk about issues when they are feeling stressed; instead they maybe get stomach problems, depressed and 'grouchy'. They do not sleep well or might have nightmares. Children are doing their best to cope with too much homework, too many after school activities, too many classmates or a high noise level in the learning environment.
Concentration and Stress do not Fit together.
It is not about expecting teachers to become professionals of massage. We know today that schools have a lot of problems with violence, bullying, stress, overcrowded classrooms etc, the list can be long. We adults may not always have the time for our children that they need. So the aim of having massage on the curriculum is to reduce stress and anxiety and create a relaxed, peaceful learning environment for children. It seems to change children from within and it brings some sort of safety in the group.
I started to run workshops for teachers on how to adapt massage according to the age of the children. It is recommended to introduce massage at an early age. To keep younger children interested and engaged I combine stories and rhymes with the massage movements. The older children are more interested in knowledge about how to prevent sport injuries and basic ergonomics. When they are spending too many hours in front of the computer, stretching, they prefer more of the sports type of massage.
Teachers have found that just 15 minutes of massage at the beginning of a lesson will help children to calm down so that they become more receptive to learning. First thing in the morning is ideal for the younger children, as this settles them and prepares them for the day ahead. Primary school teacher, Anita Thorsell, at Presseskolan, Kungsbacka, Sweden, says that her children have acquired a dependence on massage and will remind her if she forgets to let the children massage each other. She has found her pupils acting more empathetically towards each other, as well as aggressive and behavioural problems decreasing since she started massage in the classroom in 1998. "It is very important for me to create a good healthy learning environment for my children".
Swedish high school teacher, Anna-Carin Svanå, Aranäs High School, Kungsbacka, says she find her pupils studied a very demanding programme and sometimes felt stressed and found it hard to focus. In the beginning, massage was introduced once a week; as a result her students felt much more relaxed and could concentrate better. Massage before a test made her students less tense and nervous.
For Anna-Carin, it is a good thing too. It allows her the time to just sit down and breathe for a little while and valuable time to collect her thoughts before starting the lesson.
Massage is now being practised in approximately 80 schools in the UK with very positive results in the improvement of the children's behaviour. The Massage In Education Programme has been developed to fit in with the culture acceptable in schools today. It is strictly a peer massage programme; one child massaging another. They remain fully clothed and work on the back, arms, head and shoulders.
Many prefer to massage to a backdrop of gentle music. The adults in the educational establishment do not massage the children, but facilitate the massage and observe. Respect is the key to the programme. Children must have the permission of the recipient before starting any massage. This also empowers children to exercise the right to say no if they so wish. The children are also encouraged to thank the person for allowing them to do the massage and the recipient may also thank the child who gave them the massage.
Studies by the Touch Research Institute in Miami, the world's leading research institute on the effects of massage, show that cortisol levels (the hormone that is produced when under stress) is lower in children who receive massage; it eases depression, improves sleeping habits and increases the production of the hormone Oxytocin (the calming and healing hormone). Brainwaves were altered in ways that are consistent with enhanced alertness, and simple maths computations were completed in half the time with half the errors following massage therapy. From the research addendum it is clear to see that touching is more important than we ever imagined for a child's holistic development. Positive touch allows the child to feel nurtured, respected and more able to communicate appropriately with society at large and in turn makes them more empathetic and respectful towards others.
It is recommended that a presentation be made to the parents of any children taking part so that they can fully understand the programme. Parents may have the right to withdraw their children, but in reality this is rare and is usually discontinued as the parent realizes that their child is missing out and the programme is in no way threatening. We asked parents to children in age 6-7 if they had noticed any effects with their children since massage was introduced in the classroom:
• The time of obstinacy seems to be gone. Can I thank the massage?
• My boy is talking a lot of this massage, so it seems that he thinks it is a cosy time;.
• She touches us more and says that she loves us;
• My little girl likes to give me massage now and then. This helps us to have a really good time together;
• I think it is a positive way for the children to learn to touch a friend in a nice way. We all need to learn this respect;
• We think it is a very good idea to give the children homework, especially when it is concerning massage. Please go on!!!
But the most telling comments come from the children:
• I feel more friendly after I have given the massage – Kajsa 6 year;
• It was so nice that I started to cry. That's good because teardrops cleans us – Tobias 6 years;
• My sister took my best jacket to school without asking me. I was so angry and sad and did not want to go to school. That morning we had massage and after I felt sad, but not angry – Andra 7 years;
• I gave my guinea pig some massage. It was still and seemed to be happy – every body needs somebody who cares – Jessica 7 years.
Lastly, an extract from a nice story to start with for young children (I know that teachers and parents love it too, it is a very good example to use at a parents meeting):
"Once there was a land were the sunlight felt so warm.
The sun warmed up the flowers, water, animals and all the people…"
With your hands placed at the shoulders, move smoothly down the back, crossing your hands over once or twice. When you reach the base of the back, cross your hands. Repeat. The movements need to be continuous and smooth and the whole hand needs to be in contact with the back.
"Then clouds came and blocked the sun and the wind started blowing, first a little and then stronger and stronger..."
With both your hands slightly cupped, alternately tap across the top of the back.
"There were more clouds, darker and darker, and finally came the rain…"
Starting at the top of the back, with a hand on each shoulder, drag your fingers down the back again and again, getting a little harder each time. A good idea is to use children's imagination and create stories.
Children who give each other massage do not fight!
Bibliography
Janov A. The Biology of Love. Prometheus Books. New York. 2000.
Relevant Research
Enhanced Alertness
Field T, et al. Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations. The International Journal of Neuroscience. 86: 197-205. 1996. Massage subjects showed decreased EEG alpha and beta waves and decreased delta activity consistent with enhanced alertness. Also maths problems were completed in approximately half the time with approximately 50% less errors after massage.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
by Hamish Topp
(more info) listed in massage, originally published in issue 105 - November 2004
Historical Background
Ayurvedic yoga massage is a rare and unique form of yoga-based body-work developed in Pune, India. It emerged as a development of Iyengar Yoga, a branch of yoga familiar to the west with its emphasis on correct alignment and remedial properties. Master Kusan Modak, one of Iyengar's chief disciples, recognized and developed in particular the remedial benefits of certain stretches, developing a rehabilitation technique that combines elements of massage, yoga stretches and deep breath-work.
BKS Iyengar had already introduced to yoga practice the possibility of finding the alignment through the use of props. A strap, block, chair or wall can be used with discernment to support the body, allowing the opening of the inner body, promoting the correct flow and release of energy. Fundamental to this approach is the art of relaxation – "Yoga is relaxation in motion" says Iyengar. Not merely gymnastics, yoga asanas evolved over centuries to promote health, reduce fatigue and keep the body free from disease.
Wisdom of Yoga
The evolution of Ayurvedic yoga massage called upon the ancient wisdom of this yoga tradition. Recognizing that this relaxed release of energy flow is fundamental to the tremendous feeling of wellbeing that results from correct yoga practice, Master Kusan Modak began to transform the practice, marrying it to her in-depth knowledge of traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques. She realized further that the yoga practitioner can achieve more flexibility and range in the stretches when the body is completely relaxed and passive; in this way the therapist administering the treatment becomes the 'prop', aiding correct and deep release into the stretches.
This passive yoga stretching increases joint mobility and ligament flexibility and is thus an excellent tool for motor rehabilitation. In addition, ancient techniques involving the application of pressure with the feet at certain points in the treatment provides a very deep relaxation to the muscles and gives a strong stimulus to the blood circulation, thus delaying the ageing process.
Detoxification
Ayurvedic yoga massage has a marvellous capacity to assist detoxification of the body. Both soft and deep tissue and lymphatic drainage massage techniques are used with pure oil, sometimes with the addition of plant extracts or essential oils. Performed on a mat like Thai massage or Shiatsu, the recipient wears undergarments, and sarongs are used that cover the body. A session can last between 75 and 120 minutes. The results are very real and in most cases tremendous. The release of trapped stress and tension is tangible – natural energy flow is restored and the body feels calm, light and aligned. The recipient emerges calm, focused and with a real connection to the body. One session can alleviate months of accumulated toxins and tension; a course of treatments has a cumulative effect. Many recipients schedule a regular treatment as a form of physical maintenance, a way of maintaining balance and health in a stressful world, the elusive holy grail of urban living.
Deep Breathing
With all of this powerful bodywork taking place, there is a further element that provides cohesion, amplifies all the previously mentioned and further sets this practice in a unique field of its own. That is the practice of deep yoga breathing, known as the Ujjayi or 'conquering' breath. Throughout the treatment the therapist coaches the recipient to maintain a steady, even deep rhythmic flow, preferably in and out through the nose, although a powerful exhalation through the mouth can assist release into some of the deeper stretches.
The development of this bodywork technique recognized that, ultimately, yoga derives its manifold benefits from the movement of prana – the life-force energy of the breath – through the energy channels of the body. This is why breath, relaxation and alignment are so important in yoga practice. Taking this as the foundation stone of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, the recipient's breath provides the rhythm and tempo for the entire treatment. Stretches are executed on the exhalation when deeper release is available, and the repetition of each stretch three to five times, or more, allows a progressively deeper movement from the muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels right down to the skeletal system. Stress trapped in the muscles and tendons is safely released; stiff joints are relieved and the entire system is profoundly re-oxygenated at the deepest level. Oxygen itself is a powerful detoxifying agent, neutralizing acidic toxins and wastes.
The recipient should be aware that sometimes a 'healing crisis' may occur; the shifting and eliminating of toxins through the combination of breath-work, assisted stretching and massage / drainage practices can temporarily increase symptoms over a 24 hour period. It is a good idea to drink copious amounts of water over the 24 hours after the treatment.
Relaxation and Energizing
In regular exercise the oxygen of the breath is immediately combusted. In the breath-work of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, however, with the body passive and resting, a powerful redistribution of oxygen and pranic energy takes place. The effect is similar to the charging up of a battery; internal energy reserves are replenished, allowing for greater quality in sleep / rest as well as improved vitality levels and concentration. Relaxed and yet energized at the same time; a perfect antidote to the stresses of modern living that can leave us with chronic tension, depleted vitality and mental 'fuzz'.
In Ayurvedic Yoga Massage the body is considered to be a reflection or storehouse of the subconscious. Often tensions or problems in the body have their origin in emotional seeds. Therapist and client work together fully to awaken the entire body, until each unfulfilled area of tissue and nerve, brain and lung is sensitized and cleansed by the power of the breath / stretch / massage combination. Obviously consecutive sessions realize this goal more fully, but even one session can provide a profound emotional release. Especially in times of unusual circumstance, of loss or grief, any physical or touch therapy can be of especial benefit.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage has the capacity to work on this holistic level, where body, breath and mind are considered one; the distinctions between each are blurred as the work moves to an energetic level
Hygiene; Fungus on the Feet on the Fingernails and on the Face:
Thiam Bowe, LMT
One of the most important and least emphasized modality in some massage school is the ethics of hygiene. As a trainer and a massage therapist, during a massage training session with my associate therapists, I stressed that we should be careful with the invisible organisms when we touch our client’s feet. We should abide with the recommendations as outlined by the Health Industry and by the Center Disease Control, that is the Universal Precautions. My client, who was relaxed on the table, suddenly cried out ”You must be speaking about the F word.” We got hysterical and laughed. However, it was a justified remark. What a multifaceted word! It can stand for that bad word that we all know and love, or for the word “Fungus”. Sure enough, we, therapists have to take precautions! Further on, my client went on to say that “Fungus on Feet –toe begets fungus on fingernail which begets fungus on Face – skin surface”. Even though we all laughed at this, we should take what was said seriously.
What my client said prompted me to think. Could we get it on the rest of the body if we do not take steps to avoid it? Could we contact some kind of skin dermatitis? Remember the word, fungus can also be mold or yeast. Are these airborne? Could we be allergic to these organisms? Should we not take the necessary precautions more seriously? These invisible organisms can spread and contaminate before you realize that your health, profession and perhaps your business, could be affected.
We, as health-care professionals, should be more aware about hygiene. How many of us take precautions seriously? How many massage therapists wear gloves or wash their hands after touching the feet? I have heard excuses like “The client does not like the therapist to wear gloves. “.If we do not want to wear gloves, at least protect ourselves with some form of barrier, like using the sheet. Should we not be educating our clients about the dangers of these invisible organisms?
Continuing with the topic of hygiene, we moved onto the importance of this subject in the spa industry. We selected a service that would need proper care and we came up with the Hot-Stone Therapy. We know that this treatment is listed in most Spa Resorts or Day Spas menu. Can fungus grow on the stones in Stone Units if it was not properly cleaned? I am sure anything can, given the right conditions. The invisible organisms are not visible to the naked eye at the early stages. By the time you see it on the toes and nails it is too late. You got it. Prevention is better than cure.
So how clean or hygienic are the Resort Spas Stone Units, or even the stones themselves? How are the therapists on hygiene in taking care of the stones? Are the stones properly washed with a strong germicide and sterilized in high temperature before the next client? Are they dried at the end of the day? Do they get inspected for the fungus, mold, yeast organisms? Has anyone taken swabs from the stone units and stones from spas or even from the places like wet rooms, saunas, table, cupboards or any surface in the massage room and have the swabs laboratory tested for any organisms that could harm us?
What does the Department of Medical Quality of Assurance (DMQA) think of about the hygiene of these places?
How many Massage Establishments whether Resort Spas or clinics maintain the same standard of hygiene and cleanliness after initial inspection by the Department of Health.?
Let us remind ourselves that we should use sanitizing cleaner to clean the surface and equipment after every client. Not just any type, but a cleaner that kills bacteria, fungus, mold and yeast. And also ensure that we keep ourselves healthy and wash our hands properly.
Let us remind ourselves about the word “fungus” and hygiene. Remember the 4Fs. Fungus on, Feet on, Finger nails, on Face.
Finally, remember we, as health-care professional, should ALWAYS take health precautions seriously and stick to them. Remember the Universal Precautions, Health & Safety Standards.
Remember Prevention is the keyword! It is better than cure.
Here are some tips that will help to prevent the spread of the Fungus, Mold, yeast or any invisible harmful microorganisms?
- v Wear gloves when working on the feet or use some form of barrier.
- v Wash hands thoroughly after touching the feet with anti-bacterial soap or even disinfectant with tea-tree oil for at least 2 minutes.
- v Clean tables, head rests and surrounding areas with Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner*. Spray as recommended and leave for a few minutes before wiping off with clean wet cloth. This should be done after every client.
For Stones and Stone Units:
- v Spray the stones with *Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner and let soak in for a few minutes. Then rinse properly with antibacterial soap. Note: *Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner is normally used on non-porous surface but I see no reason not to use on the stones, but do not use on the unit as it will erode the coating on the surface.
- v Wipe unit with alcohol and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- v Wash hands properly and wear gloves to rinse the stones and put stones back into the unit and bring the water to 140 F or higher temperature, then lower to correct temperature before using the stones on the next client.
- v Keep stones out of the water when not in USE at the end of the session. DO NOT LEAVE in the water, especially overnight.
*Note:
Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner
# Citrus II Hospital Germicidal Deodorizing Cleaner is designed specifically as a general non-acid cleaner and disinfectant. In addition, this product deodorizes those areas, which generally are hard to keep fresh smelling. This is a Bactericidal, Virucidal, Tuberculoidal, Fungicidal, Disinfectant and Cleaner. It is formulated to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces such as floors, walls, tile, plastic surfaces, bathrooms, shower stalls, bathtubs, and cabinets.
# For plastic and painted surfaces spot test on an inconspicuous area before use.
* Ingredients:
N-Alkyl, Dimethyl Benzyl, Ammonium Chlorides, Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chlorides
Thiam Bowe is the current Public Relations Officer and a member of Broward Chapter Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) and has been an active member since 2002. She holds the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and a Florida State Massage Board Certification. She can be contacted via email on fsmtathiam@yahoo.com
Meditate On This:
Extract from SpaAsia, Jan/Feb 2007
Meditation is an activity involving the cultivation of mindfulness and the application of methodologies to change ourselves in order that we become more fulfilled and more able to see reality. Bodhipaksa There are many different types of meditation, but essentially their activities centre on consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness. The differences lie in the things to which your attention is directed; sounds, colours or breath for example. The idea is that by directing your mind in this manner, you still your superficial thoughts, and allow your true mind, or spiritual self to emerge.
Some Practical Tips
When & where
Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you can expect not to be disturbed. It’s best to have a specific time for meditation so that your mind and schedule are ready for it. Once a day for about 15 minutes is a good start for a regular practice.
How
Sit comfortably, but with your spine fairly straight to allow your spiritual energy to flow freely. You can lean against something if you wish. Lying down with your back flat on the floor is also alright, though people tend to fall asleep in this position.
What to do
Use relaxed effort. Do not strain to do it right or force something to happen. There is no right or wrong with what you experience so just go with it. Remember that the mind is calmed not by trying to turn off your thoughts, but by focusing on the technique.
DIY or classes
You can learn to do meditation on your own, especially with the simpler techniques. Audio guides provide extra assistance through a voice. It is helpful though to have a teacher for the more intense forms of meditation, or when you face unknown territory deeper into practice. Also, the depth and breadth of experience of a full-time teacher can enrich and speed up the learning process.
RX: Massage Away Your Childs Ear Infections:
Amy Mayer, Extract from Alternative Medicine April, 2007
If ear infections turn your beautiful child into a cranky, irritable toddler, try giving her lymphatic massage. A gentle but specific touch, this type of massage helps stimulate mucus so it drains, says naturopathic doctor Amy Rothenberg of Enfield, Connecticut. You begin at the front of the neck near the collar bone and work on the lymph channels that run up either side of the neck. Use a circular motion as you follow along the lymph node channel until you reach the jaw, and then, says Rothenberg, you should switch to a downward motion. The process clears the mucus that builds up during infection and may bring relief to your child through the parent-satisfying act of physical contact. And lymphatic massage is kid-friendly. Most babies and toddlers really like having this procedure, Rothenberg says. She teaches parents the precise technique when they have a baby with chronic middle ear infections.
You need to be shown how to do lymphatic massage, Rothenberg says, adding that it’s safe and easy to learn. And once it’s in your toolkit, you can use it on family members of any age to relieve nasal and sinus congestion as well as ear infections.
When I learned that I could have avoided that with lymphatic drainage, I was guilt-ridden for a year, says Breman, now a licensed massage therapist who teaches lymphatic drainage therapy,a specific form of lymphatic massage through the Upledger Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The treatment works on the premise that mucosa, or the mucus membrane, is too thick and isn’t able to move within the lymphatic system the way it;s supposed to, she says.
When you use lymphatic drainage therapy you’re literally thinning down this fluid. She explains, and that allows blockages in the lymphatic system to open so everything again flows properly. I love lymphatic work because I see results with it every days.
Female Heart - Security Memo from Seminole Casino
Article Submitted By Janet Wiseman
I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I've ever read Women and heart attacks (Myocardial Infarction).
Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing heart attack...you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack...
I had a completely unexpected heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion; NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might've brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking,' A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.'
A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach.
This was my initial sensation--- the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m. After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws.
AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening--we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself and the cat, 'Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack !' I lowered the foot rest, dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead.
I thought to myself 'If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else.......but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in moment.' I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the Paramedics.. I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts.
She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.
I then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the Cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance.
He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications? ') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stents to hold open my right coronary artery.
I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the Paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St. Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) And installing the stents.
Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand?
Be aware that something very different is happening in your body not the usual men's symptoms, but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act ). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one, and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation, and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up...which doesn't happen.
My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!
1. Note that I said 'Call the Paramedics'. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER--you're a hazard to others on the road, and so is your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road.
2. Do NOT call your doctor--he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later.
3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high, and/or accompanied by high blood pressure.) MI's are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there.
4. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we have to survive.
5. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. **Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND PAIN RELIEF THROUGH MASSAGE
By: Article was found and provided by Lenny Jasko
Written December 12, 2006.
Massage therapy is effective in reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to the results of a randomized controlled trial reported in the December 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Massage therapy is an attractive treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), but its efficacy is uncertain," write Adam I. Perlman, MD, MPH, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, and colleagues. "Massage therapy may diminish symptoms and improve the course of OA by increasing local circulation to the affected joint, improving the tone of supportive musculature, enhancing joint flexibility, and relieving pain.... However, to our knowledge, to date, no study has specifically evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy for OA."
In this wait-list controlled trial, 68 adults with radiographically confirmed OA of the knee were randomized either to massage treatment (twice-weekly sessions of standard Swedish massage in weeks 1 - 4 and once-weekly sessions in weeks 5 - 8) or to the control group (delayed intervention). The main endpoints were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and functional scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain assessment.
The massage therapy group had significant improvements in mean WOMAC global scores (-17.44 ± 23.61 mm; P < .001), pain (-18.36 ± 23.28; P < .001), stiffness (-16.63 ± 28.82 mm; P < .001), and physical function domains (-17.27 ± 24.36 mm; P < .001) and in the VAS of pain assessment (-19.38 ± 28.16 mm; P < .001), range of motion in degrees (3.57 ± 13.61; P = .03), and time to walk 50 ft in seconds (-1.77 ± 2.73; P < .01). Controlling for demographic factors using multivariable models did not affect this pattern of findings.
"This pilot study suggests that massage therapy is efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee, with beneficial effects persisting for weeks following treatment cessation," the authors write. "Massage therapy seems to be well tolerated by people with painful OA of the knee. Massage also seems to decrease pain and improve function in participants who were allowed to maintain their usual treatment."
Study limitations include intent-to-treat analysis and carrying forward baseline values that may have underestimated the magnitude of treatment effect; losses to follow-up; wait-list control design resulting in increased contact with study personnel for the massage group during the 8-week intervention; inability to compare the efficacy of different frequency, duration, or type of massage therapy; homogeneous study sample limiting generalizability; and study duration for only 16 weeks.
"Given the limitations and potential adverse effects of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for OA, massage therapy seems to be a viable option as an adjunct to more conventional treatment modalities," the authors conclude. "Further study of massage to determine optimal treatment protocols, absolute efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and generalization to other patient groups is clearly warranted."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Prevention Research Center supported this study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2533-2538.
Learning Objectives for This Educational Activity
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- · · Describe the effect of 8 weeks of Swedish massage on knee OA.
- · · Describe the effect of Swedish massage therapy on knee OA symptoms 8 weeks after the treatment.
- · Clinical Context
- OA affects as many as 21 million Americans, and by 2020, more than 50 million Americans will have OA, which is the most common chronic medical condition in the elderly population. Conventional treatments of OA include pain management using medications, exercise, hot and cold therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery, but the condition is often progressive leading to pain and disability. Massage therapy has been evaluated for various musculoskeletal conditions, but according to the current authors, no study has evaluated the efficacy of massage for knee OA.
This is a randomized, wait-list, controlled, open trial to examine the efficacy of 8 weeks of Swedish massage on symptoms of knee OA in older patients.
Study Highlights
· · Included were men and women with radiographically established knee OA who met American College of Rheumatologists criteria and were at least 35 years old with a prerandomization score of 40 to 90 on the WOMAC and 100-mm VAS.
· · Excluded were those with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, pseudogout, cancer or other serious conditions, kidney or other organ failure, or significant injury, and those who had used oral corticosteroids or had arthroscopy.
· · 68 patients were randomized to either usual care (n = 34) or Swedish massage therapy (n = 34) for 8 weeks.
· · Massage was delivered twice weekly for 4 weeks then once weekly for the remaining 4 weeks in 1-hour sessions.
· · The control group continued to receive conventional usual care and then received massage therapy from weeks 9 to 16.
· · 2 licensed massage therapists certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork provided the therapy using standardized techniques of pétrissage (compression or manipulation of soft tissue between the fingers and thumb), effleurage (gliding of hands over the skin or soft tissues), and tapotement (percussion-based massage where hands strike soft tissue in a repetitive, rhythmic fashion) used at the therapists' discretion.
· · Patients received treatments in the prone and supine positions.
· · Usual care included pain medications and hot and cold therapy.
· · Primary outcome was WOMAC scores in the domains of pain, stiffness, and physical function using 24 questions.
· · A negative change from baseline indicates improvement, and all 24 items were rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 100 mm (maximal symptoms).
· · Secondary outcomes were VAS for pain assessment, time to walk a 50-ft straight path, and range of motion in degrees.
· · Assessments were made at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks.
· · Mean age was 68 years, 76% were female, 85% were white, mean body mass index was 28 kg/m2, and mean time to walk 50 ft was 16 seconds.
· · In the initial massage group, 23 were followed up at 8 weeks, and 15 were followed up at 16 weeks.
· · In the initial control (wait-list) group, 30 were followed up at 8 weeks, and 18 were followed up at 16 weeks.
· · The mean WOMAC global score improved significantly at 8 weeks in the massage group and after massage in the initial control group.
· · The greatest improvement from baseline to 8 weeks was in pain (-23.19 mm; P < .001) followed by stiffness (-21.60 mm; P < .001) and physical function (-20.50 mm; P <.001) in the massage group.
· · No significant change was seen in the control group.
· · A similar pattern was observed in the VAS and clinical assessment of range of motion.
· · The change in VAS was highly correlated to the change in WOMAC global score (P < .001).
· · In the control group that received massage therapy at weeks 9 to 16, a similar improvement in global WOMAC score, pain, stiffness, and physical function was seen at week 16 as for the initial massage group.
· · In this group, range of motion scores also improved significantly.
· · At 16 weeks, the initial massage group maintained the benefits seen at 8 weeks with massage therapy vs the control group at week 8, with residual differences in pain (-18.52 mm; P = .002), function (-17.05; P = .009), WOMAC score (-17.23 mm; P < .05), VAS score (-17.16), and time to walk 50 ft (-2.28 seconds; P = .02).
· · The magnitude of the treatment effects (effect size) was large overall, ranging from 0.64 to 0.86.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES IN CLIENT / THERAPIST RELATIONSHIPS
By: Paul Briggs
Professional Boundaries in Client/Therapist Relationships
A few months ago, I was having dinner with my partner at a restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, on Las Olas. As we sat waiting for our meal, I couldn’t help but hear the conversation coming from a candle lit table for two across the room. A slightly drunk appearing late 50ish man was standing up and in a somewhat loud voice was introducing his companion. He was telling a man at an adjoining table that, this is my massage therapist, I just had my massage, and she is very good with her hands, his statement ending with a snickered laugh. A younger woman dressed in classic khaki slacks and a polo shirt sat across from him sipping a glass of white wine as she quietly smiled.
A few concerns came to my mind as I thought about what I had just heard. Whenever I hear the words massage, or therapist, my ears usually tune in to what is being said. Could this introduction simply have been a light conversation among long time acquaintances? Perhaps. But, as a massage therapist, I felt some discomfort with what I had heard. To me, what image of this woman, identified as a massage therapist, was just painted? She had just worked on this client. She was now sitting with this loud slightly drunk appearing client at a candle lit table for two, sipping a glass of wine, and it was just announced in a sly way to all of us in a restaurant that she was good with her hands. What image does this paint as to the type of work she does? What image of our massage profession is being portrayed here?
When we talk about boundaries, what comes to mind? In simple terms, boundaries are divisions between two things that help to distinguish one from the other. In therapeutic relationships, there are set differences between the role of the client and the role of the therapist. Some boundaries are clearly defined, such as the fence dividing our neighbor’s yard from our own yard. Some boundaries are not so clearly defined. How we define and honor those professional boundaries in our daily practice is crucial for the well being of our clients, for ourselves, and given the story I just shared, for how the public views our profession.
Professional boundaries are an extremely important consideration when working with our clients in a client/therapist relationship. To be prudent therapists, our relationships with our clients must always be on the utmost professional level. This means, first and foremost, that we will honor our clients anonymity, guard and never share their personal information, and will strive to work solely for the good of our client. When we begin to see our clients as our pals, as someone to hang out with or socialize with, we can most certainly set ourselves, and our clients, up for trouble. Clients can begin to have greater expectations of us to meet their emotional and physical needs, outside of the context of massage therapy. Also, if we are not taking care of our own needs in our personal lives, we may find ourselves lonely, desiring companionship, and attempting to satisfy these needs by spending time outside of treatment with our favorite clients. These types of client/therapist relationships open a Pandora’s Box of dangerous risks. They compromise the best interests of the client, and can set us up for professional liability nightmares.
Maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times can sometimes be difficult, since there are often many situations that challenge the definition of appropriate professional behavior. Sometimes, talking with our professional peers can be a good way to gauge our behaviors and interactions with our clients, especially in unclear situations. Trusting our gut, asking ourselves “am I acting solely for the best interest of this client, or am I seeking something to meet my own needs”, can often help us to make prudent decisions.
Be sure to read the next issue of Hands on Broward, where I will continue this article on professional boundaries by talking about the concepts of transference and countertransference. Namistad.
Paul C. Briggs, LCSW, LMT
Paul C. Briggs maintains a private practice in Pembroke Pines and in Plantation, and enjoys providing therapy and education within the community. He has been licensed as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years and as a massage therapist for the past 5 years. Paul also serves as second vice president for the Broward Chapter of FSMTA. His website is www.PaulCBriggs.com. He may be contacted at miasowo@bellsouth.net.
MASSAGE THERAPY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
By: Stephanie MacIntosh
Massage therapy can offer senior citizens a number of benefits that will greatly improve their sense of health and wellbeing. As the population continues to age, it is important to consider ways that we can work to improve the lives of those affected by the passing of time. A number of studies have shown that massage therapy can have a direct impact in managing the effects of aging. It has also shown promise in bringing comfort to those suffering from arthritis and other physical ailments.
As people age, they naturally become less active. This lack of physical activity can lead to the onset of other conditions which, if not dealt with, can greatly reduce their quality of life. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has been promoting the use of massage therapy for some time now. According to a recent study, there is a general awareness of massage therapy but a lack of understanding of its direct benefits.
In the case of senior citizens, there are a number of benefits that be derived from therapeutic massage. According to the Touch Research Institute, it is extremely useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients, as it can facilitate relaxation and communication. In the case of arthritis sufferers, it can greatly assist in pain management and help increase range of motion. It also triggers natural joint lubrication, which is extremely important for those suffering from arthritis.
Massage therapy has also shown promise by helping to increase strength and muscle coordination. It can also greatly improve one's posture by reducing muscle tension, which has the added benefit of assisting seniors with a higher quality of rest. Massage has also been known to boost one's natural energy levels, along with their mental awareness. Study after study has shown that there is a place for massage therapy within the health care community.
More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of massage therapy. In an age where the common approach to pain management has been dominated by the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, massage therapy has shown to be an effective and natural solution to the ailments associated with process of aging. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the benefits of therapeutic massage, please visit the website mentioned below.
Stephanie Macintosh is a certified massage therapist based in Portland. When she is not busy with her growing practice, she writes for http://www.massagetherapy101.com - an insightful website with information about the benefits of Massage Therapy, Massage Techniques, Massage Equipment and more.
ACCENT
By: Sue Radosti
Instead you find a transcriptionist seated next to a dentist. Across the room is a massage therapist, a professional storyteller, a long distance runner, and an actor. All eyes are on the instructor, who is standing behind a piano bench with one hand placed lightly on the pianist’s neck.
You’ve just entered an Alexander Technique seminar. The diverse professionals in attendance have one basic trait in common: they all depend upon their bodies as a primary means of achieving excellence in their fields.
Teachers of the Alexander Technique foster awareness of good posture -- not a rigid statuesque pose, but a fluid, easeful alignment of the body that allows for movement to occur with the least possible effort. Attention is focused on the relationship of the neck to the rest of the spine. "Allow your neck to be free," Alexander teachers tell their students, "so that your head may move forward and up, and your back may lengthen and widen."
As the seminar instructor encourages the pianist to notice her neck while playing, everyone in the room smiles and nods. Even to the untrained ear, the music has suddenly improved, becoming smoother, fuller, richer. The pianist shakes her head in amazement. "I’m using a lot less energy, yet it sounds so much better!" She has described the benefits of the Alexander Technique in a nutshell.
Frederick Matthias Alexander developed his Technique as a young actor in late 19th-century Australia. Alexander, who specialized in Shakespearean recitations, was plagued by voice problems. Medical advice and treatment had no effect on the extreme hoarseness that marred his performances; so Alexander began a careful self-examination of his speaking habits and techniques. Using mirrors, he soon noticed that he was pulling his head backward and downward as he spoke, not only in his performances but (more subtly) even in his everyday speech.
This observation led Alexander to experiment with changing his postural habits. He continued working with mirrors, discovering that many of his ideas about "good posture" only increased his body tension, limited his range of movement, and further strained his voice. It was only as he learned to stop those restrictive patterns that he was able to release his neck from his habitual downward pull. His hoarseness vanished, and he experienced a new sensation of lightness and ease in all of his movements.
Alexander not only preserved his acting career, but became known among fellow actors for his insight into the relationship between posture and performance. He was encouraged to teach his discoveries to others. Eventually he moved to England, where his work was championed by Aldous Huxley, and later by John Dewey in America, spreading his reputation far beyond the realm of the performing arts.
In the 1930's Alexander began a teacher training program to enable others to teach his Technique. Today there are many such training programs and several thousand practicing teachers of the Alexander Technique around the world. Most teachers offer private lessons; some teach group lessons in classroom settings or seminars. In either case, the Technique is applied both to common everyday movements (such as walking or rising from a chair) and to movements that are more directly related to the student’s profession and/or lifestyle (such as serving a tennis ball or sitting at a computer keyboard).
From the very first lesson, changes begin to occur in awareness and movement patterns. It may, however, take several weeks or months before students are able to consistently apply the Technique in their lives.
As Alexander himself discovered, healthy alignment of the body can have profound consequences. Energy that was formerly devoted to counterproductive muscle tension is available for more useful purposes. Jane Kosminsky, in her introductory video to the Alexander Technique, The Balance of Well-Being, tells the story of a man whose high-pitched voice deepened into a resonant bass as the Technique enabled him to speak with full, relaxed breath support for the first time in his life. Freeing the neck encourages the entire spine to decompress, creating more space for the internal structures, for unrestricted circulation of blood and other fluids, and for more efficient functioning of all the body’s systems.
The simplest way to find an Alexander teacher or a seminar is to access "The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique" on the World Wide Web at www.alexandertechnique.com. This comprehensive site is a systematic guide to just about all available Alexander Technique resources.
About the author: Sue Radosti is a licensed massage therapist in private practice in Sioux City, Iowa. Since studying the Alexander Technique at the 1999 Barstow-Alexander Institute at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, she has promoted the benefits of the Technique among her colleagues and clients. She has a special interest in applying the Technique to the unique postural challenges of pregnancy and childbirth.
OILS AND CREAMS USED IN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
By: Jamie Snodgrass
Oils and Creams Used in Aromatheray Message
The aromatherapy massage cream combines the synergistic effects of providing calmness of mind and wonderful skin care. The massage cream bathed with the wonderful aromatic flavors can produce some outstanding impact when massaged on your body. So aromatherapy massage cream not only provides soothing sensations to your mind and body, but also enriches you with a glossy skin
Mingling effects of aromatherapy massage cream
If one aromatherapy massage cream is mingled proportionately with another then they can produce the best results. Once the aromatherapy massage cream is mingled you should store them in a dark bottle to avoid any damage of the cream. You can undergo an aromatherapy cream massage in the spas or in the healing arts centers. However, if it is not possible for you to go to these massage centers, then practice self massage to heal your mind and body
.
Different flavors of aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is often blended with natural botanical thickeners and skin-rejuvenating ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin-E and jojoba oil to provide you with an entirely new soothing massage experience.
Following are some important aromatherapy massage cream flavors to provide you with physical and mental well being:
§ Peppermint - Reduces digestive problems, relieves headache, muscle pain and uplifts the mind and body.
§ Oregano - Assists in providing mental clarity, reduces depression and relieves muscle aches and pains.
§ Pine - Possess a fresh aroma so it has a deodorant effect and often serves as an antiseptic.
Unlike the massage oil, the aromatherapy massage cream can be applied only through body massages. However, whether you visit the spas or perform self-massage, the cream provides an amazing moisturizing and soothing effect to your skin, body and mind.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is usually sensual and warm, evoking romantic feelings and healing the mind and body of all.
There are several benefits of the aromatherapy massage cream:
§ The aromatherapy massage cream helps reduce stress caused due to hypertensions, depressions, muscle pains and headaches.
§ The cream improves blood circulation, reduces fatigue and cures a sore back.
§ The nourishing quality of the aromatherapy massage cream melts upon skin contact into rich creamy oil, which provides a glowing lustre to the skin.
You can massage the aromatherapy massage cream on your baby's body to
ensure your baby has an excellent nervous system and proper growth. However, massage the cream on your own body to achieve a romantic feeling and provide a rejuvenating heal to your mind and body.
Aromatherapy Massage Oils Soothe Your Mind And Body
Experience an aromatherapy massage with aromatherapy massage oils to soothe your mind and body. This type of aromatherapy massage simply makes you feel splendid. While you experience a massage with aromatherapy massage oils, you will feel a unique sensation of fresh aromas cooling your brain, refreshing your mind and relaxing your body muscles, specially after a tired day out.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage oils
The aromatherapy massage oils have a special therapeutic quality and are used in the spas, and physical/mental healing centers. The massage oils are used by aroma therapists and healing practitioners to provide the top quality massage effects to people. Apart from providing soothing sensations, the aromatherapy massage oils have an added quality of healing various diseases like cold, flu, insomnia, severe muscle pain, headache and various other illnesses.
Types of aromatherapy massage oils
The various types of aromatherapy massage oils soothe, moisturize and activate calming sensations in your mind and body. Below are examples of some major aromatherapy massage oils that can provide you with the best feelings:
§ Chamomile - Reduces swelling, relieves stress, insomnia and depression.
§ Eucalyptus - Reduces fever, relieves sinus pains and coughs, reduces boils and pimples.
§ Lavender - Relieves depression, spasms, and menstrual cramps and controls blood pressure.
§ Rosemary - Reduces indigestion, fights infection, increases concentration.
§ Nutmeg - Relieves digestion problems and help you to sleep peacefully.
§ Peppermint - Stimulates mind and body, reduces motion sickness, muscle pains, neuralgia and decongests the chest.
Use these magic aromatherapy massage oils to cure yourself from all types of diseases and ensure perfect physical and mental well-being.
Ways to use the aromatherapy massage oils
When you massage with the aromatherapy massage oils, they provide you with a comfortable feeling that provides a calming effect to all your senses. The aromatherapy massage oils can be applied on you in the following two ways:
§ By inhalation - in this method the massage oil vapors are inhaled through lungs. This direct inhalation of aromatic oils always refreshes your brain.
§ By application to the skin - this method ensures direct massage of the oils in the body whereby the massage oils get absorbed by the blood stream and enhance one's health, beauty and hygiene conditions.
The aromatherapy massage oils when properly applied help to overcome symptoms of depression and negativity, calm the anxious mind and heal life spirit of all.
DEEP TISSUE HEALING - The Art of Stone Massage
By: Bruce Baltz,
SpiriPhysical, Inc.
International Educator of
Deep Tissue Healing, The Art of Stone Massage
Stone work has been used for centuries as a healing practice by most indigenous people. Over the past twelve years, stone work has entered the spa industry on many different levels. In the use of Reiki/Energy Work, Swedish Massage, and Deep Tissue Therapy are just a few techniques that have been represented in this modality. The least recognized in this group is the use of hot and cold stones for deep tissue application.
I have been involved with the body work related industry for the past twenty-three years as a personal trainer and a massage therapist since 1993. My focus as a massage therapist has been working with various facets of the medical community and athletes. This back ground assisted me in the development of Deep Tissue Healing -The Art of Stone Massage” and its application.
Stone massage is in a transitional stage, with the general public and most massage therapists thinking of stone work as a gentle relaxing treatment designed for spas primarily using hot stones only. Over the past five years, my focus has been on the education and development of deep tissue stone work with both hot and cold stones. In the practice of this modality the stones are used as an extension of my hand with direct contact to the body with the use of oil. The strokes that are used will be very familiar to all deep tissue massage therapists from effleurage to myofascia release and trigger point work to mention a few. With a solid foundation and understanding of stone massage a therapist can use that knowledge and utilize it for almost any modality.
The benefits of hydrotherapy are well recognized and supported by the medical community for its therapeutic properties. Stone work should now be added to that list because of its effectiveness in applying contrasting temperatures to the body. When working on an ischemic area, our goal is to increase blood flow to initiate the healing process. The severity of the injury will determine the amount of time that you will spend applying hot or cold stones. When a hot stone is presented into the treatment, the hyperemia will happen faster than with the use of hands alone. Your clients muscle will relax sooner, which in turn will enable you to work deeper staying within the comfort level of your client.
If chronic pain has to be addressed in the treatment, it is essential that cold stones be applied. The more sensitive the injured site the shorter the duration of heat that will be used. Increased blood flow in chronic pain situations can become an irritation if sustained for to long. In this situation cold stones will be used for a longer period of time than hot to reduce that inflammation. It is important to use cold stones in every treatment. The duration will depend on how much heat was used and the condition of the muscle tissue you are working on.
In Deep Tissue Healing basalt/ lava stones are primarily used to transfer heat, where as the hand carved white marble stones are used for the cold application. It has been found that basalt/lava will hold heat longer than other stones, and white marble stones will maintain a cooler temperature more efficiently. Shapes and sizes of stones vary depending upon the treatment area and the size of your client. As your stone work becomes more medical in nature the shapes and sizes are more important. With proper selection, you will be able to engage the affected muscle, tendon or ligament with more accuracy. For example, when accessing subscapularis you will use a stone that is oblong yet flat with a length of approximately five to six inches, depending upon the size of your hand. When the proper stone is chosen, you will find accessing hard to reach areas to be much more effective. During this deeper application the smoothness of the stone and the warmth will relax the affected tissue with little to no discomfort experienced by your clients.
The basalt/lava stones are heated in water not in microwaves, crock pots, hot caddies for towels, or electric skillets, because the temperature is harder to control. When stone massage first entered the spa treatment realm we were using turkey roasters, 18 quarts or larger, yes a kitchen appliance to heat the stones. But now there is a heater called Spa Pro. This heater is better suited for stone massage because of its professional appearance and better quality of components. The cold stones can be made cool in three different ways: (1) refrigerator, (2) cooler with ice, and (3) the freezer. The choice on how to cool the stones is entirely yours along with the clients tolerance to accept this change in temperature. For those clients who adapt well to the change in temperature, then cooling the stones in the freezer would be ideal.
Whenever working with temperature (be it hot or cold) we must keep in mind less is more. As stone massage therapists there are two rules that must not be broken first do not bring a hot or cold stone to the table that you do not feel confident to handle. Then you will have to consider the tolerance your client has for heat or cold being applied directly to their skin. If this is not respected, a contraction to resist your work could occur. We want to avoid this contraction so that the client will obtain the maximum benefit from the treatment.
The preparation and understanding of working with stones safely must incorporate proper body mechanics. When you are working with a stone as an extinction of your hand, you take away the ability to work with the back of my hand and the use of my forearm. In this position, the end result is that your wrist could be in a hyper-extended position for most of the session. I can tell you, from experience this is not a good thing. The stones might save your fingers but in exchange you have done damage to your wrist. Using both hands equally and changing the angle of your wrist will help increase your longevity as a stone massage therapist. If you are able to combine this with pinning the stone to the body instead of holding it in your fingers your ability to feel through the stone will be greatly increased.
Stone Massage is still in its infancy, and I am committed to bringing this modality to a higher level in pain management.
For workshop information:
305-438-9649
www.dtsm.net
HISTORY OF STONE MASSAGE THERAPY
and Mary D. Hannigan, LMT
By: Julie Register
Mary Hannigan graduated from DIHA in December 1991. The Desert Institute of The Healing Arts was a spectacular doorway to a new way of life for Mary. Along with tile knowledge she attained at DIHA and her sixteen years of management, Mary immediately began her own private practice in the field of massage therapy. For the next two years, she worked as a private contractor for a hair salon and then a health club. With a growing massage practice, Mary continued to take workshops to enhance her knowledge in the areas of energy work and massage therapy.
In the summer of 1993, Mary was channeled specific information on how to use Mother Earth stones in her massage. She continues to receive visions and verbal instructions from a Spirit Guide she calls San Jaunette'. Mary has been sharing her knowledge of the Stone Clan People with other body workers. Mary feels very blessed with the knowledge she's been channeled and enjoys sharing with fellow therapists the use of Mother Earth's Stone Clan People. Since 1993, Mary has registered many different names for this form of bodywork: Hot Stone Therapy, River Stone Therapy, Lava Stone Therapy etc. to name just a few LaStone Therapy is the name that San Jaunette channeled to Mary to use. Since then, she has honored his request
During Mary's travels and teaching, she has experienced the diverse quality of therapists across the country. Mary has also written a book on LaStone Therapy that accompanies the training classes. The book has gone under three revisions since its first copyright in 1993. LaStone Therapy has a certification through Mary Hannigan, accepted by the AMTA. Due to the demand across the country to learn LaStone Therapy, Mary has trained and certified four massage therapists to help her teach. These therapist are Tomi Wertheim, graduate of DIHA, Patricia Warne, graduate of DIHA, Teresa Williams, graduate of The Swedish Institute in NY, and Tonya Bucinell, graduate of DIHA. It takes over one hundred and thirty five (135) hours to learn how to teach LaStone Therapy. For this reason, Mary only teaches one therapist at a time.
WHAT IS STRESS?
From WebMD.com
Tell-tale signs of stress building up include:
Not being able to sleep properly with worries going through your mind.
Being impatient or irritable at minor problems.
Not being able to concentrate due to many things going through your mind.
Being unable to make decisions.
Drinking or smoking more.
Not enjoying food so much.
Being unable to relax, and always feeling that something needs to be done.
Feeling tense. Sometimes this includes a 'knot' in the stomach, or feeling sweaty with a dry mouth or a thumping heart.
Is stress harmful?
Ongoing stress is thought to be bad for health, although this is difficult to prove. For example, stress is thought to be bad for the heart , migraine, tension headaches, and other conditions are made worse by an increased level of stress.
Your work performance, and relationships, may also be affected by stress..
Stress list
You can try making a 'stress list'. Try keeping a diary over a few weeks or so, and list the times, places, and people that aggravate your stress levels. A pattern may emerge. Is it always the traffic on the way to work that sets things off to a bad start for the day?
Try simple relaxation techniques
Deep breathing. This means taking a long, slow breath in, and very slowly breathe out. If you do this a few times, and concentrate fully on breathing, you may find it quite relaxing.
Muscular tensing and stretching. Try twisting your neck around each way as far as it is comfortable, and then relax. Try fully tensing your shoulder and back muscles for several seconds, and then relax completely.
Try practising these simple techniques when you are relaxed, and then use them routinely when you come across any stressful situation.
Positive relaxation
Set specific times aside to positively relax. Don't just let relaxation happen, or not happen, at the mercy of work, family, etc. Plan it, and look forward to it. Different people prefer different things. A long bath, a quiet stroll, sitting and just listening to a piece of music, etc. These times are not wasteful, and you should not feel guilty about not 'getting on with things'. They can be times of reflection and putting life back in perspective.
Time out
Try to allow several times a day to 'stop' and take some time out. For example, getting up 15-20 minutes earlier than you need to is a good start. .
Take a regular and proper lunch break, preferably away from work. Don't work over lunch. Once or twice a week, try to plan some time just to be alone and 'unobtainable'. For example, a gentle stroll or a sit in the park often helps to break out of life's hustle and bustle.
Exercise
Many people claim that regular exercise reduces their level of stress, try to plan at least 30 minutes of exercise on at least 5 days a week.
Smoking and alcohol
Don't be fooled that smoking and drinking can help with stress. In the long run, they don't.
Hobbies
Many people find that a hobby which has no deadlines, no pressures, and which can be picked up or left easily takes the mind off stresses.
Treatment
Some people find they have times in their life when stress or anxiety becomes severe or difficult to cope with. See a doctor if stress or anxiety becomes worse.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE HURRICANE
From Monroe County FEMA
When a Hurricane Threatens
Monitor local radio broadcasts for emergency information. Emergency Management recommends that every family also have a NOAA Weather Radio.
Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment to be sure that you have enough supplies, and that everything is in good working order.
Fill your car's fuel tank and check oil, water, and battery.
Secure your storm window shutters, tape windows to minimize flying glass, make any other necessary repairs.
Locate the main cut-off switches for electricity, water and gas. Secure LP gas tanks.
Secure your boat immediately.
Secure all essential records and documents in a safe, water-tight place
If you do not have a car, make arrangements friend, relative, or neighbor to go with them to a shelter or evacuate.
Be prepared to evacuate upon the recommendation or order of Emergency Management.
During the Hurricane Watch and Warning
As soon as a Hurricane Watch is issued , take immediate actions to protect your life and property:
Closely monitor local radio for emergency instructions from Monroe County Emergency Management, Hurricane updates from the National Hurricane Center, and local weather statements from Key West weather.
Secure all outside objects. Bring loose objects indoors.
Chlorinate your pool, and turn off any electrical connections to the pool. You may safely place aluminum lawn furniture in the pool.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Open only as necessary.
Lower any outside antennae, masts or towers. Be very careful to avoid power lines.
Do not use telephone any more than necessary. Dial 911 ONLY in emergencies.
Fill your bathtub and any other large containers with water washing, cleaning, and to flush the toilets.
Have one gallon of water per person, per day available to meet your drinking and cooking needs for a two week period.
Before leaving, contact a friend or family member in another area. Tell them where you are going, when you are leaving, and who is with you. Let them know you will be relying on them, after the hurricane, to get information to the rest of the family. Call them again later, to tell them you have reached your destination.
Evacuate as soon as you ready to leave, do not wait for further instructions.
During the Hurricane
Monitor local media for emergency instruction. Rumors will be commonplace. Listen only to official statements from Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
Stay indoors. Retreat to the most protected area of your house. Stay away from doors and windows (even if they are shuttered).
If the calm hurricane "eye" passes over your area, continue to stay indoors. Make outside emergency repairs only when absolutely necessary. In the "eye" wind and rain may subside or stop for a few minutes, or for more than an hour. Beware - winds will suddenly return at great intensity from the opposite direction.
Turn off the interior electricity and gas. Use flashlights and battery operated lanterns for light. Avoid using candles if possible. Have a fire extinguisher ready.
Call 911 ONLY for emergencies. Avoid using your telephone unless necessary.
Remain indoors until the "all clear" notice is given by Emergency Management, or local law enforcement. Be aware that a curfew may be imposed immediately following a major hurricane. If you are in a Shelter, do not leave until the Shelter Manager tells you it is safe. Roads will be impassable and power lines will be down.
After the Storm
After a hurricane, it is likely that governmental services, utilities, and most businesses will not be operational for an extended period of time. This could mean no electricity, no water, and no food supplies. Transportation will be difficult. Bridges and roads may be washed out or damaged. A dusk-to-dawn curfew may be imposed. Living through the hurricane is just the beginning of the discomfort and inconvenience.
Pay strict attention to instructions from Emergency Management and Law Enforcement agencies. Obey all curfews and emergency orders which are issued.
Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sightsee.
If you must drive, use caution. Beware of road and bridge washout. Remember that you treat an intersection with a broken traffic signal as if it is a four way stop.
Advise interested friends and relatives that you are safe.
Use caution when using any food from your refrigerator or ice chest. Check for spoilage.
If you arrived at a shelter on a public bus, return transportation will be provided as soon as possible.
Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all downed lines have live electricity.
Check your electric, gas and water connections before turning them back on.
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