Saturday, November 2, 2013

Top 9 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massages have always been known for their relaxation benefits, but that’s not the only thing they’re good for. Online spa directory, Spahub.com has provided the top 9 unique health benefits of indulging in a massage.

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Spa Massage
Massage therapy can help people unaffected by the conditions listed above too..
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 30, 2013
Spahub.com, the online leading spa directory, has released their latest blog post on the top health benefits of massage therapy and the reasons people may never thought it could help them.
While there has been a lot of research done on the benefits of the different types of massage therapy, Spahub.com has now specified the top benefits of massage therapy to provide a better overall healthy life.
Professional massages have always been known to help bring on relaxation, but there are also a number of other health benefits that can come from it. Therapeutic massages came in to existence as a way to ease pain temporarily, which is where its medical benefits stemmed from.
Even when combined with other medical care, massage is still used today as a natural way to treat certain conditions. But today, there are many other reasons to utilize massage; not only to make someone feel good but for other reasons people may not realize:
1.    Anxiety: Massaging the body has been shown to calm anxious feelings in people going through withdrawal. It also helps with depression, eating disorders, and other medical issues where anxiety plays a factor.
2.    Poor circulation: A skillful massage can increase blood circulation in the body, which can lead to more energy, reduced pain, and better distribution of oxygen to the limbs.
3.    Spots-related injuries: Pulled muscles and torn ligaments are often treated with massage therapy. As mentioned previously, the increased blood flow to aching muscles helps reduce pain.
4.    Immune system: Frequent massage therapy has been shown to strengthen the immune system, making the body less prone to disease or illness.
5.    Migraines: This is especially beneficial for those with tensions headaches/migraines. It’s one the best ways to treat them.
6.    Chronic Pain: Illnesses like rheumatoid arthirits, sciatia, and other painful conditions can greatly benefit from massage therapy.
7.    Frequent cramping: Massages lessen cramps and spasms if performed regularly.
8.    Labor pains: Massages have been shown to reduce the pain associated with labor because it lessens the tension in the body.
9.    Low self-esteem: The most personal reason of all, massage therapy can help people feel connected because of the prolonged human contact.
“Massage therapy can help people unaffected by the conditions listed above too,” says Mark Verkhovski of Spahub.com. “It has been shown to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving waste through the body. Which makes a massage a natural detoxifier.”
Spahub.com’s team has provided a more in depth analysis of the health benefits of massage, their top recommendations to get one, and more on their latest blog post here: http://www.spahub.com/massage/health-benefits.html.
With Spahub.com’s expansive online spa directory and more informational resources on these top 10 spas (and more), visitors can find what they need to locate a spa in their local areas anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
About Spahub
Spahub's mission is to create the largest Day, Medical and Getaway Spa Directory in the world. They strive to make the site a comprehensive place to learn about the different services spas provide. The goal is to provide every visitor an effective tool to quickly locate and explore a spa's amenities before taking one step out the door. For more information, please visit http://www.spahub.com.

Posted by:  Stevenswood.com, we invite you to visit our website for a menu of spa services.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Stress and Massage




From:  http://www.reactivemassage.com/stress-and-massage/
By:  

An instructor of mine once said that our generation is far more stressed out than our parents, entirely because in today’s world we simply don’t let things go. We dwell on them, we hold on to things and never let them go. Whether it’s trying to decide on the color of fabric for our furniture or that driver that ran a stop sign in front of us, we simply don’t get over things.
A major part of that problem is the massive amount of stimulus around us at all times. We have immediate access to all information at all times on the television, the radio, internet and cell phones. Our lives are constantly plugged into the world and everything in it. And because of this, our nervous systems are stimulated and overstimulated.
This constant bombardment of information to our nervous system stimulates our sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight or flight system. It’s what encourages the release of hormones that keep us on edge, ready to run at a seconds notice. It’s also the system that can prevent us from having a restful sleep at night, properly digest our food, and cause us to be anxious.
The balancing mechanism to this is the parasympathetic nervous system, also called the rest and digest system. As the name suggests, its what helps us calm down especially at night when we need to rest and to help us properly digest our food.
It isn’t a simple matter of living in balance between the two since the sympathetic nervous system will always be the more powerful of the two simply out of self-preservation. But, with a little help, we can make sure that we don’t exist entirely in a fight or flight state. Massage therapy is a wonderful way to calm down the system and ease the tensions of life as it stimulates the calming receptors of the muscles to decrease tone as well as help the body enter a relaxed state.
Massage therapy isn’t a miracle cure that will remove all stress from the body, but it is a powerful and accessible tool. Combined with other methods of relaxation such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi, it can break the cycle of anxiety that many of us live in and help us regain a little more inner peace.

Posted by:  Stevenswood.com, we invite you to visit our website's spa menu for a variety of massages and facials performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

New Research Supports The Mental Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy Symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be alleviated with massage therapy

From: EVANSTON, Ill., Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW), October 20-26, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has compiled research that suggests symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression (all associated with mental health) may be alleviated with massage therapy. 

Following are some recent research findings which highlight the role of massage therapy in mental health and wellness. View AMTA's Research Roundup Volume 4 online at www.amtamassage.org/researchroundup.

Massage Therapy for the Treatment of Depression in Individuals with HIV
Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine[1] indicates that massage therapy can reduce symptoms of depression for[1] individuals with HIV disease. The study lasted eight weeks, and results show massage significantly reduced the severity of depression beginning at week four and continuing at weeks six and eight. AMTA President Winona Bontrager says of the study, "This research suggests that regular therapeutic massage could be a useful tool in the integrated treatment of depression for patients with HIV." 

Massage Therapy to Reduce Anxiety in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Research published in Applied Nursing Research[2] shows that back massage given during chemotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety and acute fatigue. "This research demonstrates the potential value of massage therapy within the full cancer treatment spectrum, particularly during the often mentally and physically exhausting chemotherapy process," says Bontrager.

Massage Therapy for Reduced Anxiety and Depression in Military Veterans
Research published in Military Medicine[3] reports that military veterans indicated significant reductions in ratings of anxiety, worry, depression and physical pain after massage. Analysis also suggests declining levels of tension and irritability following massage. This pilot study was a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Massage Therapy for Nurses to Reduce Work-Related Stress
Research published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice[4] shows that massage for nurses during work hours can help to reduce stress and related symptoms, including headaches, shoulder tension, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. "This study affirms the important role massage therapy can play in the work setting, in this case to ease stress for health care providers who, in turn, can better provide optimal patient care," says Bontrager.

It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that massage therapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.  Read additional research on massage for anxiety.

Visit AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist® to find a qualified massage therapist in your area.

Previous Research Roundups from AMTA
Volume 1: Highlights the growing body of evidence that shows massage therapy can be effective for a variety of health conditions, including:

    Osteoarthritis of the knee
    Inflammation after exercise
    Chronic low back pain
    Fibromyalgia

Volume 2: Outlines medical research that suggests the benefits of massage therapy, including the role it can play in overall health and well-being in people of all ages, including:

    Enhanced immune function in preterm infants
    Decreased blood pressure and improved stability in older persons
    Reduced stress and anxiety in cancer patients

Volume 3: Contains research that suggests massage therapy can be a helpful aid for manually controlling pain in people suffering from certain conditions, including:

    Metastatic cancer
    Rheumatoid arthritis
    Post-cardiac surgery pain

Massage Therapy Facts

    Results from AMTA's 17th annual consumer survey, conducted in August 2013, reveal more Americans are incorporating massage therapy into their regular health and wellness regimens to assist with medical conditions;
        88 percent of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness
        88 percent of individuals believe that massage can be effective in reducing pain
        75 percent of consumers surveyed claim that their primary reason for receiving a massage was medical (43 percent) or stress (32 percent) related
        53 percent of people say their doctor has recommended they get a massage
   
[1] Polane, RE, Gertsik L, Favreau JT, et al. Open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial of massage for treatment of depression in HIV-infected subjects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2013 Apr; 19(4):334-40. doi 10.1089/acm.2012.0058.
[2] Karagozoglu S, Kahve E. Effects of back massage on chemotherapy-related fatigue and anxiety: Supportive care and therapeutic touch in cancer nursing. Applied Nursing Research. 2013 Sep;19. pii: S0897-1897(13)00070-0. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2013.07.002.
[3] Collinge W, Kahn J, Soltysik R. Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study. Military Medicine. 2012 Dec;177(12):1477-85.
[4] Engen DJ, Wahner-Roedler DL, Vincent A, et al. Feasibility and effect of chair massage offered to nurses during work hours on stress-related symptoms: a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2012 Nov;18(4):212-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.002.



Posted by C. Sackman, Stevenswood Spa Director. We invite you to visit:  Stevenswood.com for a complete listing of massage treatments performed in the Indigo Eco-Spa by our Licensed Massage Therapists.

Friday, October 18, 2013

The Incredible Healing Power of Infrared Saunas


From:  Cancer Defeated
By:  Lee Euler, Editor

When it comes to revitalizing your health, reversing illness, and just making you feel great, few things compare to an infrared sauna.

  Infrared saunas are clinically shown to help fight cancer, reduce blood pressure, relieve pain, reverse heart disease, promote weight loss, and give you a host of other health benefits.
The deep healing power of infrared energy
    Ever get in a car on a sunny day in winter? Wonder how it feels so warm inside when the air outside is freezing? That's the infrared light from the sun.

    In this same way, infrared saunas penetrate up to 1-1/2 inches below your skin to detoxify and revitalize your cells. This produces a deep, detoxifying sweat that eliminates toxins at the cellular level. Infrared energy is powerful, yet it's so safe it's used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.
Using infrared saunas to fight cancer
Over 2,000 years ago, the famous Greek physician Parmenides said, "Give me the power to create fever, and I will cure any disease." Cancer clinics in Germany and Mexico are putting this principle to use. They routinely treat patients with hyperthermia, where the body is exposed to high temperatures. High temperatures can kill cancer cells, usually without damage to normal tissues.1

    Most of the German cancer clinics that I've visited use both infrared hyperthermia and infrared saunas for their patients, and so do many of the Mexican clinics. Infrared saunas provide a form of whole-body hyperthermia that boosts your health in many ways. You can even enjoy infrared sauna at home, as I’ll explain in a moment.

    In an article in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Lawrence Wilson, MD writes, "If I were to single out one method to combat cancer, it is the sauna. It assists removal of chemical toxins and heavy metals, increases oxygenation, enhances the immune system, and reduces the radiation burden in the body."2

    Dr. Wilson notes that infrared sauna therapy for cancer offers a combination of healing mechanisms. They act simultaneously to support the fight against cancer. These include:
  1. Hyperthermia: Heating the body is a well-known and underused method of killing cancer cells, says Dr. Wilson. Cancer cells are weaker than normal cells and more susceptible to damage from heat. Infrared saunas are superior for this purpose, he says.
  2. Eliminate Toxins: Saunas also help purge the body of toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals.
  3. Improving circulation. Cancer often grows in tissues with poor circulation and thus poor nutrition and oxygenation. Infrared saunas boost overall circulation. This brings nutrients, hormones, oxygen and other substances to all body tissues.
  4. Decongesting the internal organs. The liver, kidneys and other internal organs can become burdened with estrogen, chemicals, and toxic metals. Infrared saunas cause blood to move toward the body surface. This helps cleanse the internal organs.
  5. Care for your body's largest organ: Your skin is a major organ for eliminating body wastes. But in most people, it's inactive because they don't sweat enough. Infrared saunas help cleanse you from the inside. They encourage sweating and free up toxins stored beneath the skin.
Infrared treatment shrinks tumor volumes 86% in 30 days
    In a clinical study published in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy, scientists studied far infrared's effects on human cancer cells in vitro and on cancer cells in mice. Far infrared therapy reduced tumor volumes 86% in 30 days. The tumor-suppressing effects were even seen without high temperatures, even as low as 77 degrees Fahrenheit.3

    In another study, researchers in Japan discovered that whole-body hyperthermia with far infrared strongly inhibited the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice without deleterious side effects. Researchers believe this therapy is promising for long-term studies of a noninvasive treatment of breast cancer.4
The healing power of 'cellular cleansing'
    Most of us don't sweat enough regularly. We live in air conditioned homes, cars, and offices. We use antiperspirants and most of us don't exercise enough. But your body was designed to sweat. And sweat is a key way to cleanse your body.

    The infrared sauna is a powerful means of cellular cleansing. It increases your metabolism and boosts blood circulation. It also relaxes your muscles, soothes your spirit and rejuvenates your entire body.

    The deep penetration of infrared heat releases toxins from the fat layers just beneath the skin. It also helps your body eliminate toxins from your internal organs. These toxins pass from the organs to the fat tissue under the skin. Then they are eliminated in perspiration.

    To see how this works, researchers analyzed the sweat from both traditional and infrared saunas. Sweat from traditional saunas was about 97% water and 3% toxins. Infrared saunas produced a sweat that was only 80 — 85% water. The remaining 15-20% was made up of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.5
The secret to effortless detox
    If you're a regular reader of this newsletter, you're well aware of the toxins we're all exposed to in modern life. You also know well that many of these toxins in our food, water and air are believed to be a major cause of increased cancer rates. If you want to prevent or reverse cancer, you not only need to reduce your intake of toxins, you also need a regular program to get these poisons out of your body.

    Infrared heat is incredibly powerful because it helps you cleanse at the cellular level and release toxins stored in your fat cells. Infrared saunas are also powerful because they're such a simple, easy way to detox compared to fasting, exercise, colon cleansing, and other detox therapies.
Natural weight loss
    It is no secret that maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall quality of life. In fact, a 10-year study published by The New England Journal of Medicine found that waist circumference by itself is a critical factor in assessing the risk of premature death. In other words, if you can maintain a healthy weight, you increase your likelihood of a longer, healthier life.

    Did you know that you now have basically the same number of fat cells as you did when you were born? Fat cells develop during the third trimester of pregnancy and you keep the same number your whole life. So how do you gain weight? Your fat cells store fat like a sponge that soaks up water. Infrared saunas help release fat (and the toxins stored in the fat) like squeezing water out of a sponge.

    Infrared saunas have been clinically shown to dramatically aid in weight loss. A 2009 study showed that infrared saunas provide significant results in lowering weight and waist circumference in just 3 months. And for those who are sedentary due to medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, results were even more profound.6

Burn up to 600 calories while sitting still!

    According to information published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, infrared sauna sessions were shown to burn upwards of 600 calories. During a sauna weight loss session, your core temperature increases and the body works hard to cool itself. While using an infrared sauna, there is a substantial increase in blood flow, heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories.7

    Regular use of an infrared sauna may be an effective means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories, akin to regular exercise. Using an infrared sauna is like giving yourself a passive cardio workout — whenever you need it!
    As someone who always means to exercise and seldom gets around to it, I appreciate an easy way to get some of the benefits.
Drug-free pain relief
    Infrared rays also help you naturally reduce pain and inflammation. Infrared sauna heat works by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues. It increases circulation, and boosts oxygen flow to the tissues. By reducing soreness on nerve endings, infrared heat reduces muscle spasms and helps the body heal itself naturally.

    Infrared saunas are proven relief for sports injuries, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, joint pain/stiffness and other chronic pain conditions.

    According to Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, a sports medicine expert from the University of Southern California and consultant to Lance Armstrong, "infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat, which creates profound therapeutic benefits. They increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more energy to heal."
  • Significant Reduction in Chronic Pain: A study reported in Clinical Rheumatology showed that infrared saunas gave significant relief for patients with chronic pain (such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis). Four weeks of 30-minute, twice-weekly sessions in an infrared sauna resulted in a 40 percent improvement in pain and stiffness (for rheumatoid arthritis) and 60 percent (for ankylosing spondylitis).8
  • 70% Less Pain AFTER JUST ONE SESSION! A recent study published in Internal Medicine, showed that patients with chronic pain saw their pain levels drop by nearly 70% after their first session of infrared sauna therapy. Pain scores remained low throughout the observation period.9
Reduce blood pressure WITHOUT drugs
    Infrared saunas have been clinically shown to provide one of the best, natural ways to lower blood pressure. In a 2005 clinical study by the University of Missouri Kansas City, infrared saunas were shown to lower blood pressure through a program of 30-minute infrared sauna sessions just three times per week.

    The study concluded that infrared sauna therapy dilated blood vessels and reduced the thickness of their inner lining. This increased circulation and promoted healthy blood pressure.10

    What's more, a Japanese study published in the October 2008 issue of The Journal of Cardiology examined the clinical effectiveness and safety of infrared blood pressure therapy, as compared to standard therapies for patients with chronic heart failure. The report concluded that far-infrared sauna therapy is both safe and effective at improving clinical symptoms and cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients. Repeated infrared sauna treatments improved impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. This suggests a preventive role for infrared sauna use for arteriosclerosis.11
Reverse heart disease
    A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that infrared saunas help improve the function of impaired vascular endothelial cells in patients who are at risk for coronary artery disease. The infrared heat of the sauna opens capillaries to improve blood flow. 15 minutes in an infrared sauna each day for 14 days improved the function of the endothelial cells lining the arteries by 40%.12

    Research also shows that infrared saunas help:
  • Relieve arrhythmias: A clinical study explored the therapeutic use of infrared saunas for patients in the end-stage of congestive heart failure. It showed that saunas helped relieve arrhythmias (an irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat).13
  • Improve congestive heart failure: In the Journal of Cardiac Failure, researchers reported statistical improvements in blood pressure, strength of heart (ejection fraction on echocardiogram), and exercise tolerance in patients treated with saunas. Saunas also helped reduce the number of hospital admissions for this condition.14
Other important health benefits
    It's hard to think of an aspect of health and wellness that infrared saunas don't benefit. But other clinical studies show that infrared saunas can help you:
  • Relieve Depression: A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients. Half of the patients utilized an infrared sauna once a day for 4 weeks and the other half had just bed rest for 4 weeks. The sauna group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group.15
  • Boost Your Immunity: Infrared saunas are clinically shown to help patients with weak immune systems, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. MRSA is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that is resistant to most antibiotics. Infrared therapy knocked out the MRSA pathogens without causing increased inflammation.16 Another study from NASA showed that near infrared therapy, delivered by LEDs deep into body tissue, can quadruple cell health and tissue growth.
  • Give You Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin: A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of sauna skin therapy using near-infrared technology. Participants saw a reduction in wrinkles and crow's feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.17
The health-boosting power of light
    Most infrared saunas on the market produce only far infrared. However, a new development in the field is full-spectrum infrared. These are saunas that provide all of the benefits associated with far-, mid- and near-infrared rays. For instance, near-infrared energy stimulates the body's natural healing powers. Scientists call this photobiomodulation. In cancer patients, near-infrared is used for healing chemotherapy-induced ulcers and wound healing.18
Boost your cellular energy for supercharged healing
    Near-infrared energy boosts your cells' ability to create energy. This can help stimulate your immune system and your overall healing. It helps your liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, skin, and other detox organs to neutralize toxins and work at peak efficiency. To create energy, the mitochondria (the power-generating centers inside every cell) depend on an enzyme called Cytochrome c oxidase. Studies show that infrared therapy recharges mitochondria. It boosts their levels of oxygen and cytochrome c oxidase. This can help you maintain a cellular energy level that's usually only seen in young people.20

How to use infrared saunas

    If you're already in good health, a 30-40 minute sauna session three or more times a week will do. Or if you're trying to heal a specific health condition, some doctors prescribe daily or even multiple sessions each day.21

    You can try an infrared sauna at a local health club, spa, or massage therapist. A typical fee is $30-$45 per 30-minute session. I also recommend purchasing one yourself. An excellent, cutting-edge manufacturer is Sunlighten, offering clinically backed full-spectrum infrared saunas. Visit their website or call 1-877-292-0020. Another reputable (albeit more expensive) brand is TheraSauna. Infrared saunas, with their myriad health benefits, are definitely an at-home therapy option worth checking out.

    If you decide to contact these companies you should mention that you read about infrared saunas in Cancer Defeated. But please be aware that these companies can’t give you advice about treatment for cancer or any other disease. It’s against the law for them to do that. You’d be wasting your time and theirs to ask what saunas can do for cancer and probably for most other health conditions. That’s why you need to read Cancer Defeated (and other sources of health information.) We have the first amendment right to tell you what supplement marketers and other vendors aren’t allowed to.
Posted by:  C. Sackman, Spa Director:  We invite you to stay at Stevenswood Spa Resort (Stevenswood.com) and enjoy the amenities including our infrared sauna.



References
1 van der Zee J. Heating the patient: A promising approach? Annals of Oncology 2002; 13:1173-1184.
2 Wilson, L. Saunas and Cancer, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June 2004
3 Tatsuo I, Ishibashi, J. et al Non-Thermal Effects of Far-Infrared Ray (FIR) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells HepG2 and their Tumors, J Cancer Sci Ther Volume 1(2) : 078-082 (2009) - 078
http://www.omicsonline.org/ArchiveJCST/2009/December/01/JCST1.78.pdf
4 Udagawa Y, Nagasawa H, Kiyokawa S, Inhibition by Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) with Far-infrared rays of the Growth of Spontaneous Mammary Tumours in mice. Anticancer Res. 1999 Sep-Oct;19(5B):4125-30
5 Dr. A. J. Adams, International Institute of Holistic Healing: What is Far Infrared Therapy and How Does it Work Toward Healing the Body? (www.drajadams.com/SaunaDomeInfrared...)
6 Dr. Richard Beever BSc, MD, CCFP. Do Far-Infrared Saunas have Measurable Health Benefits? A Sequential Longitudinal Interrupted Time Series Design Study. 2009. Dr. Richard Beever BSc, MD, CCFP. Do Far-Infrared Saunas have Cardiovascular Benefits in People with Type 2 Diabetes? Canadian Journal of Diabetes 2010; 34 (2) :113 - 118.
7 Dr. Masakazu Imamura, MD, et al. Repeated Thermal Therapy Improves Impaired Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients With Coronary Risk Factors. Vol. 38, No. 4, 2001. Journal of American College of Cardiology: pp 1083-1088.
8 Clinical Rheumatology, January 2009,
9 Internal Medicine (Tokyo) Aug 15, 2008 by Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. The First Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.
10 Becky Edwards, M.D., Heather Kort D.O, Faculty Staff Advisor: Dr. John Foxworth, PharmD. A Study of the Health Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy - Conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City, 2005.
11 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), August 1981;
12 Imamura, M, et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001, 38 (4): 1983-88.
13 Kihara T, Biro S, Ikeda Y, et al. Effects of repeated sauna treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure. Circ J. 2004;68(12):1146-1151.
14 Miyamoto, H. et al. Safety and efficacy in repeated sauna bathing in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: a preliminary report. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2005; 11(6): 432-6.
15 Masuda A, et al. "Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients." Psychosomatic Medicine. 2005 67 (4): 643-47.
16 Photochemistry and Photobiology, August 2009
17 B.A. Russell, N. Kellett & L.R. Reilly. Study to Determine the Efficacy of Combination LED Light Therapy (633nm and 830 nm) in Facial Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2005; 7: pp 196-200.
18 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared#cite_note-24#cite_note-24
19 Hargate G. A randomised double-blind study comparing the effect of 1072-nm light against placebo for the treatment of herpes labialis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Sep;31(5):638-41.PMID 16780494
20 Whelan, et al. Photobiomodulation Directly Benefits Primary Neurons Functionally Inactivated by Toxins: Role of Cytochrome C Oxidase. JBC Papers in Press. Published on November 22, 2004 as Manuscript M409650200. Copyright 2004 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
21 Wilson, L, Manual of Sauna Therapy, Sauna Therapy, LD Wilson Consultants, Inc., Prescott, AZ 2003.




Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Technology Can Be A Pain In The Neck

From:  phillyburbs.com
By:      Rita Manno, Correspondent

































































Jen Probst, a massage therapist at Suede Salon and Spa in Evesham, rounds her shoulders, bends forward and then looks down toward her lap. She straightens out and then twists her wrist at an angle unnatural to those joints.
It’s a demonstration on what technology has delivered to our bodies — a BlackBerry thumb with damage to the joint from frequent texting and a bent wrist and sore palms causing pain up the arm from constantly holding devices like smartphones.
Then there are the painful neck spasms and headaches from always looking down at those hi-tech wonders that keep us from actually talking to each other. Not to mention strained and tight muscles caused by hours in front of a computer, which can lead to the even more serious carpel tunnel syndrome.
Put your phone down now and listen to Jen.
Probst, a slim, fit 39-year-old who’s been in the massage therapy world for 12 years, said in the last few years she’s seen an increase in clients who unwittingly have become the casualties of bigger and better technology.
“You’re so into what you’re doing, you don’t even feel the pain until you stop and try to relax and then it hits you,” she said.
Pain sends them to her. Some clients hold onto their cells so much during the day that even when they’re not, their fingers are curled as if the phone was still there.
“Everybody is looking down at their devices,” whether it’s in the car (you shouldn’t be doing that anyway while driving) or looking down at a laptop or an iPad on a table without a stand. The result: neck pain, back pain and headaches. After awhile it actually is a strain to try and sit up straight.
“Over time with such great repetition, you get stuck with that position and it’s hard to retrain your body.”
Take Shavon Rodriquez, 26, who is a student at Camden County College. She puts together car engines; plays flag football in a co-ed league as well as leagues in basketball and volleyball. Active, for sure.
But it was the five years on a computer at a mortgage company that contributed to the painful muscles in her hands and the tense and tight muscles all the way up both arms.
“It gets so bad I have trouble brushing my hair. My hand cramps up,” she said.
Rodriquez said she’d be willing to slow down with all her activities, including her close relationship with her phone. “But I won’t stop. This is my life.”
All of this sent her to Probst, the massage therapist, sometimes twice a week.
In 60- to 90-minute sessions for a full massage, Probst uses essential oils to reduce inflammation in Rodriquez’s hands and arms — bringing the blood flow down her arms to her hands, relaxing the nerves and loosening the wrist. She uses light to moderate pressure to achieve a better range of motion.
Probst also sees a growing number of men who complain of back and neck pain from long hours driving. Add to that their preoccupation with electronic devices, the result is big-time pain.
There are even skin products available for “smartphone breakouts.” Yes. Believe it. Holding a cellphone against your cheek repeatedly and for long periods can cause skin breakouts, not an attractive look for a professional.
Probst wants to help her clients with their pain through massage but she also gives them “homework,” to eventually make it less likely they’ll experience the degree of pain that brought them to her in the first place. Clients are given instruction on stretches and strength exercises, which have to be performed regularly to see any results.
“I talk to them about their electronic devices and how changing their body positions can make all the difference in the world,” she said.

Posted by:  Stevenswood.com:  We invite you to visit our stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a listing of spa treatments performed by our Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians for information and relief from pain associated use of technology which affects our joints, muscles, & etc.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Cranial Sacral Massage Therapy



From:  iphysioperth.com

Perth Cranial Sacral Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy for Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) – is a therapy that uses gentle manual pressure to the skull, spine and membranes. The pressure restores rhythmic flow to the cranial sacral system including the brain, spinal cord, cerebro-spinal fluid and the surrounding membranes. It is a type of body work that activates the human body’s Central Nervous System. The nervous system defines the communication between the brain and the body via the spine. This relationship between the brain and the spine controls the entire functioning of the human body.
History of Cranial Sacral Therapy
Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger first observes the rhythmic movement of the cranial sacral system during a neck surgery in 1970. No one could explain that discovery at that time. But Dr. Upledger was still curious and started with a research of Dr. William Sutherland who is the father cranial osteopathy. In the early 1900s, Dr. Sutherland achieved the concept that the bones of the skull are structured in a way to be allowed for movement. Dr. Upledger believed that, Dr. Sutherland’s theory of cranial movement will help to explain the existence of the rhythm he had observed in the neck surgery. He continued his research and confirmed the clarification of the mechanism behind the cranial sacral system. He served as a professor of Biomechanics by developing the cranial sacral therapy at Michigan State University.
How It Supposedly Works   
The working procedure of the cranial sacral therapy includes a place in the body which is called the ‘Third Ventricle’. It is located between the right and left hemisphere in the center of the brain. The third ventricle contains the cerebral spinal fluid which is a liquid substance. It drops down the brain canal to cover the whole wiring of the nervous system in the vertebral spine. Cranial sacral therapy enhances the presence of optimal fluid when there is a blockage to prevent the flow of fluid protecting electric wiring of the central nervous system from the spine to the brain and vice versa.
Potential Benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy
Your body suffers an amount of stress and strains every day. This tightens the body tissues and distorts the cranial sacral system. The spinal cord results in restriction from the tension caused by the distortion. The tension can create a barrier which will prevent a healthy performance of the central nervous system. It will also interact with every other system potentially. The solution to such restrictions is a light/soft touch i.e. cranial sacral therapy. The simple methods of touch can detect the correct the restrictions. A cranial sacral therapist can feel various locations of the body by using his hands to evaluate the cranial sacral system. The soft touches can help to release the restrictions in any tissues which may influence the cranial sacral system.
Cranial Sacral Therapy may help alleviate a wide variety of symptoms of chronic pain or dysfunctions such as:
  • migraines and headaches
  • chronic neck and back pain
  • autism
  • stress and tension related disorders
  • infant and childhood disorders
  • chronic fatigue
  • fibromyalgia
  • motor-coordination impairment
  • scoliosis
  • TMJ syndrome
  • central nervous system disorders
  • ADHD
  • ADD
  • learning disabilities
  • orthopedic problems
  • It can also help in neurological impairment and strokes.

We invite you to visit Stevenswood.com for a list of spa treatments, including cranial sacral therapy, performed by our licensed massage therapists.

Monday, September 30, 2013

When it’s not a good idea to get a massage

From:  http://www.reflejos.com/en/stories/health/article/13-09-29/when_it%E2%80%99s_not_a_good_idea_to_get_a_massage.aspx
September 29, 2013

(Submitted by National University of Health Science) — Most people are great candidates for the relaxation and health benefits of massage therapy. However, there are times when a massage may not be the right choice. Certain conditions contraindicate massage, either because of the risk it may pose to the client or to the therapist.

For example, if you have a cold, flu, or other contagious viral or bacterial infection, your therapist may decline to work with you because they don’t want to catch a cold. Most importantly, they don’t want to risk passing the infection to other clients.

“When you have a cold or flu, a massage might seem comforting,” says Patricia Coe, DC, ND, clinic supervisor for National University of Health Science’s massage therapy program. “However, when you have an infection, your body is already working hard to fight it and recover. A massage can be very stimulating internally and place certain demands on your body during a time when you should be simply resting.”

Another occasion when a massage should be postponed is if you are intoxicated. Many folks seek out massage while on vacation or under stress. They may have also had a few cocktails to relax as well. “Intoxication is a risk during massage,” says Dr. Coe, “primarily because it desensitizes you. This makes it hard for you to give your therapist reliable feedback. A massage therapist needs to know what level of pressure is comfortable and what is too much. If you’re intoxicated, those sensations are unreliable.”

“An acute injury is also likely to be a contraindication to massage,” says Dr. Coe. “Although it may seem like a great idea to get a massage immediately after straining a muscle, if there is damage to the area, massage may actually interfere with the healing process.”

“A good therapist will guide the discussion on your health issues so that they can determine the right technique for you and whether or not a massage is contraindicated for you that day,” says Dr. Coe. “Always let your massage therapist

know of any health issues, or any medications you may be taking, prior to a massage. A massage therapist may ask to consult with your physician if he or she is concerned about how massage will affect your condition.”

“The healing benefits of massage therapy are many, and it is fairly rare to encounter situations where massage is contraindicated for very long,” according to Dr. Coe.

Posted by:  Stevenswood.com - We invite you to visit our Indigo Eco-Spa's Treatment Menu:  http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ where we offer a wide variety of massage treatments performed by our licensed massage therapists.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Benefits of Massage on Sciatic Nerve Pain

From:  http://forwardtimesonline.com/2013/index.php/lifestyle/health-beauty/item/503-benefits-of-massage-on-sciatic-nerve-pain

Valecia Weeks is a Professional Licensed Massage Therapist through the state of Texas as well as a Birth Doula.  She is a licensed ZUMBA instructor and a certified personal trainer with NESTA.
sciatic painIn the last few years I have come across more and more ladies…and men… with pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg and sometimes into the foot.  A lady I was with a few days ago even had a limp because of this annoying uncomfortable pain.  Some ladies even attribute it to the great ol’ “autho”…arthritis.  If you or anyone you know are having such symptoms, I would advise seeing your physician.  It could be something as simple as sciatic nerve pain. When I use the word “simple”, I don’t mean that it is not a serious condition; but just mean that there is simple treatment for Sciatic nerve pain.
The sciatic nerve is a bundle that is composed to several roots.  The origination of this bundle is in the lower back and sacral area.   If you can imagine an adaptor with several active plugs plugged in there and that   one decides to malfunction, everything attached to that adapter would no longer be able to function.  Well, that’s how it is with sciatic nerve pain.  When the muscles of your lower back, gluts, and leg tighten, it compresses on the nerve which causes all this pain.  Mild pain can cause slight tingling but severe sciatic pain can prohibit or limit movement.  . Application of cold compresses quite often alleviates sciatica pain and may be used for initial treatments or mild attacks. However, long lasting relief can be obtained from massage therapy once the problem is identified as originating from the sciatic nerve.
One of my massage clients, Mrs. Debra Lofton contacted me with severe pain in the lower back, tennis ball reliefleg, and foot.  It was so severe that she could barely do daily tasks.  I had her come in and did an assessment of the entire back and buttock area.  I then applied constant pressure to the piriformis and gluteal muscles which caused them to relax, thus reducing spasms in her lower back, gluts, and leg. Here are Debra’s thoughts on the massage procedure, “ I am pain-free today because of the expert hands of Val Weeks.  I went with lower back pain that had begun to radiate down my left leg. After an hour long massage with intense pressure on my gluts and lower back, I am pain free.”
Such massage techniques can also be practiced at home between your massage sessions or when the pain is less severe.  Follow these steps:
  • This requires you to use a tennis ball.
  • Place it in the middle of one buttock while lying down.
  • Let your weight settle on the ball and cause pressure on the piriformis in the buttock muscle.
  • Lie still while the muscle relaxes and repeat the massage treatment on the other buttock.
  • Rolling the ball across the gluteal muscles while lying down may also help.
  • Be sure the pressure does not apply to any bones.
  • If you do feel sore after this treatment, apply some moist heat to the area with a heated wet towel.
Massage therapy for sciatica pain may require multiple sessions, but relief can last for two to three months. It is important, ladies, that you take care to see that the conditions that caused the sciatica pain are avoided.

Posted by: Stevenswood.com.  We invite you to visit our spa treatment menu: 

http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/  for a variety of massages and facials performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.

Friday, September 20, 2013

6 Organic Massages for Joint Pain, Fatigue

From:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com

6 Organic massages for joint pain, fatigue
(Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

How do you counter a backbreaking week that leaves you exhausted? What have you done to reduce the persistent back ache resulting in sleepless nights? Do stress and fatigue accompany you all the time? If the answer to all the above questions is yes, then you are in dire need of a relaxing massage.

Massages have been around for thousands of years. There are countless techniques, pressure styles, and movements that involve pressing, rubbing and manipulating muscles and soft tissues with hands and fingers. Sometimes, elbows and forearms are also used to apply deep pressure to the tissues. The techniques and approaches used today have their roots in ancient Eastern and Western civilizations when the use of touch for healing and rejuvenation was in vogue. Multiple forms of massages have emerged since then and most techniques are customised for specific treatments - relieve pain, relax tense muscles, heal injuries, and prevent illnesses.


Dr Ritesh Kumar, Consultant Physiotherapist agrees, "Medical evidence shows that massage therapy proves beneficial for a variety of health conditions. It is in fact becoming an important element in health and wellness. Many patients come to me with chronic back and knee pain. I usually recommend them to seek help from professional massage therapists instead of going for surgery or pain killers."

One of the few places in Delhi that offer exclusive massage therapies is Ishana Nature Spa. With their centres in Saket, Chattarpur and IGI Airport, expert therapists from Thailand have been called in to provide individually-tailored treatments. All their products are organic so as to tender a pure treatment devoid of any impact on the environment. Rakhi Mahajan, Brand Director Ishana Nature Spa who herself suffers from juvenile arthritis says, "I take a session of the Moksha leg and foot massage almost every month. It revives my feet and body fully enabling me to run around for meetings and other work."

What can you treat with massage therapy?

- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia (Pain and stiffness in the muscles while there are no findings in the X-rays)
- Headaches/Migraines
- Insomnia related to stress
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries

Santisukh Tranquility
Duration: 60 minutes

Santisukh Tranquiity is a fusion treatment combining Asian massage techniques from Shiatsu, traditional Yoga and aromatherapy massage where the therapists use their fingers and hands to apply deep pressure in the tissues. A fair amount of yoga massage-stretching is also involved that helps stimulate blood circulation, induce relaxation and release muscular tension and pains. This treatment is best suited for those who prefer a medium to strong pressure.

Moksha leg and foot massage
Duration: 60 minutes

Our feet have certain reflex points that are linked to various organs and glands of the body. The Moksha leg and foot massage involves applying pressure on these reflex points that ensure gentle stimulation of nerve endings. As a result, it effectively restores your body's energy by improving blood circulation. People with health issues such as planter fasciitis, ankle injuries and general foot fatigue may go for this treatment.

Gaya Energizing Massage
Duration: 90 minutes

The Gaya Energizing Massage is a completely different treatment essentially designed for sportsmen and people who are into intense workouts. It incorporates assisted yoga movements where the receiver is made to undergo a variety of yoga-like postures. The therapists apply pressure on specific tension trigger-points using their fingers, palms, elbows, knees and even feet to help you stretch your muscle groups. After the vigorous treatment, a heated herbal compress is applied for full 30 minutes to soothe the muscles.

Sukham Wellbeing Massage
Duration: 90 minutes

The Sukham wellbeing massage is a great treatment for individuals coping with arthritis pain, sprains, rheumatism and even fractures. It appoints the lymphatic massage therapy, a very soothing and gentle massage that combines the sense of touch and smell to release redundant metabolic toxins from the body. Organic oil is first applied to the chakra points followed by a very light massage.

Mudita Moment Head massage
Duration: 45 minutes

Mudita moment head massage is an Ayurvedic head oil massage that works toward restoring the balance of three chakras - Vissuddha (the base of the throat), Ajna (the forehead) and Sahasrara (the crown). Pressure is applied on the Marma points that helps improve vision and levels of concentration. This massage also helps prevent premature loss and greying of hair.

Nirundhara Rejuvenating Back massage
Duration: 45 minutes

This treatment is a deep tissue massage that uses black pepper herbal balm with green oil to soothe sore or stiff backs. Incorporating the art of stretching and acupressure on shoulders and back, the Nirundhara rejuvenating massage is an ideal solution to chronic back pains.


Posted by:  Stevenswood.com - visit our spa menu for a list of treatments performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Power of Well Being Found in Belonging

By:  Laureen Lowe-Albrecht, Orchard Park Health Care Centennial

The fountain of health lies in belonging to a group.  At least that’s what the research reveals. In the last sixty years there have been numerous studies that show that either loneliness or isolation or the combination of both, have a significant impact on an individual’s health, especially in the elderly.
“There is mounting evidence that loneliness significantly increases the chances of diabetes, sleep disorders, and other potentially life-threatening problems. Research has also shown a greater risk of high blood pressure among lonely people, as well as higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, weakened immune systems, and Alzheimer's disease,” states John T. Cacioppo, Ph.D., director for the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago as he reported in 2010 to “AARP The Magazine.”
With health at risk, one may ask if there is an antidote for loneliness.  Dr. Dean Ornish, seems to think there is an answer and he responded to the question recently posed online at ShareCare.com.  “Whatever allows you to experience a higher force - whether through prayer, meditation, contemplating nature, and so on - can be a powerful means of transcending feelings of isolation. A direct experience of something larger than ourselves can profoundly transform our lives when we realize that we are not isolated and we are never alone.”
Because research regarding social isolation is linked to health and happiness, it continues to be studied. Many psychologists and social behavior experts point to the hierarchy of needs study performed in the 1940s by Abraham Maslow, MD, PhD.  He ranked the importance of belonging as one of the most important necessities for our survival after food, shelter and our immediate safety was taken into account.
His study was globally put to test by psychologist Ed Diener of the University of Illinois. The findings, published in 2011, suggest that Maslow’s theory is largely correct and that fulfillment of needs correlates with happiness. It was found that social needs were important even when many of the most basic needs were unfulfilled.
The connection between well-being and friendships suggest that after all is said and done, we need each other. The steps that can help lower risks include strengthening ties with immediate family, joining or establishing a self-help group, taking up a sport, becoming a volunteer and involving in a spiritual community.
Every person who makes up our social network is essential to our well-being. Instinctually we have always felt this in our heart.  And today there is certainly scientific evidence to back it up.
According to a study reported by the “Journal of the American Medical Association,”researchers took 276 healthy volunteers and exposed them to a cold virus. The results?  The group reporting six or more diverse social networks was the most disease resistant.
Conversely, there are negative physical effects when social ties are cut.  Many studies confirm higher death rates for recently widowed spouses, especially men.  It’s true, as evidence suggests, that married couples have fewer health problems than their single friends.
Back in 1965, Dr. Lisa Berkman, a Harvard epidemiologist, initiated her jaw-dropping study.  Through her scrutiny of seven thousand men and women, she discovered that those who had limited social ties, meaning lack of contact with friends, marital status, church or social memberships, were up to three times more likely to die (in the nine-year follow-up period). And it was clearly proved, regardless of gender, age, lifestyle or health status. 1
But there’s more. Over two thousand people in Evans County, Georgia were studied and followed.  Those who had extended and close contacts with family and friends coupled with community group affiliations had lowered mortality rates. 2
The Tecumseh Community Health Study in southeast Michigan explained that men with stronger social ties had fewer incidences of lung and heart disease, decreased cancer and stroke incidence regardless of age, occupation or health status. 3
What do elderly men and women from East Boston, New Haven and rural Iowa have in common?  Studies indicate that those with no social ties had two to three times the mortality risk compared to those with four or greater social connections. 4
Seventeen thousand people were studied in Sweden.  It was a 6-year investigation of people between the ages of twenty-nine to seventy four. Socially isolated individuals were almost four times more likely to have an increased mortality ratio.  Of importance, factors such as age, lifestyle or health status did not change the end results. 5
Every person who makes up our social network is essential to our well-being. Many people instinctually believe this truth and today there is certainly scientific evidence to back it up.
  1. Berkman, L.F., and S.L. Syme. 1979 Social networks, host resistance, and mortality: A nine-year follow-up study of Alameda County residents. AmJ Epidemiol 109: 186-204
  2. Schoenbach, VJ., B.H. Kaplan, L. Friedman, and D.G. Kleinbaum, 1986. Social ties and mortality in Evans County, Georgia. Am J Epidemiol 123:577-91
  3. House, J.S., C. Robbins, and H.L. Metzner. 1982. The association of social relationships and activities with mortality: Prospective evidence from the Tecumseh Community Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 116:123-40.
  4. Seeman, T.L., L.F. Berkman, F. Kohout, et al. 1993. Intercommunity variations in the association between social ties and mortality in the elderly: A comparative analysis of three communities. Ann Epidemiol 3:325-35.
  5. Orth-Gomer, K., and J.V. Johnson. 1987. Social network interaction and mortality: A six-year follow-up study of a random sample of the Swedish population. J Chron Dis 40:949-57.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Regular Massage Therapy Provides Many Benefits

By: Elements Therapeutic Massage, Carmel, CA
 
People from all cultures, professions and age groups suffer from stress-related tension and other conditions. Massage therapy has been proven to provide a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to staying healthy, based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Not only can massage therapy help with insomnia, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, autism, pain, infertility and other conditions, but has also been found to:

• Increase circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs.
• Stimulate the lymph system, helping the body’s natural defense system fight against invaders.
• Release endorphins, helping the body’s natural painkiller fight off pain and injury.
• Improve range of motion and decrease discomfort associated with lower back pain.
• Relax and soften injured and overused muscles.
• Reduce muscle spasms and cramping.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Reduce recovery time for workouts.
• Relieve migraine headache pain.
• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing.
• Contribute to shorter labor during the childbirth process, which reduces the need for medication and quicker recovery.

The benefits of each type of massage offered can vary: Deep tissue massage is beneficial for tight or painful muscles and recovery from injury; Hot stone massage eases muscle tension without deep pressure; Swedish massage is best for relaxation and stress relief; and, Trigger point massage eases tension in localized areas.
Elements Therapeutic Massage in Carmel Mountain specializes in massage that is individualized, customized and handcrafted to the individual’s specific needs whether they are in pain, stressed, in need of relief and relaxation or have sports and muscle injuries and are in need of a therapeutic massage.

"Receiving regular massages is important for people from any walk of life from office workers to weekend warriors,” said Jules Cumberbatch, office manager at Elements Therapeutic Massage. “Your body's muscles need to be worked on and stretched out to maintain their natural flexibility. Just a couple of benefits include preventing tightness from becoming a chronic and aging condition and reducing your risk of injury during everyday activities. The bottom line is: if you do not take care of your body it will not take care of you."

Posted by:  Stevenswood Spa Resort:  specializes in massage that is individualized, customized and handcrafted to the individual’s specific needs whether they are in pain, stressed, in need of relief and relaxation or have sports and muscle injuries and are in need of a therapeutic massage.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ten Strategies for Improving Mental Wellness, Part II

From:  Cecildaily.com
By:  Rich Bayer, P.h.D.

Posted: Friday, September 6, 2013 4:00 am
As noted last week, mental health researchers have traditionally studied problems. They have concentrated on identifying what goes wrong with our thinking and our feelings. In other words, they have studied mental illness, not mental wellness.
But in some of the newer research, scientists have studied what goes right. This research has revealed many positive actions that people can take in order to improve their mental and emotional health.

The first five, noted last week, were sleep, exercise, friendship and socialization, helping others and nutrition. Here are the second five of 10 key strategies researchers have identified:
6. Humor. There’s extensive research showing the positive effects of laughter. As you might expect, a good laugh can lift your mood but also it supports the immune system, improves blood pressure and reduces pain. Laughter has been shown to be not only physically healing, but relaxing as well.
Laughter actually offers us a distraction from our worries, a momentary relief. If we can pause for a few laughs, we can return to our worries and meet them refreshed.
7. Spirituality. We all need a sense of purpose to our lives and we need to feel that our lives have some meaning. That sounds like a tall order. But that’s where spirituality or religion can play a key role.
It helps each of us to have an image of the world around us and to feel as though we’re personally connected. If we can see the big picture and feel that we fit into that picture, that’s an ideal situation for us as it increases our sense of security.
8. Optimism. Recently there has been a lot of psychological research on optimism. Having an optimistic attitude has been shown to be a strong predictor of positive mental and physical health. Studies show that people with optimistic outlooks have longer life expectancies and report having a greater sense of happiness.
To become more optimistic, we need to focus on positive possibilities in our lives. We can cultivate this skill through the practice of refocusing. If we pause and think about it, we can find it’s possible to look on the bright side. Even when facing adverse circumstances, we can look for that silver lining, a positive outcome that will result, and this shift of focus will help to pull us through.
9. Acceptance. The world doesn’t always give us what we want. In fact, the world can often bring us pain and suffering.
That’s where this talent can help. By accepting things the way they are, we can meet the challenges. If we can accept a bad situation, we can figure ways to deal with it and move on. Step one is acceptance. Step two is what to do about the situation.
Acceptance is similar to, but varies from, optimism in the sense that we’re not trying to put a positive spin on things. We’re just acknowledging facts. By doing this, we can better monitor our emotions and manage the way we respond.
10. Managing stress. Individuals who are chronically stressed are more likely to develop numerous mental and physical illnesses. Chronic stress has been associated with an increased health risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stroke. Also high levels of stress exaggerate symptoms of depression, restlessness, sleeplessness and anxiety.
So what can help to reduce our stress? If we’re physically, emotionally or cognitively stressed, first we need to recognize it. Then we need to find a way to take a break from it. Think of it as a vacation, even if it’s just a five-minute vacation, from the stress.
Another recommendation when facing increased stress, especially from a sad event, is to remember that “this too shall pass.” In addition, all of the abovementioned techniques will help to reduce stress as well.
Of course, each one of these ten strategies could be the topic of an article by itself. Hopefully you can use some of these ideas to improve, not only your mental health, but your physical health as well.
Rich Bayer, Ph.D., is the CEO of Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. and a practicing psychologist.

Massage is helpful in stress management, visit:  Stevenswood.com for a menu of spa treatments.
Posted by Stevenswood Spa Resort

Friday, August 23, 2013

Tips for a Successful Couples Massage Experience: If you and your partner have been feeling a little distant lately because of life’s endless demands of your attention, there is hope available.

From:  Tampa, FL (PRWEB) August 23, 2013 

Two can experience the benefits of therapeutic, relaxing massage therapy in the same room. A massage should be tailored to what each partner finds as relaxing.
Couples massage comes with many benefits and the first one is obvious. It is the opportunity to relax and take it easy with someone special. One of the biggest benefits of couples massage is that each of you can experience totally different massage modalities at the same time, in the same room.
In couple's massage therapy, two people share in the close personal experience of receiving a massage in the same room at the same time with different massage therapists. Romantic partners, friends, or family members each enjoy the same therapeutic benefits as in a traditional massage.
Each of you will review your needs with your individual licensed massage therapist who will custom tailor the massage therapy session exclusively to you. Conversation with your massage partner is totally acceptable during a couples massage or if you prefer you can both relax and quietly enjoy your massage. Our therapists will always keep their conversation limited to periodically checking on your comfort level. You should always feel comfortable during a couples massage, or during any massage session.

Contact: Stevenswood.com, our Stevenswood Indigo Eco-Spa offers the Love in Paradise Couples Massage, including a soak in our private jacuzzi with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne following your couples massage.

Posted by:  Connie, Stevenswood Spa Director, 1-707-969-7720

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Rockville massage therapist says take time to stretch.

From Washingtonpost.com
By Lenny Bernstein,July 30, 2013
  • Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique he learned from its creator, Aaron L. Mattes . Above are three stretches that Mattes says need to be held for only two seconds to achieve maximum benefit. STRETCH NO. 1: Start in this position.
Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique… (Aaron L. Mattes/Stretching…)
Don’t tell Raju Mantina you can’t find the time to stretch every day. I tried, and he would have none of it.
Fifteen to 60 minutes every night before you go to bed, he says in a tone that leaves no room for argument. “People tell me, ‘I don’t have time to exercise and to stretch,’ ” he tells me in an accent still heavy with the tones of his native India. “I am not one who will listen to this. It’s a total lie.”
There are a lot of massage therapists and trainers out there. I’ve met quite a few in the more than four years that I’ve written this column. Not many approach their work with Mantina’s missionary zeal
“Movement is an opportunity, not an inconvenience,” he tells me. “That [should be] the mentality of our entire life.”
Stretching and massage are not part of my fitness routine, but I went to see Mantina, 57, last week at the practice he maintains in his Rockville home. I was just back from a vacation that included four days of strenuous hiking in southern Utah, and my legs, which are always tight, were particularly stiff. A friend at The Post whom Mantina has stretched and massaged for years recommended him.
When I learned that Mantina had worked on athletes at the 2000, 2002 and 2004 Olympics and at four U.S. Olympic track and field trials, I decided to give him a try. My skepticism waned when I saw photos of Mantina with Kenenisa Bikele, the Ethio­pian world record holder in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs who is widely considered one of the greatest distance runners in history, and Hicham El-Guerrouj, the Moroccan who holds the world records in both the mile and the 1,500-meter races. Mantina’s walls are adorned with photos and posters of other Olympic athletes and with his credentials from those games.
Mantina, once a university-level track and field athlete in Hyderabad, India, volunteers that he was secretly an alcoholic the entire time, for most of his adult life in fact — a bottle-a-day drinker who had previously worked as a gardener and run a liquor store. After he injured his back working in his garden and received massage therapy himself, he decided to change his career. He trained at the Potomac Massage Training Institute and opened a practice. He says he has been sober for 10 months.
I’ve booked a 90-minute session of total body stretching and massage, but by the time Mantina and I finish discussing his philosophy of movement, stretching and massage, there are only 30 minutes left. I suggest Mantina just work on my legs. I describe the wall stretch I do before and after every run, the one you can find depicted in every gym in the land. I am careful to mention that I warm up first.
It doesn’t matter; Mantina is not happy. “You are just putting a load on those muscles,” he tells me, not stretching them. I lean over and try to touch my toes but fall about six inches short. This has always been the case, even when I was young.
Upstairs on his massage table, Mantina gets to work. His fingers quickly find the sore spots in my gastrocnemius muscles, and he begins to stretch them in every direction, explaining that he can’t do anything about my hamstrings until he loosens my calves.
“How are my hamstrings, compared to the average person’s?” I ask at one point. “Terrible,” Mantina responds. At another he says: “You need to lose some weight.”
Okay then.
He begins to loosen my hamstrings, closing his eyes and leaning into them with his shoulder. “C’mon,” he commands when he wants me to push through the pain and stiffness a little more. “C’mon.”
After 30 minutes, I stand, enjoying the loose feeling from my achilles tendon all the way to my hips. I bend over and am four inches closer to touching the floor. Not bad for a half-hour’s work.
Now that he’s getting older, Mantina wants to spend more time teaching, to bring his philosophy of movement, stretching and massage to as many people as he can. He is looking for an assistant to take some of the load of his practice. If people would follow his principles, especially stretching, many would feel so much better, he says.
“You are using your tools all day,” he says of the human body. “You are cleaning them and putting them back, so they are ready for the next day.”